Hunter Alumni Chapter launch

Did you know Newcastle Knights CEO Matt Gidley, Guanabana fashion designer Linda Bergskas, Newcastle Lord Mayor Jeff McCloy and Kristen Keegan, the first female president of the Newcastle and Hunter Business Chamber, are among the University of Newcastle’s many successful local alumni?

Connecting local graduates lies at the heart of a new initiative being driven by the Executive Committee of Alumni President Brian Kennaugh, Vice President Bernie Curran and the Alumni Committee to launch a dynamic Alumni Chapter in the Hunter.

With more than 35,000 University of Newcastle graduates based in the Hunter, the new chapter is likely to become a powerhouse for the region. “Newcastle is a progressive, edgy city, and our graduates have their finger on the pulse of the region and an opinion about most things,” Dr Curran said. “This university has always nurtured thought leadership and our graduates have never been afraid of throwing a cat among the pigeons by thinking outside the square and leading the way through disruptive innovation, heartfelt debate and engagement.

“The Hunter Chapter will form part of a dynamic global community with the capacity to facilitate dialogue about current local and global issues and access the expertise of our University academics to enhance conversations and debate.”

“It doesn’t matter if you graduated from the University in 1966 or 2012, you are part of the Alumni Network and can now join your local Chapter.”

The Chapter will also provide networking, mentoring, social and professional opportunities.

Launch event: With comedian (and University of Newcastle graduate) Mikey Robins on Thursday 6 December 2012 at Newcastle City Hall.

If you are a graduate living and working in the Hunter – update your contact details on GRADLINK to receive your invitation.

Like a ticket?  Tickets are available from www.trybooking.com/36575 for just $25 per person (drinks and canapes on arrival).

This piece was originally published in The Newcastle Herald.