His work here is done
03 Apr 2017
After 21 years, Bursar and Board Secretary Colin Sweetman has decided his work at College is done and it is time to retire. But if he thought he could simply slip out and close the gate behind him, he was wrong.
At assembly on Tuesday 28 March, Head Prefect Ben Marshall-Lee thanked Colin for his exceptional contribution to the school, especially in the aftermath of the earthquakes. In overseeing the repair, restoration and redevelopment of the College campus Colin had “created a significant legacy now and into the future.”
In recognition of his outstanding effort, Ben presented Colin with a personalised hi-vis vest, hard hat and earmuffs – and the whole school gave him a standing ovation.
Colin said it had been a “great honour and privilege” to serve as the 14th Bursar at College. A Bursar – traditionally the “keeper of the purse” – would usually operate behind the scenes, but Colin described managing the highly visible earthquake recovery process as one of the highlights of his career. He was delighted College had won a number of Heritage Awards as a result and that the school has exciting plans in place for future development. “We have a magnificent campus, with its blend of new and heritage, with more to come. We should appreciate and treasure it.”
Finally, Colin reminded the boys to make the most of all the opportunities that come their way and – as he has – enjoy their time at College.
Rather than ride off into the sunset, Colin can drive away in a recently acquired bright blue vintage Mustang. He is now looking forward to having more time to focus on another of his great passions, his classic Mustang car collection.