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Tags: summer-2012

“In this issue, we are looking at some of the fascinating ways UQ alumni are making their mark on the world, across projects as varied and exciting as space exploration, solar energy, human rights and global fishing, which are all proof of how a UQ education can be applied on a global scale.”

In her first column for Contact, UQ’s new Director of Alumni and Community Relations Gina Wheatcroft, talks about why the alumni community is so important to UQ.

Gina Wheatcroft, Director of Alumni and Community Relations

I recently left my home country of Canada to join UQ as Director of Alumni and Community Relations, and I am inspired to learn about the many remarkable achievements of UQ alumni across fields as diverse as engineering, the sciences and conservation, to business, the arts and philanthropy.

I believe at the heart of every great university is its proud alumni, and this holds true at UQ with more than 200,000 alumni serving as our most valuable ambassadors and contributing to the University’s world- renowned reputation. Your achievements and ongoing interest in UQ are helping us grow and build the future of higher education in Australia.

We know alumni and community commitment to UQ is strong, as evidenced by the number of people we see at University events like the Global Leadership Series, the annual Courting the Greats Alumni Awards, and through the level of volunteering and philanthropic support we see growing in the alumni community.

Our new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Høj, has confirmed one of his top priorities is continuing to build the relationship with our alumni community, reaffirming our alumni are critical to the growth, development and reputation of the University.

As head of Alumni Relations, it is my job to help you stay connected with UQ through the various programs, services and benefits offered to our alumni community, and we have a big program of events planned for 2013. See page 9 to find out how you can stay connected and reap the rewards being a UQ alumnus offers you.

As a newcomer to Australia and UQ, I’m on the start of a great journey, and I hope to meet many of you over the coming months as you rediscover your UQ and all the advantages and benefits it offers you. We’ve actually compiled a short list of the benefits for alumni on page 10.

Finally, as I listen to the excitement of new graduates as I walk around campus, I would like to congratulate and welcome the class of 2012 to our alumni community.

Please get in touch with my office at uqalumni@uq.edu.au if you have any feedback, ideas or UQ experiences you would like to share.

We look forward to hearing from you.

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