In 2015 and 2016, three alumni engagement focus groups were held across the Lower Mainland at VGH, St. Paul’s and BC Children’s hospitals. The purpose of the events was to inform our alumni engagement plan by talking to alumni about their ideas on activities, events, and meaningful engagement with the School of Nursing after graduation.

A large turnout at each one of the three focus group sessions was a great indicator that our alumni were pleased to engage with the School of Nursing. Participants recommended actions in three areas. They were interested in:

1. mentorship opportunities,
2. more and targeted communication, and
3. connection with other alumni working at their place of employment.

The alumni emphasized a desire for mentorship opportunities that included face-to-face connections. They envisioned mentorship opportunities that would allow them to engage with other alumni from various specialties and practice settings. Mentorship was particularly highlighted by alumni with long nursing careers as they transition to retirement.

The second theme was the desire to have more communication with the School. A number of graduates who participated in the sessions were not aware of alumni events, or how to stay better connected. Use of social media channels was highlighted as an important opportunity to increase communication with the school and with other graduates.

Participants were curious about opportunities to engage as a graduate and give back to the school, but identified the nature of the work hours in clinical settings as a barrier to regular engagement. Graduates suggested that connection could be facilitated by raising the visibility of UBC Nursing graduates within the hospitals as well as using health authority newsletters.

Throughout 2017, the Alumni Engagement committee has been formulating a plan to support the themes identified through these focus group sessions. If you would like to be involved or participate in the activities, please reach out to Cathy.Ebbehoj@alumni.ubc.ca

Every UBC Nursing Alumni has a story to share…

In 2019, UBC School of Nursing will celebrate its 100th anniversary, and to make this a memorable celebration the Centennial Committee has begun planning. As part of the celebrations, the Alumni Engagement Committee is working with excitement and commitment to connect with as many Nursing alumni as possible. We want to update your contact information, record your stories and memories, and share with you information about all the exciting upcoming events once they are finalized. bit.ly/UBCSON100

Every UBC Nursing alumnus has an interesting story and each story adds to the rich history of the School. We invite you to share your story with us and ask that you spread the word to other UBC Nursing Alumni to do the same. The story could include information about why you entered nursing, impressions of the School, any interesting nursing anecdotes, and what you would consider highlights in your career and life. Please include a picture(s), if possible.

You can write your story yourself or we would be pleased to help you craft it. Either way, contact Alumni.stories@nursing.ubc.ca. Check out some of the stories that have already been posted at nursing.ubc.ca/alumni/amazing-alumnistories.

Help us attain our goal of at least one Nursing alumni story for each of the 100 years.

To update your contact information or for help planning a class reunion event – maybe one that coincides with a SON centennial event, contact Deanna.Salituro@ubc.ca, Associate Director, Alumni Relations or phone 604.822.9454.

Submitted by Cathy Ebbehoj
Co-chair, Alumni Engagement Committee