The Trevor Wigney Award

Russell Davidson
Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Haileybury, VIC

There are people who contribute to a profession and then there are those who quietly shape its future. Russell Davidson has unquestionably done both. For decades, Russell has been one of the most respected and trusted figures in educational Advancement across Australia and New Zealand.

Throughout his career, Russell has understood that Advancement is about relationships. He has led with authenticity, humility and purpose, inspiring philanthropic support, strengthening Alumni and community engagement, guiding institutional leaders and generously mentoring generations of practitioners.

For hundreds across Australasia, he has been far more than a colleague. He has been a trusted adviser, sounding board, mentor and friend.

His service to educate+ has been extraordinary. From the Victorian and Tasmanian Chapter Committee to many years on the Board, Russell has consistently given his time, wisdom and expertise to the Association. As Chair during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, his calm judgement, optimism and unwavering belief in the value of our community helped guide educate+ through one of the most challenging periods in its history.

Beyond governance, he has shared his knowledge through Conferences, Summits, Advancement Practitioner Training, the Asia Academy and countless professional development opportunities, always making time to encourage others.

Russell’s influence is perhaps most powerfully seen in the confidence he has given others to have a go, learn, share and keep moving forward. His pragmatic belief that we should not be afraid to try something new, acknowledge what did not work and share the learning has helped foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement across the profession.

Russell has never sought recognition for himself. He has always believed that when one institution succeeds, the whole sector becomes stronger. That generosity of spirit, coupled with exceptional leadership, integrity and service, is why his legacy reaches far beyond any single organisation or achievement.

The Trevor Wigney Award honours those who leave an enduring mark on educate+, the Advancement profession and the people within it. Russell Davidson exemplifies that legacy. It lives in the hundreds of professionals he has inspired, the leaders whose confidence he has nurtured and the stronger, kinder and more connected Advancement community he has helped create.

Trevor Wigney was an inspirational role model and passionate advocate in the early days of educational Advancement in Australia.

He was a key and founding member of Educate Plus (formerly ADAPE), seeing it unfold from informal lunch discussions amongst Advancement professionals in Melbourne in the late 1980s to bear fruit with the first Development Conference at the King’s School, Parramatta, NSW held in 1988.

Trevor’s career was divided between North America and different points around Australia. He held various positions including at the University of Toronto in educational research, as Foundation Principal of John Flynn College at James Cook University, and Master of Burgmann College at ANU. Trevor pioneered the establishment of alumni programs at both the University of Melbourne and the University of WA and was known for his tireless advocacy for the growth of educational Advancement. However, it is his generosity of time and willingness to share his expertise for which he is best remembered. He supported many fledgling advancement officers with great enthusiasm and passion, professional knowledge and friendship.

Sadly, he died prematurely in 1991, when Educate Plus was becoming more formally established as an organisation. His colleagues and friends felt it only fitting that the Trevor Wigney Award be established to honour his commitment to Educate Plus, his work in Advancement throughout Australia and his personal contribution to so many fellow professionals’ career development. 

The inaugural Trevor Wigney Award was made during the Educate Plus (formerly ADAPE) Conference in Perth in 1994.

Nominations for the Trevor Wigney Award are to be submitted by Educate Plus Chapter Presidents to the Educate Plus Chief Executive Officer. Nominations should address the following criteria:

1. A description of nominee’s personal performance in educational advancement
   • List years of involvement and results in advancement activities
   • Include verification by nominee’s Principal / Vice-Chancellor (or equivalent)
   • Description of hands-on involvement as opposed to an overseeing role
2. A description and provision of evidence of the nominee’s mentoring of colleagues
   • Willingness to give advice, value and generosity of advice
   • Availability for presentations at seminars
   • Informal associations
   • Participation in the Educate Plus Mentoring Program
   • Where possible, testimonials from mentees should be included
3. A description and provision of evidence of the nominee’s vision for educational advancement in Australasia
   • Include their specific actions to advance this
   • Include challenges faced
4. Details of the nominee’s commitment to and involvement in Professional Development
   • Details of conference presentations, workshop / forum organisation, presentations, etc.
5. An outline of the nominee’s involvement in professional bodies, notably Educate Plus, formerly ADAPE
   • Details of professional accreditation held by the nominee
   • Details of the nominee’s relevant education

Judging

Judging for the Trevor Wigney Award is undertaken by a sub-committee of the Educate Plus Board and chaired by the Chief Executive Officer. The sub-committee will include at least one previous recipient of the award.