Andre Prefontaine (’85 BCom and ’88 BSci) is no stranger to volunteering at the University of Alberta. In the past he has been a member of Alumni Council and he currently volunteers his time in the Dinolab, the English Language School and is also a member of ASSET (Alumni Student Support and Engagement Team). He is passionate about supporting students, both with time volunteering and financially if one is able. 

Andre first began volunteering after seeing a post advertising Alumni Council. Thinking that looked like a really neat opportunity, he applied and stayed on for 3 years. 

In my conversation with Andre, it was clear that he really enjoys all of the volunteering opportunities with the University for all the unique experiences they bring him.  He remembers the wonder he felt the first time he held a large dinosaur bone in his hands at the Dinolab: “Your imagination just goes wild”.  He is likewise inspired by the bravery of the students he works with at the English Language School because “I can’t imagine traveling to a foreign country and attending university in my second language”.

Being a member of ASSET has also allowed him to connect with current students, to lend them support or to share in engaging conversations with. Working with students, he says, is “definitely the highlight”.  

Andre’s advice to future volunteers? “Volunteering with the U of A is easy and flexible. Look into joining the ASSET Team and search for opportunities that interest you. I really know that my time has made a tangible difference to some students and that’s really rewarding”. 

When he’s not volunteering, Andre is busy exercising, developing software for the iPhone and studying Japanese.