Our Own Jackie O.

For a long time after graduating, Jackie Orange (BA 1966 St. Michael’s) didn’t think much about volunteering for U of T, much less serving as an alumni governor. She focused on raising a family, then on developing a career in the financial sector.

In the late 1990s, Orange reached a point when she had the time – and inclination – to give back. She served as an alumni representative on Governing Council, the 50-member group that oversees U of T’s academic, business and student affairs, for three terms. Last June, she stepped down after nine years (the maximum permitted by university bylaw).

Orange, who is now pursuing a career in governance in the for-profit sector, says serving on council changed her life. Although her schedule was sometimes onerous, Orange says she found it gratifying to work with alumni, staff, faculty and students – all of whom share a passion for education and U of T. “Alumni are a powerful force because of their enthusiasm for the university,” she says. “They’re a great group to work with.”

Replacing Orange on Governing Council is John Stewart (BA 1995 Woodsworth), an investment advisor at TD Waterhouse and a major in the Canadian Forces Primary Reserve. He is an Arbor Award and Gordon Cressy Student Leadership Award winner.

Nominations for two alumni governor positions being vacated in June 2009 will be accepted between January 9 and February 23. Interested alumni should contact the secretary of the College of Electors at (416) 978-6576 or governing.council@utoronto.ca, and visit www.governingcouncil.utoronto.ca. The election will be held on April 8 during a College of Electors meeting.