Connections Archive

Academic divisions--then and now
The 1967 edition of the Avondale College Calendar, now the Handbook, listed for the first time the following eight 'Departments of Instruction'

Division of Theology
Division of Humanities
Division of Physical and Biological Sciences
Division of Education and Teacher Training
Division of Fine Arts
Division of Commercial Education
Division of Applied Arts
Division of Secondary Studies

'Division of . . .' became 'Department of . . .' in 1969 and the Department of Secondary Studies was discontinued in 1971.  The 'Faculty of . . .' terminology is a fairly recent edition being first used in 1998.  Clearly missing from the 1967 line-up is our Faculty of Nursing and Health which became part of the academic program on the Lake Macquarie campus in 1980.  With a little imagination the seven faculties of 2008 can then be extrapolated from the 1967 list:

Faculty of Theology
Faculty of Arts
Faculty of Science and Mathematics
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Business and Information Technology
Faculty of Lifestyle Education and Visual Communication
Faculty of Nursing and Health

The sad news
On December 31, 2008 at the stroke of midnight the proverbial shingle was taken down on the Faculty of Lifestyle Education and Visual Communication affectionately known as LEViC.  This brings to an end the proud history of a faculty that has contributed immeasurably to the fabric of Avondale. 

The good news
When the LEViC shingle came down as we ushered in 2009 absolutely nothing bad happened.  In spite of the Visual Communications program now being part of the Faculty of Arts and the Home Economics Design and Technology program, the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education program, and the Outdoor Recreation program being part of the Faculty of Education, life as we love it is preserved.  All programs, subjects offered, staff, classrooms, laboratories, studios and other resources remain primed and ready to receive new and returning students who constantly inspire us with their creative and physical energy.

Visual Communication within the Faculty of Arts
Andy Collis remains as strand coordinator for the Visual Communication program and lecturer extraordinaire in all things painting and drawing.  Tony Martin will continue to mesmerise as our resident ceramicist while also carrying a pretty heavy admin. load as program coordinator for the Faculty of Arts.  Richard Morris will continue work with students who venture into the world of design through the mediums of sculpture and casting.  Donna Pinter will continue to prepare the next generation of graphic designers in the seen to be believed studio they call That Design.

Home Economics Design and Technology and Technology and Applied Studies in the Faculty of Education
Robyn Pearce remains as strand coordinator for the BEd Secondary HEc D&T specialisation. She is looking forward to coordinating the programs for students in the exciting new TAS specialisation now offered at Avondale.  Robyn is our nutritionist and food scientist who will continue her research and teaching from within the Faculty of Education despite attempts at kidnapping by the Faculty of Science and Mathematics.  Cheryl Sonter will continue to be responsible for family and community studies subjects, some curriculum studies and the making of nutritious food delicious in foods labs.  She has some new responsibilities in distance education for the Faculty of Education.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education and Outdoor Education in the Faculty of Education
Wendi Herman remains as strand coordinator for the PDHPE program and lecturer in pretty much everything fun.  Darren Morton will continue to run the socks off most everyone and appear to be having way too much fun while teaching his exercise science classes.  David Low and Wayne Miller will continue to ply their trade in outdoor education while attempting to appear overworked and underpaid.

Heads of Department/Dean
Just three HODs and one dean supported the work of department/faculty staff and students since that first mention in 1967.  Brian Houliston who retired in 1994 was the instigator of the Teachers Diploma in Applied Arts in 1966 and served for 31 years as lecturer and faculty administrator.  Owen Cowley, a graduate from the first class in 1968, served the College in a similar capacity for 28 years.  Martin Willis from Visual Arts served for a time as head of department and Wayne Miller will be remembered as the dean under whose watch the Faculties of Education and Arts received a jewel or two to add to their crowns.

Students
It has been a privilege to work with our past and present students.  They are the reason we are here.  Each brings their own unique talents and some of us believe an inordinate number of student leaders have been drawn from our ranks.  The faculty has helped to prepare hundreds of graduates who now serve their respective disciplines with distinction.  Many have gone on to receive post-graduate awards with some presently serving as members of our staff.  We are proud of them all.

Please bear with us while all who have contributed to the mountain of memories that occupy such a special place in the history of Avondale take a bow.  While we are sorry to see the faculty as we have known it come to an end we are proud of the legacy we leave.