University of Sydney alumni living in the United States capital have turned out in force for a glittering cocktail reception held at the Australian embassy in Washington DC on May 29 2008.

Over 60 graduates from a wide range of fields including law, science, the humanities and various professions took the opportunity to reconnect with the University at the networking function, which was an initiative of the East Coast Chapter of SUGUNA, the Sydney University Graduates Union. The event was jointly hosted by Dennis Richardson AO (BA '69), the Australian ambassador to the United States, and Professor Andrew Coats, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Community).

In his address to the gathering, Mr Richardson spoke of the important role that the estimated 130,000 Australians currently living in the United States play in American society. He also expressed his own pride at holding a degree from the University of Sydney.

The ambassador was followed at the podium by Professor Andrew Coats, who spoke about the immense impact that University of Sydney alumni have made on the national and international stage. Professor Coats also gave an update on the University’s strategic direction and key initiatives such as the United States Studies Centre.

"We were really delighted to see so many Sydney alumni take up the chance to renew their ties to the University in the magnificent surroundings of the Australian embassy," said Tracey Beck, Director of Alumni Relations and the MC for the evening.

"Our Washington-based alumni really appreciated receiving an update on the progress of their alma mater as well as the opportunity to meet old friends and expand their networks. They were also able to experience a taste of home with the traditional Australian fare of lamb chops being a special favourite!"

Thanks to the success of the reception, the energetic East Coast Chapter of SUGUNA now plans to hold alumni networking drinks every two months in Washington DC. Four new volunteers also joined the committee of the East Coast Chapter as a result of the function.

More networking events for alumni based in the United States are planned for 2008, with functions scheduled for Philadelphia in September and for New York later in the year.

Click here to visit the SUGUNA website