A message from the interim Board of Directors ?for the TWU Alumni Association
Cultivating the New Alumni Association
Earlier this year, a group of alumni banded together in a grass-roots movement and co-wrote a report titled “A New Era for TWU Alumni: Creating a Dynamic Alumni Association,” which was released in May. The New Era document analyzed the existing relationship between alumni and the University, highlighted common alumni concerns and, in response, proposed a model for an independent TWU Alumni Association.
The report was presented to the Trinity Western University Board of Governors, which approved the report’s recommendations and authorized President Raymond to work supportively and cooperatively with the New Era authors—and the broader alumni community—to implement the recommendations.
In contrast to the former Alumni Relations Department, which operated under the umbrella of the TWU administration, the new Alumni Association is an independent organization created to serve alumni and the broader TWU community. The new Alumni Association exists to build community among TWU alumni worldwide, develop networks among alumni in the various marketplaces of life, foster alumni involvement in the lives of current students, and represent the interests of alumni to the University. The Alumni Association will also coordinate communication between the University and alumni, and strengthen alumni volunteerism and philanthropy in support of TWU and its mission.
Since TWU’s endorsement of the New Era document, many of the authors have acted as the transitional team and interim Board of Directors for the Alumni Association. There have been a number of significant developments since the New Era document was published.
First, on August 11, 2011, the Trinity Western University Alumni Association was incorporated under the British Columbia Society Act. This means that the Alumni Association now exists as a separate legal entity from the University. The transitional team expects to hold elections for a permanent board of directors in mid-November.
Second, a hiring committee composed of members from the transitional team, the TWU Board of Governors, the Trinity Western University Student Association, and University staff members are working through a hiring process, interviewing a strong pool of candidates for the new position of VP Alumni. The VP Alumni will have a solid experience-base and proven track record, and will possess qualities of a leader, a visionary, and an entrepreneur, among others. The VP Alumni will be employed by the University and work in partnership with the new Association.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the transitional team has started recruiting other alumni who support the vision outlined in the New Era document to become Founding Members of the Association. The success of the Alumni Association is dependent on alumni who will assume responsibility for the Association and its relationship with TWU.
Qualifications to become a Founding Member are 15 semester hours completed at Trinity Western University and payment of $100 to the TWU Alumni Association in membership dues prior to December 31, 2011. Spouses who both qualify as alumni can receive membership status for $150 per household. Alumni who join prior to November 15 will also receive the benefit of electing the permanent Board of Directors for the Association.
Visit twualumni.org for details on how to join the Alumni Association and receive the limited time Founding Member designation. The new VP Alumni will be introduced on the website and candidates nominated for the Board of Directors will be listed there as well. The New Era document can also be accessed on the Alumni Association website.
The TWU Alumni Association interim Board of Directors
- Anne Brandner
- Amy Buhler
- Brenda Evans
- Aaron Fedora
- Bob Kuhn
- Renae Kuhn
- Wade Larson
- Paul Lermitte
- Krista Lidstone
- Dave MacDonald
- Ron Pike
- Peter Reek
- Richard Taylor
- Peter VanGiesen
Sign up today
To become a Founding Member of the Association, contact membership@twualumni.org or visit twualumni.org for details.
Qualified applicants must:
- have 15 semester hours completed at TWU
- submit dues of $100 per alumnus or $150 per alumni couple
- register by December 31, 2011, for Founding Member status
Back to Top Table of Contents
Share This Story
Feature Stories
From the Ground Up
TWU’s President Emeritus looks back at the school’s transformation from dairy farm to university campus.
A Future of Gold and Water
TWU is North America's hub of Septuagint studies, thanks to a significant gift - a library of ancient and beloved books.
Looking Forward to 50
In anticipation of TWU’s 50th anniversary celebration, we visited the archives to give you a look back on the history of Trinity Western University.
