The Women's College Magazine volume 32 1 (Autumn 2016)

autumn 2016

volume 32 #1

Our Future Leaders: THE POWER OF

Philanthropy

The Women’s College Magazine is published biannually to report on the activities of the College, now in its 125th year of existence. Our students study across a range of degrees at the University of Sydney, and our alumnae cover many fields of professional endeavour. The Magazine exists to tell the stories of this proud and unique women’s institution.

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE 15 Carillon Avenue The University of Sydney NSW 2006 Australia www.thewomenscollege.com.au Postal PO Box 743 Broadway NSW 2007 Australia Telephone +61 (0)2 9517 5000 Twitter @WomensColl Instagram womenscoll ISSN 2204-1028 Editor Tiffany Donnelly Art Direction Whale Design Co. Cover Inaugural Katrina Dawson scholars Kate Field, Catherine Priestley and Angie Lu at the Sydney Opera House. By Haline Ly / Whale Design Co. Additional Photography and Images Kate Armstrong, Emily Blackburn, Scott Cameron, Heidi Dumesich, Haline Ly, Amy Moran, m3architecture, Dragan Radocaj, Jolyn Ralston, Claire Robinson, Amber Woods, staff, students and alumnae of the Women’s College

1

POWER OF PHILANTHROPY

POWER OF

Persuasion C

ontemporary philanthropic practice shows that fundraising campaigns benefit greatly from the support lent by a celebrated and persuasive patron. This has been true for the Women’s College in the past.

In the late 1880s when the Act to establish the Women’s College became law, a Ladies Collecting Committee was founded to raise the £5000 needed to build the College. Lady Mary Windeyer, the wife of prominent public figure and first graduate of the University of Sydney Sir William Windeyer, was herself a well-known public figure and supporter of causes involving the welfare of women and children in Sydney. Lady Windeyer became a member of the Ladies Collecting Committee and her name was placed on the circulars that were sent out far and wide to garner financial support for the fledgling College.

One of those circulars reached William Charles Wentworth’s son in London, who according to Jim Windeyer, replied by letter in 1890 wryly stating that he was “…not quite sure that the weaker sex are not advancing in the present day with too rapid strides” and that “the world at large would perhaps be better if womankind were to aim at becoming good cooks and careful housekeepers.” However, he then acknowledged

PHOTO: Haline Ly / Whale Design Co

that Australia was only keeping abreast of the times, and concluded, “because I see that Mrs Windeyer takes so great an interest in the work, I shall be glad to contribute £100.”

Clearly, for Wentworth, the endorsement by Lady Windeyer of the Ladies Collecting campaign demanded his support – regardless of his private thoughts on the matter. For Women’s College 125 years later, our new Langley Precinct capital fundraising campaign Together also has the endorsement of a powerful advocate, the Hon Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO. Ms Bryce has lent her support to a project she believes will continue the impressive care and support of our young women where “without women leading change, future women won’t advance … this project is about their home away from home. The Bread and Roses as we feminists like to say.”

Persuasive words and deeds looking to a brighter future led by powerful women – Mary Windeyer at the beginning and Quentin Bryce today – and Women’s College, as ever, stands at the threshold of its next dynamic challenge.

DR AMANDA BELL, PRINCIPAL

5

25

33 29

1

CONTENTS

1

2

POWER OF PHILANTHROPY

Introduction: Power of Persuasion

Principal Dr Amanda Bell reaches back into history to discover the personal philanthropic support which helped found Women’s College

1

Our Future Leaders

Katrina Dawson Foundation scholarship inaugural recipients Kate Field, Angie Lu and Catherine Priestley profiled

5

Together: The landmark Langley Precinct launch

Former Principal the Hon Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO and Chair of the College Council Ms Julie McKay launch the vision for the next phase of the Women’s College

9

Advancing Women’s Leadership

New Chair of Council Ms Julie McKay sets the agenda for the coming year

13

Profile on Philanthropy

Student, alumna, parent and friend: four recent donors to the Langley Precinct project share their inspiration for giving

17

Powerful support

Acknowledging the philanthropic investment of our donors, July-December 2015

PHOTO: Haline Ly / Whale Design Co

3

LEADERSHIP AND SCHOLARSHIP

HONOURING OUR HERITAGE

19

The Year of Together

29

Food for Thought

2016 Senior Student Lorena Valente shares the aspirations of this year’s House Committee and Students Club

Australian food guru Maggie Beer remembers her time at Women’s College and talks about her new Foundation

21

New Leadership in Academic Care

33

Amplifying our Alumnae

Introducing new Dean of College Natalie Smith and new Dean of Students Samantha Grant

23

Scholarly Socialisation

Alumnae President Tori Edwards reports on the social round for alumnae and introduces the Women’s College Alumnae Award nominees for 2016

The new Women’s College Scholars’ Program considers the topic of what it means to be a scholar. Our first Affiliate scholar Anna Shen profiled

35

Keeping the Vision

25

Corporate Collaborations

Alumna Lilian Kirk reminisces about her time at Women’s College during World War II and gives her thoughts about the new Langley Precinct development

Corporate partnering and the new generation of support for scholarships and internships

37

Together: Our Perennial Principle

27

Lasting Leadership

Alfred Tennyson and the origins of our non-Latin motto

Recognising honours in our community: graduate medal finalists, Australia Day honours and honorary appointments

41

Vale

Former Principal Leonie Star and former mayor of Mosman Patricia Harvey OAM

to College

1

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 32 / ISSUE #1

1

POWER OF PHILANTHROPY

Our future leaders: Katrina Dawson Foundation Scholarship Recipients

C

atherine Priestley, Angie Lu and Kate Field share a very special link. As well as being fellow resident students at Women’s College, they are the inaugural recipients of the Katrina Dawson Foundation Scholarships. The scholarships were established by the Dawson family following donations from many people and organisations to their Foundation, and aim to support students attending the College who display an outstanding capacity for leadership, academic excellence and community engagement.

PHOTO: Haline Ly / Whale Design Co

Catherine, Angie and Kate have already been in the spotlight, having been interviewed and photographed with members of the Dawson family by the The Sydney Morning Herald when their scholarships were announced publicly earlier this year.

In addition to vital financial support and internship opportunities, the Katrina Dawson Foundation scholarships include personalised mentoring for each of the recipients. With several new scholarship holders to be announced annually, it is hoped that Kate, Catherine and Angie will themselves mentor the scholars who attend the College in future years.

OUR FUTURE LEADERS

2

KATE

First-year Bachelor of Architecture and Environments student Kate Field says that meeting the Dawson family this year has been a lovely experience: “They are so interested in what Angie, Catherine and I are doing and they’re so supportive of our goals. It has been wonderful forming a relationship with the family, one which I hope will last for a long time.”

Kate, who grew up in the Upper Hunter region and attended St Joseph’s High School in Aberdeen, says she hopes her architecture degree will lead her to her dream of being a Sustainable Urban Designer. “I can already feel my creative and analytic skills being challenged by the unique work my degree entails,” says Kate. “It is a lot of work, but I love learning so many new and useful skills that will be essential for my future.”

3

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 32 / ISSUE #1

CATHERINE

Priestley is currently in the second year of her combined Bachelor of Engineering/Arts degree.

She entered Women’s College in 2015 after attending Gilgandra High School, graduating with an ATAR of 97.9. While Catherine is enjoying her studies overall, she says her arts subjects are a great offset to the technical aspects of engineering.

Catherine has begun publishing some of her opinion pieces online in The Spectator and the student publication Mon Droit. As she says, “nothing excites me more than having an article published, because so much thought goes into constructing the idea and playing with the language to convey it clearly.”

Catherine’s Katrina Dawson Foundation Scholarship is co-funded by the Macquarie Bank Foundation, and includes an internship at the bank in the penultimate year of her degree.

ANGIE

Aspiring to be a firstrate educator, Angie Lu counts her two chief intellectual passions as mathematics and English.

“Both challenge me to think logically and creatively, but towards different outcomes,” says Angie.

The former school captain of St Clare’s College in Canberra says she is revelling in the experience of living at Women’s: “College has been so eye opening.

The best thing about living here is constantly learning from all the intelligent young women around me.”

I think that part of the success of Women’s College lies in its diversity, and in its ability to cater for people of different types and different backgrounds.”

