From the Vice-Chancellor (Alumni newsletter - September)

Deakin has graduated over 220,000 students, with the Deakin diaspora now spread across the world and represented in virtually every industry. Deakin Alumni are global citizens, making a difference in the world as leaders and influencers in the arts, commerce, education, industry and government.

National citizenship is an accident of birth, but global citizenship is a way of thinking and living in the world and it has always been an important attribute of Deakin graduates. Global citizens understand how the world works economically, politically, socially, culturally technologically and environmentally. But recent events in digitally enabled and hyper-connected world suggest global citizenship has never been more important. Global citizens respect and value diversity, they see difference as a way of understanding themselves not as a threat – and global citizens believe they can make a positive difference in the world. Mark Twain is reputed to have said: “there are two types of people, people who accomplish things and people who claim to have accomplished things and the first group is less crowded” – in my experience many Deakin Alumni most definitely occupy the first group and we must all strive through our actions to join it.

Making new contacts and nurturing existing connections has always been a great benefit of an alumni network, but maintaining links with fellow alumni globally takes on a new significance in a globally connected world. While for most of us, our university experience lasts just four or five memorable years, our alumni experience will last a lifetime. While nostalgia about our university years is always enjoyable, the greatest value of our relationship with our university should involve looking forward. 

Deakin has international chapters and networks across the globe including China, Hong Kong, the US, UK and Europe, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. We recognise the value of the meaningful connections you make at university and throughout your career journey. We recognise the value of these connections when you look for a job, and the value of developing your networks when you move overseas or interstate. Deakin also recognises the importance of ensuring your skills remain current at a time when disruptive technologies and changing demographics are markedly reducing the shelf life of skills. 

Deakin’s alumni network represents a great resource, a wealth of knowledge, resources and networking opportunities for you to tap into. And because the best relationships represent mutual benefit, there is also much that you as alumni have to offer your university. Your advice on courses, industry connections and internship opportunities will help ensure our Deakin graduates are prepared for the jobs and skills of the future.

I know you keep a watchful eye on your university, and as our reputation grows, so too does the value of your degree. You’ll be pleased to note that Deakin ranked 214 in the prestigious Jiao Tong Academic Ranking of World Universities (2016), rising by a stellar 182 positions to be 3rd in Victoria and 11th in Australia. Deakin is now in the top 2 per cent of the world’s universities in each of the major international rankings. But, enduringly for us, the most important statistic is graduate satisfaction, and I’m delighted to report that for six consecutive years Deakin has ranked first in Victoria (and fifth in Australia) for student satisfaction (AGS).

Stand proud Deakin Alumni, one and all and thank you for supporting Deakin, your University.

Jane den Hollander
President and Vice-Chancellor