Sir Bernard Freeman, Kt, CBE

Bernard Freeman was the leading figure in the Rotary Appeal for the funds necessary to build two International Houses in the city of Sydney. He was the first signatory to the Trust Deed of 24th August 1962 that established the Appeal and Chairman of the Trust. If one had to choose a single word to sum up his life's work that word could well be "service". He served his country in the AIF and the Australian Flying Corps. He served on several hospital boards and charitable and humanitarian institutions; he was a member of the Sydney Opera House Trust; all of this on top of an enormously responsible job as Managing Director of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Australia. There was widespread approval when his contributions were recognised by the award of the C.B.E in 1956 and by a knighthood in 1967.

But it was in the great Rotary International movement - the model for so many service organisations - that Bernard's desire to serve coupled with his managerial skills and energy found their greatest outlet. The International Houses Appeal is possibly the greatest of the projects initiated by Rotary in Australia. Bernard was indefatigable in his efforts for the cause. The Appeal was originally thought of as a one-year project; then when the target was two houses, not one, a three-year project. In reality it became a five-year project, the last two years being particular hard for Bernard Freeman as enthusiasm within Rotary waned. There was pressure on him to cease the appeal at a stage when, because of the principle of earmarking donations for either the University Sydney or the University of New South Wales, the 100,000 pounds for Sydney was raised when UNSW had only about 80,000 pounds. A lesser man would have succumbed to the pressure.

Bernard Freeman had the satisfaction of seeing International House, University of Sydney, opened in June, 1967, and of serving as the Deputy Chairman of its Board of Management. He and Mr H.W. Shephard were two of the original six directors of our Board of Directors which first met in 1964. He diligently served as a director until 1980. His business experience was of great benefit to the Wardens and his co-directors.

He was a warm person who had a particular liking for young people. Bruce Smith recalls that Bernard used to arrange Saturday morning film showings for disadvantaged children and on one occasion he invited Bruce to go up on stage and peep through the curtains at all the happy faces. Bernard's own delight at the sight was obvious, said Bruce.

Incidentally, one of these events was held in aid of the International House Appeal. The film was one of the great fairytales "Mary Poppins" and the whole local Rotary movement rallied in support.

Sir Bernard's contribution to our International House is commemorated by naming the Library after him. On reviewing the history of the House it is most fitting that his service be further recognised by the conferment on him of Fellowship of International House.

Sir Philip Baxter, KBE, CMG

As the University's first Vice-Chancellor the name of Philip Baxter resonates all over the campus. His interest in student welfare is commemorated in a particular way by the naming of a residential college, Baxter College, after him. It was an honour he prized as much as any of the many honours he received.

Much has been written of his achievements but on this occasion we focus on his work in one aspect of student welfare – the establishment of this International House. It was a small project when viewed as part of a huge campus development involving multi-story laboratory buildings but to Baxter it was an enormously important one - a project worthy of his personal effort. It was much more than just another building. His vision of a large enrolment of overseas students was ahead of its time. His appreciation of the social, political and economic consequences of having a large international student body was profound.

He took a personal and detailed interest in the design of the building. His original concept was of an international students' centre which in its first stage would have only 45 bedrooms but would have excellent facilities as a meeting centre for all overseas students attending the University. A second stage would increase the residential accommodation to 300 bedrooms. He outlined these ideas on the design of the college and some aspects of its management at the first meeting of the company held on 2nd December 1964. Preliminary plans were drawn up along these lines.

The Australian Universities Commission did not favour this concept but agreed that Professor Baxter should discuss the matter directly with the Minister for Education, Senator Gorton. He did so in Canberra on 24th August, 1965. There was a lively but amicable discussion in which the Minister supported the Commission which wanted a purely residential college of 120 bedrooms. Before the day was out, with typical Baxterian energy in reaction to a setback, the Vice-Chancellor wrote a report to the University Council not only reporting the Ministerial decision and recommending the immediate start on a design for 120 bedrooms but also setting out numerous architectural features he wished to see in the revised design.

On 26th October 1964, a limited company, the University of New South Wales International House Ltd, was incorporated. The company had six directors and, indicative of his continuing personal interest in the new residential college, Professor Baxter was one of them. He became the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors and missed a meeting only in exceptional circumstances.

He served on the Board until his retirement in 1969 when he and Lady Baxter became ordinary members of the company. They came to company meetings and several functions like International Nights right until health problems intervened.

Harry F. Heath, OBE

Harry Heath brought to the University a wealth of experience in education and a lifetime of experience in the Public Service. He was educated in southern New South Wales and in the University of Sydney where he graduated in both Arts and Economics. For some 28 years he taught in departmental schools – from Deniliquin to Norfolk Island - including the Headmastership of the very large Bankstown Central. Then after a period as President of the New South Wales Teachers' Federation he became the Education Member of the New South Wales Public Service Board.

He was in the last position when he was appointed to the Council of the University of New South Wales. He immediately began to make a major contribution to Education matters in general and student affairs in particular. He was appointed to the Board of International House about a year after its establishment - 12th July, 1965, to be exact - and he served until his retirement on 9th December, 1982. For the last eleven years of this period he was Chairman of the Board. In recognition of his service to the community in 1973 he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. And in 1979 the University awarded him its highest honour – the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa.

