Women's College Magazine Vol 35 2019

Volume 35 • 2019

Scholars

& SCHOLARSHIPS

The Women’s College Magazine is published annually to report on the activities of the College. 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 Facebook @TheWomensCollege Instagram womenscoll ISSN 2204-1028 Editor Tiffany Donnelly Art Direction Whale Design Co.

36

Cover Annabelle Traves PHOTO: Marinco Kojdanovski Additional Photography and Images Raymond Horsey, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Marinco Kojdanovski, Women’s College Archives, staff, students and alumnae of the Women’s College.

Council Members Hugh Donaldson, Jennifer DAVIDSON (1990-92) Amanda Bell AM, Jane OAKESHOTT (1979-83) Samantha Gavel (HOLDEN: 1982-84) Judith Mills (FITZSIMMONS: 1984), Alexandra Shehadie

11 17

19

31 6

CONTENTS

2

1

PHILANTHROPY & SCHOLARSHIP

LEADERSHIP

1 Change, Community and

the Future

15 Sibyl Leadership Grant A new grant sponsored by the Women’s College Alumnae Association promotes leadership development

Principal Dr Amanda Bell outlines

her hopes for the College as it steps

to the future

6

Inclusive Leadership

Senior Student Harriet Mactier states her House Committee’s goals for the year ahead

17

Margot Anthony (BUDD) Music Grant

9

Alumna Margot Anthony AM has endowed a grant enabling a music student to pursue opportunities beyond the curriculum

Women’s College and St Paul’s

College students celebrate the

start of the academic year

19

The Impact of Music

Recipient of the music scholarship Annabelle Traves lends her talents to raise funds for the Katrina Dawson Foundation

Inaugural Commencement Dinner

11

The Convocation Medal

Recent graduate Emelia Milliner

takes out this coveted university medal

13

Launch of the Sibyl Society

Our new Sibyl Society provides

membership for senior students

and academic fellows, with special benefits

3

21 Inspiring New Law Scholarship

A bequest from the late Linda

Maree Piggott will fund a new law scholarship

Tribute to a Major Philanthropist 23

A bequest from Brenda Jean Stevenson will fund scholarships for postgraduate students in science

27 Women’s Leadership Scholarship

A new campaign aimed at funding a scholarship for self-funding senior students at Women’s

COMMUNITY

29

Raising Support

Acknowledging the support of our donors, January to December 2018

31

Cakes for a Cause

A highly anticipated charity event raising money for the Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre

33

Palladian Victory

Celebrating our first win in the intercollegiate cultural competition in over a decade

35

Leadership & Awards

Alumnae and members of the

Women’s College community are

recognised for their awards and achievements

37 Vale

1

LEADERSHIP

CHANGE, COMMUNITY AND THE

Future A community is held to be a source of identity beyond family and close personal life, but with greater intimacy and more subtle obligations and rewards than those of a national identity.1 Governance Women’s College is a very special community with a combination of long standing traditions and contemporary activities tailored to current students and societal trends. The imperative to remain relevant as a single-sex college, while protecting its heritage, is a delicate balance for those of us charged with its stewardship. Changes are carefully balanced against community expectations to ensure the best experiences and opportunities are offered to our students every year.

At the end of last year three College Council members completed their term: Dr Jennifer Allum, Julie McKay and David Wakeley. We are very grateful for their wise counsel, experience and significant contributions through a notable period of cultural change and campus improvement. Newly elected Council members: Jane OAKESHOTT (1979-83), Alexandra Shehadie and Susan WESTON (1980-82) attended their first Council meeting in March this year and are all eager to add value

to the College’s governance to ensure the continued high quality of collegiate life for our students.

With Julie McKay’s retirement from Council and as the Council Chair, we congratulate Samantha Gavel as the new Chair and Dr Sally Auld as Deputy Chair.

Samantha has been on the Council since January 2013, most recently as Deputy Chair, and has contributed to a number of committees over her terms; she is currently the NSW Privacy Commissioner. Dr Sally Auld has been on Council since January 2015 and is a key member of the Finance Committee alongside Treasurer Leo Tutt OAM. Sally is currently Managing Director and Head, Australian/New Zealand Fixed Income and FX Strategy, at J.P. Morgan.

These changes in Council leadership will bring a new and diversified perspective to our governance and implementation of strategic goals for the future prosperity of the College.

1 A Bullock & S Trombley (eds), The New Fontana Dictionary of Modern Thought, Great Britain 1999 p 144

LEADERSHIP

2

Scholarship In this edition of the annual magazine the focus is on scholarship and how many people in our community contribute to its two main purposes at College: firstly, scholarship as a worthy academic pursuit. The College’s academic record speaks for itself and is manifest in the professional success of so many alumnae over the decades. To continue to encourage intellectual curiosity and deep scholarship, the College launched its new Sibyl Society—a group including senior students and senior academics at the university.

Secondly, the College is launching a new fundraising initiative to enable us to provide financial support for some of our older students who struggle to maintain high levels of academic endeavour alongside an increasing requirement to work to support themselves. Hence the new Women’s Leadership Scholarships will be available to students next year in their third year or more of degree studies. Criteria for consideration will be academic and leadership merit, alongside financial need.

