Our People at Aquinas College
Aquinas staff are here to help
Aquinas College has several staff in place to provide a safe and comfortable physical environment. Staff are responsible for managing the community to build a supportive and friendly social environment.
Scott Walker, Head of College
Scott lives on site with his wife, Raewyn, and 3 children: Jake, Lily, and Charlotte. He has a wealth of experience in student accommodation services having previously worked at Massey and Victoria campuses.
Contact
Tel 64 3 479 5562
Fax 64 3 479 5561
Email scott.walker@otago.ac.nz
Steve Downey, Deputy Head of College
Steve lives on site with his wife, Laura and their baby boy, Levi. He comes from a background in youth work and IT, and is a sports fanatic. Steve organizes most of our events and manages all the Pastoral Care and Academic Support.
Steve operates an open door policy so residents can approach him whenever they need.
Contact
Tel 64 3 479 5563
Email steve.downey@otago.ac.nz
Tracey White, Office Manager
Tracey White is our Office Manager, and will help residents with any enquiries they may have.
From her 11 years experience in the role at Aquinas, she is the guru on all things financial and administrative in the College.
Her friendly face will be there to help residents with all their needs and greet you from Mondays to Fridays 9.00am - 3.00pm.
Contact
Tel 64 3 479 5560
Email tracey.white@otago.ac.nz
Pete Rush, Property Supervisor
Pete Rush has a wealth of experience in maintenance and possesses a great eye for detail. He works hard to keep the College in an excellent condition.
Contact
Tel 021 479 5561
Email pete.rush@otago.ac.nz
Joseph Hayde, Duty Manager
Joe works Wednesday to Saturday nights from 7.00pm - 5.00am.
He is primarily responsible for ensuring the pastoral care and safety of Aquinas College residents, whilst also assisting with any late night enquiries.
Joe worked a similar role at University College in Dunedin, and brings an extensive amount of knowledge to the Aquinas team.
Contact
Email joseph.hayde@otago.ac.nz
Brian Galvin, Kitchen Manager
Brian has been gracing us with his culinary skills since 2008. Married to Trish, with 2 children, Brian saw the light and moved to Aquinas after a stint at Cumberland College.
Brian goes the extra mile to ensure every student is happy and the food is delicious. Gluten Free? Vegetarian? Halal? Other dietary needs? No problem for Brian and his qualified team.
Contact
Tel 64 3 479 5569
Email brian.galvin@otago.ac.nz
Residential Assistants (RAs)
Aquinas RAs are more experienced students who live on site, one on each floor.
RAs are there to help students out with anything they may need: from directions to their lectures to giving advice during tough times.
Our RAs are trained to support you. They're an integral part of the community and help provide an enjoyable living and study environment. There is an RA on duty each night and at the weekend - so help is always at hand.
Meet our 2012 RAs
- Ashleigh (Senior RA)
Hey guys I'm Ashleigh the senior RA this year. I will be in my final year of study in 2012 completing my BCom in Accounting and BA in Economics. I was a resident here in 2008 living on the second floor. I then returned in 2011 to be the RA of second floor. I'm looking forward to meeting you all at the start of the university year and getting to know you all!!!
- TA
Hey, my name is Tanyaradzwa aka T.A. and I'm originally from Zimbabwe. In 2012 I'll be a third year student studying towards a degree in Food Science. I am passionately into a wide spectrum of sports, especially cricket. I love working with people, I'm very approachable and I'll be available to offer you all the support to make your year one to remember at university.
- Cam
Hey guys my name is Cam and I'm from sunny Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty. I’m a relaxed guy with a real passion for sports (especially Tennis and Football) and music (love jammin out on my guitar). I will be a third year Physical Education student in 2012. I’m looking forward to meeting all the cool 2012 residents and having a year to remember.
- Kristi
Hi there, I am a Kiwi-American, born in New Zealand, but lived in the USA for 8 years of my life. It was an awesome opportunity, but it has messed up my accent quite a bit. I am from Darfield (near Christchurch), and my family lives and works on a Dairy farm so I'm not afraid to get down and dirty. I studied Health Sciences First Year in 2011 and am looking to study Physio or Medicine in 2012. Can't wait to meet you guys!
- Asa
Heya! My name is Asa Vete and I hail from the Kingdom of Tonga, however I have lived in Auckland for most my life. I am 21 years old and just loving life at the moment. I’m a huge fan of keeping physically and mentally fit; I love Union/League/Touch. I’m not too fazed about music, anything I can dance and chill out to should be algood. Thoroughly enjoy meeting people from all over the show, so I can’t wait to meet all you guys at AQ in 2012. I completed a BSc in Anatomy in 2010 and I am currently in my second year of Dentistry.