Lincoln University engaged with over 400 alumni in its recent networking events in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch including the Dip Farm Management 40 Years On reunion and the celebration for 25 years of Sports Scholarships – adding another 100 more alumni to the total. 

As Alumni and Development Director Naomi Wilde says, "This shows the level of the support alumni have for the university and illustrates the deep loyalty for Lincoln and the warm friendships alumni have among themselves."

Our round up of recent alumni events features alumnus Matt Chisholm, who visited campus to present his Time Out Tour. Collaborating with Rural Support Trust, Matt encourages men to speak up about their emotions and take action to look after their mental well-being. The Alumni team hosted Matt as part of Mental Awareness & Well-being Week as he shared how his expectations of masculinity impacted his life journey.

Auckland Alumni Network Event, 26 September – A great turnout of Lincoln alumni and friends at this event. Thanks to Lincoln alumna, Leslie Elliot - Design Director at Evolve Design, for securing Paname Social for our venue – it was incredible! We were delighted to share Leslie's connection to the venue with her amazing design work. Everyone felt it was wonderful to see so many Lincoln alumni from all age groups and industry backgrounds in attendance. A great night of conversations and connections!

25 Years Sports Scholarship Celebrations, Labour Weekend – Twenty-five years ago, Lincoln first offered scholarships to New Zealand's young and budding sporting talent, combining professional-grade training and an education. 

About a fifth of these scholars returned to Lincoln for the recent 25 Years of Sport Scholarship Reunion, which featured a formal dinner, campus tours and social events. Attendees were impressed with the new state-of-the-art facilities, especially the new science block and Whare Hākinakina, Lincoln University gym. The programme included welcome drinks at Mrs O's, Boot Camp by Peter Magson and a delicious three-course dinner featuring discussion from the panel of Peter Magson, Richard Deuchrass, and Jane Edwards with whom their contributions have been vital to the programme's success. The open mic saw some amazing words of reflection from Philip O'Reilly, who summed up the strength of the Sports Scholarship Programme including the friendships and enduring connections made.

Wellington Alumni Network Event, 30 October – A fantastic evening connecting with our Wellington-based alumni at Foxglove Bar in the beautiful heritage setting of Queens Wharf. Delicious food, engaging conversation, and a University update from Professor Tim Smith, Dean of Environment, Society, and Design, were on offer during the evening plus valuable insights and a dynamic Q&A session. A special shoutout to the incredible eight decades of Lincoln alumni represented - rivalling the record set by Marlborough alumni last year.

Dip. FM 1984 Reunion, Friday 8 November – A fantastic bunch of alumni were welcomed back to campus. They were impressed by the developments on campus during their tour. The event included a university update from Vice-Chancellor Grant Edwards as well as an update on the Diploma in Agriculture course as it is run today. Lunch was served in the new Waimarie building with a reunion photo reenacting their original class one taken 40 years ago. With a toast at Mrs O's to conclude, the reunion was a huge success and enjoyed by all.

Christchurch Alumni Network Event, 13 November — Over 90 alumni attended this event held at The King of Snake Restaurant. The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Professor Christine Jasoni, gave a university update. Alumni Engagement Officer Erin Eyles organised a presentation by Lincoln alumnus Mark Rose (GradDip V&O 2009), maker of the award-winning Elsewhere Gin. Mark's limited edition, lovingly crafted, regional gins have won acclaim for the back-to-nature, environmentally sensitive values and tastes they embody.

NSW Branch Dinner, Friday 22 November —Old friends living in New South Wales enjoyed a great catch at the Hero of Waterloo. It was very special to have two alumni meet at this dinner who were at Lincoln University in the 1950s!