Those are the bare statistics. What they do not and cannot convey is the solid, no-nonsense but genial judgment he brought to debate and administration. When emotions ran high and began to obscure the real issues Harry could be relied upon to bring the discussion back on track. Professor Ratcliffe, who worked with him for the whole period of chairmanship said: “His characteristic approach to any apparent or real problem was – ‘Oh I wouldn’t worry about that’ “. This calm, down-to-earth manner tended to conceal a warm personality with an innate sense of justice and fair treatment.

Harry faced many problems during his chairmanship. Not the least was inflation which meant not only the continual rise in the costs of running the House but also the effect on the design of the extension to the House to embrace 34 new bedrooms and new facilities. The Warden had many ideas for the improvement of facilities and for addressing the shortcomings of the original design of the House, and financing them was a running problem.

But the problems were largely solved, and International House began acquiring the reputation of being well-managed and ‘good value for money’. With the enlarged population, improved amenities and the attractive architectural treatment of the courtyard, Harry Heath’s chairmanship can fairly be described as outstanding.

Harry’s service has been commemorated by the naming of the Harry Heath Music Rooms, and he is to be further honoured by the conferment of Fellowship.

Leslie M. Stewart

From the inauguration of the Company in 1964, Les Stewart, the Secretary of the University Council, was its Secretary. He continued in that Office until his retirement from the University in 1975, and beyond that, without fee, until 1989. Thus he saw International House develop from a pure notion to the vibrant College it is today. Les was a fascinating character. He started as a clerk in the Premier’s Department on I July 1929 and served there for 25 years. He gained a Diploma of Commerce from the University of Sydney in 1935, and served in the Army for nearly four years. Thus, when he joined the University as an Assistant Registrar in 1961 he had a profound knowledge of public service procedures as well as the hard experience of service life in wartime.

To this he added a knowledge of the personal characteristics and viewpoints of a host of political and governmental personalities who moved in and out of the Premier’s department. He had a fund of recollections of life-changing remarks made by long-dead politicians in unguarded moments. Given his exceptional memory and his willingness to recall his memories, he was able to throw an unexpected light on many a situation.

He was, first and foremost, the legally correct secretary and every chairperson has paid tribute to his guidance and advice in the conduct of company affairs. He could be relied upon to write brief and accurate records of discussions and motions which were fair summaries of often confused situations. Professor Ratcliffe describes him as a ”honest broker . . . who always tried to be loyal and helpful.”

As a part-time student of the University of Sydney, a returned serviceman with family responsibilities, he qualified for the Bachelor of Laws in 1949, and the story he tells of that occasion is typical of the story he could often tell. As graduation day approached, Les was discussing with Jack (later Sir Harold) Dickenson, Secretary to the Public Service Board, the fact that he would not appear at the ceremony because he could not afford to hire the academic gown. The conversation (in the offices of the Public Service Board) was overheard by a tall, rather striking, man who said: “I am a Bachelor of Laws of the University of Sydney, and I would be happy to lend you my gown.” Les thanked the person for his kindness and asked ‘What is your name, sir’ “Gough Whitlam” was the reply. So Les did graduate formally – in a gown borrowed from Gough Whitlam.

Les was greatly helped by his wife Dorothy and they were both to be seen at functions like International Nights and the Directors Dinner.

This unobtrusive but vitally important service of seeing things were done in the proper way at the proper time was an important contribution to the standing of the Company in the eyes of the Government Auditor who invariably commended in the Annual Auditors Report the way the Company handled its affairs. To this we add his genuine interest in the welfare and problems of the residents.

Emeritus Professor Sir Rupert Myers

Rupert Myers was a Foundation Member of UNSW International House Ltd incorporated in 1964. There were twenty-five signatories to the Memorandum of Association, including ten from UNSW and the balance from Rotary, commerce and industry. Then a Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Rupert succeeded Sir Philip Baxter as Vice-Chancellor 1969-81. As an ex-officio member of the Board, Rupert rarely missed a meeting and when unable to attend, ensured that a Pro-Vice-Chancellor attended in his place. He remained on the Board for thirteen years and served as Deputy Chairman. Rupert has always been a strong supporter of the Company and the cultural and social vision of the House. As Vice-Chancellor he facilitated bridging financial assistance from the University when the financial resources of the House were inadequate.

Lady Io Myers

Despite having four young children, Io joined other women from the University to assist in fund raising for the Universities International House Appeal. Initially she thought it would involve less time and raise more funds if she and seven friends organised a Ball. This Ball was such a success that her activities extended to lots of other functions, film days for children, luncheons etc. They raised approximately 4,500 pounds that was split between the two Universities. The U-Ball Committee evolved into the U-Committee, an impressive feature of the University community. Io became the first President of the U-Committee which by Book Fairs, UNSW HSC Lectures and other activities since 1965 have raised enormous funds to assist the University. For UNSW International House the donated funds contributed both bricks and furnishings for the building. The most recent donation provided the majority of funds needed to purchase the sculpture, "Flamenco" by Inge King, which graces the courtyard.

