Mentoring a student startup, joining a departmental advisory board or becoming a global ambassador for U of T Engineering are just a few ways alumni are volunteering their time and expertise to Skule™.
“Volunteering is my investment in what I view as one of the most important institutions on the planet,” said Paul Malozewski (ElecE 8T3), vice-chair of the University of Toronto College of Electors.
Alumni volunteers also benefit in a number of ways. Volunteering provides an opportunity to expand their professional networks, gain access to world-leading researchers and laboratories, and make a difference in the lives of students.
In celebration of National Volunteering Week, we shine a spotlight on seven alumni who have made remarkable volunteer contributions to their alma mater.
Isi Caulder (EngSci 8T9, ElecE MASc 9T1)
Patent Lawyer and Partner, Bereskin & Parr LLP
Volunteerism:
- Mentor, The Entrepreneurship Hatchery
- Member, Engineering Alumni Association Honours and Awards Committee
- Mentor, The Impact Centre
- Speaker, Girls Leadership in Engineering Experience (GLEE)
- Host/Organizer, EngSci Alumni Drinks
Why is volunteering at your alma mater important to you?
It is an excellent way to experience the positive impact that alumni can have on the lives of engineering students, and to witness how the Faculty is staying on the cutting-edge of research and education. Being part of U of T Engineering as an alumna volunteer revives and renews, in very concrete terms, the many positive and formative experiences I had at the Faculty as a student. It is deeply fulfilling to work and collaborate with the many dedicated, talented and passionate staff, researchers and students, and to see the Skule™ spirit very much alive and well.
Describe one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences you’ve had at U of T Engineering.
One of the most rewarding volunteer experiences I have had at U of T Engineering was mentoring a team of Engineering Science students one summer at The Entrepreneurship Hatchery. The students developed and built a working prototype for a smart shower, which assists users in reducing water consumption using a smart shower head that connects to their mobile phone. The team members were passionate and dedicated and also some of the most talented, modest and intelligent people I have met. More generally, the relationships that I have built over the past few years with individual students and teams — many of whom I continue to mentor — are powerful and inspirational.
What advice do you have for alumni who are thinking about volunteering at U of T Engineering?
When you become an alumna/alumnus you should explore ways to get involved with U of T Engineering again. You will be welcomed back home with open arms. You will find inspiration and joy in bringing your hard-won expertise and experiences to the table and continuing your relationship with the Faculty, which itself is ever unfolding and developing with the times. It is incredibly rewarding.
David Cheung (CivE 1T1 + PEY)
Display Planning Strategy and Team Leader, Procter & Gamble
Volunteerism:
- Chair, Alumni Mentorship Program
Why is volunteering at your alma mater important to you?
Mentorship and the chance to learn from those with experience, wisdom and knowledge are invaluable. I wish I had reached out to more alumni and older students for advice while I was in school. Through the Alumni Mentorship Program, I hope mentorship grows within the Skule™ community such that it becomes the norm for students as early as first year to understand the power of mentorship and start leveraging it to further succeed in their educational, career and life goals.
Describe one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences you’ve had at U of T Engineering?
Being chair of the Alumni Mentorship Program is very rewarding. It is always interesting to chat with students who are eager to learn and grow. And it’s especially a fun conversation when the topic relates to issues that I experienced when I was in school.
What advice do you have for alumni who are thinking about volunteering at U of T Engineering?
For anyone looking to play a role in improving the Skule™ community and experience, I would encourage them to reach out and suggest opportunities they would like to work on. U of T Engineering is always looking for volunteers and expertise.
Paul Malozewski (ElecE 8T3)
Senior Manager – Reliability Standards and Research, Hydro One
Volunteerism:
- Vice-Chair, University of Toronto College of Electors
Why is volunteering at your alma mater important to you?
It is my investment in what I view as one of the most important institutions on the planet. Universities are critical for the development and sustainment of civil societies, for scientific, philosophical and artistic advancement, and indeed for our long-term survival. U of T Engineering plays a national and global role, supported by volunteers such as myself.
Describe one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences you’ve had at U of T Engineering?
As an appointed U of T Engineering member of the College of Electors, I was elected as vice-chair of the 50-member College as well as vice-chair of the College’s Executive Committee. In addition to enjoying the experience of working with a group of accomplished, brilliant and all around wonderful U of T alumni, I was also privileged to be able to shape U of T’s direction and governance by actively recruiting and electing alumni governors to U of T’s Governing Council, as well as its Chancellor. I feel I’ve made a difference — and I’ve made great friends and business contacts along the way.
What advice do you have for alumni who are thinking about volunteering at U of T Engineering?
Start early in your career. There are a wide variety of volunteering opportunities — some formal, some ad hoc. U of T Engineering is a large and complex faculty; U of T is even more so. Invest some time in understanding the various structures that make up the institution. It may be staggering at first, but engineers are perfectly suited to sorting out complex systems. Find opportunities that take you outside of your comfort zone — what better way to learn and develop as young professionals. Most importantly, ask yourself why volunteering is important to you. There are many answers — and yours may surprise you.
