From the Nominator

The University of Queensland (UQ) Global Connections (GC) is a series of social networking events organized for alumni by alumni, held three times a year in 41 cities globally. Alumni volunteers lead these cost-neutral events, providing our global alumni community with the opportunity to create new connections with fellow alumni in their own cities. Whether they're returning home to their country or relocating to a new city, alumni can stay connected with the UQ community wherever they are in the world! Started by the Faculty of Business, Economics, and Law in 2004, GC has grown from 10 to 41 cities, peaking in 2023 with more than 1,600 alumni from 22 countries. From pub drinks in London, art auctions in Shanghai, sake tasting in Tokyo, or fun runs in Jakarta, there is something for everyone. The program delivery is effective; the UQ team handles invitations and promotion, while our GC alumni volunteers manage venue bookings and host events. Attendees cover their own costs, ensuring program sustainability and growth. GC's activities have now evolved beyond social events; examples include welcome parties for returning graduates and mentoring sessions, and, for the first-time last year, over 20 GC cities came together for UQ Giving Day to support scholarships and research. GC reflects UQ's commitment to building a supportive alumni community worldwide.

From the Judges

This program successfully engaged alumni worldwide through the innovative use of alumni volunteers. This initiative stood out for its scale and effectiveness, demonstrating clear outcomes and incorporating a valuable toolkit to enhance global connections among alumni. The program's success highlights the importance of fostering international alumni networks.