Update from WLUAA President Kyle Walker (BA '11)

As we wrap up another incredible year, it is inspiring to see how our Laurier alumni family continues to grow and make a difference. This past year has been one of milestones, celebrations, and powerful connections, and I’m excited to share some of the highlights that showcase what we’ve achieved together.

One major project we’re incredibly proud of is the Brantford Indigenous Centre Project. Thanks to a $142,000 gift, we were able to complete the Indigenous Centre renovation on the Brantford campus, creating a welcoming space for Indigenous students and the whole Laurier community. This also included the new Circle Room, a unique area designed for learning, reflection, and dialogue.

In music news, we saw the grand opening of our Making Space for Music building. With a $400,000 contribution toward a dedicated practice studio, this new facility is a fantastic addition to our vibrant music program. It’s a place for students to hone their craft, and it’s already buzzing with creativity.

Alumni Field also saw some exciting changes this year, as we renamed it Ansley Alumni Field to honor our community’s continued support and contributions.

Looking ahead, we’re investing in future Golden Hawks with a $300,000 pledge over the next five years toward Entrance Scholarships, starting in 2025. This support will directly help incoming students make the most of their Laurier experience, and we’re thrilled to play a role in making education more accessible.

The year was packed with memorable events. We celebrated Homecoming on both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses, hosted a fun-filled Laurier Law Reception, and once again saw an amazing turnout for Winter’s A Drag. We also commemorated the 10-Year SJCE Reunion, which earned a Bronze Medal at the CCAE Prix D’Excellence, and enjoyed an unforgettable night with Steven Page in concert, which won Silver at the same awards.

Our Partners in Excellence program helped support four exciting events this year: LazSoc/Xlerate, Laurier Musical Theatre, Student Culture Days, and UX Laurier. These events reflect the diversity, creativity and talent that make Laurier’s student community so special.

We are also thrilled to have once again hosted two Graduating Class Celebrations, a cherished tradition for new graduates, culminating in the celebration of their hard-earned success at Convocation later in the spring and fall.

I certainly hope you have been following the incredible run our Golden Hawks football team has been on this season, and I encourage you to join me and alumni across the country in cheering them on this Saturday as they take on Laval for the Vanier Cup title!

Our alumni network continues to grow, now more than 130,000 strong worldwide. We’ve also seen growth in the GradVantages program, which provides valuable benefits to alumni through our affinity partners, and the Golden Perks App, which now boasts over 12,000 members taking advantage of exclusive deals and discounts.

We look forward to the future with excitement and a renewed commitment to supporting our students and alumni. Thank you for being an essential part of this community and for everything you bring to Laurier. Here’s to more successes, connections, and memories in the year ahead!

Stay Golden,

Kyle Walker (BA ’11)
President, Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association