Sancta Magazine August 2017

SANCTA

SANCTA

SOPHIA COLLEGE Wa lk in Wi sd om

AUGUST 2017

FOCUSING ON ACADEMIC SUCCESS

CONTENTS 2017 Academic Dinner

6

Academic Events

8

Social Justice

18

A Little Bit of Culture

20

News from the Archives

29

ON THE COVER

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Front: Some of Sancta’s PhD students (back row) Paul King, Lloyd Windrim, Julian Fares, Aime Saba (front row) Michelle Tan, Marguerite Biasatti

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Acknowledgements Editor Michele Dunn, Marketing and Development Manager The editor would like to thank Elizabeth Burns, Maryanne Pidcock and Dr Marie Leech for their assistance with this publication.

Photography Many thanks to Nicholas Chu, House of Cameo, Eloise Robertson and Lindsay Liu. www.sanctasophiacollege.edu.au

Contact Us Sancta Sophia College 8 Missenden Road Camperdown NSW 2050

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Main Office Hours Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm Fundraising and Alumni Enquiries Michele Dunn Phone 02 9577 2347 Email marketingdevelopment@sancta.edu.au General Enquiries From within Australia Phone 02 9577 2100 Fax 02 9577 2388 International Phone +61 2 9577 2100 Fax +61 2 9577 2388 Email secretary@sancta.edu.au

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We are always keen to hear what our alumni and friends are doing, so please let us know any career achievements and highlights, births, marriages, engagements or other news.

Enquiries and submissions alumni@sancta.usyd.edu.au Join our Facebook or LinkedIn pages, or follow us on Twitter

Disclaimer: The editor has compiled SANCTA from various sources.

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the information published is accurate, the editor cannot accept responsibility for inaccuracies in the content or authenticity of that information.

ALUMNI EVENTS 21 September Wisdom Forum, Tolerance/ Diversity/Spirituality 3 November Sr Mary Shanahan 90th Birthday Cocktail Event 12 November Memorial Mass

From the

PRINCIPAL

The advantage of these many and varied activities is that they allow participation at many different levels and in different areas to the traditional highly competitive sport and cultural competitions.

Sancta continues to thrive with our undergraduates and postgraduates participating in the many enriching activities we offer at College – academic, cultural, social, spiritual, sporting. In addition to the traditional Rosebowl and Palladian events, we have branched out in multiple directions to include Intramural Sports and Arts events with other student accommodation centres at the University of Sydney; our Postgraduate men have participated in Rawson; and our student leaders have developed a wide range of our own College programs – talks by Sancta students, Social Justice panels, Book Clubs, Sancta Sketches… The advantage of these many and varied activities is that they allow participation at many different levels and in different areas to the traditional highly competitive sport and cultural competitions.

Layered on this busy schedule, staff and students have been working on a number of major projects, one of these being the Broderick Cultural Review.

The Broderick team provided an interim presentation to the Sancta Council in May. Liz Broderick informed the Council that she had addressed the students at a Formal Dinner prior to the process commencing; that her team were at the data gathering stage and had conducted 7 discussion forums with about 63 students to gather their observations; they had held a few one-on-one discussions; and they had spoken to the intercol group and planned to speak to some Sancta alumni. A survey had been issued which was designed to further interrogate issues that came out of the discussions with the groups.

The team has since requested further information regarding the demographics of the College community; information about the training of College Resident Assistants and staff; and information about the College’s complaints handling processes.

Ms Broderick indicated they had received very good cooperation from the Sancta students who were keen to have their voices heard and they provided open, honest and thoughtful observations. She noted a deep loyalty to Sancta and to each other. At the conclusion of the process, Liz and her team will provide an overall thematic report to the University and individual reports to each College.

Another major project – an extremely important one for the Sancta community – is the recruitment of a new Principal for the College. This project is being handled by the College Council. A sub-committee of the Council has been formed; a recruitment consultant has been engaged; the role has been advertised; and interviews have been carried out. The Council hopes to make an announcement before the end of August.

Our third major project this year involves a major upgrade of our fire safety and security measures. This is a two-part project: the first part occurred during the July break when new fire hydrants and new electrical wiring were installed.

The second part of the project will occur during the summer break when a sprinkler system will be installed in the main College building. Fortunately, we now have our Graduate House so can accommodate students during the period while our main building is undergoing this major work.

As you can see, a busy but endlessly rewarding schedule for students and staff.

Dr Marie Leech

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Chair of

COUNCIL

During the year I have been at the College attending various functions including the Commencement celebration, the Archbishop’s Mass and Dinner, the Academic Dinner and numerous scholarship functions; and somehow during each evening I always end up, at some time or other, spending time in our lovely Quadrangle.

Walking into the Quad brings a smile on my face. It is always beautifully presented and has a great feel to it. It is one of the College’s great treasures. Many of our guests comment about its presentation.

As a resident I often used to study in this space, but I think I appreciate it even more now. More often than not it is the meeting place for students and staff with lunches and dinners being held there. The place is very welcoming and makes you feel safe and part of something special.

Walking into the Quad brings a smile on my face. It is always beautifully presented and has a great feel to it.

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It is so pleasing that undergraduates and postgraduates from all around the world are living as one community at the College. My sincere thanks to the Principal, Vice-Principal, the Executive staff, House Committee and the Senior Common Room for their efforts to make the integration of all our students at Sancta such a success. And yes, our Quad is big enough to hold them all.

So the next time you are at the College, take some time out and enjoy the Quad, you never know who you might meet On a more sombre note, no doubt most of you would have read in any one of a number of media outlets about the University of Sydney asking former sex discrimination commissioner Ms Elizabeth Broderick AO to work with all the University’s residential colleges to set in motion a process of cultural change within the Colleges following the reported unacceptable behaviour of some students. This was welcomed whole heartedly by Sancta and 2017 has seen surveys, discussion groups, both large and small, engaging with Ms Broderick and her team as part of that process.

Best regards.

Cathleen Crossley

Student DEMOGRAPHICS Sancta’s students come from far and wide and study an enormous range of courses.

2017 Undergraduate demographics* Number of residents per country Australia 158 Canada 1 China 5 Fiji 1 Hong Kong 3 South Korea 2 New Zealand 10 Singapore 4 Taiwan 2 Thailand 1 United Arab Emirates 1 United Kingdom 1 United States of America 3 Grand Total

Domestic residents by state NSW 140 QLD 6 ACT 4 VIC 3 WA 3 SA 1 TAS 1 Grand Total

NSW (88%) QLD (4%) ACT (2%) WA (2%)

190

Top Courses Studied B Arts B Medical Science B Science B Nursing B International and Global Studies B Commerce

17 10 10 10 8 8

158

VIC (2%) TAS (1%) SA (1%)

B Education (Secondary: Humanities & Social Sciences) / B Arts B Engineering B Liberal Arts and Science B Applied Science (Exercise and Sport Science)

5 5 5

B Laws / B Commerce B Business B Arts / B Science B Arts / B Laws

4 4 4 4

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* Sancta’s undergraduate students are enrolled in 60 other courses.

2017 Postgraduate demographics* Number of residents per country Australia 54 Canada 13 China 3 France 2 Hong Kong 2 India 3 Japan 1 Lebanon 1 Malaysia 2 New Zealand 4 Pakistan 1 United Kingdom 1 United States of America 4 Grand Total

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Top Courses Studied D Medicine D Dental Medicine Juris Doctor

34 10 9

* Based on Semester 1 student data

Domestic residents by state VIC 22 NSW 15 QLD 8 WA 6 ACT 2 TAS 1 Grand Total

VIC (41%) NSW (28%) QLD (15%)

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WA (11%) ACT (3%) TAS (2%)

M Commerce 7 PhD 6

D Veterinary Medicine M Professional Accounting

2 2

* Sancta’s postgraduate students are enrolled in 20 other courses.

