2016 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

What is the ONU Centennial Trust?

The ONU Centennial Trust was established in 1995 by the ONU with Peter Thomas (ON 1988) being the inaugural recipient.  Peter’s father Dr Rod Thomas (ON 1960) and uncle Ian Thomas (ON 1963) later contributed the single largest donation to the Trust, comprising one third of the corpus. The Trust would not be where it is today without the support of the Thomas family. 

The ONU Centennial Trust funds an annual award for outstanding Old Boys so they may undertake further study or research.  This prestigious award recognises and rewards Old Newingtonians who have excelled in their chosen field and who contribute in a meaningful way to the community.  The Trust awards funds in the order of $10,000 – $20,000 in any one year to up to four recipients so they may undertake study or research.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must have completed at least one year of Senior School at Newington College. There is no age restriction although preference is given to applicants under 40 years of age.

How do I Apply?

Applicants must complete and submit an application form by the end of June. Applicants are advised to consult the ONU Centennial Trust information which outlines the objectives of the Trust. For more information or to apply click here or email: alumni@newington.nsw.edu.au or contact (02) 9568 9544.

Pictured: 2014 ONU Centennial Trust recipient Edmond Cheng (ON 2013) second from left with L-R Mr Karl Watson (ON 1986), Headmaster Dr David Mulford and Mr Rod Bosman (ON 1978). Edmond was awarded $10,000 from the ONU Centennial Trust and is studying Economics at St John’s College, Cambridge University.

Progress Report from Cambridge – 2014 ONU Centennial Trust Recipient Edmond Cheng (ON 2013)

My first year at Cambridge has flown by more quickly than I could ever have imagined. Three eight-week terms came and went in the blink of an eye and barely had I adjusted to the English climate, people and education system before it was all over. Nevertheless, it was an incredible experience that has left me much more knowledgeable and mature.

The academic rigor ensured by the tutorial system and its low student-to-teacher ratio is not overstated and really is what sets Cambridge apart as an undergraduate academic institution. Despite perhaps not performing as well as I would have liked in the final examinations, I can say without any hesitation that I have absorbed an overwhelming amount of material and more importantly, I have learnt to approach any information from a sceptical, analytical viewpoint, a skill which will no doubt serve me well.

Cambridge has also allowed me to continue what I started at Newington, in terms of maintaining a high degree of extracurricular involvement: President of the College Economics Society, Junior Treasurer of the University Go Society, College Volleyball Captain, Careers Director of the University Finance Society, University Bridge Club, College Badminton team. This broad and deep involvement helped me meet a truly wondrous range of talented individuals and enriched my first year at Cambridge.

While I am glad to be back in Sydney with family and friends, I can honestly say that I am very keen to return to Cambridge and continue this amazing journey.