In support of the Name My Door project, our new fundraising initiative, an anonymous donor has generously donated $10,000 to the Burgmann College Endowment Fund to install name plaques on the doors of residents who receive the Principal’s Award for Overall Excellence each year, and the endowment is effective immediately, and the first beneficiary will be resident and Health Science student Claudia Zybenko, the 2025 recipient of the Award.
Meet Claudia Zybenko
‘It was a lovely surprise to receive this award at Valete and to be recognised for my achievements and contributions’, said Claudia. ‘I think it reflects the strength of our community and the wealth of opportunities Burg has offered for involvement within the College and beyond, that has allowed me to live a very full life whilst being here.’
In addition to her exemplary marks in her studies, Claudia has also been highly active in College life, and said it’s dizzying to reflect on her involvement over the past year.
‘Now that I’m on holiday, it makes me tired just thinking about all the things I managed to fit into a day during the semester! My days tended to start with an IB training run or a bush walk in the morning, followed by class or to work, then some study in the afternoon. Things like planning for Inward Bound, cycling, or doing volunteer shifts with St John Ambulance tended to be scattered throughout the week as well.’
Claudia said the skills she learned to balance studying with extracurricular activities will benefit her next year when she commences her Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) program at ANU, and credited Burgmann’s rich collegiate opportunities with fostering her sense of community during her time at university.
‘My experience at Burg has certainly enriched my time at university’, she said. ‘The opportunities for diverse extracurricular involvement and the strong sense of community have contributed to the well-rounded life I've grown. One of the most significant aspects of life at Burg to me has been Inward Bound. We are so privileged to have such a unique opportunity that nurtures our resilience, grit, and teamwork. I have forged such special connections through IB, and it was incredibly rewarding to give back as a coach this year (and bring Burg back into the podium!).’
We’re honoured to memorialise Claudia Zybenko’s receiving the Principal’s Award for Overall Excellence by adding her name plaque to her door.
‘The [Name My Door] initiative seems like a lovely way to connect residents across generations. I'm sure it will contribute positively to the sense of belonging and tradition within our community’, she said.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude towards this incredible anonymous donor for establishing an indelible physical connection to College for recipients of the Principal’s Award for Overall Excellence; a connection which will be cherished and celebrated in perpetuity.
