THE QUADRANGLE CCOBA in good hands and good heart
As Richard Polson assumes the role of CCOBA President, Old Boys can be assured there is a steady pair of hands at the helm. He is keen to continue the work of his predecessor Geoffrey Sullivan, which has seen the Association develop closer links with the school, to further CCOBA initiatives – especially the Old Boys’ scholarships and Art Collection – and to encourage the development of the role of Alumni Manager Lizzie Dyer.
“College gives many, many boys a great start, but you spend more of your life as an Old Boy than as a student. I want to make sure we make the most of our connections, foster the Old Boy network, and ensure Old Boys continue to take an interest in the school.” Richard is no stranger to leadership roles at College as he was Head Boy in his final year, 1998. And, although a dayboy in Harper House, he took the opportunity to become a boarder that year, so understands every aspect of College life. “It was very common in those days that if a dayboy became Head Boy he was offered the opportunity to live at school. I very much enjoyed my time in Jacobs House, living in a little upstairs room right beside the OBT, it gave me a much greater insight into the life of the school.” After a gap year spent at Harrow School, England, Richard did a
Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Canterbury, then got taken on as a graduate trainee at PwC and completed his Chartered Accountant qualifications. After a few years with PwC, he and wife Zani took off to the UK and spent seven years living and working in London. They returned when daughter Libby was a toddler and had a second daughter Lexie once settled back in Christchurch.
“My daughters understand they can’t attend College, but I think they also understand it’s a special place to me and a place that has afforded me many opportunities.” Which is why Richard wants to give back, and why he believes the CCOBA is such an important part of the College community. “To be on the committee is my chance to give back to the school that gave me so much. College gave me a great foundation from which to make the most of life and it’s a wonderful community to be part of. If you catch up with someone from College, you can connect with them right away. Now it’s my time to do my bit to help others and help the school.”
“ I want to make sure we make the most of our connections, foster the Old Boy network, and ensure Old Boys continue to take an interest in the school. ” Richard Polson
Christ’s College Canterbury
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