University of Guelph-Humber

Graduating from the University of Guelph-Humber doesn’t have to mean goodbye. After completing a degree and moving on to an exciting dream job or pursuing grad school, Guelph-Humber is forging new pathways for alumni to bond and give back to the school community by establishing the first-ever Alumni Ambassador Council.

The Alumni Ambassador Council was formed as a dedicated group of eight volunteers, who’ll raise the university’s profile with a regular presence at school events, showcasing their unique career paths and uniting other alumni. 

“I feel the council is important because it's going to be a great way to get the Guelph-Humber brand known internationally and also helping people reach their careers goals,” council member Tommy Ho said, who’s a 2023 Justice Studies graduate. 

After applying for a spot on the council, each member began their term in July and will hold that position until June 2025. Every program the school offers is represented by an Alumni Ambassador on the council. Creating networking opportunities for Guelph-Humber graduates is a major goal too, Alumni Advancement Coordinator Sandra Fazio said, who oversees the council and is a Guelph-Humber alum herself. With over 17,000 graduates since the university’s genesis, Fazio said the group will facilitate breaking alumni out of their graduation cohorts to meet other professionals from Guelph-Humber, as well as school stakeholders. She added it’s about connecting alumni so they feel represented.

Alumni Ambassadors are feeling exhilarated to help prospective and current students. 

“Students look for alum…people who have been in their shoes,” Fazio said.

Lianna Montanari, a 2023 Kinesiology graduate, said Guelph-Humber has a “special place” in her heart and the council is an opportunity to give back and get involved in the school community. 

“I think it can be daunting being an undergraduate student and thinking about, ‘What can I do next?’” Montanari said. “Providing that insight for students and making them a little bit less anxious about next steps is what I kind of hope to achieve most.” Plus, members will receive an official letter from Guelph-Humber upon serving their term on the Council, which could enhance their CV for future job prospects. 

After all, the group’s motto is that you’re a student for a short time and “an alum for life.”

The 2024-2025 Alumni Ambassador Council:
Jonathan Zarb, Business, Class of 2010
Olivia Detmers, Community & Social Services, Class of 2023
Bahaa Zouki, Early Childhood Studies, Class of 2021
Angelo Rotondo, Justice and Public Safety, Class of 2021
Tommy Ho, Justice Studies, Class of 2023
Lianna Montanari, Kinesiology, Class of 2023
Kirsten Knowles, Media & Communication Studies, Class of 2009
Razia Gill, Psychology, Class of 2023