How did Western make a difference in your life?

Donna Tai, BA'89 Economics

When I think of Western, I think of:

1. The friends I made from the different clubs I joined

2. The Mustang Marching Band which accepted anyone at the time. As an OC frosh, it became my sorority/fraternity. I got to play at an outdoor Vanier Cup while students pelted us with iceballs. Had a great time!

3. Visual Arts first year studio course which at the time was open to all art lovers regardless of ability. I am still a patron of the arts and exhibit photography in group shows.

4. Economics courses - When I write exams today for product knowledge credits, I remember I heard some of these economic concepts first from Professors Bade, Parkin, Boyer and others at Western. If had paid attention to the lecture on Black Monday 1987, I might have chosen to be a professional photographer instead!

Scott May, BA'82

A mediocre mark on an accounting exam in my second year always serves to remind me of a couple of differences Western made in my life. The time leading up to this particular exam consisted of heading off each morning to Weldon Library studying for hours and hours and repeating the process for what seemed like days on end.

While this studying ritual is not uncommon among students I distinctly remember, even three decades later, the sensation of being totally immersed in a subject. This experience provided me with two important life lessons – first and foremost was that I should rethink the idea of ever becoming an accountant and second was a desire to ensure that learning would always play an important role in my life.

For me the Western experience reinforces the old saying, “The larger the island of knowledge the longer the coast of mystery.”

Ryan Rodrigues, BA'98, MBA'07

Western has been and will be a big part of my life. Western has enabled me to build a vibrant network of colleagues, mentors, and friends - all lifelong relationships with really interesting people.

No matter where I go in the world – that Purple W has a connecting power that can’t be explained or understated. Western has opened several doors for me. I guess it’s that shared experience that stays within us all - that binds us as a group of people within today’s global community.

GO STANGS GO!

Kris Dundas, BA, MA

Western changed how I think about the world. Living in residence was the first eye-opener. People with all different backgrounds and values learning about University life together - what a great, yet sometimes challenging, experience!

But my second, third and fourth year were particularly satisfying. Throughout my English degree program, I studied topics ranging from social issues to world history to philosophy to
cultural diversity. Those classes were where I truly opened my mind to different ways of thinking and they helped solidify my views on politics, social justice and many more issues.

Finally, my Master's Program in Journalism gave me the path to voice my opinion, to seek attention for issues of importance and the ability to make a difference. So far my career has included public relations and marketing work in health care, social services and education. I'm truly grateful for the values I shaped while at Western and the tools I gained to live by them.

I grew up at Western
by Karmen (Ferraro) Dowling, BA’96

I grew up at Western. It was where I had to develop a good work ethic and take sole responsibility for the choices I made. I also learned from the best (my professors) and made lifelong friends along the way. Years later I came back as an employee, where to this day I continue learn from the best (my colleagues, professors and students) and continue to foster new relationships and friendships.

Western started me on the path to where I am today. Western has given me an education. Western has given me many friendships. Western has given me my career. Western has given me the best life experience.

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