(KATRINA DAWSON, Senior Student’s Report, Women’s College Journal 1999)

Excerpt of paper given at the Winds of Change International Conference, UTS, July 1998 In a modern context, criticism has been directed at female-only environments, like Women’s, as they are often depicted as cloisters to protect young women from the real world. However, as Linda Wertheimer, an American college graduate and radio host explains: “If by real life one means the opportunity to be downtrodden, I think that taking a temporary pass on that is fine”, especially as it empowered women with the belief that the world could and should be different…

Women’s colleges recognise the unique qualities and needs of female students, but not in a fashion that is discriminatory towards men. It is important to look at Women’s College from the perspective of providing women with the choice of a female-only environment, and the continued popularity of Women’s suggests that women still want this choice.

Women’s College remains a tangible achievement, as hundreds of women have lived there, graduated from the University, and become influential and effective members of the national and international communities. While society has obviously changed for the better, Women’s provides a supportive base for women … the opportunity for women to think freely and for themselves – something which is still integral in women’s lives today.

(KATRINA DAWSON, Women’s College Journal 1999)

PHOTO: Haline Ly / Whale Design Co

OUR FUTURE LEADERS

4

5

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 32 / ISSUE #1

1

POWER OF PHILANTHROPY

TOGETHER:

THE LANGLEY PRECINCT LAUNCH

P

lanning for the new Langley Precinct Project (LPP) is moving swiftly ahead with design documentation by m3architecture ready and the building contract tender almost complete.

The $25 million project is scheduled to begin construction in November 2016 and continue through the 2017 academic year, with no disruption to College occupancy over that time. The project includes a new 2000m 2 research centre, named the Sibyl Centre, with ‘learning lounge’ library, teaching and function spaces,

PHOTO: Haline Ly / Whale Design Co

music practice rooms, architecture/art/engineering project work areas and outdoor terraces, plus a complete renovation of the 45-year-old Langley wing. In addition, the Langley Precinct will undergo a comprehensive upgrade to its environs with the inclusion of a secure garden wall and landscaping to three discrete new private garden spaces. The landmark development will increase existing study and meeting space within the College threefold and offer a premier addition to our summer conference business.

TOGETHER: THE LANGLEY PRECINCT LAUNCH

6

“This institution exists and thrives because generations of people before us have invested in its success.”

On 7 April 2016 the LPP was officially launched by the Hon Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO. Ms Bryce spoke fondly of her time as Principal of College from 1997-2003, and remarked on the vital importance of preserving the College as “a centre of excellence with opportunities for students to reach every aspect of their potential.”

New Chair of the College Council, former Executive Director of UN Women Ms Julie McKay spoke personally about her own philanthropic contribution to the College, and remarked that “this institution exists and thrives because generations of people before us have invested in its success.”

Ms McKay noted that the launch of the LPP marked a “transformational moment” in the history of the College as it moves towards its 125th year.

One hundred guests from the College community attended the launch to lend their support to the project and the capital appeal, which has already reached $500,000 towards its $5 million target. Principal Dr Amanda Bell said she is delighted by the response from the College community so far:

“Parents, students, alumnae and friends of the College have been strongly supportive of the project and they have all expressed great excitement about the design of the new Sibyl Centre in particular. It will be a building of architectural significance, contributing creatively and uniquely to the University campus and the inner city built environment.

The improvements to the Langley Precinct couldn’t have come at a better time, with several other colleges around us also looking to upgrade and enhance facilities over the next few years. Together with Women’s College, the University of Sydney campus colleges will be positioned competitively world-wide.”

Support for our future women is keenly sought and no contribution is ever too small. Donations to the Langley Precinct Project can be made online at www.thewomenscollege.com.au/giving/ or via the donation card in this Magazine.

7

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 32 / ISSUE #1

QUENTIN BRYCE AD CVO

An excerpt from an address at the launch of the Langley Precinct Project, 7 April 2016.

I think it is true to say that every Principal of Women’s College has felt privileged to occupy the office, giving of one’s best. The distinguished reputation of this College is testament to the way it has constantly evolved, to its dynamism, to translating new ideas into practice.

Of course there have been tough times too, reflecting those occurring in our country at the time. But always a clear purpose: a centre of excellence with opportunities for students to reach every aspect of their potential. Guiding, supporting and encouraging in an environment that offers a room of one’s own in true meaning, an aesthetic sensibility and modern facilities to enhance learning, teaching, research.

These have been the drivers of continuous improvement in every aspect of College life, and of infrastructure development – each step involving foresight, planning, hard work, fundraising for the College community...

Without women leading change, future women won’t advance. We know that women need a dedicated home on campus for this to happen. A home with flexibility, gardens, places to be together and apart. This project is about funding a home – their home away from home – where they find both solace and support.

The Bread and Roses as we feminists like to say.

My friends, I commend the ‘Together’ campaign to you for the future of our College, its scholars, their futures – the bonds that bring us together.

PHOTO: Haline Ly / Whale Design Co

TOGETHER: THE LANGLEY PRECINCT LAUNCH

8

9

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 32 / ISSUE #1

1

POWER OF PHILANTHROPY

ADVANCING

Women’s Leadership I

am honoured to have been appointed Chair of Women’s College, an institution that I believe is world class in its offering to young women in Australia. I know that I am following in the footsteps of many dedicated women who have contributed to the legacy of the College over the past 124 years.

I have spent the last decade working to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment across the world and in reflecting on my time as Executive Director at UN Women, what is very clear to me is that there are

PHOTO: Haline Ly / Whale Design Co

two things that are critical to achieving gender equality: education and women having access to leadership and decision making.

Women’s College has set the standard for women’s rights since its inception, requiring even in 1887 that four out of twelve Council members at a minimum would be women, with five being appointed in the very first election. Nearly 50% women on a board remains an enviable outcome for most governing entities in this country.

ADVANCING WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

10

“It will help College attract and support the next generation of female leaders from Australia and around the world”

Last month, we were very excited to launch the ‘Together’ campaign, seeking to raise $5M to support the construction of the new Sibyl Centre and renovation of the whole Langley Precinct. The Sibyl Centre will see Women’s College adopting latest technology, being able to offer flexible spaces for learning and innovation to its students and to the wider public through its conferencing and events programs. It will help College attract and support the next generation of female leaders from Australia and around the world.

This project represents our ability to ensure that our facilities are world class and that we are giving our students and the broader community every opportunity to benefit from the Women’s Advantage. Together with the Hon. Dame Quentin Bryce and Principal, Dr Amanda Bell, over the coming months I will be reaching out to you personally to invite you to contribute to the legacy of Women’s College.

With the end of financial year fast approaching, I encourage you to join me in making a tax deductible donation to the Langley Project and ensure that Women’s College remains strong, viable and relevant in the future.

I look forward to meeting many of you and hearing about your experiences at Women’s College and relaying my passion for advancing women’s leadership.

JULIE MCKAY, CHAIR OF COUNCIL

11 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 32 / ISSUE #1

New Council member David Wakeley and Deputy Chair of Council Lucinda Warren

LEADERSHIP THROUGH

GOVERNANCE I

mmediate past Chair of Council, Camille Blackburn and Council Member, Sarah Sivyer retired from the Council at the March 2016 meeting. Camille was appointed in 2007 and has been a strong supporter and advocate for the College throughout her nine years of service. It was under her leadership that the Council unanimously endorsed the new Langley Precinct Project last year. Camille has left Sydney to join the Central Bank of Ireland in Dublin.

Sarah Sivyer was appointed in 2013 and has stepped down due to time commitments for the future. Council and staff would like to express their thanks to both Camille and Sarah for their contributions and wish them well in their next endeavours, knowing they will remain – as always – deeply supportive of the College.

Thank you to Lucinda Warren and Samantha Gavel who assisted with Chairing meetings and contributing to the Council Executive across the summer.

David Wakeley and Judy Mills (FITZSIMMONS: 1984) have been appointed to the casual vacancies created as a result of the retirement of Camille and Sarah. David is CEO of Autopia and Judy is Executive Manager of HR and Corporate Affairs at Westpac.

Both David and Judy will add unique skills and experience to the College Council.

Under the Women’s College Act 1902, elections are held biennially for half of the Council membership and Council members are elected for a period of four years. More details about the election process, skill sets and experience being sought in potential candidates, eligibility to nominate and eligibility to vote will be forthcoming via email to our stakeholders over the next few months.

