
Michael Patoka
Dean
Having completed my Masters degree at UNSW in Masters of Commerce, helping to open and establish Colombo House from our inaugural year in 2014, has always felt like being at home! As the Dean, it gives me great privilege to welcome new residents to the College and watch them on their journey through their studies. Looking after Colombo we have created many warm traditions and the college continues to create new and exciting initiatives through our leadership and volunteer opportunities.
I grew up in Sydney. I love sharing my intimate knowledge of Australia's culture and landscape with our residents and making sure they know the best places to visit in their term breaks! I work closely with our College House Committee to make sure we are delivering the best community-building, inclusive and fun activities to our residents. Colombo House pastoral care team are always there for students needing support, we all live on site and this makes it easier to discuss matters, regardless how simple or complicated they may be.
Colombo House is my home along with my family; my wife Stephanie and our three children; Matilda, Joshua and Rosy who have all grown up living in the College and consider the college community their extended home.
It gives me great pleasure to welcome students from all over Australia and the world through our doors. We are a young, thriving college community and are continually working hard to build our respectful and diverse culture. I hope we get the chance to meet you soon!
What is your favourite thing to cook?
Cooking is a huge part of Colombo living! I love cooking for residents and our large Paella is famous for the start and end of College year celebrations.
How do you spend your free time?
I love making the most of our beautiful beaches! I enjoy surfing and watching the sunrise at Maroubra beach, running in Centennial Park or bushwalking in and around Sydney.
What is your favourite event in Colombo every year?
This is a tough question to answer as I love attending all our events. I would have to say O-week as it’s a fabulous time to watch all our new residents meet so many others and quickly change from nervous first time arrivals to settling into our family environment and feeling confident settling into college + University life.
What's your favourite place on-campus at UNSW?
Colombo House obviously! Our rooftop is a great place to head up, do some gardening, have a BBQ or relax and watch the world go by.