Prominent alumna Annie Corlett AM receives honorary fellowship

A prominent figure in the Business School’s alumni community has encouraged graduates to enter the world with “open hearts and open minds”, and make “service to the community a part of their DNA”.

Annie Corlett AM, who graduated with a Bachelor of Economics before joining the financial sector where she held a number of Executive positions, was speaking shortly after receiving an honorary fellowship from the University of Sydney.

“Having an open mind facilitates change and it helps expand our intellectual capacity and broaden our horizons. Critically important in cultivating an open mind is to always listen carefully and with respect,” said Mrs Corlett. “To be open to understanding the other view, the other experience.”

“To me, open-heartedness means you are kind, generous, honest, and you do not hesitate to help another,” said Mrs Corlett, who is also a well-known figure in the not-for-profit sector.

“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 you to be clear about your values and your purpose and to make service to humanity a part of your DNA,” said Mrs Corlett.

Mrs Corlett is Co-Convenor of the University’s Business Alumni Network Start Up Group and represented the Business School on the Alumni Council for 7 years. She has made a significant contribution to facilitating the Business School's aspirations to become a leading global Business School. 

Mrs Corlett graduated in 1980 and became an Executive Director of two publicly listed Australian mining companies. During her tenure as Executive Director of Nicron Resources Ltd, the company's market capitalisation grew from less than $5 million to be taken over for $120 million. 

Mrs Corlett has also worked across multiple not-for-profit organisations, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales and Lifeline Australia. In 2011 she became a National Board Member of Lifeline Australia, stepping down in May this year.  She continues to work with Lifeline and is also a Volunteer Court Supporter and Counsellor for the Homicide Victims Support Group (NSW).

Mrs Corlett was an inaugural member of The University of Sydney’s External Advisory and soon after joined the Alumni Council where she was President from 2013 till this year.

Annie and her husband Bruce this 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.

In 2016, Annie 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.

“I deeply appreciate this special acknowledgement of my modest contribution to our great university. My involvement with our university has enriched my life in so many ways,” said Mrs Corlett.

“We’re incredibly proud of Annie, and we’re incredibly proud to have her as an Honorary Fellow of our university,” said Chancellor of The University of Sydney, Belinda Hutchinson AM.