December Highlights
The final month of 2022 has been a busy one for the alumni team. Below, in the first edition of the new ‘monthly highlights’ series, we reflect on some of the projects we have been involved in throughout December.
Raising Funds for Winchester Youth Counselling
At the start of the month, we were delighted to be able to host naturalist, TV presenter, photographer and author Chris Packham in a special partnership event with Winchester Youth Counselling. Earlier this year, Chris took on the role of patron of Winchester Youth Counselling, and all proceeds from the event went directly to the charity, who support the wellbeing of young people through counselling, therapy and mental health support.
In this engaging lecture Chris revealed the connection between immersion in a natural environment and preserving or improving mental health, and presented a call to action for society to understand the true value of the natural world around us.
Mentor Christmas Networking Evening
On the evening of Thursday 8th December, in partnership with the Careers and Opportunities Hub team, we welcomed students, mentors and University partners to join us for a night of networking in the West Downs Centre. In total, over 50 attendees gathered to build connections and support current University students at the start of their career journey. This year we are delighted to have 41 alumni from King Alfred’s College and the University of Winchester community actively volunteering as professional mentors sharing their expertise and learnings from the professional world with students. Liz George (Careers Service Manager) spoke briefly of the hugely beneficial impact the mentoring programme has had on graduate success and confidence since the programme was established in 2020, and shared her sincere thanks to all those involved, recognitions that are warmly echoed by the alumni team.
Class of 2022 Hoodies
Following huge levels of interest for ‘Class of 2022’ hoodies from the Winton Society’s newest members following graduation, this month also saw an en masse shipping of the memorabilia.
Remaining Class of 2022 hoodies stock will be available to purchase on the online store here in the new year.
Winton Society Foundation Christmas E-cards
This festive season we invited alumni to join us in offering their support by making a donation in lieu of sending traditional Christmas cards. Funds raised goes directly toward the Winton Society Foundation, which supports the University’s hardship fund, dedicated to providing support to students experiencing financial difficulties. Students facing hardship can apply for a grant to help them through these tough times. A Christmas e-card design was sent in acknowledgement of donations to send onto friends and family.
Every donation – however small – will make a huge difference to students struggling with their finances.
To become a friend of the Winton Society Foundation through regular giving, please click here.
12 Dogs of Christmas
We had lots of fun photographing staff dogs around campus for our '12 Dogs of Christmas' social media campaign to highlight alumni memories, benefits and opportunities. We are grateful to all the amazing dogs, and their owners for getting involved including our very own Vice Chancellor.
Check out the ‘12 Dogs of Christmas’ on Instagram or Facebook now!
Farewell Naomi!
The end of this year also marks the end of Naomi Irving’s time with the alumni team, as we welcome back Cara Honey, returning from Maternity leave. Naomi has worked as Alumni Engagement Manager since March and in this time has been instrumental in bringing to life some of this year’s biggest events and opportunities. Many of the Winton Society community will know Naomi through her involvement with reunion events, or through being the friendly point of contact within the team, and I’m sure you will join us in wishing Naomi all the best on her next adventure!