ADVANCING WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

12

13 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 32 / ISSUE #1

1

POWER OF PHILANTHROPY

PROFILE ON

Philanthropy The launch of the Langley Precinct Project (LPP) and the ‘Together’ capital campaign has given College the opportunity to reach out to members of its community to share the vision for the next phase of development for the College and its scholars. The generosity of donors to the project so far has been inspiring.

Here we profile four of our donors for whom the LPP has resonated in different ways.

Our gratitude for their philanthropy goes without saying.

At the LPP Launch on 7 April. Clockwise from top left: Quentin Bryce AD CVO and students; 2016 Senior Student Lorena Valente and Gianni Valente; Architect Michael Banney explains the architectural model; 2015 Senior Student Gabrielle Royle (right) and Annabelle Traves; Henrietta Stapleton; Maryam Eghtedari and Cressida Rigney examine the model. PHOTO: Haline Ly / Whale Design Co

PROFILE ON PHILANTHROPY

14

Interior of new Sibyl Centre and Library

Student: Lara Tooby Lara is currently undertaking honours in archaeology with a study on indigenous shell deposits in Ballina.

She was in residence 2013-15.

The LPP is a bold new move with a long term vision.

Langley is in need of a revamp and the proposed design creates a cultural hub for future students. The new building will provide a lovely contrast with the heritage elements of the Main section of the Women’s College – a mix of tradition and innovation. It sends a message of excellence to the rest of the University community.

I like that it’s a bold design. I can see the long term benefits to the standard of the College and I want Women’s to keep its fantastic reputation even though I’m no longer there. Some people don’t see the vision of it yet – they need to think about the long term stability and endurance of College and its values. People have to start to realise that the College needs development and this project embodies a lot of the values that engaged them when they came in the first place.

My mum, my sister and three of my aunties came to Women’s. Mum made friends for life at College and she always encouraged us to give it a go. For me Women’s is a very strong community which nurtures young women while they are studying and growing into adults. It’s a special place.

Parent: Steven Finch Steven is a practicing barrister in Sydney and a former resident of St Andrew’s College. His daughter Sophie is in her second year at Women’s College.

It is easy to forget if you’re not a regular visitor to College that bricks and mortar lie behind the opportunities that College offers. Women’s is in a unique position in terms of what it offers (relative to other colleges on the University of Sydney campus)

15 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 32 / ISSUE #1

and it’s important that this is preserved and enhanced.

It’s been over forty years since the last building was done so it’s a significant project.

What is being developed is not an ostentatious piece of work; it enhances the amenity of Langley, which is looking quite tired, and it links nicely to the historic Main building. The project adds to the current facilities in a well-judged and nicely weighted way. It’s a much more pleasant contrast than what is there now.

There are private garden spaces in what are now public thoroughfares.

It hadn’t occurred to me that Women’s College doesn’t receive any government funding at all and the unique advantages of the College benefit the community as a whole. People who are interested in women’s education and in education generally should do what they can to preserve it. Although you accrue the advantages of a college experience it’s easy to forget that it needs buildings. The LPP is a very interesting way of upgrading a utilitarian structure and makes it a point of interest.

It is time for Women’s to have an upgrade and the scale of the LPP seems very well judged. The College has accrued a substantial amount from prudent budgeting.

It’s up to people who know about and care about the College to step up and fill the gap. Most of us have financial constraints, but the staged option for pledging a donation over a number of years is tax effective, and not outside the reach of most people in the College community. The physical environment of the College is really important, as important as its academic environment.

Women’s has provided Sophie with everything that I hoped it would – every advantage that a women’s only environment provides to women. You can have all the college spirit you like but you also need a pleasant physical environment.

Alumna: Gabrielle Ingate (TRAYNOR) A resident at Women’s College from 1975 to 1979, Gabrielle has owned a dental practice in Mosman for 33 years.

I think the new project looks fabulous and Langley really does need a good going over. I don’t think much has happened to it since I was at College.

What the architects have designed is a sensational new building which adds to Langley as well as making it more secure and enclosed. I think it will benefit the girls enormously.

I hadn’t donated anything to Women’s College previously. I had four boys who all went through St Paul’s College and [husband] Stephen was on the Council there for years, so our family life has revolved around that connection for a long time. Now that they have all finished at St Paul’s I felt it was time to give back to my own College.

So many of my friends are from Women’s College and I still see them almost every week. The friendships and the bonds that you form at College stay with you for the rest of your life.

College Friend: Wendy Carter Wendy spent the past twenty years of her working life in education, in fundraising and administrative roles.

She is now on permanent holiday.

I have a personal commitment to women’s education in Australia. I believe very strongly that education liberates us from the errors of the past and empowers the development of new ideas. With problems like domestic violence on the rise, women’s education becomes an even more significant part of positive social change and it is important for the community to provide as much as it possibly can in resourcing educational institutions to empower and enable young people.

The College gives its graduates an academic and professional edge and it has proven this over a long and successful history. The building represents an emotional connection for me: it will house the lives of the women there and it will benefit hundreds of people every day of the week. I like to think that I’m contributing to an environment where women will feel valued and confident and strong.

I have an unwavering trust in the leadership of the Women’s College. It has had dedicated and visionary leadership over time that has demonstrated an ability to achieve good objectives for the future of the College.

I would like to encourage anyone who is considering how they might effect positive benefit in the lives of young women to contribute to this project.

PROFILE ON PHILANTHROPY

16

Architect’s impression of new Sibyl Centre and Langley Precinct within the Women’s College campus

List of Donors 1 July 2015 to 31 December 2015 Alliance Catering Katherine Archer Leonie Armstrong Marian Baird Bank of America Merrill Lynch Ruth Barry Jeanette Beaumont Amanda Bell Emma Campbell John Copland AO Annabelle Cruikshank Penelope Curry Judith Dazeley Gineke De Haan Paul Donnelly Pamela Donnelly Gwenneth Downes Melanie Drake Andreas Economides Stephanie Edwards Estate of Samantha Sinclair Eureka Benevolent Foundation Anna Farrelly Jill Forrest AM Christina Franklin

Gemac Building Services Katelin Gregg Victoria Harper Anne Henchman Jill Henry Peter Herrmann Theresa Jacques Sonia Karoll KPMG Harold Lawless Sharon Lawman Patricia Lesslie Alison Main Brad Manera Marise McConaghy Janet McCredie AM Mary McGuirk Katherine Miller Robert Milliner Ian & Alison Mills Stephanie Moffitt National Gallery of Victoria Frances Newman Judith Oakley

17 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 32 / ISSUE #1

Susan Overall Hayley Paproth Tamson Pietsch Serena Porges Anna Rennie Reserve Bank of Australia David Roberts Catherine Rothery Elizabeth Sakker Trish Sharp Winston Summerhayes Maddison Summerhayes Sydney University Sport & Fitness Jennifer Thompson Jennifer Tooby Lara Tooby Leo Tutt OAM The Women’s College Students Club UBS AG The University of Sydney Antonia Waddy Westpac Women’s Markets, Inclusion & Diversity Alan & Ethel Wigzell Kristina Wright

1

POWER OF PHILANTHROPY

POWERFUL

SUPPORT A

s a wise Vice Chancellor recently wrote, people give to organisations that solve problems rather than organisations that experience them.

Typically, our donors tell us that they support Women’s College not just because of what it represents, but because of what it has done and continues to do for young women. They also acknowledge the College’s admirable fiscal management over 125 years; Women’s is self-sufficient, receiving no recurrent funding from the government or university.

In the late 1880s, the considerable sum of £5,000 in donations was needed to start the College and today we are seeking another considerable sum: $5M for our new Langley Precinct development, an ambitious project that includes the new Sibyl Centre with a large lecture/ social floor, second library, tutorial rooms, rooftop terrace, music practice facilities and creative arts/ architecture/engineering workspaces. Alongside the new building is a full refurbishment of over 100 rooms in Langley and the revitalisation of secure gardens for student relaxation and recreation.

For Women’s College the power of philanthropic investment is measured by the number of donors who believe in the value of our vision. In comparison to many education institutions, our database is small, but our success with encouraging support is comparatively strong and ever increasing. For us, this increasing engagement throughout our community is heartening.

No donation is ever too small and every contribution is greatly appreciated.

