One of the College’s favourite sons, Sir Michael Hintze AM, has been appointed to the House of Lords. He joins a small list of Australians who have been granted a seat in the Upper House of the United Kingdom. 

Lord Hintze attended the College from 1974 until 1976. During his time at the University of Sydney he studied physics and engineering while attending St John’s, as well as tutoring at Sancta Sophia College. 

After leaving university, Lord Hintze joined the Army before beginning a successful career as a businessman, working largely in the financial sector. His philanthropic contributions are both notable and extensive. He is the founder of the Hintze Family Charitable Foundation, a patron of the National Gallery in London, and a former Chair of the Prince’s Trust. In addition, he enabled the restoration of Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Pauline Chapel at the Vatican, and he is responsible for the largest single donation to the Natural History Museum in its history. Closer to home, he supported a major renovation at the Australian Museum, and contributes regularly to both the College and the University of Sydney.

Lord Hintze has continued to be a great supporter of St John’s College, and the Hintze Building is named in his honour. Lord Hintze recently visited the College and was the special guest at our Formal Dinner on the 2nd of November. He presented students with sports and Palladian awards, alongside other distinguished guests including alumnus and former Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Chancellor of the University of Sydney, Ms Belinda Hutchinson. Lord Hintze addressed the College detailing his life in business after leaving University.

Lord Hintze is a committed Catholic and has continued practicing his faith since leaving College, including service on the board of the Vatican Bank. He is the father to four children and a husband to Dorothy.

 The College community is immensely proud of Lord Hintze, and we wish him every success in his new role. We are proud to call him one of our own. 

Click here to view footage of Lord Hintze being inducted into the House of Lords.