Marc Al m on (BA ’02 )
Marc Almon (BA ’02)
A N OTE F R O M THE KI N G’S EU R O P EA N BRAN CH Christmas, Haliburton and the Olympics: At first pass, these three words do not seem to hold much in common. However, they all describe events run by the UKC European Alumni Chapter in 2011/2012. The 9th Annual Atlantic Canadian University Alumni Christmas party branched away from its sedentary roots to a skating theme in Canary Wharf. Set amidst colourful festive lights and stunning skyscrapers, we skated through the evening, dipping in periodically to enjoy a bottle of cold Moosehead, or some piping hot natchos. Photos can be found on our Facebook page. Turning to 2012 and, of course the big event in London is the summer Olympics. During July and August several million tourists are forecast to come to London to celebrate this amazing sporting event. Anticipating Canada’s finest athletes to compete at the newly built Olympic Village in East London (with a strong Canadian following cheering them on!) we thought “gosh—what a perfect opportunity to showcase Canadian literary talent in London!” And thus the Vth Haliburton evening was born. Watch for more details to come, but this will likely be at an intimate venue in the East End. If you want to participate—or know of a Canadian author in London at that time who might like to read—please email chris@ebooster.co.uk. —Chris MacNeil (BA ’94), European Branch President
Mainly I’ve remained good friends with people I met through the King’s independent ilmmakers society. Carl Laudan (BA ’97) is probably the closest of those. He played a big role in making me think I could make films and actually do it, as a living. When I started at King’s, I was 18 years old. By getting involved with extra-curriculars, I was hanging out with people a few years older than me who had a broader experience. It was so illuminating to be part of this social world where these older people who shared a passion for something were willing to hang out and discuss it with me. We became close friends. I’d be sneaking into the Economy Shoe Shop to hang out with these guys to discuss art and film and things going on at King’s, politically and socially. It opens your eyes to a bigger world. Same thing with the Wardroom—you didn’t have to be fearful to be kicked out if you were underage. It was the only place in Nova Scotia that allowed that. I was so young, so open to new experiences,
and hungry for these substantial conversations. The film society played a huge role in my career. At one point, it was the biggest society on campus—even bigger than the KTS. I think having a liberal arts background predisposes you to thinking creatively and taking leaps, whether they are leaps of imagination or leaps of entrepreneurship. You feel like you can be creative and make a living at it. It really helps that while at King’s, you study all this great literature and philosophy that form your basis of viewing the world. And people in the society just barged forward and made things happen. It was a great group of people to be experimenting and making art with. Marc Almon is a filmmaker based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He recently produced his first feature film, Bye Bye Blackbird. The short films he has written, directed or produced have screened at over thirty international film festivals, and have aired on CBC, Global, BBC, Bravo! and the Sundance Channel.
survey says In June, the Alumni Association and Advancement worked with Engagement Analysis Inc. to launch an Alumni Survey. We received an above-average response rate (20.7 %) and respondents represented a wide variety of ages. King’s alumni engagement ranked higher than the Canadian university average. Perhaps not surprisingly, alumni further away from King’s felt less engaged. A strong sense of pride and satisfaction with academic experience was expressed and the majority of respondents indicated an affinity for King’s as a whole. You have encouraged us to make College communications (such as e-news) monthly or quarterly. Amongst former classmates, communication remains high. In terms of what’s currently happening at King’s, awareness was low and many believe that King’s could have a higher profile in the national and international media. We’re still mining the data and fine tuning a plan for renewed Alumni programming, although some things are already clear. Changes you can count on include:
•B olstered branch and regional activity in strong alumni centres such as Toronto and Halifax •P rograms tailored to your year with an eye to hosting select class reunions •M ore lectures and social events in major alumni centres • I mproved messaging regarding King’s present and future priorities •A new communications strategy and a quarterly schedule for the King’s e-newsletter. •W e’re going to get better at singing our own praises (and yours) to ensure that everyone knows how great King’s really is. Thank you to all who participated. This survey has provided invaluable information. We look forward to working with you as we organize to celebrate FYP’s 40th in 2012/13 and King’s 225th in 2014. Want to get involved? Let us know at kingsadv@ ukings.ca.
WINNERS: In a blind draw of Alumni Survey participants, King’s professor Dr. Gordon McOuat selected the following two winners: Anna McCurdy (BA ’04) is now the proud owner of an iPad 2, while Vanessa Bonneau (BAH ’08) has received $200 credit at the King’s Co-op Bookstore.
Tidings | winter 2011/2012
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