Lisa Hood, Artsci’04
Board Member, Queen’s University Alumni Association
In my first year, at the Sidewalk Sale, I was handed a flyer advertising part-time employment opportunities at Queen's Telefundraising Services. I needed some extra money, so I applied on a whim and was hired. It was a life-changing experience. Speaking with alumni, encouraging their support, I soon realized that so many of the things I enjoyed about Queen's were actually provided through the generosity of those who came before me. I loved hearing about their experiences in years past, and found great fulfillment knowing I could play a small part in helping ensure a Queen's education was accessible to all students. This feeling has never dissipated. It's been 16 years since I graduated, and I'm pleased to say I've donated every single year.
My time at Queen's reinforced a deep sense of gratitude for my privilege in accessing higher education, and I believe strongly in the value of education. There is a lot to worry about in the world today, and I believe that critical thinking and respectful debate would go a long way to bringing down some of the barriers we collectively face. Universities offer the space for this kind of deep social learning at a time when many of us are firming up our identities, and if I can help make the space for that for even one person, I feel proud of my contribution.
