History of Per Ardua
Per Ardua was established on 17 July 1975, with its inaugural meeting held at the Dalkeith home of Mrs Anne Pascoe. The group was formed to provide a way for mothers whose daughters had left MLC to remain connected with the friendships and community they had built during their time at the College. Mrs Amy Shepherd, wife of then Principal Walter Shepherd, served as Per Ardua’s first President.
The name Per Ardua was adopted later in 1975, following suggestions from the MLC community and drawn from the College motto, reflecting a strong desire for the group’s identity to remain closely linked to MLC.
In its early years, Per Ardua broadened its membership beyond past mothers to include any person interested in maintaining a connection with the College, while supporting charitable causes and the welfare of the MLC community. Meetings were held both off campus and later at MLC, and the group became well known for its active fundraising efforts and engaging speaker program.
Over the years, Per Ardua has supported a wide range of initiatives, including Mofflyn Homes, College prizes, the Music Department, building projects and the College libraries, playing an enduring role in supporting MLC life beyond the classroom.