We sincerely thank and acknowledge our frequent and new benefactors over the previous six months. Support for scholarships and the Langley Precinct Project has been characteristically impressive. College especially thanks our donors to the ‘Together’ campaign for Langley, with $500K already secured in donations and pledges towards our $5M target. Donations can be made via the card enclosed with this Magazine edition, or online: https://www.thewomenscollege.com.au/ giving/

POWERFUL SUPPORT

18

STUDENT GOALS FOR 2016 House Committee has identified three main of goals for the year, under our theme ‘Together’:

1. Leadership

2. Philanthropy

3. Environment

To promote leadership opportunities for our Affiliate members

To ensure each event has a donation component

To enhance the College experience through the implementation of new events

The Sibyl Centre will provide our Affiliate (non-resident) members with an excellent space to engage further in College life. House Committee aims to encourage the involvement of Affiliates through the availability of leadership positions, including committee convenorships and especially O-Week leadership, to help strengthen the bonds between current and new Affiliate members.

To strengthen the relationship and communication between House Committee and Resident Assistants This year our new Senior Resident Assistant is attending House Committee meetings as an ex-officio member. This has been an important step forward in facilitating communication between the Student Club leaders and the Resident Assistants who are responsible for pastoral care, as well as providing House Committee with a different perspective when organising events for students.

This year as part of O-Week, House Committee donated surplus funds to the Full Stop Foundation, which focuses on ending domestic violence and sexual assault.

House Committee is committed to ensuring that each event hosted in 2016 has a component set aside for a charity.

To assist in the raising of funds for The Sibyl Centre and Langley Precinct Project House Committee hopes to promote the purchasing of commemorative door plaques to students throughout the year in support of the Capital Appeal.

19 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 32 / ISSUE #1

As always, House Committee aims to be prudent with budgeting for events, and we hope to raise funds through additional activities.

Sponsorship from Ralph’s Café has been secured for 2016—including five complimentary coffees for all Freshers in O-Week.

We are planning more events such as Trivia Nights, Karaoke Nights and Movie Nights to gather the College together socially as often as possible between all our busy study schedules.

House Committee is incredibly excited to implement the above initiatives and we are all working extremely hard to make 2016 the best year yet. So far in the Rosebowl and Palladian Cup competitions we have placed first in solo vocal, second in solo instrumental and dance and third in swimming and rowing.

2

LEADERSHIP AND SCHOLARSHIP

THE YEAR OF

TOGETHER

House Committee executive for 2016 ( from left): Lexi Sennitt (Treasurer), Lorena Valente (Senior Student), Lydia Burt (Secretary)

W

ith the exciting development of the Sibyl Centre due to begin at the end of the year, the Women’s College House Committee has chosen ‘Together’ as its theme for 2016, mirroring the Together capital campaign in an effort to celebrate and promote togetherness and a philanthropic mindset within the College community.

The inaugural Women’s and St Paul’s Colleges’ O-Week Formal was a lovely introduction to College events for our new recruits, with refreshments in the St Paul’s College Quad followed by an outdoor candlelit dinner to make the most of the long summer evening.

International, interstate and regional Freshers (as well as a few locals) had an opportunity to tour our beautiful city and enjoy a picnic in the Botanic

Gardens, complete with a walk to the Opera House, through Circular Quay and over the Harbour Bridge.

Sunday Morning Brunch wrapped up the busy week and gave the Freshers the chance to sample one of our most loved weekly meals at Women’s. Thank you to House Committee, the Resident Assistants and O-Week Leaders for their preparation, cooperation and enthusiasm!

I am truly honoured to represent the Women’s community, and look forward to seeing what more innovative activities 2016 brings for our students.

LORENA VALENTE

Senior Student THE YEAR OF TOGETHER

20

“Getting to know each of the students is very special – particularly when I begin to imagine the exciting path their futures will take.”

21 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 32 / ISSUE #1

2

LEADERSHIP AND SCHOLARSHIP

New Leadership IN ACADEMIC CARE

T

wo new staff members were welcomed to Women’s College just prior to the start of the 2016 academic year.

Natalie Smith has been appointed to the new position of Dean of College, taking up the role at Women’s College after two decades of experience working in secondary schools teaching Japanese and Science.

Most recently her work has been in a senior administrative and planning role focussing on academic guidance, as Dean of Studies and Planning at Brisbane Girls Grammar School.

Natalie has taught across a range of sectors in independent, religious and state schools, in both co-ed and single-sex environments.

The Dean of College has collaborative leadership responsibilities and general oversight of a combination of academic, operational and business-related activities of the College. Natalie is also responsible for the new scholars’ program at Women’s, outlined elsewhere in this edition of the Magazine. Natalie says she is thriving on the new challenges of her role at the College.

“My interest has always been in the academic and personal development of students, both of which are

New Dean of College Natalie Smith (left) and Dean of Students Samantha Grant

integral to the Dean’s position. I am enjoying my many interactions with students on a daily basis.”

Samantha Grant has been appointed to the role of Dean of Students, taking over the position from Susan Overall, who stepped down late last year after being awarded an inaugural Westpac Bicentennial Scholarship to take up her MBA studies at the Australian Graduate School of Management.

Samantha comes to the role with considerable experience working in pastoral and administrative positions in both the secondary and tertiary sectors.

She was formerly Student Welfare and Engagement Officer at the Victoria University’s Sydney campus.

The Dean of Students is resident at College and is responsible for pastoral care as well as managing the Resident Assistant (RA) program, and assists the Student Club with their co-curricular activities.

Samantha says that College felt like home as soon as she arrived in February: “It has been such a treat working with the wonderful RA team and College staff, and getting to know each of the students is very special—particularly when I begin to imagine the exciting path their futures will take.”

NEW LEADERSHIP IN ACADEMIC CARE

22

SCHOLARLY

Socialisation

Affiliate Scholar Anna Shen

23 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 32 / ISSUE #1

2

LEADERSHIP AND SCHOLARSHIP

W

hat is scholarship and what exactly constitutes a scholar? These are two of the fundamental questions being posed by the new Scholars’ Program at Women’s College.

Launched in 2016, the Scholars’ Program has been piloted with forty current scholarship holders at Women’s College and aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop their academic, leadership, professional and personal potential through participation in a variety of targeted activities.

Lead by Dean of College, Natalie Smith, the program has already engaged the scholars in group discussions around topics which unpack the notion of scholarship and research, and the importance of being part of a scholarly community. The students have also had the opportunity of attending the thought-provoking “All About Women” talks at the Opera House for International Women’s Day in March and the 2016 Maybanke Lecture, hosted by the Sydney Community Foundation.

As Natalie explains, “the program seeks to help scholars gain new perspective by being exposed to different speakers and ideas. It challenges them at an intellectual level to think about their own scholarship but also to open their eyes to what is going on in their study areas; what other scholars are doing on campus and globally in their field and how they might be a part of that conversation.” The program also aims to encourage leadership development by keying students in with existing leadership programs in College.

An important philosophy embedded in the Scholars’ Program is the idea of contribution. “Students are asked to acknowledge that someone has invested in them and there’s an expectation that they return that investment in some way: to the community, the College, the university,” explains Natalie.

New Scholarship Profile: Affiliate Scholar Anna Shen Former James Ruse Agricultural High School student Anna Shen has been awarded the inaugural Affiliate Scholarship at Women’s College.

As a non-resident member of the College, Anna remains living at home with her family in Campsie and commutes into University and College almost daily, making the most of the on-campus facilities, access to networks and meals in the College Dining Hall.

Anna says she attends many of the events at College, and is making the most of the College tutorial program.

“When you have a cohort that’s motivated to study and do well you get a lot of support,” she remarks.

“There’s so much diversity at Women’s and the program has made it easier for me to settle into University and to meet people.”

Through the College’s Scholars’ Program, Anna says she has acquired a special support network.

“I have had so many extra opportunities to do things I wouldn’t normally,” she notes.

Anna’s Affiliate Scholarship covers all of her non-resident fees at College, freeing her up to concentrate on her Design in Architecture degree studies. “I want to do something inspirational,” she says. “The built environment is all around us and affects everyone. It is really important to have architecture that is uplifting and sustainable.”

SCHOLARLY SOCIALISATION

24

25 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 32 / ISSUE #1

2

LEADERSHIP AND SCHOLARSHIP

CORPOR ATE

Collaborations P

rofessional internships have become an almost essential feature of a university degree, with many students undertaking several work placements over their summer and winter breaks in an effort to boost their industry experience and to help them better navigate their career options after graduating.

UBS is one of a number of corporate organisations which have partnered with Women’s College to offer a dedicated paid winter internship experience in the investment bank in addition to a generous $10,000 scholarship for two continuing students. Candidates for the scholarship/internship were shortlisted according to UBS’s rigorous recruitment criteria and were interviewed at the bank by a graduate selection panel.

