Our Alumnae Association started back in 1945 as the “Siena Old Girls Union”. The Association has had several name changes over the years and its success comes from the strength of the connections formed by its members.

We welcome all Siena alumnae to join the Alumnae Association, and we also extend an invitation to attend the Association meetings and contribute fresh ideas and insights.

For further information about the Alumnae Association, please contact the Alumnae Office at alumnae@siena.vic.edu.au

The Careers Showcase

Each year, the Alumnae Association hosts the Careers Showcase, which features panels of Siena alumnae speaking to current students about their study and career pathways since leaving school.

The Showcase provides a fantastic opportunity for Siena students to hear first hand about the options and possibilities open to them, and is a wonderful way to connect our past and present. Each year we look forward to hearing our alumnae speak about their experiences post Siena, their studies, and the varied career paths they have taken.

Alumnae Association Awards

The Alumnae Association provides the following awards which are presented annually at the Academic Awards Evening.

Siena Award

The Siena Past Students’ Association initiated the Siena Award in 1997. Presented annually to a Year 12 student, it is considered to be the highest award of excellence, based on the Siena College values as espoused in the Mission Statement. The Principal, in consultation with staff decides on the award recipient and the winner gets to have her name entered on the College Honour Roll.

• 2024: Charlotte Lang
• 2023: Majella Hine
  
• 2022: Alannah McCarthy
  
• 2021: Hayley Di Stefano
  
• 2020: Bridget Hoy
  
• 2019: Jade Devlin

Dr Ursula McKenna Award

Ursula McHenry, née McKenna (Class of 1948), holds the distinction of being the first Siena College student to complete a tertiary education. After completing a science and medical degree, Ursula worked as a Resident Doctor, then in the psychiatric unit at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne. In a male dominated field, Ursula faced and overcame many challenges.

The Siena Alumnae Association presents the Dr Ursula McKenna Award each year to recognise excellence in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Mathematics.

Recipients of the Dr Ursula McKenna Award:

• 2024: Professor Dorota Gertig (Class 1980)
• 2023: Dr Emily Duane (Class of 1998)
• 2022: Dr Lisa Higgins (Class of 1993)
• 2021: Professor Louise Bennett (Class of 1979)
• 2020: Associate Professor Debbie Phyland, née Law (Class of 1982)
• 2019: Dr Julia Marchingo (Class of 2006)
• 2018: Ursula Harris, née Ryan (Class of 1984)
  
• 2017: Dr Clare Fedele (Class of 1999)
  
• 2016: Dr Lisa Begg (Class of 1984)
  
• 2015: Dr Lorien Parker (Class of 1999)

Nominations for the Dr Ursula McKenna Award open in August each year.