At the University of Guelph-Humber (U of GH), you’re a student for a short time, but an alum for life. For some graduates, returning to U of GH as a proud alumni ambassador is an opportunity to give back to a community that holds such a special place in their hearts.
The Alumni Ambassador Council is entering its second year for the 2025–2026 academic term, and is comprised of eight dedicated volunteers. It’s an opportunity for volunteers to connect with students, helping shape the next generation.
“I genuinely believe we should be a guide for students who may need our support, especially since we've been in their shoes. There's no exact rulebook for being a student who’s chasing their dreams of becoming who they want to be,” alumni ambassador Nia Lee (Media & Communication Studies, Class of 2017) said. “I believe it's essential to reassure and show them that they can build a successful life while being a student at Guelph Humber, and especially afterwards.”
Ambassadors serve as alumni representatives, fostering opportunities for networking and lifelong relationships. They also contribute to strengthening the community of U of GH students and graduates through appearances at various events throughout the year like Giving Tuesday, convocation, networking gatherings, and more.
“The Alumni Ambassador Council serves as a bridge between past, present, and future members of our University community. By fostering meaningful engagement with alumni and students, the Council helps preserve the spirit and values of our institution, while creating opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and growth,” Alumni Advancement Coordinator Sandra Fazio said, who oversees the Council and is a Guelph-Humber alum herself.
Alumni are enthusiastic to make a difference during the 2025–2026 council term. Alumni ambassador Ramona Ramcharran (Business, Class of 2016) said that having a mentor during her time as a U of GH student provided her with extra support, but also gave her encouragement to pursue her CPA designation – a lasting connection she’s kept since achieving the designation.
“That experience showed me the power of community, and now, I want to pay it forward by offering the same guidance and support to current students,” Ramcharran said. “Guelph-Humber holds a special place in my heart. It was the first place I truly felt like I belonged. After struggling to find my footing in high school, U of GH felt like a home. The small class sizes, close-knit campus, and community of like-minded peers helped me thrive. Many of the friendships I formed there are still an important part of my life today.”
And for member Lindsay Maharaj (Justice Studies, Class of 2018), being active in the U of GH community was always important to her. During her four years, she was a student athlete, a student employee on campus, lead investigator on the CSI team, and was involved in student societies as the president of the Pre-Law Society and member of Alpha Phi Sigma. She cited her passion for community engagement, advanced learning, and career development, and is looking forward to mentoring students as they bridge the gap between life as a student and after university.
Returning Council member and Kinesiology alum Lianna Montanari (Class of 2023) said giving back to U of GH is integral to strengthening the academic and professional communities “by building lasting connections and fostering a culture of support,” adding that she believes it also creates opportunities to inspire and guide the next generation by sharing experiences, insights, and knowledge across graduating years.
Furthermore, Council member Andrea Veliz (Psychology, Class of 2023) brings a unique perspective as someone who had a non-traditional university experience; she previously attended two other colleges, so she was older than her peers, and was also a student during the COVID-19 pandemic – a time of online-only and hybrid learning. Veliz wants the students she mentors who come to Guelph-Humber from a not-so-conventional pathway to know that they’re not alone.
“I feel like I can relate to a very unique, determined, and courageous population,” she said. “During my time on the Alumni Ambassador Committee, I hope to advocate for all students and their unique journeys. I hope to encourage students to utilize the supportive facilities and opportunities U of GH has to offer.”
And for Council member Aaron Posner (Business, Class of 2021), returning to Guelph-Humber as a volunteer is his way of “paying forward” the mentorship he once received from U of GH alumni.
“I look forward to volunteering at events and meeting current and future Guelph-Humber students, helping highlight all that makes Guelph-Humber such a special place. In addition, I look forward to working with the University to deepen the experience for Guelph-Humber alumni and create new opportunities for alumni to stay involved in student life on campus while also gaining new opportunities themselves,” Posner said.
At its core, the Alumni Ambassador Council evokes nostalgia for volunteers, as they draw upon their past experiences and lessons to share with fellow alumni and current students – the professionals of tomorrow.
And Maharaj echoes this sentiment. “The University of Guelph-Humber means so much more to me than just the four years that I was a student on campus,” she said. “It means having positive relationships with your professors and gaining hands-on experience in your field of study through placement and internships. It means endless opportunities,” she said, adding that her education at Guelph-Humber opened doors to pursue further credentials.
The 2025-2026 Alumni Ambassador Council:
- Ramona Ramcharran, Business, Class of 2016
- Aaron Posner, Business, Class of 2021
- Revlon Stoddart, Early Childhood Studies, Class of 2008
- Asim Sheikh, Justice & Public Safety, Class of 2024
- Lindsay Maharaj, Justice Studies, Class of 2018
- Lianna Montanari, Kinesiology, Class of 2023
- Nia Lee, Media & Communication Studies, Class of 2017
- Andrea Veliz, Psychology, Class of 2023
To learn more about the Alumni Ambassador Council, click here.