Our success starts with our alumni whose achievements are a direct reflection on our standing as one of the best education and research institutions in the world. Many have gone on to prominence. They have made – and continue to make – their marks and achieve excellence in a variety of fields such as business, medicine, arts, and the government.
Know of someone we should profile? Send us an email with details and we’ll follow up.
Alicia Lillington B International Relations ‘13 »
Article written by Dr Alex Schumann-Gillett (PhD '19), from the ANU Women's Alumni Network.
Changing the world one conversation at a time, Alicia Lillington works to empower people to embrace change where culture meets technology.
Her current role...
Ashley St George BA, BVA ’15 »
Article written by Josephine Janssen (B Bus Admin, BA'17), from the ANU Women's Alumni Network.
With winter well underway, the pandemic seems to be running a marathon and not a sprint meaning for many of us, especially the elderly, the very young...
Dr Rushika Wirasinha BMedSc (Hons) ‘08 »
Article written by Dr Alex Schumann-Gillett (PhD '19), from the ANU Women's Alumni Network.
The new Kambri precinct at the heart of ANU is uncharacteristically quiet at the moment, with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting our work, study and travel...
Jean Sum BComm ‘04, BActS ‘04 »
Article written by Dr Alex Schumann-Gillett (PhD '19), from the ANU Women's Alumni Network.
As we adapt to the cooler months and new ways of working and living, I chat with ANU Alumna Jean Sum (BComm '04, BActS '04) about her time at ANU and...
Emma Chappell BA ‘09 »
Article written by Katherine Quinn (LLB '13, BA '13), from the ANU Women's Alumni Network.
Emma Chappell is an ANU graduate currently working as a nutritionist with the Arnhem Land Aboriginal Progress Association (ALPA). Her role involves...
Emily Tighe GDLP ‘14, BA ‘13, LLB (Hons) ‘13 »
Article written by Katherine Quinn (LLB '13, BA '13), from the ANU Women's Alumni Network
It's a sunny autumn afternoon in Canberra when I video chat with Emily Tighe from DDCS Lawyers, an award-winning law firm specialising in family law and wills...
Saga of an exquisite journeyman »
Through raging bushfires and the current global pandemic, David Mac Laren OAM (BA '66) and his woodworks gallery have lived and thrived to tell the tale.
In the early 70s, David Mac Laren was pursuing a career as a playwright in Manhattan. A few of...
Sarah Backhouse - A voice for sustainability »
Sarah is a global communications leader, who graduated from ANU in 1994 with a Bachelor degree in Economics and Japanese Studies. She shares her career journey of over 20 years as an eco-journalist, broadcaster, entrepreneur and executive.
Why did...
Hitting the high notes in his international symphony »
In August 2019, talented conductor, carillonist and ANU School of Music graduate, Leonard Weiss, moved to Baltimore. He had secured a highly competitive opportunity to study a Master of Music, Conducting, at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns...
Katherine Quinn (LLB, BA ’13) »
Katherine is Director of Partnerships for the ANU Women's Alumni Network.
A Canberra native, she currently works in international policy at the Department of Defence. Her role involves managing defence relationships between Australia and other...
Alex Schumann-Gillett (PhD ’19) »
Alex is Director of Social Media for the ANU Women's Alumni Network.
Alex studied a Doctor of Philosophy (computational biochemistry) and graduated from ANU in 2019. She currently works as a technology consultant.
Originally from Brisbane, Alex...
Josephine Janssen (BA, BBA ’17) »
Josephine is the Chair of the Women's Alumni Network.
Originally from Sydney, Josephine decided to leave her comfort zone and begin a new adventure by studying at ANU. "I wanted to attend ANU for its excellent education system and its...
Julia Stevens (MIntLaw ‘06, BSc (Computer Sci) (Hons) ‘01) »
Julia is the Director of Administration for the Women's Alumni Network.
For Julia, studying at ANU provided more than a degree. "While the course was great, I think part of the university experience is meeting people, learning to stand on your own...
Ian Darling AO, BA ‘85 »
Alumnus of the Year
Ian Darling has been awarded the 2020 ANU Alumnus of the Year Award for creating positive social impact and advocating for a more inclusive society through his work.
Ian is an award-winning documentary film maker, who studied a...
Asmi Wood, PhD ‘12, LLB (Hons) ‘03, GradDipLegStu ‘98 »
Indigenous Alumnus of the Year
Asmi Wood has been awarded the 2020 ANU Indigenous Alumnus of the Year for his profound effect on informing public policy on Indigenous affairs through research and educating the next generation.
His research has...
Angella Ndaka, MPubPol PolAn (Hons) ‘15, GDPA (Hons) ‘14 »
International Alumna of the Year
Angella Ndaka has been awarded the 2020 ANU International Alumna of the Year Award for her important contribution to gender and social inclusion in Kenya, and leadership on programs empowering women and girls.
Her...
Farzana Choudhury, LLM LegPrac (Hons) ‘16, GDLP ’14 »
Young Alumna of the Year
In her short legal career thus far, Farzana Choudhury has already made a big impact on many lives.
Her legal education programs have supported and empowered women in prison and raised awareness of some of the ACT's most...
Elijah Buol OAM, JD (expected '21) »
Student Volunteer of the Year (Postgraduate)
"I have always been motivated to make my community and the world a better place," says Elijah Buol.
A former refugee who lost both his parents by the age of nine in the Sudan War, Elijah's story is one...
Yasmin Poole LLB, B International Relations (expected '21) »
2020 Student Volunteer of the Year (Undergraduate)
Yasmin Poole developed a strong sense of justice at a young age. After growing up in a low income family in country Victoria, she was instilled with the desire to stand up for the disadvantaged and...
Sally Melhuish BMus '87 »
My musical life began as a violinist. It was wonderful growing up in Canberra with such a rich musical and cultural scene.
While I was still at school I was performing with many different groups, including the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and all of...