The two scholarships were awarded to Arielle Stone and Tiffany Wu, both in the third year of their combined Commerce Law degrees. “It’s quite rare for business students to intern before their penultimate year, so landing the internship at UBS and the additional financial support towards College fees has been absolutely amazing” says Tiffany. “It will also help with applying for further internships and grad positions.

The interview process was really worthwhile too – it simulated how the major investment banks recruit and it was quite intense but a really valuable experience.”

Both Tiffany and Arielle spent their 2015-16 summer breaks interning in the United States, experiences both

Tiffany Wu takes on Capitol Hill during her Washington internship

agree have set them up well for their forthcoming UBS internships. Arielle was fortunate enough to become the second recipient of the New York internship at PineBridge Investments, created by alumna Cissie Citardi [ABRAHAM: 1993-96]. The exposure to the asset management sector was invaluable, says Arielle: Living and working in New York has always been a dream of mine, and the PineBridge internship was a once in a lifetime opportunity. As part of the experience I had the chance to analyse Investment Management Agreements, attend taxation advisory meetings and work on the firm’s compliance of SEC marketing material requirements.

It was fantastic to be able to apply my two degrees (Commerce [Finance] and Law) throughout the internship and I have learnt so much from Cissie and her team.

Similarly, Tiffany spent her summer interning on Capitol Hill as part of the Washington DC IPP (Industry Placement Program). “Being able to intern at a Congressman’s Office, be immersed in the world’s political powerhouse and generally experience living, studying and travelling in a foreign country was really enriching and maturing,” remarks Tiffany.

The College would like to thank UBS, PineBridge and all our other corporate sponsors for their outstanding ongoing commitment to women’s professional development, and to our students.

CORPORATE COLLABORATIONS

26

27 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 32 / ISSUE #1

2

LEADERSHIP AND SCHOLARSHIP

LASTING

LEADERSHIP I

n November 2015 the Women’s College Council appointed two new Honorary Fellows to the College: Mrs Janet Flint (PHIPPARD: 1953-55) and Dr Paul Donnelly. Janet Flint was Honorary Librarian at College for over twenty years, and is a great supporter of our College and the University. She has served on the Women’s College Union, chaired the Centenary Summer School, edited the College journal and served on the College library advisory committee.

Dr Donnelly’s appointment as Honorary Fellow in Residence acknowledges his many contributions to College life over the past fifteen years he has been a resident, as husband of the Vice Principal. Dr Donnelly has recently taken up the post of Associate Director of the forthcoming Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, named in honour of its principal benefactor.

Two members of our College community were named in the Australia Day Honours in January. Honorary Treasurer of the College Council Mr Leo Tutt was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) “for service to business, and to the community through contributions to charitable organisations.” Alumna, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Professor of Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney Professor Kathryn Refshauge (1972-73) also received an OAM for “service to physiotherapy, and to medical education.”

Five Women’s College students were named as finalists in the University of Sydney Graduate Medals in 2016.

Graduate medals acknowledge academic excellence in addition to outstanding contributions to the University and community.

Current medical student Maryam Eghtedari was a finalist for the convocation medal for outstanding undergraduate achievement, having graduated from her Bachelor of Advanced Science degree as Dux of Women’s College in 2015.

Clockwise from top left: Dr Sakuko Matsui; Maryam Eghtedari; Kate McClymont; Lavinia Chrystal; Leo Tutt OAM

Four Women’s College alumnae were finalists in the following categories: Juliette Burridge (2010-13) for the Edmund Barton Medal for master’s by coursework achievement, Louise Prowse (2003-06; Senior Resident Assistant 2010-13) for the Rita and John Cornforth Medal for PhD achievement, and Dominique Madden (2013-15) and Lavinia Chrystal (2008-11) for the Nigel C Barker Medal for academic and sporting achievement.

An outstanding alpine skier who competed in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games and who has recently completed her Masters of Management degree, Lavinia was awarded the medal in her category.

In May 2016, celebrated The Sydney Morning Herald journalist and Women’s College alumna Kate McClymont (1977-78) was awarded the Australian Press Council Press Freedom Medal for “uncompromising investigative journalism.” Amongst her other honours, Kate has won five Walkley awards “for her courageous journalism, holding governments to account and helping preserve free speech and press freedom.”

Dr Jennifer Davidson (1990-92) has received a Teaching Excellence award from the Australian College for Emergency Medicine. As Director of Emergency Medicine Training at Liverpool Hospital, Jenni has helped reinvigorate its registrar teaching program such that it has become one of the most sought after training placements in Sydney.

Former resident tutor of Women’s College Dr Sakuko Matsui (1961-71) has been awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure in the Spring Imperial Decorations in Japan. Dr Matsui’s award has been conferred in recognition of promoting Japanese language and Japanese studies internationally.

LASTING LEADERSHIP

28

29 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 32 / ISSUE #1

3

HONOURING OUR HERITAGE

Food Thought FOR

Maggie Beer To most of us, Maggie Beer is a much-loved Australian icon and food guru, a regular face in our homes and kitchens through her television cooking series and her beautifully branded, delicious range of food products.

A

little-known fact about Maggie, however, is her brief stint as House Manager at Women’s College in the early 1970s. At the time the College was experiencing financial stress, and Maggie was appointed

in mid-1972 to look for economical ways of planning healthy, nutritious, menus for the students and to oversee the College’s fledgling conference business to boost income in the university vacation periods.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

30

I

n a recent interview Maggie reflected on her time at Women’s College working with Principal Doreen Langley, and talked about her new philanthropic venture, the Maggie Beer Foundation, focussing on the nutrition of older Australians, particularly those in aged care facilities. Although her stint at College was brief—she left in 1973 to move to the Barossa Valley where she subsequently created the food empire which bears her name—her memories of her time at College are strong and fond.

You came to Women’s College in the middle of 1972 at a time that College was in a difficult financial position.

I’m interested in hearing how you came to work at College originally and what you remember most about your time here?

Maggie: I had been working with the US Government as a citizenship law clerk during the Vietnam War. I was intrigued by the position of House Manager because food had always been part of my life, even though I’d never been formally trained.

What was it like working with Doreen Langley?

Maggie: I’d had a great woman boss at the American Consulate and I felt very lucky to have found another one in Doreen. She had a way of making you feel special, and making you enjoy being challenged by her at the same time. She could show you how to improve what you were doing without ever making you feel you’d failed at anything. I loved working with Doreen because she treated me with respect and always considered me on my merits, even in a university environment where degrees were so highly valued.

Doreen and I bonded over a love of food.

We corresponded and met up several times after I left the College. She had a special way with the girls in College and I admired her very much.

What else do you recall about the College and your time here?

Maggie: I loved working on the conferences in the holidays, inspecting all the rooms and getting ready for guests to arrive. I also worked closely with the chef manager to find economic ways of improving the food that was served to the students, without compromising on quality.

The Senior Student at the time was Jane Dix, and I remember what a strong young woman she was and terrific to deal with.

31 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 32 / ISSUE #1

Your Maggie Beer Foundation was launched in 2014 and you’ve been quoted as saying that you feel food is the catalyst for change in aged care. What has the response been like since you’ve started the Foundation?

Maggie: I think it has been the busiest time in my life and the response has been amazing. Many of the staff working in aged care want to do better but they need support, inspiration and different thinking to help them get more joy out of their jobs. Institutional food is not necessary, whether you’re feeding fifty people or five hundred people.

Our greatest success has been our master classes.

Recently we had thirty chefs from all over Victoria from small and large aged care institutions come to the Barossa to learn and share new ideas. They left with such energy and enthusiasm. Those people are changing the lives of those they are looking after. I’m so pleased that we are opening the conversation more broadly and giving people the tools to make real change on so many levels.

In terms of donations to the Foundation, I’m interested in your thoughts on women in the philanthropy space?

There’s a perception that women are not as big “givers” as men. Do you agree with that?

Maggie: No I don’t really. It’s very much about the purpose for which donations are being asked.

A lot has changed about the Colleges at Sydney University since you worked here: most have become co-ed, but Women’s has remained staunchly single sex. Do you have any comments about that?