We very much hope that our wider community will support this new initiative via the donation card in this issue of the magazine, or online via our website.

Articles profiling generous philanthropists who have donated significantly to our scholarship fund are featured alongside some of our recipients. The diversity of

3

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 35 2019

backgrounds and interests of our donors underpins some of the unique opportunities for support and professional growth made possible for our talented students. We are very grateful for their thoughtful leadership and largesse.

Leadership Finally, this will be my last magazine article as Principal of the Women’s College. I would like to thank all the students, staff, alumnae and our wider community for their engagement, support and genuine regard for this unique and important college for young women. It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to serve and lead this historic institution since January 2013.

Indeed, it is the combination of so many dynamic imperatives that allows a community to exist successfully and with purpose. The fact that our College community combines the energy of young women learning about the world with an empathy for family and friends, that it actively promotes an understanding of and involvement in the wider world, and that it fosters female leadership is perhaps the reason why this place is so dear to so many—including me.

Dr Amanda Bell AM Principal

1

LEADERSHIP

PHOTO: Principal Amanda Bell AM and past Chair Julie McKay

LEADERSHIP

4

5

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 35 2019

1

LEADERSHIP

Inclusive Leadership Senior Student Harriet Mactier outlines the House Committee’s goals for the year ahead.

T

he 2019 House Committee is committed to adopting and building on the many positive changes set in motion by last year’s Committee.

College should feel like a home away from home and we will endeavour to ensure that every Women’s student feels part of a united and supportive community. We are excited to work with Dr Bell, staff and the other student leaders to further our initiatives and work to ensure College is a welcoming place for all.

As a House Committee, we have decided that our overarching goal for the year is to be inclusive in all that we do. We will actively strive to ensure our community engages in inclusive leadership and relationships—with each other and the wider community. In terms of leadership selection, this means staggering the appointment of the convenors of our various

committees and activities to give our new students the opportunity to undertake leadership roles, alongside sharing positions between as many students as possible to ensure there is increased diversity and effectiveness in our leadership team. Mentoring the new students in their roles has also become a priority for our Committee.

We have added a number of new convenorships in order to strengthen the leadership opportunities available, and are looking forward to monitoring the success of a new Investment Club, Women’s merchandise and volunteering convenors. We are also in the process of a comprehensive review of the structure by which continuing students select their rooms at College. Room draw is a complex system of points allocation and room selection administered by House Committee, and every

LEADERSHIP

6

“Our overarching goal for the year is to be inclusive in all that we do. We will actively strive to ensure our community engages in inclusive leadership and relationships—with each other and the wider community.”

effort is being made to ensure the system is as fair as possible. Points are awarded based on a student’s contribution to and participation in College life. Room draw guidelines will be drafted to ensure there is transparency in the new system for all of College.

House Committee’s fund raising efforts will be centred on donations to the Student Club Bursary this year, including a portion of the sales of our already popular TWC pyjamas (now available online). The Student Club Bursary provides the Principal with discretionary funds to help fellow Women’s girls in need of emergency financial aid.

We have lots of ideas for social events this year, all with a view to fostering positive relationships with each other and our intercollegiate peers. Women’s Welcome Week was a fantastic start to this initiative, as we hosted or

7

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 35 2019

attended events with each of the other colleges. We received positive feedback from the freshers that there was a healthy balance between College orientation talks, activities and social events.

House Committee is committed to fostering an inclusive and safe environment for all students this year.

We are excited to implement our initiatives and have no doubt that this year will be one to remember for all the right reasons. I am honoured to represent the students of the Women’s College and am excited by what is to come in 2019.

Harriet Mactier Senior Student 2019

PHOTO: 2019 House Committee Executive Annabelle Holden, Harriet Mactier and Olivia Battcock

LEADERSHIP

8

1

LEADERSHIP

INAUGURAL

Commencement Dinner The Women’s College and St Paul’s College students celebrated the start of the 2019 academic year with dinner at the Westin Hotel in the city’s CBD.

I

n the presence of Vice Chancellor Dr Michael Spence AC, the inaugural Women’s College and St Paul’s College Commencement Dinner continued the frank and open dialogue, which began with the Broderick Review, of the relationship between the colleges and the wider community.

In opening the evening’s proceedings, St Paul’s College Senior Student Max Glanville spoke of the “close and equal partnership” of the two colleges, noting that the dinner “provides us with the opportunity to reflect upon the mutual benefits this relationship affords both colleges and the ways in which it does so.” Citing joint activities

9

THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 35 2019

such as academic tutorials, social, cultural and sporting events, Max expressed his hope that, through continued interaction, the relationship between the two colleges might grow in its depth and complexity. He noted: Since our commitment to cultural renewal last year, St Paul’s has been dedicated to fully implementing all of the points of our action plan [for the Broderick recommendations]. … We are committed to ensuring that the relationship between our two colleges exists on the plain of equality, such that all students can reap the full benefits that the tradition of collegiate education has to offer.

