ANU turns 75
The Australian National 51³Ô¹ÏÍø (ANU) was established by an Act of the Federal Parliament in 1946. Its founding mission was to be of enduring significance in the post-war life of the nation, to support the development of national unity and identity, to improve Australia’s understanding of itself and its neighbours, and to contribute to economic development and social cohesion.
The ANU has shaped modern Australia ever since, and grown into a preeminent teaching and research institution.
On 1 August 2021, the ANU celebrated its 75th anniversary.
Your Stories
As part of our celebrations, the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø is creating a digital resource of stories and memories from our staff, students, alumni, supporters and friends. Help us preserve our history and celebrate our legacy by sharing your favourite ANU moment. Whether it’s a night out at the Uni Bar, a favourite teacher, a sporting triumph, or marching at a ‘demo’, we’d like to hear about it. Use this form to submit a photo or video.
Note: your submission may be published on the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s website or used on social media.
Gallery
1963
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and ANU Chancellor, John Cockcroft, at the opening of the R.G. Menzies Building
1964
A builder surveying the site for the Burton and Garran Halls
1967
H.C. Coombs Building
1972
Students at a graduation ball, Burgmann College
1974
'The Computer Age' arrives at the Chifley Library. Dorothy Enderby, Reader Services Librarian and Milton Simms, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Librarian
1976
Ann Curthoys, Coordinator of the ANU's first course in Women's Studies
1976
The ANU, Acton campus
1979
ANU Women's Eight during a practice session on Sullivan's Creek
1980
The ANU campus, taken from Black Mountain
1986
Bio-anthropologist Colin Groves
1987
The Body Sliding Contest, held as part of Bush Week activities
1988
ANU Club for Women spinning group in the Molly Huxley Room, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø House. L to R: Marie Hyde, Netta McLaren (Club President), Thilly Barton, Lynda Roy, Helen Daniel.
1996
Director of Facilities and Services, Don Hardman, with the newly installed 'traffic calming' balls near the ANU Sports Union.
2000
Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa, received an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the ANU. Here, he talks to ANU student Mark King (R). Vice-Chancellor Deane Terrell is in the background, centre.
2003
The 74-inch telescope at Mt Stromlo after the 2003 bushfires.
2004
(L to R) Former Vice-Chancellor of the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø of Western Australia, Fay Gale (L), Fenner School academic, Richard Baker (C), and ANU Alumni Lynette Liddle (R), at the launch of the Elspeth Young Bequest at the Jabal Centre, 2004. (ANU Photography)
2004
Former Vice-Chancellor of the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø of Western Australia, Fay Gale (L), Fenner School academic, Richard Baker (C), and ANU Alumni Lynette Liddle (R), at the launch of the Elspeth Young Bequest at the Jabal Centre.
2009
Chancellor Kim Beazley
2011
Governor General Quentin Bryce launching the ANU's Gender Institute
2011
Chancellor Gareth Evans (R) welcomes former ANU Vice-Chancellor Ian Chubb, before awarding him an honorary doctorate
2016
ANU Vice-Chancellor Brian Schmitt
2018
ANU PhD student, Jesse Wallace, examining a bogong moth specimen in Kosciusko National Park
2018
ANU Vice-Chancellor, Brian Schmitt, addressing the media during the construction of the Kambri Precinct, 2018.
2018
The ANU Acton Campus in autumn
2019
ANU Alumni Peter Garrett (L), about to receive an honorary doctorate