Georgian College

Reading the Alumni Association's daily posts on Facebook always puts a smile on my face. I've been told I hold the record for the most "likes" on the page and I am proud of that fact. I want you to consider "liking" the Georgian College Alumni Association Facebook page too. If you don't use Facebook, follow your Alumni Association on Twitter or LinkedIn – we aim to cover all of our bases to communicate regularly with our 60,000 alumni. Get inspired There are many posts about the amazing achievements of fellow graduates – these stories are not only inspirational, they are illustrations of what people can accomplish when they are armed with an education and a desire to fulfi l a goal. Win every month Every month, the names of alumni and students on the Facebook page are automatically entered into a draw for free tickets or gift certifi cates for popular destinations, services, products and entertainment. Continuing Education Get the inside track on new programs and courses, link to the new course calendar as soon as it is available, fi nd out how to upgrade your skills, indulge a passion, learn something new and meet others with similar interests. Get Social Be the fi rst to hear about a reunion, an alumni event on campus or in the community and win free tickets to these events. Save money I cannot stress this enough – check the list of Alumni Association affi nity and discount partners before buying tickets, insurance, memberships or booking hotels. You're entitled to a growing number of discounts. These are only some examples – volunteer opportunities, career services and links to job postings, sporting events, campus and community happenings and other alumni-related news is posted regularly. Stay plugged in – I guarantee you'll "like" the experience. MaryLynn West-Moynes is the new President and CEO of Georgian College. She brings extensive academic and administrative experience in post-secondary education in Ontario, having held senior positions at both the college and university level. She is passionate about student success and about the essential role alumni and donors can play in fostering the achievements of current students. Q. What is the one thing about Georgian's reputation that drew you here? A. Most communities have a high regard for their community colleges, that's natural, but the entire Ontario college system has a high regard for what's happening at Georgian. There is an innovative, entrepreneurial spirit here that I wanted to be part of. Why do you feel it is important for alumni to maintain a lifelong connection to Georgian College? Friends I made during my post- secondary education remain some of my closest, and I know that's true for many Georgian alumni as well. The lifelong connection of alumni is also important to the college. I believe part of what really differentiates Georgian is a strong relationship with business and industry. Our alumni are a key element of that as many of them come back to guest lecture or encourage their presidents and CEOs to visit Georgian classrooms too. Students get so much out of meeting alumni who have gone before them and can provide them with real concrete advice about their chosen profession. Q. What do you think of the success of the Power of Education campaign to date? In a word – fantastic! I'm absolutely delighted to come to an institution that is a fundraising leader in the Ontario college system. That success is built on the generosity of more than 3,300 donors, all people who give whatever they can to help move this exciting and creative vision forward. It speaks volumes that so many alumni recognize the importance of giving back. We often talk about how important it is that students come to school and get an education and I think it goes beyond that. It goes beyond the way you take your skills into the workforce, to how you become good and solid citizens. Alumni do that by making it easier for other students coming behind them. Q. What's in store for Georgian for the next year? There are so many opportunities! If I had to highlight only one, I would say watch for exciting developments in our Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre. I've had the opportunity to meet Mr. Bernick and am truly energized by the opportunity to create an even more innovative and entrepreneurial culture among Georgian stakeholders at all seven campuses. We are eager to learn from the experiences and ideas of our alumni who are themselves business owners and entrepreneurs. I invite any alumni who are following their own entrepreneurial paths to contact our Offi ce of Development and Alumni Relations to become involved. FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO FROM THE CHAIR VIEW VIEW MaryLynn West-Moynes, President and CEO of Georgian College Dianne Martin, Nursing '98, Chair of Alumni Association and Executive Director of Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario. Stay connected to the latest news from Georgian by visiting www.georgiancollege.ca/president. connect WitH Us! GeorgianView 2012/13 | 3

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