Volunteer Spotlight: Jessica Vandenberghe, '00 BSc(ChemEng), '00 MSc
Jessica Vandenberghe, ’00 BSc(ChemEng), ’03 MSc, is an active member of the U of A community, working for the Faculty of Engineering and volunteering with the Alumni Association. She also sits on the board for several organizations outside the university and is a public speaker on diversity, inclusion and truth and reconciliation. Jessica was very involved in campus groups as a student and missed that sense of connection once she transitioned into the workforce, which is why she chose to get involved with the U of A.
Jessica recalls one of her first volunteer experiences at the Green & Glow WinterFest, where she enjoyed meeting and interacting with other volunteers, including one in her 80s. Jessica was impressed and enjoyed hearing her stories. After that, she got more involved and started volunteering with the Alumni Council, first as a public member on the diversity and inclusion committee, and now as the chair of the student transitions committee. Jessica says her experience on Alumni Council has been rewarding and worthwhile. She says the staff members she’s worked with are great and receptive to their ideas.
Whether it's serving on Alumni Council or volunteering at an event, Jessica would definitely encourage anyone to volunteer with the alumni office. There are a variety of opportunities and time commitments, so “just do it”!
If you would like to know more about Alumni Council and how to join, follow this page for updates.
