September 2008

Alumni-ENews @ La Trobe is a free email bulletin published for La Trobe University graduates and friends around the world.

This issue includes:

University News

Autism Centre launched

La Trobe University, supported by a private donation of a million dollars, has launched Australia's first dedicated research centre for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Read more...

La Trobe University Foundation news

The La Trobe University Foundation is gearing up for its official launch in November 2008. However, there are a number of projects existing that provide opportunities for Alumni to get involved with the exciting developments at La Trobe University. Read more...

More news at: La Trobe Bulletin

Alumni News

Alumni events 2008

A range of Alumni reunion events are planned for October and November, with La Trobe Alumni invited to attend any or all events. Further information and RSVP details to follow shortly.

  • Wednesday 22 October, 5.30pm - 7.30pm
    Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston Street, Melbourne
    Dr Geoff Raby, Ambassador to China and La Trobe University Distinguished Award recipient 2007, will be the guest speaker.
  • Thursday 13 November, 6pm - 8pm
    The Carrington, Wyndham Street, Shepparton
    Inaugural reunion event.
  • Thursday 20 November, 6pm - 8pm
    Student Union floor, La Trobe University, Bendigo
    Annual reunion event for all graduates from La Trobe and its antecedent institutions.
  • Date and venue to be advised for Mildura.

Malaysian alumni visit to the estate of the Crown Prince of Perlis

A group of Malaysian alumni and their families traveled recently to Perlis to spend a long weekend at the Estate of His Royal Highness DYTM Tuanku Lailatul Shahreen Akasah DYTM Raja Puan Muda Perlis, the Crown Prince of Perlis, and Her Royal Highness, DYTM Tuanku Lailatul Shahreen Akasah, the Crown Princess of Perlis.

This trip was arranged at the Malaysian Alumni Networking Lunch in June when Her Royal Highness graciously invited all attendees to visit her estate. Members of the alumni group joined in on a range of activities including shopping, games and eating many delicious meals. Our alumni and their families were very well looked after by His Royal Highness and the Palace of Perlis staff.

Alumni Relations wishes to thank His Royal Highness for his generosity in hosting this truly unique event for our alumni in Malaysia.

Careers and employment

A range of Alumni Careers resources is available online, using La Trobe CareerHub. When registering, please select the service area "Graduate".

Please email careers@latrobe.edu.au for further information.

Linked-in

Join the La Trobe University Alumni Group on Linked In

Career mentoring program

The La Trobe University Alumni Relations Office has established a mentoring program geared to helping final year students in their transition from University to full-time employment.

The Office is now calling on the University’s Alumni community to volunteer and mentor a final year student in 2009.

Career mentoring program interview

Please contact alumni@latrobe.edu.au for further information.

Career mentoring mid-program function

La Trobe University held a mid-program function for M@LT (Mentor @ La Trobe) participants recently. The function gave mentors and mentees an opportunity to reconnect and exchange information about their experiences.

The guest speaker at the event was Trudy Byrnes who has had almost 20 years experience in job searching training and has initiated a number of mentoring programs throughout her career. She spoke about the benefits of participating in mentoring programs and gave some useful tips about how to make a mentoring relationship effective.

Mentors and mentees then took part in a ‘speed mentoring’ exercise. This was a fun way for mentees to meet other mentors in the program and to gain new insights into their career development.

Robyn McGaw, La Trobe University staff member and mentor, commented “It was a fabulous night and every one I spoke to really enjoyed themselves and gained additional tools for supporting them throughout the rest of the program. Trudy was a very helpful with all her great tips. I loved the speed mentoring activity and met some very keen mentees... “.

If you are interested in joining the program in 2009, please contact Katie Bell at Careers & Employment on katie.bell@latrobe.edu.au or phone +61 3 9479 1373.

Wanted: Class of 1960 - Physiotherapy

Anne Taylor (Dodds), Elfreda Marshall (Love), June Harris (Baglin) and Robin Hickling (Powers) are organising the reunion of the graduating class of 1960. If you are one of these past students, please contact Mary Tomlinson at the School of Physiotherapy on +61 3 9479 5793 - details being planned at present for sometime in 2010.

Wanted : Participants for a project on occupational stress in entrepeneurs

Dr. Sharon Grant, a Lecturer and Researcher in the Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship (AGSE), is seeking entrepreneurs to participate in a research project investigating occupational stress in entrepreneurs. Sharon completed her Bachelor of Behaviour Sciences (Honours) at La Trobe in 1996.

If you would like to participate in this research, or require further information, please contact Ms. Kate Ferris, Research Assistant, on +61 3 9214 5256.

Wanted : Humanities and Social Science graduates

As part of it's dedication to academic excellence, Chisholm College at La Trobe University, Bundoora, runs a bi-weekly mentor session for its first year students, to help them with study skills and good study habits, as well as to educate them on the career benefits of their chosen course.

