Alumni receptions around the world

Our alumni are valued members of our University community. Collectively, they are also an incredible resource, a unique global community who help us make meaningful connections with local prospective students, industry, governments and communities. The last few months have seen the University host six alumni receptions spanning three continents with over 500 alumni and guests in attendance.

It has been a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with alumni across Australia and around the world after being unable to see each other for so long. Alumni and guests were able to network, catch up and reconnect. There have also been many discussions about the University’s 150^th anniversary in 2024 and how to celebrate this special milestone year. If you have any ideas, please share them with us.

Highlights from 2022 Alumni Receptions

Singapore and Vietnam

In September Dr Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) travelled through Singapore, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on her first official visit. Accompanied by a delegation including the Deputy Deans (International) from each faculty, Heads of Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, the Acting Director International Recruitment and Director International Business Development, they met with various University stakeholders, signed new agreements to support partnerships and met with both the new Australian Ambassador to Vietnam and the High Commissioner to Singapore. The mission included three alumni receptions providing a perfect opportunity to meet with valued alumni from both countries.

When speaking at the Hanoi Alumni Reception, Dr Gallagher acknowledged the importance of the University's relationship with Vietnam: “Our relationship with Vietnam is a very important one for the University of Adelaide. Our home state of South Australia has a large and vibrant Vietnamese community, and each year we welcome Vietnamese students to come and study at our Adelaide campuses. Now, with border restrictions lifted between Australia and Vietnam post-COVID, we want to strengthen this relationship even further.”

Sydney

The University’s first interstate alumni event in over two years was held at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney this October. Over 100 alumni joined Professor Peter Høj AC, Vice-Chancellor and President, and Dr Gallagher to network and reconnect, and discuss potential ideas for the University’s upcoming 150^th celebrations.

Speaking at the event Professor Høj said: “Our last alumni gathering in Sydney was in 2019, and while COVID has prevented us from being able to visit since then, we have made it a priority to return at the earliest opportunity. It’s great that we are now able to re-affirm our connection with our community in Sydney.”

London

A small delegation from the University visited the UK in November to renew and strengthen relationships with global partners that will provide opportunities for education and research collaboration. An alumni reception in London was a highlight of the trip. Catching up over drinks and canapes, alumni were able to network and reconnect, meet both the Vice-Chancellor and Dr Gallagher, and hear an update about the University.

Dr Gallagher acknowledged the valuable contribution of the local alumni network, South Australian Universities Alumni Europe (SAUAE): “The UK is our eighth largest international alumni market. We have over 600 alumni living and working in the UK. We have a strong and active alumni network here and we are grateful to the network who deliver regular alumni programming in collaboration with the two other South Australian universities.”

Melbourne

Meeting for the first time since 2018, the chance to reconnect with the University’s valued Victoria-based alumni in November was a welcome opportunity. With 140 in attendance, the National Gallery of Victoria was full of life as our alumni and guests gathered to reconnect and share their experiences. Attendees warmly welcomed the Vice-Chancellor and Dr Gallagher who gave an update from the University.

“Your connection to the University of Adelaide - your ongoing interest in our research, our teaching, the opportunities we provide for thousands of young people to go on to contribute to their communities, and your role as ambassadors of the University, is just so important,” Professor Høj said.

Upcoming alumni events

As we approach the University’s 150^th Anniversary in 2024, there will be lots of events and opportunities to come together as a community. Make sure you reconnect with us to keep up to date and share in the celebrations.