Honouring Benefactors
As is our tradition, the College Board may recognise our most generous benefactors by naming a building, part of the School, or a bursary in their honour. Our Benefactors
1854 Society
Those making lump sum donations over $100,000, and loans of over $500,000, will be recognised in perpetuity as members of the WCS 1854 Society and will enjoy other exclusive life-long benefits with a personal tour and briefing on developments at the School.
Black and Blue Club
Those making lump sum donations of between $10,000 and $99,000 will be recognised in perpetuity as members of the WCS Black and Blue Club and will enjoy other exclusive life-long benefits, with a personal tour and briefing on developments at the School.
Big School Fellowship
Those committing to ongoing annual contributions will be recognised in the year donations are received.
All donors
All of the above will be acknowledged at an annual benefactors' event and recognised on School and Collegiate Connect websites, Foundation Annual report, Bulletins and elsewhere.
H G Carver Memorial Library
George Carver joined the staff of Whanganui Collegiate in 1926 and was here until 1959, just a month before he died. As well as teaching, he coached rugby and wrote the first history of the School. In 1964 his widow donated £4000 which made possible the conversion of the Dining Hall to the Library, named in his memory.
Bidwill Quad
The outdoor space between the H G Carver Memorial Library and the new Administration Building is now named the Bidwill Quad, in recognition of the generosity of Euan Bidwill (OB#3379, Hadfield, 1931-35). Prior to and after his death in September 2016, Euan was a most generous supporter of the School with donations and bequests totalling $1.3 million. He made many other contributions to the Museum and to other School events and activities. In 2014, Euan agreed to accept an Honours Tie but, during his lifetime, he insisted there be no public acknowledgement of his generosity. Now, the School is delighted to create a laying memorial to honour Euan.
Izard Centre
The Izard sports centre was opened in 1994 and named in honour of Richard Izard (OB#4845, Harvey, 1948-50) whose generous support ensured it went ahead, and who has since made a significant contribution to the refurbishment. "I'm a proud fourth generation Kiwi," says Richard. "New Zealand is a young country and Collegiate is a valuable part of our heritage. The traditions are important: I certainly attribute a lot of my success to the disciplines I gained at School and to the esprit de corps. Collegiate opened doors for me and gave me the confidence to enter. Our support strengthens Collegiate and so strengthens our country. Besides, it ensures the traditions continue and that matters because they will benefit my great grandchildren, the seventh generation."