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The Year of the Goose: Participation, celebration and #integration At the beginning of 2017, House Committee and the Senior Common Room together established a purpose for Sancta – “To build a strong, authentic and passionate community where people feel like they belong and are at home. Individuals feel a sense of belonging and responsibility towards others and the College.”

With the efforts of both students and staff this year, I think we would all say that Sancta has become a home for so many. At the beginning of the year, we welcomed our largest ever year group of 99 Freshers. When almost half of them trialled for netball, we knew we were in for a year of enthusiasm and involvement.

From the

SENIOR STUDENT To build a strong, authentic and passionate community where people feel like they belong and are at home.

Individuals feel a sense of belonging and responsibility towards others and the College.

And what a year it has been so far. It is safe to say that #integration is no longer a buzzword, it is a reality. 2017 has truly proven that we are two buildings but one college. We see this in Intercol Sport, Palladian and Intramural competitions.

But mainly we see it in the friendships we have formed and our achievements as one community.

The phrase ‘The Year of the Goose’ gets thrown around a lot but you can truly see that this year is Sancta’s year.

Just look at the successes we have had in Intramural, taking out first place in Improv-A-Ganza, Dance and Poetry Slam. We took out second place in both Palladian Oration and Drama and have been a strong force in all other cultural areas.

In sport in Semester 1, we made history with the first male postgraduates ever to compete in rowing. Our mixed boat of four postgrad males and four undergrad females beat Wesley and our first-time cox (me) only crashed into about five buoys. I am incredibly proud of the efforts of all Sancta sporting teams and the hours of training and the determined and enthusiastic attitude is so evident.

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We have also made our mark on Intramural sport, with the female basketball and futsal teams reaching the final and the male futsal team making the semi-final. With our continued success in Intramural, it is only fitting that we introduced the new position of Intramural Secretaries. Both Clarissa Becker and Katelyn O’Reilly are doing a fantastic job and demonstrate the important role Intramural plays in college life.

Our semi-formal was yet another success, with tickets completely selling out! This is a great feat and I would like to acknowledge the fantastic efforts of Social Secretary Janice Muller and Semiformal Secretary Jessica Worne.

It is more than just our achievements that make it ‘Sancta’s year’. There is something truly unique about Sancta that is hard to describe. You see it in the buzz in the Dining Hall when you stay DTC (Dinner ‘Til Close), you hear it when the women and men in red and white cheer ‘oh when the reds’ and you feel it when you know you can talk to your Sancta family about anything.

As we undergo the Broderick Review, now is a time to reflect on what we love here and to continue to respond and critique to ensure Sancta is the best home it can be to all.

One thing I always talk about is the spirit of the College. I look forward to another great Semester in our red and white, where through our participation, celebration and #integration, we live out the Sancta Spirit.

Isabella Barrett Senior Student 2017

It’s been a year of firsts for Sancta

From the

SENIOR COMMON ROOM History was made with Sancta taking home first place in this inaugural event.

Winter is here. There is a chill in the air and getting out of bed is all the more difficult. As I wander around the College rugged up in my fresh Sancta jersey I see heads buried into books in the library and on the rooftop. For students, the changeover into Winter means one thing. Exams. For the Senior Common Room, it also presents an opportunity to reflect on the year so far. It’s remarkable to think that we are already into the second half of the year. As clichéd as it is, where has this time gone? Part of the reason why 2017 has flown by is due to the constant hub of activity around the College. We have seen Sancta continue to be a part of the Rosebowl and Rawson competitions as well as Palladian. But there have been a number of new additions to the Sancta calendar this year.

For the first time during O-week we held a united postgraduate and undergraduate party. The evening began with our very own version of the Olympics. Teams were a mix of postgrads and undergrads with a series of fun activities ensuing.

We ate dinner together in the Dining Hall before heading out into the Quad and dancing the night away. Feedback from the undergraduate community is that the freshers really enjoyed getting to know their senior college members. Soon to follow was the first ever Intramural Cultural event, Improv-A-Ganza. History was made with Sancta taking first place in this inaugural event. Sancta has taken out first place in all but one of the Intramural Cultural events this year and we are looking forward to celebrating these victories in the coming months.

It is not just in the Intramural Cultural competition where Sancta is making its mark. The Intramural Sports Competition is now into its second year with Sancta fielding teams in both the futsal and basketball competitions with teams making the finals in both events. The involvement of postgraduate students in 2017 has been remarkable. Last year there was no Sancta basketball team; but in 2017, not only did we field a side, but we had plenty more on the sidelines.

This enthusiasm has fed its way across all aspects of college life. In the Palladian Solo Instrumental all three chosen performers were postgraduate students.

Another first. At Rosebowl and Rawson Rowing the team coach was one of our very own postgraduates and, for the first, time Sancta had male rowers participating in the mixed event. Not only did we compete, but we also finished ahead of Wesley.

As a Committee, the Senior Common Room has been blown away by the eagerness of the postgraduate student body to be involved, as well as the commitment by the undergraduate House Committee to this year’s theme of #integration. This has been demonstrated throughout the year by their assistance across all areas of college life. Recently the SCR and House Committee held a joint meeting to discuss the positives and negatives surrounding the newly introduced concept of cross talk between the two student bodies. Both committees look forward to the rest of the year with great anticipation and to building on the great platform we have already established.

Fingers crossed for many more “firsts” this year.

Martin Day President Senior Common Room 2017

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2017 ACADEMIC DINNER Each year the College recognises academic excellence at the Academic/ Chancellor’s Dinner. It is an auspicious annual event at which the College community recognises the academic excellence of College scholars of high achievement and a number of prizes are awarded.

The annual dinner was held in May and 2016 Academic Prize winners and 2017 Scholars were formally honoured. The Chancellor of the University of Sydney, Belinda Hutchinson, AM spoke of the changing nature of work as a result of the rise of artificial intelligence.

Particular congratulations to the following students on their achievements in 2016: Amanda Yung (BSc (Adv)/MD) >> Academic Merit Prize >> Dean’s List of Excellence in Academic Performance, Faculty of Science >> 12 High Distinctions >> Principal’s Award

Cindy Chang (BPsych) >> Academic Merit Prize >> Dean’s List of Excellence in Academic Performance, Faculty of Science >> 7 High Distinctions >> Principal’s Award Jacqueline Krynda (BA/LLB(Media&Comm)) >> Academic Merit Scholarship >> Australia-Korea Foundation Fellowship >> Australian Press Council Award for Media, Law and Ethics >> Department of History Prize for an Outstanding Essay in the Area of Social Justice/Social Inclusion >> Minter Ellison Prize for Most Distinguished Student Entering Fourth Year Combined Law >> 6 High Distinctions Aili Langford (BPharm) >> Dean’s List of Excellence in Academic Performance, Faculty of Pharmacy >> 6 High Distinctions

Amanda Yung with Dr Marie Leech and Chancellor Belinda Hutchinson

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Cristina Lucas (BSc/MN) >> Academic Merit Prize >> 3 High Distinctions >> Principal’s Award Drew Trahms (MPolEc) >> The Jo. Martins Prize in Political Economy, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences >> 3 High Distinctions Ethnie Xu (BDesArch) >> Dean’s List of Excellence in Academic Performance, Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning >> 2 High Distinctions Paul King (BSc (Adv)(Hons)) >> Honours Class I, Bachelor of Science (Advanced)(Honours) >> Excellence and Participation Scholarship from Sancta Sophia College for 2017 Anthony Yammine (BSc (Adv)(Hons)) >> Honours Class I, Bachelor of Science (Advanced)(Honours)

Dr Marie Leech with alumnae, Pam Suttor and Therese Catanzariti and scholars

Professor Trevor Hambly with alumna Jeanne Hamman, Maraia Pickering and Amanda Yung

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The Dentistry event

Professor Valenzuela (centre) with Dr Marie Leech, students and alumna, Nicole Newsome (far right) at the Vet Event.

