From its humble beginnings nestled amongst the bushland at Nathan, to the current sprawling campuses across South East Queensland, Griffith University has been making it matter for 50 years.
To mark its 50th anniversary, the University has been hosting celebrations and events throughout the year to commemorate half a century of delivering a transformative education experience to hundreds of thousands of students from around Queensland, Australia and the world.
The events included:
50th Icon designed by a Griffith student
The icon, designed by Cathy Luong Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Business, was chosen by the University community. The icon is a testament to the wealth of creativity being nurtured at Griffith and blends tradition with elements both contemporary and unmistakably Griffith, reflecting the University’s ideal of respecting our past while refusing to be bound by it.
50years, one volume. Doing things differently. Griffith University at 50 launched in June
Griffith University didn’t just begin differently, it has spent the last 50 years pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, and reimagining what a university can be. Find out how by reading Doing Things Differently: A History of Griffith University’s First Five Decades, a bold, behind-the-scenes account of the University that changed the rules, written by renowned political historian Professor Emeritus Patrick Weller.
Celebrating an international university
Through March and June, alumni and partners gathered in Singapore, India, London, Washington and Hong Kong. Keynote speakers such as The Hon Julia Gillard AC and The Hon Dr Kevin Rudd AC, as well as High Commissioners, joined alumni, industry and university partners, for events which commemorated the University’s long history of international engagement and partnership.
Griffith Oration Celebrated 50 Years of Impact and Ideas
Held in July, the Griffith Oration brought together thought leaders, alumni, and the wider community for an evening of reflection and inspiration. The oration was delivered by Professor Glyn Davis AC DUniv, former secretary to the Department of Premier and Cabinet and former Vice Chancellor of Griffith University. The Oration explored Griffith’s legacy of progressive education and research underscoring the University’s enduring commitment to social justice, innovation, and leadership in a rapidly changing world.
Griffith Charts Bold Future with Strategic Plan 2025–2030
Griffith University launched its Strategic Plan 2025–2030, a forward-looking roadmap which reaffirms the University’s commitment to inclusive education, impactful research, and community engagement. Developed through extensive consultation, the plan outlines Griffith’s vision to be a university of influence, tackling global challenges and driving positive change across the region and beyond.
Gold Coast Leaders Unite to Celebrate Griffith’s 50 Years of Impact
The Partnering for Impact: Gold Coast 50th Anniversary Leaders’ Lunch in October brought together influential leaders from across the region to celebrate Griffith University’s enduring partnerships and contributions to the Gold Coast community. Held as part of the University’s 50th anniversary program, the event featured Griffith Alumnus and CEO of Westpac Anthony Miller who talked about education as more of our most powerful levers for change. The event also highlighted Griffith’s role in shaping the city’s growth through education, research, and innovation, while reaffirming its commitment to collaboration and regional prosperity.
Celebrates 50 Years of Griffith at Brisbane South (Nathan) Campus
In October, Griffith celebrated 50 years of impact, innovation, and community at its foundation campus in Brisbane’s south, Nathan. The free event welcomed alumni, current and former staff, students, and the wider community to reflect on the University’s proud history, and look ahead to its bold future. A packed mainstage program featured alumni the Hon Dr Jim Chalmers, and Kate Miller-Heidke.
Griffith Archive Launched A Digital History Project
To commemorate its 50-year legacy, Griffith launched a digital archive project capturing key moments, milestones, and voices from its history. This living archive offers a rich, interactive experience for alumni, staff, and students to explore the University’s evolution and contributions to society with four digital exhibitions released throughout 2025.
- 1982 and 2018 Commonwealth Games
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the Affirmative Action Committee
- GUMURRII Student Succuss Unit
- The Spine Sprint – A history
Collecting the Future – 50 years of the Griffith University Art Collection
From May to August, Collecting the Future: 50 Years of the Griffith University Art Collection presented a rich salon hang of more than 190 works by outstanding alumni, including some of Australia’s most influential artists.
Griffith University bespoke processional music launched
BEACONS: a celebration of musical leadership and impact through research at Griffith University was held in September. BEACONS was a collaborative cultural event celebrating musical leadership and impact through research. The evening focused on Griffith’s three research Beacons: Climate Action, Disrupting Violence, and Inclusive Futures with performances and discussions around the artistic research in community. The event was also the world premiere of the new graduation processional for orchestra and choir by alumnus composer Melody Eötvös, which will feature in all Griffith graduation ceremonies for years to come.
50th Anniversary Merchandise A range of bespoke merchandise was created to mark the anniversary including jumpers and t-shirts, drink and food containers, paperweights, and a jigsaw puzzle.
