Students get by with help from alumni

MUMBAI: City colleges have set up several in-house clubs to organise extra-curricular activities, but to motivate students, they turn to alumni associations.

MUMBAI: City colleges have set up several in-house clubs to organise extra-curricular activities, but to motivate students, they turn to alumni associations.

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Colleges have always sought the help of alumni associations to help their students — be it to fund a deserving student’s education or help them find appropriate job opportunities.

Of late, many are inviting ex-students to interact with the current batches.

According to these colleges, ex-students can best inspire the curious minds of the current batches.

For instance, Jai Hind College in Churchgate recently started the ‘Leadership Series’ in memory of their former principal NW Shivdasani.

The first speaker at the event was minister of state for power and renewable energy Piyush Goyal, who is also an ex-student of the institute.

“He spoke about transforming India and the roadmap to sustainable development. It was interesting to know about the ministry’s future plans for the country. He also spoke about his college days,” said Mihir Jain, a TYBMS student.

Jain added, “As part of this series, the institute will bring in more alumni to interact with college students and motivate them to aim big in life.”

At Mithibai College in Vile Parle, the management is trying to rope in their alumni to interact with their current batches of students, especially those interested in film making.

“Some of our ex-students are eminent film makers and actors, who are doing very well for themselves. We have always made it a point to have a strong connection with the alumni so that they can regularly visit our institute and interact with the current batches of young students and offer them guidance,” said Suresh Wakchaure, coordinator of the Mithibai Alumni Association.

“Our alumni help us with placements and donations. Most of them are passionate about their work and come to college to interact with students to help them excel,” added Wakchaure.

The trend has been equally rewarding for ex-students who get to revisit their roots.

The alumni of St Andrew’s College in Bandra organises a get together every month during which they talk about their activities with students at the institute.

“We have a strong and active alumni association. They are more than happy to help the college and current batches of students,” said Marie Fernandes, the college’s principal.