In order for us to continue, graduates from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences are needed to give a brief talk on their experiences in the workforce, and how their degree helped prepare them for or assisted in performing their chosen career.

If you are interested, please contact Samuel Pelzer, Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty Representative, Chisholm College.

Alumni Profiles

If you would like to be included in our Profiles section, please forward your information to alumni@latrobe.edu.au.

Neil Gunther
BSc 1971, DipEd 1972, BSc(Hons)(PhysSc) 1974, MSc(PhysSc) 1977

Evan Davey
BCompSc 2000

Eric Torres-Mendieta
BA 1997, BA(Hons) 2000

Alumni Benefits

Australian Interpreting Service
10% discount for translation and interpreting services

New benefits partners

Alumni Benefits are a great way to promote your business and maintain a link with your alumni network. We would welcome Alumni to be involved in this program. Please contact alumni@latrobe.edu.au if your business would like to be part of the Alumni Benefits program.

Chapter News

Art History Chapter

Bendigo Chapter

What's On

Reunion events

  • Faculty of Business, Economics and Law, Albury-Wodonga and Beechworth : 23 - 24 August, 2008
  • 60th Anniversary Gala Dinner : Occupational Therapy
    To celebrate 60 years of occupational therapy education in Victoria, the School of Occupational Therapy invites graduates and former staff to attend a dinner on Saturday 18 October 2008 at 7pm, Great Hall, National Gallery of Victoria, St Kilda Road, Melbourne.

    Please use this opportunity to plan a reunion with your peers from your occupational therapy course!

    Please contact the Alumni Relations Office at alumni@latrobe.edu.au or phone 1300 737 133 for further information.

  • Class of 1985 : Bendigo College of Advanced Education
    If you attended Bendigo CAE : Diploma of Teaching : 1982 - 1984 (graduating 1985), we would like to get in contact with you. Sue Opie and Faye Linford-Stevenson are planning a reunion later in 2008.

    If you attended the course or know someone who did, please contact the Alumni Relations Office at alumni@latrobe.edu.au or 1300 737 133.

  • Class of 1988 : Physiotherapy
    A 20th reunion is being planned for November 2008 for the Physiotherapy graduating class of 1988. Tracey Gregson (Jukes) and Kirsty Larkworthy (Murray) would like to hear from any past students.

    Please contact the Alumni Relations Office at alumni@latrobe.edu.au or phone 1300 737 133.

  • Class of 1979 : Agricultural Science
    A 30th reunion is being planned for 2009 for the Agricultural Science graduating class of 1979. Greg Campbell and Nilantha Hulugalle would like to hear from any past students.

    Please contact the Alumni Relations Office at alumni@latrobe.edu.au or phone 1300 737 133.

Art events

Cultural tour to Egypt - January 2009

For the last six years, tours to Egypt for La Trobe alumni, staff, their friends and families, in conjunction with RMIT University and the Egyptian Federation of Victoria have been successfully organised. A similar tour for 2009 is now ready for booking.

The tour will leave Australia on 1 January, 2009 for 20 days covering Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, the Red sea and a 4-day cruise on the Nile.  The tour costs $4690 including international (Singapore Airlines) and domestic airfares, and twin share accommodation.

More details can be obtained from Professor Trang Thomas, email trang.thomas@rmit.edu.au.

International News and Events

Staff from La Trobe International regularly attend events and venues overseas and around Australia to talk to prospective students and catch up with alumni.

Please visit La Trobe International for further details.

Course Information

Open Days 2008

The 2008 La Trobe Open Days will be held on the following dates:

  • Sunday 3 August - Bendigo
  • Sunday 10 August - Shepparton and Mildura
  • Sunday 24 August - Albury-Wodonga
  • Sunday 31 August - Bundoora

Visit the Open Day website for further information.

Career and Networking Opportunities

Way Ahead Program

Have you considered re-visiting your old campus to speak to current students about your own career and what you've been doing over the last few years?

Careers and Employment is looking for speakers to contribute to its 'Way Ahead programs' in August. These programs are lunchtime sessions for undergraduates who are exploring different careers in Business and in Science. You will be part of a panel of graduates and will be required to speak for only a short time. Please contact Pat or Rita on +61 3 9479 2459 if you are interested.

Otesha Project

The Otesha Project (Australia): Cycling for Sustainability is currently seeking participants for two cycle tours: Brisbane to Newcastle (15 November to 22 December 2008) and Melbourne to Adelaide (18 January to 1 March 2009).

