From navigating the challenges of academia to representing RMIT on the global stage, Hannah Rutherford embodies the spirit of a new generation of graduates.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Environment and Society, Hannah Rutherford didn't just confine herself to the conventional realms of academia. Her journey was enriched by seizing opportunities beyond the ordinary, including her involvement in How2RMIT, where she learned the art of public speaking—a skill that will prove invaluable as she delivers the student address at the 2023 Graduation Ceremony.
A pivotal moment in her university experience came when she was awarded the George Alexander Foundation Scholarship.
“In my second year at RMIT, I was honoured to be awarded the George Alexander Foundation Scholarship, in recognition of my academic merit, community involvement and leadership potential,” she said.
The scholarship not only eased financial burdens but also opened doors to a network of alumni.
RMIT Graduate Hannah Rutherford.
Hannah's journey extended beyond the borders of Melbourne. Routine checking of her student emails led her to a Global Experience, an opportunity that proved transformative.
"Last year, a particularly intriguing email caught my eye," she shared.
This email paved the way for an extraordinary opportunity—a policy writing fellowship in gender equality, culminating in participation at the United Nations' 67th Commission on the Status of Women in New York City.
I was incredibly honoured to be selected as RMIT University’s representative and one of five young Australians to travel to the United Nations in New York and participate in a five-day conference of workshops and cross-cultural exchange.
Hannah Rutherford didn't just confine herself to the conventional realms of academia during her time at RMIT.
“I am just so grateful to RMIT University for fully funding my participation in this program.
It enabled me to access an unforgettable international learning experience, and opened the door to decision making spaces that young people are historically left out of,” she said.
With the skills honed during her degree and the confidence instilled by How2RMIT, Hannah excelled in this fellowship. Her research skills, combined with her public speaking prowess, allowed her to contribute meaningfully to the discourse on preventing young Australian women's early pathways into homelessness.
Since navigating the challenges of academia to representing RMIT on the global stage, Hannah is keen to taking her learnings from the campus to the outdoors.
“I’m really excited to be getting outside and getting back into nature,” she said.
“I’m hopefully going to be doing some more solo trips, which was a big focus of my capstone project; women getting outside and having solo adventures.
Beyond that I’m looking for something that intersects environment and society, where I can have a really community impact in the outdoors,” she said.
Her parting advice for new students is to explore what works best for you and how you study.
“For me, I was very much an afternoon studier,” she explained.
“Initially I would feel guilty about not working in the morning, but in the afternoon I realised that’s when I worked best. I learnt to not feel guilty about suing the mornings for my self-care and then studying afterwards," she said.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
