MICHAELHOUSE IMPACT REPORT 2025 FINAL

THE DONOR: STORIES FROM THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN

The Collins Family 1918 - 2026 A Legacy of Red and White: The Collins Family and the Spirit of Michaelhouse In the Balgowan valley, legacy isn’t just measured in years; it is measured in the stones laid, the fields tended, and the generations of young men who walk the quads. Few names resonate with this sense of enduring commitment quite like the Collins family. For over a century, the family has maintained a profound connection to Michaelhouse, weaving their personal history into the very fabric of the School across four generations.

His time at Michaelhouse set the stage for a century of involvement, but it was his son, Russell Collins (OM 1954), who would leave a physical mark on the campus that remains visible today. Russell’s contribution was both visionary and practical. Recognising that a world-class institution requires a world class environment, he was appointed as the first Chairman of the Buildings and Grounds Committee. Under his stewardship, the School’s physical footprint was nurtured and developed. His leadership ensured that the “Old Boys” didn’t just look back at their school with nostalgia, but actively participated in building its future.

The Foundation: Ken and Russell Collins The journey began with Ken Collins (OM 1918). Entering the school during its formative years, Ken established a standard of loyalty that would become a family hallmark.

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