Alumni definition in sharper focus

What if alumni extend further than we think? 

Dear Friends, 

This week I joined the Board as a Founding Director of the Global Bluenosers. This is a special network of global Nova Scotians - including those with a deep affinity to the Atlantic Canadian province. What does this have to do with alumni?  

Everything.  

As I explained in an earlier Alumni Friday post we all have connection to place, including to our alma mater. For some, the connection to their alma mater is interlinked with the city where they study: they love the place!  

What I love about Global Bluenosers is how they occupy a virtual space too - in two short years the new non-profit is all over LinkedIn as the space to connect Nova Scotians worldwide and a series of events from London to San Francisco and upcoming events in Ottawa, Calgary and Dubai.  

It's the definition that is the magic. Anyone that spends time in Nova Scotia, wants to invest in Nova Scotia, is from Nova Scotia (and yes) studied in Nova Scotia can join the network.  

Our challenge this week: 

For alumni facing professionals: How do you define alumni? Is it rigid and are you missing out on those with a deep affinity? Can this definition be broadened to embrace alumni of all kinds? 

For students and alumni: What are your special connections to place? Are you a member of a diaspora community? It might not be a Canadian province but it might be a city or country. As I noted in my  TEDx talk - we are all connected by alumni - diaspora too. When the origin of the word diaspora are linked to phrases like 'scattered across the earth' there is immense potential for us all! 

I love to speak about the alumni-diaspora connection - networking opportunities abound! I am happy to bring this to your alumni team, company or student/alumni group! Let's talk! Book a Discovery Call!  

With scattered alumni affection, 

Maria 

Photo: Shouldn't all Board meetings end with a song? I was joined at by fellow Founding Director Kent Groves and Sean Meister, CEO of Global Bluenosers this week! Sociable!