PHOTO: Commencement Dinner at the Westin Hotel

Keynote speaker Julie McKay, Partner and Chief Diversity Officer at PwC and former Chair of the Women’s College Council, continued the theme of equality by taking up the notion of inclusive leadership in her address. She challenged students to view the shifting balance of power between men and women as a human rights issue, and encouraged them to embrace a model of inclusive leadership as a means of producing true equality in our society. She noted that “inclusive leadership has become a fundamental characteristic sought by employers” across the corporate, government and NGO sectors, and challenged students to disrupt

their thoughts around “fitting in” to embrace diversity in their thinking. She expressed her hope that, given the “very big spotlight” on colleges in the media, students would continue to step up as courageous leaders for gender equality.

Almost six hundred students attended the dinner, in addition to college staff, Council Chairs Samantha Gavel and Mark Elliott, Women’s College Principal Dr Amanda Bell AM and Warden of St Paul’s College, Dr Don Markwell.

LEADERSHIP

10

11 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 35 2019

1

LEADERSHIP

THE

Convocation Medal E

melia MILLINER [2014-18] has won the prestigious University of Sydney Convocation Medal for undergraduate achievement at the University of Sydney. Awarded annually to a new graduate of the University, the medal recognises “visionary leadership, excellence, dedication and commitment to the University of Sydney,” as well as “involvement in initiatives or projects that enrich student experience or the community, beyond course requirements.”

Emelia completed her combined Engineering Commerce degree in 2018 with first-class honours in Engineering, writing her honours thesis on the concept of aeroacoustic noise on building façades. Emelia’s final results have also earned her the Janet Elspeth Crawford Prize for the highest honours marks at Women’s College, awarded at the Chancellor’s Dinner in March.

Contributions to the life of the University and the College over Emilia’s five years’ residency have been numerous and significant. She held multiple office bearing positions with the University chapter of Engineers Without Borders, as well as being an Engineering Faculty Communicator, a

mentor to first year engineering/commerce students through the University’s Network of Women, running workshops for the Indigenous Australian Engineering School and playing bassoon for the Sydney University Symphony Orchestra.

On top of winning numerous academic prizes during her five years’ residence at Women’s College, Emelia was College debating convenor, a member of the diving team, tutor, Academic Assistant and a Resident Assistant for her final two years. Women’s College is indebted to Emelia for her contribution to our community, and wishes her well in her graduate role at Bain Consulting. Of her time at College, Emelia reflects: Being a part of the Women’s College community doesn’t just allow you to get involved, it pushes you to.

College encouraged me to strive for more, in academics, in pursuing opportunities I’m passionate about and in life in general. The support and community Women’s provided encouraged and allowed me to embrace the many opportunities university life has to offer.

LEADERSHIP

12

13 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 35 2019

Left to right: Dr Amanda Bell AM with fellows Dr Linda English (JACOBY: 1964-67), Dr Rebecca GRIFFIN (1996-2001), Professor Mary MYERSCOUGH (1983-85), Dr Laura GINTERS (1992-93), Elisabeth Tondl, Professor Jennifer Alison (JOSEPH: 1969-71), Professor Elizabeth ELLIOTT AM (1975-78), Dr Tamson Pietsch (2013-17) and Vice Principal Dr Tiffany Donnelly

1

LEADERSHIP

LAUNCH OF THE

Sibyl Society S

enior mentoring, academic colloquia and funding for research symposia are some of the benefits now offered to senior students in the Women’s College community.

After a soft launch to students late last year, at International Women’s Day in March Principal Dr Amanda Bell AM announced the official launch of the College’s new Sibyl Society, which takes its name from our new building, inaugurated in the same year. The Sibyl Society replaces the previous Senior Common Room, giving a range of additional benefits to students remaining at College into their fourth year or above, or joining the Women’s community in their senior or postgraduate years.

As well as offering members further professional and academic support, the Society has extended its membership beyond the current senior student body to twenty Honorary Sibyl Fellows, many of whom are Women’s College alumnae holding academic postings within the University of Sydney community. The Sibyl Society is being coordinated by fifth-year doctoral student Elisabeth Tondl, who holds the position of Honorary Research Fellow. Members also include

teaching and honorary fellows of the College.

In accepting her invitation to become an Honorary Sibyl Fellow at the College, alumna Professor Anne Green [BARWICK: 1968-72] wrote: “This new program is a fitting initiative to celebrate the spectacular Sibyl Centre, that I am sure is proving to be a wonderful addition to the College infrastructure and cultural activities. The goals of the Sibyl Society are commendable and I’m sure the students will benefit from the new initiatives planned.”

In March Sibyl Society member and fifth-year Engineering/Commerce student Catherine Priestley attended a College Council meeting as an observer, a further initiative to give senior students insight into board and governance issues as they move towards full-time employment. With professional shadowing, discretionary funding for leadership activities and networking opportunities also in the planning, the Sibyl Society aims to strengthen the offering to senior women in the community in an effort to build and maintain a group of outstanding role models for the younger members of the College.

LEADERSHIP

14

2

PHILANTHROPY & SCHOLARSHIP

SIBYL

Leadership Grant T

he inaugural Sibyl Leadership Grant has been awarded to fifth-year engineering honours student and Resident Assistant, Lauren Minne.

Established by the Women’s College Alumnae Association, the Grant encourages students in the senior years of their degree to extend their leadership development and learning beyond College and university as they prepare for the professional world.

