Awarded 2021

Max has been a committed and inspiring volunteer since 2011, covering numerous roles across U3AMC based on his many skills and passions.

Tutoring

Embracing tutoring in 2011, Max has run short courses on various topics: Speaking with Confidence (2011) for Committee and for members; Fit for Retirement (2011 & 2012); Armchair Travel (2018 Summer School) and Digital Photography since 2013. Co-tutoring with Jill Thompson, the successful Introduction to Digital Photography course expanded in 2016 to enable students to advance their technical and artistic skills, resulting in Beginners and Advanced courses being offered each year (until Covid disruptions). Through lecture handouts, field trips, weekly assignments and class discussion of their work, many students have developed confidence and expertise in the various genres and aspects of photography under Max’s supportive tutelage.

Committee of Management

Max served on Committee between 2012-2015 (President in 2013). This period saw much governance work, including Strategic Planning and policy developments, the introduction of MyU3A, and our 30th Anniversary celebrations. Max led focus groups to discover future retiree expectations (2012) and spoke with the general public at festivals and community organisations, both promoting U3AMC and exploring people’s interests.

During this time Max was also Committee’s Tutor Champion and actively engaged with the Course Coordination Team activities, especially in facilitating tutor workshops for new tutors and on various professional development topics.

Working Groups

Max’s negotiating skills and collaborative manner were also harnessed in various working groups, including four Photography Exhibitions (2014-2017) and in resolving conflicts between members and tutors according to U3AMC’s Code of Conduct.

Based on his dedication and skilled contribution to so many volunteer roles, Max was commended for and awarded Life Membership of U3AMC in 2021