Genazzano announces Mary Hiscock as Outstanding Alumna for 2020

Genazzano Alumna (1955), Emeritus Professor Mary Hiscock, has been recognised as this year’s Outstanding Alumna for her vast contribution to the field of Law and service to others.

Each year the Genazzano FCJ College Council recognises the contributions of a past student who has made a significant difference in our community displaying the Genazzano values of courage and confidence.

With a career spanning over five decades and significant achievements within her field, Mary has spent a life time making a positive contribution to society and inspiring others.

Throughout her professional and personal life, Mary Hiscock has been an outstanding role model to many, instilling a strong belief that women can aspire to a career in any discipline.

As Chair of the Women Lawyers Association in 1969, linked to the National Women’s Council, Mary was involved in the historic national Equal Pay Case in 1969.

Following her schooling at Genazzano, she was awarded the Julia Flynn Prize as the top student in a Victorian Catholic School and went on to complete a Bachelor of Law with honours at the University of Melbourne.

After completing her Doctor of Law with the University of Chicago, she returned to the University of Melbourne in 1963 and commenced as a full time Academic within the Law Faculty.

At 33 she became the Faculty’s first female reader and was recognised as a pioneer of the study of Comparative Asian Law. In 1994, she became Chair of Law at Queensland’s Bond University and was later appointed Associate Dean (Research and Graduate Studies).

She retired in 2002 and was made Emeritus Professor of the Law Faculty.

Mary has always demonstrated a willingness to help others and still teaches students today.

“I love watching my students develop into influential figures in their own communities”, she said.

“Being able to support and mentor post graduate law students is a true pleasure”. 

As an expert in international trade and investment, Mary has been influential within government and academic institutions as well as significant international institutions, including the United Nations Commission of International Trade Law.

Her dedication to the field of Law has seen her achieve multiple awards and she has authored many journal articles regarding International comparative and commercial law, and contract law.

Ms Karen Jebb, Principal at Genazzano FCJ College commented on Mary’s achievements and contributions to the community.

“Congratulations on being this year’s Outstanding Alumna Mary.” Ms Jebb said.

“During such a difficult time, we are so pleased to be able to acknowledge the wonderful contributions you have made and continue to make.

“You are an inspiration for everyone in our Genazzano Community”.

Mary will be formally recognised at the 2021 Outstanding Alumnae Awards Evening which will celebrate both the 2020 and 2021 Outstanding Alumnae winners.

Genazzano FCJ College is a Catholic Day and Boarding School in Kew offering a co-educational Early Learning Centre and all-girls environment from Prep to Year 12. It offers students a rounded education that prepares them to become resilient, adaptable and confident women.