29/05/2026
G E N E R A T I O N S
As we recognise National Reconciliation Week, we highlight two First Nations alumni whose journey speaks to the power of connection, culture and lifelong learning.
It’s not every day that a grandmother and grandson graduate from university together but Karen Coe and Isaiah Church have done just that.
Studying part-time, the pair completed the Graduate Certificate in Wiradjuri Language, Culture and Heritage side by side. Despite being decades apart, their shared commitment to learning, culture and each other carried them through every challenge.
For Karen, a proud Wiradjuri and Bundjalung woman, the journey was deeply personal. Having grown up in a time when she was prevented from speaking her language, this course became an opportunity to reclaim what had been taken - and to pass that knowledge on.
“I’ve grown up in an era where I was stopped from speaking my language… but I can honestly say I was so very proud that Isaiah chose to do it with me,” Karen shared.
For Isaiah, the experience was shaped by the person who first inspired a love of learning - his grandmother.
“Learning new things with the person who inspired me to love learning in the first place… it meant a lot,” he said.
Their different strengths complemented each other, whether it was navigating technology or sharing stories and cultural knowledge.
Their journey was not without hardship. Following the passing of Karen’s daughter and Isaiah’s mother, Bianca, the two supported one another to stay strong and finish what they had started - together showing resilience, determination and the importance of connection.
Throughout their studies, Karen shared knowledge from her Elders, strengthening cultural identity within the classroom, while Isaiah now pursues his dream of becoming a composer, hoping to weave culture into music for film and games.
Karen continues to support community, champion truth-telling, and document her story for future generations.
This story is a powerful reminder that learning has no age limit and that through culture, truth and connection, we can build stronger futures together.
Originally written by Lewis Donaldson for the Charlie blog, this story is republished with permission.
TEQSA PRV12018 (Australian University) CRICOS 00005F
