Hello fellow Wolverines!
Summer is almost over and a new school year is just about upon us. We hope you have had the opportunities to escape to cottages, kicked back on patios, or simply take some time off to enjoy the season.
In this update, your University of Michigan Alumni Club of Toronto (UMACT) is excited to share with you the launch of our official website, and to invite you to some upcoming special events. Of course, included is also a recap of the past quarter.
UMACT has its official website – www.umichtoronto.org
Over the summer, under the guidance of Alex Sirota, President of UMACT and U of M LSA international interns Reis Becker and Olivia Varnado designed and created our website. U of M alumni in the GTA now have a long overdue presence on the internet as well as a host of useful features:
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An official UMACT event calendar
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UMACT members can choose to create their own profiles and display them in the Members Directory (future content will be available for member-only access).
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A variety of ways to connect with UMACT via social media
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A Blog where UMACT news and newsletters will be shared, and
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A donation and UMACT Shop where you can support UMACT.
Our official hoMepage will continue to be operated by your volunteer board and we look forward to keeping you informed and involved!
Upcoming events:
1. Volunteering / Community Event
Back in April, we previewed that the UMACT team was in the planning stage of a volunteering event. We are thrilled to share with you that we have partnered with the Gateway to serve a dinner meal to its residents.
Background of the Gateway – The Gateway is a 120-bed shelter for men experiencing homelessness in Toronto. Beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter, Gateway also offers one-on-one counselling services—everything from addictions supports to goal setting to chaplaincy, housing support and various health promotion programs. The goal at Gateway is to meet the holistic needs and develop the gifts of everyone who comes through the doors, for everyone who shows up at the shelter to leave having experienced growth and positive change. The Drop-In Program is central to the mission and vision of the Gateway. Open from 1 pm – 7 pm five days a week, the drop-in is a safe and welcoming place where anyone, regardless of their circumstances, can access hot meals, recreational programming, warmth and a place for friendships to develop. The drop-in plays a crucial role in keeping men and women off the streets and it also serves to support individuals who’ve moved on from the shelter into a place of their own.
When: Saturday, October 14 from 2:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. (Dinner served at 4:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M.)
Where: 107 Jarvis Street, Toronto
RSVP to marketing@umichtoronto.org by October 7, 2017
2. Fall Dinner Club
Come join your fellow Wolverines for an evening of networking and reconnecting over dinner! This is an informal event designed to bring us together.
When: Tuesday, September 12 at 7:00 P.M.
Where: Trattoria Mercatto (220 Yonge Street, Toronto)
RSVP to marketing@umichtoronto.org if you are interested in attending. Go Blue!
3. Football Watch Parties
Coach Harbaugh’s 2017 team (Team 138) is ranked #11 in pre-season ranking. Come join your fellow Wolverine alumni and fans on these selected Football Saturdays to cheer on and support the TEAM, the TEAM, the TEAM, from the best university in the world!
When:
Michigan VS Air Force September 16 (Kick-off @ noon)
Michigan VS MSU October 7 (Kick-off TBA)
Michigan VS OSU November 25 (Kick-off @ noon)
Where: The Frog – A Firkin Pub (4854 Yonge St, North York)
Recap:
1. Inaugural Send-off BBQ – on June 24, our first ever UMACT Student Send-off was held at Alex Sirota’s home in Thornhill. Seven incoming students from all over the GTA joined Toronto alumni as we welcomed them into the Wolverine family. The diversity of students from all walks of life and backgrounds was on full display. Thank you to Sydney, Max, Ben, Eric, Clare, Alison and Cynthia for joining us and thank you to several parents who came out as well. We look forward to hearing about their journeys in Ann Arbor this fall! Click here to see some of the photographs taken of the event!
2. Spring Dinner Club – we had another excellent turn out on June 12 at the Trattoria Mercatto in the Eaton Centre. Several newcomers from varied graduating classes added to the diversity of the group as well as its conversation. At this rate of growth, we may have to find a larger venue soon! If you missed this event, come join us in September for the Fall Dinner Club!
GO BLUE!!!
Jason Chan, LS&A ‘99