Dear Alumni,

October was a very busy month in Alumni Relations, with the YAG U·Ball on the 8th, Andrew Demetriou delivering the 2009 Alumni Lecture on the 20th and the Founding Cohort Reunion on the 23rd. Follow the links in the Recent Events section below for details and links to photos and video.

I am pleased to announce the creation of the Law Alumni Chapter, which was initiated by two La Trobe law alumni, Mick Woods and Alex Dunlop, who are committed to maintaining involvement with the School of Law and their fellow graduates. Read more

Finally, there is fresh evidence that La Trobe is proudly continuing to strengthen its position as a leading Australian University:

• The University has experienced a boost in first preference choices, with more students choosing to study at La Trobe
• Work has already started on research to be carried out at the La Trobe Institute of Molecular Science.
• The ARC has announced $5.1million in research funding for La Trobe.

Warm regards,

Chintan Bharwada
Manager, Alumni Relations

In this e-news

Completion of ILP
Careers Corner
Recent Events
Future Events
First preference boost
Institute for Molecular Science
ARC funding announced
Profiles
Sports Club News
Podcasts
Alumni Lifestyle Benefits

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FEATURED ARTICLES

Completion of the 2009 Infinity Leadership Program

The 2009 Infinity Leadership Program (ILP) came to a close on the 15th of October as the Bendigo and Bundoora students came together to celebrate their journey through the pilot program. A joint initiative between Student Engagement and Alumni Relations, the ILP was designed to provide students aspiring to leadership roles with the opportunity to explore theories and develop their own practice in leadership.

The program included a retreat consisting of intensive seminars on leadership, cross-cultural communication, conflict resolution and group facilitation. Semester one included a series of seminars with a range of experienced and inspiring leaders. Students were given the opportunity to test their own leadership capacity with a Community Project in Semester two.

The 2010 ILP will include over sixty students from every campus, which is a great testament to the potential and aspirations of La Trobe University students. For more information on the Infinity Leadership Program click here

GSM students take on the world

The La Trobe Graduate School of Management (GSM) is sponsoring three groups of students in this year's edition of the World Global Management Challenge. These students are currently busy competing with more than 400,000 other competitors from 30 countries in the world's largest management simulation game. Each of the teams run virtual companies and their objective is to get the highest share price in the simulator's virtual stock exchange.

The groups consist of a mix of MBA and Master of International Business students from various backgrounds. One team even combines current students with GSM alumni, providing a great networking opportunity between past and current students.  Read more

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CAREERS CORNER

Why job seekers need to think like an entrepreneur?

While some of us are concerned about job security and are adopting the strategy
of sitting tight and crossing our fingers to weather the storm, others are feeling more
empowered and see the market as ripe with opportunities for them to advance their
careers. These people are the ones who have adopted the characteristics and
strategic approach of an entrepreneur.  Read more (PDF 106Kb)

Submitted by Kelly Magowan, alumna of La Trobe University and CEO of Six Figures

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RECENT EVENTS

2009 Alumni Lecture - Andrew Demetriou

Alumni, students, staff and friends of La Trobe University gathered at the grand RACV Club in Melbourne’s CBD for the annual Alumni Lecture on the 20th of October.

Talking on the topic ‘Building a National Competition – the AFL in the 21st Century’, special guest speaker, AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou, took the opportunity to flag for the first time the AFL’s intention to expand the competition to 20 teams, with Tasmania firmly on the radar.  Read more

iTunes users can view the video of the lecture. Click here to view

Founding Cohort Reunion

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the first group of students to graduate from La Trobe University, members of the founding cohort were invited back to the University for a spectacular two-day festival on 23rd and 24th of October.

Held at the Bundoora Campus, the milestone event involved the founding cohort participating in the 2009 Graduation Ceremony. The group joined the latest graduands in academic regalia and were each presented with a commemorative certificate during the ceremony.  Read more

Photos from the reunion will be added to the La trone Alumni Flickr online photo gallery.  To view the images that have been added so far, orto contribute your own, please visit www.flickr.com/groups/latrobealumni/

U·Ball is a hit!

With over 250 people in attendance, La Trobe’s first university-wide end of year ball was a huge success and possibly the start of something big. The La Trobe U-Ball, held on the 8th of October, was a feature-packed night full of great food, dancing and entertainment. Horseshoes, frocks and fascinators filled the room as many took up the ball’s spring carnival theme with gusto.

La Trobe cheerleaders kicked the night off with an energetic and impressive display of agility and talent, showcasing their award winning routines, while comedian Michael Chamberlin helped get everyone in a festive and jovial mood with his stand up routine. The festivities continued through the night, as many filled the dance floor and kept the spirit of the night alive.  Read more

BCAE Bachelor of Business – 1983 & 1984 Reunion

BCAE Bachelor of Business graduates from 1983 & 1984 met for a reunion at the HuHa Bar in Bendigo on Saturday the 17th of October. Thanks to a huge amount of work undertaken by Sharon Gleeson (Renkin) and Greg Scott to track down graduates from this group. It was a huge success. It was a fabulous night, with opportunities to meet up with people that, in some cases, hadn’t seen each other for over 20 years.  Read more

All agreed that they should try to get together more often, with those living in the Bendigo area considering a regular lunch or breakfast to make sure they stay in touch. If anyone would like to be part of this group, please contact Rob Stephenson on: alumni@latrobe.edu.au

Ring Road Relay

The 2009 annual Ring Road Relay saw 18 teams brave the cold, rainy weather on Thursday the 15th of October, to complete the 2.7km track around the La Trobe University Bundoora Campus.  With the rain holding off for the start of the race, it didn’t take long until all spectators were running for cover and cheering on the runners from the shelters.  Runners included staff, students and college residents of La Trobe University.

