More than 4,500 students will graduate from The Australian National University (ANU) at the end of year award conferral ceremonies this week.
More than 2,600 will take part in the graduation ceremonies at Llewellyn Hall from Tuesday 11 December, while another 1,051 students will graduate in absentia.
This year's graduation also marks a special milestone for the ANU Medical School, which celebrates its 1,000th graduating student.
ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt AC congratulated all of the graduating students on their achievements.
"Graduations are an iconic moment in people's lives as they celebrate the many years of hard work by our students," Professor Schmidt said.
"Our latest cohort of graduates will change the world for good. They have the knowledge, skills and confidence that come from getting a degree from one of the best universities in the world."
"On behalf of the whole University, I congratulate them and look forward to seeing their impact on the world."
Adelaide Dennis, who will graduate with a PhD from the Research School of Biology on Thursday, managed to juggle completing her degree with playing ultimate frisbee for Australia.
"My wonderful ANU supervisors gave me great freedom during my PhD. I had freedom to test new ideas and freedom to fail and try again. My time spent at ANU has been formative, and has given me the confidence to say 'yeah, I think I can do that'," Ms Dennis said.
ANU will also confer eight honorary degrees, recognising significant contributions to fields as diverse as science, economics, national security and gender equity.
The recipients include:
- Emeritus Professor John Pitchford - for his contribution to the mathematical economics field.
- Professor Helen Quinn AO - for her contribution to theoretical physics and science education.
- Professor Lyn Beazley AO - for her efforts to encourage every Australian child to learn and love science.
- The Honourable Sir Ross Cranston FBA - for his contribution to the international legal profession and to public service in the United Kingdom.
- Dr Andrew Tridgell - for his contribution to computer science through the development of software that is used by millions every day.
- Mr Ross Gittins AM - for his contribution to journalism and the national debate on economics and political economy.
- Mr Dennis Richardson AO - for his distinguished career in the public service and significant contribution to Australia's national security and foreign policy.
- Ms Sam Mostyn - for her pioneering work on gender inclusion and equity, and leadership in the area of sustainability and climate change.
