They proudly represented their graduating class. But what happens after they walk the stage? In this series, we’re catching up with past #UBishops valedictorians to see where life has taken them since their big day.
Where are you now?
I now live and work in Ottawa, ON, as the Associate Vice-President, Government Relations for CIBC and am the Chair of the Board of Directors at the Queensway Carleton Hospital, Vice-Chair of the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation Board of Directors and serve on the Communications Committee of the Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice Board of Directors.
I am married with two children and feel fortunate to have many great Bishop’s friends who have remained important parts of my life for over 30 years since graduation in 1994!
How did your time at Bishop’s share your career path or journey?
Bishop’s was, and remains, a very important part of my life, and I am so lucky to have had the “Bishop’s Experience”. I have met untold numbers of Bishop’s graduates throughout my career, or people with a personal or professional connection to Bishop’s. It never ceases to amaze me the sense of pride that Alumni feel towards our alma mater.
Bishop’s may be a smaller university, but the connections it fosters are global, and there is always a special dynamic when you meet a fellow graduate and can reminisce about Lennoxville together.
Tips for current students?
The best advice that I can give would be to live the full Bishop’s experience. Try new clubs and activities, get involved in sports and the arts, and volunteer in the community to give back. I wish that I had had the international opportunities that current students have, so I would also encourage those possibilities.
The more perspective you have on life, the more you can help shape it. I remember speaking about “successes and un-successes, not failures” during my Valedictory speech at Convocation and have tried to really live those words by learning from situations that didn’t go as planned and not considering them as mistakes. The point is to learn from a situation and make a better decision the next time around, so I encourage students not to be afraid and instead to take informed risks when it comes to their own career paths.
I would also encourage students to have empathy and, as simple as it sounds, be kind. I have learned throughout my life that simple acts of kindness go a long way to fostering meaningful personal and professional relationships and to building trust and respect.
Finally, get involved with Alumni offerings like the BU JUMP Program and information mentorship opportunities. Alumni are always willing and eager to meet and assist fellow graduates, and it offers a valuable opportunity to grow your network through the wide reach of Alumni located around the world.
