The VILNIUS TECH Faculty of Transport Engineering (TIF) Alumni and Friends Club is one of the university’s most active alumni communities. The club has been operating since 2015, when on February 18 the faculty held the first alumni meeting and elected the club’s first chairman, Vytenis Pecia. At that time, the club coordinator became the TIF Vice-Dean for Alumni and Partnerships, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Giedrius Garbinčius. According to him, the main idea behind the club is to bring the faculty’s alumni together into a community that is interested and motivated to take part in professionally and socially broadening activities, while also contributing to the development of the university and the faculty.
 

“The Alumni and Friends Club cover a wide range of activities: sharing professional experience, organizing lectures and seminars, encouraging students, expanding networks, implementing cultural, scientific, and business projects, as well as organizing interesting trips and excursions. By participating in the club’s activities, alumni can interact with the faculty’s friends, have a good time, and discuss current developments in the transport sector,” the Vice-Dean explains.


 

According to Dr. Garbinčius, monthly meetings of different themes are organized in order to to meet the needs of all club members that include the entire TIF community as well as alumni from other faculties. Activities are arranged by seasons—from the beginning to the end of the academic year. The opening of a new season, the Christmas party, the club’s anniversary, and the end-of-season celebration have already become traditions. About ten events are organized each year, including discussions with distinguished guests, company visits, and excursions.
 

The associate professor notes that it is equally important that the Alumni and Friends Club maintains strong ties between the university and its graduates. This format allows members to renew connections, contribute to developing the faculty’s teaching base, sign sponsorship agreements, deliver lectures, or provide scholarships for students. Alumni are involved in evaluating and improving study programs, which helps ensure that they meet market needs.


 

“One of the university’s values—connectivity—is reflected in the club’s activities through community spirit, shared events, and initiatives that bring closer together the club members, alumni from other faculties, and the entire university community. This creates long-term personal and professional relationships that often evolve into joint projects,” the Vice-Dean notes.
 

He says that when leading the club, the most important thing is to ensure that every member who joins the Alumni and Friends Club gains knowledge, meets new people, has a good time, and has the opportunity to contribute to the preparation of future transport specialists. According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Giedrius Garbinčius, challenges do occur while holding a leadership role, though they are usually small—for example, changing meeting dates or addressing low member engagement. In such situations, enthusiasm, patience, and creativity are especially helpful.
 

“The future of the club depends on the energy and enthusiasm of its members: the more actively faculty alumni and vice-deans participate in club life by inviting others to events, and initiating projects, the more vibrant and connected the community will be. I encourage all VILNIUS TECH alumni who hesitate to join the club to come to events and try to feel the sense of belonging with other graduates. It means new connections, interesting projects, the opportunity to expand knowledge, take part in practical activities, and inspire yourself as well as others for new professional adventures,” says Assoc. Prof. Dr. Garbinčius.