Alumni Circle interview: Patrick Voss
In a day and age where networking increasingly takes place digitally, the importance of in-person meetings remains as significant as ever. This is evident from the experience of Patrick Voss, a dedicated alumnus of Maastricht University, who was actively involved as a member of the Alumni Circle committee for North and Central Limburg for no less than 15 years. We spoke to him about his experiences as a committee member.
Patrick’s involvement as a committee member began spontaneously but evolved into many years of commitment. “It all started when I attended an Alumni Circle evening,” says Patrick. “They were looking for new members for the committee, and I signed up that very evening. It seemed like a nice way to contribute as an alumnus and to organise events with others.”
The role of an Alumni Circle committee member
Alumni Circles are global communities of Maastricht University graduates, enabling them to stay in touch with fellow students, no matter where they are. Whether you've just moved to a new city or want to expand your network, these circles offer an excellent opportunity to meet new people and form friendships. They consist of a diverse group of graduates with various academic backgrounds and interests, making it essential to choose topics for Alumni Circle events that appeal to a broad audience.
As a committee member of an Alumni Circle, Patrick was involved in all aspects of organising events, from conceptualising ideas to coordinating with the UM Alumni Office. "It ranged from brainstorming topics that would interest a wide audience to arranging the venue and inviting speakers," he explains. "We also ensured good coordination with the Alumni Office, which supports us in organising these events."
Memorabele moments: From counterterrorism to twisted faces and horse whisperers
The Alumni Circle evenings that Patrick organised with the committee were highly varied. He appreciated this diversity of topics and the opportunity to learn beyond his own field. “I work for the police myself, and I once invited the national coordinator for counterterrorism from the Dutch Police to give a lecture, where I also shared some of my own experiences. But we’ve also had speakers on food and innovation in healthcare.”
One of the most memorable events for Patrick was a session with a horse whisperer, where participants gained insights into their leadership and personal energy through the horses' reactions to their presence. “I came to the event stressed from work, and I was the first one placed with the horses. They responded quite strongly to me. It was a unique experience to be standing in the middle of an arena with 10 horses pinning their ears back. Apparently, their reaction said something about my energy at that moment. It was funny and a really beautiful experience.”
I would encourage everyone to attend alumni gatherings more often.
A visit to a Food Research department in Venlo also brought a surprising experience, where participants discovered whether they were 'tasters' or 'non-tasters' when sampling sour sweets. “Everyone reacted differently. Some people’s faces were literally contorted from the sourness, while others weren’t affected at all. I thought that was really fascinating to see.”
Human interaction and gaining insights beyond your field
The strength of the UM Alumni Circles lies in human interaction and the opportunity to expand your network in a personal way. "In an era where social media often dominates, an in-person meeting provides a completely different energy," Patrick emphasises. "Meeting people in person, having conversations, and getting to know each other without a screen in between feeds your mind in a way that digital devices simply cannot match. It’s a different, and in my opinion, valuable way to manage and expand your network."
In addition, Alumni Circles offer a platform to share knowledge and gain new insights, even beyond your own field. "I’ve learned a lot about topics that had nothing to do with my studies or work," says Patrick. "That’s what makes these gatherings so interesting and educational."
Minimal time investment, maximum impact
For alumni considering joining an Alumni Circle committee, Patrick stresses that the time commitment is minimal, but the rewards are significant: "You meet a few times a year, and the Alumni Office sends out the invitations for the events, so it’s really about brainstorming and conducting intake interviews with potential speakers. Of course, you should enjoy organising events, even outside your own field.” Patrick adds: “It’s an honourable task to strengthen the bond between alumni and the university. You play an important role in maintaining and enhancing the continuity and connection between graduates and Maastricht University.”
Would you like to become a member of an Alumni Circle committee?
Inspired by Patrick’s story? Would you also like to take on an active role within an Alumni Circle? Get in touch with the UM Alumni Office to learn more about the opportunities. As a committee member, you contribute to a vibrant alumni community and play an important role in maintaining the unique bond between alumni and Maastricht University. Join and make a difference, just like Patrick Voss!
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