2020s

2020Launch of FREDA

The College created a digital alumnae magazine in 2020, launching the first copy in June. Focusing on Women’s College alumnae, the magazine is named in honour of our founding Principal, Anna Frederika (Freda) Bage. This alumnae magazine is published digitally, with issues available on our website.

The first issue of FREDA is pictured.

2020Dorothy Marsden

The College’s oldest alumna, Dorothy Marsden, passed away aged 101 years in June 2020. Dorothy was the College’s 1939 Student Club President. In the College’s 1939 year group photo, she is pictured in the front row, third from the left.

At the 2021 Standing Committee Luncheon, Head of College & CEO Florence Kearney paid tribute to Dorothy Marsden and a scholarship in her honour was launched at the event.

Miss Marsden completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Honours at The University of Queensland, was an active alumna of The Women’s College, and a member of the Alumni Association of The University of Queensland.

2020Study Hub Official Opening

In response to the need for more study spaces for students, a project to redevelop the existing library into dedicated study and tutorial rooms commenced in early 2020.

The project was supported by the 2019 and 2020 Student Clubs, each of which contributed $10,000 to create a lasting legacy for future students. Once constructed, the Study Hub featured a meeting room, three tutorial rooms each with magnetic whiteboards, a common room and a tearoom.

The new Study Hub was officially opened at the 2020 Dividere Dinner on Thursday 26 November by Student Club Presidents Kate Land (2019) and Ella Cooper (2020).

Through a donor recognition plaque, the College gratefully acknowledged the support of donors who contributed to the Study Hub project.  

Pictured clockwise from top right: Student Club Presidents Kate Land (2019) and Ella Cooper (2020) cut the ribbon to officially open the Study Hub; residents use one of the tutorial rooms; Head of College & CEO Florence Kearney and Director of Advancement Susan McGinley with the Study Hub donor recognition plaque; and the plaque that acknowledges the contributions from the 2019 and 2020 Student Clubs.

2021Launch of Alumnae Awards

The Women’s College Alumnae Awards were established in 2020 with the vision to celebrate the diverse accomplishments of our alumnae community who are making an impact to their communities and a difference in the world.

These annual awards honour the outstanding achievements of our alumnae, from those who are experienced in their careers to those who are just embarking on their new professions. The first set of Alumnae Awards winners were announced at the Academic Dinner & Alumnae Awards in March 2021.

Pictured are three of the four 2021 winners (left to right) Phoebe Thomas, Amanda Johnston-Pell and Suzanne Bosanquet.

2021Launch of Network Ambassador program

Launched in 2021, the College invites selected alumnae to provide leadership in philanthropic support and to leverage personal and professional networks in support of the College. The Network Ambassadors program aims to strengthen connections among alumnae locally, nationally and globally, while advancing the College’s vision, purpose and values.

To date, the College has appointed eight Network Ambassadors:

• Amanda Johnston-Pell (1989 – 1991), appointed in 2021

• Paula Wilton (1988 – 1990), appointed in 2021

• Dr Margie Bale (1991 – 1994), appointed in 2022

• Dr Emily Gordon (1991 – 1993), appointed in 2023

• Joanna Harris (1990 – 1992), appointed in 2023

• Alison Kubler (1991 – 1992), appointed in 2024

• Jo Cope (1988 – 1990), appointed in 2025

• Nikki Parkinson (1985), appointed in 2025

2021Farewell to Sallyanne Atkinson AO

On Thursday 8 April 2021, the College held a Special Reception for Dr Sallyanne Atkinson AO as she retired from her role as College Council President. 

Sallyanne began her relationship with the College in 1960 as a resident. She went on to become a journalist before becoming Brisbane’s first – and to date only female – Lord Mayor (from 1985 to 1991). Later in her career, she was College Council President from 2009 to 2020.

At the Reception, then Deputy President Kim Lyons delivered the following heartfelt tribute and, on behalf of the College community, thanked Sallyanne for her service to The Women’s College.

2021Tribute to Dr Maureen Aitken AO

Dr Maureen Aitken was Principal of The Women’s College for 18 years and was a beloved member of the College community. She passed away in 2020. On Saturday 17 April 2021, a High Tea was held as a special tribute to honour Maureen’s contributions to the College.

Kim Lyons (then College Council Deputy President) delivered the following tribute at the High Tea.

2021COVID-19

Pictured is the 2021 College Council wearing the College’s official face mask during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021Valedictory Dinner

Each Valedictory Dinner features a special guest speaker. In 2021, our special guest speaker was Dr Sallyanne Atkinson AO. Dr Atkinson is an alumna of the College, a Fellow, and was the Council President from 2009 to 2020. She was also Lord Mayor of Brisbane from 1985 – 1991.

Below is Sallyanne’s guest speaker’s address.

