Celebrating 50 years of Grace

An image of the Grace College sign on the college roof with dramatic sky above.

As Grace College celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2020, Contact reflects on its early years and the founding values that make the college what it is today.

An image of a cartoon of the Grace College entrance.

Illustration: Kirstin Payne, 2013 Student Club President.

An image the actual Grace College entrance.

Illustration: Kirstin Payne, 2013 Student Club President.

An image of a cartoon of the Grace College entrance.

Illustration: Kirstin Payne, 2013 Student Club President.

An image the actual Grace College entrance.

Illustration: Kirstin Payne, 2013 Student Club President.

An image of a recent student studying in her dorm room at Grace College.

When the doors of Grace College opened half a century ago, a group of 90 young women crossed the threshold to establish the supportive, vibrant and inclusive sisterhood that would become a legacy for generations to come.

That sisterhood is just as strong today, as the college celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2020.

The college was established as a joint initiative of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, officially opening on 4 April 1970.

Upon declaring the college open, then-state governor and UQ Chancellor, His Excellency The Honourable Sir Alan Mansfield, expressed his hopes for the residents embarking on their college journey.

“I think it may be truly said that in such surroundings of a Christian atmosphere and their tutorial facilities, they not only learn how to make a living, but learn how to live,” Sir Mansfield said.

An image of Grace College students wearing O-Week tee shirts in 1988.

Grace College residents during O-Week in 1988 (above) and images of a bedroom and the dining hall during the 1970s, and the construction of the college in 1970 (right).

Grace College residents during O-Week in 1988 (above) and images of a bedroom and the dining hall during the 1970s, and the construction of the college in 1970 (right).

Places at the college were in high demand – the University was dealing with an increasing waitlist of young women in need of accommodation. About one-third of the University’s almost 16,700 students were women – yet there were only college accommodation offerings for 336 of them.

In a time before the array of affordable student apartment complexes that are now scattered across inner-city Brisbane, on-campus living was highly sought after, and the opening of UQ’s third women-only college was a welcome milestone across the community.

The first Grace residents (known as ‘Gracies’) paid a reasonable weekly fee of $18.50, which covered accommodation, meals and access to facilities – including a library, tutoring and social activities. Today, such fees are of course unheard of, but the supportive environment, facilities and collegiate comradery remain.

Historic images of Grace College over the past 50 years, including a student studying, students eating in the dining hall and an outside view of the college.
Historic images of Grace College over the past 50 years, including a student studying, students eating in the dining hall and an outside view of the college.
Historic images of Grace College over the past 50 years, including a student studying, students eating in the dining hall and an outside view of the college.

When the doors of Grace College opened half a century ago, a group of 90 young women crossed the threshold to establish the supportive, vibrant and inclusive sisterhood that would become a legacy for generations to come.

That sisterhood is just as strong today, as the college celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2020.

The college was established as a joint initiative of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, officially opening on 4 April 1970.

Upon declaring the college open, then-state governor and UQ Chancellor, His Excellency The Honourable Sir Alan Mansfield, expressed his hopes for the residents embarking on their college journey.

An image of Grace College students wearing O-Week tee shirts in 1988.

Grace College residents during O-Week in 1988.

Grace College residents during O-Week in 1988.

“I think it may be truly said that in such surroundings of a Christian atmosphere and their tutorial facilities, they not only learn how to make a living, but learn how to live,” Sir Mansfield said.

Places at the college were in high demand – the University was dealing with an increasing waitlist of young women in need of accommodation. About one-third of the University’s almost 16,700 students were women – yet there were only college accommodation offerings for 336 of them.

Historic images of Grace College over the past 50 years, including a student studying, students eating in the dining hall and an outside view of the college.

Images of a Grace College bedroom and the dining hall during the 1970s, and the construction of the college in 1970.

Images of a Grace College bedroom and the dining hall during the 1970s, and the construction of the college in 1970.

In a time before the array of affordable student apartment complexes that are now scattered across inner-city Brisbane, on-campus living was highly sought after, and the opening of UQ’s third women-only college was a welcome milestone across the community.

The first Grace residents (known as ‘Gracies’) paid a reasonable weekly fee of $18.50, which covered accommodation, meals and access to facilities – including a library, tutoring and social activities. Today, such fees are of course unheard of, but the supportive environment, facilities and collegiate comradery remain.

In 2020, Grace College remains the smallest UQ college, with capacity for 179 student residents. Today, a Grace College student is supported by peer resident assistants, peer tutors, as well as initiatives to promote their personal health, wellbeing and growth. Alongside their fellow colleges, Gracies take part in social, sporting and academic events to provide them a well-rounded university experience.

Gracies are even able spend time with Rudy – a happy-go-lucky dog belonging to the Principal, Rev Dr Anita Monro. Rudy is the only male non-staff member permitted on grounds at all hours, and is available for walks and pats, even starring in Grace College’s marketing video.

Watch the Grace College video.

Upon accepting her position at the college following her appointment as Principal in 2013, Dr Monro had never been a part of a college before.

“It was a completely new experience for me. I was interested in the role because of the community formation element,” she said.

“But I was blown away by the community that these young women have.”


Grace College is celebrating its 50th anniversary throughout 2020. The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has caused postponements of planned events, but you can keep up-to-date about anniversary plans by:

For more information, and to see the calendar of planned events, visit the Grace College Anniversary website.”

An image of students outside at Grace College during recent years.

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