A head and shoulders shot of a smiliing student in graduation attire

From Student to Alumni

15 July 2026

From Student to Alumni: Staying Part of the RNN Group Community

Leaving college or university is an exciting milestone. Whether you’ve moved into employment, university, an apprenticeship, or started your own business, your time at college and Uni doesn’t have to end when you graduate. At RNN Group, being part of our community is for life.

The RNN Group Alumni Network brings together former students from Rotherham College, North Notts College, Dearne Valley College, University Centre Rotherham (UCR), and former campuses, creating a growing community of people connected by shared experiences and a passion for learning.

More than memories

Every student has a story. From first-day nerves to graduation celebrations, college and university are where many lifelong friendships are formed, careers begin and ambitions take shape.

The Alumni Network exists for two important reasons: To help former students reconnect with their education community and each other, and to give alumni the opportunity to inspire and support current learners through mentoring, guest speaking, work experience, careers advice and industry insight.

Whether you left a few months ago or several decades ago, your experiences can make a real difference to someone following in your footsteps.

A head and shoulders shot of a student on graduation day

Celebrate how far you’ve come

There’s something special about returning to the place where your journey began and in RNN’s 10th year, even more special!

RNN Group will now be regularly hosting alumni events designed to bring former students back together in a relaxed and welcoming environment. From campus tours to informal networking over tea and coffee, these events provide the perfect opportunity to catch up with former tutors, reconnect with classmates and see how the campuses have evolved over the years.

As RNN Group celebrates its 10th anniversary, the launch of the Alumni Network has being marked with special Alumni Tea and Tours events across its campuses, celebrating the achievements of past students while looking ahead to the future.

Helping shape the next generation

One of the greatest strengths of any university is its alumni.

Current students benefit enormously from hearing the real experiences of people who once sat in the same classrooms. Whether you’ve built a successful career, started your own business, progressed into higher education or changed direction entirely, your journey could provide the encouragement someone else needs.

There are many ways alumni can get involved, including:

  • Sharing career experiences and success stories.
  • Becoming a guest speaker or mentor.
  • Supporting work experience and industry placements.
  • Helping students develop confidence and professional skills.
  • Building links between employers and future talent.
A lady with black hair, grey uniform and black gloves with her hands on a clients face who's laying on a treatment bed

Stay connected wherever life takes you

Life moves quickly after university, and it’s easy to lose touch. That’s why RNN Group encourages former students to keep their details up to date and remain part of the alumni community.

By staying connected, you’ll hear about future events, networking opportunities, alumni news and ways to stay involved with your former college/university. Former students are encouraged to complete the Alumni Keeping in Touch form, even if they believe the campus already has their contact details, ensuring records remain accurate and compliant with GDPR.

Your story is still part of ours

Every graduate adds another chapter to the RNN Group story.

Whether you studied at Rotherham College, North Notts College, Dearne Valley College, University Centre Rotherham or one of the Group’s former campuses, you’ll always be part of a community built on ambition, opportunity and lifelong learning.

Your next chapter may have taken you in a new direction, but your connection to RNN Group can continue for years to come. Join the Alumni Network, reconnect with old friends, inspire future students and celebrate everything you’ve achieved since leaving.

After all, once you’re part of RNN Group, you’ll always have a place to come back to.

Find out more about Alumni at RNN Group

Categories: Blog