On Monday, 31 August, representatives of the Old Ignatians' Union had the opportunity to speak to the Class of 2026 and welcome them as - soon to be - our newest and youngest Old Ignatians. 

The presentation was led by Brian Shanahan (OR87), OIU President 2026–2027, together with OIU Committee Members David McKay (OR89) and Hugh Sinclair (OR02), and Will Garnsey (OR23), a member of the outstanding Colts rugby team at the Old Ignatians' Rugby Club. 

The students were introduced to the OIU's mission, its four key pillars - Engage | Connect | Support | Serve - and the many activities and opportunities available to them in the years ahead including:

• Class and Regional Reunions
• The Cricket, Rugby, Football, Water Polo and Lawn Bowls Old Ignatians' Sporting Clubs and the annual OIU Golf Day
• OIU Footy Tipping Competitions
• Old Ignatians' Jazz Band
• Special OIU events such as the LIVE and Unscripted Long Lunch, Christmas Drinks in the CBD, Private Tours of the Archibald Prize, the OIU Jersey Day and the Older Ignatians Club for when their a little older ...
• The OIU's Mental Health Walks and Series of Talks
• Career Mentoring
• Volunteering opportunities at the Winter First Field BBQ, St Francis House, the Ignatians Children's Camp and with the annual Jesuit Mission Bazaar

The central message was simple: Your six or more years at Riverview may be coming to an end, but your 66 or more years as an Old Ignatian are about to begin.

The OIU provides a lifetime of benefits, with opportunities to maintain friendships, build new connections, support one another and continue living as men for others well beyond the College gates. 

The OIU wishes every member of the Class of 2026 the very best for the remainder of the year and for the adventures ahead. Enjoy the journey - we look forward to seeing you again soon. 

If your son is graduating with the Class of 2026, please encourage him to activate his OIU Lifetime Membership by completing the special Google Form found on the handout card he received at the presentation. Every Class of 2026 student who completes the form will be registered as an Old Ignatian on the OIU website and entered into the draw to win one of ten $50 Uber Eats vouchers!