Ed Santow at the Law Event

Academic EVENTS Each year students take on the role of Academic Mentors for their faculties. They are expected to have an active role in the academic community of the College offering support for students in the same discipline. A key aspect of the role is to coordinate and host academic functions to connect students with academics, alumni and the wider community to extend their perspectives on their studies, and opportunities that may be available to them as well as to foster mentoring.

Semester 1 saw a wide range of academic events from intimate dinners, to trivia nights, a panel discussion on the rise of Donald Trump.

Professor Michael Valenzuela was the guest at the Vet event. Ed Santow, the Human Rights Commissioner, spoke to the law students on marriage equality, the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT), Indigenous land rights, his work with the Commission and offered some general career advice.

Education and Social Work Academic Event The Education and Social Work Academic Event topic focussed on behaviour and classroom management and was designed to give tips and insight to pre-service teachers who will soon be embarking on practicums. Two academics and one alumna joined 8 students for the event.

Our main speakers were Dr Cath Laws from the Australian Catholic University and Dr Kate Winchester from Notre Dame. We also were joined by alumna Janet Hunter (FR ‘79) who is the Head of Mathematics at Ascham. Cath is an expert on behaviour management and has worked in many specialist behaviour schools, and Kate’s PhD research has been on student engagement; if students are properly engaged in their work there is no need for behaviour management. Both academics worked together to present to the students. Kate said one thing that really stood out for me: “Students should be in-task not on-task”.

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‘I thought the event was amazing; having experts in the field of behavioural management provided so much insight into how my career will look no matter what type of school I end up in. I loved how the speakers positioned students with behavioural problems as equal to others, and stressed how they have just as much potential for greatness, which contrasts with the normative culture that naughty students are perpetually naughty.’

- Felicity Galbraith, 1st year Bachelor of Primary Education

‘Personally, I’m glad to see common pedagogical practice/approaches in all level of education.’

- Polly Pattar, Masters of Education (Early Childhood)

Charlotte Askew 3rd year Bachelor of Education Academic Mentor

Professor Gordian Fulde Shares his Wisdom The Sancta Medicine and Medical Science academic event was a cocktail event with the topic being: Med Talks: Behind the Lockouts, an evening with the Senior Australian for 2016 and Head of Emergency at St Vincent’s Hospital, Professor Gordian Fulde. The evening was attended by academics including the Dean of Medicine at Sydney University, Professor Arthur Conigrove and Sancta alumni as well as a large group of students from the College.

The Academic Mentors’ hopes for the evening were two-fold: to inform students about the lockout laws and to create networks between both academics and students and amongst students of both faculties. This integration allowed medical science students to form early connections with academics they are likely to encounter throughout their degree and to build support networks with postgraduate students currently studying medicine.

From my perspective, these goals were certainly achieved. The event structure provided plenty of opportunity

Current students and alumni with Professor Arthur Conigrove

for networking. Professor Fulde’s outstanding work in the field of medicine meant that he inspired our students and gave then great insight into worklife balance in medicine. With the rising suicide rates amongst medical professionals, this was an area of high interest. Professor Fulde emphasised the importance of having a hobby outside of medicine and spoke of his techniques to cope with work related stress and managing a family. Following on from this, we all wondered how to find time for all these activities. Professor Fulde responded that time management is

key and that it’s important to make time for those activities or people, if they are important to you. Professor Fulde provided insight into the lockout laws, the reasons behind their implementation and the associated benefits to the health care system. When Professor Fulde was talking to students following his presentation, it became clear that he had made a real impact on their thinking.

I found the event both educational and very interesting, with a relaxed and humorous atmosphere.

Mekhala Anjaria Academic Mentor, Medical Science

Katie Wales with Professor Gordian Fulde

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ARCHBISHOP’S MASS We were honoured to have the Archbishop of Sydney, Most Reverend Anthony Fisher OP, the Official Visitor of the College, celebrate Mass and address the students at dinner in April. This is an important event on the calendar each year at the College.

The Archbishop with the Principal, Council members, staff, invited guests, alumni and students

FORMAL Dinners Formal Dinners offer much more than an opportunity for the entire College to come together over a meal, they provide the forum for students to be informed, challenged and inspired by invited speakers.

Speaker Secretary, Lucinda Spence, organised a host of illustrious speakers for the Formal Dinner program in Semester 1. Guests included:

>> Professor Chris Semsarian, internationally renowned cardiologist and scientist studying genetic heart disease and sudden death and the management of individuals and families with or at risk of inherited cardiac disorders. >> Lindy Lee, one of Australia’s foremost contemporary artists, with

a career spanning three decades in Australia and internationally.

Her work is included in numerous major public and private collections throughout Australia, including Art Gallery of South Australia, Art Gallery of New South Wales, National Gallery of Australia and The University of Melbourne.

>> Professor Ian Hickie, AM is a psychiatrist and prominent mental health campaigner. >> Genevieve Clay-Smith, an awardwinning writer and director and 2015 NSW Young Australian of the Year and winner of the 2014 100 Women of Influence Young Leader Award. >> Nathan Basha, a social entrepreneur pushing boundaries on disability issues.

Behzad Memarzadeh, alumna Marea Donovan with Guest Speaker Lindy Lee, Senior Tutor Aime Saba and David Donovan

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COMMENCEMENT DINNER With 99 freshers and 52 postgrads starting at Sancta in early March, the Commencement Dinner was a stand up cocktail style function, attended by the College students, together with family and friends of the commencing students.

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My First SEMESTER Charlotte Target

Where are you from? I was born and raised in Hong Kong, but my parents are American and British.

What are you studying? I am currently studying a Bachelor of International and Global Studies at University of Sydney, majoring in International Business and Political Economy.

What school did you go to? I went to Chinese International School and graduated in 2016.

What were your first impressions of Sancta? To me, Sancta gives off an immediately tangible vibe of being welcoming and loving, much more so than the other colleges. There is a family here that readily embraces everyone who comes through these doors.

What are you involved in here? Sancta is the only college that participates in the Intramural events at the University of Sydney and I took advantage of that opportunity to start a theatre sports club that I run once a week at Sancta.

What’s been the best part of being here so far? As an international student, it’s having a place to call home. There’s a low-pressure, comfortable and comforting environment unique to Sancta that makes it a great place to come back to at the end of the day.

How would you sum up your first semester? It’s been a lot of adjustment, but I’ve had loads of fun and some great experiences that Sancta helped me find.

Has living at Sancta lived up to your expectations? It’s definitely exceeded my expectations. Sancta is where I’ve made some of the best friends of my life.

