Mount Allison has alumni living all over the world, with alumni chapters in 21 locations, including:

• Ottawa
• Southern Ontario
• New York
• United Kingdom
• Bermuda
• Truro
• Halifax
• Fredericton
• Saint John
• Calgary
• Vancouver
• Montreal
• St. John’s
• Moncton
• Washington
• Boston
• Edmonton
• Southwestern Ontario
• PEI
• Minneapolis
• Australia

The key to a successful chapter is dedicated alumni volunteers. Sandra Murray (’59) has been involved with the Ottawa Chapter since the late 1980s. She says it is her love for Mount Allison that has kept her involved with the chapter and as an Alumni Board member for two terms.

“I ordered a new grad ring and inside it I had inscribed ‘My heart is there.’ Mount Allison means a lot to me and they were some of the happiest days of my life,” says Murray.

She says it is important to have representatives on a chapter committee from many different grad years and to have events that cater to different age groups. The Ottawa committee used to meet at her house annually to discuss the chapter and events.

“It was informal and we met around food. That atmosphere really helped us bond. I think that is key,” says Murray.

The committee would find out from chapter members what kinds of events they would be interested in attending. In the past, the Ottawa Chapter has successfully hosted dinners, receptions, and pub nights.

Eilish Elliott (’15) immediately became involved with the Ottawa Chapter when taking her master’s at Carleton University.

“I wanted to get involved at first because, especially as a new grad, it was a way to connect with Mount A and the Maritimes in my new city. I have stayed involved over the past two years because my connection to Mount A is important to me,” she says.

Elliott is now on the Ottawa Chapter committee that plans events. She says grad years range from 1959-2015, with a concentration between 1997 and 2006.

“It is a great way to meet and reconnect with other Allisonians,” she says. “My fellow alumni have been so kind and have made Ottawa feel more like home.”

Two areas with many Mount Allison alumni are Toronto and Vancouver.

“It would be great to have alumni from those major cities start up a chapter as there are many engaged alumni in those areas who would love to have a way to re-connect with Mount Allison and fellow alumni where they live and work,” says Mona Estabrooks, assistant director, alumni relations.

If you’re interested in finding out more about starting a chapter in your area, e-mail or call Mona Estabrooks at meestabrooks@mta.ca or 506-364-2303.
To find out what is happening in a chapter near you, visit mta.ca/alumni/chapters.aspx