Emeritus Professor Saxon William White AM (Fr 1953)
1934 - 2025
The Principal, Council and St Andrew's College community honour the life of Emeritus Professor Saxon White AM (Fr 1953), who passed away on Tuesday, 7th October, aged 91.
Saxon White was a legend of the St Andrew's College community – a scholar, sportsman, academic and leader whose influence was felt across generations of Drew's students.
Born in Sydney in 1934, Saxon was educated at Woollahra Primary, Sydney Boys High School, Parramatta High School and The King's School, where he was School Captain and represented the Combined GPS teams in both Cricket and Rugby. In 1953, he entered the University of Sydney to study Medicine on a Commonwealth Scholarship and joined St Andrew's College on a bursary. During his time at College, he was also the recipient of the Struth Scholarship, Janet Coutts Scholarship and Grainger Scholarship, recognising his academic excellence and broad contribution to College life.
During his years at St Andrew's, Saxon immersed himself fully in College life – representing Drew's in Rawson Cricket, Athletics and Rugby, performing with DramSoc, and serving as Honorary Treasurer of the Students' Club in 1957. His undergraduate studies were twice interrupted by national rugby tours, first to South Africa (1953) when he was chosen for his first Wallabies tour, and then to South Africa, the British Isles, France, New Zealand and North America (1956–58). During his career, Saxon played seven Tests and 26 tour games for the Wallabies in Australia, South Africa and the British Isles. He was also a gifted cricketer. His talent and leadership on the field reflected the spirit of Drew's – excellence, courage, and camaraderie.
After sustaining a serious head injury that ultimately ended his playing career, Saxon turned his focus entirely to medicine and academia. He began as a lecturer in surgery at the University of New South Wales, where he completed a Doctorate in Medicine (MD) for his pioneering research into cardiovascular reflex control. His early work as a National Heart Foundation Fellow, and later as the Overseas Life Insurance Medical Research Fellow of Australia and New Zealand, took him to leading research institutions in Sweden and the United States – including the University of Gothenburg, the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, and the University of California, San Diego – where he worked alongside some of the world's foremost cardiologists.
On returning to Australia, Saxon held senior academic and clinical appointments at the University of Sydney and Flinders University, before being appointed the Foundation Professor of Human Physiology at the University of Newcastle in 1976 – a position he held until his retirement in 1999. At Newcastle, he helped establish an innovative medical curriculum, led groundbreaking research in cardiopulmonary physiology, and developed enduring collaborations that shaped medical education nationally. He also founded the Hunter Academy of Sport, combining his passion for science, sport and community health.
In recognition of his contributions, Saxon was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2005 for service to medicine and medical education, particularly through the planning and development of innovative curricula and as a researcher in human physiology.
Saxon remained deeply connected to St Andrew's throughout his life. He served on the College Council from 1998 to 2005, including as Chair of Council from 2002 to 2005, during which he played a pivotal role in guiding the College through the historic transition to co-education – one of the most transformative milestones in the College's history. His leadership helped shape the inclusive and forward-looking community Drew's is today. He was subsequently appointed an Honorary Fellow of the College, a fitting recognition of his lifelong service and generosity of spirit.
Beyond academia and College life, Saxon was a man of broad interests – a talented watercolour artist, an advocate for sport and community engagement, and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His intellectual curiosity, warmth, and humility inspired all who knew him. He is survived by his wife Julie and his children Matthew, Lisa, and Jessica.
The College extends its deepest sympathies to Saxon's family and friends. His leadership, generosity, and lifelong commitment to St Andrew's will be remembered with immense gratitude.
There will be a private family funeral in Newcastle, and a memorial service is expected to be held at the College in the coming weeks. Further details will be shared once confirmed.
The 1954 Cricket Team - which Saxon (seated, centre) captained.
The 1954 Rugby Team - Saxon is seated in the second row, first on the left.
Saxon (seated bottom left), at a past Newcastle Reunion Dinner.
L-R: Former Chairs of Council at the 2017 Sesquicentenary Gala Dinner, Campbell Anderson (Fr 1959), Charlie Taylor (Fr 1982, SS 1985), Robert Harper (Fr 1979), Andrew Murray (Fr 1961, SS 1966), Saxon White (Fr 1953) and Ian Harper (Fr 1950) (seated).