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Gabrielle Vella

Where are you from? Tamworth, NSW What are you studying and at what uni? I am studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Socio Legal Studies and a Bachelor of Social Work at University of Sydney What school did you go to? McCarthy Catholic College Tamworth What were your first impressions of Sancta? It was so homey. Being from the country (and very terrified to leave home and move over five hours away) an enormous weight was taken off my shoulders when I came to see how welcoming the College was and how much it already felt like home.

What are you involved in here? I am involved within a lot of the cultural side of the College. I was in the winning Drama ‘Improv’ (theatre sports) team. I auditioned for Solo Vocal and Solo Drama. I am in the choir. I have performed at varying events within the college: Formal Dinner, Schools coming to Sancta, Lights on the Lawn and Sancta Under the Stars. I also enjoy going to watch all the competitions our college is involved in, and seeing the immense college spirit.

What’s been the best part of being here so far? It has made moving away from home so much easier. I never feel alone, as I have so many people here that I can go to with anything and be given support. I also love the fancy formal dinners, and listening to incredibly inspiring people – they motivate me to work harder and to achieve things that people don’t expect.

Lucy Goodrick

Where are you from? Claremont, Perth, Western Australia.

What are you studying? I am studying a Bachelor of Arts–majoring in Sociolegal studies and Australian politics, at University of Sydney.

What school did you go to?

St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls.

What are you involved in here? Palladian Dance, Palladian Solo Vocal competition, I’ve sung at a Formal Dinner performance and was also part of a High School Musical rendition for Sancta Under the Stars. I was in the Intercol Musical ‘25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ in June.

How would you sum up your first semester? My first semester has been more than I ever anticipated, the College experience truly compliments my academic studies nicely. I have met so many different people and have also formed some great friendships.

Has living at Sancta lived up to your expectations? Living at Sancta has greatly exceeded my expectations.

Before coming to college, I wasn’t sure what to expect; I am now surprised how comfortable and at home I feel. It is great to know that you have a college family who has your best interests at heart.

Lucy Edwards

Where are you from? Wellington, NSW. What are you studying? Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science at University of Sydney.

What school did you go to? Kincoppal Rose Bay. How did you come to be interested in living at Sancta? When I came for a tour I could feel a strong sense of community, it had such a friendly atmosphere. I had heard this from previous students and it has certainly proved to be true now that I am living here. I think the

Madigan Aranda

Where are you from? Willeton, Perth, WA. What are you studying? I am studying a Bachelor of Medical Science at University of Sydney and hope to further use my degree for Postgraduate study in future years to come.

What school did you go to? Santa Maria College, Perth What were your first impressions of Sancta? My first impressions of Sancta Sophia were so wonderful. I was genuinely shocked at how quickly I felt at home, especially considering how far away I was from everything that I was so familiar with. I knew it was natural for

fact Sancta accepts students from a range of campuses brings a vibrant and unique culture to the College. It’s a great experience for me to be able to mix with a variety of students who have different interests, disciplines and backgrounds.

What are you involved in here? Sports mostly: rowing, swimming, hockey and soccer so far. I have found that sport is a great way to quickly get to know others, especially those in different years.

What’s been the best part of being here so far? I have loved getting to know so many new people and hearing the different interest areas they are so passionate about. I love how you can sit down at meals with a different group of people and hear so many unique stories.

Sancta has allowed me to have such a wide variety of experiences which I am sure I would not of had if I weren’t at the College.

me to feel overwhelmed, as there was so much change happening in my life all at once, but the overwhelming support that was undoubtedly noticeable in the Sancta community helped me to settle down and feel comfortable so quickly.

What are you involved in here? Ever since I’ve arrived at Sancta, I’ve found it extremely hard to keep myself away from all that our College offers. I most definitely have been prioritising my studies, however, I love involving myself in all domains, not just academic. I have participated in the rowing crew, attended most weekly masses and have strived to successfully fulfil the role of Fresher Representative that I’ve been so blessed to be elected into by my Fresher year group.

How would you sum up your first semester? Busy busy busy!! I still feel as if I haven’t had time to take in everything. It has been an amazing journey of adventure with many exciting, new, enjoyable and unexpected events occurring.

Has living at Sancta lived up to your expectations? It has more than exceeded my expectations. Through its range of sporting, cultural, academic and social events (and more), Sancta allows all kinds of people to feel like a valued member of community and truly flourish.

about leadership and have been able to intimately work with some of the most amazing people I’ve ever come across, right here in our College community.

Has living at Sancta lived up to your expectations? Living within this community has been such a blessing and there truly is nothing that I can find a flaw in my time here so far. I look forward to staying on at Sancta and thank everyone, both students and staff, for welcoming me into this wonderful community.

What’s been the best part of being here so far? My role as Fresher Rep has been everything I could have asked for and more. I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to represent and lead with my cohort at Sancta. I’ve learnt so much

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My first semester continued Lachlan Hegarty

Anthony Yammine

Where are you from? Melbourne, Victoria.

Where are you from? Carlingford, Sydney

What are you studying? Doctor of Medicine at University of Notre Dame.

What are you studying? Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) at University of Sydney

What was your undergraduate degree?

Bachelor of Biomedicine (Degree with Honours) at University of Melbourne.

What was your undergraduate degree and where did you study for it? Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours) in Biochemistry at University of Sydney

What were your first impressions of Sancta? My first impressions of Sancta have been of an overwhelming feeling of family. Being an only child and having moved out of home for the first time this year, I was quite nervous to move to a brand new city and a brand new home!

But from my first interview with Dr. Leech onwards, I have been welcomed with open arms into the Sancta family and all of the new friends that I have made along the way.

What are you involved in here?

I have been heavily involved in the postgraduate sporting teams, participating in the swimming, futsal and basketball teams over the course of the semester.

What’s been the best part of being here so far? It’s been getting to know my fellow postgrad students and enjoying the simple moments that come with living with almost 100 other people in one building. Whether it is going out on the town, studying or having a quiet Friday night watching the AFL, there is always something happening in the postgrad building and everyone is incredibly welcoming and inviting to let you join in. I have formed some amazing friendships in my first semester at Sancta and look forward to making many more over the course of the year.

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What were your first impressions of Sancta? Nothing but praise. The proximity to campus was the first attraction, followed by the brand-new, contemporary post-graduate building and high-quality facilities, and welcoming people, including the Principal Dr. Marie Leech, who I met during my first visit and tour of the college.

Dipti Shankar

What are you involved in here? I am involved in the tutorial program. This Semester I taught head and neck anatomy and histology for dental students. I also am involved in liturgical activities.

What’s been the best part of being here so far? Definitely the people. It doesn’t matter what kind of day you’re having, or how busy you are, the support and warmth is unreal. People are always here for you, whether you need a chat, a laugh, a coffee or a drink, you will be looked after with nothing expected in return. It is so easy to have meaningful friendships when you’re surrounded, and live in a tight-knit community that is filled with great people who genuinely care about your well-being.

What were your first impressions of Sancta? A very welcoming environment.

The staff and students went above and beyond to make me feel welcome and make the transition interstate so smooth.

What are you involved in here? Choirs, Drama, Netball.

Where are you from? Brisbane, Queensland.

What are you studying? Medicine at University of Notre Dame.

What was your undergraduate degree?

Bachelor of Science, The University of Queensland, Bachelor of Paramedic Science, Queensland University of Technology.

How did you come to be interested in living at Sancta? One of my friends lived at Sancta for her foundation years and spoke very highly of it.

What’s been the best part of being here so far? Having a strong support network and being able to balance a hectic university schedule with a social life.