A grant of up to $10,000 each year will fund a self-designed development program, allowing students to pursue opportunities offered both nationally and internationally. Tailored to the student’s area of interest and degree, the program may include attendance at conferences, courses and experiential learning. The recipient may also be mentored by a senior alumna in their chosen field and have a paper on their experience published in the peer reviewed academic journal, Sibyl.

Shortlisted applicants for the 2019 Grant presented their proposed leadership programs to the Alumnae Committee, along with submitting their CVs, leadership development proposals and a budget. All of the applications were of a high calibre. The Alumnae Committee awarded the Grant to Lauren Minne.

15 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 35 2019

In June this year, Lauren plans to attend the Women of Silicon Roundabout. As Europe’s biggest conference for women in technology, the event to be held in London hosts exhibitions, workshops and skills labs which Lauren believes will assist her in clarifying her career objectives.

As Lauren is considering postgraduate study in chemical and biomolecular engineering, she will make the most of her time in the UK by visiting academics at the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London.

“I feel very fortunate to be able to pursue my leadership program,” says Lauren. “The support of the Women’s College through this grant and throughout my studies has been fantastic.” Lauren also has her eye on a few events closer to home, such as The Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium hosted by Women & Leadership Australia.

This year will be an exciting one for Lauren and the College and our Alumnae Committee looks forward to seeing what she and the future recipients can learn and create from the experience.

“The Margot Anthony (Budd) Music Grant has enabled me to expand my music network both interstate and internationally, through professional work and private tutelage. I would not be able to access these opportunities without the grant and am extremely grateful to be the recipient. It is only three months into the year and the grant has already had a significant impact on the development and growth of my career as a professional musician.” – Clare Fox

17 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 35 2019

2

PHILANTHROPY & SCHOLARSHIP

MARGOT ANTHONY (BUDD)

Music Grant F

ourth-year Bachelor of Music Performance student and clarinetist, Clare Fox, has been awarded the inaugural Margot Anthony (Budd) Music Grant in 2019.

Endowed by Women’s College alumna Margot Anthony AM, the new Grant provides funds to cover music extension activities for a country student resident at College who is studying Music Performance at the University of Sydney.

Margot was resident at Women’s College from 1949 to 1951. She attended Murwillumbah High School and Sydney Church of England Girls Grammar School before completing her Bachelor of Arts Degree at Sydney University. Margot was active on the College House Committee, as well as being a member of the rowing team and the music committee. She was Vice President of the University’s Student Representative Council in 1951.

After finishing her Arts degree, Margot studied piano in Genoa, Italy, before working as a teacher and at the UK

Trade Commission in London. Margot was much involved in Australian political life through her marriage to prominent politician and former Deputy Prime Minister John Douglas Anthony, AC CH FTSE PC. Margot has been a patron and board member of many organisations including the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, Save the Children Fund and the Tweed River Regional Art Gallery.

The first recipient of the Grant, Clare Fox is in her fourth and final year of a Music Performance degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. In January, Clare was Principal Clarinet in the Alexander Orchestra at the Australian Youth Orchestra National Music Camp and will participate in the Australian Youth Orchestra International Tour to Europe and China in July. She has had a win and several placings in the intercollegiate Palladian Cup competition and is a substantial contributor to the musical life of the College.

PHILANTHROPY & SCHOLARSHIP

18

19 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 35 2019

2

PHILANTHROPY & SCHOLARSHIP

THE IMPACT OF

Music Annabelle Traves is lending her prodigious musical talents to a cause dear to Women’s College by staging an annual charity concert to raise funds for the Katrina Dawson Foundation.

A

recipient of the music scholarship at Women’s College over the past five years of her residency, Annabelle is preparing for postgraduate study in Germany later this year, where she plans to undertake a Masters of Performance. In November 2018 she held her second fundraising concert for the Katrina Dawson Foundation. “What the foundation stands for resonates strongly for me – funding and mentoring young women so they can have the experience I have had at College,” says Annabelle. “I am very fond of Katrina’s family so personally I want to do what I can to help the Foundation.” Both concerts have raised over $5000 for the Foundation, and Annabelle plans to return to Sydney later this year to perform in a third concert.

Annabelle has accrued a collection of musical accolades since beginning her performance degree at the Sydney Conservatorium in 2015. Last year she won the coveted solo instrumental section of the intercollegiate Palladian Cup, as well as playing for Delta Goodrem on The Voice and for Bruce Springsteen and Michael Bublé during their recent tours to Australia. This year Annabelle was selected to attend a series of international master class academies in Europe. Her quartet received the George

Henderson Scholarship to perform in Paris under the mentorship of Professor Günter Pichler, former Concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic and first violinist of the Alban Berg Quartet. Annabelle has recently been reappointed Concertmaster for the Australian Youth Orchestra for their forthcoming tour of Europe and Asia.

At the annual Chancellor’s Dinner in March, Annabelle was presented with the Muriel Rutherford prize for achieving a high distinction average in her 2018 academic results. And in a special additional presentation, University of Sydney Chancellor Belinda Hutchinson AM awarded Annabelle her Bachelor of Music Performance degree. (Annabelle missed her March graduation due to her studies in Europe.) A testament to the esteem in which Annabelle is held by her peers at Women’s College, she has received the award for Cultural Woman of the Year for three years running.

