Again a competitive field of outstanding candidates have impressed the assessors and confirmed the depth of talent in women research students in Sydney. The AFGW NSW is pleased to announce the unanimous choice for this year’s AFGW NSW Tempe Mann Travelling Scholarship is Adrianne Jenner.

Adrianne is enrolled in the Faculty of Science, School of Mathematics and Statistics at The University of Sydney and has a Bachelor of Mathematics (Distinction), Certificate of Languages (French) and a Bachelor of Science (Hons). Her thesis ‘Mathematical modelling of oncolytic virotherapy, immunotherapy and nanoparticle therapy‘ looks at ways to treat breast cancer using viruses and the immune system and Adrianne will develop ‘a mathematical model that will capture the formation of a glioblastoma in the human brain. The interaction between glioblastoma cells and virus therapy can then be simulated using the model and ultimately determine ways of improving therapeutic efficacy.’

Adrianne’s work combines science and mathematics in a meaningful way, showing the importance of STEM for young women students. Alongside her own studies, Adrianne has worked hard to promote mathematics to women and girls through her involvement as a NSW finalist in the Famelab science competition, The Mathematics Roadshow – promoting maths to undergrads, predominantly women and through her co-establishment of the Mathematics Postgraduate Society (MaPS) in the School of Mathematics. Adrienne was also a past recipient of the AFGW NSW Mathematics Prize (2015) awarded to the ‘top woman graduating with Honours in Applied Mathematics, Pure Mathematics or Mathematical Statistics’.

Adrianne will use the funds from the scholarship to travel to the laboratory of Professor Yun (Department of Bioengineering, Hanyang University) in Seoul, then ten weeks with Associate Professor Macklin, at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, followed by a return to the laboratory in Seoul.

We wish Adrianne the very best with her research trip and completion of her studies and look forward to the rewards of this important research. AFGW NSW also thanks all of this year’s candidates for their worthy applications and wishes them well with their research.

At the recent Australian Federation of Graduate Women NSW City Branch Prize Presentation, young students in their first years at University were recognised. But a graduate who’s a little older was also recognised – for over 50 years of continuous membership and support of AFGW NSW!

Kathleen McCredie AM received her BA in 1949 and a Diploma in Social Studies at the University of Sydney she went on to teach in both England and Canada and was the founding Headmistress of SCEGGS Wollongong (1955-70). In 1984 she was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for services to education which included her time as a greatly respected Principal at Abbotsleigh  

Kath is pictured above with NSW President Doreen Todd.

Kath is one of many leading educators the AFGW NSW can boast amongst its members. Ms Elaine Peterson who also celebrated 50 years of continuous membership this year was a past Principal of Burwood Girls High School.

Also pictured LEFT: Tricia Blombery presenting awards to Georgia Wilson and Shauntelle Leigh.

Congratulations to all.

The Friends of the City Branch of AFGW NSW enjoyed the recent City Branch TAFE Awards Presentation and afternoon tea, where they were able to meet two deserving young students.

Georgia being presented by Ms Tricia Blombery and Dr Jane Baker

Georgia Wilson has achieved her aim of attending university and is currently studying an Arts and Science Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Wollongong. When first applying to the TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC) course to enable her tertiary studies, Georgia chose subjects that challenged her but were required for her intended degree: “From day one of enrolling into the TPC course I was supported by teachers and class mates. TPC provided support through teachers who cared about students as individuals and were willing to give the extra effort to see students reach their full potential. As a result, I finished the course sitting in the 90% band in biology, health, maths and English.” She went on to say: “From this experience, I understand the importance of education and the incredible opportunities it brings to our lives. I feel privileged to have been nominated for this award as I certainly realise the potential of graduate women.”

Shauntelle Leigh and Georgia Wilson

Shauntelle Leigh was described by her TAFE Coordinator as “…a great role model for many of the other students as she organized study groups and was ready to support and encourage her class mates. Shauntelle was a real asset to the classes she was in and I expect she will do extremely well in her studies at university.” Shauntelle, also a single mother, is currently studying Engineering and Science at UNSW.

AFGW NSW congratulates these two prize winners and thanks Elizabeth Fisher and Jane Maughan-Cheney from TAFE for supporting these and many other women pursuing their educational pathways.

As preparations for the GWI 33^rd Triennial, Centenary Celebration and Conference, “Peace through Education”, continue please find links to three important documents:

1) A welcome letter in English and French from GWI President, Geeta Desai, announcing the 2019 Triennial General Assembly, Centenary Celebration and Conference

2) The Conference Concept Flyer

3) A bulleted summary of the announcement 

At the recent Sophia Holland and Awards Presentation event the winners of the 2018 Jamieson Award and Joan Ritchie Award were announced.

Olivia Grivas was confirmed as this year’s Jamieson Award winner for her exemplary academic record and service to community. Olivia, who holds a Bachelor of Science (Geography) and is continuing her studies in Science and Law, has received other honours including top scoring female student in 1st year and 2nd year Geography, Blue Mountains ‘Young Person and the Year’ and has recently been a young Australian representative to Miami for Law Without Walls. She is a Senior Executive of the Sydney University Law Society, a founding member of the USYD Women in Science Society promoting women in STEM, is a founding partner of ‘High Spirits Escapes’ a tour company bringing women to female social enterprises in Nepal and has been a student volunteer in the Kakadu National Park working with the Gundjheilhmi Aboriginal Corporation.

This award is named in honour of long time member and AFGW NSW executive Mrs Hilda Jamieson. We congratulate Olivia and wish her all the best for her continued studies.

