Genazzano Alumnae Association

President’s Welcome

At Genazzano, lifelong bonds are formed with and within the College. Our past students remain deeply attached to the place where their education and values were shaped. Many return years later with their own daughters, confident about the College life their daughters will enjoy. 

The Genazzano Alumnae Association is one of the oldest and strongest associations in Australia. 

For almost 115 years, the Genazzano Alumnae Association has brought Genazzano women together. They celebrate their connection and continue to support the College community, and as a result, the Alumnae Association is one of the oldest and strongest associations in Australia.

Our network of past students meet regularly through formally organised College events and reunions. Becoming a Genazzano girl is the beginning of a lifelong connection. 

We are proud to host several Alumnae community events annually. Please find more information on our calendar of events and how to stay in touch below.

Warm regards

Stephanie Johnston.

Reunions and Events

Our network of past students meets regularly through formally organised College events and reunions. Becoming a Genazzano girl is the beginning of a lifelong connection. Please save the date for our exciting calendar of events below, and make sure your contact details are up-to-date to receive more information by emailing [email protected]

For queries please email [email protected].

Share Your News

From the much-loved GenNarrations magazine through to Alumnae eNewsletters and the College Alumnae Facebook. Instagram and LinkedIn page, we would love to hear from our cherished Alumnae. Whether it is feedback on publications, ideas for events and reunions, or to altert us to a birth, a celebration or passing of a loved one, please share this with us via email: [email protected]

Supporting our Gen Girls

Bequests

By giving a bequest, you are leaving a leaving a legacy that will make a difference to future generations of Gen girls. If you are considering making a gift to the College in your will, please speak with our Director of Marketing, Admissions and Community via Reception on 8862 1000. Together, you can discuss how best to match your generous gift to a particular project.

Genazzano Foundation

For over 135 years, our College has empowered young women to achieve their dreams.

Generosity has always shaped our story, supporting students, and strengthening our community and supporting the Genazzano Foundation, solidifying the bonds

While reconnecting with old friends and reflecting on our rich traditions, we come together to honour and support the Genazzano Foundation, solidifying lifelong bonds formed within our community.

Encouraging Gen Girls

Likewise, we frequently welcome Alumnae back to the College to assist and encourage our current students to reach their future career and life goals. If you are interested in getting involved please contact [email protected]

History

On 11 August 1911, the Old Girls’ Association was launched by the first boarder to attend Genazzano FCJ College, Ellen Corry, who was duly elected as President.

She brought together a group of past students who determined the aims of the Association, which remain the same today:

• To foster loyalty and affection for our old school
• To support the FCJ sisters
• To keep old girls in touch with one another and hold regular reunions.

In 1914, the College celebrated its Silver Jubilee. The statue of Our Lady of Good Counsel, which still stands in the chapel today, was presented by the OGA to commemorate the occasion.

In 1919, Marie DeBavay, who was President, donated pearls and diamonds to be included in a delicate brooch depicting the OGA crest. This was to be worn by the President at all official functions during her year in office, and this timeless piece is still adorned by the current President, but only on special occasions.

Reunions on Genazzano Day were a highlight of the social calendar, always well attended, and continue to this day to be a wonderful opportunity to renew friendships.

The first Genazzano Ball was held in 1912, and apart from the war years continued until the 1990s. Girls wore formal white dresses, carried Victorian posies and attendance figures regularly exceeded 1,000. The purpose of these events was to raise funds in support of education, music and sport in the form of book bursaries and various scholarships.

During this period, there were 30 members on the Committee and in addition to the Ball, yearly events included Genazzano Day, Mass for the Deceased, an OGA Dinner and Lunch as well as the 8 December procession.

In 1971, the Old Girls’ Association celebrated its Diamond Jubilee. A large number of past students were present at the reunion, including Sr Gerda Prytz fcJ, who had been at that very first meeting in 1911 and who was still a willing participant of the association 60 years later.

The early 1980s were not only a significant time in the history of the OGA, but for women in general. It was during this time that more and more women entered the workforce, and the annual Ball presented debutantes for the final time in the mid-1980s.

Reflecting the changing times, the name of the Association was changed to the Genazzano Alumni Inc. in the late 1990s. In 2006, the spelling was changed to ‘alumnae’ to acknowledge that the majority of past pupils were, and still are, women.

In the past, the OGA and the College were seen as two very separate groups. Today, the College Marketing, Admissions and Community team work closely with the Alumnae Association, a relationship that has grown from strength to strength.

Reunions provide an important means for the Alumnae Association to maintain connections and friendships among past students. In recognition milestone years, reunions for these levels are scheduled and we encourage alumnae to get involved. 

Genazzano girls remain special to each other; the legacies of the past are special and we treasure our motto, fidelis and our hearts still go out in greeting to the well-loved school upon the hill.