This year, Griffith University turns 50 years old. That's half a century of delivering a transformative education experience to hundreds of thousands of students from around Queensland, 色情网站 and the world.
We want to honour all that Griffith is, was and will be, from our origins in the Nathan bush, on the unceded lands of the Yuggera, Turrbal, Yugerabul and Jagera Peoples, and expansion across South East Queensland right through to our future growth into the heart of Meanjin (Brisbane) and beyond. We'll even be publishing a commemorative book to capture this moment in time, where we can pause—only for a moment—to take stock of just how far we've come.
A welcome from our Vice Chancellor
Griffith has been creating a brighter future for all for half a century. Since I arrived as Vice Chancellor, I have been impressed by the passion that colleagues, alumni and students have for our university and the impact made by Griffith through education and research.
Over the past 50 years, we have grown from a single-campus institution of just 451 students to a comprehensive, multi-campus community of tens of thousands. Our alumni, whose successes span countless fields in countries around the world, are proud ambassadors for the distinctive benefits of a Griffith education. Our research has been ranked in the top hundred universities in the world in disciplines from nursing to tourism and hospitality to law.
Our work is grounded in our values: respect for our natural environment, a commitment to making education accessible to those who had been excluded, dedication to social justice and a commitment to First Nations knowledge and culture. Those values will continue to guide us in coming decades.
A golden anniversary is a cause for celebration and also serves as an ideal opportunity to pause and reflect on where we鈥檙e going next. I am excited by our upcoming expansion into Brisbane鈥檚 CBD with our new city campus, where untapped opportunities for connection and collaboration await. We will innovate to provide a transformative education experience for our students, while creating a place where students feel they belong and are valued. We will support our researchers in pioneering work with global impact.
To all the members of our Griffith community, locally and internationally, I thank you sincerely for your belief in our vision, your trust in us, your support and your contributions. I hope you will join us, however you are able, in celebrating the University鈥檚 first 50 years throughout 2025.
Professor Carolyn EvansFor the last 50 years Griffith has made it matter. The future is ours to build and I have no doubt we will continue to educate, research and engage in a manner that creates a brighter future for all.
Vice Chancellor and President
Continue reading
Take a walk down memory lane and hear from our alumni who were among the first to study at Griffith when it opened in 1975.
Discover our impact
Research
Discover the key breakthroughs and innovations we've made in a range of vital areas.
Teaching
Find out how we're preparing our students to thrive in our ever-changing world.
Alumni
Meet the Griffith students making waves of all sizes in their fields and careers.
Strategic plan
Explore how we aim to continue our evolution as a world-class institution in the years ahead.
Acknowledgement of Country
In the spirit of reconciliation, Griffith University acknowledges that it has prospered for 50 years on the unceded lands of the Kombumerri, Yugambeh, Yuggera, Turrbul, Yugarabul and Jagera Peoples.
We acknowledge that the lands on which Griffith University now stands have been vibrant places of knowledge sharing, cultural practice and living wisdom for tens of thousands of years.鈥疻e pay tribute to the Elders, both past and present, for their invaluable role in nurturing, preserving and passing down these cultural traditions.
These lands continue to be active spaces where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples be, do, learn and teach, carrying forward the traditions of education and understanding. Griffith University recognises these important contributions from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students, which are integral to our shared community.
As Griffith University celebrates 50 years, we reflect on our shared history and reaffirm our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are dedicated to fostering mutual respect, cultural understanding and united progress towards a brighter future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can walk in the footsteps of their Ancestors with pride, self-respect and dignity.
Artwork by Sid Domic
Celebrate with us
Throughout the year, we'll be holding a range of signature events to bring together all eras of our community to celebrate just how special a place Griffith has always been.
Be sure to check this page regularly for news and updates on our anniversary events and celebrations.
International alumni events
- Thursday 19 June - London
- Friday 27 June - Washington
Join Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Carolyn Evans, and fellow alumni and celebrate your Griffith University connection. The evening will be a wonderful opportunity to meet old and new friends alike and reminisce about your days at Griffith.
Return to Griffith events
- Sunday 26 October - Brisbane South (Nathan)
- Sunday 31 August (TBC) - Gold Coast
An opportunity for our community, partners, alumni and friends to come together to mark the occasion of Griffith's 50th Anniversary.
50th anniversary merchandise
Celebrate Griffith’s 50th anniversary with exclusive branded apparel and commemorative merchandise. Show your pride with limited-edition items that honour five decades of transformative education.
Give to a Brighter Future
More than $100 million of philanthropy has already been secured to allow our research, education and engagement to have an even greater impact.
Staff resources
Get involved by downloading staff resources to use throughout 2025, share your story, or participate in the events.