The Student Services team play an integral part in the life cycle of a student, supporting them from pre-enrolment, through to orientation and all the way to graduation. This year, the College appointed Deputy Registrar Neil Colombari, who proved to be the right fit for the role. Having worked in tertiary settings for the past 12 years, Neil is able to bring his knowledge helping to run key events in the life of the College, including assisting with the recent 2021 student graduation ceremony. Despite only being in the role since April, Neil took this mammoth project in his stride and contributed to making graduation an unforgettable ceremony for the College’s newest graduates, following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Neil is always focused on continuous improvement and personal development, qualities that Excelsia are proud to see exemplified in its staff. This is what makes Neil an Excellent Personality.
Within Neil’s Deputy Registrar role are opportunities for growth and development, something he is excited to explore. ‘Every day I learn something new. With Student Services being involved in the entire student cycle, there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ day. There is always a lot of variety, and I am fortunate that my role allows me to interact with staff across all areas of the College, as well as some students,’ he explains. Neil has become involved in the life of the College and has connected with staff across different departments as well as students. He considers himself blessed to see the various ways God impacts the lives of staff at the College. ‘Having attended the staff morning devotions and staff prayer meetings, I have seen the effect God can have on each of us if we are open to respond to His call.’ Neil has also noticed the care staff share for one another. ‘I have been pleasantly surprised by the level of trust that staff have for each other, as well as how everyone has the welfare of the College at heart and is open to growing and developing it.’ When asked what words spring to mind when he thinks of Excelsia, Neil describes the College as ‘faith-based, supportive, caring, developing and forward-thinking.’
A conversation with a colleague in his first few weeks at the College has stuck with Neil and impacted the way he now works. ‘I commented to this colleague that his role must involve him having to juggle many priorities at once. He responded that it did, but that he always focuses on one thing at a time. Since then I have tried to incorporate that instead of always trying to multitask.’
Neil has two favourite Bible verses, both of which resonated with him when he first read Norman Vincent Peale’s classic, The Power of Positive Thinking. They are Philippians 4:13 which says, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ and Romans 8:31 which says, ‘If God is for us, who can be against us’. Neil says, ‘Both of these show that with God’s help we can achieve anything.’
Outside of work, Neil leads an active and busy lifestyle on the Northern Beaches of Sydney and enjoys sunrise and sunset photography (especially over the water) and appreciating the surrounding water and nature. He also enjoys listening to music, playing guitar, singing, and watching classic films. He also quotes himself as ‘one of those crazy people who will go for a run even when it’s raining!’
If you are interested in finding out more about Excelsia College or considering potential employment opportunities, why not visit our website https://excelsia.edu.au/? You never know how you could grow professionally, personally, and spiritually.
