AIMING to connect with more UST alumni worldwide, the Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) has launched its official publication, Sixteen-Eleven, a magazine featuring alumni-related activities and events.
The inaugural 80-page issue, released in November, had the theme “Cultivating Thomasian Culture Through Volunteerism and Philanthropy,” and contained news on alumni-initiated events up to August.
Asst. Prof. Joreen Rocamora, OAR director and Sixteen-Eleven editor in chief, said the publication aims to keep alumni “in the loop.”
“We wanted to share the alumni-related programs, events, advocacies, other updates and news, and the happiness and engagement of the alumni,” Rocamora told the Varsitarian. “We aim to connect Thomasians here and abroad […] through the publication.”
Named after UST’s founding year, Sixteen-Eleven also serves as a platform to promote OAR’s partner-companies and alumni chapters, such as the recently established alumni group in Hong Kong.
Printed copies of the magazine were distributed to select UST offices, while digital versions were made available on the OAR website to reach the over 83,000 registered alumni and 70 Thomasian alumni card partner companies.
The inaugural issue included photos and stories about alumni-led exhibits, fundraisers, charity work, and conferences.
“We are featuring here the kind of culture that we have in the Thomasian community and now that they are alumni,” Rocamora said. “The tangible actions […] are ways to help the communities and other stakeholders. That’s the competitive advantage [of Sixteen-Eleven].”
As of July, UST has 22 alumni associations, 15 local chapters, four interest-based groups, and six international chapters.
Earlier this year, OAR officially recognized the Hong Kong alumni chapter, while alumni groups in Europe and New Zealand are under review.
The next issue of Sixteen-Eleven will spotlight distinguished alumni across various industries. Rocamora said this feature aims to celebrate UST’s legacy of excellence and inspire younger Thomasians with stories of alumni success.
