Alumni Almanac

Leaders inspire in different ways

Print: Share:

Email:

Some have visions and plans to employ that are shouted from the hilltops, serving to inspire the masses. Others are quiet, finding needs and filling them while not expecting anything in return.

Through my time as a volunteer with the Alumni Association board of directors, I have encountered both kinds of leaders. I have seen firsthand how both approaches achieve our goal of inspiring alumni to share a lifelong commitment, pride and passion for Western.

One such leader is Eric Saarvala, BA’95. Eric is one of those ‘quiet leaders,’ an extraordinary volunteer who rolls up his sleeves at branch events, gives solid advice at board meetings and inspires his peers with his passion for Western. He doesn’t need to shout about his dedication; he lives it.

Recently, Eric recognized the Toronto Branch Bursary was struggling. The fund, created by the alumni branch and supported through revenue raised at branch events, was established to help a Western student living in the Greater Toronto Area who demonstrates financial need. Unfortunately, the fund was running low and about to close.

Recognizing that the bursary, which had been built up over time by the commitment of Toronto and area alumni, was fading, Eric made a personal donation to bring the bursary back to life – not only for this year, but also for many years to come.

During his time as Toronto branch president, Eric continued to inspire his fellow alumni volunteers to raise the bar in offering amazing events that deliver exceptional experiences.

This past June, $3,500 was raised when 575 alumni and friends gathered for an event at the Steam Whistle Brewery featuring a performance by our own Rick McGhie. These funds will be directed to the Toronto Branch Bursary fund in recognition of Eric as well as Collin Macleod, current branch president, and his event-planning team.

Like Eric, all alumni have the ability to be leaders in their own way. I encourage you to seek these opportunities - support a Western student as they explore their own educational journey, volunteer at branch and chapter events in your area, invite a fellow alumnus to attend an event or spread the word about our programs and services.

There are many opportunities to connect with Alumni Western in our growing network.

Social media provides an amazing (and immediate) opportunity for us to connect: ‘Like’ us on Facebook, facebook. com/theuniversityofwesternontario; follow us on Twitter, @westernu; or subscribe to our YouTube channel, youtube.com/user/westernuniversity.

Starting this fall, you will also be able to take us with you wherever you go through the iWestern app for mobile devices. Alumni will be able to check out event listings, learn about notable alumni and so much more.

And with our biggest alumni event just around the corner, Western Homecoming 2011 provides plenty of opportunity to reconnect, network and simply visit with your fellow alumni. Visit us online at westernhomecoming.uwo.ca to learn about the celebrations taking place Sept. 29-Oct. 2. You won’t want to miss it.

Wherever we go, whatever we do, whoever we become, Western is within us.

Print: Share:

Email:

Login to view and post comments