OIU news guest contributor Ian Lawton reflects on a recent meeting with David Connolly (OR1956). 

In his role as Head of Philanthropy at Riverview, Ian meets Old Ignatians whose lives have taken remarkable paths, yet whose connection to the College remains as strong as ever. 

OIU news: Thanks for chatting with me today David. You mentioned your childhood in Sri Lanka to the realities of life in South Africa. From public life, family, and literature to history and faith. You have spoken of your time at Riverview, not with nostalgia alone, but with honesty, gratitude and wisdom. 

DAVID: The Saint Ignatius' College Riverview that I experienced in the late 1940s and 1950s was a world away from the College life we know today. There were days when students brought candles to school because electricity was rationed. When I first arrived at Riverview, I had experienced more of the world than many of my new classmates. I grew up in Ceylon, now Sri Lanka, and when I stepped onto the Riverview grounds for the first time, I was captivated by its sandstone buildings overlooking the Lane Cove River. The College inspired me with "awe and excitement", feelings that remain with me to this day. 

OIU news: Having your family so far away at such a young age must have been tough. Did that give you a sense of resolve to make it through back then? 

DAVID: Yes the transition was not easy. As a young boarder from overseas, I entered a culture that prized toughness, sporting ability and independence. Homesickness, adapting to boarding life and finding his place in a new community were challenges that tested me. Those early struggles built resilience. One piece of advice from my mother has remained with me throughout the years: "Smile and the world smiles with you; cry and you cry alone." 

OIU news: Can you call out some inspiring teachers, noting that there were many more Jesuits on staff back then! 

David: Oh yes. The kindness of Fr John Casey SJ, whose pastoral care transformed my school experience. The teachers back then opened doors to literature, history, astronomy and the natural world. Gerald McCall Jones SJ, in particular, awakened my lifelong fascination with the classical civilisations and taught us not merely facts, but how to think critically and reason well. Whilst sporting prowess was highly prized, I pivoted to theatre and writing after a rugby injury, producing theatrical performances, editing student publications and immersing myself in debating and literature. Those pursuits help nurture the curiosity and creativity that have underpinned my public life. 

OIU news: Life after 'View must have been hectic? Did you ever see yourself ending up in politics? 

DAVID: Good question. After leaving Riverview, I embarked on a career spanning diplomacy, law, politics and public service. Following postings to Sri Lanka, the United Nations in New York and Israel, I was elected as the Federal Member for Bradfield in the House of Representatives for 22 years (1974–1996). After Parliament I advised South Africa's newly elected multi-racial Parliament following the end of apartheid, and later served as Australia's High Commissioner to South Africa, with accreditation to Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland. 

OIU News: On behalf of the OIU and the School, thanks again for your time David.  

David's story reminds us that while buildings, classrooms and traditions evolve, the lasting influence of a Riverview education is found in the lives our Old Boys lead, and in the values they pass on to the generations that follow. 

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to public life, David was appointed to be a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to the Parliament of Australia, the development of superannuation policy, international relations and the community. 

Ian Lawton Head of Philanthropy, Riverview

David's "An Ignatian Ode", written almost seventy years after leaving Riverview, distils a lifetime of reflection into just a handful of lines. It speaks of courage, friendship, wisdom and, ultimately, reaching "the fields of Elysium." It is both a tribute to Riverview and a meditation on a life well lived. 

An Ignatian Ode by David Connolly (OR56)

Riverview gave us the strength

To slay wild beasts at Ephesus

To cross the Rubicon of life

To savour the fruits of labour

To enjoy the warmth of friendship

To share the wisdom of the Ages

Finally 

To reach the fields of Elysium.