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University of Otago Canadian Alumni Network 
Otago alumni are found across Canada from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland and number, we estimate, some 1000, several being Canadian residents and citizens of long standing, others newly arrived.
Events and Social Gatherings
Occasionally alumni groups hold reunions to meet and greet, especially when Otago University representatives are visiting from NZ. This was the case in October 2010 when Ontario alumni met at the iconic antipodean pub, Hemingways, in Toronto. We hope that such gatherings will continue and we encourage you to get in touch with fellow alumni in your area by making contact through Your Otago Link and the University of Otago Alumni & Friends Facebook page.
Photos & Reports from the 2012 events:
Canadian Alumni Travel Awards for students on Exchange to Canada
Each year some 30-40 young Otago students come to Canada for further study under an Exchange Program set up with a number of Canadian universities. Recently we have suggested to the university that this program provides a special opportunity for Otago graduates in Canada to help with the travel costs for these young New Zealanders and encourage them to complete their studies in Canada. Some might, like us, stay on.
To date we have managed to get some initial donations together and are pleased that three young students will be heading to Canada in the fall of 2011 with a $2000 award each.
Spencer Grover - in his second year studying for a BA in Psychology is going to the University of Toronto
Jessica Bush - in her fourth year studying for a LLB and BCom in Economics is going to the University of British Columbia
Lena Schallenberg - in her third year studying for a BSc in Ecology is going to Dalhousie University
With your support we hope to greatly expand the progamme next year.
Support the Canadian Travel Awards
We think this is a great opportunity for Canadian alumni to support this Exchange Program and you will be helping the career of someone perhaps not unlike your younger self.
We are all in some way greatly indebted to the University of Otago for the start it gave us - some of us date from the period when fees were almost non-existent - and this is one way in which we can show our appreciation. Of course there are other areas where you might wish to direct your giving to the University of Otago, but do think of this program as particular to Canadian interests.
For Canadian residents your donation is tax deductible. If you wish to make a donation by cheque (and you reside in Canada) please make your cheque in CAD payable to the University of Otago and send it to the Development & Alumni Relations Office, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand. We will send you a receipt suitable for Canadian tax purposes.
For further information please contact
Emeritus Professor Brian Merrilees
E: brian.merrilees@otagoalumni.ac.nz
or
Judith McCracken
Development & Alumni Relations Office
E: judith.mccracken@otago.ac.nz