Get to Know the Team behind Alumni Relations

Friday, July 22, 2016

Since the start of the Alumni Relations blog three-and-a-half-years ago, we have had more than one hundred different blog posts from our alumni, students, and staff! From alumni events, to behind-the-scenes peeks during Convocation and Reunion, to personal alumni biographies, the past few years have been filled with memorable posts!

We hope you have had a great time reading about all of the University's diverse and interesting alumni, as well as checking out all of the latest updates and photos from our global events.

The Alumni Relations blog releases a new post every Friday, so make sure to follow us and check back weekly for new posts. For the time being, discover more about some of the amazing people who are behind the alumni events, services, and communications!


Hi, I’m Alison Boyd, Director, Alumni Relations.

Cat in a bear hat
I’m very fortunate to have done my degree and started my career at UWaterloo and now, as the Director, I get to work with an amazing team of people across campus who want to help you stay connected.

When I’m not at work, I enjoy volunteering in my community, photography and travelling around the world with my partner, Andrew.


Hi, I am Cynthia Bree

Dog standing in a dress
n, the Alumni Officer of Digital Initiatives.

I am a rare non-alumnus of UWaterloo around here, having completed my undergraduate from Guelph-Humber and graduate school in Communications Management from McMaster.  But being a non-grad gives me a fresh outsider perspective on the awesome work UWaterloo alumni do!

I am a mom to two very active kids, Bryson and Avery, and Chief Walking Companion to our yellow lab, Wrigley.

Between them and my husband Shane, we stay pretty busy and enjoy being involved in our community.


Hi, I am Dana

Harry Potter dog
Ciak, Alumni Officer, Communications and Marketing.

I have the privilege of working with you, our outstanding alumni each and every day, writing about the amazing things you are all doing after graduation. Quite arguably, the best job in the world!

My husband and I are both proud Waterloo alumni and love to travel and spend time at home. Oh, and I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan.

I would love to hear about the great things you are doing after graduation so send me an e-mail anytime!


Hi, my name is L

dog in a wonder women outfit
isa, and I am the alumni officer, of all things adorable.

I am a Waterloo grad and love all things Waterloo, including chasing geese, barking at squirrels and giving the doggy salute to all trees.

When I am not saving the world in my wonderwoman costume I enjoy cuddles and treats.

Don't forget to spay or neuter your pets.


dog with books
Hi everyone! I’m Melissa Horne, Alumni Officer, Students and Young Alumni.

I joined the Alumni Relations team in June, and although I’ve only been here a short while, I can see why there is so much pride among Waterloo Alumni. I look forward to exploring the campus, dodging geese, and checking out student and alumni events.

Outside the hours of 9-5, I’m either out walking my dog, Charlie, playing ultimate Frisbee, or planning my next road trip.


Goldendoodle
Hi, I’m Jen Sibdhannie, the Alumni Program Coordinator.

As a proud Waterloo alumnus, I love working on campus and getting to know our alumni. My job lets me work on lots of different projects and alumni events. I may be new to the Alumni Relations team, but I have worked in the Office of Advancement in the past. As a co-op student, I was in photos for various communications; see if you can find my photo on our website!

When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my family and friends, especially my Mini Goldendoodle, Parker! I love travelling (but have recently started exploring Ontario more), punk rock, and all things superhero related.


Hi! I’m Davene

dog with sunglasses on and hood up
, Alumni Officer International.

I work to connect, engage and support our alumni networks around the world. UWaterloo has ten Global Alumni Chapters: San Francisco, New York, London UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing and Korea, Calgary and Vancouver. So as you can see, we are in the process of taking over the world.


Our alumni chapters and volunteers support our university in countless ways and dedicate their time, talent and resources to help enhance Waterloo's global presence.

During the winter/spring of 2015, I spent 4 months living and working in Hong Kong while overseeing the University of Waterloo Hong Kong Foundation.


Dog with braids
Hi I’m Alex Farley, and I'm currently filling the role of Alumni Officer, Volunteer Engagement.

I'm a proud UWaterloo alumnus and big advocate for all things volunteer related (hence the job title)! Volunteerism is one of the many ways we get to interact with alumni around the globe, and I'm one of the lucky ones who gets to see this happen and find ways to empower our volunteers to be successful as they champion our mission and share our message.

In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering in the community (of course), spending time with family and friends and trying to travel as much as possible! Everywhere is on my bucket list, and I love learning about different cultures.


Hi! I'm Heather Steinmetz and I'm the new kid around in Alumni Relations. I started in August 2016 serving as the new Alumni Officer, Reunions and Events. 

Dog in football uniform
I have an exciting role as I get to work with you, our amazing alumni, in providing events throughout the year that are meaningful to you as far as learning something new, connecting with old friends, making new connections, and trying something new and exciting.

So far, I've had the pleasure of hosting/co-hosting Reunion Weekend, Alumni Big Ticket, Alumni Theatre Night, Fantastic Alumni Day, and more. I hope you've had a chance to experience some of these for yourself! If not, you're always invited.

When I'm not thinking of fun ways to connect with all of you, I'm spending my time getting together with family and friends, playing volleyball, making arts and craft, baking, and laughing - I've been told my laugh is quite distinguishable.

I hope to see you at our upcoming events!


Dog in leather jacket and black sunglasses
Hi, I’m Yvonne, a very proud staff member of the University of Waterloo for 29 years!

I am involved in many aspects of the University, including the very exciting time of Convocation.

Most of my days are filled with assisting our alumni with the many varied queries that we receive by phone, in person, or electronically.

In my spare time I enjoy walking my two big Golden Retrievers, and riding my motorbike.