Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness’ Management Committee representative of the University of Sydney Senate, Annie Corlett AM, has been awarded an honorary fellowship by the institution.
Along with her work for the SUSF management committee, the honorary fellowship was conferred for Mrs Corlett’s work as co-convenor of the University’s Business Alumni Network Start Up Group. She has also represented the Business School on the Alumni Council for seven years and made a big contribution to building the profile of the Business School.
Married to Bruce Corlett, another well-known University of Sydney graduate and supporter, the couple last year donated the Corlett Family Sporting Scholarship to be awarded annually to a female student athlete who is a member of the Elite Athlete Program run by Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness.
Mrs Corlett was an inaugural member of the University of Sydney’s External Advisory Committee and has been President of the Alumni Council from 2013 until this year.
The Alumni Council seeks to provide opportunities for alumni to develop a lifelong connection with the University, commencing when a student enters the University. It also supports the University and its Division of Alumni and Development in their endeavours to grow alumni engagement across the University community.
Off the campus, Mrs Corlett has made significant contributions in the not-for-profit sector, particularly with the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Lifeline Australia.
She spent 15 years as a volunteer guide, including a period as Co-ordinator of Guides, at the Art Gallery of NSW.
In 2007, after completing the six-month training course, Mrs Corlett became a Lifeline Telephone Crisis Supporter, and subsequently a Facilitator and In-Shift Supervisor. In 2011, she was elected to the Board of Lifeline Australia and continues to support this vital organisation with her passion and dedication.
She is also a Volunteer Court Supporter and Counsellor for the Homicide Victims Support Group (NSW).
In a busy and industrious life, the North Sydney Girls High School educated Mrs Corlett also pursued a successful business career as executive director of two publicly listed Australian mining companies after graduating from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Economics degree in 1980.
In 2016, Mrs Corlett was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list with a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to the community through a range of social welfare, not-for-profit, visual arts , academic alumni and victim support groups.
On being awarded an honorary fellowship of the University of Sydney this week she encouraged students to keep an open mind, listen carefully and with respect.
“Having an open mind facilitates change and it helps expand our intellectual capacity and broaden our horizons; to be open to understanding the other view, the other experience,” she said.
“To me, open-heartedness means you are kind, generous, honest, and you do not hesitate to help another. I know many of our students and alumni are involved in a range of community endeavours within and outside the university. I would like to encourage people to be clear about their values and purpose and to make service to humanity a part of your DNA.”
