University of Guelph Alumni Association
We’re here to help you stay connected, grow professionally, and thrive.
Board of Directors
The UGAA is governed by a ten-member volunteer board. The role of the board is to:
- Represent the interests of the alumni population as a whole
- Promote opportunities for lifelong relationships
- Encourage communication among alumni and with the University community
The board seeks competencies and diversity that will contribute to effective governance and represent our alumni body. Diversifying the board is a priority for our nomination process. The alumni we serve are diverse in many ways. By better reflecting this diversity in the makeup of our board and committees, we will increase our understanding of how to best serve all of our alumni. Self nominations are encouraged. Nominations are closed.
What's in it for you?
When you join the UGAA board, you are seizing a great opportunity to develop your skillset, connect with like-minded alumni, and engage in strategic planning on behalf of the alumni community. As a board, we work together to affect change and implement opportunities at U of G — individually, we develop our own skills and experience in board governance, community involvement, strategic planning, communications, marketing, finance and fundraising. It's a win-win!
President
Thomas Brandstetter
B.Sc. '98
VP External
Lauren Lewitzky
BA '15
VP Internal
Lindsay Holland
B.Comm '06, M.Sc. '08
Secretary/Treasurer
Jeff Dover
B.Comm '90
Past President
Courtney De Caire
BA '12
Director
Benjamin Hayes
BLA '17
Director
Gregg Allan
B.Sc. (Agr.) '78
Director
Kelli Rice
B.Sc. (Agr.) '99
Director
Karen Grant
B.A.Sc. '92
Director
Kaitlyn Edwards
B.Comm '14
Director
Talha Tariq
B.Eng '21
- Term of Office: Three Years
Responsibilities
- Increase the awareness of alumni and their involvement, contributions, and interactions with the University
- Act as a strong ambassador for the University of Guelph
- Motivate fellow alumni to be active in University advancement and alumni outreach
- Seek out new affinities that will expand the connection alumni have with the University
- Provide information, best practices and ideas for the UGAA and Alumni Affairs and Development
- Contribute to the good governance and ethical behaviour of the UGAA
- Be an active participant in at least one UGAA subcommittee
- Be prepared for all meetings by reviewing the past minutes, committee reports, and any other information provided in advance
- Contribute to the governing of the UGAA, which includes proposing, debating, approving operations as well as short- and long-term strategic planning
Qualifications include, but are not limited to:
- Graduate of the University of Guelph
- Commitment to the advancement of the University of Guelph
- Ability to meet time and length of term commitments
- Commitment to the mission and role of the UGAA board
- Understanding of the operation of the UGAA and Alumni Affairs & Development
- Ability to contribute ideas and opinions openly and to build a climate of trust and teamwork
- Objectivity and absence of conflict of interest
- Prior board experience
- Ability to work with a diverse alumni population and other university stakeholders
- Results orientation
- Systems-level planning and thinking
- Understanding organizational and team dynamics
Time Commitment
- Approximately 9 board meetings per year
- Attend weekend retreat and/or an annual orientation session
- Annual General Meeting (June)
- Occasional teleconference calls
- Homecoming Weekend (September)
- Alumni Weekend and Gala (June)
- In addition, time is required for reading and preparation for board and committee meetings
- Participation in at least one board sub-committee with meetings held 6-8 times per year, representing 4-6 hours per month
- Attendance at University and alumni functions as required
- All meetings (executive & board) begin at 6:00 p.m. and are held either virtually, at Alumni House, University of Guelph or occasionally an off-campus location. Dinner and beverages are provided for each in person meeting. Normally available at 5:30 p.m.
- Duration of meetings: regular board meetings last for approximately 2 hours while committee meetings are approximately 60 minutes.
- Correspondence between board members is frequent and encouraged.
- EXECUTIVE: Provides leadership for the board.
- NOMINATIONS: Ensures sound leadership and continuous development of the UGAA by recruiting a succession of dedicated alumni with appropriate skill sets.
- FINANCE AND AFFINITY: Provides the UGAA with predictable, stable, and expanding financial resources.
For detailed information on the governance of the University of Guelph Alumni Association, please visit our Bylaws page.