Celebrating our volunteers and marvelling at ancient Egypt

University volunteers say the annual thank you event at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is a calendar highlight – an exclusive viewing of the latest exhibition shared with friends and fellow volunteers.

On Thursday 11 July, around 550 alumni volunteers and their guests came together for a special viewing of the National Gallery of Victoria’s exhibit Pharoah.

Through partnering with the British Museum, the NGV’s Pharaoh exhibition explores the realities, mythologies and iconographies of kingship in ancient Egypt through a carefully curated selection of objects including temple statuary, jewellery and coffins.

_{Alumni and friends viewing the NGV's Pharaoh exhibition.}

Upon arrival, alumni caught up with fellow volunteers and made new connections during a catered reception before receiving updates and messages of gratitude from University leaders.

Former Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell spoke about the many benefits of the University’s partnership with the NGV, from jointly supported research projects and publications to a new breadth subject at the University.

“In the Melbourne curriculum we have breadth subjects, and we've just launched a new one in relation to the exhibition called Egypt under the Pharaohs,” said Professor Maskell.

“It highlights the very close working relationship that we have with the people in the NGV, and it’s going to allow 200 students from across different faculties to come together for a shared learning experience, anchored in the world of art and culture.”

President of the Alumni Council and science alum Jane Wayland also spoke about how pleased she was to see a rise in alumni volunteering during her six years on the council.

“There have been many highlights during my time on the Alumni Council, such as providing input to the development of University strategy with the former Vice-Chancellor, supporting improvements to the student experience during the pandemic, and reviewing our own profile to ensure we reflect the alumni community,” said Jane.

_{Alumni Council President Jane Wayland speaking at the 2024 volunteer thank you event  at the NGV.}

Jane also encouraged alumni in attendance to consider nominating for the Alumni Council election in September, having recounted many of her own fond memories as President.

Finally, Executive Director of Advancement Joanna Watts celebrated the impact of alumni volunteers before opening the doors to Pharoah for alumni to enjoy together.

“I congratulate you all for your generosity; the range of contributions made by alumni volunteers is phenomenal,” said Joanna.

“Since the beginning of last year, over 5200 alumni globally chose to commit their time in support of students, alumni and the University. At that scale, it is extraordinary to consider the breadth and depth of opportunity made possible.”

Ancient objects and new friendships

Social work and entrepreneurship alum Valerie Judge was particularly interested in attending this year’s exhibition.

“I've had a love of Egypt since I was about 12, and having been to Egypt myself, I can't get enough of its history,” she said.

Engineering and medical science alum Naomi Arndt-Cooper relished the social opportunity that the annual NGV event for alumni volunteers presented.

“I got to see my Alumni Council teammates and staff from the University, and it’s also been great to meet new alumni that I haven't met before – it’s such a big university with so many amazing people,” said Naomi.

_{Alumni volunteers and their invited guests mingling at the volunteer thank you event.}

Architecture alum Geoff Lawler described a “happy atmosphere” among staff and alumni in attendance.

“I think the acknowledgement by the University of alumni contributions is genuine, and I think people are responding to that and feel that they're making a difference,” said Geoff.

Along with being mentors, Geoff and Naomi also dedicate their time to the University community through the Alumni Council.

“It's really great getting our brains together to work out how we can help the University flourish, find ways of supporting programs and thinking of new ideas to help alumni and current students,” said Naomi.

“It's a way to contribute back to the University to help progress it for the next generation to come.”

Geoff said that it’s a thrill being a part of an international cohort through the Alumni Council. “The real bonus is that the members are from all over the world,” he said.

He also shared how alumni can benefit from being a part of the Alumni Council.

“If you would like to be a little closer to the workings of the University, this is a great place to be. The breadth and scale of the experience, and the fact that there are perspectives from all around the world is a really invigorating thing.”

A passion for community

Alumni also talked about their love of mentoring, and how they support current students through the unique challenges they face.

“I mentor Master of Social Work students, and it's really important to see them have an opportunity to talk to someone who's been on the frontline,” said Valerie, who volunteers in the MDHS Mentoring Program.

“When you're at uni, you think there's a certain path, but you're not entirely sure what it is. I like to open up people's ideas, because what you get taught in uni and what happens in real life can often be different.”

Naomi has found a great sense of purpose in mentoring international students through the Welcome to Melbourne program.

“Students from overseas come here without too much knowledge about how things work, or how to go about achieving their career goals, so I really enjoy helping them find a pathway to get to their career,” she said.

Other times, students just need some encouragement from someone who has walked the path before them.

“I find that sometimes, people know what they need to do, but they just need some reassurance that they're on the right path,” said Geoff.

“If you can offer them that, based on experience and a little bit of evidence, it can make a difference to people's confidence.”

_{Alumni and friends viewing the NGV's Pharaoh exhibition.}

For alumni wondering if they should volunteer, Valerie said everyone has something valuable to offer students through mentoring – no matter how limited their career experiences are.

“We all have things that we've learned that can never come from textbooks, so I would always recommend that you've got so much to give and offer graduates,” said Valerie.

Beyond giving something back to the University community, Geoff shared that as a retiree, he has also received so much himself through volunteering.

“I’m not seeking money anymore – I volunteer for gratitude, which is a much higher order of satisfaction.”