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OUTSTANDING ALUMNAE AWARDS
Genazzano Alumna (1955), Emeritus Professor Mary Hiscock, has been recognised as this year’s Outstanding Alumna for her vast contribution to the field of Law and service to others. With a career spanning over five decades and significant achievements within her field, Mary has spent a life time making a positive contribution to society and inspiring others. Throughout her professional and personal life, Mary Hiscock has been an outstanding role model to many, instilling a strong belief that women can aspire to a career in any discipline.
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As Chair of the Women Lawyers Association in 1969, linked to the National Women’s Council, Mary was involved in the historic national Equal Pay Case in 1969.
Following her schooling at Genazzano, she was awarded the Julia Flynn Prize as the top student in a Victorian Catholic School and went on to complete a Bachelor of Law with honours at the University of Melbourne.
After completing her Doctor of Law with the University of Chicago, she returned to the University of Melbourne in 1963 and commenced as a full time Academic within the Law Faculty.
At 33 she became the Faculty’s first female reader and was recognised as a pioneer of the study of Comparative Asian Law. In 1994, she became Chair of Law at Queensland’s Bond University and was later appointed Associate Dean (Research and Graduate Studies).
She retired in 2002 and was made Emeritus Professor of the Law Faculty.
Mary has always demonstrated a willingness to help others and still teaches students today.
“I love watching my students develop into influential figures in their own communities. Being able to support and mentor post graduate law students is a true pleasure”, she said.
As an expert in international trade and investment, Mary has been influential within government and academic institutions as well as significant international institutions, including the United Nations Commission of International Trade Law.
Mary Hiscock, Outstanding Alumna 2020. College Captains, Lola Crivelli and Ruby Atkin, interviewing Mary at the Virtual Outstanding Alumnae Assembly.
Her dedication to the field of Law has seen her achieve multiple awards and she has authored many journal articles regarding International Comparative and Commercial Law, and Contract Law.
Ms Karen Jebb, Principal at Genazzano FCJ College commented on Mary’s achievements and contributions to the community.
“Congratulations on being this year’s Outstanding Alumna Mary”, Ms Jebb said.
“During such a difficult time, we are so pleased to be able to acknowledge the wonderful contributions you have made and continue to make. You are an inspiration for everyone in our Genazzano community”.
In continuing the wonderful Genazzano tradition, Mary was invited to address the Genazzano students at a virtual Outstanding Alumnae Assembly. Connecting in via Zoom from Queensland, Mary spoke about two significant women after whom two of our Houses are named.
Firstly, Mother Philomena Douglas, who was Mistress of Studies and class Mistress in her final two years. Mother Douglas cleverly leveraged Mary’s reputation as the late Mary Hiscock by making her the late monitor. It was a masterstroke that demonstrated Douglas’ astute insight into her pupils.
The second significant woman she spoke about was Mother Gerda Prytz. When Mary was in Year 12, Mother Gerda taught her Australian History, where Mary became immersed in the subject. She described her as a friend and “one of the five best teachers” throughout her life. She was enthralled in Gerda’s lived experience of our country’s transformation which also inspired her to become spent the day well”. Outstanding Alumnae Awards 2021 Do you know a past student who has made a difference in our community, displayed the Genazzano values of courage and confidence and is an inspiring role model for all young women? Nominations open in June 2021 for the 2021 Outstanding Alumna Award. such an active participant through the legal system.
Mary also spoke fondly about the significant impact her grandmother had on her passionate feelings about social justice and doing what is right no matter what the personal cost. She said that her strong social justice commitment was fostered at Genazzano, especially in Years 11 and 12, where they had weekly sessions discussing many contemporary social justice issues and moral questions of law, politics and religion.
At the end of the assembly Ruby and Lola, College Captains 2020, asked Mary what message would she give to young women today.
“Perseverance and passion. Never do something unless you are passionate about it – don’t do it for money because at the end of the day you must satisfy your own standards. You are the only one who can judge this. It is you that needs to decide whether you have spent the day well”.
Mary will be formally recognised at the 2021 Outstanding Alumnae Awards Evening which will celebrate both the 2020 and 2021 Outstanding Alumnae winners.
To hear Mary’s speech and Q&A with College Captains, Ruby and Lola, please scan the QR code using the camera app on your phone
or iPad.
Save the Date!
Join us to celebrate our 2020 and 2021 Outstanding Alumna Award Recipients. UPDATED DATE Wednesday 25 August 2021. Tuesday 24 August 2021 7.00pm, Genazzano FCJ College.
