USC Alumni Connection - Issue 3 (February 2015)

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usc alumni connection

The University Students' Council Western University Alumni Newsletter vo l. 1 - i s s u e 3 - 2 0 1 5

PUBlication: USC Alumni Connection is a quarterly newsletter published by the University Students’ Council at Western University. editor: Lindsay Meldrum art director: Nancy Nguyen

Have some information that you want to share with your fellow alumni and would like to see published in the USC Alumni Connection?

Contact the Publication: AlumniConnection@westernusc.ca Room 340F, UCC Building The University Students’ Council Western University N6K 3A7 519.661.2111 x82603

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Staff Announcements & Anniversaries 5 Years 5 Years 5 Years 5 Years 5 Years

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Chris Keeler Ben Lollar Jaclyn McKenna Lindsay Meldrum Diana Watson

photo by: @chells19 on Instagram

CONTENTS | USC ALUMNI CONNECTION

04 staff updates The new Coordinator of Council Services, Elizabeth da Ponte, gives her welcoming statement!

09 slate campaigns

05 western film grand re-opening Western Film gets updated technology and amenities and welcome students and the public to their Grand Re-Opening the week of January 12-16 with free movies and $2 popcorn!

20 events overview Find out what some of our upcoming events are for the rest of the month and into March including the USC Involvement Expo and our large concerts for the year!

alumni feature 21 karen (look) diedrich Get to know the 1985-86 USC VP Finance!

15 board of directors: update Learn more about the update on recruitment and meet the new board member, Heeseo Kim!

EVENTS 17 charity ball Take a look at this year’s Charity Ball.

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USC ALUMNI CONNECTION

EDP or Mental Health Week ^ if we can’t get these is soon this can be the LinkedIn or other AD page.

(Staff announcement is pretty small so I’m not sure if it should have it’s own page or try and fit it in somewhere else)

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USC ALUMNI CONNECTION

staff updates elizabeth da ponte

Coordinator, Council Services

Hello Everyone, My name is Elizabeth da Ponte. I am the new Coordinator of Council Services.

I’m sure many of you may remember that role being the Legislative Assistant in the past. I am thrilled to be in this role with the University Students’ Council.

I’ve come from the world of corporate accounting; working for a Fortune 500 corporation has certainly taught me a lot about organization, responsibility and integrity. I have been incredibly fortunate to have the breadth of experience and responsibility that my professional career has provided me, and I hope to bring these skills to my role here with the USC. Some of my responsibilities include providing our Councillors with administrative support, organizing their elections processes, keeping records of all Council related documents and any other support that will allow the Councillors to stay organized and facilitate their Council responsibilities.

Outside of work, you will find me running around after my (nearly) one year old daughter Olivia, or her energetic sister Lily. You’ll usually find them chasing our cat Abby, who is usually being protected by my partner in crime, Jason. There’s rarely a dull moment around our house, but I think I secretly like it that way.

I look forward to the challenges of this position, as well as growing the role to continue to provide the best support we can for our Councillors.

If there is ever anything that I might be able to assist any one of our Alumnae with, I certainly look forward to hearing from you.

Take care, Elizabeth

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grand re-opening 5

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re-opening week january 12-16: Free movies all week and $2.00 popcorn.

Approx 2500 people through during the week Western Film has been busy making improvements to its technology and amenities offered to our students.

The Re-Opening in January was an overwhelming success with huge lineups of excited students anxiously awaiting the new WF experience.

Great prizes given out including free movies for a year.

Gala screening of The Interview, almost a London premiere.

just for students: Rez students - admission $3.50 Admission - $5.00 / $3.50 Tuesdays Student price on combos New lower price combos New lower priced sizes of popcorn

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USC ALUMNI CONNECTION

equipment improvements: New screen with ‘mircoperf’, which allows for a brighter and more focused picture. The screen also has small holes to allow more sound to come through from the speakers behind.

The screen has been moved higher up to improve sightlines for both main floor and balcony.

Upgraded sound system.

Projector has been moved to upper booth, this will prevent people from ‘walking through the picture’.

Curtains and drapes have been installed for sound and aesthetics.

Box office is combined with snack bar to improve efficiency.

coming up: ‘Wed Night Brewvies’ – can order a beer while watching the movie.

Academy Awards on the big screen Feb 22.

New programming; replaying some Friday midnight movies on Mondays for those who can’t make the midnight show.

Showing films unavailable to other local Theatres

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photos by: ealaf Junejo

USC ALUMNI CONNECTION

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USC ALUMNI CONNECTION

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stay tuned!

Voting closes Feb 11. Once all votes are in we will let you know who the 2015 2016 executive will be!

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team sophie

platform overview Our platform is centered around making it easier for students. On campus, that means reducing the price of a side salad to the same as fries, or working to get students a better deal on parking. In the city, we’re promoting restorative justice ticketing, and working alongside the LTC for more buses and later hours.