How would you sum up your first semester? Busy and fun!

Has living at Sancta lived up to your expectations? Living at Sancta has exceeded my expectations and I couldnt imagine living anywhere else.

Dorothy Tang

Sara Evison-Rose

Will Adams

Where are you from? Hong Kong.

Where are you from? Melbourne, Victoria.

Where are you from? Melbourne, Victoria.

What are you studying? Master of Administrative Law and Policy at University of Sydney.

What are you studying? Law (Juris Doctor) at University of Sydney.

What are you studying? Doctor of Medicine at University of Sydney.

What was your undergraduate degree and where did you study for it? I studied an Arts degree (majoring in politics and archaeology) at University of Melbourne.

What was your undergraduate degree and where did you study for it? Bachelor of Science at University of Melbourne.

What was your undergraduate degree?

Bachelor of Arts (Media Communication and Politics) at University of Melbourne.

How did you come to be interested in living at Sancta? Moving from Melbourne to Sydney, I knew I wanted to experience college life. I did my research on the internet and Sancta caught my eye because it has the largest postgraduate community. The rooms in the graduate house also looked very modern and spacious on the website, so I thought it would be a pleasant place to study.

What were your first impressions of Sancta? I remember walking into the Dining Hall and thinking of the Great Hall in Harry Potter! Everyone was just so friendly and welcoming at the Commencement Dinner, it definitely helped me settle in.

What are you involved in here? I am involved in several cultural events, including participating at the Palladian Cup (Solo Instrumental), playing at Mass, performing at Formal Dinner and other special events, such as the Donor and Scholars Dinner and Intercollegiate Musical.

What’s been the best part of being here so far? Definitely the community-centred lifestyle. It’s so awesome how everyone comes together to support those who are competing at different events.

How did you come to be interested in living at Sancta? I was moving interstate so I was a bit unsure about where to live.

I didn’t know anyone so I was too scared to get random housemates and instead looked into college accommodation.

I chose Sancta because it has such a large postgraduate community and it was a good choice.

What were your first impressions of Sancta? It was a bit terrifying at the start because there were so many people who seemed to know each other so well, but everyone is really quite friendly and welcoming.

How would you sum up your first semester? Busy! You meet a lot of new people when starting at both the college and starting a new degree. Between study and all of the different events on here and at the university it gets a bit crazy. But it is a really good kind of busy.

Has living at Sancta lived up to your expectations? Yes, for sure. Socially and academically there are a lot of opportunities to be involved in.

What were your first impressions of Sancta? My first impression of Sancta was how friendly and welcoming everyone was to me. I was instantly made to feel like I was at home which was a huge relief starting a new and long degree. All the staff were very helpful and all my stresses of moving interstate away from friends and family were put at ease.

What are you involved in here? I have been involved in coaching the Rosebowl Cup rowing crew and rowing in Sancta’s first mixed crew. I really enjoyed coaching the crew as it was something I did quite often back home in Melbourne and it was a bit of a thrill to coach on Sydney harbour. I also was a member of the Rawson Cup swimming team. It was my first-time back swimming since primary school and although I struggled with not swallowing water at times, I had a really fun time.

What’s been the best part of being here so far? In addition to the sports, I have really enjoyed getting to know all the students in the Sancta community.

There are students from all over Australia and the world that bring with them different experiences and values. It has been great to hear their stories and learn from them.

Has living at Sancta lived up to your expectations? Yes, definitely.

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HIGHER Research In 2017, Sancta has 9 PhD students.

Here we profile some of their work and their experiences at the College.

Paul King I am currently a graduate research student within the School of Chemistry.

My current research is in catalysis, mechanistic study, and synthesis of small molecule fragments. The immediate goal of our work is to identify and understand the efficacy of useful catalysts for an understudied chemical reaction: the oxa-PictetSpengler reaction. That is, find an effective catalyst and study how it carries out that function. The discovery of novel reactions can open the door to previously unrealised classes of molecules. In some cases, new molecules have found use in medicine, agriculture, food, and even as tools for other research. The more important, broader objective is to contribute to the foundation needed for rational and predictive design of useful molecules.

Today, despite large strides in chemistry, the optimisation of functional molecules like drug discovery is predominantly through trial and error–a slow and

expensive process. In the long term, we hope our contribution will allow scientists approach the ambitious goal of rational design of novel catalysts and other valuable small molecules. Today, complete understanding of rational drug design could significantly reduce development costs of prescription drugs which currently stand at $3 billion per drug. Therefore, we envision that understanding chemistry at this level would help create a vast array of useful molecules at an unprecedented rate with a significantly reduced cost.

Michelle Tan I am conducting my PhD research in the Sydney Medical School, with lovely supervisors and an awesome research team comprised of physicians, surgeons, pharmacists, nurses, dietitians and scientists. We are assessing how the medical therapy, bariatric surgery and diet is improving weight management in severely obese patients. I am based in the prestigious Charles Perkins Centre, which is only conveniently five minutes of walking distance from Sancta Sophia College, a place I call home in Australia.

I enjoy living in Sancta. With all the

support in place by Sancta, my focus can be on achieving academically and enjoying the best of student life in Sydney.

Julian Fares My research in the Faculty of Civil Engineering focuses on how to understand and model the collaboration and engagement key stakeholders (Health Care Providers and Services) within the Australian health care system.

A health care system is described as a network of health care providers working together to give the best possible care for patients. I use social networks, or what is referred to as the laws of social physics and social systems, to understand how key stakeholders integrate – in other words, how the health care providers refer patients, provide team care arrangements, socialise and receive advice from each other.

An integrated health care project was implemented in New South Wales, Australia, to improve integration between stakeholders of a health care system. While there are a number of lenses on health care integration, very few studies have used social network analysis to examine and understand an integrated network of stakeholders in health care. It is important to understand which facilities are currently working together; which ones are not working with others; where are the gaps in referrals and relationships that need to be strengthened For PhD students to have a successful research journey, they require support from family and friends. Being away from home, I consider Sancta as my second home and everyone here as my family and friends. Having been at Sancta for almost 2 years, I always found the support I needed for my daily life activities and for my studies.

Sancta PhD students (back row) Paul King, Lloyd Windrim, Julian Fares, Aime Saba (front row) Michelle Tan, Marguerite Biasatti

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FRANNY DIVES INTO HER STUDIES I am approaching the surface of a rough African sea in the middle of a winter storm. The water is cold, choppy and full of sharks. This is a story they never tell you at university orientation and yet in the winter holidays of my second year studying Animal and Veterinary Bioscience, this is exactly where I found myself.

In July 2016, I spent a month in Mossel Bay, South Africa diving with Great White Sharks. This was part of an Internship at White Shark Africa, an ecotourism business dedicated to conserving marine life. During my time in South Africa I spent my days researching and conserving the Great White Shark, rehabilitating penguins and learning about conservation biology. My work in Africa was split into two main categories; conservation and research.

I spent my days working on cage diving trips and giving lectures on the Great

White Shark. These trips intended to educate tourists on the importance of the sharks in our ecosystems; we gave talks about the effects of fishing, global warming, shark finning and baited drum lines on shark populations. As well as these trips, I worked with ‘Keep Fin Alive’, a program dedicated to Shark conservation. Not only was I committed to shark conservation, but I also worked for a sea bird rehabilitation hospital, spent weekends at Safaris learning about their conservation techniques and spent an afternoon working with cheetah cubs in a captive breeding program.