Funds raised from her concert series assist with scholarships at Women’s College. The Katrina Dawson Foundation has funded nine scholars to date, seven of whom currently still reside at College.

PHILANTHROPY & SCHOLARSHIP

20

A new law scholarship will be established with an endowment from the late Linda Maree PIGGOTT [1974-77]. It will be awarded for the first time in 2020.

21 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 35 2019

2

PHILANTHROPY & SCHOLARSHIP

INSPIRING NEW LAW SCHOLARSHIP

I

n late 2018 the College received notification of a significant scholarship bequest from the estate of Women’s College alumna Linda Maree Piggott. Linda graduated with a Bachelor of Laws Degree in 1978 and spent the whole of her time at Sydney University at Women’s College. Linda passed away unexpectedly at her home on the Central Coast on 24 September 2018.

She left close to the entirety of her estate to The Women’s College for the purpose of establishing a scholarship, so that others may benefit as she did from spending university days at the College. She recalled her years at Women’s as being the happiest of her life.

Upon graduating Linda took up a position with Howard Hilton & Keddie Solicitors. She enjoyed her time working for the colourful legal personality Howard Hilton, before taking up employment with the Legal Aid Commission as a Duty Solicitor, acting in both criminal and civil matters in the Local Courts and District Court from 1979 to 1984, and then as the Assistant Branch Co-ordinator Administrative Officer from 1984 to 1986. She then acted as the Solicitor in indictable matters in the Supreme Court Circuit from March 1986 to December 1989, becoming the Solicitor in charge of Indictable Appeals as a Senior Administrative Officer from December 1989 to February 1993.

From February 1993 until April 1996, Linda was the Solicitor in charge in relation to the Criminal Section of the Legal Aid Commission Office at Parramatta, with very significant responsibilities. She was involved in the initiation of the Trial Sentence Indication Scheme which was originally projected to be for twelve

*With thanks to Peter Wotton for the information provided in this article.

*

months, but after only six months was introduced into the NSW Court System state-wide. She worked as a Legal Adviser and Company Secretary from 1996 to August 2000 and after obtaining further academic qualifications took up a position as a Legal Consultant for Al Sharif Advocates & Legal Consultants in the United Arab Emirates. This would have been an extremely challenging position for any lawyer and required considerable talent and courage for a female lawyer to take up such a position at that time in the Middle East.

Linda went on to become a Senior Legal and Administrative Officer for Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone in the United Arab Emirates, including acting as Legal Advisor to the Project Director and implementing procedures and systems for Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority. Following her work in the Middle East, Linda became a Delegate and Registration Test Officer back in Australia for the National Native Title Tribunal.

Linda spent some years in Sri Lanka. She acted as a Purchasing Agent for a company and was welcomed into various Sri Lankan families, where she was known affectionately as “Aunty Linda.” Linda also did volunteer work as a teacher of English in China.

After Linda had successfully trialed the Sentence Indication Scheme, she was invited by the Institute of Criminology to lecture on the early implementation of that Scheme. She was the first Government female Lawyer to be invited to join the Criminal Law Committee of the Law Society of NSW. Linda moved to the Central Coast of NSW following her retirement.

PHILANTHROPY & SCHOLARSHIP

22

23 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 35 2019

2

PHILANTHROPY & SCHOLARSHIP

TRIBUTE TO A MAJOR

Philanthropist Women’s College received notice of a major bequest in late 2018, given to establish scholarships for women in science.*

S

cience academic Brenda Jean Stevenson (1924-2018) has left the entirety of her estate to the Women’s College, with the intention of funding scholarships for female postgraduate students in the Faculty of Science. She had no formal connection to Women’s College, so her largesse is indeed very special in our history.

Brenda grew up in Bondi and Maroubra, the eldest child of Vera Maud and banker William Ewart Stevenson. After the loss of her father in 1942, Brenda left school to help support the family, and at night attended Sydney Technical College (later the University of NSW) where she obtained a Diploma of Chemistry.

In 1959 she undertook a Masters of Science at the University of New South Wales, submitting a thesis on “The Chemistry of Castanogenin.”

Brenda’s Master’s thesis and subsequent publication of her work in the Australian Journal of Chemistry (1963) explored the features of two chemical compounds found in the chestnuts of Moreton Bay trees. Her research developed an understanding of the chemical and 3D structure of these natural compounds, and contributed to knowledge on bloat in mammals who eat the chestnuts.

Brenda went to work in England in the late 1940s before returning to Australia to work at the University of Sydney, and later in the Research School of Chemistry at the Australian National University in Canberra. At a time when female academics in science were still a rarity, Brenda was head of the Analytical Services Unit at the ANU. After her retirement she returned to Sydney, living in Manly and later at Turramurra.

* With thanks to Laurie Scandrett for his assistance in obtaining biographical information about Brenda Jean Stevenson.

