Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2014

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GLOBAL LINKS STRENGTHENED

BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE HAVE BECOME THE FIRST QUEENSLAND SCHOOL TO JOIN THE AUSTRALIAN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS USA FOUNDATION (AISUSAF).

2014 and/or in New York on Saturday 4 October 2014 are invited to join our Principal Ms Jacinda Euler, and Director of Development and Alumni Ms Lea Walker for what will truly be two memorable events. A ‘Girls Grammar only Soiree’ will take place where Ms Euler will address our old girls and afterwards as an affiliate school, we will join the other Australian schools in a larger space providing maximum opportunities for attendees to network and build contacts both professionally and socially. For more information please go to www.aisusafoundation.com.

Established in 2006, the Foundation has grown rapidly to include 30 schools, and provides alumni of the affiliated schools with an Australian network in the US. The Foundation also provides a mechanism through which alumni can support schools in Australia — anyone who submits an American tax return can make a gift to the AISUSAF, preference it to their school of their choice, and receive a tax benefit. Many gifts are also matched by donors’ employers. All members of the Brisbane Girls Grammar family who will be in San Francisco on Saturday 27 September

‘MATURE, TAKE FLIGHT AND LIVE … ’

AUTHOR Ms Lea Walker, Director of Development and Alumni

BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL ALUMNI HAVE MADE A BROAD AND SIGNIFICANT IMPRESSION ON THE WORLD, AND OUR INTERNATIONAL FOOTPRINT INCLUDES MORE THAN 100 GRAMMAR WOMEN WHO LIVE IN THE US. MANY HAVE BEEN REMARKABLY SUCCESSFUL AND ARE MAKING AN IMPACT ACROSS A VARIETY OF FIELDS INCLUDING THE SCIENCES.

When we talked with Jennifer about her career she said, ‘I’m very lucky to have a position at Rutgers University where I undertake experiments, mentor students, edit papers and generally have a good time doing the work that I love’. Jennifer also mentioned that she would be pleased to share her experience with aspiring young scientists. Regarding the AISUSA Foundation, Jennifer said ‘It’s an excellent idea to access a tax deduction status for contributions made to schools outside the US. I’m a strong supporter of girls’ high schools and feel that Girls Grammar made an important contribution to my career. In addition, I’m delighted that my contribution may help to bring the funding of girls’ schools up to the level that boys’ schools already enjoy.’ Jennifer discovered that she was not the only Girls Grammar alumnae at Rutgers, and is joined there by colleagues Dr Judith Grassle (Head Girl, Payne 1954), Marine Biologist and Ecologist, and Dr Elizabeth Dodemaide (1968), Veterinary Scientist. Girls Grammar Principal Ms Euler noted that, ‘It’s wonderful to see Grammar women leading the charge in the US in scientific fields and I look forward to congratulating them personally at the special events planned later in the year.’

Dr Jennifer Kahn (Nielsen 1960) is a wonderful example. Jennifer now lives in New Jersey, but comes from a strong Girls Grammar family as her mother, Barbara Nielsen (Fairlie 1933) was a boarder, and her sister Christina Nielsen (1967) and two nieces, Phoebe and Zoe Nielsen (1992), also attended the School. Jennifer’s doctorate is in Biochemistry and after several postdoctoral positions in the university sector she worked in basic drug discovery in the pharmaceutical industry (Merck) for 25 years.

ARE YOU, OR DO YOU KNOW A BGGS OLD GIRL LIVING INTERNATIONALLY? IF SO, WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU TO UPDATE OUR RECORDS. PLEASE CONTACT US AT (E) ALUMNI@BGGS.QLD.EDU.AU

GRAMMAR GAZETTE