ALUMNI FOCUS

Answering the call

A graduation ceremony is an acknowledgment of the years of hard work that went into achieving a degree, and a genuine source of enjoyment for those alumni who choose to volunteer on the day. In 2023 alone, 32 MQ alumni volunteers gave 708 hours of their time at graduations. But, as powerful as they are, the numbers don’t tell the whole story – we speak with four alumni to understand what inspires them to volunteer and why giving back to their alma mater in this way is so important to them.

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‘I saw a note in one of the alumni newsletters asking for volunteers to usher at the graduations and decided to give it a go,’ remembers senior HR professional Golnar Adl (BComm 2003). She had organised events and done ushering at conferences and other large gatherings, so it was something she felt familiar with. Still, after volunteering at her first graduation, she says there was no going back.

Golnar Adl

‘We were given academic regalia to wear, and it felt like I was going through my graduation again, but this time I didn’t have the nerve-wracking moment of being on stage and remembering when to doff my cap – I could just enjoy the atmosphere.’

Golnar volunteering at graduation in 2018

Being part of the joy experienced by graduates at the end of many years of study is often mentioned by the volunteers. ‘As a volunteer, you are honouring the graduates’ achievements and also sharing in their enjoyment of the occasion,’ says Noel Wagg (BA 1977, Hon Doc 2019). ‘When I address the graduands, I always tell them this will be one of the most important days of their lives, and should not be missed.’

Noel Wagg

One of the university’s most committed alumni volunteers, in 2022 Noel volunteered 147 hours of his time across 49 ceremonies and has continued this year as well. In fact, he has been volunteering since 2011 – two years after the first volunteers started in 2009 – and says, ‘I don’t see why I can’t volunteer for years to come!’

Noel Wagg in Academic regalia

An active MQ alumni member over this time, Noel has occasionally volunteered on the alumni scholarship selection panel but says his main contribution has been at graduation ceremonies. ‘Initially, that involved being an usher, but for the last eight years I’ve been the onstage presenter before ceremonies start, instructing graduands on procedures.’

Noel Wagg delivering the occasional address at the ceremony

His reasons for volunteering are personal. ‘I chose to volunteer to repay the university for offering the external study format and looking after us as external students,’ says Noel. ‘This form of study was essential for me as I spent my first six years as a teacher in remote locations such as Batlow and Norfolk Island. Volunteering is a way to express my gratitude to all the lecturers and tutors who did such a fantastic job.’

This sense of giving back to the university is important to many of the volunteers, including Phillip Morath (MA 1981, PhD 1993), who has been volunteering since 2018. In 2023, he has already contributed 81 hours across 27 ceremonies. ‘I responded to a call for volunteers at graduations because Macquarie has been very good for me in terms of the knowledge, skills and discipline I gained from my time there.’

Phillip Morath

Both a student and employee of the university during the 80s and 90s, Phillip says, ‘I felt very supported, and was given opportunities to study and work in an innovative and influential environment – I’ve benefited so much from Macquarie.’

Volunteering in this way allows alumni to maintain an ongoing and meaningful connection to their alma mater. ‘Graduation is an important recognition of students’ effort and achievement, and for me, it’s wonderful to be a small part of it – it’s uplifting to see so much happiness in the graduates and their families and friends.’

Phillip enjoys listening to the announcements of the research theses because it gives him an appreciation of the newest issues and areas of research at the university. ‘It’s also an opportunity to see how the courses are leading and reflecting the changes in our community and environment,’ he says.

No less, he enjoys meeting different alumni at the ceremonies, and says it’s interesting to see where people’s lives have taken them post-study, especially in terms of their careers. Golnar agrees, and has found that she has much in common with some of the graduates.

‘Being able to meet other HR professionals at Macquarie Business School graduations, in particular, has been a great opportunity to expand my professional network,’ she says. ‘Over the years, I’ve connected with quite a few people, and last year a work project even eventuated from a connection I made at a ceremony.’

It’s rewarding for many reasons, continues Golnar, and a great way to connect with your community. ‘You’ll be surprised by what can happen when you get involved – I was particularly thrilled to see one of my favourite professors at one of the graduation ceremonies I was ushering at. After all these years, I was able to thank him for the path he set me on,’ she says warmly.

Of course, there are also the other volunteers, who you get to know as well. ‘There are so many amazing people who volunteer,’ says Golnar. ‘One of the volunteers was my maths teacher at high school – the one who first suggested I consider Macquarie University when I was trying to work out where and what to study.’

Many interesting stories come to light when speaking with the volunteers, and Jill Brewster (MBA 1999), a management consultant in financial services, has had her fair share. From the time she was ringing the bell for graduands and their guests to go into the Graduation Hall and the bell fell apart, to the occasional graduate who jumps off the stage, she has many good memories of volunteering at graduations.

Jill Brewster

Jill’s involvement is both practical and personal. As she explains, ‘I’ve had many different roles that help in the seamless running of the graduation ceremony, such as assisting with graduate registration, seating graduands and guests in the Graduation Hall, answering questions, and being backstage at the ceremony matching graduands to their testamurs, calming their nerves and explaining the process while they’re on stage.

‘I enjoy talking to the graduates about their post-university employment and where their degree has taken them, as well as listening to the inspiring stories from the occasional speakers and graduate speakers,’ she says.

‘Most importantly, though, you’re contributing to a memorable graduation experience for the graduates after many years of hard work, and you can see the enjoyment on their faces and that of their family and friends.’

It’s a purely selfless contribution to those who come after them and their alma mater, and a common thread among the volunteers – those who give so generously of their time, skills and often heart – is that they don’t do it for the recognition. ‘Volunteering is, by its very nature, adequate reward,’ says Noel Wagg humbly.

Well as that may be, the university is rightly grateful for all its volunteers – and awarded Noel a Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) for his decade of volunteering at graduations – for without them, in no small way, part of the soul of the university would be lost.

Jill volunteering at the 2018 graduation

 

 

Would you like to become one of our graduation volunteers at MQ? You can choose from various time commitment options, and there’s an information session before the ceremonies.

On the day, graduation volunteers assist in pre-ceremony preparations, from ushering guests to helping the Graduations team, and we encourage you to stay on for the ceremony and join the new graduates and their families afterwards for refreshments.

If you’re interested in volunteering at our upcoming Graduation Series, please fill out the form to register your interest.