<< Back to Lion December 2020 homepage
Sapere Aude Bequest Society
Newest members of our Bequest Society
Mark and Samantha Samlal
Our Sapere Aude Bequest Society was honoured to welcome Mark (OW1982) and Samantha Samlal as members and thank them for remembering Wesley in their Wills. Mark is something of a linchpin for his 1982 peer year, which remains a remarkably tight-knit group. He has contributed to the College over many years, including serving on the OWCA Executive and, more recently, on the Foundation’s Asia Advisory Group. He has been one of our main contacts in Singapore and a donor to the Foundation’s fundraising campaigns. Mark encourages other members of our College community to consider joining him and Samantha as bequestors. He explains his motivation below.
‘It won’t come as a surprise to any OW, particularly those of 1970s and ’80s vintage, that wearing purple on Melbourne public transport was a challenge, often referred to by parents and teachers as “character building.” And yes, we survived, and in fact thrived at Wesley with not only our character strengthened.
‘A Wesley education is in many ways about “building.” My own learning was built with the support of scaffolds in the broader realms of sport, music, arts, theatre and charitable programs – and it’s here that Wesley’s community builds a framework for a Collegian’s future.
‘The broader Wesley community has been both a driver and a constant support to me since graduating in 1982, providing inspiration, motivation, guidance and opportunity. Involvement with the OWCA and Collegians Basketball and Football Clubs have been highlights in the early years, leading to longstanding personal and business connections in Australia and overseas. The community built out of Wesley reaches far and wide. I love visiting Collegians abroad, especially my OW 1982 cohort, and those that seek me out in Singapore, please continue to do so as it is always a delight. Whether it be barracking on the boundary at the Harry Trott, Founders Day Dinner at the Myer Mural Hall, Foundation Business Breakfasts, the OW Auto Club on the Kroger Front Turf or a meal in Singapore, the connection to the Wesley community is undeniable.
‘I continue to be daring and wear purple. It’s a recurring joke with my wife and daughters, that whenever a colour choice is required, mine will always be purple! I am also a proud supporter of the Sapere Aude Bequest Society, knowing this will contribute to the perpetual construction of the future Wesley community, continuing to enrich the lives of Collegians and their families in the years to come.’
Alex and Nicole Webster
The Foundation was delighted when Alex Webster (OW1999) confirmed his bequest in recognition of his family’s historic links with Wesley and his desire to give back to his school for all the opportunities it afforded him and his family. He joins the growing number of younger alumni who are remembering Wesley in their Wills and joining our Sapere Aude Bequest Society. Alex reflects on why he has become a bequestor below.
‘It seems a strange time to recognise Wesley College in my Will, but when is the right time? In July, my third daughter celebrated her first birthday under Stage 4 restrictions, with an online “cake smash” party so interstate family and friends could join us. This year, more than most, has been a reflective one focused on looking out for family and friends’ welfare, and recognising what is important in life.
Part of this reflection has been literally dusting off family photo albums that go back pre-Federation. It is amazing looking at photos going back generations and observing similarities and differences: the clothes and cars have come a long way, but pastimes like going to the beach are the same 100 years later.
‘My grandfather, William Vernon Webster (OW1915), entered Wesley in 1912 which started a great family tradition. My father John (OW1958) and brother Charles (OW2005) as well as many other family members have since attended the College. In an age where society is less formal and traditions are less common, my family tradition of education at Wesley is something I value deeply. While not maintaining “tradition for tradition’s sake,” the school’s philosophy and the warm, open nature of the College community continues to be supportive well after leaving school. I see this through my friends, my brother’s friends and my father, who still calls his Wesley classmates some of his closest friends 60 years later.
‘Now, as a father myself, I can’t help but think about the future for my children. Of course, all three girls were enrolled at birth but, beyond this, there is a desire to support the institution that has given so much to my family. A few years ago, at a Wesley Foundation Business Breakfast, the words that resonated with me the most were, “Fees don’t build buildings.” I think back to all my amazing school experiences – camping at Chum Creek, performing plays in Adamson Hall, studying chemistry and physics in laboratories. None of these would have been possible without the generous philanthropic support of past generations.
‘My Wesley experience was made possible by the generosity of others before me. Including Wesley in my Will is a small way I hope to express my gratitude for these experiences and to help ensure future generations have similar opportunities.’
