In 2025, Emmanuel College proudly celebrates 50 years since women first joined its community. This milestone marks a half-century of transformation, achievement and progress, recognising the women who have shaped the College’s history and contributed to its vibrant culture.
The admission of 60 young women to Emmanuel in 1975 was a pivotal moment, ushering in a new era of opportunity and diversity. Since then, generations of women have made their mark across academic, professional and personal spheres, enriching Emmanuel College with their voices, talents and accomplishments.
Reflecting on her time at Emmanuel, 1975 alumna, Wendy Jeays shared:
“It was good to meet a lot of people I wouldn’t have otherwise. The experience made you deal with new things — such as men! There were a lot of medical students at Emmanuel and being on campus was a definite advantage for studies. It was fun — especially the formal dinners in the beautiful dining room with the view out onto the river. Overall, Emmanuel was a positive experience.”
Wendy’s reflections capture the spirit of Emmanuel as a place where students grow academically and personally while forming connections that last a lifetime.
Throughout 2025, Emmanuel College will host a series of events and activities to honour this golden anniversary, to allow us to reflect on the half a century of stories of Emmanuel women. These celebrations aim to reflect on the past, acknowledge the progress made, and inspire future generations of women at Emmanuel. From a glamorous cocktail party to special workshops and lectures, student-led events and a shared storytelling initiative that will span 50 years, the College invites the entire community to take part in this historic occasion.
50 years of women at Emmanuel will be marked by a series of activities that have been designed to honour our rich history, celebrate the achievements made by Emmanuel women, and set the stage for an inspiring future.
Am I on the invitation list?
Whether you are an alumnus, resident, parent or a member of the Emmanuel College community, we look forward to welcoming you to one of our commemorative events.
To stay current with our upcoming events, make sure your contact details are up to date.
On Saturday 26 July we celebrated 50 years of women at Emmanuel College in The Long Room, Customs House.
It was a wonderful celebration of Emmanuel women, both past and present, recognising how they have shaped our college, our community and each other.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to mark this special milestone.
Visit our photo album of the night.
A year-long campaign to collect and share 50 stories of women, highlighting their experiences, challenges and triumphs. Check out the stories of Emmanuel women below. If you know of an inspiring alumnus who you think should be featured please email us at alumni@emmanuel.uq.edu.au
In celebration of the inspiring women who come through our wings each year a new scholarship is now available.
Awarded to a returning female-identifying student to encourage more young women to step into student leadership roles and to support outstanding future women leaders undertaking undergraduate study in any discipline.
This scholarship was formed through the Emmanuel College Women’s Committee working group, who sought to address the challenges of gender equality within the student leadership groups including the Emmanuel College Students’ Club Inc., Wing Leaders and Office Holders at the College.
In partnership with Canterbury, we have produced an original Emmanuel College commemorative jersey to mark the celebration of 50 years of women at Emmanuel.
Originally worn by the College rugby teams in the 1940s, the jersey was adopted for general wear in the 1980s by residents and worn when supporting sporting and cultural college events.
Proceeds raised from sales of the jersey will go towards our Young Women Leaders Scholarship.
