New members elected to the Alumni Council in 2021
The University of Melbourne Alumni Council, established in 2011, represents the interests of the University and alumni around the world and 2021 marks a significant period of change and renewal for the group.
The Alumni Council’s regular biennial elections took place in February, with 35 alumni choosing to nominate to run for six available places.
At the end of an extremely competitive election process, the successfully elected nominees endorsed by the Vice-Chancellor are: Ms Amanda Davidson, Dr Mutsa Gumbie, Mr Geoffrey Lawler, Mr Ross Milton, Ms Jane Wayland and Ms Christina Yiannakis.
Three additional alumni – Ms Mallika Bajaj, Ms Haida Hazri and Mr Yun Han-Lee – have also been recently appointed by the Vice-Chancellor to join the Alumni Council.
Amidst all of these changes, 2021 also marks the departure of the current President of the Alumni Council, Ms Margaret Quixley. Margaret joined the Alumni Council in February 2015 and her leadership, first as Deputy President and then as President, saw an increase in overseas and interstate alumni joining the Council, along with a heightened focus on supporting young alumni and students in need. Several other Alumni Council members have also recently concluded their terms and we thank them for their service.
Dr Rachel Baird has accepted the role of President of the Alumni Council. The first Alumni Council President to live outside of Melbourne, Rachel is based in Queensland and has been a member of the Council since 2019.
“I have had the privilege of being on campus as both a student and a staff member.” Rachel says. “The University provides a transformative environment and my own experience, engaging with current students as a mentor, has reminded me of how much I enjoyed and benefited from my time there.”
“As President, I am looking forward to working with the University and fellow Council members to inspire more alumni to engage with their University. We are an ever-growing community, and our successes are built upon our education. The Council's role is to offer insights to the University on student and alumni engagement and to listen to our alumni. I encourage you all to celebrate your University with me as we support its valuable work.”
The Alumni Council is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, and distance is no obstacle. With several overseas members based in countries such as Switzerland, India, the UAE, Malaysia and China, the Alumni Council is truly representative of our vibrant, international alumni community.
Alumni Council President Dr Rachel Baird