Join a Western identity-based alumni group and find community
Alumni groups provide vital platforms to engage in enriching events and foster a sense of belonging.
By Cassie Dowse
When Nathan Ho, BA'08, MBA'16, moved to Hong Kong after graduating from Western, he lost connection with his alma mater. As his sales consultant career took off, Nathan missed the campus he happily called home. What he didn’t know was that his love for Western was about to grow even stronger.
“I was in Lan Kwai Fong – a popular entertainment district in Central, Hong Kong – and walked into a bar filled with an exuberant group of people donning purple hoodies,” Nathan recalls. “I realized they were Western alumni! I couldn’t believe my luck.”
That evening, Nathan was welcomed with open arms by members of the Hong Kong Alumni Branch and began his journey as a dedicated Western volunteer. Supported by the Alumni Association Board, shared interest groups provide Western grads connection to others with common experiences, including culture, sports affiliation, field of study or student government participation.
After moving to Toronto in 2021, Nathan joined the Alumni Association Board. As part of his role, Nathan provides guidance to shared interest groups and is proud that the network of identity-based groups is growing to offer more opportunities for meaningful connections.
“The evolution of identity-based alumni groups aligns with Western’s position on prioritizing diversity and inclusion,” says Nathan. “As a board, we feel it’s important for alumni from underrepresented communities to realize they’re among friends.”
Groups centred on cultural identity include Black at Western Alumni (BAWA) and the newly launched Indigenous Alumni Chapter and Asian Alumni Network. These groups provide vital platforms to engage in enriching events and foster a sense of belonging.
“Western changed my life,” says Nathan. “It’s rewarding to pay that experience forward and help alumni from underrepresented communities find commonality and passion for Western beyond graduation.”
BAWA, the Asian Alumni Network and the Indigenous Alumni Chapter are looking for interested alumni to grow their networks! Fill out the chapter interest form to stay up to date on upcoming events and learning opportunities.
