Dr William 'Bill' Leith Porges OAM
1939 - 2025
The Principal, Council and St Andrew’s College community honour the life of Dr William 'Bill' Leith Porges, former Principal and Honorary Fellow of St Andrew’s College, who passed away on New Year’s Day, just three days short of his 86th birthday.
Dr Porges leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of service to St Andrew’s College and the University of Sydney. Bill graduated in Agriculture in 1960 and worked overseas before managing a farming and grazing property in Australia. He later pursued a Bachelor of Veterinary Science, earning a PhD for his cardiovascular research and a Graduate Diploma in Tertiary Education. Bill joined the University of Sydney’s academic staff in 1969 and dedicated three decades to the Faculty of Veterinary Science, contributing significantly as an educator, researcher, and leader.
Bill’s connection with St Andrew’s College began in 1975 as a visiting tutor and later as a non-resident Fellow. In 1994, he was appointed Vice-Principal and the Wilson Fellow, stepping into leadership during one of the College’s most challenging periods. Following the resignation of the Principal in 1995, Bill was appointed Acting Principal in 1996.
Bill worked tirelessly to stabilize finances, increase enrolments, and restore the College’s reputation. In 1999, a change to the St Andrew’s College Act allowed non-ministers to serve as Principal, leading to Bill’s permanent appointment. In doing so, he accepted the challenge of managing the conversion of St Andrew’s into a co-residential college for men and women. Bill prioritized inclusivity, advocating for co-residency to reflect the University’s gender balance. Despite strong opposition in some quarters, he led the College through this transformative change with a measured, inclusive approach. Women were first admitted in 2002, and today they represent half the student body.
Bill’s leadership spurred demand for places, culminating in a fundraising campaign to construct a new wing, adding 36 ensuite rooms to the College’s campus in 2007. This $6 million expansion, now known as the Hanks Building, was entirely funded through donations and the College’s cash flow and was the first build on our campus in 40 years.
Bill also fostered and expanded the College’s Scholarship Program, giving more students than ever before the opportunity to attend the University, live in the St Andrew’s community, and obtain an all-around education.
His efforts reshaped the College into a thriving, inclusive institution, setting the stage for further growth and strengthening its future. By his retirement, demand for places outstripped those available each year six to one, underscoring the lasting impact of Bill’s visionary leadership.
Beyond his work at St Andrew’s, Bill remained a devoted advocate for the University of Sydney, prominent in the development of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and became Associate Dean for Professional and Community Relations, retaining a strong connection with the Faculty of Veterinary Science following his full-time appointment at St Andrew’s. He later travelled extensively to promote the Faculty of Veterinary Science and mentored countless students. In 2008 he was appointed Adjunct Associate Professor in the Faculty. His efforts earned him numerous accolades, including an Order of Australia in 2015 and an Honorary Fellowship from the University in 2018.
After his retirement, Bill continued to be productively involved in College recruitment by representing the College and the Faculty of Veterinary Science at meetings of school leavers throughout the state. Bill and his wife, Reingard, remained deeply connected to the College, attending events and supporting its programs.
Bill's wife Reingard and the extended Porges family are held warmly in our thoughts, and our deepest sympathy goes out to all who knew Bill.
Details of a memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will be announced in the coming weeks.
Bill with his official portrait at his Farewell event in 2008.
Bill and Reingard with Geoffrey Cohen (Fr 1967) at celebrations for 20 Years of Undergraduate Women.
L-R: Former Principals; Wayne Erickson, Bill Porges, Hugh Cairns and Peter Cameron at the 2017 Sesquicentenary Dinner.
L-R: Bill Wallis, Bill Porges, Colin and Suzanne Davidson, at former Principal Wayne Erickson's Farewell in 2023.
