Dear Alumni,
What are your King’s stories that have stayed with you in the days or decades since graduating? Mine is a tale of two graduations—one focused on my own future and the other on my daughter’s, perhaps not in the way you might expect.
The first time I graduated from King’s was more than two decades ago. In May 2002, at 22-years-old, I stood alongside my father on the steps of the Arts and Administration building, facing the Quad. I didn’t know what my future held, but with my King’s degree in hand (BJH 2002), I felt prepared for anything, buoyed by my parents’ unwavering belief in my potential.
Seventeen years later, in May 2019, I found myself in a different yet equally poignant situation. After losing my father to cancer just a month before, I stood next to my toddler daughter as I graduated once more (MFA 2019). I knew she’d be too young to remember this moment, but old enough to know that her mother had accomplished something important—and that one day, she could too.
These moments remind me that our journeys are often intertwined, often shaped by the stories of those love.
Now, in 2025, as I step into the role of President of the Alumni Association, I invite each of you to reflect on your own stories. Our collective narratives at King’s have profoundly shaped us, and it is this bond that we can nurture to foster a vibrant alumni community that supports one another.
We can create an environment that brings us together, where every member—new and seasoned—feels welcome and valued.
Here are a few ways you can make a meaningful impact:
- Attend alumni events to reconnect with old friends while making new ones
- Mentor current students eager to learn from your experiences
- Share your insights and stories by participating in alumni panels and discussions
- Volunteer your time to help organize events that foster community and connection
- Promote King’s by sharing your stories and successes on social media and beyond
A practical first step is staying in close contact with the King’s community—please visit ukings.ca/alumni/connect/ to learn more.
Together, we can strengthen our alumni network and create pathways for collaboration and support. We can empower the next generation of King’s graduates, ensuring they have the resources and connections they need to thrive.
Throughout the year, the Alumni Association will keep you informed of upcoming events, opportunities for involvement and ways to stay connected through our website and newsletters. I encourage you to take advantage of these resources and engage with our community. If there are areas that you would like to get involved in but have not seen addressed, please let us know.
I also want to acknowledge the exceptional leadership of the outgoing Alumni Association President, Stephanie McGrath, who continues her King’s journey as the Chair of the Board of Governors—congrats, Steph!
As we embark on the year ahead, I invite you to reflect on your own story and consider how it intertwines with the stories of those around you. Let’s make this year one of action, connection and growth. I am excited to see how our collective narratives will shape our future.
Warmly,
Jenn Thornhill Verma
President, Alumni Association
