Mary Evripidou celebrates 45 years with ACU

Long-serving and much-loved staff member Mary Evripidou recently celebrated 45 years of service to ACU.

Having worked at the University for more than four decades, Mary has made a big impact across ACU.

From her early days working as a cleaner at De La Salle Catholic College in Castle Hill, Sydney (which was incorporated into ACU as part of the amalgamation), Mary has gone on to hold a range of roles across the University and is now Manager of the Learning and Teaching Centre.

In the intervening years Mary worked in the typing pool, printery and in the Field Experience Office organising teaching placements for students.

While working at Campus Operations in Strathfield, she managed the unforgiving task of semester and exam timetables as well as other campus administration responsibilities.

Her next stop was the Vice-Chancellery at the North Sydney Campus, as Executive Officer to two consecutive Deans of Students, the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Students Learning and Teaching and then the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Students, Learning and Teaching (now DVC Education).

When Mary began her career at ACU her children were young, so she cared for them at home during the day, and took on the evening shift, despite having to work alone and not being fond of the dark.

In an accolade to her mother, Mary’s daughter Angela Travis recognised Mary’s incredible work ethic and dedication, describing her as the rock of their family.

“Mum’s commitment and loyalty to one organisation and her achievement is hugely significant.”

“Your constant support has allowed my dad, my brother, myself and my son to have choices and a much better life,” she said.

Mary has shown so much commitment and loyalty to ACU over the past 45 years, even in the face of significant personal hardship.

Following a period of leave during family illness, Mary returned to ACU where she has continued to achieve so much.

Her contributions include playing a key role in making World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney such a big success, and managing the Learning and Teaching conferences and ACU Study Tours.

Mary is also known for the care and support she showed to our students while working with the Dean of Students and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students, Learning and Teaching.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Greg Craven said Mary was one of the first people he met when he started working at ACU.

“Every time I meet Mary I feel happier,” Professor Craven said. “She’s a member of staff who is always a delight to meet.”

He echoed the thoughts of many staff from across the University who have had the privilege of working with Mary in her various roles over the past 45 years.

“Mary’s achievements and the level of love she’s shown for everyone across the University has been magnificent,” Professor Craven said.

“I’d like to thank Mary personally and thank her on behalf of the University,” Professor Craven said.

Congratulations Mary and thank you for everything you have done for ACU over the past 45 years.