Alumni Olympic Gold

Alumni podium success = hard work behind the scenes  

Dear Friends: 

Universities are riding the Olympic wave, celebrating past (and present) alumni Olympians. This connects our wider alumni community to the pinnacle of sports achievements, creating inspirational role models for students and alumni alike. I had the pleasure of teaching two Olympians -- one competing in Paris-- and I was mentored early in my career by another. Meeting these women showed me the combination of focus and finesse.  

(Alumni relations is like the Olympics. It requires hard work behind the scenes to create a beautiful performance (or alumni event!) and create magic. In the case of alumni relations, medal contention is creating reconnection, rekindling friendships and building deep affinity that translates into engagement for and with the institution. (What's the value of alumni connections? Check out my guest spot on the UBC Student Alumni Council podcast for some ideas!) 

With this Alumni Friday newsletter each week, I am trying to bring you some focus and finesse for your work with and as alumni. Emma and I (Team Alumni Way!) are making some changes to our internal systems to offer you the best weekly inspiration for your Alumni Friday. Bear with us! Love your patience! Check out your spam (just in case!) if you don't see this at the top of your inbox next Friday   

Your challenge this week:  

Go for GOLD! Let's DOUBLE the number of alumni and alumni-facing professionals participating in an Alumni Friday! Do you know anyone else that would benefit from this Alumni Friday weekly inspiration?  

Dive in! Spread the Alumni Friday love! Send them this link OR go old school! Forward this e-mail and encourage them to e-mail me and I will add them to our weekly Alumni Friday community.  

I am a natural at the podium and on stage (not the Olympic podium, but one can dream!). My goal is to energize and inspire your alumni, students or alumni-facing professionals! I offer Next Generation Networking workshops and alumni seeking inspiration career keynotes tailored to your organisation. This is the time to book 2025! Let's talk! Book an Discovery Call! 

Yours with alumni-Olympic spirit, 

Maria  

Photo: Winner! Last month I had the honour to bestow an alumni award at my alma mater to Pia O'Leary, who graduated 3 decades before me - she had the enthusiasm of an Olympian!