At the same event, the Joan Ritchie Award was presented to Kate Russell. Kate is in her second year at the University of Wollongong studying a Bachelor of Primary Education. Kate currently works as an SLSO at a local primary school and is passionate about completing her degree and being a community advocate and working with children.

A Highly Commended for the Joan Ritchie Award was also provided to candidate Teigan Forgione. Teigan is currently studying a Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic) at Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie. 

The Joan Ritchie Award was named in honour of Eastern Suburbs member Ms Ritchie who was a strong advocate of education for women and girls.

Kate Russell being presented her certificate by Verity Firth

The AFGW NSW congratulates the prize winners and thanks all applicants for their interest in the AFGW NSW Funding programs and dedication to their studies.

At the Sophia Holland Lecture and Presentation Event held at the SMSA Building in the heart of Sydney, AFGW NSW recognised its extraordinary members of over 40 and 50 years standing. (Seen above Ms Verity Firth presenting to Joan Bell)

Jeanette Knox

Jennifer Bennett

Merle Thompson

Although many members were not able to make the journey, several locally based members were present to receive their certificate from Ms Verity Firth (guest speaker).

NSW President Doreen Todd and Federal President Dr Jane Baker were on hand to not only acknowledge the long standing commitment of these members, but their invaluable contribution over the years as executive members, branch executives and powerful examples of educated women making a difference.

We congratulate all AFGW NSW members marking this milestone this year – please see the list below featuring these remarkable women.

Celebrating 50 Years of Continuous Membership

Dorothy Balcomb
Joan Bell
Jennifer Bennett
Svea-Reet Bergman
Alison Biddulph
Sylvia Cleland
Jean Mary Fagan
Elise Goodacre
Judith Goodwin
Pauline Griffin
Etta Gwen Hamilton
Kathleen McCredie
Norma McMorran
Elaine Peterson
Vanda Phillips
Gaynor Reeves
Merle Thompson
Joan Kitchin

Celebrating 40 Years of Continuous Membership

Jeanette Knox
Shirley McMullen
Mary Minns
Rosemary Neville
Susan Stewart
Halina Turnbull
Robin Yabsley
Merle Parkes

Members and associates are invited to drop in and visit the new AFGW NSW Facebook page @AFGWNSWInc and add it to your network.

Another way to stay up to date with all things happening at the Australian Federation of Graduate Women NSW.

#Scholarships #awards #womenineducation #education #advancement #lifelonglearning

AFGW NSW provides approximately 30 annual prizes and scholarships to deserving women and girls throughout NSW. From high achieving postgrads to mature age women in need commencing their first degrees, the AFGW NSW prizes and scholarships provide financial assistance and prestige to women students enabling them to succeed in their educational pursuits.

‘Thank you so much for all your support and to Joan Bielski and her family. I have been honoured to receive such a wonderful opportunity.’ Inaugural 2014 Joan Bielski Scholarship recipient who recently completed her degree with Class II Division 1 Honours

‘Receiving the Jamieson Award certainly helped in my progression from university to the working world, and the recognition I received through receipt of the award was invaluable in this regard.’ 2010 Jamieson recipient now practicing lawyer

‘As a mother of four children, I hope to demonstrate that age, gender, income and location are not necessarily barriers to learning. I would like to thank you for this prize because it is both an acknowledgement of academic achievement and a great encouragement to keep working hard at my studies.‘ UNE Arts Award recipient 2011

For a complete list of the recipients for 2017, please visit HERE.

In 1892 the first Association of Women Graduates in Australia, Sydney University Women’s Association (SUWA), was founded by Louisa MacDonald the first Principal of The Women’s College of Sydney University. Louisa was their first President.

To commemorate 125 years of graduate women’s organisations in Australia, a commemorative booklet of the history was generously produced (at personal cost) by members Dr Jane Baker and Ms ‘Tricia Blombery, with a message included from GWI President Geeta Desai. All NSW members should have received a copy, please advise if you have not received your copy. More copies of this commemorative booklet are available to purchase if Branches are interested in maintaining copies for guest speakers’ gifts or to give to past members. Please contact Ms ‘Tricia Blombery, stuart_tricia@bigpond.com

Louisa MacDonald was one of the two delegates from Australia at the first IFUW Conference in London in 1920 with Mildred Muscio (nee Fry). They were from the, by then named, Sydney University Women Graduates Association (SUWGA) and after this the first constitution of AFUW was drawn up and presented to IFUW (now GWI) in application for membership in 1922.

 

To mark this anniversary a lunch was held at The Women’s College attended by members of AFGW NSW including members of the recently elected 2017-18 Central Committee, Doreen Todd President, ‘Tricia Blombery Treasurer AFGW NSW and Secretary AFGW, Jane Baker Vice President AFGW NSW and President AFGW, Greta Recsei Vice President AFGW NSW, Shirley Randell CIR AFGW NSW,  Wendy Michaels Education Convenor AFGW NSW and Merle Thompson Honorary Business Manager AFGW. Several new members attended as well as the President and Secretary of Sydney University Women’s Group, descendants of the University staff component of SUWA.

The group photo is on the stairs at the College under a recently acquired portrait of Louisa painted at about the time of her appointment and donated by family members. The other portrait is of Dame Quentin Bryce a more recent Principal of The Women’ College and from 2006-2014 the first and so far only woman Governor General of Australia (the Queen’s representative).

 

For all the news on an international level, please visit Graduate Women International’s website www.graduatewomen.org

Sign up for weekly updates, see what’s happening with member funds supporting women’s projects, change a life by making a donation, or catch up with the news and media generated by the recent GWI 32nd Triennial Conference in South Africa and the 60th Commission on the Status of Women CSW60 in NYC.

There is great work being done all over the world to advance women’s educational opportunities – be a part of it.