Somen Mondal (CompE 0T2)
CEO, Ideal.com
Volunteerism:
- Member, Young Alumni Board
- Member, The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Board of Advisors
- Moderator, BizSkule
- Speaker, The Entrepreneurship Hatchery
- Guest lecturer
Why is volunteering at your alma mater important to you?
I have received so much from U of T that I truly enjoy giving back. Volunteering my time and expertise allows me to help ensure that future graduates have the greatest chance for success.
Describe one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences you’ve had at U of T Engineering?
The most rewarding volunteer experience was speaking to a graduating class of ECE students. Telling them they can really do anything with their great education brought me a lot of joy.
What advice do you have for alumni who are thinking about volunteering at U of T Engineering?
Giving back should be considered an essential part of your career. It’s rewarding and fun. Start early!
Ross Pitman (GeoE 7T4)
Former Senior Geological Advisor, Apache Canada Ltd. and Kitimat Upstream
Volunteerism:
- Chair, Engineering Alumni Association (EAA) – Calgary Chapter
- Member, Institute for Sustainable Energy Industry Advisory Board
- Guest lecturer
Why is volunteering at your alma mater important to you?
It is important to me because I feel that I have benefited greatly from the education that I received at Skule™. I don’t think that I would have embarked on the career I have had I not received a U of T Engineering education. As a result, I feel that I can make a small contribution back to the Faculty by sharing with the students some of things that I have learned along the way, and some things I was able to do because of the foundations set at Skule™.
I struggled making the adjustment from high school to university. It was a friend of my dad’s, Skule™ alumnus Peter Sidorchuk (EngPhys 5T9), who set me straight on how things work when studying engineering. When it came time to start a career, it was another friend of my dad’s, Skule™ alumnus James Pierdon (MinE 3T1), who told me the way it is — in no uncertain terms, I might add. I often think of what these gentlemen did for me when a student or young alumnus approaches me for advice.
Describe one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences you’ve had at U of T Engineering?
I have found that there isn’t a most-rewarding volunteer experience, there are myriad of them. They include helping to craft better resumes that will tell the reader the story about the individual, helping to prepare for job interviews, general career advice, helping young alumni to establish personal networks beyond social media, and work introductions. It’s all great!
What advice do you have for alumni who are thinking about volunteering at U of T Engineering?
I strongly encourage young alumni to keep in touch with the Faculty and its alumni. One never knows what or who might come your way and one never knows what doors might be open to you if you do. I might add that it can be very energizing to interact with the young students and/or alumni. They can keep you on your toes as they are full of energy and ideas and many of them are scary bright.
Varuna Prakash (MSE 0T8, IBBME MHSc 1T0)
Medical Student
Volunteerism:
- Mentor, Alumni Mentorship Program
- Member, MSE100 Centennial Steering Committee
- Course development
- Guest lecturer
Why is volunteering at your alma mater important to you?
I approach volunteering at my alma mater in the same vein as being an engaged citizen in my broader community. I’ve received so much mentorship, nurturing and opportunity at U of T that it’s an honour to be able to pay it forward for future generations of students. U of T Engineering is where I have succeeded, failed, bounced back and grown immensely — and it’s a thrill to make my own small contribution to a place that has shaped my life and who I am.
Describe one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences you’ve had at U of T Engineering.
Being a mentor through various U of T Engineering mentorship programs has definitely been my most rewarding experience. As I advance in my career, my network has grown, and the nature of my mentorship has changed — and it gets more fun each year! I was just on an alumni panel where one of my co-panellists was someone I had informally mentored when they were an undergraduate student! I’ve successfully convinced many engineering graduates to come work in sorely needed areas of health care, and I’m absolutely convinced that they’re going to have a big impact there. I think the ability to connect people in different domains — engineering and health care, for example — and the opportunity to learn from my mentees have made the experience really fulfilling.
What advice do you have for alumni who are thinking about volunteering at U of T Engineering?
I’m here because many generations of alumni volunteered their time, in some fashion, towards my university experience. Being able to do the same for current and future students is an incredibly enriching and rewarding experience that has done more for me than I can ever do for the school.
Tom Woods (IndE 7T5)
Former CFO and CRO, CIBC
Volunteerism:
- Member, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Board of Advisors
Why is volunteering at your alma mater important to you?
I feel it’s important to give back; the four years I had at U of T Engineering had a huge impact in preparing me for my career in banking. I am also interested in staying current on recent advances in technology.
Describe one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences you’ve had at U of T Engineering?
As part of the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Board of Advisors, we get exposure to professors and students who present some of their research work. Two memorable examples were the use of robots being developed to supplement the work of personal support workers, and the design of a system for the optimal placement of defibrillators in the city.
What advice do you have for alumni who are thinking about volunteering at U of T Engineering?
Become active in your alumni class activities and attend school-sponsored presentations. Ask how you can help and describe what your interests are, be it fundraising, industry relations or student mentoring. Support the Faculty financially. And be sure to keep the school up to date on your address changes!
Looking to volunteer at U of T Engineering? There are many rewarding student-focused, Faculty-level and University-wide volunteer opportunities for alumni. Make a connection, share your experiences and inspire the next generation of engineers today.
— Jamie Hunter