Initiative connecting alumni

Peter Harris
Peter Harris
Thousands of former Otago secondary pupils are becoming involved in a novel initiative which organisers hope will result in future investment in the region and local economy.

Developed by the Dunedin City Council, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Otago Polytechnic, and Tourism Dunedin, Alumni Connect aims to help secondary schools reconnect with former pupils.

More than 10,000 former pupils have joined the programme which provides information about development and opportunities within the region and numbers could rise to about 20,000 by the end of this month, project co-ordinator Stuart Dillon-Roberts said.

Schools affiliated include Queens High School, Kavanagh College, John McGlashan College, Kaikorai Valley College, Otago Boys High School, Bayfield High School, Logan Park High School, Waitaki Girls High School and Columba College.

Alumni Connect provided schools with the tools and training to set up a database of alumni and regularly communicated with them through e-newsletters and the internet. All secondary schools throughout Otago could join.

The programme aimed to promote the region by providing compelling articles for inclusion in Alumni Connect e-newsletters.

It was taking schools from having no or very little alumni to "quite a comprehensive service".

It could be also utilised for such things as fundraising or school reunions, Mr Dillon-Roberts said.

"It's about really just inspiring the school principals and the schools to use it to their advantage," he said.

The Dunedin City Council's economic development unit manager Peter Harris had high hopes for the programme.

"We feel that Alumni Connect has significant value to the city. Dunedin's ex-students have fond memories of the city and may have an interest in reconnecting with the city in a variety of ways," he said.

Queens High School principal Colleen Lyon was also impressed.

"I think the programme is fantastic and we are really enjoying using it," she said.

Individuals and schools can sign-up at www.alumniconnect.co.nz.

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