Wendy Jerome, '58 BPE
Wendy Jerome (Foster), '58 BPE, is an avid volunteer, both on campus and in the community. A 2012 recipient of the Alumni Association's Centenary Award, she is one of the association's most involved alumni volunteers. She's always eager to participate in campus activities, whether it's mentoring students, assisting with alumni events like Unwind Your Mind or talking to students about life on campus in 1958. Her passion for the U of A inspires and amazes all with whom she interacts.
Tell us how you stay connected to campus through volunteerism.
I started by giving guest lectures in the physical education faculty after retiring from Laurentian University (professor emeritus) in 2005. I volunteered on the Golden Bear Basketball fundraising golf tournament committee for two years. In 2007, I volunteered to be the class organizer for the 50th reunion of my BPHE class. In doing that, the Alumni Association had me on their list and began sending me suggestions for other volunteer activities. I had spare time and enjoyed the opportunity to stay connected to the university (having been involved with university life my entire adult years), so I volunteered for anything I thought I would be able to effectively contribute to, that I had time for and that I thought I would enjoy. So far, I have volunteered at a variety of alumni-sponsored international student events, Easter Eggstravaganza, Alumni Weekend activities, student recruitment events, Ambassador programs, the Christmas Skate, on some alumni committees, for Capital City Clean Up, and a Habitat for Humanity build - amongst others.
I have also been a member of some master's and doctoral thesis committees as an external member, representing the Faculty of Education. I have been an adjunct professor in Education for the past five years. I have also been involved with PERAA (Physical Education and Recreation Alumni Association) since 2007 and am currently a board member.
Why do you think it is important for grads to volunteer their time?
I can only speak for myself, as each individual will have different motivations for involvement. I have always appreciated the quality of the education I received at the U of A and the support that was provided by my faculty during my time as an undergraduate. I loved the time I spent at the U of A and always hoped I could come back in some capacity. My volunteer work is very rewarding to me in that I get a sense of giving back. I enjoy the interaction with various staff and faculty with whom I am involved. I have a wonderful time interacting with the students and prospective students.
While many of the activities I volunteer for do not require many skills, there are others for which my training and experience are valuable assets. I think that it is important to be able to share these experiences with current students through mentoring and even just casual conversation. It is perhaps in this way that graduates of the university can play a most valuable role. There are numerous mentoring opportunities available and I would encourage U of A graduates to consider volunteering in this way.
I also feel that the Do Great Things initiative is a wonderful way for graduates to get involved, even if just peripherally through reporting your own volunteer interests. We know the U of A has a significant economic impact on Edmonton. Through alumni involvement in this new initiative, we can obtain some insight into the impact that we, the U of A alumni, have when volunteering our time and skills to help out in a wide variety of activities that are part of the social fabric of the areas in which we live - such things as sport programs, charitable programs, fundraising and so on.
Do you volunteer for other organizations? Where?
I currently sit on two condominium boards, one as treasurer, the other as vice-president. I sit on the women's committee at my golf club where I co-ordinate the inter-club competition. I was on the board of Alberta Golf for four years before retiring due to health reasons. I have worked as a volunteer official in track and field and in golf. I am the "team captain" with the Capital City Clean Up for our condominium group. I have volunteered at the Fringe Festival and still work as a consulting sport psychologist (gratis) when asked. I have run various mental training workshops for the Running Room, various golf clubs and some school teams. Funds obtained from this work have been donated to purchase Golf in School programs for needy schools identified by these organizations.
What does volunteering mean to you?
It means a lot of things: being involved, helping out, using my skills to help others and meeting new people. It is also a means of giving back to a city and university that I love. I am so grateful for the positive impact that both have had on my life.
What impact has volunteering had on you? On others?
I have moved a number of times in my life. When faced with a new environment, I have used volunteering and participation in sporting activities as a way to meet new people and make new friends. As I age, it gives me a reason to get up in the morning; it is something positive to look forward to for the day. It provides a feeling of accomplishment when tasks are completed and I find it feeds my feelings of self-worth.
I would hope that others who volunteer would find the same kind of satisfaction that I do in giving to the community.
Share a memory from your time volunteering.
This is a hard one. Each of the volunteer experiences brings special moments. Easter Eggstravaganza is always fun. The children are always so excited. However, I think my best moments have been at the special events held for international students. I always enjoy talking to the students from different countries, many of which I have visited during my working years. It is always fun to see them light up when I can mention something I enjoyed about their country. It also gives me an opportunity to explain some of the cultural differences they can expect to confront as they undertake their educational journey in Canada.
On average, how many hours per month do you volunteer?
Easily more than 60 hours per month.