Bonds form over intimate gatherings, writes Jo Nitz

Alumni drawn together at recent University-hosted events in Melbourne, Bundaberg and Gladstone have committed themselves to work with current CQUniversity students, to share their work and professional experiences and extend their networks to up-and-coming new graduates.

Scores of graduates from far back as 1994 met at Melbourne's Marriott, Bundaberg's Spinnaker Restaurant and the Rocks@It Restaurant and Bar in Gladstone in May to catch up with each other and CQUniversity staff.

CQUniversity alumni gathered in Melbourne for a special get-together recently.Melvin D'Souza (MBA Financial Management 2008; GradDip Management 2007), a Financial Analyst with GE, said he has moved-up in the company since 2006 when he was a Collections Operator thanks to the courses he'd studied at CQUni. He remains grateful to a friend, an alumnus, who recommended CQUniversity in the first place.

"I really appreciate the University organising the event for us, as CQU was a good journey for me and it was a great opportunity to catch up with familiar faces," said Melvin.

University Medallist Charles McGrath (B Arts 2007; Honours First Class 2009), who caught-up with about a half-dozen alumni in Bundaberg, announced over dinner that he'd commenced a PhD.

CQUniversity staff members who are also graduates came along as well, including Communication Learning Centre Lecturer Val Cleary (MBA Learning Management 2005), Associate Lecturer STEPS Trixie James (BLM Primary 2006; GradDip Learning Management 2010) and Natasha Reedy (B Health Sciences -Nursing 1999; BLM Primary 2009). Natasha has been recently appointed on contract as the Associate Lecturer - Clinical in the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Health at Bundaberg.

Alumni from Gladstone came together to catch up recently."Attending the dinner opened a new door, which wouldn't have otherwise occurred, because I would never have met [Director of Studies Academic Learning Services] Karen Seary, who referred my CV to the nursing faculty," said Natasha.

"There are so many graduates here in Gladstone discovering CQUniversity again and so many alumni who really want to work with the Uni and develop opportunities for students," said Gladstone Head of Campus (acting) Andrew Wallace.

"It's great to see."

Alumni will get together next in Brisbane (10 August) and Gold Coast (11 August), and for more information go to http://www.graduates.cqu.edu.au/.

Jo Nitz is CQUniversity's Graduate Relations Manager

Alumni turned out at the Spinnaker Restaurant for a special CQUniversity alumni function recently.