“One of the best aspects about this opportunity is that it’s my university.”
Do you think we’ll be seeing more involvement from alumni? I think we’re really lucky that we have pretty substantial alumni involvement. Our goal is always to find a way for people to be involved with the University in the way that what works for them regardless of their stage of life.
As you take on your new role on May 1, what, in broad terms, is your vision? Our job is to help develop the University’s reputation and resources and build tremendous relationships. My goal is to help support all of those elements. We need to continue to build on being the best, to help the academic leadership achieve its mission through increased philanthropic support and continue to create strong ties with the McMaster community. We will contribute in any way we can to ensure McMaster retains its position as one of the Top 100 universities in the world. When I came here, McMaster was a great regional university. Now it is an international calibre institution as well as a great regional university. One of the best aspects about this opportunity is that it’s my university. And I am excited about leading a terrific team of professionals as we work together to build support for an institution that I am so proud to call my own. It’s really come full circle. I had great professors. I saw what it means to be a recipient of a student award, to live in residence, to be part
MEET McMASTER
JD Howell
What role do alumni play in the McMastercommunity? Alumni play a pivotal role in helping to support the institution, and that support comes in many different ways: alumni talking about the importance of post-secondary education, taking the message of the University out to the broader community, being our advocates, helping us desgin the best programs, supporting students through mentoring and their very important financial support. Under the leadership of the Alumni Association I think there’s a huge opportunity for alumni to get involved. I’m looking forward to working with Patrick Deane who is deeply committed to the importance of our alumni and understands the critical role that they play at our University. Alumni are an essential part of the makeup of the place.
of a school team. All those things that are fundamental to wanting to make the University a better place. People like Les Prince ‘90 (honorary), Mary Keyes and Rudy Heinzl tried to instil that sense of pride and service and that is part of my responsibility as well. I’ve witnessed the growth in the research enterprise here and the way McMaster graduates can have an impact on important issues. The alumni population has increased so dramatically that when you start looking at the different ways that McMaster graduates touch not only our local community, but communities worldwide, it’s something that creates tremendous pride. And I am grateful for the strong role model I have had the privilege to serve under. Roger Trull has been an amazing vice-president. He has an outstanding commitment to the University Advancement team and it is his exceptional leadership that has propelled us to be the best advancement shop in the country. His impact will be felt for many years to come.
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