The Activity Of The „Alumni Club And Friends“ And Its Role In The Integration Of Students And Maintaining A Connection With The Alma Mater

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: It is important for alumni of a university to keep in touch with their „Alma Mater“ because it builds a sense of community. It is with the aim of maintaining an active relationship between all former, current, and future graduates of the university and promoting communication, cooperation, and the exchange of professional experience between them that the „Alumni Club and Friends“ was established in 2012 at Medical University „Prof. Dr. Paraskev Stoyanov“ – Varna, Bulgaria, (MU-Varna).
AIM: To investigate the role of the Alumni Club at MU-Varna in the academic and social integration of students and the creation of a long-term relationship with their Alma Mater.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: An analysis of the scientific literature in PubMed and ResearchGate was carried out, using the „snowball“ method to expand the lists of studied literature in the field of academic and social integration of students in higher education institutions. The research also includes information from the official websites of universities in the country.
RESULTS: An effective mechanism for reducing the negative effects of the difficulties experienced by students throughout their educational path in higher education is their involvement not only in academic activities but also in activities of a social or cultural nature. The Alumni Club has strengthened its position as a leader in the organization of scientific, social, and cultural events for the alumni and friends of MU-Varna in recent years. A number of events in which it integrated the students of the university and created conditions for the exchange of ideas, collaboration, and cooperation on an international level, as well as a series of activities with a public cause, were organized.
DISCUSSION: Cooperation and exchange of experience between university graduates can motivate current students to acquire knowledge and competencies that are important for creating good specialists in professional aspects, and are part of the personal development and growth of individuals as well.
CONCLUSION: Maintaining a long-term relationship between alumni and their Alma Mater helps to shape a prestigious image of the institution among future students and sets a positive example for current students, increasing their commitment, responsibility, and activity towards the university and community.