Did you know?
- UTS has more than 290,000 alumni
- UTS alumni live in 140+ countries
- over 50% of UTS alumni are under the age of 40
Alumni definition
Alumni refers to graduates or former students of a school, college or university.
The term is commonly used as a plural noun and can describe individuals who remain connected to their institution after completing their studies.
A handy alumni glossary
There are a few variations of that old Latin word – this little guide will help ensure you always use the right one.
Alumni
This is the term to use when referring to a group of graduates, and can’t be used to refer to a single graduate. Here’s an example:
‘As a member of the UTS alumni community, you automatically save 10% on degree programs at UTS through the UTS Alumni Advantage program.’
Alumnus/Alumna
If you’re talking about a male graduate, use ‘alumnus.’ If you’re talking about a female graduate, use ‘alumna’. For example:
‘Movie star Hugh Jackman is a UTS alumnus, and the Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins is a UTS alumna.’
Alum
If you’d rather not bring gender into it when describing a singular graduate, this is the word to use.
Understanding these terms helps clarify how “alumni” is used.
| Term | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Alumnus | Male graduate | Singular |
| Alumna | Female graduate | Singular |
| Alumni | Group (mixed/all) | Plural |
| Alumnae | Group of female graduates | Plural |
While these distinctions come from Latin, modern usage especially in Australia tends to favour “alumni” as an inclusive, universal term.
Who is considered an alumni at UTS?
At UTS, being part of the alumni community goes beyond simply completing a degree.
You may be considered a member of the UTS alumni community if you have:
- Graduated from a UTS degree program
- Completed an award course
- Participated in select academic or exchange programs
UTS alumni work across technology, design, business, health and creative industries, contributing to innovation and impact both in Australia and globally.
UTS School of Design graduates Bec Cooper and Bridget Yorsten established their eponymous label Bec + Bridge almost two decades ago in 2001, while they were still students.
Hugh Jackman completed a Bachelor of Arts in Communications at UTS. He says "My passion and fire for learning was lit at UTS"
Dr Anna Funder gained her Doctorate of Creative Arts at UTS. Her best-selling novel All that I Am, was born in the UTS Tower.
While you may have heard of her inclusive performance style, ongoing charity advocacy (and maybe even her 2020 UTS Young Alumni Award), most people don’t know that Emma is also a skilled filmmaker – having graduated from UTS with a Master of Media Arts Production in 2012.
UTS School of Design graduates Bec Cooper and Bridget Yorsten established their eponymous label Bec + Bridge almost two decades ago in 2001, while they were still students.
Hugh Jackman completed a Bachelor of Arts in Communications at UTS. He says "My passion and fire for learning was lit at UTS"
Dr Anna Funder gained her Doctorate of Creative Arts at UTS. Her best-selling novel All that I Am, was born in the UTS Tower.
While you may have heard of her inclusive performance style, ongoing charity advocacy (and maybe even her 2020 UTS Young Alumni Award), most people don’t know that Emma is also a skilled filmmaker – having graduated from UTS with a Master of Media Arts Production in 2012.