“I was not the brightest in the physics class,” says Tillyard Prize winner Lachlan McGinness, who has been conferred with his Bachelor of Science with honours.

“But I did feel I had contribution to make, so I am very proud that I won this prize.”

The Tillyard Prize is the oldest and most prestigious prize awarded to ANU students, in recognition of outstanding personal qualities and contribution to university life.

On top of an outstanding result for his thesis, which examined an alternative method of teaching physics, Lachlan jumped into life at ANU.

He ran physics classes for visiting high schools, captained the ANU water polo team at Unigames, and was heavily involved in musical theatre productions of Spamalot and Cats.

Outside of University he was also active, running physics study classes, church youth groups and voluntary work with St Vincent de Paul, handing out food, warm clothing and blankets.

“My advice to new students is to get onto things early, and make sure you organise time for all the things you want to do,” Lachlan says.

Lachlan says his biggest learning experience was being involved in the new Peer Assisted Learning program, where senior students mentor younger students in tutorials.

“I picked up so many skills that will be useful in my future career as a teacher,” he says.

“The Physics Department has been fantastic, there are so many enthusiastic people there. It’s great for someone like me with an interest in physics education.”