Where are you from?
I was born and raised in southern Alberta and attended the U of L after I graduated high school. After I finished my undergrad degree, I worked for a charity for a few years then moved on to the Government of Alberta. When I was working at the government, I started to experience the 'three-year itch' and knew I needed to find a new challenge. I happened to see the manager of Alumni Relations position advertised at the U of L and thought I should give it a shot since up to that point my work focused on engagement.
How long have you been at the U of L and what do you do here?
I have been at the U of L almost five years and I can’t believe it’s been that long already! I’m the manager of Alumni Relations and do all things alumni related. This includes developing programs to keep alumni engaged with the University, celebrating alumni successes, and working with PACT, our student advancement group, to deepen affinity to the institution. Basically, if anyone has any alumni related questions or ideas – I’m your girl.
What’s the best part of your job? What's the most meaningful part of your job?
I love how innovative I can be with my work! The alumni program is fairly new, so we have the ability to be agile in our approach to meet the needs of alumni. The most meaningful part of my work is watching my team and the PACT students grow. I love that I can have a small part in their professional and personal growth.
With convocation around the corner, what are you planning to welcome the newest members to the uLethbridge Alumni Association?
The University of Lethbridge Alumni Association wants to help the Class of 2021 feel EXTRA special for their graduation. Next week on June 9 and 10, the Alumni Welcome Squad will be on standby to take our graduates’ celebrations to the next level. Although we can’t get into the specifics quite yet (I don’t want to spoil the surprise!) it’s sure to be a fun way to welcome the graduating class into the alumni family.
How has the COVID pandemic affected your work?
We’ve had to become more innovative with our programming and really start listening to the needs of the people we’re trying to engage because screen fatigue is real.
My family adopted a puppy on March 5, 2020; fifteen months later I’m still at home with him every day. He’ll be very shocked when we go back to campus and he’s at home alone every day.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I’ve always been very involved in my community and currently serve as president of the Coalhurst Parks and Recreation Society, Chair of the Coalhurst Recreation and Culture committee, director on the Friends of the Coalhurst Elementary School Society and a peer reviewer for Imagine Canada. Our Parks and Rec Society raised over $500,000 to build a spray park in Coalhurst – you should check it out once it opens in July!
I love podcasts! My current favourites include: My Favorite Murder, Not Without my Sister, Be There in Five, Beautiful/Anonymous, Crime Beat and Revisionist History.