Alumni Spotlight: Veronica Rowe (Class of 1974)

– First female graduating class from Servite College

I started my short but sweet journey at Servite in 1973 and finished my education there in 1974. At the time I was unaware of just how special this cohort was. Not only did Servite College open its doors for female students for the first time, but it was also the first Catholic high school to do so. It was more than 30 years later when I was having a conversation with Fr Mackle and he was recalling those early days when he commented that he had literally put his reputation on the line in pushing for Catholic co-education in secondary school and it really hit home then, that I was fortunate to be a part of history in the making.

Servite gave me many highlights -1973 was the hockey trip to Tasmania (even though I didn’t play hockey), YCS Camps and the Year 11 Retreat. 1974 was the annual ‘Wagon Train’ to Wittenoom (when Wittenoom was still a town you could visit). Sporting achievements and end of seasons were celebrated with team dinners led by Fr Mackle.

Servite also gave me a sense of community which I still carry with me.

In 1974, we still had to sit final exams, and our futures were set by these final exams. While I never ended up in teaching, I have spent most of my working life in tertiary education in administration and am still working full time at North Metropolitan Tafe.

These days, when not at work, I love spending time with my family. Husband John and daughters Angela and Lauren. We also have a son who is no longer with us, but I still have a coffee most Sundays with him at Pinnaroo. And with Angela needing constant supervision, it leaves little time for other things.

I still love most sports and am a long-time member of the West Coast Eagles (I remain loyal no matter what!).

With age, I’ve had to shift my focus from sports and to new, more suitable experiences – although I still feel like I might have a go at pickleball when I retire from work!

Life has thrown quite a few challenges my way and I have got through most of these due to the faith and values that Servite provided me with.

Last year saw our 50th year anniversary of our graduation and after a mammoth effort by the organising group, 51 of the original class got together and reconnected with a lovely night of sharing memories from those days. Even though we had to wear name tags and we’ve all changed a lot over the years, time just melted away back to the “good old days”, and friendships were renewed.

I am proud to be part of the Servite Alumni and am grateful to all teachers that were part of my journey at Servite.