In February, I had the opportunity to moderate a conversation with Principal Deane regarding the budget challenges Queen’s is facing. I was impressed by the number of Queen’s alumni who joined the online conversation, and the thoughtfulness of the questions. It was clear that alumni care deeply about the future of the institution and are keen to find ways to assist Queen’s.
How can you help? Let me start with a plug for the Queen’s University Alumni Association Board of Directors. Over the last year, the Board of Directors has reviewed our operations and has proposed changes in order to be more inclusive and ensure a meaningful experience for volunteers. These changes were recently approved by the Alumni Assembly and, at their core, add a lens of Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Anti-Racism to everything we do. This includes a more horizontal decision-making structure, the addition of an equity representative, and the creation of committees that allow participation of alumni outside the Board of Directors.
Recruitment for open positions occurs annually, so if you are committed to serving others, I encourage you to check the Queen’s alumni website or reach out to the Board for future openings. We need strong communicators – alumni who can convey key messages and engage with and advocate for diverse alumni audiences. This is a chance to be at the forefront of setting and achieving strategic goals that define the future of alumni engagement.
Other opportunities to engage in the life and work of the university include running for University Council, applying to be a part of Alumni Assembly, getting involved with your local branch or chapter, or putting your hand up to be a reunion co-ordinator. If you’re able to do so, donating to an area of the university you are passionate about can also go a long way. Each of these roles helps create the vibrant fabric of the alumni community, reinforcing the strength and resilience of Queen’s. We have faced difficult times in the past but have always worked together to find innovative solutions and emerge stronger. This is one of those times, and your university needs your support.
Lastly, after a decade of volunteering for the Queen's University Alumni Association (QUAA), my time with the Board has ended. The QUAA is in good hands with the incoming President, Allison Williams, Artsci’09, whose volunteerism with Queen’s goes back almost two decades. Allison is an Agnes Benidickson Tricolour Award winner and was the inaugural President of the Queen’s Student Alumni Association and is exceptionally well-suited to guide the Alumni Association forward. As I sign off, I want to thank the alumni community for their engagement, thoughtful discussions, and their commitment to Queen’s. It has truly been an honour.
Cha Gheill!
