At first sight, the title hits like a thunderbolt—provocative, unsettling, almost absurd. Why on earth would anyone “waste” their time on old school ties, long reunions, committee elections, and never-ending WhatsApp chatter when life already feels overloaded? Why invest energy in an alumni association when the world demands so much else?

Yet hidden behind that question lies one of the greatest ironies of modern life: the very thing we dismiss as irrelevant lies one of the most powerful engines of personal and professional growth in the world today. Alumni associations could be the golden key to unlocking careers, businesses, friendships, and opportunities beyond imagination.

Why Alumni Associations Matter

Far from being a distraction, alumni associations are lifelines. They connect us back to the roots that shaped us while opening doors to opportunities we could never find alone. Alumni bodies exist to:

• Build lifelong networks – Every alumnus is a potential partner, mentor, or employer. A single conversation at an alumni event can change a career.

• Create opportunities – From job referrals to business deals, alumni associations are global hubs of possibility.

• Support one another – Life throws challenges at everyone. Alumni associations provide emotional, financial, and social safety nets when it matters most.

• Give back – Alumni have the privilege and responsibility of investing in their alma mater, ensuring current students benefit from what past generations built.

Global Proof That Alumni Work

The world is filled with examples of alumni networks transforming lives:

• Harvard Alumni Association – Its global network ensures members gain access to top jobs, business deals, and research collaborations. Many of today’s Fortune 500 CEOs built their empires on the foundation of these connections.

• Oxford and Cambridge Colleges – Their alumni societies stretch across every continent, connecting students to opportunities that shape global leadership.

• Starehe Boys’ Centre (Kenya) – Its alumni are among the most influential in politics, business, and civil society in Kenya, showing how structured alumni initiatives can raise an entire community.

• Alliance High School Alumni (Old Boys) – They run mentorship programmes, scholarships, and business forums, lifting generations of students into national leadership roles.

African Success Stories That Inspire

Closer to home, Africa is full of alumni-driven success stories that prove the power of staying connected:

• Makerere University Alumni (Uganda): One of Africa’s most influential alumni networks, Makerere has produced presidents, Nobel laureates, business giants, and activists. Their alumni body connects graduates globally, opening doors to partnerships, research, and leadership platforms.

• Strathmore University Alumni (Kenya): Known for its strong professional networks, Strathmore alumni dominate Kenya’s business, finance, and technology sectors. From CEOs to start-up founders, their association provides mentorship, job placements, and industry connections.

• St. Mary’s School Alumni (Kenya): Famously called “Saints”, its alumni include former presidents, top lawyers, and business leaders. Their networks are not only powerful but also highly respected, giving members a competitive edge in politics and enterprise.

• University of Cape Town Alumni (South Africa): Through its alumni programmes, UCT has built a strong global network that supports innovation, research funding, and international career opportunities for its graduates.

These examples show that alumni associations are more than social gatherings—they are launchpads to greatness.

Why Remaining a Committed Member Matters

Anyone can join an alumni association. But true value comes when you commit. Paying your subscriptions, attending events, and engaging with members are not just obligations—they are investments.

• That membership fee could translate into a scholarship for a needy student.

• That one meeting you attend could introduce you to an investor or business partner.

• That time you give to mentor could be the spark that changes someone’s destiny.

Commitment builds credibility, and credibility attracts opportunity. The alumni association becomes more than a club; it becomes a movement.

The Irony Behind the Title

So, are alumni associations really a waste of time? The evidence says the opposite. The only “waste” is choosing to stay disconnected, missing out on the global networks, opportunities, and impact that alumni associations bring.

By joining and remaining a committed member, you are not only investing in your personal future—you are building a legacy that will outlive you, bless generations, and ensure your school’s name shines brighter with every passing year.

✨ So the next time someone asks, “Why join the alumni association?” The better question is: How can you afford not to?

Would you like me to now adapt this into a speech format so you can use it to address your fellow alumni at the AGM or other meetings?