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 to an alumna each year to recognise excellence in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Mathematics.
Past recipients of the Dr 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)
Nominations for the 2024 Dr Ursula McKenna Award are now open. We invite you to nominate an alumna who has made a remarkable impact in STEM, via this link:https://forms.office.com/r/mHm1qZ9kfU Nominations will close at 5.00pm on Tuesday, 10 September.