51³Ô¹ÏÍø

After three years of COVID-19 halting in-person events, 2022 provided the long-awaited opportunity for the donor and volunteer community at The Australian National 51³Ô¹ÏÍø (ANU) to come together again at the annual ANU Springbank Circle Long Lunch and ANU Celebration of Giving.

Professor Brian P. Schmidt, ANU Vice-Chancellor and President, welcomed guests to both events and emphasised the importance of philanthropy in helping students and researchers unleash their full potential.

Springbank Circle members enjoyed a traditional long lunch and listened intently to a panel discussion moderated by Arik Thormahlen, Head of Advancement at the ANU College of Health and Medicine. The panel discussed the role of philanthropy in research and showcased their areas of expertise.

The festivities continued at the ANU Celebration of Giving. Open to the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's entire philanthropic community, guests were able to connect face-to-face with those who had benefitted from their generosity. They were also treated to a musical performance by ANU School of Music alumnus and Yil Lull studio leader, Will Kepa, and the Sound of Space, a unique performance capturing the Earth's natural radio sounds by the ANU School of Music and the ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics.

Both events are important mainstays of the ANU calendar. Being able to host them once again, after a three-year hiatus, has allowed the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and those who have been helped by its dedicated donor and volunteer community to say 'thank you' in a meaningful way.