Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 2015

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CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE

Principal Ms Jacinda Euler and Executor of the Maria Sulima Bursary Mrs Diana Favell with current and past recipients.

IN ITS 140TH YEAR, THE SCHOOL ALSO CELEBRATES THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARIA SULIMA BURSARY — TWENTY YEARS OF TWENTY GIRLS BENEFITING FROM ITS ESTABLISHMENT.

Maria Sulima was a pioneer, an accomplished linguist and successful businesswoman whose legacy gift established the Maria Sulima Bursary, a bursary programme which allows talented students from less-privileged families to gain access to a Girls Grammar education, and consequently the gift she held high above all else: knowledge (McLeod, 2007). On 1 September, current and former recipients — the ‘Sulima girls’ — joined with Chair of the Board of Trustees Ms Elizabeth Jameson (Head Girl, 1982), Principal Ms Jacinda Euler, Trustee Professor Adam Shoemaker, Director of Development and Alumni Ms Lea Walker and Executor of the Sulima Bursary Mrs Diana Favell and husband Paul to celebrate this important occasion. Mrs Favell shared fascinating insights into the personality of the independent, pioneering and entrepreneurial woman behind this bursary and attendees thoroughly enjoyed hearing about Maria Sulima’s strong and colourful personality and her approach to hard work. While not a Grammar Girl herself, Maria was a wonderful example of someone who understood a ‘nil sine labore’ approach to life which continues through this bursary. As the first recipient of the Maria Sulima Bursary, Lacey Filipich (White, 1999) credits the opportunity to attend Girls Grammar as a turning point in her life.

Girls Grammar instilled in me core beliefs that have shaped my life. I left school feeling empowered and capable, and though I’m regularly the only woman in the boardroom I never question my place there. This intrinsic belief has set me apart from my peers and is probably the most useful thing Girls Grammar gave me. Maria Sulima’s bursary was a gift of enormous magnitude. Her legacy lives on through women like me, and I hope we do her memory proud. This is an inspiring example of the principles behind the School’s decision to establish a Bequest Society in 2016, enabling the School to recognise, honour and cherish people who choose to provide a legacy gift. There are currently a number of Girls Grammar supporters who will make history in becoming founding members of the Society. Confidential enquiries may be made to Ms Lea Walker, Director of Development and Alumni on 07 3332 1380 or lwalker@bggs.qld.edu.au

REFERENCES McLeod, S. (2007). A gift of knowledge. Grammar Gazette . (Spring), p.16.

SPRING ISSUE / 2015