“In my final year at Women’s College as an undergraduate, I recall well Maggie Beer’s brief time there: Maggie arrived with the fascinating appeal of someone stylish and young who had travelled and explored the world. From the start she was friendly, interested and an engaged member of the College, and I remember feeling quite sad for us all that she would be leaving so soon. As it has turned out, she was leaving to establish her career firmly and pre-eminently in the Australian food scene, and it has been a great pleasure to follow her success. And of course, her wonderfully evocative food writing makes her published books among my favourites.”

JANE DIX

(1970-72, Senior Student 1972)

Maggie: I think it’s wonderful that you’re keen to keep that uniqueness. Single sex is the great strength of the College and you’ll get a stronger group of women staying true to that foundation.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

32

ALUMNAE AWARDS 2016 Alumnae were recognised at the biennial Alumnae Awards Dinner on 23 May 2016. The Alumnae Awards aim to reflect women’s leadership, vision, creativity, innovation and initiative, recognising the achievements and service of alumnae in their professions, community, arts, sport or family life. Awards are given in the following categories: The Women’s College Alumna Award, the Young Alumna Award (aged under 40 years), and the Alumna Community Achievement Award.

2016 Nominees: Mary Assunta Kolandai (2001-08): Mary Assunta is a world-renowned tobacco control advocate with over thirty years’ experience. Mary’s career has focussed primarily on addressing the impact of tobacco in developing nations. As Director of the International Tobacco Control Project at Cancer Council Australia, Mary works to support the development of policy throughout the ASEAN region. (Winner, Alumna Community Achievement Award) Rebecca Barry (2003-06): After five years working in commercial law, Rebecca joined Westpac’s BT Financial Group. She is currently National Manager, Strategic Partnerships, Migrant and Expatriate Banking.

In addition to pro bono legal work Rebecca devotes time to improving conditions for women in the legal profession as an office bearer of a number of NSW law societies.

Karen Canfell (1987-89): Karen Canfell is Director of the Cancer Research Division at the Cancer Council NSW; a Conjoint Professor at the University of NSW Faculty of Medicine and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney. Karen’s extensive research profile includes evaluating new strategies for cancers affecting women, including cervical cancer prevention and breast screening.

Marie Coleman (BURNS: 1950-53): Feminist, community activist, educator, researcher, public servant and journalist, Marie Coleman is a tireless campaigner for the rights of women and families.

The first woman to head a Commonwealth Government statutory agency, her contribution to community activism has been longstanding, sustained, and of national significance.

33 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 32 / ISSUE #1

Elizabeth Elliott (1975-78): Elizabeth Elliott is Professor in Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of Sydney and Consultant Paediatrician at the Sydney Children’s Hospital. She has dedicated her career to improving the health and quality of life of children, including Indigenous and refugee children, through her work in a number of fields, notably fetal alcohol syndrome. (Winner, Alumna Award) Julia Fetherston (2005-08): In her current role as a Project Leader at the Boston Consulting Group, Julia Fetherston is emerging as a leading innovator and an expert in defining how to radically improve public services internationally. Most recently she has been advising the Saudi Arabian government on strategies to increase the presence of women in the work force.

(Winner, Young Alumna Award) Heidi Harrington-Johnson (2004-05): An international model for the past fifteen years, Heidi Harrington-Johnson now resides in New York, where she undertook a masters in journalism and now pursues writing alongside her modelling career, mentoring homeless children and prison inmates in an effort to improve their lives through cultural reportage and fostering creativity.

Kate McCrossin (2001-04): A solicitor at the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency, Kate McCrossin works to improve systemic disadvantage, assisting Indigenous and youth who are the subject of racism and poor public policy. She has dedicated her working life to date to such advocacy, having previously been a solicitor at the Refugee Advice and Casework Service.

Rowena O’Neill (2002-05): A Manager at Macquarie Funds Group specialising in asset management and equity capital markets, Rowena O’Neill has developed her leadership in the not-for-profit sector through her role as National Development Manager, Fitted for Work. Rowena has dedicated her energies, expertise and networks to assisting disadvantaged women to access employment.

3

HONOURING OUR HERITAGE

AMPLIFYING OUR ALUMNAE

T

here has been much to engage the alumnae in recent months, reasons to come together both to mark our own memories of College and to keep up-to-date with the many exciting happenings as the plans for the Langley Precinct Development solidify.

The official launch in April provided an opportunity for many alumnae to visit the College, view the model of the development and hear more about the most ambitious building and renovation project that the College has undertaken in over 40 years. I would encourage alumnae who have not yet explored the plans to visit the College website and consider supporting the College as it prepares to provide the next generation of students with the Women’s College experience.

Alumnae and Friends events have recently been held in Orange and Canberra. These events aim to bring together both alumnae, and members of the local community with an interest in the Women’s College.

These might be local school principals, prospective parents or just those with an interest in the education and development of leadership potential for female scholars. The next event is in Brisbane on 15 June at alumna Edwina Corlette’s gallery, followed by our annual Melbourne gathering on 25 June to coincide with the opening weekend of the Degas winter masterpieces exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria.

In May the biennial College Alumnae Awards provided an opportunity to recognise the significant personal and professional achievements of some of our many talented alumnae.

Alumnae Awards 2015 ( from left): Marie Coleman, Sally Crossing, Mary Assunta, Rowena O’Neill and Elizabeth Elliott

Our warmest congratulations go to Elizabeth Elliot (winner, Alumna Award), Mary Assunta (winner, Alumna Community Achievement Award) and Julia Fetherston (winner, Young Alumna Award).

The nominees presented an impressive array of achievements, making the task of the Selection Committee an unenviable one.

The Alumnae AGM will be held this year at the College on 13 July. Come along to catch up with old friends, enjoy a drink back at College and hear about the past year. Details for how to nominate for the 2016-2017 Alumnae Committee will be on the website ahead of the meeting.

If you can’t make it to the AGM, please consider attending our inaugural Alumnae Formal Dinner at College on 27 August. Certain to be a fixture in the College social calendar from this year, the dinner will coincide with College Open Day and will be sure to deliver a dose of nostalgia for all who attend.

Journalist and media commentator Virginia Haussegger AM is special guest speaker, so gather your College contemporaries, don your academic gown (if you wish and still have it) and get a table together for this special event in the College Dining Hall.

All forthcoming events are up on the website for ease of booking. I look forward to seeing you at a future event.

TORI EDWARDS

Alumnae President

AMPLIFYING OUR ALUMNAE

34

35 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 32 / ISSUE #1

3

HONOURING OUR HERITAGE

Keeping the Vision: LILIAN KIRK REMINISCES Sent via email: Sunday, 3 January 2016 10:08 AM Subject: Langley precinct Good morning!

I have been reading about the Langley precinct and Sibyl Centre in the Spring magazine, and I want to congratulate all who had a hand in its concept.

What a treat is in store for women students in future!

So very different from College in my day, but I am convinced that the heart and aim of the place are the same – to give young women, fresh from school, a breathing space, with friendship and encouragement to evaluate their future, and learn to control those rampaging hormones before they rush them into a union which so often leads to disaster.

My Sydney was different too, because it was at war.

No private cars, so we took the tram in Missenden, then walked the city for hours, trying to find in second-hand book shops the references we needed that were not available new. (And for smokers, to become known at all the little kiosks, so that eventually a packet would be produced from under the counter!) It was a safe city, and we could walk the streets by night or day with confidence – no doubt the “raskals” were in the forces.

There wasn’t even a qualm walking down the dark Blood Alley (is it still called that?) from the tram stop after a late leave.

We took our turns at plane spotting at the University, and at College wrestled with the heavy fire hoses in practice. We were supposed to go up into the ceilings, with their years of deposit of dirt and whatever, but I confess I didn’t do that – I don’t know if anyone did!

Fortunately we didn’t need to.

Our University lecturers were not young men, but they were good, and we did well; writing essays on clattering typewriters or illegibly in longhand. And in College we had [Principal] Camilla Wedgwood – a character I will always remember with affection.

Lilian McCarron on the top floor Main balcony in 1943

And we had fun! Wonderful drama group with the inter-floor plays and University Revue; debating, hops; and evenings spent playing Auction Bridge (a lost art) on the floor of someone’s room.

In my third year I was upstairs at the Maples, with the wonderful Philly Nicol in charge. Those of us who were early risers took our first coffee on to the verandah to study, and watched a pyjamaed fresher at Paul’s stagger out on to the lawn and stand, calling, “Are you awake, Sir?” until there was a sleepy reply from a window above.

