Think of them as a dream dinner party guest list.  Imagine the depth of knowledge and fascinating anecdotes these Macquarie alumni could add to any occasion – NASA geologist Abigail Allwood, social researcher Hugh Mackay and former Justice of the High Court of Australia, the Hon. Michael Kirby.

Now we can listen in to that imaginary dinner conversation. Introducing Leading Lights – the University’s new platform for video conversations with high-impact Macquarie alumni.

While The Lighthouse has built a reputation for showcasing the many ways in which our research community makes a difference in solving some of the biggest challenges of society, this week we launch a new page demonstrating how our high-impact alumni influence our world.

At once generous, honest and insightful, our launch trio of high achievers share their Macquarie-driven path to success with former broadcast journalist Sandra Odorisio in a series which is shaping up to be a highlight of the platform.

“Leading Lights is a video interview series collaboration between The Lighthouse and the Macquarie Alumni program,” says Susan Mills, Head of Alumni Relations. “It’s designed to showcase conversations with our graduates who are having high impact on our world in fields as diverse as business, the law, emergency services and publishing.

“With a community of over 215,000 across 140 countries, growing by close to 10,000 each year, the depth, diversity and reach of our alumni is a true reflection of Macquarie’s impact on the wider community.”

Light up your life

	Sharing a highly personal reflection on life, love and the law, the Hon. Justice Michael Kirby shares memories of his years as Chancellor at Macquarie, his experience of hiding his sexuality in 1970s Australia and the story of the great love of his life, a partnership that has endured for the past 50 years.
	Social psychologist and beloved media columnist Hugh Mackay talks to fellow psychologist and Macquarie Professor of Cognitive Science Amanda Barnier about how the catastrophic bushfires of pre-pandemic Australia inspired his latest book The Kindness Revolution
	Pioneering geologist Dr Abigail Allwood shares her insights as the first woman and first Australian to lead an investigation on the NASA Mars Rover Mission.

Up next

In coming weeks, Leading Lights will feature conversations with blockbuster author Liane Moriarty, former NSW Fire Commissioner Greg Mullins and former ABC Foreign Correspondent, Four Corners reporter and 60 Minutes legend Jeff McMullen.

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