Lee Anne Doyle (BES ’81) shares why she volunteers in the UWaterloo community, and what she hopes to achieve
Lee Anne Doyle (BES ’81) has given countless hours to Waterloo, as a member of Alumni Council, class reunion organizer and fundraiser for student support. Like many other alumni volunteers, she gives back to strengthen our University community and build lifelong connections with fellow alumni and students.
In celebration of National Volunteer Week, we caught up with Lee Anne to learn more about her role as a volunteer and why she gives back.
You’ve given a lot of your time to the University. Can you explain some of the initiatives you’re involved in?
I am a proud alumnus of the Faculty of Environment. Knowing I can make a difference in people’s lives solidifies my commitment and passion to give back to Waterloo. I contribute on how to best engage with and maximize the impact of our global community of Waterloo alumni. Becoming an Alumni Council member is a big step towards developing an understanding of the strategic priorities of the University and provide alumni-focused insight into the strategy, objectives and actions based on my experience at UWaterloo. Since joining the Alumni Council in March 2020, I have attended the meetings and events virtually.
I am also Chair of the Student Sponsorship Fund (SSF) Taskforce, currently creating a Fund that pairs financial aid with alumni mentorship. I was part of the fall 2020 Virtual Live Celebration for our newest members of the Alumni Club (we welcomed our 220,000th member last fall). I was provided with a script and some video filming guides from the Office of Advancement and filmed a video to celebrate our graduating students at the 2020 Fall Convocation.
LEE ANNE DOYLE, Alumnus and volunteer
You can take the Warrior out of Waterloo but you can never take Waterloo out of a Warrior’s heart.
Why did you join Waterloo’s Alumni Council, and what impact do you hope to make with these personal investments in our University community?
After a long and rewarding public service career, I began realigning to the next phase of my life and offering my expertise in advisory roles, including the School of Planning’s 2017-2018 Planner-in-Residence role, 1981 PLAN Class Champion and Waterloo’s Alumni Council.
As a proud and positive Waterloo alumnus I joined Alumni Council in March 2020. I saw it as an opportunity to give back. I am committed to advancing the University’s strategic objectives. The passion I have for Waterloo will assist in building meaningful, lifelong relationships with the University.
Being part of the Council provides opportunities to share my knowledge and continue learning. I feel energized collaborating with a diverse, creative and passionate group of alumni who are enthusiastic through all facets of their engagement. As a well-connected community leader, I am willing to open doors and collaborate with other volunteers and staff. As a respected, ethical, influential and successful professional I can make a difference. You can take the Warrior out of Waterloo but you can never take Waterloo out of a Warrior’s heart.
What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
The most rewarding part of my role is Chair of the Student Sponsorship Fund Taskforce. We are creating financial aid that will pair with alumni mentorship to support and enrich non-academic student experience. Another rewarding part is providing feedback and advice to the President and Vice-Chancellor and Senior Director, Alumni Relations on how to maximize the impact of alumni. Alumni Council meetings are focused on the collaboration and the discussion of ideas. I have the opportunity to provide insight into the strategy, objectives and actions based on my external perspective and experience at Waterloo.
LEE ANNE DOYLE, Alumnus and volunteer
I speak from experience when I say that getting involved with the Alumni Council will enrich your life!
What advice would you give to other alumni who are looking for their first volunteer role?
I encourage Alumni to foster the relationship that they have built with Waterloo. Whether it’s joining on a conference call or participating in virtual events, this effort is a reminder to students and alumni to take advantage of the resources we have at Waterloo.
As alumni we are now in a unique position to be able to give back both professionally and financially. I encourage alumni to consider becoming an active member of our Global Alumni Network, strive to develop pride and lifelong relationships with alumni and students, and give back financially and professionally.
My commitment and passion for Waterloo remains unwavering after 40 years. I have been a key organizer of my 10th, 20th, 30th, 35th and 40th class reunions, allowing my classmates to reconnect with Waterloo faculty, staff and old friends. As an Environment Class Champion I launched the Class of ’81 Entrance Scholarship with a goal of $10,000 to celebrate our 40th virtual reunion on June 5, 2021. I am also a participant of the monthly ENVConnect virtual networking and mentoring platform powered through Ten Thousand Coffees. Looking back I am grateful to the mentors who made my successful career possible.
I encourage alumni to get involved with your faculty and participate actively in initiatives important to your faculty including mentorship opportunities. I speak from experience when I say that getting involved with the Alumni Council will enrich your life!
