2025 Alumni Award Recipients
Congratulations to our 2025 Burgmann College Alumni Award recipients
Our awards recognise, encourage and celebrate alumni excellence across a broad range of criteria, for endeavours both inside and outside the College community, and at different levels of accomplishment and life stages. The awards also recognise our outstanding volunteers and staff for their commitment and contribution to the Burgmann community.
2025 Burgmann College Distinguished Alumni Award
Prof Graham Farquhar AO, FAA, FRS (1971)
'The best advice you can get is to work on something that you really enjoy. Something you love. If you enjoy what you're doing and love what you're doing, you can put up with pretty much anything else.'
Prof Farquhar is one of the world’s most influential plant scientists. His pioneering models of photosynthesis and water use have transformed how we understand crops, ecosystems, and climate change. His work has shaped both global science and the future of sustainable agriculture.
Watch our full interview with Prof Farquhar, including his reflections on life at Burgmann and his remarkable career, or read his story.
2025 Burgmann College Outstanding Alumni Award
Sarah Rosenberg (2015–2016)
'At its heart, With You We Can is about ensuring that every person who has experienced sexual violence—regardless of their background, their post code, or their capacity—can safely and confidently engage with the systems that are meant to protect all of us.'
Sarah is co-founder and Executive Director of With You We Can, Australia’s first national, survivor-led initiative dedicated to demystifying the justice system for survivors of sexual violence. Her work is helping to drive cultural change, strengthen advocacy, and create more accessible pathways to justice.
Watch the full interview to hear Sarah's reflections on her time at Burgmann and the important work she’s leading through With You We Can, or read her story using the link below.
2025 Burgmann College Volunteer Award
Visiting Fellow (2024–2025) Dr Brett Davies LLM, MBA, SJD,
'I never forget those stories as a practicing lawyer and a practicing academic on how important it is to support and give a voice to people.'
Dr Davies has built an extraordinary career as a lawyer, academic and entrepreneur. His dedication to raising the voices of the marginalised and his generous support of the Burgmann Journal have left a lasting mark on our community.
Watch his video interview or read the article below to hear Dr Davies reflecting on how his parents' humble origins inspires his work, and his passion for the Burgmann Journal.
2025 Burgmann College Staff Recognition Award
Steve Mundy, Burgmann College Housekeeping Manager
'Staff become lifelong friends. We get to know each other—we're basically like a family. They can come talk to me whenever they want, regardless of what it is. I have a very open door policy with my staff: that's basically been my mantra from the start.'
Steve Mundy first came to Burgmann in a casual role, and was made permanent within months, and Housekeeping Manager within five years. After 24 years of faithful service, Steve is retiring.
His diligent, compassionate approach informs his leadership with his Housekeeping team and his support of the pastoral care of residents, and he will be greatly missed.
Watch the video to learn more about Steve's experience at Burgmann, including his unofficial title as emcee of the Staff Morning Tea Quiz, or read the article below.