The Yanks came and went without making much impression at College; the British Navy came, and its cipher room gave me the opportunity when it was time to obey the stern requirement: “University students may go as far as one degree with Honours, then must leave and do something useful for the war effort”. I would so have liked to go on studying, but after the war circumstances did not allow me to go back to University. My only post-grad. achievement was Associate of the Library Association of Australia (now AILA), a rigorous course of nine subjects over three years. As well as farmer’s wife and mother of two, I was school librarian for 22 years, and ever since have been sub-editor of the shire’s twice-weekly newspaper, which prides itself on maintaining the standard of English expression and spelling of the Queen’s English – the King’s, when it began. And although I am 93 this week, I am still walking my kilometer to work, then filling the rest of the working day with voluntary research at the Donald District Archives, which have the reputation of being better than those of much bigger centres.

I hope whoever reads this has enjoyed a glimpse into College life in the dim past. Long may Women’s endure, changing with changing times, as is right, but keeping the vision of its beginnings.

Kind regards, Lilian Kirk (McCarron, 41-44) KEEPING THE VISION

36

3

HONOURING OUR HERITAGE

TOGETHER: OUR PERENNIAL PRINCIPLE

P

ublished in 1847, Alfred Tennyson’s long poem The Princess debates a conundrum: whether women should be educated in the same manner as men and what such a bold enterprise might mean for the future of marriage, of procreation, and of the exercise of social power. At the time, the predominant view of the sexes was one of “separate spheres” where men and women had their defined roles and social order emanated from their essential difference:

Man for the field and woman for the hearth: Man for the sword and for the needle she: Man with the head and woman with the heart: Man to command and woman to obey; All else confusion.

[The Princess V, 437-41]

In the 1840s women were barred from entering university degrees and their education was, for most, anything but rigorous. In The Princess Tennyson enters the gender debate by envisioning for his readers an intellectual “oasis”—a women’s college in which men take no part, presided over by a princess who shuns marriage in favour of her books. Tennyson’s poem became an inspiration within the movement for the higher education of women, and almost fifty years later the Women’s College motto was taken from a line in the poem which presents a prophecy of future equality between the sexes.

TOGETHER: OUR PERENNIAL PRINCIPLE

38

Although precise documentary evidence is hard to trace, it seems logical to assume that the first Principal Louisa Macdonald had a leading hand in the decision for taking Together as the motto for the Women’s College. By the 1870s women were allowed to take degrees at a small number of English universities and Louisa had undertaken her Bachelor of Arts degree at London University, studying English in addition to maths, Greek and Latin and receiving first class honours and an MA in Classics (Beaumont and Hole 7, 8). Louisa was widely read and active in the establishment of the Women’s Literary Society in Sydney, acting as president from 1894. She was also founding president of the Sydney University Women’s Association (later Union) from 1893, which had reciprocal arrangements with the equivalent association at Melbourne University, the Princess Ida Club (Beaumont and Hole 81). Both women’s institutions drew on Tennyson’s poem as inspiration.

The Women’s College within the University of Sydney was officially opened by the New South Wales’ Governor’s wife Lady Duff on 5 May 1894 (Edwards 12). The motto chosen for the College, Together, appears in a carved sandstone ribbon beneath the College arms on the staircase at the entrance to Main building. Louisa reported that during the opening ceremony, “the flag came off our carved stone with admirable promptitude at the first tug of the string” (qtd in Beaumont and Hole 54).

The Princess:

Prophecy and Promise

Betrothed from the age of seven, the Prince and Princess of Tennyson’s tale reach an age when they are due to marry, but Princess Ida has other ideas: she founds “an University/For maidens” [The Princess I, 149-50] in her father’s summer palace, recruiting young women of similar academic disposition and pursuing a curriculum comparable to that taught to men at Oxford and Cambridge. Her betrothed concocts a plan to infiltrate the college by cross-dressing with two of his friends in an attempt to woo her back from this wayward path. The Prince and his friends don academic robes over borrowed dresses and thus “woman-vested” [The Princess IV, 163] they are introduced to Princess Ida, who makes them sign an oath not to correspond with home or to speak with a man for three years.

The Prince and his friends begin their education, attending lectures given by female professors and admitting that women “do all this as well” as men [The Princess II, 351]. But the trio is eventually exposed when one of the boys gets drunk at a picnic and makes a ribald comment. Princess Ida has the boys expelled from the college and spurns the Prince’s appeals to honour their betrothal. A war ensues between the two kingdoms, and although Ida’s muscular brother Prince Arac is victorious, she capitulates to the betrothal when the Prince is badly wounded. The pair discuss their future together, and the Prince pledges his promise to advance the cause for women, in the lines which furnished the motto for the Women’s College: Henceforth thou hast a helper, me, that know The woman’s curse is man’s: they rise or sink Together, dwarf ’ d or godlike, bond or free…

[VII, 242-44]

39 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 32 / ISSUE #1

The poem carries a strong message that rather than heralding the end of marriage and childrearing, by educating women in total equality with men the sexes will reach a greater level of understanding and their differences will diminish, such that eventually men and women will “Sit side by side, full-summ’d in all their powers” [VII, 270-71]. As one critic has noted, Tennyson’s view of the relationship between the sexes in The Princess was evolutionary, with education playing a key role in the move towards gender equality (Fasick 28).

Together in solidarity In adopting Together as her motto for Women’s College, Louisa Macdonald embraced the evolutionary spirit of the poem, and set the College up as a contemporary institution which consciously positioned itself as part of the evolving gender debate. Women’s was also the only one of the six original residential colleges on the University of Sydney campus which did not adopt a Latin motto.

As the flag came off the stone at the opening ceremony of the Women’s College, Louisa knew she was laying a foundation for women in the future. As she stated in her speech at the opening:

[Women’s colleges] have given back to women students the joys of life as well as of learning, and they have created centres of solidarity, forces that make for union in an age of disintegration. The old ties of society are loosening, perhaps more than others, the traditional bonds of family unity and parental authority.

Surely it is as well that the women of the future should be trained to know what true union means, and to feel the privileges and responsibilities of being members of a corporate body. (Qtd Beaumont and Hole 57)

Louisa knew there was great ahead for women to reach equality with men, and she knew the important role her Women’s College would play in this evolutionary, even revolutionary process. Her choice for the College motto was self-consciously prophetic, and by remaining true to its origins the College continues steadfast on this path today.

An extended version of this article was published in the Women’s College academic journal, Sibyl, Vol 3 2015.

Works Cited Jeanette Beaumont and W. Vere Hole.

Letters from Louisa. Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 1996.

Zeny Edwards. The Women’s College, An Architectural History 1894-2001.

The Women’s College 2001.

Laura Fasick, “The Reform of Women’s Education in Tennyson’s The Princess and Gilbert and Sullivan’s Princess Ida” in Gender and Victorian Reform, ed. Anita Rose. Cambridge Scholars 2009, 26-43.

Alfred Tennyson. The Princess. In Alfred Tennyson: A Critical edition of the Major Works.

Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000.

TOGETHER: OUR PERENNIAL PRINCIPLE

40

3

HONOURING OUR HERITAGE

VALE – LEONIE STAR 1938-2015 WRITER, EDUCATOR AND SCHOLAR

41 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 32 / ISSUE #1

L

eonie Star was an accomplished scholar and writer, a former Principal of the Women’s College within the University of Sydney and author of seven books.

Leonie Rachel Brass was born in London in 1938, scarcely a year before Britain declared war on Germany. She had few memories of the war years apart from the discomfort of wearing her Mickey Mouse gas mask and the extreme cold during winter blackouts, when her mother would take her to the museums in London to escape their frigidly cold home.

When she was ten years old Leonie’s parents decided to emigrate to Australia; they settled in Sydney where Leonie attended Ascham School, graduating dux of her year.

Leonie entered Sydney University in 1955. She studied Arts and was Secretary of the Jewish Students’ Union. In 1958 in the final year of her Arts degree she became engaged to Zol Star, whom she married in 1960. Her daughters Naomi and Adrienne were born in 1961 (deceased 2015) and 1964.

Despite expectations to the contrary for married women with children, Leonie felt compelled to forge a career for herself, saying in later years that: “after two and half years I began feeling disturbed at the idea of staying home all the time.” She began studying the Barristers’ Admission Board exams in 1965, and became a History and English teacher at Kambala school in 1967.

