On 18 October, Burgmann College held its annual Valete ceremony, celebrating and offering warm farewells to residents who are either departing Burgmann College or graduating from the ANU.
Following a warm welcome from residents Billy Fuller and Eloise Rudge, Principal Alex McKenzie recounted some of the highlights from the year for our residents, including:
- The success of Burgmann's Inward Bound teams
- Welcoming our new College Dean, Montefiore (Monte) Nathan
- Reclaiming the title of 'Best Band' at Big Night Out (BNO)
- Burgmann Residents Association (BRA) Vice President Joshua Borland receiving the $1,000 E M Cumming Essay Prize
- Launching The Harriet Nixon Scholarship to support students from rural, regional and remote areas to attend the ANU and live at Burgmann
- The completion of the long-awaited Undergraduate Courtyard renovation
Principal McKenzie and Burgmann College Chair of Council and Board Greg Mills then presented the 2024 College Awards, which recognise academic excellence and leadership.
Our 2024 College Awardees are:
Principal's Award for Overall Excellence
Charlotte Young
The Callum Fryer College Spirit Award
Leo Burgess
The John Dauth Award for First-Year Contribution to College
Lily Elias
The Glen Downey Award – Outstanding Contribution to College
Lily Delves
Brett Ringland Award – Outstanding Contribution to BRA
Joshua Borland
The indigo foundation's 'Emerging Leader' prize was shared:
Angelina Inthavong and Stephanie Evans
Outgoing BRA President Miss Anaina Langrana offered a heartfelt Toast to College, and BRA Vice Presidents Josh Borland and Oscar McAuliffe delivered the Valedictory Toast to cap off the ceremony part of the evening's celebrations.
This year, Valete was brought back to the Burgmann campus after several years of hosting it elsewhere post-COVID. Guests enjoyed live music by Canberra-based rock band No Pressure, and food truck vendors offered a variety of options, including Peruvian street food from Mr Papa and Italian gelato from Mellabella.
We wish all of our vale-ing residents the best, and encourage them all to keep in touch with Burgmann College and their fellow Burgmann alumni by using our Update Your Details form!
