Professor and Burgmann Residential Fellow Asmi Wood, a Torres Strait Islander man, the Director (Indigenous) of the ANU College of Law, and Professor at the ANU Law School and the ANU College of Business and Economics, has been a central figure not only in the Burgmann College community as one of its long-time Residential Fellows, but also as a strong advocate for the College’s advancement initiatives.
Since the College began its fundraising program in 2019, Asmi has been an outspoken champion of numerous philanthropic efforts, spearheading the drive for raising financial support among our residents, alumni and the wider Burgmann community.
Asmi is passionate about ensuring all students have access to the enriching experience of on-campus living amongst peers and academics, creating lifelong friendships and fostering greater accessibility to educational resources.
‘On-campus living is a fantastic experience for students studying at ANU,’ says Asmi. ‘The potential for students to meet other likeminded people and form friendships is particularly special about on-campus living, as well as the learning support available. I am motivated to do everything I can to make living at the ANU possible for young students.’
Burgmann College’s 2024 Annual Appeal centres on establishing The Harriet Nixon Scholarship, helping students from rural, regional and remote areas take up their place at the ANU while residing at Burgmann College. While Asmi has been a faithful supporter of numerous Burgmann initiatives, this scholarship is close to his heart, as Harriet Nixon was one of his students at the ANU School of Law.
‘Harriet was a wonderful young woman who was taken away from us in tragic circumstances. Remembering her by making her experience available to others who would otherwise not have that opportunity is not an unreasonable way of honouring her,’ says Asmi. ‘Harriet’s parents [Ralph and Fiona Nixon] have been incredibly supportive in enabling other young people in Harriet’s position to have this special experience, and as an individual, all I can do is thank them from the bottom of my heart.’
Asmi believes that on-campus living experiences for students are a hallmark of the ANU but acknowledges that both education and accommodation costs can be prohibitive for students and their families.
He encourages everyone to give toward causes that lower the barrier to entry for more bright, promising students to access higher education and on-campus community living.
‘If people contribute what they can, it collectively adds up to a significant amount. People can make a commitment to making an on-campus experience for our students, [and] if enough people do it, we will be able to create scholarships for all our students.
‘From my experience, this will contribute enormously to the growth of the student.’