Bruce Smith FRIAI

Bruce was President of the Rotary Club of Parramatta from 1963-9. As President of Districts 260 and 275, which encompassed an area extending from Wyong in the north to Bateman's Bay in the south and west to Lithgow, he was instrumental in establishing the Universities International House Appeal as a Rotary project. He enthusiastically set this as the main project for his Club and was soon invited to join the Management Committees of the appeal, acting as Publicity Officer for the duration of the appeal. Subsequently, he became a Company Member of UNSW International House. In 1973 he was elected to the Board of Directors. He has served continuously since that time, including thirteen years as Chairman 1982-1995, missing only four meetings. Bruce established a strong working relationship with the Warden, Professor Ratcliffe, and with the Board of Directors. His experience as a practicing architect has been of immense value to the House including the modification and beautification of the courtyard.

Emeritus Professor Albert Willis

Al Willis was Pro-Vice-Chancellor in 1967 when he was asked by the Vice-Chancellor, Sir Philip Baxter, if he would become the first Warden of International House in a part-time honorary capacity. This was not what had been planned; it was what had developed. Al took up the challenge and was Warden from November 1967 until 18 January 1972, living in the House five nights a week. This period involved the completion of the building, its furnishing and the enrolment of the first residents. The House opened on 28 May 1968. Al was responsible for setting the tone of the House and running it as a mature college with a minimum of rules and with equal number of male and female residents from Australia and overseas. If there was one rule it was consideration for the other person. This applied to noise, general behaviour and attitude to persons of different social backgrounds and cultures.

Emeritus Professor John Ratcliffe, OAM

Jack, an employee of the Sydney Technical College since 1946, transferred to the new Institute of Technology and worked within its various transitions to the UNSW of today. Jack served as Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Newcastle, a College of the University of UNSW until 1965, when he was appointed to the Chair of Chemical Engineering at Kensington. Jack became Warden on 18 January 1972 and served until 31 December 1993, in an honorary capacity for nineteen of the twenty-two years he was Warden.

The financial situation of the House improved significantly during Professor Ratcliffe's time as Warden, due in part to his honorary service but also from shrewd management and investment policies. On retirement, the improved financial situation led Jack to recommend to the Board the present policy of having a full time Master who resides in the House. This has proved to be a wise and timely suggestion and International House recognises the extended and valuable service given by Jack Ratcliffe.

Rani Khuman

The initial intake of residents to UNSW International House played a key role in getting the new residential college up and running. According to Professor Willis there was limited postgraduate accommodation and it was a male only facility. The University offered at least two postgraduate courses, which were attractive to women. One was education, and the other was librarianship. The Commonwealth Government was funding cadetships to the National Library and they were equally distributed amongst the States. The only university level course at that time was at UNSW and International House was able to accommodation these interstate students as well as overseas students. Rani was one of the first residents and she has followed a career in the University Library. Together with other overseas students their national costumes add a touch of class to the House on festive occasions. Rani joined the Company in 1974 and she has always been a staunch supporter.

June Hall

June was originally appointed as accountant and office manager in October 1970 when Professor Willis was Warden. The position of Assistant Warden fell vacant and June as then appointed to this position. As June relates it, "she liked the place and the kids and wanted to participate". Professor Willis retired as Warden in 1972 and Professor Jack Ratcliffe became the Warden. June must have liked Jack too, since she remained as Assistant Warden until 4 July 1984. During her fourteen years full-time and a year part-time in the House, June filled the role of confidant and surrogate mother to a large body of residents. She has many happy memories and a fund of stories of events in the developing lives of the students. Each year June was honoured by the Residents' Society with an award of 'Matchmaker Extraordinaire'. She has contributed significantly to the word of mouth reputation of the House.

Emeritus Professor Ted Thompson, MSc, DipEd, PhD, ScD, Hon D Univ

Emeritus Professor Ted Thompson was invited to become a member of the Company.

UNSW International House Ltd, in 1987 as the spouse of Dr Adrienne Thompson, a graduate-elected member of the University Council (1983-90) and a Council-appointed Director of International House (1987-94).

Ted was Professor of Biochemistry (1966-90) and Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences (1980-86). His areas of research involved the covalent structure of proteins and recombinant DNA technology.

At the 1991 Annual General Meeting of the Company Ted was elected as a Director of the Board and served for a period as Vice-Chairman of the Board until the retirement of Mr Bruce Smith, Director (1973-95) and Chairman (1982-95). Professor Thompson was then elected Chairman by the Board of Directors and served in this position until he retired at the Annual General Meeting of the Company 2006. Ted established a strong working relationship with the Master, Dr Bob Lundy, and with the Board of Directors.

During his period as a Director, the skilled management of the House by Dr Lundy consolidated the reputation of the House as one of the leading residential colleges in Australia. The total equity of the House has risen steadily and Ted continues to contribute to a investment advisory committee to the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors approved the conferring of the title of International House Fellow preceding the Annual General Meeting of the Company 2006.