Today I visited and spent the whole morning at the Alumni Relations department on North Campus. I received a very warm welcome from Paul Geswint and his nice team. Paul gave an interesting presentation on the alumni organisation, interest groups development and support, development of the alumni contribution opportunities, alumni recognition programmes and more. Santhoshini Petersen, Alumni Relations Coordinator, explained how the department uses different types of information system in their communication and relation building.
Later I met Baakier Abrahams, Alumni Relations project officer, who shared his experience regarding relationships with current students – university´s future alumni, and explained how the Alumni Dept uses their university shop as a strategic brand development tool. A visit to the university shop with Baakier was another nice experience.
After the lovely talks with Alumni team I had interesting meeting with Pieter Swart, Director of Marketing and Corporate Relations, who took me on a cultural city tour while explaining his department´s role at NMMU. I found this alternative type of meeting extremely interesting. Among others we visited The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, where Pieter´s friend Emma gave me a private tour. Lovely! Route 67 and a visit to the townships was another fascinating experience.
This exciting day was rounded off nicely with a delicious dinner and interesting discussions with Tohiera Moodien, manager in International student admin. Pleased 🙂
Time to go to sleep. Another early morning awaits me.
Good night wherever you are! 🙂