For National Volunteer Week, discover how alumni are fostering community as one global network
University of Waterloo alumni make up a powerful global network of more than 255,000 graduates. While alumni live around the world in 157 countries, they are all connected by one alumni network.
Dozens of volunteer-driven alumni chapters and global ambassadors are dedicated to uniting alumni, fostering community and cultivating collaboration to make a positive impact on the world.
For National Volunteer Week, April 27 to May 3, we’re featuring alumni who are creating strong connections with alumni around the world.
Jane moved to Seattle a few years after graduating in 1999 and has been living there ever since. She loves the area and the opportunities to enjoy nature, which is one of the reasons she organized a walk for alumni through Discovery Park in November.
“We had a two-year-old who was carried on a parent’s shoulders all the way up to someone in their 70s,” said Jane, who’s been an alumni ambassador since 2022 and wanted to host an informal event with broad appeal.
“On a walk, you're just walking. You talk to these people for a bit, then others ... there’s not a lot of social pressure, it’s just very organic and I think that’s nice.”
Volunteer-driven chapters and ambassadors host a variety of programming and events in their regions. When Jane is organizing programming, she considers ways to help local alumni experience Seattle.
“There are some people who grew up in Seattle, went to Waterloo and then came back. But there are a lot of new people, and they're interested in exploring the area.”
Jane is passionate about bringing alumni together, so the ambassador role is a natural fit and a way for her to give back.
“You can choose volunteering that aligns with your passion. I like meeting people. I like connecting groups and finding common ground. I’m doing work I like.”
Jane leading a walk through Discovery Park with alumni.
Harrison’s been volunteering with Waterloo for six years. First, he was with the New York alumni chapter where he established an annual basketball game outing with the Raptors and Nets. Now, he lives in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is a global ambassador, helping to establish a community of more than 150 alumni and leaders.
“It’s a way to remain connected to Waterloo and give back,” said Harrison. “Building community is important.”
While in the UAE, Harrison has been working on expanding the alumni community into more Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia and Qatar. But he says he can’t do it alone.
“It’s all about teamwork,” said Harrison, giving credit to Alex Scott (BASc ’09) and Salman Shaban (BA ’11) who are also alumni ambassadors in the region.
Harrison admits that juggling his career, personal life and volunteering can be challenging, but it’s worth it when he’s able to create exciting and worthwhile opportunities for alumni. That includes a reception hosted in November 2024 where alumni met several leaders from the region and from the University, including Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor, Nenone Donaldson, vice-president of the Office of Advancement, and Mary Wells, dean of the Faculty of Engineering.
“It says a lot for them to come visit us and attend our event.”
From left to right: Harrison Lung (BASc ’04), UWaterloo alumni global ambassador; Radha Krishna Panday, Canada’s Ambassador to the UAE; Ali Kong; Vivek Goel, UWaterloo president and vice-chancellor; Alex Scott (BASc ’09), UWaterloo alumni global ambassador
When Meighan moved back to Canada after starting her career in London, England, she was looking for an opportunity to volunteer at an organization she was passionate about. She chose Waterloo.
“I had a fantastic time when I was at Waterloo and it’s where I met my best friend,” said Meighan. “We shared a room in first year and have been friends ever since. We were even in each other’s weddings.”
In 2021, Meighan joined the Toronto Alumni Chapter as a community development co-lead and spearheaded the mentorship program as a way to build community. “I’ve had mentors throughout my entire career, and I know what a difference it made, especially in the early parts of my career,” said Meighan.
In the mentorship program, new alumni are matched with experienced alumni, often based on their interests and careers. Meighan and her mentee meet in person every few weeks for coffee or a walk. Meighan says it gives her a sense of fulfillment to answer questions and offer advice, and it motivates her to continue giving back.
“If we can do something to help the next generation of leaders thrive in their career, then that’s what I want to be able to offer young alumni.”
Jane, Harrison and Meighan are part of an alumni network of hundreds of volunteers, including global ambassadors and those involved in alumni chapters around the world. The University of Waterloo would like to thank all the alumni volunteers who help build community, connection and a brighter tomorrow.
