We are proud of our more than 150-year history educating successful, capable young women. Our alumnae have gone on to achieve great things in many different fields, including medical research, aeronautics, the performing arts, politics, business and much more.
We invite all past students of St Mary’s College to join our alumnae association. Register your interest below.
St Mary's College Alumnae Association
Are you a graduate of St Mary's College Ipswich? We'd love to reconnect with you!Mercy Medallion
Each year, St Mary’s College honours an outstanding member of our alumnae community with the awarding of the Mercy Medallion. Established in 2015, the award recognises an individual who has displayed and acted with a commitment, duty or personal ethos that epitomises the Mercy tradition. Congratulations to these former students who have been recipients of the Mercy Medallion.
2015 – Annastacia Palaszczuk
The inaugural Mercy Medallion recipient, Annastacia Palaszczuk graduated from St Mary’s College in 1986. She has been a member of parliament since 2006, representing the Inala electorate, and was sworn in as Premier of Queensland on 12 November 2020. Ms Palaszczuk is an advocate for women in politics.
2016 – Dr Jessie Christiansen
Astrophysicist and NASA scientist Dr Jessie Christiansen specialises in the search for and discovery of expolanets. Jessie has published multiple exoplanet discoveries and co-authored discoveries on thousands more. Her love of science and astronomy began in high school.
2017 – Leah Neale
Olympic swimmer Leah Neale graduated from St Mary’s College in 2012. Leah was a silver medalist at the 2016 Olympic Games, and a bronze medalist at the 2020 Olympic Games. Honouring her legacy as a champion swimmer, the College presents the Leah Neale Cup at its Swimming Carnival each year to the winner of the 100m challenge.
2018 – Sr Mary Lawson
Sr Mary Lawson has been a Sister of Mercy since 1966. She has worked extensively to improve the quality of life for children with a hearing impairment. A former national secretary of the National Association of Australian Teachers of the Deaf, Sr Mary has worked in Brisbane Catholic Education, the Mater Hospital, Centacare and Queensland health. In 2011, she was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for service to education and to the Catholic Church of Australia. She continues to support families of young people with a hearing impairment.
2019 – Dr Carmel Walker and Dr Judith McEniery
Carmel has spent her professional life working in rural and remote towns throughout Queensland. Her drive to help those outside the big cities access medical treatment has seen her work in Mt Isa, Coory, Bamaga, Ayr and Longreach. In 2018, Carmel recieved the Meritorious Award from the Rural Doctors Service of Queensland.
Judith has worked for 25 years as a palliative care physician. A well recognised expert in her field, Judith is an advocate for dignified, compassionate palliative care for patients who are dying.
2021 – Angela Lynch
Lawyer Angela Lynch is an advocate for women’s safety, and the CEO of Women’s Legal Service. Throughout her 27 years in the Queensland domestic violence legal sector, Angela has developed a deep understanding of the issues confronting women who have experienced domestic violence; translating practical legal knowledge and experience into significant law reform, policy, community legal education and safer outcomes. In 2019, Angela was awarded an AM for her service to victims of domestic and family violence.
