The inauguration of the new presidency took place at the end of March 2026 and marks the beginning of a cycle focused on strengthening the alumni network, promoting employability and creating opportunities for meeting, sharing and professional development.
In this context, Patrícia Oliveira-Silva, a member of the FEP-UCP Board with responsibility for the Alumni area, sees this new cycle as a strategic opportunity to strengthen the role of former students in the life of the Faculty.
“We do not see the Alumni Association as merely a communication channel with former students. This association will always be a bridge of continuity between what begins upon entry into the Faculty and what is built afterwards. The strength of a Faculty is measured by the way it keeps its alumni close, active and relevant, and the Faculty of Education and Psychology is and will continue to be very strong through the impact of its alumni. This new cycle also represents an invitation for our alumni to return, reconnect and remain close to FEP-UCP. This is a home that continues to be built with everyone,” she states.
A commitment to continuity and community engagement
Maria Pintado sees the presidency of the AAAEP as a commitment: “to continue the work already carried out, introduce new ideas and create relevant opportunities for former students, fostering a spirit of sharing, belonging and collective growth”.Among the main priorities of the new board is strengthening the sense of community among alumni by facilitating opportunities for meeting, sharing and networking. At the same time, the Association aims to support alumni in their professional journeys by creating mechanisms that facilitate contact between professionals in the field and encourage the sharing of opportunities and experiences.
The promotion of educational and professional initiatives, the strengthening of the Association’s communication so that it becomes closer, more regular and more relevant, as well as the consolidation of partnerships with external organisations, are also key lines of action for this term of office.
“I would like the Association to take on the role of an active, close and dynamic bridge between former students and the Faculty of Education and Psychology”, refers the current President.
A focus on more effective and digital communication to engage alumni
Acknowledging the challenges associated with engaging former students, namely the geographical and professional dispersion and the limited availability, the new board intends to invest in more effective and digital communication, as well as in flexible initiatives, including online formats. The aim is to create proposals with real value, particularly in terms of employability, skills development and responding to the diverse needs of alumni.Maria Pintado highlights the importance of reunion and emotional connection to the University, stating that they also want “alumni to be able to reconnect with former colleagues and professors, building meaningful relationships and feeling that the University continues to be a ‘home’ for them”.
The new President of the AAAEP extends an invitation to all former students of Education and Psychology: “The Association belongs to everyone and is for everyone, a space for connection, growth and mutual support, which only makes sense with the contribution of each individual”, stressing that even occasional participation can make a difference.