Connecting Classmates

Ivey is renowned for many things, including its Alumni Network. It’s no exaggeration to say that the School has some of the most active and connected alumni in the world.

“That’s no accident,” says Will Meijer. As the Co-Chair, Channels (Class Liaison Portfolio) of the Ivey Alumni Network Board, his role is to make it easy for Ivey graduates to stay in touch, regardless of where life takes them.

Meijer notes that people build relationships with people, not with institutions. And that’s what makes the Alumni Class Liaison Network so special. “It’s an essential role designed to connect alumni with each other and with Ivey,” he says.

Each class looks for an individual to act as Class Liaison after graduation. Key responsibilities include acting as a central contact for classmates to exchange information, encouraging participation in class reunions (every five years), and gathering class notes for Intouch.

The time commitment is only a few hours a month throughout the year, and an additional hour each week during the month leading up to their Reunion Weekend celebration.

As Class Liaison for the HBA class of ’96, Meijer understands the role’s responsibilities and rewards first hand. “For me, it is a way to stay connected and engaged with my classmates and with the School,” he says. “It is also a great opportunity to give back.”

Mollie O’Neill stepped into the position last year after Donna Porter, MBA ’85, retired as Class Liaison after almost three decades.

With support from the School and fellow alumni, O’Neill helped organize her 30th anniversary class reunion in 2015. “Close to the event, I sent out a list of people who had died,” she says. “That opened up a flood gate. People who had not been responding to emails began posting memories, and conversations began.”

“In that way, our reunion took on a life of its own,” she reflects. “It was about the memories and keeping up personal connections rather than networking for business.”

Elaine Stanley organized many unofficial class get-togethers before being asked to take on the role of Class Liaison at the beginning of 2016.

“Updating the email addresses has been the biggest job so far,” she says. Stanley reaches out to former classmates via LinkedIn. “Once we connect, I ask to add their email to the Ivey Portal. Not one person has said no,” she notes. “And I think if I can give enough notice for next year’s class reunion, they will all try to come.”

Stanley says Ivey’s programs create bonds that last a lifetime. “You all go through the same intense experience. Even though you work very hard during those two years, there is also a lot of socializing.”

Ideally, Ivey would like to have an Alumni Class Liaison for each class. The School is currently seeking people to fill the vacant role for several “orphaned” years. 

“We are looking for people who are fairly outgoing and involved,” says Meijer. “People who are well known and respected among their class, and who can marshal their groups together, whether it is for Reunion Weekend, a Global Ivey Day event, or other functions. We are looking for connectors.”

See your class listed in the table below? Step up (or volunteer a classmate) to become a Class Liaison! Email alumni@ivey.ca if you’re interested, or know a classmate who may be.

“Orphaned” Ivey Classes (No Class Liaisons)

All Photos: Nation Wong
Art Direction: Greg Salmela, Aegis