Dr Michael Stepniak’s installation as ninth Master of Queen’s College held on Sunday 25 May, 2025, was a very special event as it is only the ninth time to occur in the College’s 137-year history. Led by Rev Sharon Hollis, the Chapel was brimming with past Masters, Masters from other colleges, Fellows, Wyverns, staff, and students.

Chairman of Council, Dr Ian Marshman AM, acknowledged the new Master’s place in the College’s history.

“Queen’s has indeed been blessed by the quality of leadership afforded by its Masters. Each past Master has brought varying personal styles and strengths to the College. Past Masters comprise three ordained ministers, two historians, two scientists and one classicist. The College community has benefited by this diversity of backgrounds and disciplinary expertise. Michael Stepniak brings professional strengths, remarkable energy and great empathy to the Master role. We look forward to music becoming a key part of the conversation across the College.”

With the stained-glass windows lit by the afternoon sun, organist Michael Fulcher was joined by the College choir, led by Director of Music, Will Fellows, to make it a beautiful event, visually and audibly. As tradition dictates, representatives of the College community passed the Master’s ceremonial ring along, charging Michael with their hopes for his tenure.

Cassie Silberberg, General Committee President, spoke on behalf of the students.

“We are excited for you to be a part of this flourishing community of future leaders, innovators, researchers and so much more. Together, we’ll continue building a Queen’s that reflects the best of its traditions and the full potential of its students.”

The ring was then passed to Dr Katti Williams (Wyvern 1994) former Arch Wyvern, who spoke on behalf of the Wyverns.

“As Wyverns, we offer this: to walk beside you, to speak with honesty, and to help ensure Queen’s becomes not only what it has been, but what it dares to be next.”

Katti passed the ring to Nicole Crook, Executive Director of Advancement, representing the staff.

“Michael, we pass you this ring with a promise: we will do our work and do it well. We ask the same of you, as we share the work of keeping Queen’s steady in what it stands for, and generous in how it grows.”

On behalf of the Fellows, Professor David Vaux AO, Principal Fellow, received the ring.

“We stand for rigorous thought, honest conversation, and care – the kind that takes time, and often, quiet courage. Michael, we pass you this ring not as ornament, but as invitation. Guard what is worth keeping. Let go of what lingers only by habit.”

Then on receiving the ring, Michael spoke.

“I’m grateful for your welcome. But let me be clear: I don’t arrive merely as a guest. I’ve come to work. To conspire with you in building what might come next. I’ve brought tools, some stubborness, and above all, a love; for the mess that is learning and living, for the beauty found in art, in nature, and each other, and for the promise of what might be possible.

And students, dear students, I cherish your life. To be a student is not just to learn, but to hunger for learning. To build improbable friendships, to declare, to question, to revise. To be a student is one of the great adventures of being alive. And for those of us lucky enough to support that adventure, there is no better calling.

Cassie, Katti, Nicole, Davo, Ian: your voices today remind us of what endures here; the brilliance of students, the loyalty of alumni, the care of staff, the long memory of Fellows, the stewardship of Council.”

The ceremony was followed by a celebration in the JCR with musical performances from Eilish Murphy (1^st year Commerce), and the Seraphim Trio, who were joined by Michael. Family stories flowed from Michael’s three older children, Marianna, Caroline and Tristan, and his brother, Daniel.

The installation represents the Queen’s community’s official welcome to Michael, wife Dr Anne Schemp, and daughter, Tilda.