McAuley Medal is presented to Eunice Kennedy Shriver
The inaugural McAuley Medal was presented to Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Founder of the Special Olympics in 2008.
Drawing inspiration from those who have striven to make a difference in our society locally, nationally and internationally, the College instituted an order of honour in 2008 to recognise people who have made an exceptional personal contribution to advancing the welfare of the community. This honour, the McAuley Medal, is the highest award that can be bestowed by the College.
It is named in memory of Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Catholic Sisters of Mercy, whose outstanding dedication to the most marginalised members of the community continues to inform the College’s ethos.
The inaugural recipient of this award was the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, in recognition of her outstanding and inspirational work in establishing the Special Olympics, growing it into a global movement and helping to fundamentally reshape perceptions of people with disabilities.
