When engineering science student Kimberley Cota (EngSci 1T7) decided to travel halfway across the globe for a summer research exchange in Singapore, she never imagined what would be waiting on the other side – a vibrant alumni community eager to engage with their alma mater.
Earlier this month – and two days after Cota’s arrival – the Singapore alumni group announced their donation of a ‘Singapore Malaysia Alumni Room’ in the forthcoming Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CEIE). The group has already exceeded their fundraising goal of $250,000 by close to $85,000.
Local alumni held a celebratory event, attended by U of T Engineering Dean Cristina Amon; the Honourable Heather Grant, Canadian High Commissioner to Singapore; as well as alumni and students, like Cota, on exchange at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
“The best part of the event was talking to U of T alumni who are now based in Singapore,” said Cota. “Their perspectives on the value of an engineering education at U of T were inspiring. Talking to them also gave me a deeper insight into some of the career paths that EngSci graduates take.”
Jianwei Sun (EngSci 1T6), a second-year student also on exchange at NUS, said the event demonstrated how greatly U of T values its students.
“The personal meeting with the dean and high commissioner shows how strongly U of T cares about its relationships. Not only to other countries and universities, but also to its own students.”
The summer research exchange program at NUS, which was established in 2008 and strongly supported by U of T’s Centre for International Experience, gives EngSci students the opportunity to conduct research at one of the world’s top universities, while providing incomparable cultural experiences and networking opportunities. More than 42 students have embarked on the exchange since its inception.
The reception in Singapore was just one of many for Dean Amon. Following a successful trip last November, she returned to Asia-Pacific to reconnect with alumni in Hong Kong and Taiwan and to recognize their support of the CEIE. In addition to Singapore’s achievement, Hong Kong alumni have raised just over $4 million of their $5 million goal, while Taiwan grads have raised $125,000 of their $300,000 goal to date.
“The Centre for Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship will take engineering education and research to a new level, providing the physical space to strengthen collaborative learning, stimulate innovation and foster entrepreneurial endeavours,” said Dean Cristina Amon. “We are tremendously grateful to have received such strong support from our Asia-Pacific alumni.”
Make a donation to the CEIE.
