First Nations students Drew Campbell and Jacob Lasserre are preparing for their first visit to the Eternal City after winning Australian Catholic University’s prestigious Francis Xavier Conaci Scholarship.
Named in honour of an Aboriginal boy who travelled from Nyoongar Country in Western Australia to Rome to study in a Benedictine monastery in the 1850s, the Conaci Scholarship offers Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students the opportunity to study at ACU’s Rome Campus.
ACU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Indigenous) Kelly Humphrey said the scholarship was “a truly special opportunity”.
“Drew and Jacob aren’t just travelling, they’re walking in the footsteps of Francis Xavier Conaci, proudly representing their communities and culture,” Ms Humphrey said.
“It’s an excellent opportunity to grow as young leaders, connect with others at our Rome Campus and show the next generation of First Nations students just how far their journey can go.”
Mr Lasserre, 19, is a Kamilaroi man, originally from Cambooya, 40 minutes south of Toowoomba. He is in the second year of a Bachelor of Arts /Bachelor of Secondary Education at ACU’s Brisbane Campus.
Ms Campbell, 19, is a Wiradjuri woman who grew up in Nambour on the Sunshine Coast. After representing Queensland in soccer, she was inspired by her social worker mother to embark on a career with impact. She is undertaking a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at ACU’s Brisbane Campus.
“I’d say jump on every opportunity that comes your way – it is what pushes you to do something great in the world,” she said.
For Mr Lasserre, ACU’s First People’s support network has helped ease the transition to university.
“Coming from a small town to a big city like Brisbane for university was overwhelming at first, but having a dedicated space on campus really helped, and all of the other Indigenous students were so welcoming – they feel like family,” he said.
As Conaci Scholars, the pair will represent First Nations people during NAIDOC Week in Rome, hosted by the Australian ambassador to the Holy See, Keith Pitt.
The theme for NAIDOC Week 2025 is “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, which celebrates the contributions of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and highlights the importance of supporting their development and empowerment.
“At the Australian embassy to the Holy See, we are delighted to welcome Drew and Jacob to help us celebrate NAIDOC Week here in Rome,” Mr Pitt said.
“The Conaci Scholarship pays homage to the role of our First Nations in the development of Australia-Holy See relations, while also strengthening the human connections that underpin them.”
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