PHILANTHROPY & SCHOLARSHIP

24

Brenda Jean Stevenson

25 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 35 2019

An exemplar and lifelong advocate for educating women in science, Brenda has left a significant legacy which will enable the College to retain and attract senior students in science. Advance funds from Brenda’s estate have allowed the College to award the Brenda Jean Stevenson Scholarship to its inaugural recipient, Elisabeth Tondl. Elisabeth is in the fifth year of her doctorate in Chemistry, working on the development of targeted and selective methods of delivery of drugs to prostate cancer cells. She completed her undergraduate degree in science at the University of Sydney with double majors in chemistry and psychology, followed by honours in chemistry under the supervision of Professor Trevor Hambley. Elisabeth has resided at College for the entirety of her tertiary studies. She will complete her PhD this year. She notes: In reading Brenda’s Master’s thesis, I empathised with the synthetic and characterisation challenges she must have experienced, especially given the technological limitations at the time. As a woman, the obstacles placed in her path to pursuing a career in analytical chemistry, and her persistence in the face of them, demonstrate the true determination required in the capricious world of research – a perseverance that I aim to emulate. In light of Brenda’s generosity, it is a privilege to stand with her as female chemists together, and also to carry on her work of building up other women in the sciences.

“In light of Brenda’s generosity, it is a privilege to stand with her as female chemists together, and also to carry on her work of building up other women in the sciences.”

PHOTO: Elisabeth Tondl (centre) with Brenda Stevenson’s godson and executor, Laurie Scandrett and Claire Scandrett

PHILANTHROPY & SCHOLARSHIP

26

27 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 35 2019

2

PHILANTHROPY & SCHOLARSHIP

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

Scholarship D

iversity is one of our greatest assets at Women’s College, and maintaining strong numbers in the senior student body can be a challenge as students move increasingly towards self-funding college fees. With this in mind, the College is launching a campaign to fund a new scholarship targeted at senior students: The Women’s Leadership Scholarship.

In a climate where some students struggle to stay at College beyond their second year owing to greater financial independence and the need to work extended hours while studying higher level subjects, financial support to enable them to remain fully engaged in College and university life is becoming increasingly important.

Retaining high performing students who are active, engaged and exceptional ambassadors of the College is a strategic priority, with these students contributing as mentors and role models for younger students.

The College is seeking to provide substantial annual scholarships to alleviate the financial pressures of a student who is partial or fully self-funding.

The Women’s Leadership Scholarship will be awarded on the following criteria:

PHOTO: First Principal Louisa Macdonald

• Contribution and participation to College, university and/or the wider community • Academic merit • Previous leadership experience and/or demonstrated leadership potential • Engaged in part-time work/internships • Self-funding • Minimum 3rd year College and university student In addition to receiving scholarship funds, the recipient will be given the opportunity to develop their professional leadership skills in an individually tailored program.

The Women’s College endeavours to nurture students academically, socially and professionally, and prides itself on creating strong female leaders who will be highly skilled and confident when they enter the workforce.

If you would like to support the Women’s Leadership Scholarship, donations can be made via the enclosed donation card or online via our Support Us page.

For more information, please contact The Women’s College Philanthropy Coordinator, Romy Fung, at r.fung@thewomenscollege.com.au or (02) 9517 5031.

PHILANTHROPY & SCHOLARSHIP

28

RAISING SUPPORT The Women’s College recognises the generous support from its donors, 1 January – 31 December 2018.

Contributions include donations to the building and scholarship funds, individual pledges, assistance towards the purchase of outdoor furniture and in-kind donations.

Lucinda Aboud Antoinette Albert Pacita Alexander Isabella Alexander Alliance Catering Allsopp Family Foundation Ann Armstrong Anonymous donors Roslyn Arnold Sally Auld Terry Austin Australian Society of Authors Ruth Bailey Victoria Baker Mary Barton AO Jeanette Beaumont Justine Beaumont Maggie Beer AM Amanda Bell AM Eileen Bell Margaret Beveridge Christine Biggs Bird Holcomb Foundation Camille Blackburn Katherine Brown Quentin Bryce AD CVO Peter Bull Margaret Burgess AO Meredith Burn David & Belinda Cadwallader Penelope Cameron

Catherine Cameron Elizabeth Campbell Lucy Cantrill Louise Carroll Wendy Carter Sarah-Jane Cartwright Nora Chan Norton Chan & Wai Nam Kwok Sally Chaplain Svetlana Cherepanoff Lavinia Chrystal Tracey Colley Conen Spence PAF Elizabeth Constable John Copland AO Georgina Cornall Ben & Catherine Cruikshank Michael & Amanda Culhane Jennifer Davidson Rebecca Davie Lloyd Davis & Rolly Kahwati-Davis Jane Dawson Nikki Dawson Leonie Day Gineke de Haan Rachel Dear Tim Dolan Penelope Donaldson Christine Donnelly Genevieve Donnelly Tiffany & Paul Donnelly

29 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 35 2019

Doug & Margot Anthony Foundation Barbara Dowe Melanie Drake Maryam Eghtedari Elizabeth Elliott AM Linda English Estate of The Late Dr Mary Stewart Newlinds Estate of The Late Brenda Jean Stevenson Estate of The Late Valerie Ruth Street Leila Excell Tanya Excell Kate Farquhar Kate Field Sven & Kendal Fittler Erin Flaherty David Flanagan Janet Flint Stephanie Fogl Tiffany Foster Angela Frith Luca Fu Denise Fung Romy Fung Future Generation Investment Co Ltd Lucinda Garling Samantha Gavel Carolyn Gavel Susan Gibson Jennifer Giles Christopher & Patricia Goodman

