Mr Ali Nasseri (’93), Mr Sandy Goddard, Director of Community Development, Mr Todd Eagles (’94) and Mr Ben Treffers (’09)
CGS and the Old Boys’ Association hosted a special lunch on September 24, farewelling Year 12 during their final week, and welcoming them into the Old Boys’ Association as the newest cohort of CGS Old Boys.
Old Boys Ali Nasseri (Class of 1993), Todd Eagles (Class of 1994) and Ben Treffers (Class of 2009) were welcomed back to the School and addressed the graduating class, sharing few jokes, their own memories of CGS, tales of where life has taken them, and what being an Old Boy of CGS has meant for them.
Old Boy Todd Eagles (’94) pins the Old Boys’ Association pin on Class of 2014 graduate Primal De Silva
Address by CGS Old Boy Todd Eagles (Class of 1994):
“I think by virtue of CGS being in Canberra it has a pretty interesting mix of people from all over the place – public servants, politicians, diplomats, military – and that mix means you not only find really interesting kids but a more open and connected environment for learning that you might not find growing up in other cities.
Consider this: you are now part of an alumnus that boasts Rhodes Scholars, successful heads of business, past Prime Ministers, entrepreneurs, famous sports people and more. As a specific example, my year group that finished in 1994 has a Rhodes Scholar, heads of business, lawyers, sportsmen, musicians, artists, teachers, environmentalists and technology experts. Regardless of what career they chose, most of them are people I still call mates today.
Over the past 10 years you will have forged relationships with each other, and I would like you to consider for a moment some of the experiences and values you share within your year group. The strength of shared experience binds people together and being an Old Boy of CGS means different things to different people, but ultimately, you’ve spent a decade developing and cultivating friendships with the guys around you and this investment has the ability to last a lifetime.
The CGS Old Boys’ network is quite understated and casual, but you’ll find that the connections between us are incredibly strong. Taking my own Old Boys’ network for example, people are constantly amazed at how well connected my year group is 20 years out. We recently had our 20 Year Reunion and almost half of my year group made the effort to come to Canberra, and quite a few made the effort to get here from overseas. All it takes is a short email or shout-out to some of the guys in the Old Boys’ network, and I have access to all sorts of knowledge, power, contacts and connections. The reach of the OId Boys’ network is nothing less than impressive.
Nurture these relationships. They can be a real asset that provides real value once you’re out in the big wide world. No doubt you will also form new connections and relationships, but rest assured that the connections you make at school, and the shared experiences you have, mean your peers have a deeper understanding of who you are. The friendships forged here can last a lifetime.
Retain the investment you have put into your friendships at school, keep connected with your friends from CGS and remember to enjoy these times you share together.
I wish you all the very best in your future endeavours, whichever path you choose to go down.”
View more images of the event here.
