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07 November 2025

5 Min Read

The Role of Alumni Relations Office in Fostering Institutional Loyalty

Alumni are not only custodians of legacy, but true measures of an institution lie not in its walls but in the heart's alumni.

In a standard definition, an Alumni is a graduate, yet the meaning extends far beyond. Alumni are custodians rather than just mere torchbearers of legacy. Ideally a graduate is expected to give back to the institution however the “how” part is often misconstrued. This now features a culture of what is called “Alumni Philanthropy”.

IIE Rosebank College is a brand of The Independent Institute of Education moreover, since its inception in 2005 there have been total of 52 843 graduates from IIE Rosebank College. This is a testament to the institution’s commitment to nurturing talent empowering individuals who go on to make a significant impact in their respective fields, underscoring the importance of alumni in shaping the future and giving back to their communities.

While it’s often assumed that alumni don’t contribute much to their alma maters post-graduation, that’s not necessarily true. In the greatest scheme of things, alumni giving back builds a legacy by ensuring an institution’s long term financial stability moreover enhancing its reputation and prestige creates continuous cycle of support and mentorship that benefits future generations.

This is a case of Vuyokazi Kafile, a journalism graduate from IIE Rosebank College Braamfontein Campus who earned national recognition as one of the Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans. Undoubtedly, she felt honoured, humble and motivated. This success story serves as testament to the institution’s commitment towards preserving its rich history and upholding its esteemed reputation, which continues to endure to and inspire generations.

The IIE Rosebank College Alumni Relations Office recently established a mentorship programme that pairs our alumni with students for guidance career and personal development, health and wellness, academics, entrepreneurship. Driven by passion, its core mission being to elevate, empower current students and building legacy and ultimately showcasing the power to create a ripple effect of positive change that resonates far beyond campus walls.

Taking to account that Alumni are crucial in preserving culture and traditions, involving campus events, advisory boards and governance by sharing their experience, insights and expertise.

As we peruse closely into the future, it’s clear that the Alumni Relations Office plays a vital role in crafting legacies that can transcends time, touch lives and shape destinies for upcoming generations. In the end, the bonds formed within the walls of our institutions will continue to shape the lives of our alumni and ultimately ensuring that connections remain strong, vibrant and meaningful.