The OD Union would like to congratulate Anthony Record (1956S), John Gardener (1947G), Dr Robert Adam (1972F) and Bishop Geoff Davies (1959W) on being the recipients of the 2021 Robert Gray Medal.

ODs from around the world nominated their fellow ODs with a motivation letter as to why they believe said OD should receive the award. Nominations are then considered and conferred by the selection committee, which consists of Tony Reeler (College Principal), Simon Peile (Chairman of The College Council) and Wilbur Van Niekerk (ODU Chairman).Winners are then awarded the medal on Founders day. 
 
The Robert Gray Medal is the most prestigious and only award which the school can bestow on an OD who has made a significant and exceptional contribution in his field of endeavour, or to society in general.
 
Two of the recipients will receive their award on Founders Day 2021 and the remaining two recipients on an unconfirmed date in 2021.
 
Click here to read the criteria on which these ODs were nominated and subsequently selected as winners. More details on the recipients will be released shortly. In the interim please see a brief description of each OD below.
 
Dr Robert Adam (1972F): A life dedicated to South African science and technology
Having earned his doctorate in Nuclear Physics while being imprisoned for activities undertaken on behalf of the then banned ANC during the late 1970s and early 1980s, Dr Robert Adam has gone on to achieve great things. Rob joined our new democratic government in 1995 and was appointed Director General of Science and Technology, from which position he drove all of South Africa’s national  science policies and programmes. In 2006 he was appointed to head up the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation and played an instrumental role in fostering international cooperation in nuclear energy generation and radio isotope production, as well as holding professorships at two South African universities. From 2015 Rob has been Director of the SKA in South Africa, which is a project underway to build the most powerful radio telescope in the world. A quote from Rob’s good friend, James Selfe (1972F), gives a good insight into what type of man Rob is, 
“In everything he does and has done, Rob has been motivated by high ideals of serving his country and its people.”

Click here for an interesting Wikipedia page on Robert.

 
Anthony Record (1956S): Mentor, philanthropist and coach.
Anthony, who received his MBE in 2000 for services to industry, embodies the criteria attributes and characteristics. Anthony is a mentor, philanthropist and coach to countless young people, and gives unstintingly of his time and experience to those who seek it – and is thrilled when he can watch them blossom. A trained CA, Anthony has gone on to establish many self-sufficient businesses and charities. In addition to his MBE, Anthony is also a Fellow of the UK Institute of Chartered Accountants, a Fellow of the Royal Society and a Fellow of the Institute of International Accountants.
Click Here: Anthony Record  - motivation for Robert Gray medal.

 
Bishop Geoff Davies (1959W): The Green Bishop.
Having studied Social Anthropology at UCT and Theology at Cambridge, Bishop Geoff Davies returned to Africa to work in a remote mission parish in Botswana. There he became acutely aware of the fragility of the natural environment. Back in Cape Town his activism included opposition to Apartheid, working with Bishop David Russell. After heading up the Anglican Church’s Mission Department he became the first Bishop of Mzimvubu in the Eastern Cape. On retirement, he founded the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) to inspire, encourage and equip all faiths to recognise their responsibility to care for and protect the earth’s fragile ecosystems. SAFCEI lobbies governments to establish greater ecological and socio-economic justice, notably in the face of climate change. SAFCEI’s High Court action halted President Zuma’s nuclear deal with the Russians.

 Click for details on Bishop Geoff Davies 

 
John Gardener (1947F): Peerless South African Educational Statesman
Picture a memorable schoolteacher; one who has shaped you indelibly or guided you gently.  It may be one moment or a whole montage of memories. For many ODs, a picture that will surely come to mind, either in sharp focus or as a faded glow, is one of John Gardener. Student, prefect, staff, principal, council member and vice president of the ODU - John’s influence on the college is immeasurable and has extended beyond its gates.

Schools: Taught at Wynberg BHS, Kingswood (Head), Bishops (twice), and Bridge House (briefly);
               Mentor for IQAA (Independent Quality Assurance Agency) with its founding director, his wife Sue;
               Chair: St George's and Japari (Joburg).  Council member: Herschel, Bridge House, Bishops.
Journalism: Independent Education (ISASA), Dimension (Methodist Church) Croquet, SA Pen, Rugby and Cricket magazines.
Editor: DCPS history, 2 Parish magazines, DC Magazine
Publications: Bishops 150, 4 Booklets on DC people.
Poems and Hymns: 50 or more of each with many on Bishops (some published).
African Scholars' Fund: 2 spells as Chair of Trustees.

For more information on John, please Dr Paul Murray’s birthday tribute to John here.