Background
Since its establishment at the end of the 19th century, numerous Kyoto University alumni associations have been established to serve the graduates of individual faculties, graduate schools, institutes, and academic programs. Kyoto University Alumni (KUA) was formed in November 2006 as the first university-wide alumni association. As a loosely-knit umbrella organization, KUA aims to facilitate cooperation among the individual faculty, graduate school, regional, and other alumni associations with a view to contributing to the university’s overall development.
Activities
KUA aims to promote exchange and friendship among all KU alumni, and contribute to the university’s overall development.
KUA hosts the annual Kyoto University Homecoming Day as an opportunity for former students to enjoy a day back at their alma mater, while regional alumni associations hold lecture meetings, social gatherings, and leisure and sports activities for those based in their respective regions and countries.
- 1.Alumni associations for faculties, graduate schools, institutes, and academic programs
Many of these associations are open to both former and current students and employees. Members will also automatically be affiliated with KUA.
- 2.Regional alumni associations in Japan
Many of these associations hold general meetings and lectures by KU researchers. They also collaborate with the university to assist local communities with the organization of lecture events to share cutting-edge research achievements with the wider society.
- 3.Regional alumni associations overseas
Kyoto University annually welcomes students and researchers from over 100 countries, and has numerous alumni associations overseas. Some of the associations are organized by returnee international students/researchers, and some are organized by Japanese expatriates. KUA assists these groups with the organization of symposia and other events where local alumni can meet and network.
- 4.Thematic alumni associations
These are alumni associations that transcend the boundaries of specific faculties and graduate schools. As associations of alumni who share the same purpose, they are not bound by regional characteristics. Thematic alumni associations actively hold lectures and social gatherings to strengthen cooperation and actively engage with the university.
- 5.Extracurricular club alumni associations
These are associations consisting of alumni from the university’s official extracurricular activity groups. In addition to supporting the activities of the current student organizations, they promote mutual exchange and friendship among members of all ages and actively work in cooperation with the university.
Benefits of membership in a regional alumni association
Regional alumni associations bring together former students from different faculties and graduate schools for open exchanges of insights and opinions. Knowledge gained through such interdisciplinary encounters can help members better navigate today’s diverse globally-oriented society and expand their horizons.
Additionally, by collaborating with the university and utilizing its wealth of resources, regional associations can support members’ career success and ultimately contribute to community, national, and global development.
Fostering bonds
KUA is committed to fostering bonds among alumni across Japan and throughout the world, as well as between alumni and the university. It aims to contribute to the ongoing development of alumni careers and of the university itself.
Organization of the Kyoto University Alumni Association
The Kyoto University Alumni Association aims to facilitate exchange and friendship among alumni association members, as well as contribute to the development of Kyoto University.
