Ex-Ressies Reunite: 50 Years of Friendship

During O-Week, we had the pleasure of welcoming back six Ex-Ressies from the Class of 1975 as they celebrated 50 years since first calling John XXIII College home. John Hatton, Doug Galbraith, Owain Tilley, Chris O’Grady, Peter Neal, and Peter Connell returned to share memories, laughter, and stories from their time at college.

Their visit was a testament to the lifelong friendships forged within our walls—bonds that remain strong decades later. As they reminisced about their college days, they reflected on the experiences that shaped them and the impact John XXIII College had on their lives.

Check out our Then and Now collage—can you match who’s who?

We asked Peter Connell to reminisce about his time at college.
"I commenced my time in John's College in early February 1975.  I had no idea what College, or University life, would be like.  I was 17.5 years old and my only time away from the family home in Newcastle was one holiday as a 5-year-old and a few school excursions of  2-3 nights duration. However, I soon found I was in similar situation to fellow students, mainly from regional areas in NSW and Victoria. You made friends quickly and the bonds that were formed in the first couple of weeks have remained strong. A group of us (ranging from 5 to 3) have continued to get together for regular lunches and the occasional visit to John's to reminisce.

My memories of John's are all good.  I spent perhaps a bit too much time in the Snooker Room and the TV room over the 3 years I was there, but was still able to emerge with my Degree.  Sport was always a highlight, with Inter-College Rugby League and Aussie Rules (never even heard of it when I arrived), make-up games of touch football on South Oval and the A Block Vs B Block Rugby League games all special memories. While the world has changed a lot since 1975, I'm sure that the same camaraderie exists in College as it did in my time and that friendships formed will be lifelong.

1. What’s your favourite memory from your time at John XXIII College?

Nights playing snooker with mates on the two full-size tables in the dedicated snooker room

2. What’s one tradition or event you loved that might surprise today’s residents?

I'm not sure I loved this tradition, but it was common practice to be thrown fully clothed into Sullivans Creek (just below John's) if a prank caused a bit of ire from fellow residents

3. What from your College days still makes you laugh when you think of it?

Played a few pranks by reversing locks on bathrooms and locking people (temporarily of course) on the upper walkways between residence blocks and amenities block.  Childish I suppose, but still get a laugh from it.

4. If you could relive one moment from your time at the College, what would it be?

Get together with the John's Rugby League team which beat a highly fancied Burgmann College

5. Where has life taken you since College, and what are you up to now?

Stayed in Canberra. Took up a temporary position in the Public Service in 1978 as there were few positions at that time in the field I studied, and retired 33 years later after a satisfying career with the Australian Customs Service (as it was known then).