A long-held dream of the University of Sydney Alumni Council will come true later this year when the finishing touches are put to the purpose-built Alumni Centre and the doors will be open to all alumni to enjoy its amenities. Melbourne's John Wardle Architects, a firm with a strong track record in academic projects, won the competition to design the building.

Early 2009 is the projected opening date, according to Professor Andrew Coats, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Community) who says: "We will at last have the environment to support the programs we have developed to engage our alumni, donors and friends with the University."

The Alumni Office is expecting a full calendar as alumni associations and chapters, as well as individuals, take advantage of the opportunities the new "home" will present to hold formal meetings and functions, catch up with fellow alumni or simply drop in for a snack or a drink.

Situated on the seventh (top) floor of the Jane Foss Russell Building next to the Wentworth Building on City Road, the new Alumni Centre will serve a multitude of purposes.

As all the non-academic student services will be housed in the same building, the new centre will allow students to make a smooth transition from student to alumnus status.

In addition to administrative offices, the Alumni Centre will house a 40-seat boardroom, meeting rooms, a club lounge and business centre. These spaces feature outstanding city, park and University vistas as well as balconies from which to enjoy them.

At the heart of the centre is a flexible function area for up to 200 people that is suitable for theatre-style conferences, seminars and workshops. It will also be available and set up to cater for alumni activities such as cocktail parties, sit-down lunches and dinners.

"The new Alumni Centre is available for use by the Alumni Council, all Alumni Associations, University Foundations and other donor relations activities," says Tracey Beck, Alumni Relations Director. "And finally our international alumni will have a 'home on campus' when they visit."