First alumni events in Canada promote the creation of a regional alumni network

The first meetings for College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences alumni based in Canada were held recently in Vancouver and Calgary.

Professor Richard Lewis, School of Law and Politics, met with the two groups of alumni mostly comprised of former law students who had graduated in the 1990’s. Professor Lewis had taught most of the attendees during their studies in Cardiff.

One alumnus was keen for his Cardiff education to be reflected in his professional success. Daniel Song, class of 2010 (LLB), was admitted to the Canadian Bar by fellow Cardiff graduate Provincial Judge Paul Mason, class of 1991.

Daniel explains: "I specifically requested Judge Mason other than one of the Queen’s Bench Judges who normally sit at the Bar Call Ceremony. The Cardiff University Coat of Arms is on display at the Calgary Court Centre and Judge Mason spoke about its meaning in my Bar Call Ceremony by way of explaining my life story. We were both very proud of being alumni of Cardiff University.”

The event in Calgary attracted around 10 alumni who expressed an interest in establishing a more structured alumni network. Paul Bourassa, a Federal Crown Prosecutor, has been nominated as the group’s leader to try and bring the alumni together.

Paul says: “For what was the first event of its kind in Calgary I think it was a grand success. I am hopeful that we can turn this into an annual event and if so I am confident the local participants will grow in number. Some of the fellows last night nominated me as the unofficial ‘president’ of the Calgary Cardiff University LLB Alumni and my first priority is organising another event for September 2015 to keep the momentum going.”

Alumni interested in joining the Calgary network and/or attending the event in September are invited to contact Paul Bourassa via email. To update your alumni contact information so you don’t miss out on any communication please contact Laura Stephenson at Cardiff University.