Flags across all campuses of Charles Sturt University (CSU) were lowered to half-mast to mark the passing of former Chancellor, Dr David Asimus, AO, on Australia Day, 26 January 2008 at the age of 75.

 

Dr Asimus was elected the foundation Chancellor of CSU in 1989 and served in this post until 2002. As Chancellor, he oversaw the integration of the Riverina-Murray Institute of Higher Education and Mitchell College of Advanced Education to form the new Charles Sturt University.

 

Mr Lawrie Willett, AO, the current Chancellor of CSU, said of his predecessor and friend, “David nurtured the development and growth of the fledgling CSU during its formative years. With his characteristic wisdom, charm and wit, he forged a strong and united University from its proud and historic predecessor institutions.

 

“In every respect he was, and will continue to be, the source of the University’s inspiration and its dedication to the people of inland Australia.”

 

More than 450 people gathered in CSU’s Joyes Hall on Monday 4^th February for a service of Thanksgiving to honour his life.

 

Former Bathurst Mayor, Ian Macintosh characterised his friend of more than 40 years as a five pointed star, with each point representing major aspects of his friend’s life.

 

One star point was his love of the wool industry, with Mr Macintosh saying Dr Asimus was without doubt the ideal person to lead the Australian Wool Corporation and International Wool Secretariat, becoming in 1973 a foundation Director and then, from 1979 to 1988, the Chairman.  His dedication and commitment to wool production, and his outstanding service to the Australian wool industry, were recognised in 1984 when he was made an Officer in the Order of Australia. He was also named the Ronald Anderson Memorial Man of the Year for Agriculture in 1986, and in 1987 he was chosen as Australian of the Year by The Australian newspaper.

 

Another star point was his spread of company roles. He was a Director of BHP Pty Ltd, the Industrial Bank of Japan, Australia Ltd; Westfarmers Ltd; Rural Press Ltd; and Delta Electricity.

 

The third star point was his contribution to public life where his vision and leadership were recognised in many fields. He served in important posts in government and business, including as a Director of the Australian Trade Commission; a member of the Australia-Japan Foundation and the Australia-Japan Consultation Committee; as a member of the Government Task Force on Liner Shipping; and, as a member of the Advisory Council of the CSIRO. In 1996 he chaired the Rural Summit at the request of the Minister for Primary Production, to discuss financial and adjustment problems facing Australia's rural industries.

 

Yet another star point was education, specifically Charles Sturt University.

 

The Vice-Chancellor of CSU, Professor Ian Goulter, said the University benefited greatly from the election of David Asimus as its Foundation Chancellor in 1989.

 

“David understood the importance of CSU to the families and students of inland Australia in providing access to tertiary education.

 

“He understood the value of CSU as an economic and cultural force in the sustainability and growth of inland Australia. More importantly, he realised the potential of the University as an agent for the development of the immense intellectual capital of inland Australia.”

 

During Dr Asimus’ tenure, Charles Sturt University became one of the largest universities in Australia, growing from around 10,000 students to almost 40,000. In 1997, during his term, CSU was recognised as ‘University of the Year’ for its commitment to first generation students – an achievement about which Dr Asimus was immensely proud.

 

The fifth and most important of the points of the star Mr Macintosh told mourners was his friend’s dedication to his family and friends.

 

“David loved to entertain and enjoy life with his family and friends.  He was passionate about golf and loved to share his enthusiasm on many golfing trips.  He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather and true friend.”

 

And finally Mr Macintosh said that the bright centre of the star was the shining light of David’s character and personality.  “He may have appeared larger than life but he had the ability to make the person he was speaking with feel as if they were the only one in the room.  It is his wisdom, wit and humility that will be remembered.”

 

During the memorial service, the sun shone through a stained-glass window and highlighted the University’s motto: For the Public Good.  It was as if, in response, Dr Asimus was telling the mourners what drove him to the great heights of service to his family, business, academia and the rural sector.

 

 

Bruce Andrews, Corporate Communication and Media, Charles Sturt University