In 1937, the first U of T sociology students received their degrees; almost 70 years later, sociology grads have their first alumni organization at the university. The Sociology Alumni Association began unofficially when the department’s alumni development officer, Linda Gardiner (BSc 1977 UTSC), organized a dinner for graduates and the department chair at the U of T Faculty Club in December 2004. “It started with a conscientious group who wanted to give something back to the sociology community,” says Gardiner. After several meetings and much planning amongst the group, the formal launch came the following June during Spring Reunion, when the association hosted a reception and talk by sociology graduate Robert Sirman (BA 1968 VIC, MA 1969), administrative director of Canada’s National Ballet School. Other recent activities have included a historical walking tour and an author-led book discussion, and there are plans to participate in the job-shadowing program for undergraduates. To join the Sociology Alumni Association executive or learn about upcoming events, contact sociology.dept@utoronto.ca.
Recent Posts
U of T’s 197th Birthday Quiz
Test your knowledge of all things U of T in honour of the university’s 197th anniversary on March 15!
Work Has Changed. So Have the Qualities of Good Leadership
Rapid shifts in everything from technology to employee expectations are pressuring leaders to constantly adapt