This month, we are excited to introduce you to Phil Wong (BSc ‘85) who is a long time volunteer with the University of Alberta. Phil has volunteered quite a bit on campus, including several years with Alumni Council. Most recently however, Phil has been a member of the Alumni Support and Engagement Team (ASSET) and has been applying his support skills to the Unitea program on campus to help current U of A students.

Unitea is student wellness program on campus that recognizes that the human need for social connection is essential for personal wellbeing. Phil volunteers time with the program weekly, offering both in-person and virtual tea times that students can book. He feels that this program is really important as it allows current students access to a supportive and nonjudgemental ear on campus in a casual environment. With many feeling disconnected from the COVID-19
pandemic, these services on campus are so important to help rebuild and support our local community.

Phil views volunteering as a way to help strengthen and support the community around him. He is passionate about the University as he felt he received many opportunities from the institution as a student and says that he’s not sure where he would be now without those experiences. He continues to learn as a volunteer, gaining new perspectives and having new experiences that he is then able to apply to his personal and work life.

One of his favorite things about volunteering on campus is the opportunity to see and connect with the new classes of students. One year, when volunteering with Alumni Council, he passed out T-shirts to new students as a part of Orientation. They were so excited and happy and he loved experiencing their enthusiasm along with them.

Phil’s advice to future volunteers is to “Go for it! Take every minute as a gift - whether you are giving or receiving, use it meet people, to understand their perspectives and where they come from. It’s truly a gift”

When he is not volunteering, Phil enjoys both watching live sports and spending time with his family.