The Australian National University has recently marked a milestone in our evolution from developing research leaders to developing leaders.

Founded as primarily as a research institution and training ground for Australia’s future research leaders, it wasn’t until 1960 that ANU enrolled its first undergraduate students.
With our distinctive research-led education and unique status as Australia’s national university, ANU has attracted many of Australia’s brightest young minds over the past 48 years.

Like our researchers and educators, many of our alumni have gone on to make an outstanding contribution to the nation, and indeed the world. ANU can count among its alumni the CEO of an internationally renowned museum, 14 Australian ambassadors, business leaders and journalists of distinction.

On 24 November 2007, for the first time an alumnus was elected Prime Minister of Australia. Along with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, and his wife, business woman Thérèse Rein, eight other members of the Ministry are ANU alumni. This is testament to the talent we have had the privilege to nurture over the years.

As this issue of ANU Reporter goes to press, we will be welcoming new students to our campus. Among them will be future leaders in research, in education, in business and in public life. The nurturing of their talent is essential to ANU meeting the vision of our founders to take its place among the great universities and help Australia align itself with the enlightened nations of the world.

Professor Ian Chubb AC
Vice-Chancellor and President

ANU Reporter 
Winter 2008