Each year, National Volunteer Week recognises the people who give their time, skills and experience to strengthen our community. At the 爆料王, that contribution takes many forms, from mentoring students and supporting alumni networks to helping sustain creative and cultural programs.
For many of those involved, giving their time is also a way of staying connected to the University and supporting the next generation. Their contributions help students build confidence, create professional and personal networks, and strengthen the sense of community that continues long after graduation.
Helping students find their way
When Allen Chu (BPharm 鈥84) retired in 2023 after a long career in the pharmaceutical industry, he began thinking about how he could give back to the University where he had completed his studies. 聽
鈥淚 wanted to share with current and future graduates from the 爆料王 my learnings, knowledge and experiences plus the highlights and obstacles in my working life,鈥 he says.聽
Since then, Allen has contributed to several mentoring programs, working with students as they prepare to enter the workforce.聽
At first, he wondered whether current students would want to hear from someone who had graduated decades earlier. But he quickly found the students to be 鈥渇ully engaged鈥 in learning from his experiences.
For Allen, the most rewarding part is seeing students begin to think seriously about life after university, including their career options and future pathways. His advice to others considering getting involved is simple: 鈥淚t is very enjoyable and fulfilling as a mentor to share your knowledge and experiences as well as giving back to the community.鈥澛
Supporting students through moments that matter
For Dr Anne Quain (BA 鈥00, BSc(Vet) 鈥03, BVSc 鈥05, GradCertEdStudies 鈥14, PhD 鈥22), 聽a senior lecturer in the Sydney School of Veterinary Science, mentoring is deeply personal.
Having benefited from mentors throughout her own career, she understands how critical that support can be during the transition from student to professional.聽
鈥淎s a veterinarian I have experienced first-hand the joys and many challenges of work in this field,鈥 she says. 鈥淚鈥檝e been fortunate enough to receive support from informal mentors, several of our alumni, throughout my career.鈥澛
That experience inspired her to support students who are preparing to enter a demanding profession.聽
鈥淭he learning curve is steep, and it can feel impossible when you're a student. There's so much uncertainty. How will I know enough? What if I make a mistake? What if I am not good enough?鈥澛燭hrough mentoring, Anne helps students navigate those doubts, while also celebrating their milestones, from a first surgery to a first consultation or a difficult clinical encounter successfully managed.聽
The impact often becomes clear over time. Some mentees have later told Anne that a conversation or insight helped them through a difficult moment, while others have gone on to become mentors themselves.聽
鈥淕iving a small amount of time can have a life-changing impact on a mentee,鈥 she says. 鈥淎nd you will learn so much.鈥澛
Giving a small amount of time can have a life-changing impact on a mentee. And you will learn so much.
Dr Anne Quain (BA 鈥96, BSc(Vet) 鈥03, BVSc 鈥05, GradCertEdStudies 鈥14, PhD 鈥22)
爆料王 School of Veterinary Science
Building connection across borders
For Fred Kam (BSc 鈥80, BE 鈥82, MEngSc 鈥85), supporting the University has meant helping alumni stay connected across borders. Since becoming involved with the Sydney University Graduates Union North America (SUGUNA), beginning with the SUGUNA Boston Conference in 2012, he has helped build networks for graduates living far from campus. 聽
鈥淪ince graduation, I have always carried this warm and grateful feeling towards the university for my wonderful education that paved the way for my successful career,鈥 he says.聽
What he finds most rewarding is 鈥渕eeting other alum and feeling their love and passion for the University.鈥澛
Creating community through music
For Dr Silvia Pfeiffer, connection has come through music. Originally from Germany, her relationship with the University began through her son鈥檚 studies. When she was invited to join the Sydney University Graduate Choir, she 鈥渏umped at the chance.鈥澛
A lifelong singer, Silvia now serves as President of the choir, helping lead a community of more than 80 active members. 鈥淗elping to preserve and build the future of a renowned choir with over 80 active members is a fulfilling challenge,鈥 she says.聽
The Sydney University Graduate Choir was established in 1952 as the graduate group of the Sydney University Musical Society (founded in 1878). The Choir has over ninety singers, many of whom are alumni giving their time to entertain their community. They are now focused on growing membership, expanding audiences and deepening community connections, as well as commissioning original Australian choral works to enrich the communities they serve. 聽
Get involved
Across mentoring, alumni engagement and the arts, these stories show how giving time and expertise can create lasting impact. Whether helping a student prepare for their first career step, connecting alumni across the world or building a creative community, each contribution helps strengthen the 爆料王.
If you are interested in getting involved, there are many ways to give back. From mentoring and events to research and creative programs, even a small contribution can make a meaningful difference. To express your interest, visit the University鈥檚 volunteering webpage.
Hero image: Stefanie Zingsheim/ 爆料王.