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The OVA has played a consistent role in fostering connections among former students (“old Virgilians”), maintaining the spirit and traditions of St Virgil’s College, and giving back through scholarships and recognition of distinguished alumni.
The association reflects how alumni networks can remain active for over a century, adapting to changing times.
1911 – St Virgil’s College opens in Hobart under the Christian Brothers.
25 Sep 1916 – First informal meeting of old boys, sports master Br Moore, and coach J Dunn to discuss an “Old Boys’ Association.”
20 May 1917 – The Old Virgilian Association (OVA) is formally founded. Early aims: promote friendship, support fellow alumni, provide scholarships, uphold College ideals.
1917 – First committee of 11 old scholars elected.
1918–19 – First newsletters and annual gatherings held.
OVA begins hosting annual dinners and Communion breakfasts (starting 1925).
Social, sporting, and charitable events flourish.
OVA Football Club formed; old boys support College teams.
Membership grows rapidly as the first decade of graduates mature.
Regular “Old Scholars’ Mass and Breakfast” becomes tradition.
1936 – College Silver Jubilee celebrated; OVA holds fundraising ball at the Continental Ballroom.
OVA helps support College facilities and sports through fundraising drives.
Early alumni newsletters begin circulating College and OVA news.
Many members enlist; OVA activities reduced during WW II (1939–45).
1946 – Reunion and dinner revived after a six-year break — over 200 attendees.
Post-war focus on rebuilding community and honouring fallen Old Virgilians.
OVA runs cabaret evenings, luncheons, and fundraisers for scholarships.
Reintroduction of The Old Virgilian newsletter.
Alumni begin serving prominently in Tasmanian civic life — OVA starts highlighting their achievements.
1963 – Hosted St Kevin’s Old Collegians Cricket Club (Vic).
1966 – Brother Joyce Memorial Mass merged with Annual Communion Mass.
Increased mail correspondence to maintain contact with interstate and overseas alumni.
The Old Virgilian magazine faces funding challenges — appeals for advertisers and subscribers.
1978 – Annual Dinner at Beltana Hotel attracts 100+ attendees.
Alumni begin planning for the College’s approaching 75th anniversary.
Regular reunions, sports events, and fundraising continue.
The OVA adapts to a changing alumni base as more graduates pursue university studies.
Archival materials from early decades begin being systematically preserved.
OVA adopts email and website communications.
Annual dinners and luncheons remain traditions; membership database modernised.
The Old Virgilian and e-newsletters keep alumni connected.
OVA adopts email and website communications.
Annual dinners and luncheons remain traditions; membership database modernised.
The Old Virgilian and e-newsletters keep alumni connected.
2011 – College celebrates its centenary.
2017 – OVA marks 100 years with major reunion events, publication of 100 Years of the Old Virgilians Association Inc.
Establishment of the OVA History Centre at Austins Ferry campus.
Launch of the “Heritage Roll of Honour” to recognise distinguished alumni.
OVA maintains bi-monthly luncheons, annual dinners, newsletters (OVAtions), and online presence.
Strong collaboration with St Virgil’s College on student support and heritage preservation.
Focus on intergenerational connection — ensuring today’s students know the OVA legacy.
Over a century later, the motto still holds: “Once a Virgilian, always a Virgilian."
