Holidays, alumni style
Relax. Rejuvenate. Plus some dates for the diary in 2026!
Dear Festive Friends,
The holiday countdown is on! Last year, I reintroduced the Alumni Grinch with a Dr Seuss-esque rhyme that plays out as an ode to alumni!
This is a time for reflection and renewal. What am I doing over the holidays?
1- Movers: The last pieces of my Dublin move will be in place by New Year's Eve - celebrating a new chapter ringing in 2026!
2- Shakers: I will carve out time to nominate well deserving alumni for awards. Between nominations for my alma mater alumni awards at St Mike's to distinguished University of Toronto awards like one named after fellow alum Carl Mitchell I will be setting aside time this holiday to recognize alumni commitment, community impact and leadership (an enjoyable process with a cup of tea!)
3- Makers: I am making time for family. The closest shared experiences are with them! Alumni seep into the mix too, hopefully with some reconnections in person and online both sides of the Atlantic!
Your challenge this holiday season:
What's your mover, shaker and maker moments on your radar? It's that simple. I hope it involves reflection and fun!
What's on in 2026!
TEDxTrinityCollegeDublin - delighted to share that I am the TEDx organizer for this event hosted by the Trinity Business School on 5th of March 2026 - and I am the MC! After my own TEDx talk (We are all connected by one word: Alumni) this is a chance to broaden my own TEDx alumni circle!
ICARe 2026 call for abstracts for presentations is now open! The International Conference on Alumni Relations will be in Kaunas, Lithuania! Check out the call here - share your alumni wins!
Conference is 7-8 May 2026 - see you there!
EFMD MarCom Conference 2026 - in the alumni relations track I will be a keynote speaker discussing 'Alum from Day One' strategies! Join me in Malaga Spain at this Business School conference from the 11-13 of May!
This year I am also speaking to an Alumni Board, tackling The Alumni Way as a 'book club' - let's discuss if you are interested in this!
Can I speak at your next conference or event? Talks for students, alumni-facing professionals and for the alumni curious are my specialty! Hit reply or book a discovery call. Let's discuss in-person or virtual events!
In the meantime, enjoy a restful, joyful holiday filled with connection! The next Alumni Friday newsletter will be the 9th of January.
Yours with festive alumni joy,
Maria
Photo above: Let the holiday sparkle! Meeting friend Csilla Pataly, alumni professional extraordinaire earlier this year in Budapest was a lovely highlight. Include in-person alumni connections to add extra sparkle to your holiday!
Photo below: The Alumni Way - Pick up your copy today!
