14 November 2020
CITATION
Award of Doctor of the University honoris causa
Sister Mary Angela Doyle RSM AO
Chancellor,
Sister Angela Mary Doyle RSM AO is an exemplary leader who is nationally recognised for her work as a hospital administrator and for her early advocacy for the support and care of Queenslanders with HIV/AIDS.
Immigrating from Ireland to Brisbane in 1947, Sister Angela Mary followed her vocation as a Sister of Mercy and was called to train as a nurse. In 1966, she was appointed Administrator of the three Mater public hospitals in Brisbane, a position she held for 21 years. This period covered some of the most transformative years in the Mater’s history.
She was a leader for these times. Sister Angela Mary challenged much of the prevailing wisdom of both her order and the state government to effect change and justice for those in need. Under her visionary guidance, she stewarded the Mater hospitals to the position of strength,
growth and excellence they enjoy today.
Even after stepping down as Administrator, Sister Angela Mary remained the visible link between the Mater and the community, serving as Senior Director of Health Services for the Mater complex. In response to the continuing need to raise funds for research and new healthcare
services, she became Executive Director of the Mater Hospital Trust from 1993 to 1997. She was central to the establishment of Mater Research in 1998, playing a major role in the fundraising necessary to start the institute. She then served on the Mater Board until 2003.
For more than 60 years she has been a voice for progress in Queensland, from challenging government over funding discrimination and fighting tenaciously for the dignity and healthcare needs of men with HIV/AIDS, through to being a vocal advocate for the health and welfare of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Her diverse achievements in life have been widely recognised. Sister Angela Mary has received an Order of Australia, a Centenary Medal, been named Queenslander of the Year, Executive Woman of the Year, Australia Day Citizen of the Year and a Queensland Great. Her business
successes saw her inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame.
Sister Angela Mary is a teacher and leader with compassion, a fearless advocate for social justice, an altruist, a highly skilled businesswoman, and an example to live by.
Chancellor, I present to you Sister Angela Mary Doyle, Religious Sister of Mercy, Officer of the Order of Australia, Bachelor of Business (Health Administration and Doctor of the University honoris causa of Queensland University of Technology, Doctor of the University honoris causa of Griffith University and Doctor of the University honoris causa of Australian Catholic University, for the award of Doctor of the University honoris causa, bestowed by the Senate of The University of Queensland.