Creating connections and building for the future: Faculty of Education Alumni Affinity Group launch
organisation is not fully recognised in our country. “In our country, there are many
launched over the last few years. Affinity Groups form part of an Alumni Chapter and are formed by alumni on the basis of mutual collaboration, similar subject matter or affiliation, and wanting to formalise their relationship with the University. “Education is more important than getting one or two qualifications. It is actually about the lessons you learn along the way, the people you meet and the relationships you build,” Professor Nadine Peterson, Executive Dean at the Faculty of Education said during her keynote address at the launch event. Yet, added Peterson, the value of being part of an alumni
Connection, a supportive network, and building lasting relationships – these are just some of what makes university alumni organisations beneficial and important; but for the newly launched Faculty of Education Alumni Affinity Group, the layers run deeper. It is also about creating a sense of belonging – a safe space for old and current students to find their feet, to find their way and to find their people.
first generation (university/ tertiary) students and so it’s
something many people are not so familiar with… which is why it is so important that we spread the word about how important being a part of alumni is,” she explained. Peterson continued, “Support networks are hard to come by… I failed my first year of varsity (years ago at a different university) and I am not proud of it, but it showed me how much help for students is needed. It wasn’t because I didn’t have a supportive family, I did. I just didn’t know where and how
Recently, the University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of
Education Alumni Affinity Group was launched in a special ceremony to mark it joining the ranks of six Alumni Affinity Groups already
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