OD11 digital HR - Flipbook - Page 95
NEWS
COUNCIL COMMITTEE
QUERIES
ODU UPDATES
There’s never a dull moment at the ODU.
Two items from 2024 consumed a lot of
bandwidth but are breezily summarised
PHOTOGRAPH DAVID ROGERS
T
he 2024 Data Cleanup
Project (DCUP) tackled the
considerable challenge of
reviewing and updating 72 years’
worth of OD alumni records. This
ambitious undertaking, led by data
administrator Daniella Wakeford
and ODU communications head
Lynn Swanevelder, required
meticulous planning and
execution. ODs can be difficult
to track down, and long hours
were spent on the task…
Faced with outdated contact
details, missing records and
a significant digital gap – with
a surprisingly large number of
members not reachable online –
the two implemented a structured
approach. By cross-referencing
sources, consulting obituaries
for verification, leveraging the
Integrated School Administration
Management System (iSAMS) and
leaning on class representatives,
they transformed a daunting task
into a streamlined operation.
A notable success was the use
of nostalgia to encourage feedback,
including using historic or old
yearbook photos targeted by year
or era. This resulted in a significant
increase in OD engagement.
More than a data exercise, the
DCUP reinforced the importance
of maintaining connections and
ensuring the strength of the
alumni network for the future.
As much progress as was made,
the process is ongoing.
To update your personal details, or to help us track down ODs
in your network, please email ODUComms@bishops.org.za
November 2024 saw both the
resignation of the chair of the
College Council Crispin Sonn
and the appointment of four new
members to fill vacancies on the
council. “It was pleasing to see the
interest and enthusiasm generated
among ODs around the appointment
of new members,” noted ODU chair
Martin Bey. The ODU and council
are distinct entities, each with its own
empowering documentation. Despite
some misconceptions to the contrary,
the ODU has no right or entitlement
to a specific number of appointees,
though members of the union have
historically served on the council.
Three of the four vacancies were
ultimately filled by ODs who, in the
view of the nominations committee,
matched the criteria the council was
seeking. Five of the 10 members of
the council are now ODs: interim
chair Chris Haw (1999F), Keith
Richardson (1968O), Wilbur
van Niekerk (1985K), Paul Farlam
(1983K) and Rory Viljoen (1990O),
each of whom will continue to give
of their time and skills for the
ultimate benefit of the school.
The ODU chair remains an observer.
At the time, Martin Bey held the
position. “The continued involvement
of a number of ODs in the various
subcommittees of the council is also
very gratifying,” he notes.
For more information on the
role and constitution of the
council, including biographies
of all members and observers,
visit bishops.org.za/aboutus/
council.
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