Celebrating the difference alumni volunteers make around the world
With International Volunteer Day just round the corner (5 Dec), we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate the alumni who volunteer to lead our Alumni Networks around the world. These Networks offer a welcoming community for graduates across generations to connect with, and learn from, each other, and make a difference in their local area.
28 November 2023
With International Volunteer Day just round the corner (5 Dec), we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate the alumni who volunteer to lead our Alumni Networks around the world.
These Networks offer a welcoming community for graduates across generations to connect with, and learn from, each other, and make a difference in their local area.
Networks, societies and sports clubs aren’t limited to your time at Newcastle University. You can stay connected with fellow alumni who share your interests through an Alumni Network. This can help you build your community and keep links with your university alive.
We have a whole host of Alumni Networks already established in Europe, USA, Asia and the Middle East, organised by amazing volunteers around the world. This includes four which were launched in Spring 2023 to coincide with our NCL in Action programme! Alumni networks aim to connect:
- Graduates living in a certain part of the world.
- Graduates from the same course or working in the same industry.
- Graduates who have a shared passion for a sport or hobby.
To mark International Volunteer Day, we caught up with Tracey Peiyan Wu who founded Newcastle University Chinese Alumni Association (NUCAA in 2015.
Tracey graduated from Newcastle University in 2014 with a BSc in Marketing. As a student, Tracey held the position of President of the Chinese Students Scholars Association and upon graduation initiated the development of a similar network for graduates.
With over 5,000 members, the Association has regional societies across China including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Chengdu and Fujian.
Tracey, joined by a dedicated team of alumni volunteers, organises regular social gatherings, career development opportunities and offers support to recent graduates and current students.
Alongside this, Tracey is the co-founder of an education start-up company based in Shenzhen.
Why did you want to volunteer your time to lead an Alumni Network?
I have a passion for helping alumni and I believe that this community also needs me. After graduating in 2015, upon my return to China, I discovered that despite the vast alumni network, there was no organised platform for communication. Taking advantage of the development of the Chinese social platform WeChat, I initiated a call to bring together alumni. In just two days, we gathered over 2,000 alumni.
Subsequently, we organizsd numerous events, providing a platform for alumni to meet face-to-face in various cities, and renewing the bonds formed at Newcastle. One alumnus once shared with me that, thanks to one of these gatherings, he got acquainted with a fellow graduate's project, enabling him to successfully complete year-end work tasks and assist his fellow graduate in securing financing. Hearing such stories genuinely brought me great joy.
I believe that if alumni can use the platform to find their ideal jobs and help each other in life, it would be truly meaningful.
I have gained a great deal of satisfaction, respect, and a sense of being needed. I hope that NUCAA can bring more positive benefits to alumni, help where assistance is needed, contribute to society, and give back to our alma mater.
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
When you sometimes feel lost, life seems bland, uninteresting, or helpless, and you can't find your purpose, I strongly encourage you to engage in volunteer work. This journey may not always be comfortable, but it will undoubtedly help you discover yourself and find your purpose.
What are your biggest achievements as a Network in 2023?
In 2023, we continued to organise large-scale events in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, hosting events for hundreds of Newcastle alumni. We also introduced innovation in smaller events, creating two popular career exchange series where seasoned alumni shared their workplace experiences and employment opportunities with younger alumni.
Simultaneously, the online platform was effectively utilised, with the support of the university's promotion efforts, enabling many current Newcastle alumni to learn about the alumni association and initiate contact. This proved beneficial as it allowed them to explore job opportunities back in their home country and exchange experiences even before graduation.
What are your plans for your Network in 2024?
In 2024, I hope the organisation's influence can extend to cover more regions and serve a larger number of alumni. Apart from major cities in China, we are also in the process of establishing teams in other cities such as Hangzhou, Chengdu, Nanjing, Fujian, Xi'an, etc. If you are interested in joining our volunteer team, please feel free to reach out to us.
- WeChat Official Account：iNewcastle
- Weibo Official Account or search in Chinese “英国纽卡斯尔大学校友会”
Join (or create!) an alumni network
Whether you're looking for professional contacts, sports or socialising, joining an alumni network is a great way to connect. As you share interests and build your networks, you'll also be keeping links with your University community alive.
Alumni networks can help you:
- Make friends with alumni in your area.
- Get involved in sports or interests.
- Meet people who studied the same subject.
- Get advice from alumni who work in your sector.
Alumni networks organise discussions, activities and events both digitally and locally. From on-campus events to online industry discussions, there are opportunities to stay connected no matter where you are based. And if you’re unable to find a network that sparks your interest, you can volunteer to lead your own!