We are delighted to announce Lola Ankcorn (Fr 2024) as St Andrew’s College Honorary Secretary for 2026.
Organised, community-minded and calm under pressure, Lola brings a practical, service-first approach to the role. As Honorary Secretary, Lola will manage the Students’ Club’s administrative and communications functions — keeping accurate records, supporting meeting processes, coordinating key events and ensuring clear, timely information flows across the College community. Her focus will be on making College life run smoothly so students can get the most from their time at Drew’s.
Born in Kuala Lumpur and raised in Sydney from the age of five, Lola is studying a Bachelor of Business at UTS, majoring in Marketing, Advertising and Management. Her academic interests sit naturally alongside a deep commitment to team sport and the sense of connection it fosters. “I’m passionate about netball and team sport, as well as the sense of community that comes with them,” she says. “Sport has taught me organisation, communication and accountability, all things I bring into College life.”
Lola says she ran for Honorary Secretary because she wanted to give back to a place that has given her so much. “I decided to run for Honorary Secretary because I’ve had such a positive experience at College, and I want others to be able to have the same experience as I have,” she explains. “I enjoy being someone others can rely on, and the role aligns perfectly with my strengths in communication, organisation and planning.”
In the role, Lola hopes to deliver a well-organised, supportive and vibrant year for the Students’ Club. Her goals include maintaining clear communication, ensuring processes run smoothly and creating memorable experiences for both Freshers and returning students. She sees the position as an opportunity to develop skills central to her future career in marketing and management, especially leadership and navigating fast-paced organisational challenges.
Lola’s College involvement is wide-ranging: she has been a Welcome-Week Mentor, Fresh Fresh Mentor, Food Secretary and Netball Secretary, and she has represented St Andrew’s in Rosebowl Netball, AFL, Tennis and Basketball. She has contributed to committees including Sophomore Scuba and the Highland Ball, taken part in College tours for prospective students, assisted with candidate interviews, and volunteered at the University of Sydney Market Stall and Newtown Mission. Lola, alongside four other St Andrew’s students, represented the College at the National Association of University Colleges (NAAUC) National Conference in Queensland last year. She has also participated in the Mentoring program and attended personal development and alumni networking events, including the Women in Leadership Dinner.
Reflecting on how College life has shaped her, Lola highlights resilience, balance and the importance of showing up for others. “Being surrounded by motivated and diverse students has pushed me to aim higher while also appreciating the importance of inclusivity and kindness,” she says. College, she adds, has helped her become more organised, confident and committed to contributing positively to the community.
Her advice to aspiring leaders is straightforward and encouraging: “Say yes to every opportunity thrown at you, get involved early and be the kind of person others feel comfortable approaching. Leadership at College isn’t just about titles, it’s about being consistent, reliable and genuinely caring about the people around you.” We look forward to Lola’s steady and energetic stewardship in 2026, and to the positive difference her organisational skill and community-first attitude will bring to College life.