Dr Colleen McDonogh had a long and distinguished involvement with Charles Sturt University and its predecessor institutions in Bathurst.

She played a key role in the development of the University contributing to tertiary education in Bathurst for a period spanning 50 years, a unique achievement and one unlikely to be repeated.

Together with her late husband Jack, they gave so much of their lives to the development of the institution and particularly the Bathurst Campus.

In 1952, Colleen Shapiro met Jack McDonogh when she was appointed as the first doctor to the Bathurst Teachers' College in tandem with her duties as a medical officer for the NSW Department of Health. As college doctor she also carried lecturing duties in the School of Health.

After leaving the College's staff in 1956 to raise a family, Dr McDonogh stayed in close contact with the Bathurst Teachers' College and in later years the Mitchell College of Advanced Education (MCAE).

From her time as an academic and Doctor to the Bathurst Teachers' College her commitment and dedication to the institution was exemplary.

With the establishment of MCAE in the late 60's Dr McDonogh took on a guiding role in the development of tertiary education in Bathurst. She was appointed to the Mitchell College of Advanced Education Council in November 1976 and became one of the longest serving council members carrying the position until December 1989, when the final Council retired.

One of the major high points in Dr and Jack McDonogh's lives was the transition of Mitchell College of Advanced Education to Charles Sturt University in 1989. Dr Colleen McDonogh was appointed to the first CSU - Mitchell Advisory Council, and served continuously as Presiding Officer from her appointment in 1990 to 1998. It was only with the loss of her husband and her own failing health that Dr McDonogh retired from the Advisory Council.

Dr McDonogh will be remembered as an ardent supporter of the development and enhancement of tertiary education in Bathurst and the role of CSU as a leading university serving regional Australia.

She made a significant contribution to the administrative and academic life of the College and University, always ready to offer service when she was called on regularly, for Council's and committees.

Dr McDonogh served on the Board of Management of 2MCE-FM from 1980 to 1996; the Board of Directors of Mitchellsearch from 1980 to 1992; the Board of Directors of the Mitchell Foundation from 1991 to 1993, and then the Mitchell Foundation Trust Management and Development Committee from 1993 to 1996. She also served as a member of the Board of Directors of Mitchell Services, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Mitchell Association of Student Councils.

Further information: Lin Friend, Media Office, telephone (02) 6338 4618 Email lfriend@csu.edu.au or see CSU News Online www.csu.edu.au/news