McClellan Lecture Hall Named in Honour of Tony and Rae McClellan

Campion College formally named the new McClellan Lecture Hall on Thursday evening, recognising the extraordinary generosity, leadership, and Christian witness of Tony and Rae McClellan and their longstanding support of education, philanthropy, and public life.
Held in the George Cardinal Pell Grand Hall, the formal dinner brought together students, staff, supporters, and distinguished guests for an evening of tribute, reflection, and thanksgiving centred on the unveiling of the new lecture hall plaque.

In his opening remarks, Campion College President Dr Paul Morrissey reflected on the significance of naming the lecture hall after Tony and Rae McClellan, describing the couple’s remarkable contribution to both Campion College and Australian public life.

Tributes throughout the evening reflected on Tony McClellan’s distinguished career in business, his extensive philanthropic work, and the shared commitment he and Rae have shown to Christian education, public leadership, and charitable initiatives both in Australia and overseas. Speakers also acknowledged the couple’s longstanding support of institutions such as the Lachlan Macquarie Institute and a range of humanitarian and educational projects around the world.

Among the evening’s addresses was a reflection from Scott McClellan, who spoke about the deeper purpose behind the family’s philanthropy and the significance of supporting institutions such as Campion College.

“The men and women whose giving has made this possible may never meet every student who walks through these doors, but their faith lived out through action will shape minds and lives in ways that ripple far beyond what any of us can measure,” he said. “That is the quiet power of a legacy built not on recognition, but on conviction.”

Speaking about the role of the new lecture hall within the life of the College, he continued:

“Campion College has a calling to pursue truth with both rigour and reverence. This lecture hall is a testament to that, a space where the next generation will be formed, not just in knowledge, but in character, and not just in learning, but in service.”

Tony McClellan’s own address focused on the meaning of Christian generosity and service, reflecting on the work of the McClellan Foundation and the joy that comes from giving. He spoke about a number of initiatives supported by the Foundation, including Christian education projects, healthcare initiatives in Africa, and community centres in Papua New Guinea.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive,” he said, reflecting on the work that he and Rae have supported through the Foundation.

He concluded by expressing his hope that the new lecture hall would help form future generations of students in lives of service and faith.

“All we now ask is that those who learn in the McClellan Lecture Hall benefit as much as we have received joy through making our contribution,” he said.

Concluding the evening, guests gathered for the unveiling of the plaque officially naming the McClellan Lecture Hall, a new academic space that will serve generations of Campion College students in the years ahead.