As well as my conservation work, I spent a lot of time on various research programs. Going on tagging trips, fishing for pyjama sharks and hammer heads for data collection and creating shark population surveys. I created fin IDs of Great Whites by taking a photo of their unique dorsal fin, measuring them

using laser technology and capturing footage on our BRUV. I also spent the early hours of the mornings dragging decoy seals on breaching trips to study shark activity and hunting. Finally I went on diving trips in Durban to observe the sharks outside of the cage.

In December 2016, I returned to White Shark Africa and travelled to a lab in Mozambique where I studied coral, whales and rays. In my time in Africa I came to love the people I worked with, the sharks I swam with and the tourists we would educate. I plan to return to Africa to continue my work in Mozambique at the end of the year and will likely return many times over as each dive with a shark is different to the one before. I always have a little piece of the Great White with me, whether that is in my memories or the shark tooth necklace I wear around my neck.

Franny Earp

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Social JUSTICE For us, Social Justice is about empowering the powerless – seeking the truth, sharing what we have. We have been richly blessed in our lives and should respond with love and service, using any skills that we may have to uphold and nurture others.

Social Justice at Sancta has revolved around panelled discussions and supporting organisations close to our hearts. Sister Mary Shanahan, a past-Principal of Sancta, is a most outstanding woman with knowledge in many topical issues. We have delighted in including her in our panelled Social Justice discussions for Asylum Seekers and Refugees, and Euthanasia. At these panels, we have had the pleasure in hearing from speakers such as: Professor Margaret Somerville, a worldrenowned bioethicist and consultant for the United Nations Human Rights Commission; Professor Mary Crock, a member of the Executive Committee of the Refugee Council of Australia; and Dr Nadine Shema the public relations director of the Great Lakes Agency for Peace and Development (GLAPD).

Lucy has a chosen to focus on the welfare of Asylum Seekers this semester. We are excited to announce the development of a volunteering partnership with the Asylum Seekers

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Centre in Newtown, through which Sancta will provide hot lunches at the centre and get the chance to interact with the newest members of our local community.

The Asylum Seekers Centre in Newtown is the beneficiary of our major charity event of this semester: Sancta Under the Stars, an event run by both the Social Welfare and Social Sub-Committees. The night was a huge success raising over $1400. The night included a very extensive raffle, hot chocolates and home made treats and an amazing display of Sancta talent.

Sancta has also enjoyed the opportunity to get involved with GLAPD, a young charity that was brought to our attention through our panel on Asylum Seekers.

GLAPD is a rapidly growing organisation and Sancta has been lucky enough to be involved with GLAPD at this grassroots level. Throughout the year, Sancta students will be involved in assisting with website design, fundraising, grant applications and the day-to-day management of this amazing charity.

Louisa has been supporting the FOXG1 Foundation, an organisation that was formed by a relative of a student in the Graduate House. FOXG1 is a genetic disorder characterised by marked

under-development of the brain. Sancta students ran the Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon in support of the foundation, and volunteered at the Desi Mala Festival to raise money and awareness for the disorder.

Together we have organised a range of small endeavours. We had an Easter Egg collection for terminally ill children at Bear Cottage. Many students also supported the School for Life Black Tie Gala, a charity run by Sancta alumna Annabelle Chauncy. It was a delight to see School for Life raise over half a million dollars to lay the foundation for a third school in Uganda. It was also special to be volunteering alongside so many former Sancta students who have remained close to School for Life, even after graduating from Sancta. Several students have begun volunteering for organisations such as AIME, the Two Wolves Cantina and Jarjum College. We have also raised awareness for Organ Donation and Bone Marrow Transplants.

Our vision for Sancta sees us continuing to expIore issues of Social Justice, having a tangible presence in our local community and raising money to support worthy causes.

Louisa Sondergeld and Lucy Bell Bird Social Justice Secretaries

MOTHERS’ DAY The special women in our students’ lives – mothers, carers and guardians–were honoured at the Mothers’ Mass and Dinner in May.

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A little bit of CULTURE In addition to the intercol Palladian competition, Sancta’s students now also participate in the intramural Arts competition. The College had some strong performances in both competitions in Semester 1.

In Palladian, Senior Student Issy Barrett took out second place in Oration and Lucinda Spence placed second in Solo Drama. For the first time, two postgrads represented the College in Solo Instrumental, with Dorothy Tang on piano and Patrick Baker on flute.

In intramural Arts, the team of Charlotte Target, Gabrielle Vella, Sophia Grady, Linna Jefferson, Ellie Solomons and Adam Birman won intramural Improvaganza. Sancta’s entrant also took out the Poetry Slam competition whilst two freshers competed strongly in the Spelling Bee.

Sancta’s dancers

The Improvaganza team: back row Adam Birman, Gabrielle Vella, Sophia Grady, Linna Jefferson, front row Ellie Solomons, Charlotte Target.

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Issy Barrett wowed the judges in Oration.

SPORT Sancta’s sporting teams had a typically busy semester. Our men’s and women’s futsal teams took out silver in the intramural competition, as did the women’s basketball squad.

In intercol sport, Sancta placed third in swimming and in an historic move, Sancta entered a mixed crew in the rowing competition.

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STUDENT SOCIAL EVENTS Postgrad 90s Party

O-Week Party

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Seniors’ Dinner

2017 ALUMNI

AWARDS

The Annual Alumni Awards were introduced in 2013 to honour and recognise the outstanding achievements by Sancta alumni across a wide range of professional, social and personal endeavours. As in every year, the 2017 winners shine a light on the many outstanding alumni with which Sancta is privileged to be connected.

Dr Denise Salvestro Social Welfare and Impact Fresher 1969

Dr Denise Salvestro graduated from the University of Sydney in 1974, with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery, and lived at Sancta for the first two years of her studies.

Denise satisfies a number of the Award criteria. In 2002 she gained a Masters in Art Administration from COFA UNSW, and in 2016 she was awarded a PhD from ANU for her thesis on Indigenous print making in Northeast Arnhem Land, providing a unique contribution to the knowledge of the history and development of the use of this art form

by Indigenous artists in Australia.

Perhaps Denise’s greatest contribution has been in Indigenous healthcare, as a dentist who worked for a

Justice Jacqueline Gleeson Professional Achievement Fresher 1984 Jacqueline Gleeson graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws. She lived at Sancta while undertaking her degree.

She was a “very very good” tennis player, and performed the role of Sport Secretary in 1985.

considerable number of years (19982010) providing dental care to remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. Part of this work involved the establishment of mobile dental clinics in the NE Arnhem Land homelands.

Denise has worked selflessly and with devotion to her patients with an unwavering commitment to providing the very best dental care, no matter how remote the location or how challenging the circumstances.

A significant factor in her success has been her commitment to immersing herself in the culture of those she has served, including learning the language and steeping herself in the history and social structure of those communities.

Her deep involvement in the culture of these communities inevitably led her to the work which became her PhD. Denise’s commitment to providing dental care despite challenging circumstances extends beyond Australia.

In 1990, she travelled to Eritrea on a voluntary basis to work in the field in

Jackie grew up the eldest of four children, within a family that imbued in her a sense of morality, a strong work ethic, and a deep appreciation of wit. These qualities, coupled with outstanding debating and public speaking skills, have earned her a reputation as someone who applies herself to her work with intelligence and perseverance.

