Building a legacy of service: Monash’s impact beyond the classroom
An ethic of service is embedded deep into Monash University’s DNA. The University’s namesake, Sir John Monash, may have become internationally famous for his battlefield brilliance during the First World War. But outside of his military career and civilian careers, Sir John dedicated himself to two things: education and community work.
As new Vice-Chancellor and President of Monash University, Professor Sharon Pickering will focus on the University’s role in helping improve the community around it. We explore how Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science students are simultaneously sharpening their own skills while delivering better community outcomes.
Sir John Monash.
Sir John Monash became famous as the charismatic and visionary commander of Australia’s forces in the First World War. However, his achievements and impact could be felt far beyond the trenches. Sir John was a unifying figure in early 20th-century Australia, combining intellect, innovation and empathy.
By the age of 30, John Monash had already earned degrees in Arts and Civil Engineering and would go on to achieve doctorates in Law and Engineering from Melbourne, Oxford and Cambridge. Along the way, he became a qualified surveyor, water engineer, and patent attorney.
However, Sir John still found time to lecture and examine at the University of Melbourne, where he was chairman of the graduates association, president of the University Club and an elected member of the University council. He was also prominent in the Boy Scout movement and became president of the Victorian Institute of Engineers.
Monash was also a spokesperson for returned soldiers and, from 1925 led Melbourne’s annual Anzac Day march. He was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne in 1923, and president of the Australian Association for the Advancement of Science from 1924-26.
Sir John firmly believed that the purpose of education should be to serve society, as well as ourselves. As he put it: “Equip yourself for life, not solely for your own benefit, but for the benefit of your community.”
Translating the work of Sir John Monash
L-R: Alice Terrill, Xing Mun, Christine Tolotchkov and Alastair Thomas.
Today Monash University, which bears Sir John’s name, is committed to providing more than just an academic education. It encourages students to use their learning and knowledge to improve the communities in which they live. This is one of the key philosophies of new Vice Chancellor, Sharon Pickering, who visited Monash’s Parkville campus earlier this year to talk about education’s important role in improving communities, as well as the benefits of student volunteering.
This philosophy aligns with the same approach of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Since the very day it began as the Melbourne School of Pharmacy (and later, the Victorian College of Pharmacy), with a mission to ensure public safety through the formal training and regulation of pharmacists, serving society has been central to the Faculty’s philosophy.
Today, the Faculty has a dedicated Student Experience Coordinator – Alastair Thomas – works with student clubs and groups, to ensure students at Parkville’s campus have access to the resources they need to make a contribution to the University or beyond.
“Programs like peer mentoring and the ambassador program don’t just build a sense of belonging – they also equip students with leadership skills, professional networks, and experiences that make them highly employable,” Alastair explains.
“The community at Parkville thrives because our students step up as leaders. They create opportunities, build connections, and make a difference – not just for themselves but for everyone around them. That’s what makes the Monash experience so special.”
With that in mind, Alchemy magazine profiles five student volunteers to understand the kinds of contributions pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences students are making.
Troy Lau: The power of ‘yes’
Troy Lau accepting the 2024 Parkville Community Leadership Award – Student Ambassador of the Year.
A Master’s student in pharmaceutical science, Troy Lau has made a conscious decision to say ‘yes’ to as much as he can.
“In my undergrad course, I stuck to my comfort zone and didn’t try enough to get involved,” he says. “But in my Masters I wanted to contribute more, meet new people, and make the most of my experience.”
As a result, Troy has found himself involved in so many aspects of student life, including becoming a student ambassador and Social Events Officer for the Parkville Postgraduate Association (PPA), and even the Faculty’s unofficial photographer.
“I wanted to push myself to try new things,” Troy explains. “Saying yes opened doors I didn’t even know existed.”
Through the Student Ambassador Program, Troy became a face of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. He guided prospective students, led campus tours and represented the University at open days.
The experience connected him with like-minded, ambitious peers and fostered a strong sense of community at Parkville’s campus. It also earned him the 2024 Parkville Community Leadership Award – Student Ambassador of the Year.
“The Ambassador Program was about representing the faculty and building connections – with both like-minded peers and the faculty itself,” Troy says. “Those relationships have been invaluable and made my University experience so much richer.”
Troy says his decision to say yes has taught him so much, and he encourages other students to do the same. “You never really know where an opportunity will take you until you seize it,” he says.
Xing Mun: Combining learning with leadership
Xing Mun’s Monash journey shows how combining hands-on learning with service can transform the University experience.
A final year student in the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science Advanced (Honours) degree, Xing chose Monash for its strong reputation and practical approach to education. “From the first week of my degree, we were already in labs; by third year we were learning to create things like creams and tablets,” she recalls.
