Bond University is welcoming alumni back to campus for the first in-person Homecoming since the pandemic, kicking off a week of reunions, awards and concerts.
The festivities begin on May 15, the Gold Coast university’s 34th Foundation Day. It was on that date in 1989 that 322 students commenced their studies at Australia’s first private not-for-profit university.
More than 32,000 graduates later, Bond has matured into a world-class university, topping student experience surveys for almost two decades and being recognised as the top Australian university per capita for producing entrepreneurs and business leaders.
“Our last in-person Homecoming was 2019, so it’s been a long time between drinks,” Head of Alumni Relations Nicole Walker (Class of 2001) said.
“Homecoming is special tradition at Bond University when alumni from around the world and throughout Australia return to campus to remember and relive a formative experience in their lives.
“It’s wonderful to see them back under the Arch, finding their names on Limitless and mingling with the current batch of Bondies at Don’s Tavern.
“After such a long break, this going to be truly joyous occasion.”
The highlight of Homecoming is the Alumni Awards Dinner, to be held on May 18 in The Princeton Room.
The top award, the Robert Stable Medal, is named in honour a former Bond University vice chancellor and recognises an alumni for achievement of an exceptional nature in any field. Winners of the Alumni Award for Community Achievement and Young Alumni Award will also be named.
Giving Day on May 15 is an opportunity for the Bond community to support the 25 scholarships the university offers, ranging from academic to leadership, sport and Indigenous heritage. UPDATE: The fundraising goal of $140,000 has been achieved.
On May 19, the family-friendly Bondies Lakeside Picnic is back, with fireworks at 7.15pm. Crowds can bring their picnic baskets or indulge at food trucks or the Lakeside restaurant.
Homecoming includes several educational public forums, including Bondies making a difference in Australian Agriculture featuring alumni experts including AuctionsPlus CEO Angus Street (Class of 2006), Coles Strategy Manager Lucy Gubbins (Class of 2012) and Camm Agricultural Group CEO Bryce Camm (Class of 2002).
Sport has always been part of Bond’s DNA and past players and supporters are invited to the Fabian Fay Rugby clubhouse for a reunion coinciding with rugby and AFL home games.
Bond faces GPS in the rugby while Bull Sharks’ QAFLW stars line up against the Yeronga Devils.
The week wraps up on May 21 with a performance by the university’s orchestra-in-residence, the Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra, in the Basil Sellers Theatre.
“The university’s unofficial motto is ‘once a Bondy, always a Bondy’ so alumni are always welcome, but Homecoming is an extra special time to visit,” Mrs Walker said.
