Michael Aikman

Alexander Michael Hirst Aikman (9 September 1933 – 16 February 2005) was an Australian rower (an Olympic medal winner at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics) and educationalist.

Rowing Aikman was educated at Geelong College between 1939-1951 as a 'day boy' (ie not a boarder), where he excelled academically, in sport (athletics, football, and rowing), and the performing arts (winning the Music Prize). He rowed in the First VIII boat at the 1950 Head of the River schoolboys' regatta, which boat (also notable for being coxed by future politician John Button) won the 'Loser's Final'. Aikman was Captain of Boats (ie rowing) in his final year at Geelong College, rowing in the Head of the River a second time.

Aikman remained involved in rowing as a coach at the various schools at which he taught, as well as at Hawthorn Rowing Club (in 1960). He remained at Haileybury until his retirement in 1998. During his time at Haileybury, he led a major building programme at the school's Keysborough campus (which had only been established in 1963), including the 'Great Hall', the aquatic centre, and the chapel (designed by Philip Cox, with windows and murals by Leonard French). Aikman was fond of the operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan.

Death and legacy Aikman died in 2005. His funeral was held in the chapel at Haileybury, whose construction he had overseen. Acknowledging Aikman's commitment to, and promotion of, music and the performing arts, the 'Great Hall' at Haileybury was renamed the 'Aikman Hall'; similarly, there is also an 'Aikman Hall' at The Scots School, Bathurst.