Each year, National Volunteer Week recognises the people who give their time, skills and experience to strengthen our community. At the University of Sydney, that contribution takes many forms, from mentoring students and supporting alumni networks to helping sustain creative and cultural programs.
For many of those involved, giving their time is also a way of staying connected to the University and supporting the next generation. Their contributions help students build confidence, create professional and personal networks, and strengthen the sense of community that continues long after graduation.
Helping students find their way
When Allen Chu (BPharm ‘84) retired in 2023 after a long career in the pharmaceutical industry, he began thinking about how he could give back to the University where he had completed his studies.
“I wanted to share with current and future graduates from the University of Sydney my learnings, knowledge and experiences plus the highlights and obstacles in my working life,” he says.
Since then, Allen has contributed to several mentoring programs, working with students as they prepare to enter the workforce.
At first, he wondered whether current students would want to hear from someone who had graduated decades earlier. But he quickly found the students to be “fully engaged” in learning from his experiences.
For Allen, the most rewarding part is seeing students begin to think seriously about life after university, including their career options and future pathways. His advice to others considering getting involved is simple: “It is very enjoyable and fulfilling as a mentor to share your knowledge and experiences as well as giving back to the community.”
Supporting students through moments that matter
For Dr Anne Quain (BA ‘00, BSc(Vet) ‘03, BVSc ‘05, GradCertEdStudies ‘14, PhD ‘22), a senior lecturer in the Sydney School of Veterinary Science, mentoring is deeply personal.
Having benefited from mentors throughout her own career, she understands how critical that support can be during the transition from student to professional.
“As a veterinarian I have experienced first-hand the joys and many challenges of work in this field,” she says. “I’ve been fortunate enough to receive support from informal mentors, several of our alumni, throughout my career.”
That experience inspired her to support students who are preparing to enter a demanding profession.
“The learning curve is steep, and it can feel impossible when you're a student. There's so much uncertainty. How will I know enough? What if I make a mistake? What if I am not good enough?” Through mentoring, Anne helps students navigate those doubts, while also celebrating their milestones, from a first surgery to a first consultation or a difficult clinical encounter successfully managed.
The impact often becomes clear over time. Some mentees have later told Anne that a conversation or insight helped them through a difficult moment, while others have gone on to become mentors themselves.
“Giving a small amount of time can have a life-changing impact on a mentee,” she says. “And you will learn so much.”
Giving a small amount of time can have a life-changing impact on a mentee. And you will learn so much.
Dr Anne Quain (BA ‘96, BSc(Vet) ‘03, BVSc ‘05, GradCertEdStudies ‘14, PhD ‘22)
University of Sydney School of Veterinary Science
Building connection across borders
For Fred Kam (BSc ‘80, BE ‘82, MEngSc ‘85), supporting the University has meant helping alumni stay connected across borders. Since becoming involved with the Sydney University Graduates Union North America (SUGUNA), beginning with the SUGUNA Boston Conference in 2012, he has helped build networks for graduates living far from campus.
“Since graduation, I have always carried this warm and grateful feeling towards the university for my wonderful education that paved the way for my successful career,” he says.
What he finds most rewarding is “meeting other alum and feeling their love and passion for the University.”
Creating community through music
For Dr Silvia Pfeiffer, connection has come through music. Originally from Germany, her relationship with the University began through her son’s studies. When she was invited to join the Sydney University Graduate Choir, she “jumped at the chance.”
A lifelong singer, Silvia now serves as President of the choir, helping lead a community of more than 80 active members. “Helping to preserve and build the future of a renowned choir with over 80 active members is a fulfilling challenge,” she says.
The Sydney University Graduate Choir was established in 1952 as the graduate group of the Sydney University Musical Society (founded in 1878). The Choir has over ninety singers, many of whom are alumni giving their time to entertain their community. They are now focused on growing membership, expanding audiences and deepening community connections, as well as commissioning original Australian choral works to enrich the communities they serve.
Get involved
Across mentoring, alumni engagement and the arts, these stories show how giving time and expertise can create lasting impact. Whether helping a student prepare for their first career step, connecting alumni across the world or building a creative community, each contribution helps strengthen the University of Sydney.
If you are interested in getting involved, there are many ways to give back. From mentoring and events to research and creative programs, even a small contribution can make a meaningful difference. To express your interest, visit the University’s volunteering webpage.
Hero image: Stefanie Zingsheim/ University of Sydney.