Georgian College

4 GEORGIANVIEW SPRING 2022 GREETINGS In 2012, I shared my first message as Georgian's newly appointed President and CEO in GeorgianView magazine, and in that interview, I recall my enthusiasm as I spoke about the essential role that alumni and donors can play in fostering the achievements of our students. Now, a decade later, let me say just how inspired I am by how much we have accomplished together over this time. Many of you know that I believe education to be the great equalizer in our society. It has the power to change lives and transform communities, and for many, education is the foundation for a better future. I'd like to thank each donor who has ever made a gift to Georgian College because every gift has helped bring a dream to fruition; every employer who has hired a Georgian graduate and made space for them to learn and grow as industry professionals; every graduate who has volunteered on a college committee or given their time as a mentor or college ambassador; and every member of our staff and faculty who have been on this journey with me over these past 10 years. You are all part of the reason that more than 40,000 students have graduated since my first day as our college president. The world is changing. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities, and it is because of the support from each of you that our students are graduating with the skills and foundation to be the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. I feel honoured to have been given three decades of experiences in education, and I am humbled to have served as Georgian's fifth president. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Go Grizzlies! Someone shared with me recently that the COVID-19 pandemic has represented an opportunity for isolated self-reflection. Without hesitation, I agree. For more than two years, we've retracted in many ways as a community; watched as the virus disrupted our everyday lives; and changed the way we engage with one another. Over this same period, the opportunity has come to think about what we as individuals and a collective community can do differently. The ways we can do better…be better. I was appointed chair of the Georgian College Alumni Association Executive Council (AAEC) in June 2020, just three months after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared. I can say with certainty that my time as council chair has been a very different experience than what was originally expected. Over this time, I've been profoundly impacted by stories of determination and fortitude I've also been inspired by fellow graduates who have stepped up and helped to support students as mentors, provided donations to fund new bursaries and scholarships, and come into the virtual classroom to share their experiences in industry and community, ensuring our future alumni were able to achieve their educational goals despite the challenges they faced along the way. Throughout this issue, you'll read stories of resilience, perseverance, kindness and generosity. I hope these stories inspire moments of reflection for you. Mahatma Gandhi once said: "In gentle way, you can shake the world." As I conclude my time as your AAEC chair, I encourage you to shake the world – to get involved and to help support the generations that are coming behind us. I look forward to seeing you at future alumni events. Until then, Go Grizzlies! Gratitude for Georgian supporters Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes President and CEO Arjun Batra Class of 2007 Chair, Alumni Association Executive Council (AAEC)

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