Connections Archive

Monique Long
Connections editorial intern

As Hamish Blake and Andy Lee bring their Caravan of Courage road trip of the United States to an end, two other young Australians, Rob Brown and Jared Millist, are embarking on a similar journey.

The Avondale alumni-Rob graduated in 2008 and Jared in 2007-have a more complex itinerary than did the FM radio hosts, who simply travelled from east to west.

"We plan to visit 49 states over 40,000 kilometres with stops in Canada and Mexico," says Rob of the Find Your Inspiration North American Tour, which will last more than four months (September to November and January).

The tour is Avondale's largest overseas marketing initiative. It will see Rob and Jarred visit an expected 14 Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities, 113 high schools, 80 high school expos and 12 community fairs.

"Marketing Services usually completes between one and three US tours a year," says director of advancement Lorin Bradford. "Rob and Jared are volunteering to complete the equivalent of nine tours for not a lot more money than we've spent in the past."

The tour comes as the United States government allocates 50 loan-funded places for students wanting to study at Avondale. Rob and Jarred's aim is to fill each of the places.

Rob and Jared departed this past Wednesday. Visit their Facebook group, FYI North American Tour: Avondale College, or their blog, www.offexploring.com/fyiOZ, to keep up-to-date.

Caption: Avondale alumni Rob Brown and Jared Millist are promoting Avondale College at high schools, colleges and universities in the United States, but not without their Aussie mascot, Rowdy, which they plan to photograph at every landmark they visit.
Credit: Jacqueline Ward