One of the most significant elements of the Sancta Sophia College vision is to form citizens who Walk in Wisdom. Across generations, many alumni have embodied this vision through lives of service, achievement in their chosen profession or field of endeavour, and meaningful contribution to their communities at a national and international level.
From 2013 to 2019, the Sancta Sophia College Alumni Awards recognised members of our community whose lives and work reflect these values. The Awards celebrated alumni who have made a meaningful contribution through professional excellence, leadership, service, philanthropy, creativity, scholarship and impact in the wider world.
Although the Awards are not currently presented each year, the accomplishments of past recipients remain an important part of the College’s history and a source of pride for our community. The College looks forward to continuing to celebrate the achievements of its alumni in meaningful ways, including the possible return of the Alumni Awards in future.
Award types
The Sancta Sophia College Alumni Award
Recognised alumni who have demonstrated outstanding achievement over a sustained period in one or more areas of recognition.
The Sancta Sophia College Young Alumni Award
Recognised alumni under the age of 40 who have made a significant impact in their profession, field of endeavour, or community in one or more areas of recognition.
The 2019 Sancta Sophia College Alumni Awards were presented in the Great Hall at the University of Sydney.
Sunny Flynn (FR 2012), recipient of the Graduate Award for Social Impact, speaking after receiving her award in 2019.
Areas of recognition
Recipients were recognised across a broad range of fields, reflecting the diverse ways Sancta alumni contribute to society:
- Cultural contribution
- Philanthropic endeavours
- Social welfare and impact
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
- Professional achievement
- Religious service
- Academia
- Sporting achievement
- International achievement
Past recipients
The Alumni Awards honour a remarkable group of Sancta alumni whose achievements, leadership and service reflect the values of the College community.
University of Sydney Alumni Awards
We are proud to have a long history of alumni who have been recognised for their outstanding achievements through the University of Sydney Alumni Awards. These prestigious awards celebrate alumni for their excellence, leadership, and significant contributions across various fields. Over the years, Sancta alumni have consistently been honoured for their innovation, leadership, and dedication to making a meaningful impact in their industries and communities. Sancta alumni that have been shortlisted or honoured with a University of Sydney Alumni Award or Medal include:
- Rae Anderson PLY (PG 2023): Nigel C Barker Medal for Sporting Achievement.
- Naomi Malone (PG 2014): 2023 Alumni Award for Service to Humanity.
- Rosemary Morrow (FR 1966): 2019 Alumni Award for International Achievement.
- Georgina Kreutzer (PG 2016): 2018 Edmund Barton Graduate Medal for Master’s by Coursework Achievement.
- Drew Trahms (PG 2015): 2018 John C Harsanyi Medal for International Student Achievement.
- Dr Kieran Muir (PG 2014): 2018 Graduate Medal finalist.
- Annabelle Chauncy OAM (FR 2004): 2017 Alumni Award for Service to Humanity.
- Yi Yun Low (FR 2014): 2017 John C Harsanyi Medal for International Student Achievement finalist.
- Joan Hume OAM (FR 1965): 2015 Alumni Award for Community Achievement.
- Kathryn McLeod (PG 2014): 2015 Edmund Barton Medal finalist.
- Camilla D’Apice Phillips (FR 2011): 2014 Convocation Medal finalist.
- Christian Sautter (PG 2010): 2012 John C Harsanyi Medal.
- Elizabeth Jones (FR 2008): 2012 Nigel C Barker Medal for Sporting Achievement finalist.
- Marina Lauer (FR 2008): 2012 Convocation Medal finalist.
- Dr Wirginia Maixner (FR 1980): 2011 Alumni Award for Professional Achievement.
- Clover Moore AO (FR 1965): 2010 Alumni Award for Community Achievement.
- Lord Michael Hintze AM (Tutor): 2009 Alumni Award for International Achievement.
- Baroness Gardner of Parkes AM (FR 1945): 2010 Alumni Award for International Achievement.
2019 Sancta Alumni Awards
- Sunny Flynn (FR 2012): Graduate Award for Social Impact
- Professor Margaret Alston OAM (FR 1971): Alumni Award for the Empowerment of Women
- Dr Julia Atkin (FR 1968): Alumni Award for Innovation
- Renée Bolot (FR 1999): Alumni Award for Professional Achievement
- Mavis Claire Pirola OAM DSG (FR 1954): Alumni Award for Religious Service
2018 Sancta Alumni Awards
- Marea Donovan (FR 1955): Alumni Award for Cultural Contribution
- Professor Margaret Rose AO (FR 1963): Alumni Award for Social Impact
- Sapna Sood (FR 1992): Alumni Award for Professional Achievement
- Aili Langford (FR 2014): Graduate Award for Academic Achievement and Contribution to College Life
- Drew Trahms (PG 2015): Graduate Award for Social Impact
- Georgina Kreutzer (PG 2016): Graduate Award for Cultural Contribution
- Dr Kieran Muir (PG 2014): Graduate Award for Academic Achievement and Contribution to College Life
2017 Sancta Alumni Awards
- Dr Denise Salvestro (FR 1969): Alumni Award for Social Welfare and Impact
- Justice Jacqueline Gleeson (FR 1984): Alumni Award for Professional Achievement
- Naomi Malone (FR 1991, PG 2014): Alumni Award for Social Welfare and Impact
- Justice Natalie Adams (FR 1984): Alumni Award for Professional Achievement
2016 Sancta Alumni Awards
- Josephine Heesh (FR 1974): Alumni Award for Service to the College
- Rachel Launders (FR 1986): Alumni Award for Contribution to the College
- Loretta Joseph (FR 1988): Alumni Award for Social Welfare and Impact
- Edwina Pickles (FR 1995): Alumni Award for Cultural Contribution
- Sonja Lyneham (FR 1964): Alumni Award for Professional Achievement
- Aidan O’Neill (PG 1984): Alumni Award for Professional Achievement
- Dr Wirginia Maixner (FR 1980): Alumni Award for Professional Achievement
2015 Sancta Alumni Awards
- Cathleen (Cath) Crossley (FR 1979): Alumni Award for Contribution to the College
- Joan Hume (FR 1965): Alumni Award for Social Impact
- Professor Emma Duncan (FR 1986): Alumni Award for Professional Achievement
- Dr Tim Scott (PG 1990): Alumni Award for Professional Achievement
- Dr Ella Stack (FR 1947): Alumni Award for Community Service
2014 Sancta Alumni Awards
- Professor Lynne Bilston (FR 1986): Alumni Award for Professional Achievement
- Annabelle Chauncy OAM (FR 2004): Alumni Award for Philanthropic Endeavours
- Lee Lewis (FR 1989): Alumni Award for Cultural Accomplishment
- Dr Karen McKay (FR 1981): Alumni Award for Professional Achievement
2013 Sancta Alumni Awards
- Dr Helen Beange AM (FR 1943): Alumni Award for Social Welfare and Impact
- Alison Stephen (FR 1939): Alumni Award for Professional Achievement
- Victoria Rubensohn AM (FR 1966): Alumni Award for Leadership
Help us celebrate alumni impact
The story of Sancta is shaped by the lives and contributions of its people. If you know an alum whose achievements, leadership or service reflect the spirit of walking in wisdom, we would be pleased to hear from you. Sharing these stories helps us recognise the many ways Sancta alumni contribute to their professions, communities and society.
