WLUAA president’s message: Honouring the past, looking to the future

The Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association has had the opportunity to be part of a number of important initiatives already this year. I’m pleased to share with you an update on our activities.

Commemorating a Laurier champion

Arthur Stephen, who passed away at the beginning of this year, was a dedicated and long-serving member of the Laurier community. He both graduated from Laurier and held numerous leadership posts at the university over a 35-year career. If it wasn’t for Arthur, WLUAA would not exist.

He was instrumental in establishing WLUAA as a separate legal entity from Laurier with our own revenue sources. This structure has allowed us to have a constant, singular focus on alumni and their needs. Thanks to Arthur’s vision, we work for you.

Arthur was a true Laurier champion, but much of his work happened behind the scenes. I first met Arthur when I was a student in the early 2000s. Over the years, I developed a close personal relationship with him, and I considered him a good friend and a mentor. As I got to know Arthur, I came to realize that he is the reason that many of us, whether we know it or not, went to Laurier. He was a wonderful recruiter and did hundreds of little things — even going so far as to plant some of the ivy vines around the school — that made all of us want to be at Laurier.

In memory of Arthur and in recognition of his years of support, WLUAA is donating $5,000 to the Lewis and Catherine Stephen Award in History, an award established in memory of Arthur’s parents.

Naming Our Seat

The Alumni Association is taking advantage of a unique opportunity to leave a permanent mark on the Laurier campus. WLUAA has made a donation to name a seat in the university’s new Global Innovation Exchange building.

For many of us Laurier was a starting point for the rest of our lives. Having our name etched on this place that holds so many great memories is very meaningful. In fact, I’ve personally bought a seat, and I encourage you to do the same.

Planning Ahead

The new WLUAA strategic plan has been a topic of my previous columns. This document is an important foundation for the work that we do. The WLUAA strategic plan has been well-implemented. The result is a more productive board focused on our overall mission of serving Laurier alumni.

Stepping Aside

This is my final column as your WLUAA president. I have served in this role for three years and have been part of the WLUAA board for the past 11. It has truly been a pleasure to work with the other dedicated members of the WLUAA board to advance the cause of Laurier alumni. It is a very fulfilling personal and professional experience. I encourage you to consider joining the WLUAA board. Please send expressions of interest to alumni@wlu.ca.

A new president will be named in May, and I will assume the role of past president. Whatever my role, I will continue to work for you and for all Laurier alumni. I am proud to be a Laurier alumnus, and I love giving back to the school that’s given me so much.