Alex & Tania Gregg Rebecca Griffin Alexandra Grimwade Joan Grimwade OBE Valerie Grogan AM Glen Gulliver Dinah Hales Laura Hamilton Pauline Harding Victoria Harper Kathleen Harris Diana Hart OAM Des & Christine Hasler Elisabeth Hassall Margaret Hawkins Janet Hay Lindy Henderson Margaret Henderson Jill Henry Jacqueline Hicks Jill Hickson AM Melissa Hinde Denise Hines Cherrell Hirst AO Pamela (Jill) Hodgson Richard Holden Eric Holtsmark Jillian Horadam Elizabeth Howard Suzanne Howarth Judith (Sally) Humphrey Anna Hyles Gabrielle Ingate J.P. Morgan Chase Bank Theresa Jacques

Julia James Anna Joyce Sally Keir Alisha King Amanda Kirby Melissa Kozaruk Diana Lambert Isobel Lang Anne Le Couteur Felicity Lehane Rosalind Lehane Christa Lenard Zoe Lenard Sharon Leow Tina Leung Janice Liddiard Jocelyn Lloyd Juliet Lockhart Rosalind Loo Matthew Loxton & Alison Owens Sarah Madew Joanna Maher Alison Main Magdalen Malone Maple-Brown Family Foundation Limited Rebecca Matthews Philippa Mazoudier Kathryn McClymont Johanna McColl Brian & Eleanor McCourt Janet McCredie AM Prudence McCullagh Bride McDermott

Lucy McDonald Brett & Karryn McFadyen Honor McFadyen Mary McGuirk Diana McKay Patrick & Sharon McKendry Leah McKenzie Helen McNaught Angela Mewburn Sharon Mitchell Marjorie (Ann) Moffatt Stephanie Moffitt Philip & Lyn Montgomery Maite Moraza Patricia Morgan Elizabeth Morley Jocelyn Morton Miriam Morton Kristin Moses Katherine Motteram Olivia Murphy Crispin & Kate Murray Helen Murray Diane Nash Sandra Nash National Bank of Australia National Gallery of Victoria Jane Neale Annie Ng Renee Ng Cherry O’Donnell Joycelyn O’Neil Francesca Osborne

Robyn Overall Elizabeth K. Palmer Hayley Paproth Olivia Payne Rachel Peterson Nhi-y Pham Janet Phippard Sophie Photios Andrea Polson Jane Poole Diane Quinlin Lynn Rainbow Reid AM Kathryn Refshauge OAM Carolyn Rendle Cressida Rigney Chloe Roe Clara Rudd Simone Ryan Helen Rydge Elizabeth Sakker Salani Pty Ltd ATF Patricia Selkirk AAM Trish Sharp Lorna Siah Julia Smart Natalie Smith Judith Soper Patrick & Prue Southey Simon Spicer Jane Spring Annabel Spring Leone Steele Pamela (Lindsey) Stewart Catherine Stewart

Ruth Stringer Julie Sutton Katherine Swinburn Suzanne Tait Caroline Talbert Sandra Taylor The Barton Foundation Susan Thomas Elizabeth Thompson Pauline Tondl Samantha & Roger Traves QC Leo Tutt OAM UBS AG Antonia Waddy Annabelle Wadsworth Sally Walkom Lucinda Warren Georgia Watson Lucinda Watson Sarah Webster Richard West Westpac Banking Corporation Penelope Wheeler Mandy Whelan Alan & Ethel Wigzell Alice Wilson Aimee Wiseman Women’s College Alumnae Association Women’s College Student Club Kristina (Fleur) Wright Yim Family Foundation

RAISING SUPPORT

30

31 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 35 2019

3

COMMUNITY

Cakes FOR A CAUSE

When Elizabeth WOOD [2012-14] proposed the idea to hold a cake auction at formal dinner as a student six years ago, she could not have predicted that it would become a highly anticipated event in the College calendar, raising more than $2000 a year for charity.

I

t is a simple formula which demonstrates the power of collective giving: students get together to establish a cake concept, choose a recipe, ice and decorate their creations (often with lavish chocolate additions) and display them before formal dinner—all with the aim to have the highest selling cake for a cause. Over dinner, money is pooled between students at each of the large tables in the dining hall, and tables literally bid for their dessert. With more than twenty cakes up for grabs, competition is fierce, and the larger, more extravagant cakes can fetch more than $200 each.

For the past two years, money raised from the cake auction has been donated to the Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre [WAGEC], a non-government, not-for-profit charitable organisation that delivers a range of crisis and early intervention accommodation and support services to women, children and families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness or

domestic and family violence. Staff from WAGEC attend the dedicated formal dinner and address the students on the types of services towards which their donated funds will be directed.

