Where are they now – John McIver (SPC 1963-64)

 

The College reconnects with former boarder John McIver (SPC 1963-64) who remembers trying to keep warm in Kenny House in winter and also winning the coveted Purton Oratory.

 

 

 

Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

After leaving school I spent a year at ANU Canberra and then had various clerical jobs before being called up for National Service in 1967 – where I spent two years in the Medical Corps.-

After my stint in the Army I had- various accounting/administration-based roles and studies before settling into a career in technology based sales and business development.-

From 1973-2014 I worked with various computer and communications technology companies including McDonnell Douglas and IBM specialising in health, telecommunications and speech-based technologies.

I hung up my pen and retired in February 2015 and have been busy working with Legacy, assisting my four children wherever possible and pursuing my passion of caravanning.

 

 

What are your favourite memories of your time at St Patrick’s College?

Living/surviving in Kenny House in the winter with lots of blankets and minimal heating, winning the Purton Oratory, rowing in the 2nd IV and in the 1st VIII.-

 

Which teacher from your time at SPC had the greatest impact on you? Why?

Bro Kelty taught me the value of honesty – If something untoward happens and you are to blame or are involved, come clean, accept your punishment and learn from the experience as you move on.

 

How has your education shaped your professional life?

Instilling quality values related to honesty and fairness in dealings with others.

 

How has your time at SPC shaped your personal values and your family life?

The values instilled through an education that had boundaries and rules, yet which rewarded effort, was to form a valuable cornerstone of my- private and professional life.

If you could pass on one message to the students of today, what would it be?

Work hard, play hard, be honest in all of your dealings and, whilst conforming to any necessary rules; be yourself and walk your own path.