2022Signing of Relationship Framework

On Monday 15 August 2022, The Women’s College took part in the signing of the Relationship Framework between The University of Queensland and the 10 UQ residential colleges on the St Lucia campus.

President of The Women’s College Council, Emeritus Professor Carol Dickenson AM, and Head of College & CEO, Florence Kearney, were in attendance for this significant occasion.

Women’s acknowledges the leadership of Professor Deborah Terry AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Queensland, along with Anne Cross AM, UQ Senate Member, for their strong commitment to developing the relationship between the residential colleges and the university.

2023109th College Birthday

The Women’s College celebrated its 109th Birthday on Friday 24 March 2023.

The celebrations began with an address by Head of College & CEO Flo Kearney, who launched our 110th Anniversary by showcasing some of our plans for the 2024 milestone event. As one of Queensland’s leading university residential Colleges, we used this occasion to acknowledge the remarkable women who have been a part of our history as past and current residents and associates.

We were then very privileged to have the following eminent university Vice-Chancellors participate in a Q&A about tertiary education:

• Professor Carolyn Evans, Vice-Chancellor and President of Griffith University

• Professor Margaret Sheil AO, Vice-Chancellor and President, QUT

• Professor Deborah Terry AO, Vice-Chancellor and President, UQ

The Vice-Chancellors shared their reflections on university leadership challenges, the student experience, the big issues confronting universities in Australia currently and in the future, and collaboration across the three universities.

The panel discussion was facilitated by College Council President Emeritus Professor Carol Dickenson AM. 

2023Fellowship Ceremony for Emeritus Professor Fred D'Agostino

Emeritus Professor Fred D’Agostino was honoured with an Honorary Fellowship at The Women’s College Academic Dinner & Alumnae Awards on Thursday 9 March 2023 by Council President Emeritus Professor Carol Dickenson AM (pictured).

Emeritus Professor D’Agostino was a Women’s College Council Member from 2012 to 2022.

During his career, he was Emeritus Professor of Humanities at The University of Queensland and held positions as the Executive Dean of Arts, President of the Academic Board and UQ Senator.

Emeritus Professor D’Agostino was also the guest speaker for the 2023 Academic Dinner & Alumnae Awards and spoke about the College’s tagline, ‘Ready to Lead’, and what it means to be a leader and why getting ready to lead makes sense for our students and alumnae.

Below is Emeritus Professor D’Agostino’s 2023 Valedictory Dinner address.

2023College Playhouse Refurbishment

The Playhouse, also known as the May Hancock Auditorium, is a 150-seat tiered lecture theatre used for drama and music productions, lectures and seminars, and a range of other events.

The refurbishment of this space in 2022 included the instalment of new state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, comfortable auditorium chairs, and new floor coverings. The refurbishment also included the exposure of the original parquetry floor in the stage area.

This project was made possible with the generosity of the College community. To acknowledge donors, the new chairs were installed with named plaques to showcase their philanthropic efforts. Every named plaque was secured by mid-2023, showcasing the essence of the College community’s generosity.

Pictured is notable alumna and Fellow of the College Judith Anderson OAM (1964 – 1966) in the chair with her named plaque.

2023Fellowship Ceremony for Kim Lyons

Kim Lyons (née Emery) was honoured with a Fellowship at The Women’s College Valedictory Dinner on Thursday 19 October 2023 by Council President Emeritus Professor Carol Dickenson AM (pictured).

Kim Lyons is an alumna of the College (2001 – 2005) and was our 2005 Senior Resident Assistant. She has also been a Council Member from 2012 – 2023, and served as the Council’s Deputy President from 2017 – 2023.

Kim Lyons is a Business Management and Arts graduate of The University of Queensland (UQ). She worked at UQ in undergraduate domestic student recruitment for almost 10 years. Kim played a significant role in the development and implementation of UQ’s flagship equity program, the UQ Young Achievers Program. 

Below is Kim’s Fellowship acceptance speech.

2023Fellowship Ceremony for Jeff Sipek

Jeff Sipek was honoured with a Fellowship at The Women’s College Valedictory Dinner on Thursday 19 October 2023 by Council President Emeritus Professor Carol Dickenson AM.

Jeff Sipek joined The Women’s College in 1989. He holds a Diploma in Hotel and Restaurant Management and spent 10 years working in hotels in Adelaide and the UK. Jeff’s professional skills include expertise in food and beverage, management, operations and leadership.

His role as Director of Operations included the management and coordination of the facilities management of the College and he ensured the smooth running of the day-to-day operations in the kitchen, functions, housekeeping, property maintenance, general office management, security and all operational statutory requirements. Jeff retired in 2023.

Jeff has a strong passion for customer service and maintaining relationships with internal and external clients.

