Forum for all alumni

Would you like to learn more about the current initiatives and future plans of the University of Adelaide, and how the University can continue to make an impact globally and locally?

Open to all alumni (students, staff and graduates) and members of the wider community, the 2011 Alumni Forum will focus on the University's connection to the community through its research partnerships, innovations in teaching and learning, social media, and volunteer program.

Following a highly successful inaugural Alumni Forum in 2009, the biennial event will be held at the North Terrace Campus on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 September.

The theme for this year's Forum is Create, Connect, Collaborate and will feature sessions on Friday with the Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide, Professor James McWha, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic) Professor Pascale Quester, and other key university, industry and community partners.

Rob Chalmers, Managing Director of the University's commercial development company Adelaide Research & Innovation Pty Ltd, will discuss the growing importance of research partnerships.

"The development of strong collaborations and commercial interactions will be a key part of building an even stronger research University in the 21st century. Alumni can play a vital role in helping us better collaborate and compete globally, and become more open in the way we research and innovate," he said.

Saturday morning is focused on the further advancement of the University's alumni relations program, featuring a facilitated discussion in which attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the current program and share ideas and suggestions for future developments and enhancements.

"This is a great opportunity for alumni to be a part of the strategic planning process for the University's alumni relations," said Professor McWha.

An inaugural Distinguished Alumni Dinner is planned for Saturday 3 September at the National Wine Centre, with the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Awards presented to four of the five 2011 recipients: The Hon. Justice Catherine Branson QC (Law and Human Rights), Dr Ray Beckwith OAM (Oenology), Emeritus Professor Colin Matthews (Reproductive Medicine), and Mr Siong Guan Lim (Singapore Civil Service) who will travel to Adelaide from Singapore to accept his award.

Create, Connect, Collaborate - 2011 Alumni Forum
Friday 2 and Saturday 3 September

Further information, including the full program and online registration, is available at: www.alumni.adelaide.edu.au/alumniforum or call Development and Alumni on +61 8 8303 5800.

Story by Connie Dutton