Whether you have been a volunteer with Queen's for decades, or your volunteer experience is just beginning, this event series is for you. Alumni Volunteer Summit (AVS) is an ideal way to build your network with other experienced volunteer leaders.
If you're interested in learning more about AVS or information about volunteer opportunities, please reach out to the QUAA Board of Directors.
AVS 2024
The Queen's University Alumni Association Board of Directors are reimagining AVS to better serve prospective and current alumni volunteers. Planning will continue through 2024 and we look forward to connecting with alumni volunteers in 2025.
If you have questions, please contact us.
AVS 2023
Alumni volunteers and students gathered to share their experiences and passion for supporting the Queen’s community at AVS in 2023. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Vice-Provost & Dean of Student Affairs, Ann Tierney, LLB ’89, MPA’04, about the current student experience and changes over the years at Queen’s. Dean Tierney’s presentation was followed by an engaging student panel discussion and questions from alumni.
Students shared their experiences, speaking about the current pressures including academics, the expectation of being engaged in multiple clubs and groups and the challenges around finding affordable housing. They also shared the many resources they have found for support and shared the value of alumni engagement in their student experience and their transition into the alumni community.
In the afternoon, Vice Principal (Advancement) Karen Bertrand, Artsci’94, spoke about the impact Queen’s volunteers have on the institution and student experience, expressing her deepest gratitude for the time, effort and contributions of alumni volunteers. Later, attendees shared questions, experiences and expertise in alumni-facilitated breakout sessions with topics including I-EDIAA, philanthropy, volunteer recruitment and retention and event planning and execution. These breakout sessions offered an opportunity to learn, make connections and find support from fellow alumni engaged with the university.
Sessions included:
- Keynote Speaker: Vice-Provost & Dean of Student Affairs, Ann Tierney, LLB'89, MPA'04
- Student Panel Discussion, Tatyana Grandmaitre (QSAA President), Bryan Hannah, Rayona Silverman
- Presentation and questions & answer period with Vice-Principal (Advancement) Karen Bertrand, Artsci'94
- Alumni-facilitated breakout sessions
- "Queen's, Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism (I-EDIAA), and you" with Stacey Kelly, Artsci'93
- "Supporting the philanthropic mission of Queen's" with Allison Williams, Artsci'09 and Jackie Lewis, Artsci'11
- "Volunteer recruitment and retention" with Lisa Hood, Artsci'04
- "Alumni events start to finish" with Theresas Wetzel, Artsci'07
AVS 2021
Throughout 2021, the Queen's University Alumni Association Board of Directors hosted virtual panels and round-tables through the re-imagined Alumni Volunteer Series. These mini events featured prominent Queen’s alumni as they share their personal experiences and professional insights into Equity, Diversity, Indigeneity, and Inclusion at Queen’s, and beyond.
Curtis Carmichael with Butterflies in the Trenches
Curtis Carmichael, Artsci/PHE'16, joined Queen's University Alumni Association (QUAA) Board of Directors in partnership with the Toronto Alumni Branch and Athletics, for a virtual book talk celebrating the release of Curtis' memoir Butterflies in the Trenches.
Watch Curtis Carmichael's book talk
QUAA Non-Traditional Queen's Experiences
QUAA hosted an alumni panel discussion on non-traditional Queen's experiences, life after Queen's, and the challenges of not fitting the status quo on March 6, 2021.
Joining the panel discussion were alumni Yinka Adegbusi, Artsci'13, Zhaodi Culbreath, Sc'08, and Chu Q. Wang, Com'15, and hosted by Tuba Chishti, Artsci'15.
Accessibility Talk: A Queen's Panel
On Oct. 27, 2021, the QUAA and Queen's Student Alumni Association (QSAA) President, Megan Divecha, Artsci'22, sat down with special guest, Amar Latif, and fellow panelists to share their perspectives and expertise on disability awareness and accessibility, within the Queen's community, and beyond. The group shared advice on how we can all create spaces, events, and initiatives that are inclusive and accessible for all. The panel discussion was followed by an interactive Question and Answer (Q and A) period.
AVS 2020
Alumni Volunteer Summit 2020 was scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 4, with some specialized sessions scheduled on Friday, April 3. Due the impact of COVID-19, AVS was cancelled in 2020. Sessions would have included:
- Keynote address from Shari Hughson, NSc'86, and the current director of the Master of Management Innovation & Entrepreneurship program at the Smith School of Business.
- Principal's Remarks and Q&A with Queen's new Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Patrick Deane.
- An interactive "Design Thinking" workshop led by facilitators from the Dunin-Deshpande Queen's Innovation Centre.
AVS 2019
2019 Great QUAA Initiatives Presentations
- Toronto Branch "Gaels & Ales: Queen's Night Out" Event
- Calgary Branch Johnson Award Event
- Indigenous Student Alumni Recruitment Call Campaign
AVS 2018
2018 Great QUAA Initiatives Presentations
- London, UK Branch "Stef Reid at Canada House" Event
- NYC Branch "Welcome to New York" Event Series
- Toronto Branch "The Trump Effect" Event
AVS 2017
2017 Great QUAA Initiatives Presentations
- Calgary Branch “Career Management Panel”
- Kingston Branch “175th Food Drive”
- Toronto Branch “It’s a Match!” Young Alumni Networking Event
- Winnipeg Branch “Behind the Scenes at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet”
