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:

• 2025: Dr Claire Tobin (Class of 1996)
• 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)