Congratulations Marcus Elsum OAM who was recognised in the Australia Day Honours with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the finance sector, and to the community.

Marcus was living interstate when he chose Queen’s because he liked the slightly more ‘country’ feel of the people he knew going there. It seemed like a small choice at the time but it ended up having a huge influence on his life. Following in his footsteps, Marcus’ daughter Lola (2nd year Science) is currently in Queen’s.

As a fresher, Marcus rowed in the 1985 men’s VIII crew that won the Head of the River, after a hiatus of more than 30 years. The win was a dramatic one. Queen’s, and favoured Ormond crews were neck and neck as they entered the Punt Road bridge – through different arches – when Marcus heard a loud crash.  The Queen’s crew emerged from the other side with no sign of Ormond. They had struck the bridge, snapped the front of their boat clean off, and sunk. That evening Marcus’ crew collected the substantial trophy – a 10kg plaque – from Ormond by running through their dining room to polite applause. They returned to Queen’s with the plaque (possibly using it as a platform to carry their coxswain) to the longest spoon‑bang in history.

After completing Commerce, Marcus worked as an accountant for a while and then moved into various roles in the finance and fund management world, taking him to London, Sydney, New York, and Tokyo before he settled in Sydney.

Three of his children play AFL, so Marcus has spent many years on the committee of the local footy club, including serving as treasurer. He was the manager of son Jay’s U13 Div 3 team, so he plans to be involved for a few more years yet. He has also spent nine years on the board of the Australian Youth Orchestra, which is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and innovative training organisations for young pre‑professional musicians. Marcus finds these involvements enormously rewarding.

Marcus is flattered and excited to receive what he calls an unexpected honour.  He has been inspired by, and fortunate to work alongside, many great people along the way, and thanks them as well.