A Magazine for Alumni and Friends
My time as a student at Laurier helped to shape who I am today. When I think back to my student days, I can’t put my finger on any one thing, one catalyst, that was the turning point. Collectively, the small school culture, close relationships with the professors and all the new friends helped me get where I am.
That experience also contributed to me getting involved with the Alumni Association when the time was right. Now, I’m trying to make a difference for the university that made such a difference for me.
In this issue of Campus magazine, you will read about Catalyst: The Campaign for Wilfrid Laurier University. Laurier is at a pivotal point in its history. After celebrating our 100th anniversary in 2011, the university is looking to the future.
Through fundraising and expanded alumni programs, Catalyst will help Laurier to continue to deliver on its institutional proposition, "inspiring lives of leadership and purpose." Alumni are an important part of delivering on that promise.
As graduates, we know the quality of the education Laurier provides and the calibre of the students who attend our university. Our support, whether we volunteer our time or donate our money or both, makes the difference between a good university and a great one.
The value of our degrees over time is directly related to how the university is viewed. When I tell people I went to Laurier, I want that to mean something special.
That has been my motivation for getting involved and doing my best to help the institution grow. Being involved in the Alumni Association has been a great way for me to stay engaged and help. It is a very infectious experience and, the more involved I was, the more engaged I became. Watching the university grow and the excitement around all of the activity that is happening, I feel honoured to have had some responsibility in making Laurier great.
Think about what Laurier was for you. Then think about what role you can play in helping Laurier give that same experience to the next generation.
Together, we can support and enrich our alumni, students and the university. Now it is our time to be catalysts.
Marc Richardson is President of the Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association.