A weekend of Celebrations for 10 Years of Tuckwell

The weekend long celebrations were an opportunity to recognise the unique partnership between Drs Graham and Louise Tuckwell AO and the University, as well as the plethora of achievements of the Tuckwell Scholars and Alumni, and the unique contribution many others have made to the establishment, success and growth of the scholarship, including ANU professional staff, selection panelists, and Fellows.  

On Friday 23 February, a Ceremonial Tree Planting event took place along the banks of Sullivans Creek, bringing together distinguished guests as well as the entire Tuckwell community, a memorable event with many stories and heartfelt memories shared. 

Current Tuckwell Scholar, Kate Chipman (2022) shared her reflections on the event – 

“Equipped with shovels and spades, Dr Graham Tuckwell and Dr Louise Tuckwell (alongside Professor Grady Venville, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), and 2020 Scholar Jasmine Pearson), planted the last of ten Candlebark eucalyptus trees: the University’s gift to the Tuckwell’s. The morning’s speeches contained many a tree metaphor, as we considered the program’s roots and its growth over the years. As Louise explained, the Tuckwell logo was partially designed around an image of a mature tree, so it felt especially fitting. It was also very special to have Paul Girrawah House, a senior Ngambri-Ngunnawal custodian of the Canberra region, welcome us to country.”

The annual Tuckwell Commencement weekend then followed with the Parents Welcome Lunch in Kambri for our newest Scholars and their families. Drs Graham and Louise warmly welcomed the 2024 cohort and spent time speaking with each parent and Scholar as they looked forward to a wonderful first year at ANU.

This year's Commencement Gala Dinner at Manning Clark Hall will go down in history as the night of nights for the Tuckwell community, a spectacular event where we witnessed Scholars past and present walk the red carpet, each shining bright in their finery, with many surprise and tearful reunions throughout the evening.

Drs Graham and Louise Tuckwell were joined by their four children at the Gala, travelling from all corners of the world, making the evening even more special.

Many were moved to tears after hearing from Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington and Dr Colin Taylor who have been there from the very beginning, from an idea on a piece of paper, to conversations over a kitchen table in the Tuckwell home in Jersey, to the very first Scholar interviews in 2014, to where we are today - celebrating and reflecting on 10 years of the Tuckwell Scholarship Program.  A truly inspiring journey for all members of the wider Tuckwell community and family. 

2023 Bell Ringer, Chi Chi Zhao, delivered the keynote, along with the honour of ringing in the newest cohort using the distinguished Tuckwell Bell.  

“The commencement gala was the highlight of my weekend as a barrage of inspirational speeches allowed me to rethink the purpose of commencement…Sitting at a table of current Scholars, Alumni, Professors and ANU staff allowed me to reconsider, and truly understand the value of the event. It was a celebration of triadic divisions of time related to the program.”
– Bailey Mularcyzyk, 2024 Scholar.

On Sunday, the latest batch of newly graduated Tuckwell Alumni received their Tuckwell pins at a special Alumni Brunch held at Scholars House with Drs Graham and Louise. 

The final official event for this year’s Commencement weekend was a first of its kind.

Current scholars attended a twilight reception at Government House, graciously hosted by His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley.

“Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley wrote and performed an original Tuckwell song. It was lovely to hear from 2023 Scholar Jaison Krutik and 2020 Scholar Hannah Price, who spoke about their respective experiences in the program so far. After three rounds of ‘You Are My Sunshine’, we enjoyed some refreshments as we explored the beautiful grounds, wrapping up a big weekend of events.” 
– Kate Chipman, 2022 Scholar.

As the program grows, events such as Commencement give us the chance to stop and reflect on the decade of positive impact that the Scholarship has had at ANU and in the community, and how the Tuckwell community and program continues to grow and transform the lives of many remarkable young people.  

The official celebrations may be over, but the future is bright for our 10 years young, Tuckwell Scholarship Program. Let’s see how the next decade of Tuckwell evolves.