The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Alumni Relations office recently organised a series of reunions for alumni across the Northern Cape, Free State and Lesotho, bringing them together to reconnect with the university and discuss how they can contribute to its continued growth and development.
The tour started in Upington on 24 August, continued to Kimberley on 26 August and then to Bloemfontein on 27 August, before concluding in Maseru on 29 August.
These events provided an opportunity for alumni to network, receive updates on the latest NWU developments, reflect on their shared campus life experiences, and strengthen their relationship with the university.
The Alumni Relations office as also now formed formal chapters in these areas, and alumni will start to receive more information on this. Chapters are an organised way to cluster NWU alumni to improve communication and to enable alumni to serve their alma mater in a practical and goal-driven way.
“We need our alumni to help us take the NWU forward and to help us grow our footprint. We need their active involvement to stay a top-tier institution with relevant degrees, and to mentor and ensure employment for our students,” says Nicolize van der Walt, section head of the Alumni Relations office.
A key focus of the tour was encouraging alumni to stay involved in the life of the university beyond graduation. Alumni were reminded that giving back does not have to be only financial, and that they can contribute their time, expertise, resources, professional networks, mentorship and more. Alumni were also encouraged to share job and internship opportunities.
NWU Career Services emphasised the important role that alumni can play in preparing students for successful careers. Alumni were encouraged to participate in student events, career development programmes, and other university initiatives as mentors and guest speakers. By sharing their career journeys, industry knowledge, and practical experience, alumni can help students to better understand the transition from university to the workplace.
These engagements emphasised the value of an active alumni network in creating opportunities for collaboration and continued engagement with the NWU.
The Alumni Relations office recently organised a series of reunions for alumni across the Northern Cape, Free State and Lesotho, bringing them together to reconnect with the NWU.
The Alumni Relations office recently organised a series of reunions for alumni across the Northern Cape, Free State and Lesotho, bringing them together to reconnect with the NWU.
