ANU celebrated its hundreds of student medallists on Saturday 16 February by unveiling an honour board at University House.

The first University medals were granted to outstanding honours students in 1963. In the past 45 years more than 677 people have received the honour, many of whom have gone onto be leaders in business, law, public service, the arts and the University sector.

Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Mandy Thomas received a medal in anthropology when she graduated from ANU in 1991. She hosted the unveiling, which was attended by 480 people including many former medallists and their families.

Mandy recalled receiving her medal on the day her son turned one which helped her reflect on the importance of a balance between academic and personal life.

Diplomat Tamsin Sanderson said she "basically grew up on campus" as both her parents were academics at ANU. She won a medal in English in 2001, but couldn't attend the graduation ceremony at the time as she was studying in Germany. She recalls being excited after a late-night phone call from Australia relating the prize. "I didn't expect it all, but it was an honour," she said.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Chubb said the honour board would prove an inspiration to current and future students. He attended the ceremony both in his official capacity and as the parent of two medallists - twins Alexandra and Sarah Chubb both won University medals in 2005.

The ceremony also provided a opportunity to remember those medallists no longer with us. Anjeli Nathan won a medal in zoology in 1998, died the following year in a car accident during field work in South Africa. Visiting the campus prior to the unveiling, Angeli's mother Liz recalled her daughter's reaction to the prize.

"She knew she'd do well, as she worked hard, but I don't think she expected the medal," Liz said. "She was over the moon when she got it, and I think she deserved it."

The University Medallists Honour Board will hang in the Hall at University House. The names of future recipients will be added as they're announced

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