Admitted as a solicitor in 1989, Jackie went to the Bar in 1991, practicing there for 9 years, before making a significant career change. She left the Bar to work as a solicitor, and to undertake a Master of Laws at her alma mater, Sydney University. She returned to the Bar in

conjunction with the Eritrean Relief Organisation and experienced first-hand the disruption and destruction created by the Eritrean War of Independence (1961-91). As recently as 2016, Denise travelled to East Timor with her partner, providing dental care in remote areas of that country.

Many of the organisations she has belonged to have eventually claimed her as an office bearer. She served as President of the Northern Territory branch of the Australian Dental Association for a number of years and most recently, in 2015, she became Chair of Artback NT, a not-for-profit organisation which helps NT performers and artists to develop and tour their work to local, national and international audiences.

Denise’s unstinting commitment to improving the health care of Indigenous Australians and to ensuring that, despite the challenges, they received the very best dental care, renders her a worthy recipient of the Sancta Alumni Award for Social Welfare and Impact.

2005, and took silk in 2012. After many years of commitment and service to the law in both the public sector and in private practice, Justice Jacqueline Gleeson was appointed to the Bench of the Federal Court in 2014.

Described by her colleagues as “friendly, tolerant, caring and kind”, with an “innate ability to relate to people”, Jackie has been a role model in her field for young women lawyers and within the wider legal profession. As a barrister, she has represented disadvantaged members of the community and those in need of her help and expertise without any expectation of reward.

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Naomi Malone Social Welfare and Impact Fresher 1991, PG 2014

Naomi Malone graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1994, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sydney in 1997, and a MA in Public History from UTS in 2003, for which she received an Outstanding Student Award. In 2013, with a Research Excellence Scholarship from UTS she embarked on her PhD examining the history of deaf education in NSW since the 1960s. During these studies, she lived as one of the inaugural cohort of postgraduate students at Sancta. Her name can be found on the Sancta Honour boards for excellence in sporting achievement while as an undergraduate.

Justice Natalie Adams Professional Achievement Fresher 1984

Natalie Adams holds a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from University of Sydney. She lived at Sancta as an undergraduate in 1984 and 1985, during which time she was elected to the House Committee as the Honorary Treasurer. Her mother, Jacqueline Adams (nee Connoley) attended Sancta as did her younger sisters Alison and Carolyn.

Natalie grew up in Narrandera. Her family instilled in her the virtues of service to the community, hard work and the vital importance of a good education.

These virtues have informed an impressive career, the majority of which has been spent in the public service, and as a statutory appointee.

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As a profoundly deaf infant, in 1974, at the age of 10 months, Naomi started at the Shepherd Centre learning to speak, lipread and listen. The bedrock of this early learning provided her with the skills to be educated in mainstream primary and high schools. She credits the Shepherd Centre with being instrumental in helping her achieve her dreams.

Naomi has used her education as a lawyer, skills as a policy advisor, and life experience to make a positive impact to the lives of countless others with disabilities, becoming an experienced advocate in the field of disability inclusion.

In 2009, she was Accessibility Producer on Australia’s first universally accessible theatre production, which was awarded the Deafness Forum of Australia’s Members’ Choice Award for captioning. In 2011/12, Naomi divided her time between Accessible Arts NSW where she managed the Deaf

Natalie was admitted as a solicitor in 1989. After a brief stint as a litigation lawyer at the firm then known as Freehill, Hollingdale and Page (now Herbert Smith Freehills), Natalie went on to work as a criminal lawyer at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Legal Aid Commission before moving on to the Crown Solicitors Office in 1997.

In 1994, whilst she was working at the Office of the DPP, she completed a Master of Laws at the University of New South Wales specialising in criminal law.

Following extensive experience as a criminal lawyer, Natalie was called to the Bar in 2001. After practising at the private Bar for a year, she was appointed a Crown Prosecutor in 2002. She held that position until late 2011. In 2011, Natalie was appointed the NSW Crown Advocate. She took silk the following year. During her time at the Bar, Natalie conducted jury trials in the Supreme and District Courts and also appeared in the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Court of Criminal Appeal in numerous appeals.

Arts Access Project and Macquarie University Accessibility Services coordinating the MQ Hearing Strategy for Learning and Teaching. Previously, Naomi worked at the Westpac Group facilitating key changes in accessibility and managing its major sponsorship of the NSW Government’s “Don’t Dis My Ability Campaign”. Naomi served as a board member and Deputy Chair of the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations. She is currently on the Inclusion Advisory Panel of both the City of Sydney, and the Inclusion Advisory Committee at the State Library of NSW. Naomi has recently completed her PhD and has just returned from Italy, having been selected to speak at a summer school there on her PhD topic.

Naomi has certainly lived the Sancta values of “Walking in Wisdom”, and has applied this wisdom where it is most needed; promoting the needs and abilities of people living with disabilities.

In 2016, Natalie was appointed to the Bench of the Supreme Court of NSW. Natalie’s passion for the law is demonstrated by her many extracurricular activities whilst she was in practice. She was the patron of the University of Wollongong’s Master of Prosecution course, and a guest lecturer at that University and at UTS. Aside from lecturing and presenting, she is also extremely committed to mentoring, both within the legal profession and the wider community. She was involved in both the University of Sydney and the University of Wollongong female law student mentoring programs. Informally, Natalie has mentored successive cohorts of young female barristers and solicitors, many of whom have chosen to remain in the law because of her encouragement.

Natalie is known amongst her colleagues for her empathic, kind and caring nature, as well as for her expertise and deep understanding of the law. She is richly deserving of the Sancta Alumni Award for Professional Achievement.

1956/57 REUNION Freshers from 1956 and 1957 recently returned to the College for a lunch and the opportunity to catch up with friends from their days at Sancta.

70S CLUB HIGH TEA The first event on the Sancta alumni calendar is the 70s Club High Tea. It was an afternoon of great conversation and tasty offerings from the College kitchen. It’s always wonderful to see Sancta’s alumni back at the College.

Elizabeth Clark, Jackie Adams and Susan Fennell

Trish Horsley and Jane Banfield

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Bequest Society LUNCH The Annual Mother Swift Bequest Society lunch was held on 25 May, coinciding the Feast of Madeleine Sophie Barat.

Teilhard de Chardin. Interestingly, Mother Swift holds a book by de Chardin in her portrait that hangs in the Dining Hall.

The first first of the guest speakers, Jane Burns (FR ’51) recalled her memories of ‘Swifty’ and talked about the things that she hoped Swifty would be remembered for.

Our youngest member of the Mother Swift Bequest Society, Ella Butcherine (FR ’14) was inducted in recognition of her intention to leave Sancta a gift in her Will, and the bequest from Gwendoline Fitzpatrick (FR ’35) was gratefully acknowledged.

Jennifer Laffan (FR ’60), spoke of Mother Swift’s intellect and her respect for and parallels with Father Pierre

Ella talks about her decision to leave a Bequest What have you been doing since you left Sancta in 2014? I’ve actually defected and moved to Melbourne! Towards the end of my undergraduate degree, I was offered a place at the University of Melbourne. I’m halfway through my medical degree now and I’m hoping to do an exchange to Norway next year. It’s safe to say I’ve been keeping pretty busy–it’s difficult to believe the five-year Fresher reunion is in August!

What are your fondest memories of Sancta? That’s a really tough question–I had such a great time there. My first Christmas Dinner at Sancta really took me by surprise.