Below is Jeff’s Fellowship acceptance speech.

2023Valedictory Dinner

In 2023, the College was privileged to have The Honourable Justice Catherine Muir as our guest speaker at the Valedictory Dinner.

The Honourable Justice Catherine Muir was appointed as a judge of the District Court of Queensland, the Children’s Court of Queensland and the Planning and Environment Court of Queensland on 14 November 2016. On 11 April 2023, her Honour was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland in the Trial Division.

In her address, her Honour spoke about her pathway to working on justice, and inspired guests with her resilience and journey.

Below is The Honourable Justice Catherine Muir's guest speaker address.

2024110th Anniversary celebrations

The College’s 110th Anniversary celebrations officially began with a Reception at Government House on Tuesday 27 February 2024. This was a function hosted by the Governor of Queensland – Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM – and Professor Graeme Nimmo RFD.

Below is the Governor of Queensland’s remarks about The Women’s College’s 110th Anniversary.

Pictured left to right are Council Member and Alumna Olivia Williamson, Council Member Tamra Saayman, Director of Advancement Susan McGinley, Head of College & CEO Florence Kearney, Professor Graeme Nimmo RFD, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM (Governor of Queensland), Council President Emeritus Professor Carol Dickenson AM, Director of Finance Fiona Bryant, Deputy Head of College Gayle Harris, and Director of Operations Luiz Gomes.

Other celebrations throughout the year included the Back to Women’s alumnae event and birthday celebration, the 110th Anniversary Gala Ball, and several legacy projects. You can read about this milestone event in our special 110th Anniversary issue of FREDA on the College website.

2025Semester 1 Commencement Formal Dinner

The 2025 Semester 1 Commencement Formal Dinner at The Women’s College featured distinguished alumna Karina Holden (Resident Assistant 1994) as guest speaker.

An Emmy® award-winning producer and Head of Factual at Northern Pictures, Karina’s career has spanned conservation biology, documentary filmmaking, and commissioning acclaimed series such as Love on the Spectrum and See What You Made Me Do. Recognised as one of the 100 Women of Influence, Karina inspired students with insights on adaptability, risk-taking, and shaping meaningful careers. 

In her address, Karina reflected on her College experience and the power of embracing change. 

Karina’s speech is below.

2025Wellbeing Precinct

Plans to refurbish the Tennis/Basketball Court outdoor area into a Wellbeing Precinct were announced in 2024, coinciding with the College’s 110th Anniversary. Naming opportunities were provided, with almost $550,000 raised for this project as of February 2025.

Contributions towards this transformative project underscore the commitment of our community to creating a vibrant, inclusive space that enhances the wellbeing and connection of all students.

Construction within the area ran from June to August, with the Official Opening then held on Tuesday 2 September. Pictured are College Council President Emeritus Professor Carol Dickenson AM, Head of College & CEO Florence Kearney, donor David Robinson, Student Club President Caitlin Brittain and Senior Resident Assistant Chloe Evans.

Below is Head of College & CEO Florence Kearney's address.

2025Caitlin Brittain's book

The Student Club President usually takes on the role of presenting the Vote of Thanks to guest speakers and panellists at Formal Dinners. Scan the QR code to view the yellow notebook that 2025 Student Club President Caitlin Brittian used. Caitlin would handwrite her notes during events in this notebook before delivering sincere Votes of Thanks to guest speakers.

2026Fellowship Ceremony for Judith Anderson OAM

Alumna Judith Anderson OAM (1964 – 1966) was inducted as a Fellow of The Women's College at the Academic Dinner & Alumnae Awards. 

Judith has qualifications to post-graduate level from The University of Queensland and the University of New England in arts, journalism and educational administration. 

Her career included higher education and arts management, international marketing, journalism, and teaching at secondary, tertiary and community levels. For 13 years until her retirement from full-time work in late 2010, she was the General Manager of Queensland Ballet and was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in January 2012 for service to the company through administrative roles, as well as for service to women.

Since retiring, she has been employed in a wide range of writing and editing roles, notably for 15 years at Government House where she also acts as a volunteer tour guide. In 2021, she published her first book, Earning a Crust – a century of the baking trade in Warwick (1860s–1960s).

Judith’s other voluntary roles include serving as a Director and Honorary Secretary of Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra for eight years until 2020, and as a member of Zonta International since 1983, being elected successively to a range of positions to international level. 

Judith's delivered the following remarks after her Fellowship Ceremony.

2026Academic Dinner & Alumnae Awards Guest Speaker

2024 Alumna of the Year Dr Leonora Risse (1997 – 2000) was the Guest Speaker at the 2026 Academic Dinner & Alumnae Awards. Leonora drew on her experience and work in economics and gender equality to deliver an inspiring address.

Leonora's speech is below.