St John's Old Johnians socialising outdoors at a reunion

Welcome Old Johnians

Once a Johnian, always a Johnian

At St John’s, College life has always been about more than study.

It is the friendships, the late-night conversations, the shared experiences, and the spirit of community that shape Johnians for life.

This fellowship endures across generations, binding Old Johnians wherever they may be.

St John's College Alumni

Today, a global network of Johnians carries this spirit into every corner of the world, united by their enduring connection to the College and to one another.

Stay in Touch

We love hearing from our alumni and friends! Please keep your contact details up to date so we can continue to include you in St John's College.

If you would like to share your news or milestones - professional achievements, weddings, or births - or if you are able to contribute to The Johnian please get in touch with our Director of Advancement, Triona Maddick, at advancement@stjohns.uq.edu.au 

Alternatively you can use the link below to submit the Update Your Details form.

get in touch and UPDATE YOUR DETAILS

Old Johnians catching up at an event

Award Nominations

St John’s College is proud to have more than 5,000 living alumni, many of whom have achieved distinction in their professions and through service to the community. Each year, the College celebrates these accomplishments through the Alumni of the Year Awards.

We invite you to nominate alumni who have made an impact, whether through early career success, outstanding community service, or leadership in an inspiring project.

Help us share the stories that reflect the very best of the Johnian spirit!

Nominate an Old Johnian for an award

Old Johnians at the Alumni Awards
Old Johnians at an event

Reunions & Events

Reunions are held annually to celebrate milestones for the College and its cohorts of residents. Every five years, a College Anniversary Gala marks a major milestone.

Alumni are also warmly invited to join hallmark events throughout the year, including the International Women’s Day Breakfast, Academic and Professional Dinner, and National Reconciliation Week Lunch.

Networking nights, along with the annual Donors & Scholars Reception, provide further opportunities to connect, celebrate, and acknowledge the generosity of our supporters and the achievements of our scholarship recipients.

For more information or to attend upcoming events, please contact alumni@stjohns.uq.edu.au

St John's College 115th Anniversary Gala

On Saturday, 19 September 2026 we will celebrate our 115th Anniversary Gala at the historic Brisbane City Hall.

This will be a special evening bringing together alumni and friends to honour 115 years of tradition, friendship, and achievement, while looking ahead to the College’s next chapter.

For more information, please contact alumni@stjohns.uq.edu.au

The 50 Year Club Lunch

The 50 Year Club Lunch is a special tradition that welcomes back alumni who have marked fifty years since their time at St John’s College.

It is an opportunity to return to the Quadrangle, share stories, and reconnect with the friendships that shaped our College years.

Many who attend speak of the joy in rekindling bonds, meeting familiar faces, and discovering that time apart quickly disappears over good food and conversation. What begins as a reunion often becomes the continuation of lifelong friendships.

The lunch is a celebration not only of the past, but of the enduring spirit of St John’s — where community lasts well beyond graduation.

For more information or to attend upcoming events, please contact alumni@stjohns.uq.edu.au

Old Johnians at a 50 Year Club Lunch

The Old Johnian's Association

The Old Johnians’ Association is open to all former residents of St John’s College.

The Old Johnians’ Association also has a Facebook group where members can post information and update friends.

Annual General Meeting

Each year the Old Johnians’ Association hosts an AGM followed by a dinner.

For information, please contact oja@stjohns.uq.edu.au

Honorary Fellows

St John's Honorary Fellow Jane Williamson

The Honorary Fellows of St John’s College are a select group of internationally recognised individuals distinguished for their academic, professional, public, or ecclesiastical service. They are also individuals who have made a significant contribution to the College.

Honorary Fellows are elected by the Honorary Fellowship Committee. Any Johnian may put forward a name for consideration.

During their tenure, Honorary Fellows are expected to support the interests of the College, and maintain an active association by attending significant events on campus and/or meeting with students in consultation with the Warden. Honorary Fellows maintain their position for life unless they elect to retire sooner.

Current Fellows

The number of Honorary Fellowships is limited to 15 at any given time.

2018 Ms Kerry Holland
2018 Justice Debra Mullins
2014 Mr Li Cunxin
2013 Dr Douglas Porter
2011 Mr John Allpass FICA
2011 Senator the Hon George Brandis QC
2011 Professor Ian Frazer AC FRS FAA FRACP
2009 The Rev. Canon Dr John Steele AM
2006 The Hon. Joan Sheldon AM
1999 The Hon. P.D. Beattie AC
1999 Mr R.W.H. Cripps AM
1999 The Rt. Rev. Dr P.J. Hollingworth AC OBE
1999 Mr David Malouf AO FAHA
1999 Professor Ross Sheil AO FRCS FRACS FACS

Former Fellows

The Rt. Rev. Dr Felix Arnott CMG (†1988)
The Hon. P.D. Connolly CBE (†2009)
The Rt. Hon. Sir Zelman Cowen AK GCMG GCVO KtStJ (†2011)
Professor Bryan Emmerson AO FRACP (†2010)
Dr N.H. Fisher AO (†2007)
Mr P.C. Hollingsworth AM (†2021)
The Hon. F.M. McGuire AO (†2000)
Professor S.A. Mellick CBE FRCS FRACS FACS FRCS (Ire) Hon (†2019)
Mr E.D. Murray MC (†)
Sir John Pidgeon Kt (†1999)
Mr N.C. Reid OAM (†2008)
The Hon. E.J.D. Stanley (†1993)
Mr N.R. White (†)
Professor H.R. Withers AO (†2015)

Acknowledgement of Country

St John's College acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we live and learn, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge their ongoing spiritual and cultural connections to land, community and to Maiwar, the Brisbane River, on which our College now stands. We appreciate and value the interconnection of all First Nations people who visit this place.

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