Author Emmanuel Kelly, ECSC President 2025
For 100 years, the Emmanuel College Students’ Club (ECSC) has been the beating heart of the College community — bringing students together, fostering friendships, and creating unforgettable experiences.
In 1925, fourteen years after Emmanuel College was established, calls for students’ voices to be formally recognised were answered with the formation of the ECSC. From its earliest days, the Club aimed to strengthen connections between the student body and the College’s governing officials, while driving the social and sporting life of all students. These founding goals remain central to the ECSC a century later.
Throughout its history, the Club has adapted to the times while staying true to its purpose. During World War II, when College buildings were commandeered by military authorities and many students enlisted for service, the Club was forced to reconsider how it could support the few who remained.
In 1991, Nicola Hutchinson broke new ground as the first female President of the ECSC, during a time of cultural change in Australia toward gender equality and increasing recognition of women’s leadership. Reflecting on her appointment, she said:
“At the time I never thought that gender was a factor. I was raised to believe anything was possible and gender did not play a part. Looking back, perhaps Emmanuel College was walking a parallel path to the rest of Australia – with a push towards equal rights, representation and equal/fair pay. “
Her leadership not only marked a turning point for gender representation within the Club’s leadership but also mirrored the evolving standards of equity and inclusion in Australian society, inspiring future generations of students to challenge the status quo and lead with confidence.
More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic threw a spanner in the works for College life in 2020. With most students off campus and distancing requirements in place, many ECSC traditions were reimagined, including the annual Ball, which was transformed into an intimate event in the Quad with food truck pizza under the stars.
Thanks to the efforts of recent Executive teams, the Club’s long-term sustainability has been strengthened. In 2023, the ECSC was officially incorporated, and in 2025, its centenary year, it was registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), recognising its role in advancing education and further securing its future.
Today, the ECSC continues to shape a vibrant, inclusive College culture. Over the years, it has created many signature events that contribute to the fabric of student life. The annual ECSC Ball is a longstanding tradition and remains one of the biggest nights on the calendar — a chance for students to come together in celebration. Oktoberfest is another much-anticipated event each year, bringing students and alumni together in traditional Bavarian dress for an afternoon of fun, music, and community spirit.
The Highland Games, a newer tradition, opens the social calendar each year and honours the College’s Scottish roots. It’s a chance for students across cohorts to connect and share in the playful, spirited competition that has quickly become a favourite. On the cultural front, the Theatre Review showcases the creative talents of the student community and is made possible thanks to the administrative and financial support of the College. The most recent addition to the ECSC calendar, the Blue Dog Dash, is a community fun run held each year to raise funds and awareness for the Leukaemia Foundation, with 5km, 10km, and 21km race options.
While events are a big part of the ECSC’s presence on campus, the Club is also a valuable source of student leadership and representation. It offers students the chance to step into roles across governance, social life, culture, sport, and inter-college relationships. With dedicated positions for both first- and second-year students and the inclusion of the Wing Leader Coordinator in Executive meetings, the ECSC ensures that wellbeing and inclusivity remain at the core of student life.
The Club’s strength lies in its diversity — of passions, of people, and of contributions. By encouraging students to get involved in different ways, the ECSC creates space for everyone to belong, and builds a culture where friendships form easily and community thrives.
“Throughout my time as a student and an Executive of the ECSC, it has become evident that the Club is the heart and soul of the College. Given the breadth of the Club’s role across student life, the Executive committee works together to help build and foster a strong sense of community across the student cohort. The Club is extremely significant and special to us as Blue Dogs.”
— Bridget Doherty, ECSC Social Executive 2025
As the Students’ Club celebrates its centenary, its purpose remains as clear as ever: to ensure every student feels welcomed, connected, and part of something meaningful, and to leave a legacy not just on Emmanuel College, but on each other.
On 9 May, the Students’ Club celebrated its 100th Year with the ECSC Centenary Ball. The Ball was held at Cloudland, Brisbane and was headlined by Australian Indie rock group, Surf Trash, who were supported by Who is John?, the lead John’s College band and Underwater Martin, our very own student band. Upwards of 550 people attended including current students, our highest ever volume of alumnus and fellow collegians from neighbouring University of Queensland residential colleges. The event was a roaring success, with the extremely elated atmosphere ensuring the enjoyment had by all was unmatched – a sentiment shared by many attendees. Special congratulations and thanks to Bridget Doherty and Alex Cannen, the club’s Social Executives, along with Thomas Brentnall and Jack Thatcher, the club’s Treasurer and Secretary respectively. Their extensive efforts in the lead up to the event ensured that the event was such a success and so enjoyable for all.
Published 21 July 2025
