Trevor Knight was one of the last enrolled New England University College students, starting his studies in 1953 after completing schooling at Casino High School. He was a member of the academic procession for the installation of the first Chancellor of UNE, Sir Earle Page, in 1954, and graduated with a BSc in 1956 and Dip Ed in 1957.
His career encompassed time as a Science Teacher (1957), RAN Instruction Officer (1958 – 1964), and Officer and Senior Training Officer of the former Mount Isa Mines (1964 – 1968). In 1968, he was appointed Enrolments Officer at UNE and eventually retired due to ill health in 1992 as Acting Director Student Administration. For over 20 years, Trevor managed the first point of contact between potential students and UNE. As a former student himself, Trevor was an emphatic custodian of the path to tertiary education for many thousands of students. He was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship in 1972 to the United State Information Agency (USIA). He was a Life Member of UNE Union. He is described by Bill Oates as a gentleman, scholar and dedicated member of the University from its inception, and a valued colleague to many.
He, and his wife Janice, were long-time members of St Albert’s Senior Common Room, providing sage advice and support for hundreds more students as they came to grips with institutional living. His association began as the inaugural coach of the St Albert’s rugby team which was the first sporting team formed at the College in 1969, and he also coached the NERU Zone team. Given his long history with the game, he was the perfect person to write a history of rugby at St Albert’s, called “Albies, the Pride of Them All”. In subsequent years, he headed up reunion committees, most notably the Silver Anniversary Committee. Over 700 people attended the anniversary dinner.
Funeral details
29 January 2016 at 1.00pm
Berry & Sons Funerals
200 Magill Road
Norwood SA 5067
For those who can’t make the journey to Adelaide, there will possibly be a get-together around the time of the St Albert’s reunion in Sydney.
Contact details
His wife, Janice, is also a UNE graduate (BA 1959) and a former staff member. They married in 1961.
Children: Caroline, Iain, Emily
18 Lewis Court
GILLES PLAINS SA 5086
My wife and I came to know of Trevor Knight’s passing only today (02/04/2016). We are deeply saddened and offer our sincerest condolences to Janice, Caroline, Iain and Emma.
When I came to Armidale in 1974, I would not have managed without Trevor and Janice. They were both a tower of strength to me and my family. Trevor’s was a hard act to follow. He reached out to students in difficulty guided them and above all gave them the moral support they needed. Many of us are where we are today mainly because of Trevor. I was then a Teaching Fellow in Agricultural Economics and was also pursuing a Master of Economics. There was an opportunity to upgrade to a PhD on a scholarship – but on a different topic. Trevor’s advice was to complete the Masters degree – gain research experience and then move on to the PhD and not let go of the Teaching Fellowship. I got both teaching and research experience. This is just one example of Trevor’s foresight and wisdom that helped me and many others like me.
In all his dealings, Trevor displayed patience and kindness alongside a beautiful sense of humour. His lifelong partner – Janice matched him with these virtues. Many of us who got to know the Knight family were indeed fortunate.
Rest in peace Trevor – yours was a life cherished and revered by many
So sad to hear of Trevor’s passing. My condolences to the family especially Emily