Alumni Relations – Year in Review

While the past year and a half will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most trying times in recent memory, the hardships it has presented remind us of the importance of working together and looking out for one another . Thank you to all Mount Saint Vincent alumni for your continued generosity and kindness towards fellow members of the Mount Saint Vincent family, your alma mater, and broader communities . The spirit of the Mount has been reflected in your words and actions and has been felt by all those to whom you have leant your support .

2020/21 Highlights

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic required us to pivot and adapt not only to new working environments, but also to a new approach to engagement . This shift enabled us to take exciting steps in the development of a new online alumni engagement hub that is set to launch later this year and will offer many opportunities for alumni to connect with one another and the broader university community .

In early spring 2020, the Alumni Relations team launched new virtual programming for alumni, including a LinkedIn & Networking Session for young alumni, and Meditation Sessions for all alumni in support of wellness . Given the vast reach of virtual events, we were able to provide expanded engagement opportunities for our alumni outside of Nova Scotia which would not have been possible in normal circumstances . In short, it’s been a beneficial shift in many ways and one that we will carry with us moving forward!

During this tough year, our thoughts were often with our 2020 and 2021 graduates, and the need to find innovative ways to celebrate and support them . Our online alumni framing store remained open throughout the year offering free shipment of frames within Canada .

The Mount Saint Vincent Alumni Association, and its wonderful committees, continued their great work virtually this year on behalf of Mount alumni . Through a virtual celebration, we were proud to recognize the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of our outstanding 2020 Alumni Award Winners Tina Murphy, BPR ‘88 (Alumni Award for Community Service), and The Limestone Group: Damian McCartney, BBA ‘16, O’Neil Miller, BMP ‘16, and Giovanni Johnson, BSC ‘17 (Young Alumni of the Year Award) .

Regretfully, the pandemic meant that some of our beloved annual events like Reunion Weekend 2020, originally scheduled for October, had to be cancelled . We made sure to still celebrate with our 50th anniversary class, however, by sending them special milestone packages in the mail . Those marking anniversary years were able to sign-up to receive their milestone pins by mail . We look forward to hosting a combination of virtual and in-person events at Reunion Weekend 2021, scheduled for October 13-17th . A pilot of the new Mount Mentorship program, connecting graduating students and young alumni with professional mentors in their preferred industry, concluded in 2020 . The pilot provided the team with an excellent foundation to launch the full program in early 2021 .

Work on a refreshed alumni visual identity also began, supported by feedback from over 700 alumni received through a special survey . Officially launched in April 2021, the new brand proudly reflects the Mount’s rich history as an Academy, College and University, and its current mandate: to foster the education of women and other engaged thinkers, while committing to social justice and to an equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible community .

We are looking forward to the future and the opportunities borne from our challenges and experiences in 2020 . As we have learned even more so this past year, relationships are invaluable and we look forward to continuing to build strong alumni connections with members of the Mount Saint Vincent family . Please stay in touch with us on our social media channels and ensure we have your updated contact information (you can update it at www.msvu.ca/ alumni) .