For the first time, Monash University has appointed an International Alumni Manager for North America. Based in New York City, Mr John Crozier-Durham (L.L.B/B.A. ’11) will assist the University’s global strategy to engage overseas alumni.

John’s journey from student to international professional began by virtue of Monash University where he completed the final semester of his Law degree at Monash’s Prato Centre in Italy. For the next four years he worked with a number of law firms based in Shanghai where he met his partner Sara, a New York native. “This is in stark difference to my initial plan which was to complete my last semester of university abroad, travel and then find employment at a law firm in Melbourne. However, life is what happens when you’re busy making plans! Were it not for Monash’s global approach, I certainly would not have had the magnificent experiences I have had to date,” says John.

The International Alumni Manager role is designed to build and enhance alumni communities in regions where there are large numbers of Monash graduates. “I have been very lucky in that we already have a dedicated team of East Coast Leaders who have volunteered their time, networks and resources in order to establish the alumni community in NYC”, says John. Having worked hard to create a presence on the east coast of the US, the next step will be to develop and encourage potential Monash alumni leaders for the west coast, where large numbers are based in and around San Francisco.

It is estimated that there are approximately 3,000 Monash alumni in and around New York. “My job is spectacular because it affords me the opportunity to meet so many interesting and prominent alumni who are doing amazing things. Many alumni come to New York City because they are the best at what they do. I have met leading Australian figures in finance and media, along with tech entrepreneurs, investment bankers, academics, restaurateurs, architects and actors, and many others who launched careers based on a Monash education,” adds John.

With a further estimated 2,000 alumni based on the west coast, this presents a magnificent opportunity for enhanced engagement between US based alumni and the university.

There are many exciting activities and events planned for 2016 culminating in our marquee event – the Global Discovery Program (GDP). This an alumni driven, run and financed event which gives a select group of Monash students the opportunity to visit New York City, meet with alumni, and learn about their businesses and networks.

“There is so much happening in 2016, not only in terms of social events, and the Global Discovery Program but also the rollout of an alumni driven internship program. The generosity of alumni in this region is quite staggering. They have so much to offer the university and the community generally. For US based alumni the best way to get involved would be to join our Monash Alumni USA group on LinkedIn or reach out to me directly,” says John.

Watch a clip from the 2015 GDP.

Get in touch

• LinkedIn: Monash Alumni USA
• Email John Crozier-Durham

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