UNICA Alumni Relations Seminar | 11-12 November, Bucharest University of Economics Studies (ASE)
Following the initiative of the Bucharest University of Economics Studies (ASE), UNICA happily resumed its activities in the area of Alumni Relations, reaffirming the key strategic role of the alumni community for institutional development. To kick off this renewed focus, ASE hosted the UNICA Alumni Relations Seminar “Partners for Life:Unlocking the Strategic Value of Alumni for Universities”, on 11-12 November 2025, which explored the strategic value of alumni engagement.
The meeting brought together representatives from universities, alumni associations, EU programmes, and related sectors to explore how to strengthen and innovate in this area. The two-day programme moved from strategic reflection to practical application, offering participants a comprehensive view of the role of alumni in university development and engagement.
Target groups: Alumni Relations Officers / Managers (primary), university professionals working in fundraising, IROs, recruitment, career services, communication (secondary, depending on the topics addressed) from UNICA member universities.
Meeting objectives
- To explore the strategic value of alumni engagement in strengthening universities’ societal role and global visibility;
- To exchange experiences and good practices from UNICA member universities;
- To discuss different models of collaboration between universities, alumni associations, and external partners such as industry, research centres, and EU programmes.
- To identify challenges and opportunities in building sustainable alumni communities across diverse institutional and cultural contexts;
- To provide participants with practical tools and insights to design or enhance their own alumni strategies.
The UNICA Meeting on Alumni Relations provided a space for reflection, exchange, and collaboration on how universities can develop more strategic, inclusive, and impactful approaches to alumni engagement. Through a combination of discussions, case studies, and a practical workshop, the meeting encouraged participants to consider alumni relations not only as a communication function, but as an integral part of institutional development and internationalisation.
Schedule
| 11 November | 12 November |
| Welcome Lunch Afternoon: Working sessions S1 (90’) + S2 (90’) | Morning: Working session S3 (90’) + Working session S4 (90’) (Training/ Workshop) |
| Evening: Social Programme & Dinner | Farewell Lunch |
About the topic
Alumni relations are not a ceremonial endeavour, they are a strategic necessity. For universities in Europe, investing in alumni engagement offers a powerful way to extend institutional impact, reinforce values, and build sustainable communities of knowledge, across generations and borders.
With growing global competition, evolving labour markets, shifting funding landscapes, as well as the growing popularity of new educational providers and skill-building models, European universities are under pressure to demonstrate their relevance, sustainability, and societal impact. If, on one side, universities need to look inward and creatively rethink about pedagogical approaches, they must also look outward – to their communities – and seize the opportunities these connections offer. And alumni are a powerful resource to that endeavour.
Event’s Documents
Presentations
Day 1 (11 Nov)
- Introductory Talk, Luciano SASO, UNICA Secretary-General
Session 1:
- Kick-off talk, Rachel BRAY, Head, CERN Alumni Relations, CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research
- Building Global Alumni Networks to Power Internationalization and Institutional Reputation, Costin CIORA, PhD Assistant Professor, Bucharest University of Economic Studies
- Potential of global networks/ Alumni as advocates / Alumni impact on society, Nena GRCEVA, Director Alumni Affairs, Hertie School, The University of Governance in Berlin
Session 2:
- Rachel BRAY, Head, CERN Alumni Relations, CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research
- Eva SENRA, Vice President for Students, Entrepreneurship and Employability, University of Alcalá (online)
- Mostafa Moonir SHAWRAV, Executive Director, Marie-Curie Alumni Association (MCAA)
Day 1 (11 Nov)
Session 3:
- Maja DIZDAREVIĆ, Head of University Office for Students and Alumni, University of Ljubljana (online) (15’)
- Athina Frangou SELIPA, Development and Alumni Relations Officer, University of Cyprus (online) (15’)
- Aurore SPEDICATO, Alumni Loyalty Program Project Manager, PSL University (Paris) (15’)
Session 4:
- Training by Octavian PANTIȘ, Founder & Managing Partner Qualians, Author & Speaker
11-12 November 2025
Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest University of Economics Studies (ASE)
Contact
Alexandra Duarte
alexandra.duarte@unica-network.eu
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.