OUR STORIES. OUR LEGACY. OUR ALUMNI.
The history of ANU is made up of the stories of our alumni. Every alumni story is unique - a snapshot of their ANU experience, enriched by connections made with friends, partners and mentors during the student journey.
Through 75 Features - nostalgic stories of inspiration and overcoming of challenges - we celebrate the incredible spirit of our community of over 129,000 ANU alumni.
We will add new stories throughout our 75th anniversary until we reach 75 stories, so please come back and visit again soon. Or, click on the button below to share your own story with us.
From student politics to ACT Chief Minister and Treasurer
I studied a Bachelor of Arts in Policy Studies at the Australian National University (ANU) between 1992 and 1995. Now, I am the Chief Minister and Treasurer of the ACT.
From debating in the dining room, to the world stage
I grew up in a tiny fishing village in Queensland that has population of around 800 people. I went to public schools and definitely had a very rural upbringing.
Grades are not everything
For me, going to ANU was about much more than getting good marks. It helped me expand my networks by meeting people I wouldn't otherwise have met.
My second home
To me, The Australian National University (ANU) is not just an alma mater. ANU is my second home. It's the place that I grew up, both as a young child and intellectually.
An Aussie kid that ended up at NASA
The people that you meet at ANU, are people you will share a connection with for the rest of your life. That's been true for me, both professionally and personally.
Explore alumni features

We balance each other
When I graduated high school and entered early adulthood, I was excited to start a brand-new chapter and broaden my horizons. It's a large part of…

The quintessential university experience
I always dreamed of going to university. I grew up watching American and British television shows that depicted universities as hallowed institutions…

My second home
To me, The Australian National University (ANU) is not just an alma mater. ANU is my second home. It's the place that I grew up as a young child, and…

The ANU edge
I did my Master of International Law as a mature age student at The Australian National University (ANU), while working full-time. I was a few…

A musical melting pot
Growing up in Canberra, I knew so many people at school who immediately wanted to move interstate. I wasn't one of those people. In fact, I love…

An ANU family
My husband, Shahidullah, was coming to Australia to do a masters through an Australian International Development Assistance Bureau scholarship. Since…
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