I REFER to last Saturday's article, 'Give to varsity? No, thanks'

I graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 1985 and I can fully empathise with alumni who are unmoved by appeals from their alma mater.

After we graduated in the mid 1980s, the university hardly made any attempt to connect with its alumni. I would call it a 'benign neglect'. Little does NUS realise that this has cost the university much in donations, resources and the vast network of volunteers who are so eager to give back to society.

It was only when Professor Shih Choon Fong was made vice-chancellor that this policy was changed. Prof Shih, who is leaving at the end of the year, saw the value and potential that an alumnus could bring to the university through its largely untapped resources and network.

Still it was too late for those who graduated some 10 years back and previously. Even so, recent efforts have been no more than appeals for money or donations.

Before the alumni can start giving back to its alma mater, the varsities must cultivate a sense of belonging during their undergraduate days.

Steps must be taken with the current batch of undergraduates to create lasting friendships and bonds. These must be cemented through strong alumni bodies the minute they graduate.

A sense of attachment cannot be tied down by brick and mortar boards. It can be done only with a human face.

For those who graduated more than a decade ago, it is better late than never. Class reunions or small gathering are excellent ways to rekindle those memories and friendships.

And please do not ask for donations then, that can wait.

Sonny Yuen

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Aug 22, 2008.