Dear uOttawa alumni and friends,
I am thrilled to present our 2023–2024 Annual Report. In a rapidly changing world, our alumni consistently excel, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and dedication. Whether through pioneering research, entrepreneurial ventures, community service, or artistic and cultural pursuits, uOttawa alumni continually showcase the transformative impact of our institution.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role as President is recognizing the contributions and achievements of our alumni. Last fall, six distinguished alumni received the Alumni Association Awards of Excellence during a prestigious ceremony, highlighting their inspiring accomplishments.
There is no doubt that our alumni are devoted to making the world a better place, and their dedication to positive change is evident throughout this report. I invite you to explore these stories and celebrate the profound influence uOttawa has had on our lives. I believe the collective successes of our alumni inspire current students, showing them the remarkable heights they can achieve.
Despite ongoing global challenges, your Alumni Association remains committed to fostering connections among alumni. Through virtual and in-person reunions, networking events, and mentorship programs, we have continued to nurture the bonds formed during your time on campus. We were thrilled to have alumni and award-winning journalist, Lisa LaFlamme join us for the Alex Trebek Distinguished Lecture Series and were honored to host Alex Trebek’s family in Ottawa last fall.
Let me say that building community through meaningful engagement is central to our mission. In the past year, the University of Ottawa’s Alumni Association pledged support to combat student food insecurity on campus. We hope to create a campus culture where students feel supported and empowered to seek assistance when needed. We want to support our students and ensure their focus is on their studies and not where their next meal will come from.
Attending convocation ceremonies each June is always a highlight, as we welcome new graduates to our Alumni Association. This year, I had the occasion to witness the numerous graduates from several faculties reach their final chapter in their educational journey culminating in graduation. Our goal is to maintain a lasting, mutually beneficial relationship among alumni around the world and with the University. The Board of Directors and I are continually seeking ways to meet your needs and enhance the alumni experience. We welcome your ideas and collaboration as we continue to lead the Association. We encourage you to reach out and share your thoughts, views and perspectives.
Aith over 270,000 uOttawa alumni worldwide, I am proud to represent such a trailblazing and inspirational community. Together, we can build on the legacy of excellence that defines our alma mater. By collaborating and supporting each other, we believe that we can create a ripple effect far beyond our individual achievements.
Our Board is also focused on renewing our Association, including updating our partnership with the University to better serve our alumni and to support University of Ottawa priorities. We continued to represent the Alumni at key events at the University, such as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Remembrance Day and Global events. We recently welcomed seven new board members who bring fresh ideas and energy to our volunteer Board. I would also like to extend our gratitude to those who moved on from the Board last fall, especially our vice-president Julie Cafley, who served for a five-year period.
I also wish to recognize the outstanding work of the Alumni Engagement Team, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in advancing our mission. A special farewell to Rob McCulloch, Assistant Vice-President, Advancement, who retired after contributing significantly to our progress and ensuring the synergies between the Alumni Association and the University were enhanced and strengthened. During this period of transition, we are excited to be working with our talented uOttawa leadership with Anne McIlroy as the newly appointed, Assistant Vice-President and we sincerely welcome our recently nominated Julien Sicard, Vice President.
In closing, I would like to extend a warm thank you for being an integral part of our success. Your continued involvement enriches the lives of current students and alumni alike, strengthening our lifelong connection with uOttawa and each other. Please contribute, participate and reach out as we welcome your engagement and want to hear from our valued Alma Mater.
Josephine A.L. Palumbo, BSocSc ’88, LLB ’91
President
Alumni Association
University of Ottawa