More than 75 enthusiastic former students attended the Macquarie young alumni social event at Holey Moley Strike in late July, with 11 graduates from the class of 2023 bringing fresh energy to the Sydney group.

The Macquarie University Young Alumni Advisory Board (YAAB) is a team of driven, loyal and passionate Macquarie graduates aged 35 and under, representing diverse backgrounds across all four faculties. They support Macquarie’s young alumni program, ensuring it remains relevant and engaging. The main role of YAAB is to advise on the design and direction of key initiatives including events, programs and communications with a focus on building a strong and vibrant alumni community while increasing opportunities, engagement and support for young alumni.

While traditional networking might not resonate with everyone, a dynamic approach through engaging activities seems to be a perfect fit for our young alumni community. Alumni came together for rounds of bowling and minigolf at the Holey Moley Strike event, igniting lively conversations and shared enjoyment over refreshments. This fun and active setting was an ideal backdrop for networking, allowing many alumni to forge new connections.

Attendees expressed their enjoyment and appreciation with feedback including, “Best event I’ve been to all year, out of any networking event. I met so many great people of different ages and had such a blast.” And, “Alumni meet-ups are always super fun and a great way to connect with peers who are now professional individuals. Amazing set-up by the team.”

Pictured (L to R): Jim Klarner, Alumni Relations Officer; alumni Xia Meei Ooi; Ki Yan Baldwin, executive chair for the Young Alumni Advisory Board; Yue Zhang, Alumni Relations Coordinator

Xia Meei Ooi is one of the dedicated alumni who attended the social event. After graduating from Macquarie with a Master of Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism and Master of International Security in 2020, Xia Meei Ooi has attended almost every young alumni event, transforming from a reserved participant into a highly engaged and influential ambassador for the group. At the most recent gathering, she received The Biggest Fan of Macquarie award – congratulations!