CASS graduates recognised for stellar academic achievement

Three exceptional CASS students were awarded the ANU University Medal upon graduating in December 2018.

The medal was conferred upon Phillip Beaumont, who completed a Master of Archaeological Science (Advanced), Alyssa Chapman, who graduated with a Master of Culture, Health and Medicine (Advanced), and Mitchell Porter, who earned a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) (Arts and Social Science).

The ANU University Medal recognises students who have obtained First Class Honours (or Masters Advanced Equivalent) and demonstrated exceptional academic excellence across their studies. 

“Completing the program has given me a strong sense of achievement and I’m certainly honoured to receive the recognition,” says Phillip Beaumont, who was very happy to be named one of the University Medallists.

He said that his Masters program was a lot of work and sometimes challenging, but always fascinating. His thesis was on a “substantial and enigmatic find of Neolithic-Metal Age pottery in the uplands of Timor Leste”.

“The Master of Archaeological Science (Advanced) is a really diverse program that introduces you to a range of highly valuable skills and techniques, as well as the leading knowledge across the field,” he says.
 
Learning that she would receive the University Medal was as a surprise to Alyssa Chapman, for whom studying was never about the accolades.

“When doing my Master's degree and thesis, my aim was to get as much out of the program as I could,” she says.

“I highly recommend the Master of Culture, Health & Medicine program. The subject matter was so interesting and my teachers were excellent. There were so many opportunities to focus on issues that were of interest to me.”

Alyssa described doing the advanced version of the degree, the thesis, as challenging but incredibly rewarding and worthwhile. 

“It provided an opportunity to really delve into a problem and to meaningfully contribute to the scholarship on my chosen topic,” she added.

Fellow University Medallist Mitchell Porter said he was honoured over his award.

“Studying the Bachelor of Philosophy (PhB) has been a challenging but rewarding experience,” he says. 

“The PhB gives you the privilege of exploring topics you're passionate about in a lot of depth.” 

Mitchell is excited to have landed a graduate job with the Department of Jobs and Small Business, in the Quantitative Analysis stream.

“I've learned a lot about politics and data analysis in my time at ANU, and I'm keen to pursue those further interests in the future,” he says.

Both Alyssa and Phillip intend to do a PhD at ANU; Phillip with the College of Asia and the Pacific, and Alyssa after a well-earned year’s break from studying.

“Being a medallist still feels surreal,” Alyssa says. “Now I have an even greater sense of achievement about my degree, and am excited about my prospects for the future.”