I chose to study at Whitley because of its open approach to theology. They encouraged questions and challenged me to really think about the way I applied my values, traditions and beliefs.
My name is Luke Bowen. I am presently Director of Patient Safety, Experience and Clinical Excellence at Austin Health, in Melbourne.
While my day job is not directly related to the church, it is about putting arms and legs on my theology and living out who God has called me to be.
Whitley College developed my critical thinking skills, my ability to view the world through different lenses, and to look for the intersection of faith with the secular – not seeing things as separate but as part of a holistic way of living.
I’ve completed Bachelor of Theology and Master of Arts degrees.
When I started at Austin, as manager for Spiritual Care, I was still studying at Whitley, doing the MA. That finished in 2016.
My favourite memory of Whitley is being in the ordination program. We would gather each Tuesday in the ‘donut chapel’ and spend time with other ministry colleagues. It was replete with rich discussion, banter and, at times, a robust exchange of ideas.
But the time spent with faculty remains a sacred one, where we could do life together and really appreciate what it feels like to be part of a community.
I would like to give a shout-out to Anne Mallaby, a strong advocate and leader whom I aspire to be like. She modelled a truly Christ-centred approach to care. Her ability to tease out thoughts and feelings through theological reflection was amazing.
Since graduating I’ve also done a Masters of Business Administration. It’s been a busy time.
My wife Enes and I studied at Whitley. We started our degrees the same year we were married. We met at the Melton Baptist Church where we ran the youth group together. We have a 5-year-old daughter.
If I had 30-minutes spare I think it would be spent out walking in nature, particularly in my local area of South Kingsville. Enjoying the scenes of Newport Lakes. This sacred and reflective space re-energises me.