NCL-30th-Anniversary-History-Book-WEB

Introduction
A/Prof William Peirson
Welcome to this brief
history of the New College
Lectures as we pause and
reflect on 30 years of major
contributions to intellectual
life and Christian thinking in
the public sphere.
The significance of the New College
Lectures must be appreciated in the
unique context in which they are
nestled and have been nourished.
New College originated from the work
of a small group of academics, clergy and
parishioners from Sydney churches who
observed the rapid development of new
universities in post Second World War
Australia. Some, having experienced the
depth and richness of the intellectual life
of residential colleges elsewhere, were
determined that students of these emerging
universities would have that same opportunity.
They formed the New Universities Colleges
Council (NUCC) with this grand vision but next
to no financial resources.
At the same time, the University of New
South Wales (UNSW) was emerging from the
Sydney Technical College to be a technical
University with a commitment to a liberal arts
curriculum for all students. Its coat of arms
is marked with the word Scientia (knowledge)
and subtitled with the motto Manu et Mente (by
hand and mind) pointing to the University’s
commitment to practical application founded
on theory.
With financial support from Australian
government grants, NUCC formed New College,
emblazoning its shield with Scientia but
challenging the University with Psalm 111:10:
Initium Sapientiae Timor Domini (The fear of the
LORD is the beginning of wisdom) – a gentle
reminder that an appropriate respect for God is
the starting point for true wisdom.
As we approach the 50th year of New
College, we have commenced major
discussions with those who have been a part
of our communities over these (almost) five
decades to capture and document our history.
From these beginnings emerged the most
vibrant community on the Kensington Campus
of The University of New South Wales. A college
with a reputation for academic excellence, a
strong sense of collegiality, and an enviable
track record in sport and in the performing and
fine arts.
Coupled with our vibrant communities,
major intellectual contributions to the life of
Australia have also emerged. The Centre for
Christian Apologetics, Scholarship and Education
(CASE) continues to produce a quarterly journal
that draws major scholars together to reflect on
matters of social importance in contemporary
Australia. With its predecessor, the Institute for
Values Research, CASE continues a total 30 years
of New College producing vigorous Christian
scholarship at UNSW.
The New College Lectures are our flagship
scholarly event each calendar year. What
follows is our summary of their history.
I must acknowledge, with my gratitude,
the outstanding efforts of my predecessors
and other Lecture Trustees in maintaining the
standard of excellence that these lectures have
achieved.
Be astounded at the depth and breadth
of the New College Lectures as a major
contribution to the intellectual life of Australia
as it is captured in the following pages.
A/Prof William Peirson
Master
September 2017
INTRODUCTION
A N N I V E R S A R Y
30th
NEW COLLEGE LECTURES 30TH ANNIVERSARY
3