The DaVinci Institute recently hosted a Postgraduate Alumni Breakfast, an event aimed at fostering reconnection, engagement, and dialogue about the vital role of convocation and alumni in advancing the institute’s ethos. Alumni serve as essential members and ambassadors of the institute, embodying the core principles of DaVinci.
A Unified Vision for Convocation and Alumni
During the session, the institute’s CEO, Prof Ben Anderson, emphasised the importance of these connections, highlighting that both convocation and alumni play an important role in preserving the foundational values of DaVinci. He shared a strategic move to unify the convocation and alumni into a cohesive entity, with the convocation taking the lead.
Welcoming a New Wave of Graduates
Following our recent graduation ceremony, over 100 new graduates have expressed their commitment to joining the convocation.
“This initiative marks a pivotal step as the institute evolves to empower alumni to take a proactive role in promoting the ethos of DaVinci. In recent years, the institute has struggled to maintain its essence due to a lack of empowered convocation and alumni actively participating in its affairs,” stated Prof Anderson.
Co-Creation at the Heart of the Future
The DaVinci Institute believes in the principle of co-creation, advocating for alumni to engage collaboratively with the institute, regardless of their geographical location. A top priority moving forward is to re-establish connections with industry stakeholders, thereby enhancing consultative capacities among industry professionals, alumni, and other key stakeholders.
“We have initiated a process of reconnecting with the industry, focusing on how our alumni and DaVinci can collaborate effectively,” stated Dr. Sam February.
Navigating the Future of Education with AI
During the session, a significant topic of discussion was the future of education, particularly considering advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Our Head of Faculty for Research and Systems and Executive Dean for Teaching, Learning, and Research emphasised that while AI is already integrated into our educational landscape, how we use it will shape the future of education.
Maintaining Academic Excellence in the Age of AI
Dr Isaacs stated that when AI is used responsibly, it has the potential to enhance academic processes and alleviate administrative burdens. In response to concerns regarding the quality of academic research in the age of AI, he assured attendees:
“Our institute has established vigorous quality control mechanisms to safeguard the integrity of our research. The oral defense process not only serves to uphold quality standards but is also an integral part of our assessment framework.”
What Sets DaVinci Apart
The discussion also highlighted what sets The DaVinci Institute apart. The TIPS™ Framework and Mode 2 Knowledge Production provide a distinctive value proposition for our students and clients, enabling us to tailor our offerings to meet individual needs effectively.
A Continued Commitment to Collaboration
As an institution, we are committed to advancing collaborative efforts and ensuring that our alumni play an active role in our ongoing development. The alumni office will continue to create platforms for co-creation and engagement, facilitating meaningful contributions to the institute’s growth and success.
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