OPINION:WHAT IS THE ROLE OF ALUMNI IN THE DEVELOPMENT,GROWTH OF ANKOLE WESTERN UNIVERSITY?

By Dr. Mesharch Katusiimeh, Vice Chancellor Ankole Western University

Dear Alumni, Ankole Western University Introduction I thank God for you. I would like to speak to you on the topic “Role of the Alumni in the development and growth of Ankole Western University”. Traditionally, a University is not a business or profit-oriented organization because it differs from other forms of organizations. And that is why alumni associations are important in almost all the prestigious universities because they play a fundamental role as we will discuss below. Alumni is a body or group of alumnus – former students or pupils of a school, college, or university. Commonly, but not always, the word refers to a graduate of the educational institute in question. Alumni spirit therefore revolve round the existence of a body of committed and responsible individuals who share common identities as graduates of same institution and who upon the completion of their studies or graduation come together to join or form themselves as an organization of alumni stakeholders or a community of ex-officio members of the academic community or institution. It is a truism that the reputation of any educational institution depends upon good results, co-curricular activities, environment, and investments. But there is one factor which only requires support and encouragement and brings strength and expansion to the institution’s reputation and progress and that factor is the alumni’s of the Alma Mater. Let us turn to the roles they can play in a university setting. The Role of Alumni 1. Role model and inspiration Alumni is an effective role model and can be easily accepted by students. With the return of the alumni to support the university, they bring with them credibility and justification as part of a successful university, having breathed the same air and encountering similar challenges faced by the students. Experiences that are shared by the alumni with students whether in time management, financial management, development of self-discipline and character, or in career management can be more easily accepted as guidance and inspiration by students. Through this way, alumni can assist in strengthening confidence, improve motivation and inculcate the right culture in line with what the university intends to convey to its students. 2. Career mentor Competition in entering the work force is becoming more intensive as a result of a higher number of graduates compared with a limited number of job opportunities. Job availability is more critical in certain sectors. In the final year of their studies, students must identify seriously their career prospects. This is the right time for alumni to support the students by mentoring them on their career opportunities in the industry and opening channels for the students for acceptance, either in undergoing practical learning or work experience in the institutions where the alumni reside in. Alumni can be a reference for the faculty concerned in meeting the needs of students and graduates in obtaining work in selected fields. 3. Providing expertise Besides that, the alumni can contribute by providing their expertise in their occupation in developing new study programs in the university. Alumni can contribute as a guest lecturer, advisor in committees, industry experts and cooperative partners in projects with the university. This will improve the development of their alma mater. 4. Opportunity to access professional development The senior alumni community that are successful can be a most effective medium not just for the university graduates but also with the younger alumni. When the alumni community is successful and obtain recognition from the corporate world, industry and the wider community, it can potentially create a stronger network as well as trust in the university and in turn, will assist younger alumni from the university to access opportunities in improving their careers and professionalism. 5. Improve student recruitment efforts Alumni can encourage students especially their family and friends to consider their university as the provider of higher education. The alumni can also show the students on how to join the work field after finishing their studies. Experiences in the university and the success of the alumni in their work can be of significant factors for students in choosing a university. Other than that, voluntary alumni can be ambassadors that are involved actively in student recruitment efforts that are made by the faculties of the university. The initiatives can be implemented at a national, regional and international level depending on the alumni’s potential and position. 6. Increase efforts in collecting funds Alumni especially the more senior ones that are more stable from the economy perspective are able to reduce the financial burden of underprivileged students in university. It is similar to lighting a candle that will give meaningful positive impact to the students’ lives. An active alumni association can encourage greater collection of funds enabling the establishment of scholarships, supporting students’ activities, cultural programs and clubs and associations expeditions, and support innovative improvements at the university. Harvard University and Al Azhar University are examples of universities having the largest endowment funds in the world and a substantial part of it is contributed by the alumni. The endowment fund can sustain the sponsorship of significant programs, scientific research discoveries and supported hundreds of professors in various fields of academic. 7. Support the university’s reputation Views and positive statements that alumni present in relation to their university through media or other physical or social means provides support for the university reputation. It can influence the community because of public perception that the alumni is more understanding of the challenges faced at the university having undertaking several years at the university. Alumni that have served successfully in various sectors, either domestically or internationally, have authenticated the quality and effectiveness of the education program, research and the university’s community. The more influential the position of the alumni in their work, the higher the recognition that society will place on the particular university. 8. Conclusion The alumni’s role is crucial for the development of the university. All alumni can provide support in various aspects that are beneficial to the students, graduates, alumni, universities and the society. The alumni’s opinion in developing the university and proposed solutions to the challenges faced by the university is highly valued by the university in achieving its vision and mission. The alumni is an asset to the university, and their contributions and involvement can significantly increase the reputation of the university nationally and internationally. Finally, the existence of “Alumni association” makes students to feel obliged and honored to return favours to their institutions after making successes in life.. Alumni reunions are popular events at many institutions. They are usually organized by alumni associations and are often social occasions for fundraising. Alumni bodies in the last century have grown into a major stakeholder and indeed a permanent feature of scholarship and affinity in any academic institution, chartered or professional association. In Harvard University for instance, the alumni have become the Trustees and recognized contributors and managers of the University resources, goals and continued existence and pride. Can we do the same at Ankole Western University? It begins with interest and responsibility It continues with relationships that are worthwhile It ends with benefit for all. Thank you very much for taking your time to read such a long post. May God bless you.

Dr. Mesharch W. Katusiimeh (PhD) Vice Chancellor, Ankole Western University.