Alumni Afternoon Exchange brings mentorship to life

Conversations flowed across the room. Alumni shared insights, students took notes, and ideas moved quickly in all directions. This wasn’t a lecture or a panel. It was something different.

The Afternoon Exchange, hosted by UFV Alumni Engagement, brought accomplished alumni back to campus for an informal event designed to put students and recent grads face-to-face with people who had once been in their shoes. The format resembled speed mentoring with short, rotating conversations, led by student curiosity and shaped by alumni insight.

“I love sharing ideas,” says alumnus Jaspal Singh (BBA ’11), a senior accountant at DataSense Solutions. “And I know the students benefited — from creating LinkedIn pages to getting connected both digitally and in person. It’s all about exchange.”

From practical career advice to life-after-graduation realities, the topics were as wide-ranging as the alumni themselves. That breadth was intentional.

“We wanted to create a space where students could connect meaningfully with alumni — not just to ask for advice, but to see what’s possible,” said Whitney Fordham (BBA ’09), UFV Alumni Engagement director. “It’s about building community, not just contacts.”

When asked if his career followed the path he expected, Jaspal laughed. “Absolutely not. But staying flexible and open led me exactly where I needed to be.”

The afternoon was a refreshing reminder of the value of in-person conversation, especially in a post-pandemic world where virtual meetings often replace real connection.

“It’s never been harder to connect in person,” said alumna Jenny Campbell (BA ’00), now a local beekeeper and entrepreneur. “But it’s those natural conversations that bring the surprises we never imagined we needed.”

That insight came in many forms — from tactical career advice to broader life strategies.

“Even without a portfolio, just show what you’ve built,” said Rohan Syal (BBA ’22), now a marketing and communications strategist at the UFV Student Union Society “Be a builder. That’s what helps you stand out.”

“Goal setting and turning obstacles into opportunities was key for me,” added Jenny. “That’s what carried me from student life into my career.”

Some of the most memorable advice wasn’t about resumés or interviews. It was about integrity, adaptability, and lifelong learning.

“Say what you’re going to do — and do it,” said Stacey Irwin (BBA ’97), director of digital payments and partnerships at Prospera Credit Union. “That’s how you build trust. That never changes, no matter what industry you’re in.”

“Volunteering, staying involved, continuous schooling — I’m still doing as much learning now as I did when I was a student,” she added. “The world changes. You have to stay adaptable.”

The Afternoon Exchange struck a chord among students and mentors alike.

“I’d love to see even more,” said Jaspal. “Maybe a speed interview night, or even a day of fun and games out on the Green. Let’s keep it going.”

“The response to this program was overwhelmingly positive — from students and alumni alike,” said Whitney. “This is just the beginning. We’re excited to build on this momentum and explore how we can continue creating meaningful mentorship opportunities.”

Not every act of giving back needs to be grand. Sometimes, it starts with showing up, sharing a story, and offering a moment of insight. Of course, the grand gestures are always welcome, too.

More exchanges are in the works as the Alumni Association continues to grow this culture of mentorship.

Want to mentor, connect, or contribute? The UFV Alumni Association is always looking for alumni ready to share their experiences — in big ways and small. Get in touch to learn how you can take part.