FERNFH at the acn Forum Austria 2025 – A Look Back for the Future of Alumni Work
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At this year’s acn Forum Austria 2025 in Graz, representatives from universities across Austria and South Tyrol gathered to reflect on 100 years of alumni tradition, celebrate 20 years of regional acn networking, and discuss future prospects. FERNFH was also represented at the event by its alumni team.
Under the theme “Over 100 Years of Alumni Tradition in Austria, 20 Years of Regional acn Networking—A Look Back for the Future,” the acn Forum Austria 2025 took place on September 25 and 26, 2025, at Graz University of Technology. This regional meeting of alumni-clubs.net, the DACH association of alumni organizations at universities, provided a space for exchange, reflection, and strategic insights into the role of alumni work in the higher education landscape.
The Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH was represented by Michaela Leitner-Beranek from the alumni team, which organizes the alumni network's activities.
Topics for the Future and Dynamic Networking
Thursday evening’s opening session focused on current developments: University Professor Horst Bischof, Rector of Graz University of Technology, spoke in his keynote address on“Artificial Intelligence: Myths and Promises,”a topic that is becoming increasingly important for universities and their graduates. The get-together that followed highlighted how important networking and exchange are for a vibrant alumni culture.
On Friday, the focus was on the past, present, and future of alumni work. In roundtable discussions and panel sessions, representatives from universities, universities of applied sciences, and international organizations discussed the development of alumni culture in Austria, its institutional integration, and its societal benefits.
Special attention was given to universities of applied sciences as pioneers of innovative alumni programs. Their practical focus and close ties to graduates offer valuable approaches for the further development of sustainable networks.
Looking Ahead: 10 Years of the FERNFH Alumni Network
For FERNFH, the acn Forum Austria 2025 provided an inspiring opportunity to share experiences with other universities and gain new ideas for its own alumni work. The discussions clearly showed that alumni work is now a central component of university development; it promotes exchange, enhances employability, and connects teaching, research, and society.
A fitting time for this look back into the future: The FERNFH Alumni Network will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025 and remains committed to active networking, lifelong learning, and shared dialogue. Read more about the alumni network’s anniversary in the news article…
The FERNFH Alumni Network offers former and current students, as well as faculty and staff at FERNFH, a platform for lifelong learning, professional development, and mutual support. Through exciting events, networking meetings, and the latest professional insights, the network creates targeted added value for everyone. You can find more information on theAlumni Network’s website.
