More than 60 guests attended a CQUniversity Graduate/Alumni function at Sydney's Forbes Hotel recently (Nov 30), capping off a big year for networking events.

Sydney function host Susan Loomes, as Campus Director, gave a short presentation about the importance of alumni and the future direction of the University, including our bid to become the first dual-sector institution based in Queensland.

L-R Gregg Muirr, Katrina Cochane, Richard Jones and Paul Cochrane enjoy the Sydney function

The University was delighted to cater for both international and domestic alumni, with graduates from far back as 1996 in attendance at the function.

Alumni were able to network and discuss what they have been doing since graduation. Everyone enjoyed the evening and were really interested to know whether future alumni functions will be coordinated.

"During 2010, a range of alumni functions were coordinated throughout the majority of the campus locations and 2011 will see the continuation of these functions organised at each of the campus locations, plus other additional locations," said Graduate Relations Manager, Jo Nitz.

"We have been delighted with the overwhelming response from our alumni at these events and the Sydney function was no different; it was great to see our alumni interested in maintaining a connection with the University."

In her role as Campus Director, Susan Loomes greets Parikshit Ujwayl (Master of Accounting, 2007)

Recent Graduate Diploma of Information Systems graduate Suman Perumandla Braruthru said it was "nice to be part of the alumni function ... where everyone can develop their social network and interact with fellow students and spend some time knowing each other. I wish to attend such functions in the future."

As a Volunteer Coordinator for the Smith Family, Joanne Ni [Graduate Diploma of Management, 2010 and Master of Management (Marketing), 2010] said she thought the function was "a great opportunity for both previous or current graduates to meet together, to share experiences and feelings with each other".

"As a new graduate, it is definitely the best place to get to know people, to establish your own network and make friends.  I found all graduates who attended the event were all excellent and successful, with talent everywhere which is quite amazing.  The event was fantastic. I hope more new valuable graduates can meet together next year."

Graduates enjoy the chance to network in Sydney

Assistant Manager at The Coffee - RSA School Amy Doan (Master of Creative Enterprise, 2009) thanked organisers, saying "I enjoyed it so much; if there is anything coming up, I would love to come".

Senior Journalist at Network Ten Paul Cochrane (Bachelor of Arts, 1996; Bachelor of Arts (Honours), 1997 and Graduate Diploma of Human Resource Management, 1998), and his wife Katrina Cochrane (Bachelor of Human Movement Science, 2001 and Bachelor of Education (Secondary), 2002) met during their student days on Rockhampton Campus and both attended the Sydney event. Paul was instrumental in organising the Capricornia College 40^th reunion last year and is one the University's most active alumni.

Graduates and staff mingle at the Sydney function

Gregg Muir, IT Consultant (Bachelor of Information Technology, 1997 and Graduate Certificate in Management 2002) also attended the function. Gregg is a graduate from the Rockhampton Campus who also spent time working in the IT department in Rocky.

"Since graduating in 2002, we all still make the effort to meet up once a year and catch up and reminisce about the great times we had at the Uni," said Gregg.

You can visit the Graduate/Alumni Relations website for information about the scheduled 2011 functions http://www.graduates.cqu.edu.au/.