The most competitive category was the men’s, with 9 teams all fighting to be the fastest.  The prize went to the boys from Glenn College with a time of 40mins and 30 seconds. Read more

Faculty of Law and Management end of studies celebration

It was almost like any other day at La Trobe, lush, green and with an exciting air of energy. However, this day was subtly different for our third year sport, tourism and hospitality students. The end of this balmy Spring evening signalled the conclusion of their studies, with their final undergraduate over with.

The Director of Tourism and Hospitality, Associate Professor Ewen Michael, had the honour of seeing these vibrant, up-beat, soon-to-be graduates leave the lecture rooms as cultivated students on their last teaching day. "It's something we've been doing at the school for many years", Dr Michael explained when asked about the significance of the event. "It gives our students a chance to end their studies on a good note".  Read more

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NEWS

First preference boost for La Trobe

Early VTAC 2009 preference data released today has revealed that more students are choosing courses at La Trobe, with regional campuses proving particularly popular.

The Bachelor of Arts course based at La Trobe’s Melbourne campus in Bundoora saw a massive 44% increase in first preferences. Physiotherapy and nursing at Bendigo campus saw increases of 11% and 12% respectively, while dentistry saw its first preferences more than double.

'I am delighted with the preliminary VTAC first preference data released today because it underscores the sense of renewal and growth La Trobe is now experiencing and look forward to this being confirmed in the final results," said Professor Tim Brown, Acting Vice-Chancellor of La Trobe University.  Read more

La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS)

The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr today announced that Lyons have won the prestigious design contract for the $97.9 million La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS).  Read more

New ways of understanding cancer will be a significant focus of the newly established Institute. Cell death researchers from Australia and New Zealand came together to discuss the latest research on cancer and cell death at the inaugural LIMS Cell Death and Cancer Symposium, which was held on the 2nd of October.  Read more

$5.1 million in ARC funding announced

La Trobe University researchers have been awarded $5.1 million in Australia Research Council grants, further cementing the University's reputation for innovative and high quality research.

‘This result shows the breadth of research undertaken across many different faculties and confirms that La Trobe researchers are tackling issues that are of great importance to our nation,’ said Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Professor Tim Brown.

Among the issues to be tackled will be: developing new ways of combating malaria; the creation of a sting-less honey bee; examining Australia’s biodiversity evolution during the Age of dinosaurs; and understanding how proteins get into mitochondria.

These projects are among the 15 Discovery Project grants and two Linkage Project grants awarded to researchers working in various fields of study.  Read more

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PROFILES

Andrew Demetriou

Bachelor of Arts, 1982
Diploma of Education, 1983

Now Cheif Executive Officer of AFL, La Trobe alumnus Andrew Demtriou at one stage juggled full-time studies with playing at the elite level. Read more

Dr Peter Dracotos

Research Scientist

Having just received the inaugural Aristotle Award for Education for peer-reviewed manuscripts and impact of his PhD studies undertaken at La Trobe, Peter Dracatos plans to stay at the University where he has ‘the expertise and skill and facilities available to conduct world class research’. Read more

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HOMESTAY FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Encouraging homestay options for international students

In keeping with our concern for student welfare, La Trobe has recently signed an agreement with the Australian Homestay Network (AHN), Australia’s leading homestay organisation.

What is homestay?
Homestay is a cultural exchange between a local individual or family (called a Host) and a visiting international student. The student lives as a guest in the host family’s home and the experience helps the student understand the culture and customs of the region in which they are studying.

How can you help?
Opportunities exist now for people wanting to learn how to host and welcome international students to La Trobe University.

• Do you live close to La Trobe University or near a public transport line?
• Do you have a spare room?
• Are you interested to learn about the many benefits of hosting an international student in your home?

If you are interested in becoming a host or have further questions please visit the La Trobe International website

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LA TROBE ALUMNI LIFESTYLE BENEFITS - Show Your Alumni Card and Save

Travel and Accommodation

• Beechworth Accommodation
• Holiday Accommodation in the High Country
• Melbourne Wildlife Sanctuary
• Odyssey Travel
• Rydges Hotels and Resorts
• STA Travel
• Thrifty Car Rental

Subscriptions and Memberships

• CEO Online
• National Gallery Victoria (NGV) Membership
• Student Magazines Australia

Products and Services

• Australian Translating and Interpreting Service
• Bulleen Rejuvenation & Wellness Clinic
• CD Wow
• City Osteopathy - Massage Therapist
• Dell Australia
• Heavy Metal Group - Counselling Service
• La Trobe Alumni Health Plan with HCF
• Rebel Sport
• Six Figures
• Ultra Tune

La Trobe Services

• La Trobe Agora Theatre
• Image La Trobe
• La Trobe Podiatry Clinic
• La Trobe Sports Centre

NEW BENEFITS PARTNERS

Alumni Benefits are a great way to promote your business and maintain a link with your alumni network. We welcome alumni to be involved in this program. Please contact alumni@latrobe.edu.au if your business would like to be part of the Alumni Benefits program.

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 e-news @ La Trobe will be published on the first Friday of every month