Pierre Russo (SPC 1942-49) returns after seven decades

We were delighted to welcome back Old Collegian Pierre Russo (SPC 1942-49), pictured above, to the College during Term 3.

Pierre was a day student in the 1940s but recalls spending some time in boarding. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Chechino (known as Ken) and uncle Peter, who attended St Pat’s in the 1920s.

It was the first time Pierre had been back to the College since leaving more than 70 years ago.

Pierre brought along the trophy he proudly won for wrestling in 1947 and a framed photo of himself from the College Annuals in his matriculation class and as the College wrestling champion.

Pierre said walking along the main hallway, through the canteen and past some of his old classrooms brought back many memories. One of the highlights of his time at SPC was playing handball and he enjoyed seeing the remnants of the handball courts, as well as the revamped Main Oval, where he enjoyed athletics. Pierre, now aged 92 years, became a journalist after finishing his schooling at St Pat’s.

He started his career at the Ballarat Courier and then moved to The Argus newspaper for seven years, before finishing off as a foreign news editor at The Age until his retirement. We thank Pierre for visiting us!