I AM GRATEFUL to serve the UC Alumni Association in the capacity of Chair this coming year. As I work with the UCAA executive committee to plan for the year ahead, I bring the wonderful influence of my two predecessors with whom I have had the pleasure of working: Ho K. Sung (BSc 1980 UC) and Erika Bailey (BA 1997 UC).
I begin with introspection and reflection. Looking at where I am today in my life, as an individual and as a community member, I marvel at the threads that weave us together through space and time. In our pursuit of fostering community, I highlight the connections and disconnections that we have set in motion over the course of our history as UC. The College operates on the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work and volunteer on this land. In acknowledging this truth, we can do a better job at representing and celebrating the diversity of our community. While we are stronger united, we are more authentic when nuanced. The UCAA is committed to community building with open hearts, open minds, sincerity, and humility.
We are so excited to begin the year by picking up from last year’s project of fostering community. You may recall the many conversations and collaborations in which the UCAA listened to what “UC alumni community” means to you. This year, we are committed to building a long-term strategy that will act on these insights. With your continued engagement, we will set forth on a path centred around alumni voices. We will increase our reach through accessible engagement. While in-person events may not be in the cards for this year, our internet and phone lines are always open!
On behalf of the executive committee – Sharda Angl, Erika Bailey, Chris Girard, Julie Jo, and Florence Narine – we wish you a healthy and inspired year ahead. We look forward to representing UC alumni and working in the College’s best interests.
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