FIAA’s activities include:
- Monthly meetings held throughout the academic year. Participants can attend online
- Partnering with Faculty of Information staff to organize events such as Alumni Reunion, the Bertha Bassam lecture and special anniversary celebrations
- Partnering with the Faculty of Information to run mentorship programs for current students, such as Ask an Alum
- Helping to raise funds for the Faculty of Information
- Keeping alumni connected through our social media channels, Facebook, LinkedIn
Message from the Alumni Association President
2024 is the Faculty of Information Alumni Association’s 95th year of supporting past graduates and current students. Our dedicated volunteers put their hearts into planning and hosting opportunities for the community to connect with one another to exchange ideas, provide mentorship, and meet old and new friends.
In the coming year, we will host in-person and virtual events to connect people who are within the Toronto area and those across the country or globe. We will connect current students and alumni with our selfless volunteers through the Ask an Alum program, so new professionals and those looking for guidance can learn from active professionals. We will continue to pass along your feedback to the Faculty’s administration to support their planning activities. Finally, we will continue to communicate through social media, newsletters, and magazines the great stories that will unfold over the year.
We welcome new members throughout the year, no matter your year of graduation, program of study, or concentration. Together, we will support current students and alumni through established activities and new initiatives. We encourage all those looking to be a part of giving back to the community to join us.
Manda Vrkljan (MI ’19)
FIAA President 2023-2025
Committees
The Faculty of Information Alumni Association has many committees that welcome volunteers.
Events Committee
The Faculty of Information Alumni Association (FIAA) regularly hosts a variety of events both for alumni and for current students throughout the year. These events include the annual Alumni Reunion and Mid-Winter Social during the Ontario Library Association (OLA) Super Conference. Volunteers are needed to assist at events, and with advance promotion and invitations.
Bertha Bassam Lecture Event Planning Committee
Every two to three years, the Faculty of Information Alumni Association (FIAA) holds this special lecture, named after Bertha Bassam, the late Director of the Toronto Library School (1951-1964). A talk is given by an inspiring speaker, and a reception follows. Ideas for speakers are always welcome as are volunteers to work on contacting potential speakers, devising lecture formats, publicizing the event, and collaborating with other faculties who may be interested in the lecture.
Grants and Awards Committee
The Faculty of Information Alumni Association (FIAA) annually selects recipients for the Outstanding Alumni Award and the Wendy Newman Library Leadership Award.
Other Roles
FIAA volunteers also reach out to student groups within the Faculty of Information and represent alumni and their concerns at Faculty of Information Council meetings as well as on other University bodies.