Dr Fiona Cownie, draws from a relational approach to higher education and its implications for the alumni and student experience. Fiona has engaged with alumni through her research, education and professional practice. She collaborates with Bournemouth University’s Head of Alumni Relations on a series of projects related to alumni including delivering workshops to alumni officers across the UK and judging Bournemouth University’s ‘Alumni Awards’. Over the past year Fiona has worked with alumni to enhance the online student experience, her reflections on the importance of alumni being published in Wonk HE’s blog ‘For the student communities, is it time for alumni to step up?’. Fiona’s research with alumni focuses on gratitude and its implications for giving back. She is particularly active with Bournemouth University’s ASEAN alumni community.