By Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs
Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, AIT President, and Mr. Sanjeev Jayasinghe, Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs, recently embarked on an alumni engagement trip to the US. Their journey focused on reconnecting with esteemed alumni and garnering vital support for AIT’s ongoing campaigns aimed at improving students’ campus life.
The trip encompassed two key gatherings: New Jersey on June 29th and Arlington, Texas on July 2, 2024. The gathering in both locations brought together a vibrant mix of alumni, those who graduated in the mid-1970s to 2000.
The President delivered a warm address, highlighting AIT’s recent achievements and ongoing challenges. In turn, alumni provided valuable insights and suggestions, showcasing their support for AIT’s ongoing fundraising initiatives. AIT would also like to extend sincere gratitude to Dr. Md. Sharif Uddin, AITAA USA Chapter President for kindly coordinating the meetings in New Jersey and Texas, along with the support of Dr. Vijay Rajput, AITAA USA Chapter Vice President, and Dr. MD. Sahadat Hossain, AITAA USA Chapter Senior Member.
Alumni Gathering in New Jersey: Discussions in New Jersey centered on several key topics such as supporting student well-being, balancing infrastructure and academics, and lifelong learning and engagement. The 15 alumni who joined the gathering expressed strong backing for current initiatives while offering suggestions for optimizing resource allocation. Mr. Sanjeev emphasized the need for modern facilities to attract students in today’s competitive landscape while acknowledging the importance of a robust academic core.
Beyond infrastructure, discussions also touched on the value of lifelong learning. President Yamamoto suggested a CRM system to better connect alumni with relevant courses and development programs, fostering continuous knowledge and skill enhancement.
The gatherings also highlighted the importance of engaging young alumni. Mr. Sanjeev shared ongoing initiatives, like the Loyalty Program, aimed at activating and maintaining the network’s vibrancy across all generations.
Alumni Gathering in Texas: In Arlington, Texas, a gathering arranged by Prof. Dr. Shahadat Hossain specifically addressed the Single Unit Student Dormitory Refurbishment Campaign. Mr. Sanjeev presented a compelling case for improving student accommodation, highlighting the positive impact it can have on their academic performance and overall well-being.
The alumni responded enthusiastically, eager to contribute, and a graduate from the SOM in 2000 kindly volunteered to coordinate fundraising efforts in the state of Texas, aiming to secure support from around 20 alumni living in Texas by the end of this year. This exemplifies the spirit of giving back and paying tribute to the institution that shaped their success.
The alumni gatherings generated strong support for crucial initiatives, solidifying the bond between AIT and its graduates. The open dialogue, shared goals, and pledges of support reaffirm the vital role alumni play in shaping AIT’s future. With the momentum generated on this trip, AIT looks forward to continued collaboration with its alumni network, ensuring a bright future for generations of students to come.
The image features AIT USA Alumni along with master’s and doctoral students mentored by Dr. MD. Sahadat Hossain from the Solid Waste Institute for Sustainability (SWIS) at UTA.
