Georgian College Alumni Association’s Post

Sharing the good news out of Athens, both as a proud parent and the increasing likelihood we'll have one off the payroll in 18 months! To all my accounting and advisory firm colleagues, let me know you need an intro.

Today, President John J. DeGioia announced he is stepping down from his role as university president after 23 years and will become president emeritus and continue as a member of the faculty at Georgetown. Learn more about President DeGioia’s 23 years as University President and send President DeGioia a note of gratitude by using #PresidentDeGioia or submitting a message: bit.ly/4i1ePyE

Yesterday evening, I had the privilege of attending a talk by Kim Samuel at McMaster University on the subject of 'Belonging'. Her insights were profound and left me with much to reflect on. One key takeaway is that loneliness and social isolation are powerful experiences that many people face—not just from physical solitude, but from not being seen or understood as whole individuals. Often, the root of isolation is perception—being viewed as ‘other’ or ‘less than.’ Even in the most difficult situations, community and shared purpose can transform isolation into a sense of belonging. Nelson Mandela’s time in prison is a testament to this: despite harsh conditions, he found connection and strength among those who shared his purpose. This demonstrates that the most profound form of belonging arises when we are united by a common mission. Kim highlighted four key dimensions of belonging: 1. People – Being seen, recognized, and valued by others. 2. Place – Feeling at home and comfortable in one’s environment. 3. Power – Having influence over the systems that affect our lives, feeling heard, and having control over our destiny. 4. Purpose – A sense of why we do what we do. Shared purpose can be the strongest bond, as Mandela’s story illustrates. Belonging is not just a need; it is a right. We must actively fight for the things often taken for granted—community, connection, and a shared sense of purpose—because they are essential to our humanity. At McMaster University, one of the core missions of our Black, Indigenous, and Racialized Staff - Employee Resource Group (BIRS-ERG) is to provide our members with a space where they belong. If you aren’t already part of our growing community, I encourage you to join us and help strengthen the bonds that hold us together. https://lnkd.in/gsA_3ebn #EDI #Equity #Diversity #Inclusion #Leadership #McMasterUniversity #Belonging

Welcome to the official LinkedIn page of the Baruch College Honors Student Council! 🏅 We’re excited to create a space where Baruch Honors Scholars can connect, collaborate, and create the change they want to see on campus. Our mission is to represent the diverse voices of the honors community, foster strong cross-program connections, and empower students to achieve their fullest potential. What You Can Expect: 🔎 Leadership Spotlights: Meet the students who make up our Executive Board and representatives from each honors group. 📢 Event Announcements: Stay updated on upcoming events, workshops, and community service opportunities. 🎓 Student Success Stories: Get inspired by the achievements and journeys of your fellow honors scholars. 👥 Opportunities to Engage: Participate in polls, discussions, and initiatives that impact our honors community. We invite all Baruch Honors students, alumni, and supporters to follow us and join the conversation. Let’s work together to make the Honors experience at Baruch College of The City University of New York more enriching and impactful than ever before! Stay tuned for more updates and don’t hesitate to reach out with any ideas, questions, or suggestions. #BaruchHonors #HSC #StudentCouncil #Leadership #Community #Collaboration #StudentSuccess

Reminder, the deadline for the Good Works Scholarship is approaching. Presented by Price Benowitz, this scholarship is designed to support students who excel in leadership, community service, and academic achievement. If you are a ssudent committed to making a positive impact and furthering your education, apply by October 31st. Let’s celebrate and support the outstanding individuals shaping our future. Apply today and take the next step in your educational journey! Link for more details and application in the comments. #Scholarship #Leadership #CommunityService #HigherEducation

