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. Alumnae Association President, Alanna Tivisini (Class of 2018), and Vice President, Lisa Higgins (Class of 1993), invite all alumnae to attend as many events across the year as possible.

Alumnae Association Meeting Dates 2024

The Alumnae Association meets on Monday evenings as per below, from 6.00pm to 7.00pm in the Siena College Boardroom and Heritage Centre. If you can't attend a meeting onsite please contact the Alumnae Coordinator and a Zoom link can be provided.

• Monday, 19 February
• Monday, 18 March
• Monday, 22 April
• Monday, 27 May
• Monday, 29 July
• Monday, 9 September
• Monday, 28 October AGM

For further information about the Alumnae Association, please contact the Alumnae Coordinator, Emily Nugent via email at alumnae@siena.vic.edu.au or on (03) 9835 0217 (Monday to Thursday).

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.

In 2024, the Careers Showcase will take place on the evening of Wednesday, 22 May. It will be a fantastic series of panels representing various career categories such as Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health, Creative Design, Marketing, Architecture, Criminology and Forensics, and more. 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.

• 2019: Jade Devlin
• 2020: Bridget Hoy
• 2021: Hayley Di Stefano
• 2022: Alannah McCarthy
• 2023: Majella Hine (pictured above)

Doctor Ursula McKenna Award

The Siena College Alumnae Association provides the Doctor 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 many challenges.

The award is presented to an alumna of the College and recognises excellence in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Recipients of the Doctor Ursula McKenna Award:

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