Dame Leonie Kramer to receive State Memorial Service

Relatives, friends, representatives of organisations and members of the public are invited to commemorate this remarkable woman.

An academic procession will form part of the service, to mark Dame Leonie’s invaluable contribution to education. University of Sydney staff and alumni that wish to join the procession must register their interest at alumni.rsvp@sydney.edu.au.

Dame Leonie’s early years as an academic were built around her passion for Australian literature.

In 1968, she was appointed Professor of Australian Literature at the University of Sydney. Dame Leonie was the first female professor to be appointed in the University of Sydney, and it marked the start of her long association with the organisation.

In 1989, Dame Leonie became Deputy Chancellor of the University of Sydney, before taking on the role of Chancellor from 1991 to 2001, when she retired.

She served on many boards and committees, including with St Vincent's Hospital, the Queen Elizabeth II Trust and the International Advisory Committee of Encyclopaedia Britannica. She also served as chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and commissioner of the Electricity Commission of New South Wales.

At the news of her passing, University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Michael Spence said: “In Dame Leonie we have not only lost a valued member of the University community, but also a significant figure in public life.” 

Monday 27 June 2016

2.30pm (doors will open at 1.45pm, all guests to be seated by 2.15pm sharp)

Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney Conservatorium of Music

1 Conservatorium Road, Sydney

RSVPS to rsvp-prohos@dpc.nsw.gov.au or 9513 2059.

Please note, the family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Sir David Martin Foundation or the Royal Flying Doctor Service.