A New Pizza Oven for the College and MCCOBA

Earlier this year the Marist College Canberra Old Boys Association (MCCOBA) received a proposal from the College's Head of Hospitality Dave Moore (Old Boy, 1995). Dave was keen to acquire a pizza oven to use in Hospitality education as the College’s current oven fallen into disrepair. Dough making and wood firing a pizza are an intricate, unique skill set and Dave’s vision was to re-invigorate this part of the Hospitality curriculum. 

Dave had put in a proposal to MCCOBA to see if we may be able to assist with this initiative. In a serendipitous moment, Alex Nocera (Old Boy, 1992) had been in touch with the College regarding his upcoming 30-year reunion. It was mentioned that we were in the market for a pizza oven and Alex just so happened to be looking to sell the original oven that he had commenced his 'Alex the Pizza Guy' in business with. Feeling extremely nostalgic about letting his first pizza oven go, Alex was keen to see that his beloved oven went to a good home. With all parties coming to an agreement, a purchase was made and MCCOBA and the College are now the proud owners of a quality, traditional wood-fired pizza oven. 

Alex has included a donation of a considerably valuable dough maker to the College, and has also very generously offered his time to come in and work with Hospitality students at the College and share his authentic pizza making skills with them. MCCOBA and the College are so grateful to Alex for his generosity and we are all looking forward to sampling some delicious pizzas at our upcoming reunions. 

Max Spencer 
Chair, Marist College Canberra Old Boys Association