Scotch College

David Penington wins Perelberg

The 2000 Perelberg Award has been made to Professor David Penington ('47).

The award is made annually for 'Exemplary Scotch Spirit' and is alternately granted one year to a Scotch student, or to one who left the previous year, and the next year to an Old Scotch Collegian.

The Perelberg Trophy is permanently displayed in the School Library, and the winner each year receives a splendid silver replica.

David Penington arrived at Scotch in 1940, and during a distinguished career was the Scout Group leader, Captain of Music and a School Probationer.

After leaving school he obtained a Doctorate in Medicine at Oxford and a Doctorate of Laws (Hon) at the University of Melbourne.

In 1978 Professor Penington was appointed to the position of Dean of Faculty of Medicine at Melbourne University, which office he held until 1983. He returned to the University in 1988 to take up the office of Vice Chancellor, where he remained until 1995.

Over the years he has chaired many important bodies including the Australian Red Cross Transfusion Committee, The AIDS Task Force, the Victorian Premier's Drug Advisory Council, and the Advisory Committee for Australian Capital City Lord Mayors on Strategies for handling illicit drugs.

David's contribution to Scotch, as a Member of the School Council from 1995 to 1999, was highly valued by his colleagues, Old Boys and all members of the Scotch Family.

At the moment he is leading a very active public life. He is currently a Member of the National Health and Medical Research Council, Chair of both the Victorian Drug Policy Expert Committee and Cochlear Ltd (produce and market Bionic Ears), President of the Museums Board of Victoria, Director of Pacific Dunlop Ltd, and Principal, Foresight Associates Pty Ltd (a consulting 'think tank' facilitating interaction between academia, industry and government).

In making the announcement of his award at the recent Year 12 Speech Night, Dr Donaldson said 'Professor Penington has had an impressive career and made an outstanding contribution to education, business and the community. Victoria, in particular, has been most fortunate to have David Penington's leadership in fundamental change in attitude to drug education and reform. He has sustained a significant commitment to Scotch College, particularly in his service as a member of the Council. He is, indeed, a most distinguished Old Scotch Collegian.'

Professor David Penington is a most worthy winner of the 2000 Perelberg Award.