UFV’s Alumni Association will continue to be served by a dedicated leader, as Nav Bains takes the torch from Nik Venema as association chair.

Bains (BBA ’13), a marketing specialist for G&F Financial Group, ascends to the chair after serving as vice-chair.

“Under the leadership of Nik for the past two years, the Alumni Association benefited from enormous growth and development,” says Bains.

“We’ll continue to build on that momentum. The University of the Fraser Valley is a truly unique institution of leading undergraduate learning with a diverse makeup of students and alumni. I’m humbled to be associated with such an institution in this way.”

Venema (BBA ’12), an associate advisor at RBC Dominion Securities, will now serve the association as chair emeritus.

“I’m so proud of the work we’ve been able to accomplish over the past number of years,” Venema says.

“One of the reasons we’ve been successful is the UFV Alumni Association’s board of directors is brimming with leadership. That’s one of the reasons it’s been so enjoyable to serve — the people who step up for volunteer roles are ones with whom I count myself as fortunate to have worked.”

Bains plans to lead with an eye on UFV’s wide range of endeavours, beliefs, and perspectives while remaining grounded in common core values of life-changing experiences and community connection. He wants to continue building a relationship while increasing presence with UFV’s Chandigarh Alumni chapter.

Shortly after taking the helm, Bains’ first order of business was bestowing honorary lifetime memberships on Madeleine Hardin, former executive director of University Advancement and Alumni Engagement, and Leslie Courchesne, former executive director of UFV University Relations.

“Leslie and Madeleine have been two of the Alumni Association’s biggest advocates,” explains Bains.

“Their relentless effort and drive to see the Alumni Association thrive is a testament to how much they value every part of this institution. During their time in their respective leadership positions, they were a driving force of the UFV community and their commitment to UFV is well known through students, colleagues, and friends who hold each individual in very high regard.”

In addition to Bains assuming the chair position, Ali Siemens (BA ’13) has been elected to the role of vice-chair.

With all these pieces in place, Bains feels the association is stronger than ever.

“I look forward to working with our alumni board, the entire leadership team and UFV president Jackie Hogan to help shape the future of this already thriving alumni membership and reach our goal to see every alum engaged through time, talent or treasure.”