Alumni chapter convenors geared to promote brand Unisa

Unisa alumni chapter convenors recently attended a workshop at the Muckleneuk Campus. Eighteen convenors, representing chapters from Mauritius in the East to Namibia in the West and Ethiopia in the North to Cape Town in the South, attended thought-provoking sessions that offered them the opportunity to reflect on the role alumni played in the past 150 years and what the expectations are for the upcoming years.

Unisa alumni chapter convenors at the Muckleneuk Campus for a workshop

The discussions were focused and productive, emphasising the importance of alumni engagement and its role in promoting the university and its brand. The convenors gained better insights into the various initiatives the Alumni Relations Office implemented to engage its alumni, such as networking events, mentorship programmes and volunteer opportunities.

They also discussed the importance of promoting alumni achievements and highlighting their impact on their respective fields and communities. One of the main initiatives that emerged from the workshop was the establishment of alumni legacy scholarships for different regions and countries. The scholarships will provide financial assistance to deserving students in need of support to commence and complete their studies at Unisa.

Another critical initiative discussed at the workshop was the creation of a fund to assist current students with outstanding fees. The alumni of Unisa have already been able to help 175 graduates with attaining their degrees by assisting them with outstanding fees.

The convenors also discussed their role as brand protectors and promoters of the university. The workshop was a huge success. The alumni convenors are poised to play a crucial role in ensuring that the university continues to provide high-quality education and to be a source of pride to its graduates.

"Our alumni are our brand protectors and builders. They are the umbilical cord of the university," said Dr Collen Tuaundu, the Unisa Namibia Chapter Convenor and Chairperson of the Exco of convenors, during the official opening of the university held on 10 February 2023. "Our alumni come from all walks of life; they represent Unisa not only as intellectuals, community leaders, state leaders, artists and entertainers, sportswomen and men and leaders in the C-suite of several global companies," he concluded.

*By Cilla Boucher, Alumni Relations Officer, Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations
Photography: Given Maluleka, Unisa Multimedia Centre