New alumni welcomed home

Welcome home event in Singapore

International alumni returning home after their graduation were invited to Welcome Home events in early 2014. Held in Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta, the events introduced graduates to the University’s local alumni networks.

More than 300 alumni participated in the events, which reinforced to graduates that — despite their time in Melbourne coming to an end — their connection to the University continues.

The events provided the opportunity for alumni old and new to enjoy fine food and networking activities and to celebrate the achievements of recent graduates.

More than a quarter of University of Melbourne graduates are now international students, many of whom return home upon completing their degree. Welcome Home events are held in those countries where there is a high concentration of international alumni and associated activity.

Ms Sunny Chen (GDipArts Mgt 2003, GDipEd 2004), Office Manager of the University’s Beijing Office, says the Beijing event was a great success.

“After the lunch, no one wanted to leave. Everyone really appreciated the opportunity to meet new friends,” she says.

Similar enthusiasm was evident at the Singapore event (pictured), which involved a wine education and tasting session, together with guest speakers.

“It was a great night, and a great excuse for a nice mix of graduates — both old and new — current students and speakers to get together,” says the Vice-President of the Singapore alumni association, Thomas Danny Jeyaseelan (MA(Edit&Comm) 2008).

The largest event was held in Jakarta, where Dr Avery Poole (BCom 1999, BA(Hons) 2003), a lecturer in international relations from the Faculty of Arts, spoke to an enthusiastic audience.

The University hopes to extend Welcome Home events to more countries in 2015.