We also want to make it easier for students to get involved, and suggest weekly residence visits from executives, reassessing the chaos of Clubs Week, and creating an International Students Collective to empower underrepresented groups.

We also have larger plans we would like to implement, by working with administration. Earlier release of exam schedules, and combining the fall reading break with Thanksgiving, will give students more flexibility when visiting family and coordinating commitments. These plans, in addition to amending the 3 in 23 exam policy, also address the core causes of stress-related mental health issues.

Our other plans to centralize USC ser vices and make them more accessible are designed to improve student wellness.

sophie helpard

alex benac

lindsee perkins

USC President Candidate 3rd Year, Political Science

USC Vice President Internal Candidate 4th Year, MTP

USC Vice President External Candidate 4th Year, BMOS

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USC ALUMNI CONNECTION

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team

litchfield

platform overview Team Litchfield focuses on empowering students. We believe the USC does a great job advocating for students and delivering high quality programming.

Empowerment takes this a step further by giving students the support and tools to learn, grow, and succeed at Western. Our school takes pride in providing the best student experience in Canada. We want to make sure this claim continues to be a reality.

org project to improve mental health awareness and empower students to get the help they need.

Programming: This year saw the first attempt to bring homecoming back to campus.

We want to build on this by teaming up with PremierLife to deliver high quality on campus events.

MENTAL HEALTH: Mental health continues to be a pressing issue on campus. We will introduce a student assistance program to give students 24/7 access to online, over the phone, and app based counseling and service directories.

We will also team up with the Jack.

We also want to consolidate the programming budget into one place.

This will allow portfolios to apply for funds and eliminate budget creep.

At the same time we are encouraging clubs and faculty councils to do more collaborative programming to better leverage their funds and compete less for audiences.

Jack Litchfield

Dilani logan

richard sookraj

USC President Candidate 4th Year, Political Science

USC Vice President Internal Candidate 4th Year, Medical Science and Spanish Language & Hispanic Cultures

VR Intern 4th Year, MIT and Political Science

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USC ALUMNI CONNECTION

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UPDATE by lindsay meldrum, Corporate Governance and Executive Services Officer

“

I am looking forward to working for the USC from the governance and corporate side while still balancing the interests of the student body. I also hope to gain a greater understanding of the inner functions and operations new board member: of the USC.

Heeseo kim The Board and Appeals Nominating committee was tasked to fill the vacancy of one Board position resulting from a resignation. As per staff recommendations, the committee contacted last year’s unsuccessful applicants and received the updated applications of those still interested.

Upon completion of an extensive hiring process that included resume review, an interview and reference check the Board and Appeals Nominating Committee has nominated Heeseo Kim for the rest of the 2014-2015 term.

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”

Heeseo Kim Is in her final year of the HBA Program at Ivey. She was interested in getting involved with the Board as it would be her final opportunity to contribute to the USC and the Western community before she graduates. Heeseo has been involved with the USC since first year as an Off-Campus Councillor. She has also been on the Clubs Support Committee, Teaching Awards Committee, and the Income Tax Clinic as a volunteer.

USC ALUMNI CONNECTION

2015-2016

Board of Directors Hiring Process The Board and Appeals nominating committee has been meeting since October 2014 and have built from the ground up the recruitment process for hiring new board members and appeals members. As well the committee implemented the following timeline for the 2015-2016 board hiring process.

date

task

January 16TH

Post call for board of directors

February 8TH

Using the job description the committee will develop a matrix with questions that tests the requirements outlined in the Job Description in consultation with HR

February 13TH

Posting closes

Week of February 23RD

Applications are screened, and interviews offered

Week of March 2ND

Interviews occur, and references checks completed

Week of March 9TH

Board members nominated and ready for AGM 1

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events events

feature || feature

USC ALUMNI CONNECTION

CHARIT the secret garden

Charity Ball 2015 was January 31 at Centennial Hall. This year, the main focus for the event was to encourage involvement with the charity that was chosen, rather than the donation itself. The benefactor was a charity called Growing Chefs.

This charity mentors underprivileged youth in the Culinary arts; teaching how to cook and encourages a healthy, balanced lifestyle. The theme this year was the Secret Garden.

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This year Charity Ball had the entire Centennial Hall rented out for the dance of the year! With two main floors, each with a DJ, as well as having the upper floor reserved for VIP ticket holder to enjot a private DJ, photo area, lounge, appetizers, and a larger drink option! “It was a phenomenal night, and it showed that Western students care about giving back to the community and they can do it while having a good old Western time�

Imraan Mukri Charity Ball Coordinator

USC ALUMNI ALUMNI CONNECTION CONNECTION USC

Y BALL photos by: nicole de khors

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events

crazy carpets The USC distributed 1500 Crazy carpets over the month to prevent students from using cafeteria trays to slide down the snowy hills such as the iconic UC hill! This was mostly done through first year students visiting the USC, leaving with several to distribute in their residences.

