Update from the University of Calgary Alumni Association

Throughout my 30-year career in finance, despite being an alum, I had no direct engagement with the University of Calgary. However, when I retired and decided to give back to Calgary, this university felt like a natural choice because of its impact on youth, the economy, societal issues, and health-care — truly, on every aspect of our community.

Once I began volunteering, I learned more about what UCalgary has achieved and continues to achieve. I discovered its more than 230,000 alumni around the world, met its amazing students, and saw their accomplishments firsthand — and I felt inspired to give more of my time and effort. This journey has led me to where I am today: President and Chair of the UCalgary Alumni Association (UCAA). I encourage our alumni who have some time and are looking to give back to our amazing city to consider UCalgary and our Alumni Association as an option. If you are interested in learning more, reach out to me at ucaapresident@ucalgary.ca and I’ll be happy to connect.

It has been a busy year so far at the UCAA Board of Directors, but we have accomplished a great deal. We completed our strategic plan in September, and the UCalgary Alumni Engagement Team is working collaboratively with the board to operationalize this plan and bring great opportunities and events to our alumni.

One example is our annual Skate with Santa event, held each December. This past December, the annual skate featured a Christmas market where alumni and student-owned businesses were able to sell their merchandise. The event attracted well over a thousand participants, and thanks to sponsorship from the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking, all merchant tables were fully covered, allowing alumni and students to participate at no cost.

The UCAA also celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Arch Awards, honouring an outstanding group of alumni recipients. In addition, October’s Alumni All Access programming saw a significant increase in participation, with popular events such as the Alumni LEGO Challenge, hosted by LEGO Masters Season 3 runners-up Stephen and Stephen and a sold-out evening with fantasy romance author Danielle Jensen, BComm’03.

UCAA Board Mission and Strategic Plan

Our mission is to foster a community for alumni and a lifelong connection between the University of Calgary and its graduates. To support this mission, the board has identified several key areas of focus.

One priority is expanding support for Alumni Built Businesses. Another is strengthening our communication with alumni. The Alumni Engagement team is working to implement an enhanced communications strategy, fully supported by the board, and there are some exciting new changes coming — so stay tuned!

Programming is another important priority. The University of Calgary is achieving remarkable results, including being recognized as having produced the most start-ups in Canada, ranking among the Top 5 research institutions in Canada, becoming home to the world’s first United Nations University Hub for Water, and offering outstanding campuses and facilities such as the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Spy Hill, the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory, Quantum City, and W.A. Ranches. Our alumni want to learn more about these achievements, and we are committed to sharing them through programs, webinars, and communications.

What’s Coming Up?

There are many events and programs on the horizon, so I encourage you to visit the alumni website for details. 

What’s especially exciting is that UCalgary will be celebrating its 60th anniversary this April, with a variety of great events for alumni to participate in. UCalgary has also been sharing stories from the past 60 years, and alumni who have their own UCalgary stories are invited to share them through the link on their website.

In addition, UCalgary will be hosting the Final 8 USport Men’s Basketball National Championship in early March. I hope you’ll come out and cheer on the Dinos with us on March 6.  >>Alumni Ticket Offer

2026 is just getting started, and the UCAA Board is excited for a great year of programming, alumni recognition, and volunteer opportunities ahead. If you’re already involved with UCalgary as an alum, thank you for being part of our community! If not — why not make 2026 your year to deepen your ties with this amazing university and its graduates?