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Celebrating Our Alumni

Published on 24 September 2021

Last month the University of Dundee hosted The Bridge Alumni Awards, an event which recognised the many ways that our alumni give back to the university community.

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Sunset in the background with a grey panel showing The Bridge Alumni Award 24 September 2021

On the 24th August, alumni from across the world as well as University staff came together online to hear about the impactful contributions our alumni have made and to celebrate those who had gone over and above in their support of the University.

The attendees were welcomed to the event by Ellenore Hobkirk, Head of Development and Alumni Relations with Wendy Alexander, Vice Principal International presenting the awards before George Robertson, Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, alumnus, honorary graduate and award winner spoke about his time at Dundee and his relationship with the University and the city since.

The event featured volunteering stories from across our campus as well as expressions of gratitude from members of staff.

You can watch the Thank You video here

The following awards were presented:

Outstanding Support of Students
Outstanding Support of the Alumni Community
Outstanding Support of Student Recruitment
Outstanding Support of Fundraising
Outstanding Alumni Ambassador
Outstanding Support from a Recent Graduate
Outstanding Reunion Organiser

We asked some of our winners what receiving an Alumni Award meant to them.

“I’m very honoured and thankful for the award. I’m happy to know that my journey could be useful and helpful for others. Of course, it’s all thanks to our alumni officers and coordinators who have made keeping in touch with Dundee, the University of Dundee and Scotland possible. I’m also very happy to see that the University of Dundee is really making its mark in the world. Recently, there were some discussions about the University’s partnership with Indonesian institutions I’m extremely happy to work with the University to build relationships in Indonesia and Singapore.”

Cindy Adriaan, Joint Winner of the ‘Outstanding Support of Student Recruitment Award

“I'd like to thank the University of Dundee for the Award. I feel quite delighted for the recognition. It’s just encouraging for me to keep on doing what I'm doing, and I'd like to just thank the University community as well as all the alumni for being a very special set of people.”

Feso Bright, Joint Winner of the ‘Outstanding Support of the Alumni Community Award

Rob Duck standing at the beach with the blue sea in the background

“It was a real surprise to win this award but it was actually a labour of love bringing together over 60 alumni and their partners for this reunion to mark 30 years since the closure of the Department of Geology but, truth be told, I couldn’t have done it without the help of Pam and her brilliant team.”

Rob Duck, Winner of the ‘Outstanding Support of Reunions Award

While alumni have been volunteering their time since the university was established in 1967, the University established the Alumni Volunteering Programme in May 2020 to provide more support and recognition for alumni who desired to give their time and efforts to University causes. Since then our alumni have volunteered over 500 hours collectively and we now have over 500 active volunteers.

“I am delighted that the inaugural Bridge Alumni Awards were so well received across our community,” said Ellenore Hobkirk. “It is inspiring to see how our alumni give back to the University and enhance our students' experience. Having the opportunity to share these stories and say thank you was a real pleasure.”

This event, hosted by the Development and Alumni Relations Team, was the first of what will be an annual celebration in years to come.

Story category Alumni