Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2014

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OLD GIRLS / ALUMNI

BE INSPIRED BY OUR RICH AND DIVERSE ALUMNI ACHIEVING IN THEIR FAMILIES, WORKPLACES AND COMMUNITIES — BOTH NEAR AND FAR.

MARGARET MITTELHEUSER (1947)

FRAN CHARTERS (BUCHANAN 1932)

One of Brisbane Girls Grammar’s most distinguished old girls Miss Margaret Mittelheuser sadly passed away late last year. As the first female stockbroker in Australia, and the first woman to set up and head a stockbroking office in the country, Miss Mittelheuser challenged assumptions of the day about the typical post-school options for women. Miss Mittelheuser’s extraordinary contribution to the community was evident through her appointment to government, private and not-for-profit boards. She received honorary doctorates from both the University of Queensland and Griffith University. In 1996 she was made a Member of the Order of Australia for services to the finance industry and the community, and in 2003 was awarded a Centenary Medal. Miss Mittelheuser maintained strong links with the Girls Grammar community throughout her life. In recognition of her service, and that of her sister Cathryn’s (1948) to the School, the Margaret and Cathryn Mittelheuser Museum was opened in the Main Building at the Spring Hill campus in 2008.

Happy 100th Birthday to Fran who celebrated this wonderful milestone in December last year. Fran may well take the honour of our ‘oldest – old girl’! Photo courtesy of Bayside Bulletin .

DR EMILY GRANGER (1991)

The February issue of Australian Vogue (pp148-151 Life & Soul) featured two old girls, cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Emily Granger and gastroenterologist Dr Alissa Walsh, who share a drive and passion that has seen them rise to the top of their chosen fields. Emily and Alissa are inspiring examples of Grammar Women, as they combine their demanding professional lives with raising young families. The profile reflects the hallmarks of a Girls Grammar education — service, motivation, harnessing individual interests and strengths and a balanced life approach.

AMANDA JOHNSTON (1992)

DR ALISSA WALSH (1992)

Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Johnston received the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) in the 2014 Australia Day honours list, for her outstanding achievements as a staff officer within the Modernisation and Strategic Plans Division of Army Headquarters.

We are proud of our featured alumni and thank each of them for their inspirational story. We are always eager to profile alumni news and encourage you to contact Old Girls/Alumni Officer Mrs Claire Tynan (Corones 2002) on +61 7 3332 1437 or alumni@bggs.qld.edu.au with any updates.

GRAMMAR GAZETTE