Heritage Society Lunch

Head of College, Dr Jennifer McDonald and President of Council, Jane Peck together with Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, Professor Duncan Maskell hosted members of the Heritage Society, members of the Georgina Sweet Society and their guests at a special lunch in Syme Dining Hall on Thursday 15 November.

Head of the Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development within the VCA, Associate Professor Richard Frankland delivered an inspiring key note address on the possibilities when hope is fostered. The benefits of leaving a gift in a Will and providing another person with an opportunity to gain an education is almost immeasurable.

Professor Maskell reflected on, among other things, a Queen's College event from his time at Cambridge University. The Sir Thomas Smith feast is an annual event that was initiated from a £5 endowment in 1573 for 'a moderate feast' - an annual tradition that continues to this day. Other such endowments have provided for buildings, facilities, equipment, scholarships, professorships, chairs in academia as well as research and development grants.

Dr McDonald promoted the importance of endowments from generous benefactors in establishing University Women's College in 1937.

"Since this College’s foundation as University Women’s College in 1937, we have been fortunate to have outstanding benefactors such as Dr Georgina Sweet as well as cousins, Kathleen and Evelyn Syme (among many others), who gave generously of their time and money to establish this College. The College motto of Frappe Fort is reflective of the significant adversity and 20 year battle our founding Council overcame to establish the first Women’s College in Melbourne after their first meeting in 1917."
- Dr Jennifer McDonald, Head of College

If you have recently moved and would like to ensure you receive the most up to date invitations, please update your contact details.

For more information on the Georgina Sweet Society, UC alumni and events, please contact the Advancement Office at University College on +61 3 9349 9113 or community@unicol.unimelb.edu.au