4. Alumni

How do we make our alumni part of our future, and not just our past?

As some of our most loyal supporters, our alumni are our brand ambassadors. We keep them in the loop about UQ’s achievements and activities, not only to build a sense of community among our alumni network and add value to being a UQ grad – but also to inspire them to continue engaging with UQ long after they’ve finished studying with us.

This means sharing uplifting stories that let them know what’s going on, as well as positive messages that make them feel they’re still part of the UQ family.

Quick tips

  • Leave them feeling proud. When you write, frame your message in a way that helps our alumni feel involved and invested in UQ’s development.
  • Build a sense of belonging and community around your words. This is our opportunity to make everyone in our audience feel connected – whether it’s through shared memories or shared values.

Tone of voice example: alumni

This copy is taken from letters that are sent to graduates who do not attend graduations. The content has been reduced, targeted, and focuses on the future – recipients can access updates about t-shirts and locations on social channels and the website.

Existing wording

Dear ​<first name>

Congratulations on achieving this incredible milestone!

Sorry we missed you at the Great Court during graduations. You can still collect your free, limited edition 'Class of 2018' t-shirt from the UQ Alumni and Community Relations Centre (available until stocks run out). Make sure you bring your student card. You can find us on Level 1, JD Story Building (next to Australia Post). We are open Monday - Friday (9am - 5pm) except public holidays.

We hope the 'Class of 2018' t-shirt will remind you of your wonderful time at UQ. Check out the graduation photos!

This is the beginning of the next phase of your lifelong relationship with UQ. Our goal is to help you grow in your career and succeed by staying connected and expanding your personal and professional network.

So now you've graduated, what’s next?

1.   UPDATE YOUR DETAILS

Make sure your personal contacts are updated so we can keep you informed about what's happening in the global UQ community and here at UQ.

2.   JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Like us on the UQ Alumni Facebook page to be the first to learn about social, professional and special interest events for alumni all over the world.

3.   CONNECT AND PARTICIPATE

UQ hosts a variety of social, professional and special interest events for alumni all over the world. A signature program for UQ alumni is the Global Leadership Series (GLS). This series is a wonderful opportunity for you, our newest UQ graduates, to stay up to date with the latest research at UQ. For more information about the Global Leadership Series and broader calendar of events for alumni, please visit alumni.uq.edu.au/events.

Let's stay in touch and we hope to see you at our next event!

Best wishes,

Ms Mikaeli Costello
Director, Alumni Relations and Engagement
The University of Queensland

After tone of voice editing

Dear ​<first name>

Congratulations on your graduation! 

We’re delighted to welcome you to this next phase of your relationship with UQ.

UQ will continue to support you as you grow in your career. You’ve now joined our 268,000-strong alumni community, who can help you with great advice, and the opportunity to expand your personal and professional network. 

So now you've finished your studies, what’s next? 

1.   Update your details
Make sure your personal contacts are up to date so we can keep you informed about the latest news, events and opportunities that are relevant for you.

2.   Join the conversation
Follow UQ on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and subscribe to Contact magazine, to share ideas and have your say on a range of topics that interest you. 

3.   Connect in person
We’d love to see you again! UQ hosts a variety of social, professional, reunion and special interest events for alumni all over the world, such as the Global Leadership Series (GLS). Visit our alumni events page for more information.

Please stay in touch! I look forward to seeing you at our next event.

Best wishes,

Ms Mikaeli Costello
Director, Alumni Relations and Engagement
The University of Queensland 

For any questions or comments, please contact the Publications team.

(+61 7) 336 52479