Jane College will celebrate its 75th anniversary this week, with alumni travelling from across Australia to take part in two days of commemorative events in Hobart.
Founded in 1950 as Jane Franklin Hall, the residential college has supported thousands of Tasmanian students studying at the University of Tasmania and is known for its strong community, academic support and lifelong connections.
Jane College Principal, Joanna Rosewell said the anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the impact of the College across generations.
“For 75 years Jane has been a home away from home for young people studying at the University of Tasmania. Our students arrive as individuals and leave with confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging that stays with them for life. It is a privilege to welcome our alumni home for this milestone.”
This week’s program includes an anniversary lunch, cocktail party and family BBQ, along with tours for returning residents.
Among those attending are North-West alumni Tia and Isaac Poole, who share a long and special history with Jane. They first arrived as a couple more than 20 years ago and became engaged in their final year at the College.
“It's a pretty special time in our history. It is a great place. Most of my best friends in life now are still best friends from Jane.” Tia said.
After completing university, Tia and Isaac returned to the North-West Coast, where they have gone on to establish successful careers, Tia as a Business and Finance Consultant, and Isaac as an Investment Officer.
Both credit Jane with shaping their university years.
“I think our experience at Jane was formative in getting through university and doing well, and learning how to perform,” Isaac said.
“After having seen colleges at other universities across, Australia and in the UK, it just drives home how great an environment it can be for the right people to achieve.”
Tia added: “I don't think I'd be as successful as where I am today without the experience I had at Jane.”
The couple have now generously established a scholarship that provides vital support for regional students at Jane.
“We both had scholarships and now that we’re in a position where we can, we just want to give back to the community,” Tia said.
“There's a lot of people on the North-West Coast who, may be just a little bit hard off and need the help down in Hobart if they want to study. We were both in that position when we came to university, and being able to help new students coming through, even just so they have a little less to worry about, is what we're aiming for.”
Isaac said they are looking forward to returning to Jane for the celebrations.
“It’ll be nice to come back. I wouldn’t have been to some part of Jane in a couple of decades. It’ll be fun to see people’s reaction and how it has changed for the better.”
The anniversary events are being held at Jane on Friday 5 December and Saturday 6 December.