Community Representative on House Committee, Lucy Schroeder, says that the auction is one of several charity initiatives planned for the 2019 academic year, including support for the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME), the annual Wizzie Picnic, and City to Surf fun run. A portion of funds raised from the sale of College merchandise, including the popular new Women’s College pyjamas, is being channelled towards the Student Club Bursary, another House Committee initiative which provides emergency funding for a current student experiencing unexpected financial hardship due to changing circumstances.

In 2018, student fundraising totalled $18,500 at Women’s College.

COMMUNITY

32

33 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 35 2019

3

COMMUNITY

Palladian Victory T

here was cause for celebration at the end of the 2018 academic year when, for the first time in more than a decade, Women’s College won the Intercollegiate Palladian Cup. Inaugurated in 2001 as a complementary competition to the Rosebowl and Rawson sporting competitions, the Palladian Cup has grown over its almost two-decade history into a multi-event cultural competition spanning art, music, drama, dance, public speaking and debating. The competition takes place over both academic semesters, culminating last year in the final event, ensemble drama.

As well as being a source of robust competition between the colleges, the Palladian competition attracts large audiences to each event to witness the showcase of talent across the college community. Hosted in university venues and organised by dedicated staff from the University of Sydney Union, the standard is

consistently high across all categories, and judging is done by independently selected adjudicators, all of whom have high-level industry experience.

With wins in solo and ensemble instrumental, ensemble vocal and visual art, and placings in a number of other categories, Women’s entered the final phase of the competition just a few points ahead of the nearest competitor, and by no means a certainty to win the Cup. However, with two strong ensemble drama performances earning second and third place, the competition was secured at that final event.

2018 Cultural Representative on House Committee Lauren McNamara dedicated the win to all the Women’s College competitors, coaches and enthusiastic attendees across the event categories. She remarked: “the cultural opportunities offered at Women’s are exhaustive and the community we have here is truly something to be celebrated.”

COMMUNITY

34

The Women’s College community extends its warmest congratulations to these alumnae and associates for their contributions to their professions and exemplary citizenship.

35 THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE • VOLUME 35 2019

3

COMMUNITY

LEADERSHIP &

Awards Several Women’s College alumnae received awards in the Australia Day Honours list for 2019: Professor Elizabeth DENNIS [1961-64] was awarded Companion in the Order of Australia (AC) for eminent service to science as a researcher and academic in the area of genomics and plant development, and to professional organisations. Professor Dennis will be the guest speaker at the annual Alumnae & Friends Formal Dinner, to be held at College on 31 August 2019.

Professor Kathryn NORTH [1979-80] received a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for eminent service to genomic medicine nationally and internationally, to medical research in the fields of genetics, neurology and child health, and as a mentor and role model.

The Hon Margaret Stone [ACKARY: 1965] was awarded Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to public administration, particularly to national security, to the judiciary, and to legal education.

In addition, the following alumnae have been recently recognised: Robyn Bradley [BURTON:1976-79] was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours List, for service to music through community ensembles.

PHOTOS: Clockwise from top left - Professor Kathryn NORTH [1979-80], Professor Elizabeth DENNIS [1961-64], Oi CHOONG [1969-70], Dr Heather LEE [2001-03]

Antarctic scientist Dr Patricia Selkirk AAM [CONNELL:1960-63] was awarded the 2018 Phillip Law medal by the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition Club, recognising Dr Selkirk’s career-long contributions to research into plant taxonomy, adaptations and genetics, landscape ecology and vegetation mapping of Macquarie Island.

In May 2018 Professor Elizabeth ELLIOTT AM FAHMS [1975-78] was awarded the Australian Medical Association Excellence in Healthcare Award for her pioneering role in research, clinical care, and advocacy for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Landscape architect Oi CHOONG [1969-70] was awarded the Marion Mahony Griffin Prize by the The Australian Institute of Architects at the 2018 New South Wales Architecture Awards.

In November 2018 Heather LEE [2001-03] of the Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle was awarded a $50,000 Metcalf Prize from the National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia. Dr Lee’s stem cell research is aimed at preventing relapse and lifting survival rates for those with leukaemia.

Women’s College building contractors AW Edwards won the 2018 NSW Master Builders Association Award for Excellence in Construction in the category of Tertiary Buildings $10 to $30 million for their work on the Sibyl Centre and Langley Precinct Project.

COMMUNITY

36

VALE

Top row (left to right); Betty Marks OAM [MCEWEN: 1943-48], Lucy Lind Lloyd [TAYLOR: 1939-42], Julia FEATHERSTONE [1964-67] Middle row (left to right); Suzanne McKENZIE [1983-85], Helen Oates [EVANS: 1957-61], John Beer [1985-2003] Bottom row (left to right); Beverley RAPHAEL AM [1952-57], Dierdre MASON [1968], Rosalind HINDE [1961-63] Full vales are available on the College website at: www.thewomenscollege.com.au/alumnae/alumnae-stories

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

“Indeed, it is the combination of so many dynamic imperatives that allows a community to exist successfully and with purpose. The fact that our College community combines the energy of young women learning about the world with an empathy for family and friends, that it actively promotes an understanding of and involvement in the wider world, and that it fosters female leadership is perhaps the reason why this place is so dear to so many—including me.�

- Dr Amanda Bell AM, Principal