Griffith University Alumni

Six science students walk into an O-Week barbecue in 1980… and accidentally create Griffith’s version of Friends.

David, Raelee, Sandra, Peter, Darrin and Brad bonded over ping pong, Tim Tams and a few skipped lectures, and 40 years later, they’re still catching up.

“There was always someone to have a chat to… and a Tim Tam for five cents,” David says. Some friendships just don’t go on a break.

Read more about the friends group here: https://www.griffith.edu.au/advancement/alumni/connect/we-are-griffith/theyre-still-friends-thirty-…

An extraordinary chapter in Griffith’s story.

Congratulations to Professor Carolyn Evans on her appointment as Vice Chancellor of the University of Melbourne.

Thank you for the leadership, vision and impact you’ve brought to the Griffith alumni community.

The Griffith University Council today congratulated Professor Carolyn Evans on her appointment as Vice Chancellor of The University of Melbourne and confirmed it had commenced a recruitment process for the next Griffith University Vice Chancellor.

Chancellor Andrew Fraser said: “Carolyn has been an outstanding Vice Chancellor for Griffith, and I know she will excel at the University of Melbourne—her alma mater.

“On behalf of Griffith, I place firmly on the record our appreciation for her dedication to Griffith and the meaningful impact of her leadership.”

“Carolyn has led Griffith at a time of enormous change and challenge, through a pandemic and numerous external shocks. She will leave the university well positioned for the future: a stronger research record, outstanding philanthropic performance, deeper engagement with our alumni, improved rankings and the game-changing acquisition of the iconic Treasury Building set to open as Griffith’s Brisbane CBD campus in early 2027 are some highlights.

Professor Evans said: “Griffith is a remarkable university and being Vice Chancellor has been one of the great honours of my life. I have no doubt at all that with the wealth of talent and the upward momentum of the university, it will continue to thrive.”

“My sincere thanks to the Council for entrusting me with the role at Griffith, to all of my talented colleagues who have been a joy to work with, and also to our partners with whom we have achieved so much.

“Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and I wish them every success during and after their study.”

Mr Fraser affirmed the Griffith Council had commenced the process to appoint Professors Evans’ successor as Vice Chancellor of Griffith.

What does it mean to find yourself again? For Griffith University alumnus Jessica Arachchi, it’s a question that’s guiding her work with mothers across Australia.

A social work graduate and founder of The Happy Home Movement, Jess is supporting women who feel like they’ve “lost themselves” in motherhood—helping them rebuild their identity, strengthen self-trust and reconnect with a sense of purpose beyond survival mode.

Blending professional expertise with lived experience, Jess works with mothers to unpack long-held patterns, prioritise their wellbeing and create meaningful, lasting change within their homes.

At the heart of her work is a simple but powerful idea: when women feel supported to thrive, the impact extends far beyond the individual—shaping families, relationships and communities.

From Griffith to empowering others to reclaim their sense of self, Jess’s journey is a reminder of the difference alumni can make when passion meets purpose.

Read more about Jess’s story: https://lnkd.in/gXKpZ99V

Exciting news for the Griffith Alumni Community today!

Griffith University has reached its milestone target of raising $125 million to create a bright future for students, researchers and the wider community.
Griffith’s A Brighter Future for All Campaign was launched seven years ago with the goal of creating lifechanging scholarships and transformative research to allow Griffith’s research, education and engagement to have an even greater impact, benefiting those who need it most.

Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans said: “This is about scholarships that level the playing field, research that will potentially save lives, and programmes which will support our communities who need help."
“It speaks to our mandate to do things differently and seize opportunities by partnering with industry, government, community groups and international organisations so we can collectively make an impact on a global scale and create a brighter future for all," Professor Evans said.

Vice President (Advancement) Marcus Ward said: “We are already seeing this impact in motion by providing scholarships to First Nations peoples, students from low socio-economic backgrounds, and students with a disability.”

Donate or get in touch at https://lnkd.in/gaCTrmDR