Alumni handbook - spring 2016

CONVOCATION 2016

WELCOME TO THE ALUMNI FAMILY

AFTER MANY YEARS of hard work and planning, it’s finally happening. The goal you’ve been striving for has been achieved. As you walk across the stage to accept your hard-won degree at Convocation, it may feel like a bit of an ending.

In many ways, however, it’s just the beginning.

You are starting a whole new phase in your life and career — a phase filled with exciting possibilities. Although your time on campus is coming to a close, your relationship with Dalhousie does not end here.

As new alumni, you are now one of over 125,000 Dal grads located around the world. There are many reasons for you to connect with this wide-ranging and welcoming community. You’ll benefit from practical advantages like great discounts from our affinity partners and also fun and valuable networking opportunities and events. Plus, it just feels great knowing you’re part of a community of like-minded people who share both your alma mater and your fondness for the time spent here.

In today’s digital world, you’re never truly far away from Dal. There are many ways for you to stay in touch, outlined in this booklet. We want to hear from you, often, as you embark on this next chapter. As you go out into the world you are our best ambassadors, and we want to share your successes with others. The Dalhousie Alumni community has always felt like a family; we are pleased and proud to welcome you to it.

COURTNEY LARKIN President, Dalhousie Alumni Association

JOIN A VIBRANT COMMUNITY 129,000 STRONG We hope you enjoy this booklet welcoming you to the Dalhousie Alumni family. In it, you’ll find grad profiles, a map of regional alumni chapters, photos of our networking events and information on how you can benefit from staying in touch.

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU As a new grad, there are many ways for you to stay connected to Dal — no matter where you go:

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Follow @Dal_Alumni on Twitter

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Subscribe to our e-newsletter. Email alumni@dal.ca to join the list

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Tell us about your news and successes — you just might find yourself profiled in our magazine or on our website. Email alumni@dal.ca

Like Dalhousie Alumni on Facebook: facebook.com/dalumni Follow us on Instagram: @dalhousie_University Visit alumni.dal.ca to stay up to date on news and events, find opportunities to get involved, and make sure we have your most recent contact info

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Share the excitement of Convocation! #DalGrad

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MEET OUR ALUMNI

STEFANIE MacDONALD: CREATIVE SOLUTIONS

Each one of our graduates has their own unique story. Here are just two examples of those who saw a need and carved out their own path.

While shopping for a wedding card for her aunt and fiancé, Stefanie MacDonald (BMgmt’11) was dismayed by the lack of greeting cards tailored to the LGBTQ community. After making her own card for the wedding, she decided to share her designs with others. With support from her partner Lucas Rowe, she combined her Dal degree in management with her passion for art, to create her own business: Halifax Paper Hearts.

Today, more than 5,500 cards have been sold online and are available in over 40 retail locations throughout Canada and the US. All the while they’re flourishing in their full-time jobs. “When I am working on the cards my heart is full; I feel so fulfilled it never feels like work,” says MacDonald.

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Visit halifaxpaperhearts.com or connect with them @paperheartsHFX

TYLER ZEMLAK: IT’S ALL ABOUT CONNECTIONS

TYLER’S TIPS:

Network your way to success START WITH STARTUPS: Events being put on by the startup communities are excellent venues for networking. “If you’re in Atlantic Canada, check out the Dal Starting Lean Initiative, Propel ICT or Volta,” says Zemlak.

If not, seek out startup organizations in your community, as well as alumni chapters, small business networks and incubator groups.

Republished with permission from The Chronicle Herald | TYLER ZEMLAK (RIGHT)

No matter what your background, networking can open doors and put you in touch with others in your chosen field. It’s an incredibly valuable tool, especially when you’re just starting your career, says Tyler Zemlak (PhD’11).

“Networking has a way of creating serendipitous opportunities that can change everything,” he says.

After finishing his doctorate in biology and genetics, Zemlak turned his eye to entrepreneurship. He built solid relationships through the Starting Lean Initiative at the Rowe School of Business and other entrepreneurial ventures, and has recently accepted a project management position at the University of Guelph.

INTRODUCE YOURSELF: Networking is about having genuine conversations. Confidence, eye contact and a smile are all you need to make a good impression and start the conversation, he says. “Everyone is shy the first time. Keep at it, and it’ll get easier.”

KEEP CONTACTS ORGANIZED: “If I strike up a great conversation with someone at a networking event I will often ask for a business card and permission to follow-up with a LinkedIn invitation. LinkedIn is a great way to organize your contacts and stay connected.”

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CANADA

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With over 90,000 alumni in Canada, we are represented in every Province and Territory.

Dalhousie’s Alumni Chapters are worldwide.

Chapters host social events, share Dalhousie news, network and participate in a variety of initiatives on behalf of Dal and their communities. If there isn’t a Chapter in your area, start one of your own!

CHAPTERS/VOLUNTEER CONTACT volunteer@dal.ca 4

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CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA Over 150 alumni hail from across Central and South America, from 18 different countries.

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Over 800 alumni reside in countries throughout the rest of North America.

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With over 4,000 alumni in the USA, we are represented in all 50 States.

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For more information on what’s going on in your region, visit dal.ca/alumni

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Established in 1871, the Dalhousie Alumni Association (DAA) proudly represents the 129,000 Dalhousie graduates around the globe.

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GLOBAL ALUMNI CONNECTIONS

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There are over 1,900 alumni in 30 Asian and Middle Eastern countries.

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Over 900 alumni in Europe once called Dalhousie home.

AFRICA

AUSTRALIA/PACIFIC ISLANDS

Over 400 Dalhousie alumni reside in the continental region of Africa.

Over 280 alumni live in 9 countries in this part of the world.

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GET CONNECTED There are many ways for you to build your professional network and stay engaged with your alma mater: • Find casual networking opportunities at our alumni receptions • Build your professional network through faculty-hosted social events • Donor receptions are great get-togethers that thank and recognize Dal supporters • Reunions and Homecoming are the yearly traditions that welcome you back to campus, allow you to reunite with friends, and relive some of your best memories • Save the date – October 13-15. Come back home to celebrate Homecoming 2016!

• Engage with local alumni in your area through Chapter events • Host your own Dal event, with support from our Alumni Engagement team

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THE DAL ADVANTAGE

CONTACT

DID YOU KNOW? Dal alumni can access a range of products and services at discounted rates. For instance:

DALHOUSIE ALUMNI RELATIONS

• Get preferred group rates on home and auto insurance with TD Insurance Meloche Monnex

Toll Free: 1.800.565.9969

• Find competitive rates on health, dental and life insurance through Manulife Financial

Tel: 902.494.8801

Like Dalhousie Alumni on Facebook: facebook.com/dalumni

• Secure a no fee, low interest MBNA Mastercard

Follow @Dal_Alumni on Twitter

• Save 20% on your annual Dalplex membership

Keep your contact info up-to-date for alumni

• Get 10% off Dal-crested gear at the Bookstore

news and events: alumni.dal.ca/update

• Stay at Dal when visiting in the summer and get 10% off accommodations As a Dal grad, you can also access valuable career advice through the Career & Leadership Development Centre to assist in your job search.

or email: alumni@dal.ca Chapter or volunteer information: volunteer@dal.ca

FIND OUT MORE Visit alumni.dal.ca/benefits

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#DALGRAD

@DAL_ALUMNI

 /DALUMNI