CBU Alumni Association board member and past President, Scott Thomas, prides himself on his network of people located around the world. Naturally charismatic and caring, it is easy to see how Scott has made so many lasting connections. Scott teamed up with CBU’s newest Annual Giving Specialist, Rochelle Hatcher, and you now have a six degrees of separation concept.

When the Canada-wide state of emergency was issued and the full effect of social and physical distancing was being realized, Scott and Rochelle teamed up to reach out to CBU Alumni to see how they are coping with our new reality. 

“I work at CBU as the Human Rights and Diversity Officer, and a large part of my role is ensuring that students, faculty and staff are putting their mental health needs first and checking in on those who may need some extra support,” commented Scott. “I knew that Alumni would be having those same feelings of concern, and I wanted to find a way to connect with our Alumni family as well.”

For the past four weeks, Scott and Rochelle, with support from the Alumni Association President, Kelsea MacNeil, and CBU faculty and staff, have been taking part in Zoom calls with Alumni located all over the world. From Sydney, Canada, to Sydney, Australia.

“When I started with CBU, one of my main goals was to build on existing relationships with Alumni and create new and meaningful relationships with Alumni who may have lost touch with their alma mater,” says Rochelle Hatcher. “Being at home and understanding that we are in this together, perhaps made this work even more important and more significant for people.” 

The calls consist of a check-in and conversation about how life has changed during COVID-19. The calls also provide an excellent opportunity to update Alumni on what has been happening at CBU and all the changes that have taken place since they last visited campus. Alumni have been offering advice and ideas for events and engagement all around the world. There are often visits from children and other family members, along with a pet or two.

“We say that once a CAPER, always a CAPER. As soon as the conversation starts rolling on the Zoom calls, I think it brings to mind why you love CBU so much, and you realize that the connection will always be there,” says Scott.

Photo: Top - Scott Thomas, Rochelle Hatcher and Stephanie Bagnell. Stephanie is currently living in Sydney, Australia.

Bottom: Scott Thomas, Rochelle Hatcher and Moataz Alzowri lving in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia.