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Monash fosters links with overseas alumni

Monash graduates in London and San Francisco turned out in force to meet vice-chancellor Professor Richard Larkins and Mrs Caroline Larkins at special events for alumni last month.

His Excellency Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Michael L'Estrange opened the event.

More than 170 graduates and other Monash supporters assembled at Australia House in London, across the road from the Monash University London Centre.

His Excellency Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Michael L'Estrange opened the event and praised the work of the Monash London Centre in spreading the word about Australian education.

Professor Larkins spoke of his vision of excellence and diversity at Monash to an enthusiastic audience.

"It was an outstanding event and we were overwhelmed by the attendance," he said. "It was delightful to connect with students from the 1960s as well as recent graduates, and we look forward to an even stronger event in the future."

At the London reception Mrs Larkins presented outgoing Agent-General for Victoria Mr Peter Hansen with a copy of the Sir John Monash biography by Geoffrey Serle. The director of the Monash University Centre in London, Professor Merran Evans, outlined the Centre's plans for 2004.

In San Francisco Professor and Mrs Larkins hosted a joint alumni/internship dinner in recognition of the ongoing connection between Monash and IT giant Macromedia, and met with alumni working in and around Silicon Valley.

At the function, Professor Larkins met five high-achieving information technology students who had recently completed Macromedia internships, sponsored by Monash graduate and Macromedia vice-president Mr Alan Ramadan.

Professor Larkins meets Monash alumnus Dr Chris Churchill and his wife Satoko at the London event.