29 July 2014
- First SA Indigenous alumni chapter launched
The University of South Australia will launch the State’s first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Alumni Chapter, the Deadly Alumni in August.
Some of Australia’s leading community figures will join in the celebrations, including Dr Tom Calma AO, a UniSA alumnus and now Chancellor of the University of Canberra who will be Patron of the Chapter.
Led by UniSA’s Dean of Indigenous Scholarship, Engagement and Research, Professor Peter Buckskin, the initiative forms part of the University’s strategic plan and commitment to becoming the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander University of Choice.
“Our goal is that the Chapter will serve as a shining example of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander success and achievement and at the same time, offer a network of support for Indigenous graduates,” Prof Buckskin says.
“The Chapter will build on UniSA’s strong social inclusion agenda by engaging with and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to connect with UniSA.
“We are really proud and pleased to have Dr Calma as our Patron because of his ongoing commitment to encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education and his personal connection to UniSA.”
Dr Calma, who has been awarded three Honorary Doctorates in recognition of his contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs locally and internationally, says the move to form the Deadly Alumni Chapter is exciting and timely.
“What the Chapter will represent in the community is the strength and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent and endeavour and showcase role models for our youth,” he says.
“The Chapter, through its members, will highlight all the possibilities education can provide and all the benefits of empowerment that education offers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Success breeds success and the more we can highlight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander success stories the more we light the way for the next generations.”
The new Chapter will also have some of its own champions in Deadly Alumni Janine Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer of the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives and community leader Klynton Wanganeen. Both will continue to make the outstanding contribution to the community that has earned them such respect from UniSA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Alumni.
UniSA Vice Chancellor and President Prof David Lloyd endorsed the initiative as an important step in building a rich educational culture for UniSA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
“The UniSA Deadly Alumni Chapter will become a network that by its very nature reflects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievement,” Prof Lloyd says.
“The foundation of the Chapter adds to a raft of initiatives at UniSA designed to celebrate and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander success and wisdom and encourage empowerment through education.
“I am delighted to see the new Chapter founded and look forward to learning from the experiences of our graduates about how the University can support more participation and high achievement in education in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.”
The new Chapter is community partnered with the Tauondi Aboriginal Community College.
The Deadly Alumni Chapter goals are to provide opportunities for UniSA graduates to:
- network, reconnect and strengthen relationships with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates;
- attend events and meet well-known Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community leaders;
- enhance career opportunities;
- apply for graduate intern positions;
- access existing UniSA Alumni benefits and services; and
- mentor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students
The formation of the Alumni Chapter at UniSA will involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students in a supportive network and help graduates to develop a strong, professional network.
UniSA will be launching the inaugural Deadly Alumni Chapter through a Gala Launch Dinner on Friday 8 August 2014.
To become a member of the Deadly Alumni Chapter, please register/update your details here.
Media contact: Michèle Nardelli office: 08 8302 0966 mobile: 0418 823 673 email: michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au
