Australian ethicist Xavier Symons has been appointed as the new Master of Warrane College at The University of New South Wales. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
The Director of the Plunkett Centre for Ethics at Australian Catholic University will be inducted into the titular role on February 19.
Dr Symons, 34, is the fifth master in the college’s history, succeeding radiation oncologist Gerald Fogarty, who has been Master since 2012.
Warrane is a Catholic college inspired by the spirit and teaching of St Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei, and was established in 1971 at the request of Cardinal Norman Gilroy.
“In addition to the human formation that the college provides, Warrane offers its Catholic residents a full program of faith formation,” Dr Symons said.
“It’s an honour to be part of this wonderful initiative helping bring young men closer to God”.
Dr Symons has a PhD in bioethics from the Australian Catholic University and is a well-published academic having studied in Australia and at Oxford University and conducted research at Georgetown University and Harvard University.
He is an affiliate of the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University, where he worked until recently as a post-doctoral research fellow.
His book, Why Conscience Matters: A Defence of Conscientious Objection in Healthcare, was published in 2022. He was appointed to lead the Plunkett Centre for Ethics in 2023 and will continue in that role.
Peter Saccasan, Chair of Education Development Association, which owns and operates Warrane, said the Board of EDA was “very happy” with the appointment.
“It gives me great pleasure and a sense of pride to know that our tradition of having strong academic leaders at Warrane is continuing, in an industry and environment where this is sadly no longer the norm,” he said.
“Associate Professor Symons is a leading ethicist and quickly becoming a renowned speaker and thought leader in this country.
“It is fantastic to have him take up this position which no doubt will provide inspiration to many young people as they embark on their university studies at UNSW.”
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Leading ethicist appointed as head of Warrane College (By Marilyn Rodrigues, The Catholic Weekly)