The Man, The Legend

rick mcghie every wednesday night at The spoke & Rim Tavern

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WHAT`S NEXT | events

events oVERview usc involvement expo feb. 25-26 - ucc atrium - 11am-4pm

The USC Involvement Expo will be an chance to show current students ways to get involved! There will be various volunteer opportunities, paid internship positions and more!

Services, attendees will be provided the unique culinary & sensory experience of enjoying a gourmet three-course meal while blindfolded.

DeafBlind Ontario Services provides specialized services such as independent living support, assisted living opportunities, and interpreter assistance to adults who are congenitally deaf and blind.

These programs are offered within 18 residential locations extending from the City of London to communities across the entire province.

Tickets:

$30 per seat for a three-course set menu or $165 per table for six people

city & colour mar. 8 - mustang lounge - 9pm

Canadian singer-songwriter, Dallas Green - or better known under his recording alias as City & Colour stops for a Western University exclusive event! Spencer Burton will be opening.

Tickets:

$48 in advance or at the door dine in the dark feb. 28 - the wave - 6pm

tim hicks: campus throw down mar. 5 - the wave - 9:30pm

The USC Charity Committee is excited to host the University of Western Ontario’s first annual “Dine in the Dark” on Saturday February 28 at the Wave. This will be an evening combining culinary delights, entertainment & heightened sensory awareness to over 175 guests. At this special

Canadian country singer-song writer, Tim Hicks, joins us for a campus throw down! This is a 19+ event.

Tickets:

$20 for early bird tickets $25 in advance or at the door

lil jon - dj set mar. 19 - mustang lounge - 9pm

American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and DJ, Lil Jon, will be coming to campus! This is a 17+ event with a licensed area for those 19+.

Tickets:

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alumni feature

USC ALUMNI CONNECTION

karen (look) di usc vp finance 1985-1986

then...

Before my term as VP Finance, I really did not know what area of business I wanted to go into after graduating.

As VP Finance, I was involved in the day to day financial activities of council in conjunction with the full-time USC Controller and financial staff (unfortunately, in 1985 the executive positions were not full-time paid positions).

I also had the opportunity to assist with the external financial audit and this is when I first became interested in obtaining my CA after graduation.

My position with the USC definitely opened doors for me when applying to the then ‘big eight’ accounting firms. In particular, I was able to interview in London with the USC’s auditors, Clarkson Gordon (now Ernst & Young) and was offered a job in Toronto in my desired area of focus. I do not believe this opportunity would have been available to me without my experience as the VP Finance.

now...

I currently live in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, which is a small Historical city about 30 miles outside of Cleveland, Ohio.

I moved here in 1995, after meeting my husband on a ski trip to Holiday Valley in Ellicottville, NY. We have two children, a 17 year old son and a 15 year old daughter who are now dual citizens. I have been very fortunate to find part-time professional positions,

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edrich primarily in the BioTech industry, since my son was a year old. During this time, I also completed my US reciprocity exam to obtain my CPA designation. I am currently the Controller for a publicly traded NASDAQ BioTech company and work in downtown Cleveland. As a result of technology, I can still maintain my flexible work schedule and enjoy a great work-life balance.

memorable events from your year:

As it was 30 years ago since I was on council, I had a hard time recalling our board’s accomplishments; although I am sure we had some! I had planned to skim through my old bound copy of the year’s Gazettes, but did not manage to find the time. I am fairly sure I remember that we managed to secure an increase in the student fee for the USC’s portion. My most memorable times were those spent with my Executive Council, Board and the USC staff. We had a great group of people who worked hard and had a lot of fun together. I would love to reconnect with my fellow council members- hopefully at the 50th reunion. I did have the wonderful experience of reuniting with Vicki Macauley in the Finance department at the USC this summer. It was so great to see someone from my term still working there! Way to hang in there Vicki!

anything else you would like to add:

I am very excited that my son has applied to Western for fall 2015. He was reluctant to apply to Canadian Universities until we went on some campus tours.

After touring Western, it became his first choice! I had not been back to Western for about 20 years and now have been back twice in the last six months. First on the official campus visit with my family and then again recently to attend a Varsity Men’s basketball game and tour some additional residences.

It is amazing how much has changed since I graduated, although I was very happy that a few of my favorite places, such as Joe Kool’s and The Spoke were still around (even though The Spoke is in a totally different location). It was also strange to tour Sydenham as a co-ed residence attached to Medway. When I was at Western, they were both all-male residences and they were quite competitive with each other. Of course, the addition of the amazing new athletic facility, Ivey Business School and the Health Sciences building, not to mention the shiny high-tech Ontario Hall hybrid residence (where my son wants to live), have made Western an even better place to go to University. I wish I could go back! I am really looking forward to attending the 50th anniversary reunion and hoping that a number of my fellow Board

members will attend the events at Homecoming 2015. With any luck, I can visit my son and my old friends all in the same weekend! I cannot imagine anything better!

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