“The hands-on nature of the course kept me engaged and excited about what was ahead.”
But Xing found that she could learn just as much outside of the classroom as within it, and could be equally rewarding.
She took on multiple leadership positions, including student ambassador, Senior Peer Mentor, and Lead Organizer for Employability Week – a week-long event helping students develop career skills, engage with industry professionals, and build their networks. These roles earned her numerous accolades, including the 2023 Parkville Community Leadership Award – Student Ambassador of the Year and the 2024 Above and Beyond Award.
“At first volunteering was all about stepping outside of my comfort zone,” she explains. “But now volunteering is my comfort zone. I found out that I loved organising events and meeting new people.”
Her advice to new students? “Put yourself out there. Without volunteering, my time at University would have been so different. It’s not just about academics – it’s about making the most of every opportunity.”
Alec Woolley: Following in the footsteps of the ‘Don’
Alec Woolley as a Student Ambassador speaking to prospective students and creating engaging social media content at Open Day.
Alec Woolley is a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) and Master of Pharmacy student and the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Alistair Lloyd Scholarship.
Named after the ‘Don’ of Monash Pharmacy, the late Dr Alistair Lloyd AO RFD ED FPS, the scholarship is awarded to students entering an undergraduate study course. It is based on outstanding academic performance, leadership and community contributions.
The scholarship is testament to Alec’s commitment to giving back. Before University, Alec honed his leadership skills in high school, where he was part of the first graduating class of a newly established school.
“We had the unique opportunity to shape the school,” Alec recalls. “I was even part of teacher hiring panels, where students had an equal say alongside staff and school leaders. That was such a formative experience.”
Alec’s community involvement extended beyond the classroom. He served as a senior umpire and mentor in his local netball association, coaching young players and supporting aspiring umpires. This early dedication to leadership and mentorship naturally transitioned into his time at Monash.
After beginning his degree in 2024, Alec has become a Student Ambassador, guiding campus tours, speaking to prospective students and creating engaging social media content.
“I never imagined doing that in a pharmacy course,” he admits. “But it was such a fun way to contribute and connect.”
Alec is preparing to take on the role of peer mentor in his second year. Reflecting on the program, he says, “It’s less about academics and more about helping new students transition into University life. For me, it’s about creating the kind of supportive environment I benefited from.”
Christine Tolotchkov: Turning challenges into opportunities
A graduate of the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science Advanced (Honours), Christine Tolotchkov is the founder of Dose of Pharma, a podcast and YouTube channel that connects students and professionals in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacy and beyond. She also served as the 2020 President of the Monash Parkville Student Union.
Christine says the idea for Dose of Pharma came during the lockdowns of her third year, when COVID-19 disrupted traditional learning.
“We realised there was a missing resource—students didn’t have a place to learn about the wide range of career paths in pharmaceutical sciences,” Christine explains.
“A group of us thought, why not start a podcast? It felt like a way to fill that need and help others during a challenging time.”
Now running for four years, there are more than 60 episodes featuring interviews with professionals who share their journeys and advice.
Although it started as a resource for Monash students, the Dose of Pharma podcast has expanded its reach to high school students, University attendees, and industry professionals alike. It has also become a platform for student volunteers to develop skills in content creation, planning and team management.
“For the volunteers, it’s not just about creating content – it’s about building skills you wouldn’t normally learn in a classroom,” Christine says.
“Whether it’s project management, teamwork, or even confidence in reaching out to professionals to be interviewed for the show, these are skills that stay with you for life.”
Alice Terrill: Community-based volunteering
Second-year PhD student, Alice Terrill, balances demanding research with volunteering through both University and external programs.
Alice’s journey as a volunteer began when, at just 18 years old, she joined Rotaract – a global community service organisation for young adults. Over the years, she has served as President of her local chapter and taken on district-level leadership roles, supporting other clubs across Victoria.
“Rotaract is driven by its members, and as President, I emphasised hands-on projects like tree planting, soup kitchens and homelessness outreaches,” Alice says.
Her leadership also saw innovative fundraisers, including a life-sized Monopoly board event that raised thousands for charities including Days for Girls, an organisation providing reusable menstrual products to women worldwide.
Beyond Rotaract, Alice has co-coordinated the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, a week-long professional development program for young adults. It’s a role in which she trains facilitators, plans activities and delivers an impactful program.
“The skills I’ve gained – like public speaking, networking, and managing diverse teams – translate directly into my studies and professional life,” she says.
But for Alice, the opportunity volunteering has provided for personal growth is even more significant.
“You learn to navigate discomfort, whether it’s public speaking, negotiating, or asking for support. It’s about doing things you’re not used to or comfortable doing, and yet still finding confidence to face those challenges,” she says.
