John Elliott ‘Jack’ Ross, Nudgee College, 1908-1915
The buildings and grounds at Nudgee College are a veritable roll call of men who devoted their lives to the educational dream of Edmund Rice. Treacy, Cotter, O’Neill, McKennariey, Ryan et al. One name rises above all others, standing as a symbol of both the Brothers’ devotion to education and their ability to inspire loyalty in those for whom they cared. Jack Ross was a student at Nudgee College from 1908-1915. During this time he represented the College in the 1st XV (1911-15) and the 1st XI (1912-15), as well as being both the College’s Rifle and Athletics champions. Following graduation, Jack briefly studied law; however, he was unable to continue because of financial difficulties. He then successfully applied for a teaching role at Nudgee College, taking classes in the areas of pharmaceutical studies and law. He was a very principled person believing strongly in the virtue of honesty. He never told people how things should be done. He tried to show them. Jack was the Secretary of the GPS Association from 1928-1959 and Honorary Secretary of the Nudgee College Old Boys’ Association from 1932-1967, as well as being President of the Brothers Rugby Club from 1935-1973. After his retirement from teaching, Jack remained at the College doing clerical work until 1972, and passed away in 1973. Jack’s impact on the College remains so incredibly profound that the College's main oval was named Ross Oval in 1978. His name was also assigned to one of the College’s equity bursaries – the Jack Ross Bursary.