In 1970 the Star family relocated to Canada when Zol was appointed to a lectureship at the University of New Brunswick. Leonie lost no time in advancing her own education and qualifications. She spent her first year in New Brunswick working on her Masters thesis, and in 1974 was awarded her PhD in Elizabethan Theatre History, just days before flying back to Australia. Leonie and Zol had divorced in 1972 and so she returned to Australia a single parent.

On her arrival in Sydney Leonie set about the task of finding work. Quite by chance, she saw an advertisement for the post of Principal of the Women’s College within the University of Sydney. Unfortunately she saw the ad on the very last day that applications were being accepted. She said many times afterwards that she threw together the worst job application she had ever compiled and then legged it across town to hand it in in person and in time. To her very genuine surprise, she was invited to interview with the College Council. To her even greater surprise, she was offered the position.

At the time of her application the College was coming to the end of an era: previous Principal Doreen Langley had presided for seventeen years and it was time for a change.

Leonie felt the pressing need for women to realise their potential, stating in her job application: “Young women students today should, I feel, be made aware of the opportunities which are rightfully theirs, and be guided along such paths as will enable them to compete for challenging and worthwhile professional careers from a position of equality.” Her appointment as the first divorced, Jewish Principal of the Women’s College in its eighty-year history, and the first ever Principal with children, caused something of a stir: The Sydney Morning Herald interviewed

Leonie and photographed her with her daughters on the front steps of the College in 1974. ‘New College Principal for Uni’, the headline proclaimed, and paid close attention to her physical attributes. “Dr Leonie Star, the new Principal, is a slim attractive woman in her thirties, whose two young daughters and three university degrees have kept her remarkably youthful.”

Leonie’s post at Women’s College was a pivotal moment in her career. She embraced the full responsibility of the role, not just the administrative demands of the job, but the well-being and safe-keeping of the two hundred and more students who lived there. She made some significant and lasting changes to the culture of the College: despite its secular founding previous Principals had maintained a Christian grace at dinner; Leonie felt this was absurd and the practice was abolished during her headship. In 1976 she lifted the ban on overnight visitors and from that time onward the students enjoyed complete adult freedom.

Despite the demands of the role, Leonie tutored part time in the English department at Macquarie University from 1975-76, and then returned to law, studying part-time at the University of New South Wales in 1977.

Ill health compelled her to resign her position as Principal in 1980. A diagnosis of Polymyositis and later breast cancer meant that her health was constant bug-bear, but she did not let this hold her back: in 1982 she was admitted as a Solicitor in the Supreme Court of NSW and in 1983 she took the position of editor at the Publisher CCH Australia, setting up the Australian Torts Reporter, the first reporter on an area of the common law. However, her illness progressed and she resigned from full time work in 1985 at the age of 47.

Never daunted, Leonie resolved at this point in her life to embark on an ambitious new project: to write the biography of international legal academic Julius Stone. She began research for his biography in 1986, became academic advisor for the documentary ‘The Riddle of the Dead Seas Scrolls’ on location in Israel in 1987, and became a Visiting Fellow in the History of Ideas Unit, Australian National University in 1988, in order to research Stone’s Papers in the National Library. Julius Stone, an intellectual life was published in 1992 by Oxford University Press and Leonie went on to write six more books including two on the Family Court, a biography of celebrated Sydney obstetrician Meg Mulvey, who had been chair of the Women’s College Council during Leonie’s term as Principal, and a work on the Dead Sea Scrolls. Her last book, England’s ethnic cleansing of the Jews, was published in 2013.

Leonie was a frank and feisty intellectual who was not afraid to defy convention and the limitations of physical health.

She was highly regarded by the students in her care and maintained life-long relationships with many of them. She is survived by her daughter Adrienne and her grandchildren James and Sophia.

ADRIENNE STAR AND TIFFANY DONNELLY

VALE

42

3

HONOURING OUR HERITAGE

VALE – PATRICIA HARVEY OAM (VICKERY 1946-48)

43 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 32 / ISSUE #1

P

atricia Joy Vickery grew up on a wheat and grazing property near Wagga Wagga and attended the one-teacher Harefield public school before boarding at PLC Pymble during the war years. A keen science student, Patricia studied biology at the University of Sydney and lived at Women’s College, entering in 1946. In her first year she made the back pages of The Sun newspaper when she trained for a university women’s rugby union match against male students. The journalist wrote: “Patricia Vickery dashes through the centre and is generally off side.

Her main concern is getting the ball irrespective of rules, and wondering what her family will say if they discover she is playing.”

Patricia married Michael Harvey in 1949. Over the next 20 years, she raised a family and established a garden at her Mosman home that was strongly influenced by her father’s cousin, the renowned camellia expert E. G. Waterhouse. She planted hydrangeas, azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias among angophoras and natural rock formations. Her family, house, garden and never-ending succession of dachshunds provided sanctuary, support and inspiration. She involved herself in a number of children’s charities and spent many family holidays sailing on Sydney Harbour.

Patricia served on many local committees to foster her main interests, the environment and heritage, and her particular concern for water management and improving the water quality of Sydney’s beaches and harbour.

She served as a member of the Coastal Council of NSW, the Sydney Coastal Councils Group (which she led for ten years) and the Beachwatch Committee. She participated in the first Clean Up Sydney Harbour Day in 1989 as site supervisor at Whiting Beach, in Mosman, a role she continued until 2000. She was an active lobbyist for the preservation of Middle Head and Georges Heights, and served as an elected independent member of the Executive of the Local Government Association (1996-2000) and as chairwoman of the Sydney Harbour Catchment Management Board.

Patricia was elected to Mosman Council in 1983, spurred on by issues including the poisoning of many angophoras in her garden and development in Mosman that she believed was inappropriate. She found her forte and revelled in the world of local politics. In 1993, when Mosman Council was celebrating its centenary, Patricia was elected the suburb’s first female mayor. For seven of the more than twenty years she served on council she was either mayor or deputy mayor.

Her service to local government, and to preserving and improving the environment and natural heritage of Mosman and Sydney was acknowledged in 2002, when she was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) and later by a Centenary Medal, as well as an Outstanding Service Award in 2006, from the Local Government Association.

Excerpt from The Sydney Morning Herald obituary (6 Nov 2015) by MELISSA, JOHANNA AND AMANDA HARVEY

VALE

44

THE YEAR OF

TOGETHER

1st Left: Natalie Smith with scholars at the Maybanke lecture in May 1st Centre: Rosebowl netballers Monique Hard (left) and Abbi Wilkinson 1st Right: Eliza Newton, Genevieve Donnelly (RYAN), Rowena O’Neill and Annabel Pope at the LPP Launch • 2nd Left: Grace Frazer scholars ( from left): Linda Nixon, Winnie (Yu-Wen) Hsu, Enda Seyama-Heneghan, Christiana Alexakis 2nd Centre: Fresher Vanessa Myers with her mum Nicole in O-Week 2nd Right: Annabelle Perrignon performing to victory in Palladian Solo Vocal competition • 3rd Left: Charity Cake Auction 3rd Centre: Alumnae Scholarship holder Rachel Roan (centre) with Alumnae Committee members Magdalen Malone and Serena Porges (HOOK) 3rd Right: International Women’s Day drinks: Tiffany Donnelly, Jenny Alison (JOSEPH), Ann Green (BARWICK) and Colleen Carning • 4th Left: Lucy Thawley and Sarah Waterford at Mother Daughter Dinner 4th Centre: Alumnae at the Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards: Suzanne Young, Karen Canfell, Principal Dr Amanda Bell, Camille Blackburn (NEAVE), Sandra McCuaig (GOWRIE-SMITH) and Elizabeth Constable (BLANTON) 4th Right: Senior Students ( from left) Lorena Valente (2016), Gabrielle Royle (2015), Alisha King (2013) and Rebecca Holdt (2014) at the LPP Launch

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE 15 Carillon Avenue University of Sydney NSW 2006 Australia www.thewomenscollege.com.au

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE

OPEN DAY SATURDAY 27 AUGUST 2016 The Women’s College within the University of Sydney is a globally connected, secular residential community of female scholars.

The first to be established in Australia in 1892, the college encompasses bespoke leadership and mentoring programs; small academic tutorials led by our teaching fellows; access to corporate internships and a diverse global alumnae network that is dynamic and actively involved with the College community. The Women’s College is a place which will enhance and strengthen the Sydney University experience, while fostering strong friendships and bridging the transition from academic life to professional careers.