Page 45 - The Gonzaga Record 1985
P. 45
GONZAGA UNION - PRESIDENT'S REPORT 1984
The first year of the revived Gonzaga Union has passed. It was not the most
eventful year of all time but, at the same time, it was a year when the seeds of
something with a long term value were sown. It was a year when associations with
Gonzaga were rekindled for many who had lost contact with the school. It was a
year when the school became reacquainted with its past.
We set out in June 1983 with two basic objectives. Firstly, we aimed to provide
opportunities for Gonzaga past pupils to meet in convivial circumstances.
Secondly, we set out to strengthen the ties between the Gonzaga Past and Gonzaga
College - particularly the pupils in the older age groups. We recognised that
although established some thirty-four years, Gonzaga is still a relatively new
school. Many of the past are below the age of thirty and in regular contact with
each other and the school. Many others have lost all contact with Gonzaga and see
little benefit from reestablishing links. The Committee elected last May felt that
1983/4 was to be a period of searching for the correct formula rather than for
laying down a precise defined method of operation. I believe much has been
learned that will guide future committees towards the successful achievements of
our objectives.
Firstly, we started the year like all distinguished Irish organisations with a
deficit. The very successful dinner of April 1983, brilliantly organised by Tony
Spollen, had left the Union without funds. In fact, owing the bank £1,500. So, we
started by having to put this situation right-not because the Union wants funds
for its own sake but it simply cannot operate against a background of a growing
deficit. Communication with members and, in fact, all past pupils of Gonzaga is a
fundamental objective of the Gonzaga Union. But, it requires funds. A circular to
all past pupils costs roughly £300 each time.
We therefore had to seek subscriptions urgently-firstly to clear the deficit and,
secondly, to build the communication. This exercise of fund raising may have
seemed distasteful and even discriminatory. To those who contributed I say thank
you for you have been the financial rock on which it has been possible to build the
Gonzaga Union. As you know, the committee sought an annual membership
subscription of £10.00 with a concession of a £5.00 subscription to those still in full
time education. During the year 195 joined the Gonzaga Union under one or other
guise representing roughly 21 per cent of those who are on our lists, and 3 2 per
cent of the estimated 600 resident in Ireland.
This brings me to another activity during 1983/4 - the compiling of accurate
lists of past pupils. To achieve this objective we required the help of Class
Representatives, and for their work we are extremely grateful. Because of the
willingness of approximately twenty-five Class Representatives we now have an
accurate list of Gonzaga Past with most addresses established. Some who left
Ireland many years ago are outside the contact net but, hopefully, continuous
detective work will get this situation right. Mark FitzGerald, David Alexander and
Cyril Forbes are owed very special thanks for their efforts in getting this list right.
So, 1983/4 may be remembered as the year when we got our lists in order and
began to make contact. Eddie McCarron and Cyril Forbes shared the role of
Secretary with considerable effectiveness.
A start was made _in terms of contact with Gonzaga College .• On the sporting
37
The first year of the revived Gonzaga Union has passed. It was not the most
eventful year of all time but, at the same time, it was a year when the seeds of
something with a long term value were sown. It was a year when associations with
Gonzaga were rekindled for many who had lost contact with the school. It was a
year when the school became reacquainted with its past.
We set out in June 1983 with two basic objectives. Firstly, we aimed to provide
opportunities for Gonzaga past pupils to meet in convivial circumstances.
Secondly, we set out to strengthen the ties between the Gonzaga Past and Gonzaga
College - particularly the pupils in the older age groups. We recognised that
although established some thirty-four years, Gonzaga is still a relatively new
school. Many of the past are below the age of thirty and in regular contact with
each other and the school. Many others have lost all contact with Gonzaga and see
little benefit from reestablishing links. The Committee elected last May felt that
1983/4 was to be a period of searching for the correct formula rather than for
laying down a precise defined method of operation. I believe much has been
learned that will guide future committees towards the successful achievements of
our objectives.
Firstly, we started the year like all distinguished Irish organisations with a
deficit. The very successful dinner of April 1983, brilliantly organised by Tony
Spollen, had left the Union without funds. In fact, owing the bank £1,500. So, we
started by having to put this situation right-not because the Union wants funds
for its own sake but it simply cannot operate against a background of a growing
deficit. Communication with members and, in fact, all past pupils of Gonzaga is a
fundamental objective of the Gonzaga Union. But, it requires funds. A circular to
all past pupils costs roughly £300 each time.
We therefore had to seek subscriptions urgently-firstly to clear the deficit and,
secondly, to build the communication. This exercise of fund raising may have
seemed distasteful and even discriminatory. To those who contributed I say thank
you for you have been the financial rock on which it has been possible to build the
Gonzaga Union. As you know, the committee sought an annual membership
subscription of £10.00 with a concession of a £5.00 subscription to those still in full
time education. During the year 195 joined the Gonzaga Union under one or other
guise representing roughly 21 per cent of those who are on our lists, and 3 2 per
cent of the estimated 600 resident in Ireland.
This brings me to another activity during 1983/4 - the compiling of accurate
lists of past pupils. To achieve this objective we required the help of Class
Representatives, and for their work we are extremely grateful. Because of the
willingness of approximately twenty-five Class Representatives we now have an
accurate list of Gonzaga Past with most addresses established. Some who left
Ireland many years ago are outside the contact net but, hopefully, continuous
detective work will get this situation right. Mark FitzGerald, David Alexander and
Cyril Forbes are owed very special thanks for their efforts in getting this list right.
So, 1983/4 may be remembered as the year when we got our lists in order and
began to make contact. Eddie McCarron and Cyril Forbes shared the role of
Secretary with considerable effectiveness.
A start was made _in terms of contact with Gonzaga College .• On the sporting
37
