Alumni is a word often correspondent to the word “school”, or in our case “university”. It is a “show me your friends and I will show you who you are” type of synonymity. Indeed, show me your alumni and you tell me all there is to know about you as a deigned place of learning.
The word Alumni (sing. Alumnus) is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “A person who has attended or has graduated from a particular school, college, or university”. The word is Latin and could also mean ‘student’. It is different from being called a graduate, as one may be an alumnus without being a graduate.The alumnus is tied to every student before him and those who will come after in a cross-linked manner.
As a prospective student, you most likely considered the name, reputation and even dormitory settings of your preferred university, but did you consider the school’s alumni association? Mind you, you only attend the university for about 4-6 years; but alumni associations allow you to stay connected to your school long after you leave the campus.
Some of the world’s oldest or youngest yet prestigious institutions are considered giants often by the sheer power of their alumni. They are their schools’ biggest advertisers, surely, we can mention some names off the bat.
The Augustine University, Ilara Alumni Association (AUIAA) formed on the 22nd of October, 2019 by its pioneering 32 members intends to become reputable and even more. But we will need the help of everyone, every student, who is probably reading this.
Just like every other alumni, the AUIAA hopes to provide perks to members, by way of mentorships, access to job opportunities, scholarships, and sometimes even just plain comradery, as and when needed. The pride borne by former students of some of the world’s most prestigious universities will also be borne by us. We are new, yes, but this has nothing to do with the great feats ready to be achieved as we step out into the world, armed by the training given to us by our illustrious university.
I, as a member of the AUIAA, under oath and interest have agreed to act out my part to fulfill all the promises outlined above. Will you as a beloved student and future alumnus, do the same?
-Otse Lamosime (MCB ’19)