A word from the Alumni Association President

Josephine Palumbo

Dear  Members of the Alumni Community, 

It brings me great pride and joy to share with you, as president, our 2022–2023 Annual Report

This year has been a testament to the unwavering spirit and remarkable achievements of our alumni community. As we navigate an ever-evolving world, our alumni continue to shine, inspiring us with their resilience, innovation and dedication. Whether through groundbreaking research, entrepreneurial ventures, community service or artistic endeavours, our alumni consistently demonstrate the transformative power of uOttawa.

Celebrating the contributions and successes of our alumni is one of the most inspiring aspects of my role as president. Alumni are committed to making the world a better place and their commitment to positive change is profound, as you will see in this report, which features a small sampling of the extraordinary work they and our association are doing. I encourage you to read these stories and celebrate these accomplishments, which reflect the impact of the University of Ottawa on us.

This year, we’ve witnessed the incredible reach of our alumni across diverse fields and around the globe. From pioneering sustainability initiatives that are reshaping industries to advocating for social justice and equity, our alumni are catalysts for change. Just think of the Honourable Michelle O’Bonsawin, named to the Supreme Court of Canada, the first Indigenous person appointed to the country’s highest court. 

I believe that your collective accomplishments serve as a source of motivation for current students, showing them the incredible heights they can achieve. 

Recently, we lost a dear and generous member of our alumni family, Monique Bégin. In both public life and academia, she was a giant: a passionate parliamentarian, a provocative scholar and a fearless advocate. Madame Bégin received an honorary doctorate from the University in 2003 and was part of the large alumni community. The association will ensure that her legacy continues to guide the University and the community that she helped to build. 
 
Our association’s commitment to fostering connections remains steadfast. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing global situation, we’ve adapted and found innovative ways to bring alumni closer. Through virtual reunions, networking events and mentorship programs, we’ve continued to nurture the bonds forged during your time on campus.

Presenting the Alumni Achievement Awards is always a highlight for our association. While we had scheduled the event for May 2023, the awards presentation will now take place in October. Again this year, we’re looking forward to showcasing our outstanding  award winners and celebrating all they’ve accomplished.

The Alumni Association has continued its work to build community through meaningful engagement. We’ve undertaken multiple initiatives, such as the uOttaKnow podcast and impact stories featuring prominent alumni. The new mentorship platform Ten Thousand Coffees is matching students wth alumni, offering networking opportunities that suit students’ career goals. As usual, Homecoming was one of the busiest events of the fall, with a brand new STEAM Fair for the whole University community, a real success!

One of our goals is to preserve a mutually beneficial, enduring relationship among alumni and with the University. The Board of Directors and I are constantly seeking ways to meet your needs and join our efforts. We want to hear your ideas on ways to elevate the alumni experience and to meaningfully engage our community.

There are 250,000+ uOttawa alumni worldwide — trailblazing, thoughtful, change-making, difference-making and inspirational. I’m proud to represent you. 

I’m also excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we can continue to build on the legacy of excellence that defines our alma mater. By collaborating, sharing insights and supporting each other, we can create a ripple effect far beyond what we accomplish as individuals.

As you read about the remarkable journeys of your fellow alumni here, I hope you’re filled with a sense of pride and a renewed commitment to the values that unite us.

Our board continues to work towards an association renewal initiative, including an updated partnership with the University to better serve the needs of our alumni and contribute to uOttawa’s strategic vision and priorities.  

I extend my sincerest gratitude to my colleagues in the Alumni Relations Office, whose unwavering assistance, professionalism and support have been instrumental in moving our work forward. 

In closing, thank you for being an integral part of our success. Your continued involvement enriches the lives of both current students and alumni, as we strengthen the lifelong connection we have with our alma mater and with each other.

I wish you all the best in your endeavours, and a future filled with even greater accomplishments.

Sincerely, 

Josephine A.L. Palumbo, BSocSc ’88, LLB ’91   
President
Alumni Association 
University of Ottawa