The Staff Spotlight: Exploring Your UW Support Network
This series shines a light on the support systems that help staff at the University of Waterloo thrive. Through conversations with the staff behind this work, we highlight the services available to staff and opportunities to get involved and grow.
In this Spotlight, we meet Alyssa Doyle, who works in Community Relations and Events, where she helps plan and deliver events across campus—including convocation. We spoke with her about what goes into events behind the scenes, why convocation matters, and why staff volunteers keep coming back.
Tell us about your role at UW and what your day-to-day work looks like
It’s very similar to project management—a lot of strategizing, planning, and then eventually executing events throughout the year. At any given time, I could be working on the development for various events—building critical paths and workback schedules, and working with stakeholders or speakers to make sure we’ve thought of everything.
What is your favourite part of working at UW?
This is so cliché, but it has to be the people. I get to work with so many different departments and campus partners—from catering and athletics to plant operations and parking, as well as many staff and faculty members. There’s always someone new to meet and get to know.
Alyssa Doyle, Associate Director, Community Relations & Events
We use events as a way to build a sense of community and share our thought leadership—on campus, across the Waterloo region, and globally.
What do you want people to understand about how your team supports events at UW?
One thing people don’t always see is the approach behind an event. We’re always thinking about the University’s reputation, and no detail is too small.
We’re trying to make sure everyone—attendees, speakers, volunteers—has a really elevated experience. We ask: What could we do that's maybe just a tiny bit different that someone walks away from an event thinking, oh, wow, that was unique or special!
Little things can make a big impact, so we approach everything very intentionally. It seems simple, but it takes a lot of extra effort and collaboration to make it feel seamless. By taking care of all the little details, we’re making sure that people have a very smooth experience, can enjoy the content at each event and will hopefully be inspired to tell someone else about the amazing things happening at the University of Waterloo.
How do you support other staff who are planning events on campus?
We’re a small team, so we don’t jump in and plan other people’s events, but we’re always happy to offer advice. I do consultations throughout the year—I just met with one team to brainstorm ways to make their events more sustainable.
Let’s talk about convocation. It looks seamless, but what’s happening behind the scenes?
It’s a true team effort, not just my team, but all the campus partners: the Registrar’s Office, Athletics, Central Stores, the W Store, just to name a few— and everyone is playing their individual part in order to make the whole event seemless.
Most importantly, we have amazing volunteer ambassadors who are the face of convocation for many attendees, from greeting people in parking lots to marshals helping usher graduates to the stage, everyone plays a vital role.
What are some convocation moments that have stuck with you?
I have a few for sure. One was a valedictorian who told me he was keeping it a complete surprise from his parents—he was just going to walk up on stage after being announced as valedictorian and deliver the speech. As a mom, I put myself in the shoes of his family sitting in the audience and thought about how excited they would be.
Another time, I was helping a graduate across the stage, and when she was handed her diploma, she burst into tears—you could just feel that this meant so much to her after many years getting to that point.
We also hear so many stories from families and those moments make everything worth it. It’s why everyone at the University really does what they do.
What do staff get out of volunteering for convocation? Why do they keep coming back?
I think they’re surprised by how fun it is. They often love the energy of the day—people are so happy to be there and to be around that feeling. It makes it a positive day for anyone volunteering.
It is really rewarding because they get to be a small part of making someone's day better. Getting to see graduates and their families celebrating gives you a good perspective of the bigger picture of why we’re all here.
What would you say to someone who’s on the fence about volunteering?
It’s a great way to build a sense of community, especially if you’re new here or haven’t found your people yet. I see volunteers who come back every year and get to know each other, even if they work in completely different departments.
It is a great way to feel a sense of community at the university and meet people that you may not otherwise meet.
Want to volunteer but can’t find an available shift? Email ambassadors.convocation@waterloo.ca and they’ll find you a spot!
What is another staff role that deserves a spotlight?
Government relations comes to mind—they’re a small team doing important work to keep a pulse on government and how it connects to the university.
I've also gotten to work really closely with colleagues in the Office of Indigenous Relations, they’re always doing amazing things (check out our Spotlight on OIR events coordinator Gladwyn Badger!).
And Athletics and Recreation—they’re always willing to help, even when they’re incredibly busy.
Do you have an idea for a support, service, or team we should spotlight? Tell us! We prioritize suggestions that showcase less visible work, reflect a broad range of roles and lived experiences, and centre voices and roles that are often under-recognized.