I just received the "Rookie of the Year" award from Odessa College's School of Liberal Arts and Education (SOLAE). Below are some remarks I'd like to make to my colleagues. (Photo credit: Christy McGuire) -- This is big. Receiving an award from a jury of one's peers is no small thing. But to receive it from people who consistently go over and beyond for their students, colleagues, families, schools, and community – this is simply incredible. So thank you. This award comes with a renewed sense of responsibility, as you recognized something that is worth speaking about. I'd like to take a few moments to illustrate what's at stake. The primary thing I want for the college experience is the cultivation of empathy. We want students energized and talking to each other in a number of settings so they see each other. We want everyone to address each other with respect and dignity as they understand that they are deserving of the utmost respect because of their dignity. It is crucial to this project to help students recognize college as a social space, a "microcosm of human experience" which invites reflection. My research, which is on Heideggerian notions of culture and authenticity, speaks to these themes in a different way. The benefits of what we're doing already speak for themselves. Again, I couldn't do anything without your support. You've made it much easier to reach out to students and give what's necessary. I am blessed to have a number of students reach out to each other, accept and relish leadership roles, advocate for each other. Some of my proudest moments these past 3 quarters have involved students applying to the finest schools in the world, schools they didn't think they were worthy of. Seeing their eagerness to serve and bring more voices to the table. The hope is for a more caring citizenry, one which lends itself immediately to genuine civic leadership. They know the pipes need to be fixed, that old oil wells need to be plugged, that the generation beyond them deserves that much more. I believe in them. The change that matters is in motion. https://lnkd.in/eDDjTA2Y

Sidra Khalid 18G, 40 Under Forty honoree, reflects on her experience as a young college student at Emory, ready to learn what it takes to be successful. “At 20, I was eager to have everything planned out and to know exactly what I needed to do to be successful. Ultimately, I've learned that life rarely follows a linear path, and it's okay not to have everything figured out when you’re younger.” Learn more about our honorees here: https://bit.ly/4c8KPOd

#Wordonthesteeet 🎓 I'm beyond excited to share that on August 24th, I'll be receiving my doctorate degree in Christian Leadership in Business from Good Life Christian University! This moment has been a long-held dream of mine, and I'm incredibly grateful to celebrate this milestone with my family as we travel to Georgia for the graduation ceremony. 🌟 Adding to the celebration, I'm also honored to be receiving the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award—a recognition that truly humbles me. 🙏 But this journey isn't just about me—it's also a lesson in the power of sharing your good news on social media. Here are two key takeaways: 1️⃣ Extend Your Reach: Don’t underestimate the power of social media to reach your target audience beyond just your immediate circle. Sharing your achievements opens up opportunities for connection, inspiration, and growth. 2️⃣ Build Authentic Connections: People love to celebrate wins, and by sharing your news, you foster authentic connections that can lead to valuable partnerships and support in your business journey. So, don’t be shy—let the world know about your achievements! It’s more than just sharing; it’s about inspiring others and building a community that supports your success. . . . . . . #DoctorateJourney #ChristianLeadership #PresidentialLifetimeAchievement #GoodLifeChristianUniversity #SocialMediaSuccess #CelebrateWins #InspireAndConnect

Well-being in Higher Education: Raising the Literacy & Advancing the Conversation - free online series Feb 26 - March 1 Mark your calendars, in particular, for Philip Wilkerson III, M.Ed sharing about "Creating a Culture of Kindness" on Feb 29th. More details: https://lnkd.in/ee_C8uxv #wellbeing #kindness #caringcommunities #wellnessatwork

Alumni Spotlight: Anna Lenaker ’19, ’20 MPA Named one of 18 Luce Scholars, a nationally competitive yearlong fellowship in Asia, Anna reflects on how the Master of Public Affairs program prepared her for academic success and future career exploration. "Luce will change my life in a meaningful way, both personally and professionally. I want to see where the year takes me. With its flexible curriculum, Brown reinforced my spirit of exploration. My interests continue to evolve and they tend to lead me in unexpected directions, which is part of the joy of lifelong learning." Learn more about Anna: https://ow.ly/87iP50R4ZqF