Everyone was wearing Christmas hats and festive jumpers, and fighting over how many prawns they had on their plate–that was when Sancta really started feeling like a family to me. There was also the time we beat the St Paul’s debating team–I was on the team, and everyone was just euphoric! Unfortunately, we lost to them in a very close (arguably biased) repeat debate, and the vice-principal at the time may or may not have vocally expressed their disapproval of the adjudicator with some rather choice language.

In all honesty though, most of my favourite times at college were just hanging out with my friends. Staying

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up late and talking in our rooms or going out for food on King St was really one of the best parts of college.

You’ve recently made a will, what prompted you to do that? Making a will had been on my list for a while, along with other Grown Up Things like working out how to log into my superannuation account and putting all of my important pieces of paper in one place. These are things that seem like a bit of a hassle, but they are really important! Even young people’s lives can change so quickly, as I am learning in the hospital.

LAUNCH OF JOHN LANE MULLINS SCHOLARSHIP The John Lane Mullins Scholarship was established in 2016 in recognition of Lane Mullins’ philanthropic support and legacy towards the College. It was awarded for the first time in 2017 and officially launched at an event on 30 March. The inaugural recipient is Markarid Sarkissian, Second Year Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) with major in English.

You also made the decision to provide funds for a scholarship at Sancta in your will – how did you come to that decision? Receiving the Olive Arnold Scholarship made a real difference to me during my time at Sancta. I did struggle with the financial pressures of attending college, and every bit helped.

Just knowing that I was able to pay for college really helped me to relax and focus on my studies (and Sancta!). I would like to pass that on, and help future students who may be finding it tough.

What was the process of making a will like? It was a lot easier than I had thought–I thought a lot about what I wanted to happen, and so when I met with the solicitor, I already had a good idea of what I wanted.

He talked me through the process and then sent me a draft to look over a couple of weeks later, and then I just had to sign it. It was pretty painless to sort everything out; the most difficult thing was sneaking out of the hospital for the appointments.

John Lane Mullins’ family attended the launch L-R Caitlin Douglas, Jennifer Tansey, Maggie Sarkissian, Peter Tansey, Dr Marie Leech, John Tansey.

What sorts of things did it prompt you to think about?

Most importantly, making a will made me think a lot about what I value. Writing a will really does make you confront the fact that you are going to die. At the end of the day, money is of no use to me after I have died.

If I play a small part in helping other people to go on to have fantastic lives, that is quite enough for me– though hopefully my will won’t be executed for quite a while yet!

The solicitor also discussed the sorts of things what would be useful if I were ever to become unable to make decisions for myself, which was something I hadn’t really considered. I haven’t yet sorted that out, but it’s on my list of things to do.

Would you recommend others who are still relatively young to consider making a will? I would! Don’t think that you can’t just because you have a small account balance. Wills can be written to take into account changing financial positions, and in the mean time, insurance may result in the bizarre situation of you being worth far more dead than alive.

Maggie Sarkissian

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Congratulations

CONDOLENCES

Dr Ann Bye (FR 69) on receiving an AM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for significant service to medicine in the field of paediatric neurology as a clinician, academic, and mentor.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of those members of the Sancta family we have recently lost.

Annabelle Chauncy OAM (BA ’07 LLB ’10, FR ‘04) was honoured at the University of Sydney Alumni Awards with an Alumni Award for Service to Humanity. See more about her incredible achievements at:

Bill and Patricia Ryan OAM (FR ’49) on 60 years of marriage in March.

Happy birthday to Genevieve Kairaitis (FR ’58), who celebrated her birthday with family and friends at the College in June.

http://sydney.edu.au/newsopinion/news/2017/05/01/3secrets-to-success–our-alumniaward-winners-share-their-tips. html Young alumna Yi Yun Low (FR ‘14) was a Finalist for John C Harsanyi Medal for International Students at the University of Sydney Alumni Awards.

SHAN’S 90TH BIRTHDAY COCKTAIL PARTY AND SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER

Dr John McDonald and his family have a long association with Sancta. His wife Maggie (nee Burns) (Fr48) and her sister Jane (Fr51) are both alumni, together with his nieces Helen (Fr64), Elizabeth (Fr 88) and Julia (Fr89).

His father Sir Charles McDonald, after whom the McDonald Wing is named, was Chairman of the College Council from 1953-1970, and Chancellor of the University from 1964-1970.

John was a Paediatrician, and a much loved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He died peacefully on 4 February 2017, surrounded by his family.

Nano Dwyer (neé Nagle) (FR ’40), passed away on 14 February, 2017. The much loved mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother was highly involved in the Sancta Ex-students Association and is sadly missed.

Mary ‘Jean’ Thatcher (nee Loneragan) (FR ’32) passed away on 7 July 2017. Jean was General Secretary (Library) in 1933 and Honorary Treasurer 1934 and 1935.

This year, our much loved Sr Mary Shanahan turns 90 and Sancta is holding a cocktail celebration for her birthday on Friday 3 November from 6.30pm.

As well as celebrating Shan’s 90th birthday, come along to show your support for the Sr Mary Shanahan Scholarship, which will see the first recipient named in 2018.

Special Guest: The Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG. Tickets $120 available here: https://shans90th.eventbrite.com.au

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NEWS from the Archives With Sancta’s 90th anniversary celebrations behind us, 2017 has brought a new focus for the Archives. While the day-to-day work of managing the College Archives continues, opportunities to showcase the riches contained in the Archives is now a focus. One way of doing this has been through a series of small displays in the John Lane Mullins Library, with one display cabinet being dedicated to archival displays.

The first display coincided with the launch of the John Lane Mullins Scholarship on 30 March. The display highlighted the connection between John Lane Mullins and the College included the original letter Lane Mullins wrote on 20 March 1926 to Mother MacRory, the first Principal of Sancta, pledging the amount of £50 per annum for the establishment of the Jane Lane Mullins Scholarship, in memory of his late wife. Also on display were the Minutes of the meeting of the First Advisory Council, 28 August 1919, established by Archbishop Kelly to work towards the establishment of a women’s Catholic university hall of residence.

John Lane Mullins was a member of this first Council, and played an important role in the acquisition of Leinster Hall, a property in City Road Darlington which

was the forerunner to Sancta Sophia College. A highlight of the display was a beautiful Chalice, wrought in Italy and presented by John Lane Mullins in 1928 for daily use at the fledgling Sancta Sophia Hall.

To coincide with the Mother Yvonne Swift bequest Society lunch on 25 May, a small display of material relating to ‘Swifty’s’ time as Principal (1958 – 1972) was prepared and installed. Mother Swift was well known for her interest in literature and art, and the items chosen for the display reflect those passions.

During her time at Sancta, Mother Swift brought into the College academics, artists and musicians as the College played host to events such as seminars and art shows. Amongst the items chosen for display are catalogues for art exhibitions held at the College in the late 1960s, featuring the works of artist such as Arthur Streeton, John Coburn, Charles Condor, Arthur Boyd and William Dobell. Also included are three letters, written by Sacred Heart sisters who attended an English Literature Seminar in January 1966 at Sancta, expressing their delight and appreciation to Mother Swift for her foresight in hosting the seminar.

In addition to the program of rotating displays, an Oral History project is underway, to capture some of the memories and stories of people who have had a connection with Sancta. The first five people to be interviewed for this project are Alison Stephen, Patricia Horsley, Mary Burns, Sister Marie Kennedy and Sister Mary Shanahan.

Further interviews are being planned, and the recordings and transcripts will be placed in the Archives and in an online format, where they will be a valuable resource for researchers in the future.

Dr Tracy Bradford

AUGUST 2017

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AUGUST 2017