Since 2000, The Otesha Project (Aus.) has pedalled across Australia educating youth and raising awareness about environmental sustainability and social justice issues. The Otesha crew combines theatre performance with interactive workshops to empower high school students to consider their life choices to ensure a positive future. Current consumption behaviours in Australia have far reaching consequences that are both unsustainable and inequitable. The negative impacts of these practices usually affect the most disempowered people in society, including young people who now face an uncertain future.

Otesha (Aust.) is seeking people with varying experiences, backgrounds and interests. While on tour, participants not only learn skills to become strong advocates for living sustainably, but also develop skills such as media communication, leadership, acting and communal living. The application deadline for tour participants is 15 August 2008. For information about applying, visit the Otesha (Aust.) website.

Hands-on-health : Return to the heart - telling our story

Friday 11 and Saturday 12 July 2008

Whilst on a study tour with Community Aid Abroad in 1987, chiropractor and La Trobe graduate Dr Dein Vindigni - BA 1989 - met Moira Kelly at one of the world's most crowded rail stations, in Calcutta, India. Moira and Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity had gathered many of Calcutta's orphaned children and cared for them in a clinic established on-site at the station.

It was from this experience that Dein was inspired to start a small voluntary clinic caring for the needy in Melbourne - offering chiropractic treatment as well as hospitality to those who visited the Sacred Heart Mission in St Kilda.

From these humble beginnings HOHA clinics and training programs have been established all over Australia, and in many countries overseas. To celebrate twenty-one years of helping disadvantaged people - and to learn how to set up a clinic, or to become personally involved in any way - HOHA is holding a 2 day conference to "tell their story".

Further information is available by phone at +61 3 9465 8149 or email administrator@handsonhealth.com.au.

Odyssey Travel

La Trobe is a member of Odyssey Travel - a non profit company providing educational travel for the over 45's. The company is made up of twenty-five member universities,colleges and partner organisations throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia. The host organisation is the University of Wollongong.

Programs are currently operating in more than forty countries and there is also an extensive in-bound program for overseas participants.

As this is Odyssey's 25th anniversary, Alumni can benefit from a discount of $200 on 2008 programs.

Further information is available via email from Cliff Picton who is La Trobe's representative on the Odyssey Board, or via the Odyssey Website.

Are you a former international student at La Trobe who is living and working in Australia?

Come share your experience with current international students who want to hear about your career in Australia. We would love to hear from you if you could spare an hour in late August on the Bundoora campus.

Please contact Rita on +61 3 9479 2459 or careers@latrobe.edu.au.

Research at La Trobe

Neuroscience illuminates new ways of tackling the obesity epidemic

La Trobe University neuroscientist Richard Weisinger's decade-long research into nutrition and body weight found itself in the glare of world-wide media attention recently suggesting that popular blood pressure drugs may one day be re-badged to combat obesity.

And waiting in the wings of his first floor laboratory on the main Melbourne campus at Bundoora is a new project that takes a 'hair of the dog' approach to the same problem - probing by-products from sugar refining in the quest for a 'natural' anti-obesity drug.

The reports of a 'promising miracle weight-loss pill' based on blood pressure drugs followed publication of his research in the prestigious journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) in the US. So far the drugs, called ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors, have been primarily tested on laboratory mice and rats for their weight loss effects.

read more

Forget me not - keeping memory in good order

La Trobe psychologist, Associate Professor Glynda Kinsella does not have a cure for memory decline, but she is optimistic that a training program could at least keep ageing memories well serviced.

Two memory functions that are vulnerable to age are the abilities to learn new tasks and to retrieve information swiftly. Any difficulties in these areas are often compensated by other cognitive skills yet many people become concerned. Some people, she says, pride themselves on their memories, particularly their ability to remember names. They might play key social roles such as secretary of a club or personal assistant in a business.

read more

Contact Us

Contributions to Alumni e-news

Your news and information is a vital source for material in this ENewsletter. Be it a full-length article or a short snippet, we invite and encourage your contributions. Tell us what is happening in your Chapter or Network. Tell us about your plans and activities involving the University. Your contributions form the foundation for links between our chapters, students, graduates and friends, and which are the bonds of our 'alumni community'. Please email your contributions to alumni@latrobe.edu.au.

Please take a moment to update your details so that we can stay in contact. Please email your full name, Alumni number and details to alumni@latrobe.edu.au.

Further information about Alumni Relations can be obtained by emailing alumni@latrobe.edu.au.

Subscriptions

You are receiving this newsletter because you are a graduate or staff of La Trobe University or you have elected to. Subscription to 'Alumni E-News @ La Trobe' is free and open to any interested person. You can subscribe online.

To unsubscribe please email: alumni@latrobe.edu.au.

Disclaimer & copright information

Visit: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/copyright/disclaimer

Next edition

The next edition of E-News @ La Trobe will be published on Friday 1 August 2008.