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“The high calibre and excellence of these lecturers and researchers is absolutely key to this program’s reputation and success.”

Notable Ramsay scholar achievements for the year included Master of Teaching student Faith Psimaris being awarded a scholarship from the Teachers’ Guild of New South Wales; Luke Barrable making the Australian men’s senior team for the Canoe Polo World Championships in Germany; Jorja Drew being shortlisted for LawUno’s Australian Young Law and Law Student Awards; and ACU Ramsay alumnus John Tabuteau and Ramsay Scholar Anastazia Pincevic becoming the Western Civilisation program’s first engaged couple.

Speaking at the dinner, student Claudia Bowditch, who is completing the Western Civilisation program’s innovative secondary teaching pathway, said being a Ramsay Scholar was the highlight of her time at ACU.

“I am truly privileged to have been part of such a vibrant academic community, and I am blessed to have been given the opportunity to study canonical masterpieces and wrestle with challenging ideas that have cultivated in me a life-long love of learning and inquiry,” Claudia said.

“It is this passion for the Western intellectual tradition, alongside my love of learning, that has led me down the path of teaching.”

Master of Liberal Arts student Peter Jolly, an economist who worked in the banking sector for three decades, told dinner guests the course was eye-opening.

“Paul Ramsay was right - our nation, politics, and businesses would benefit from more people with a humanities education and a perspective on our history,” Mr Jolly said.

“I am sure I would have been better at my job had I done this course nearer the start of my career rather than near its end.”

In his concluding remarks, Professor Anstey acknowledged the many people behind the Program’s success this year and thanked Faculty of Education and Arts Executive Dean Professor Larissa Maclean Davies for her commitment and support, and Program Manager Natalie Dipsellas for successfully leading the administration of the Program.

Nearly 50 students have graduated from ACU’s Western Civilisation program and are proud members of the Ramsay Scholar alumni.

In recent years, ACU’s program has established a rich public engagement hub, inviting internationally acclaimed scholars and public intellectuals for academic exchanges and visits. This includes ACU’s first visiting Fulbright Specialist, Romanian-American philosopher Professor Costică Brădățan, and Harvard historian Professor David Armitage. 

ACU is one of three Australian universities to offer the Western Civilisation program supported by the Ramsay Centre.

Since launching in 2021, 160 undergraduate and postgraduate students have joined ACU's Western Civilisation program on Ramsay Scholarships.