The Monash connection

Jeni Nathanielsz (BA 1971) and Tristan (BA 2011, LLB(Hons) 2011)

It was a proud moment for Jeni Nathanielsz (BA 1971). She travelled from Sri Lanka to Australia in late 2011 to watch her son Tristan (BA 2011, LLB(Hons) 2011) achieve what she had 40 years prior...walk across the stage at a Monash University graduation ceremony.

Tristan’s graduation from Monash is another step in the journey of a long family association with the University.

His grandmother, Rosemary Nathanielsz, now 84, worked at the Mathieson Library for 36 years – from the first day Monash opened its doors.

She too walked the stage at Robert Blackwood Hall. In 1986 she was presented with an award by HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh to mark the University’s 25th anniversary and her own 25 years of service.

Jeni has also worked at Monash, as a reference librarian from 1967 to 1984.

“As a single mother, I was so proud to see him graduate from my own alma mater,” Jeni said.

“To have three generations of my family associated with Monash is so exciting for us.

"I’d like to think we have all had a little part to play in the growth and development of the University from its earliest days!”