In the spotlight: Getting to know our IARU Group members

Zeba Salman

Director of Alumni Relations, Australian National University

IARU Alumni Associations Network Member

As Director of Alumni Relations at The Australian National University (ANU), Zeba is responsible for connecting the University's global network of over 126,000 ANU alumni.

Previously at the University of Newcastle NSW, Zeba’s relocation to Australia in 2017 follows extensive sector experience in London-based universities, including SOAS, University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies) and Imperial College London.

Zeba is a graduate of King’s College London, and her professional experience spans the development of international networks, membership and external engagement, higher education and related fundraising, marketing, communications, and recruitment activities.

IARU Alumni Associations Network

Zeba shared her thoughts with us on what the priorities for the IARU Alumni Associations Network are and the value it brings to its group members:

“Alumni are an important stakeholder group for IARU institutions, with Alumni Relations teams serving a broad University-wide remit, nurturing relationships between alumni and with students, academics and industry partners.

The IARU Alumni Associations Network is a key body connecting IARU alumni directors, providing a platform for an exchange of experiences and paving the way for best practice across partner institutions. Over an annual schedule of online and in-person summits, delegates discuss sector updates and developments, as well as opportunities to collaborate on joint programs and activities.

The Network has proven to be particularly supportive over the pandemic era, with international members connecting online and sharing ‘alumni engagement pivot plans’ in an uncertain environment. Having the opportunity to hear about localised challenges in this international framework first-hand has helped to add context to each member’s own strategic plans, with members being very much unified in their respective approaches. In navigating a COVID-influenced environment, IARU alumni leaders have met the moment with innovation and enterprising alumni programming.

In this way, the IARU Alumni Associations Network brings together the critical role alumni can have as influencers, advocates, and supporters in advancing the vision and reputational aims of IARU partners.”