4 minute read
Women in Time - Inspiring Alumni
Words by Judy-Ann Quilliam
- Mary Ward 1617
Ms Michelle Brodrick,and Dr Margaret Heffernan OAM, Phd
When Mother Gonzaga Barry founded the first Loreto schools in Australia, she was convinced that “there is no subject of greater, perhaps of as great, importance to a nation as that of its women’s education.” Commencing in Ballarat in 1875, the Sisters
offered girls an education in the vision and spirit of Mary Ward that would guide them to become “seekers of truth and doers of justice."
Almost 150 years later, the inaugural inductees of the Loreto Ballarat Women in Time – Inspiring Alumni, in recognition of our founders’ vision, were presented at the 2021 International Women’s Day Breakfast.
Women in Time – Inspiring Alumni is a natural fit with the College’s annual International Women’s Day Breakfast where social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women are celebrated and gender parity called to action. The recognition celebrates the outstanding exemplars of the founder of the Loreto Institute, Mary Ward’s vision that “women in time to come will do much,” women “ apt for all good works,” or who “do ordinary things well.”
Induction formally recognises alumni in a diverse range of fields and areas of endeavour whose service goes above and beyond what could be reasonably expected, has made a significant contribution to Loreto College, regional, state, national or global community, and who will inspire current and future students.
Inductees each year will be an assembly of models of Loreto Ballarat women who, in the spirit of Mary Ward and the Loreto Mission, have in their time “come to do much,” and recognition encourages aspirations and ideals of the highest community standards and values.
Following and extensive nomination and selection process, the inaugural inductees for 2021 are Professor Michelle McIntosh (Class of 1991) - STEAM and Innovation Excellence, Dr Margaret Heffernan OAM, PhD (Class of 1970) - Academic Excellence, Ms Jane Hill (Class of 1981) - Community Service Leadership and Dr Ebony Monson (Class of 2010) - Young Achiever and Entrepreneur.
Professor Michelle McIntosh
Professor Michelle McIntosh is a pharmaceutical scientist with an international reputation in the fields of pulmonary delivery and global health. Her research is aimed at improving drug delivery systems with an emphasis on translational research projects aiming to improve patient healthcare outcomes; specifically, the development of inhaled delivery of oxytocin, designed to prevent unnecessary deaths in the developing world due excessive blood loss in childbirth.
Above: Professor Michelle McIntosh
Dr Margaret Heffernan
Dr Margaret Heffernan OAM, PhD has established herself nationally and internationally through her spotlight on reducing the public health disparities that vulnerable First Nations and migrant women experience. Margaret’s sustained success as an activist, has led to building respectful reciprocal relationships with diverse communities. Her acknowledged role as a strong and independent advocate, mentor, educator, author and academic researcher ensures she engages with and influences policy makers to reduce women’s health inequalities across Australia.
Above: Dr Margaret Heffernan OAM, PhD
Jane Hill
A champion for women’s health and change-maker, Jane Hill is making a significant positive impact on people’s lives both in Australia and internationally. Jane is determined to change the ovarian cancer story, like those who have changed the story of breast cancer. Jane is currently CEO of Ovarian Cancer Australia and works to shape national health policy to increase cancer survival rates and the quality of life of cancer patients.
Above: Jane Hill
Dr Ebony Monson
Dr Ebony Monson, PhD is a young scientist who has become an expert in virology. Over the past 10 years Ebony has completed a Bachelor and First-Class Honours degree and a PhD in the field of virology with a focus on immune responses to viruses by cells; uncovering novel mechanisms by which our bodies respond to viral infections which she hopes will contribute to new antiviral treatments. Her research has been internationally acknowledged and published in multiple international journals and now she encourages and inspires the next generation of young scientists.
Above: Dr Ebony Monson
The inductees will now be featured in a range of promotional publications and a growing visual display at the College. The College plans to induct between one to four nominees each year in one of eight categories including Religious and Social Justice Leadership, Community Service & Leadership, Academic and Professional Excellence, Sporting Excellence, Arts and Cultural Excellence, STEAM and Innovation Excellence, Young Achiever and Entrepreneur and Verity Award. All Loreto community members are encouraged to nominate future inductees via the College website. Once nominated, nominees can be considered for future years.
