The St Paul’s College Union

The St Paul’s College Union was founded in 1891 through the joint initiative of resident members and former students, establishing a formal body to support the College community across generations. 

Who We Are

All resident students of St Paul’s College, past and present, and current resident staff, are members of the Union. Upon joining the College, residents are admitted as Life Members through a one-time membership fee. 

These contributions are held in perpetuity within the Life Membership Fund, ensuring the ongoing work of the Union. 

Our Purpose

The Union exists to support the life of the College and to strengthen the enduring connection between past and present Paulines. 

Its objectives are: 

What We Do

The Union provides a formal body of old Paulines who support the College in its endeavours and objectives, and seeks to strengthen the sense of collegiality that is central to residential life. 

The Union brings together alumni and current students through mutually beneficial activities such as mentoring and career guidance, internships, guest speakers at formal dinners, and faculty dinners. The Union also responds to student needs through engagement with the Student Club Committee.  

Life Members are welcomed back throughout the year for major College occasions, including dinners, performances, ANZAC Services, and the Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols. Evensong is held weekly during semester and is open to alumni and guests. 

Union Management

The Union is governed by an elected Committee, which manages its functions and finances in accordance with the 2020 Constitution. The Committee is elected annually.

2025–26 Committee

Patron (ex officio): The Warden, Rev’d Dr Ed Loane (90s) 
President: James Espie (90s) 
Honorary Secretary: James Cowper (00s) 
Honorary Treasurer: David Robertson (00s) 

Ordinary Committee Members: 

20s: Dr Mariska Ackerman, Jethro Mahon 
10s: Nick Comino, Ed Hoddle
90s: Julian Brun 
80s: Dr David Jordan 
70s: Peter Armitage, Simon Ford 
60s: James Bell 

Graduate House Middle Prefect: Isla Joyce (2026) 
Students’ Club Executive: Heidi Best, Olivia McMillan, Amelia O’Connell (2026) 
Public Officer (non-voting): Richard Morgan (70s) 

Key Union Events

Alumni Reunions

A central focus of the Union is maintaining lifelong connections within the Pauline community. 

The Union supports Freshers’ year reunions at 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years, enabling cohorts to return to College and renew friendships. 

In March 2026, the Union Reunion marked the College’s 170th year with a black-tie dinner dance. It was a wonderful evening, attended by more than 200 guests—including freshers from 1952 to 2026—a reminder of the enduring strength of the St Paul’s community. 

Annual AGM

All Resident Members and Life Members are invited to attend the Union’s Annual General Meeting, held at the College each year. The AGM provides a formal setting for the presentation of reports from the President and Treasurer, as well as updates on the Union’s activities over the preceding year. It also includes consideration of the annual accounts and any other formal business of the Union. 

Members are invited to participate in discussion where appropriate before the meeting proceeds to the election of the incoming executive and committee for the year ahead, in accordance with the Union’s constitution. Invitations are sent out no later than 28 days prior to the AGM.