An incredible milestone has been reached as our postgraduate and PhD students celebrated their graduation at the ANU College of Asia & the Pacific graduation ceremony.

From all corners of the world, they have brought diverse perspectives, dedication, and passion to the Crawford School. During the celebrations, we learned something special - the Pacific community honours each other's achievements by decorating one another with beautiful lei! A wonderful tradition that reminds us how success is not just individual but shared with our communities.

While many celebrated with us in person, we were also thinking of those who couldn’t be there - your achievements are just as remarkable, and we celebrate you too!

It was a special day for our Crawford alumna, Dr Mara Hammerle, who after graduating in 2023, received the distinguished J G Crawford Prize in Arts, Asia/Pacific, Business and Law during this year's graduation ceremony.

Dr Hammerle, an economist and public policy analyst who specialises in energy and climate economics, was recognised for her exceptional thesis, Essays on Household Energy Poverty and Australia's Renewable Energy Transition. 

Professor Genevieve Bell, ANU Vice-Chancellor praised her work as "An outstanding body of work with respect to analysis, interpretation, findings, and strength in discovery," noting its significant policy relevance in addressing household electrification challenges both in Australia and internationally.

We were moved by the heartfelt speech delivered by Zaw Yadanar Hein (July), our student from Myanmar, who graduated with a Master of International and Development Economics. July had the honour of addressing the congregation on behalf of the student community.

In her address, July spoke about resilience, compassion, and the importance of mental well-being. She shared her journey of overcoming challenges, including returning to study after seven years in the workforce, and highlighted the significance of the supportive community at ANU.

July expressed deep admiration for her fellow students from conflict-affected countries, including Myanmar, Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, and Bangladesh, acknowledging their resilience.

"Study, career, and the worry about loved ones - it's not a small feat. But yet here we are standing together in resilience. Today, your success is not just yours. It's a testament to hope and perseverance in a world full of adversity."

She also shared powerful words of wisdom from her mother: "Pursue your dreams. Go wherever you want. But always remember - being a good person must be at the heart of your life." This message resonated deeply, as she reminded us of the importance of kindness and integrity in everything we do.

Reflecting on her ANU experience, July spoke about how the university taught her not just academic skills, but how to think critically, adapt to challenges, and engage meaningfully with communities. She emphasized that success is not only about personal achievement but about the impact we have on others.

As July so beautifully said, "Let us not only strive for excellence but also for kindness. The world needs good leaders - but more than that, it needs people who lead with compassion, integrity, and the courage to uplift others. Let us be those people."

We are wishing all our graduates the very best as they take the next step in their life and careers.