The annual Back-to-Burg Alumni & Friends Weekend was held over the weekend of 7–8 September 2024.
Our program of events kicked off with an extraordinary art exhibition Make a Little Burg House in Your Soul by Burgmann alumnus (1989–1991) and artist Mark Arnott, showcasing Burgmann memorabilia, select artworks, and an audio component as an homage to his radio show days with 2RS.
Related: View the full Back-to-Burg 2024 Photo Gallery.
The evening moved on to the Burgmann College Alumni Association (BCAA) Electoral General Meeting, where new members were elected to join the Committee.
After pre-dinner drinks, the highlight of the evening, the Alumni Awards Dinner, was held in the Common Room, overlooking the recently completed Undergraduate Courtyard renovations on Burgmann’s back lawns.
Principal Alex McKenzie opened the evening thanking everyone for attending, and expressed gratitude for the generous contributions toward the renovation of the Undergraduate Courtyard. Principal McKenzie also reflected on the generousity of our community in donating this year to The Harriet Nixon Scholarship to support rural, regional and remote students to attend the ANU and live at Burgmann College.
‘I want to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed toward the Courtyard—alumni, donors, staff, and residents alike,’ said Principal McKenzie. ‘I want to particularly acknowledge that our Undergraduate Courtyard will be renamed The Charles and Elizabeth Price Gardens in honour of their remarkable legacy in the establishment of Burgmann College.
‘[And] I am deeply honoured to play a small part in The Harriet Nixon Scholarship. Harriet was an incredible person and I wouldn’t be standing here today if it wasn’t for her, so Fi and Ralph [Nixon; Harriet’s parents], thank you for raising such a wonderful, gracious, intelligent human, and thank you for your ongoing connection to Burgmann and the support you provide to everyone, including myself.’
Principal McKenzie concluded his remarks by remembering Len Goodman AO, Burgmann College’s longest-serving Chair, who sadly passed away in July.
‘Len was instrumental in Burgmann’s growth, leading us through one of our most significant periods of development. His legacy is felt across the College, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family,’ said Principal McKenzie. ‘[But] with every cloud comes a silver lining, and it has been lovely to become closer to his wife Joyce who also gives so much to Burgmann College.’
President of the BCAA Committee, alumnus Matthew Lobb (1989–1991) then announced the recipients of our 2024 Alumni Awards and shared the inspirational and heartfelt pre-recorded interviews with the 2024 Alumni Award recipients, which can be viewed here.
The event concluded Sunday with Luigi’s and lunch at the Principal’s Lodge.
We thank all our staff, resident volunteers, supporters, alumni and friends for helping to make Back-to-Burg 2024 a memorable event and we hope to see you at College for Back-to-Burg 2025.
