Be Part of the University of Calgary Alumni Network

When you become a student at the University of Calgary, you join a network of nearly 180,000 alumni throughout Canada and the world. We catch up with a few of our graduates to hear what they're up to now and how their UCalgary experience contributed to their life journey.

Jennifer Koo, BComm, 2002

Being a Calgarian, coupled with Faculty of Management's (now Haskayne School of Business) stellar reputation, made the decision to attend UCalgary a no brainer for Jennifer Koo. She selected the program knowing she wanted a career in the corporate world and is now a vice-president of research and experience design. She describes her favourite experiences during her time at UCalgary: she went on an exchange, was president of the Commerce Undergraduate Society and participated in the Inter-Collegiate Business Competition (ICBC). Koo is still quite involved with the university as she sits on the alumni board and participates in major events such as Alumni Weekend and Dig In!, a breakfast series with a guest speaker discussing the most important topics of the day.

"I took advantage of everything the university has to offer, and it gave me such a rich experience on campus," Koo says, advising students to do the same. "It's not just about academics, it's about your whole self. University can help you discover your passions."

Anna Cerqueira-Santos, BSc, 2012

Anna Cerqueira-Santos' journey with UCalgary led her to discover a passion for embryology. She enrolled in the Faculty of Science's biological sciences program and was involved in campus life through tutoring, being a community advisor in residence and working with the organic chemistry department. Cerqueira-Santos initially thought she was on a path to pharmacology but after working in the Regional Fertility Program's pharmacy, she quickly realized she preferred the embryology side. Her job as an embryologist combines patient interaction and lab work, and has a direct application for her science degree. Her main task is to create viable embryos for patients undergoing IVF treatments. This includes performing and assisting with procedures such as egg retrieval, embryo biopsy and vitrification, and embryo transfers. It's a high-pressure job that requires a lot of focus and meticulousness, but one she thoroughly enjoys.

"Take opportunities that come your way, because you never know when an opportunity is going to be what you love doing," she says. "With science degrees you don't always have that direct path to your career, so don't limit yourself."

Max Sturley, BA, 2017

When Max Sturley first considered post-secondary education, he thought he would end up in the trades. He opted to attend UCalgary and found his trade here. While studying communications and media studies, Sturley was able to combine his love of sports with his coursework. He worked with Active Living where he was a referee and a council member, and worked with the Dinos as a statistician and public address announcer. When he graduated, Sturley became a communications assistant for the Dinos and is now a student recruitment advisor with the university. He's still involved in university athletics, as he does the women's hockey team's play-by-play and is the men's colour commentator. While he didn't have a set plan when he started his post-secondary journey, Sturley says being able to position himself with his interests helped offer clarity.

"Your success doesn't need to match other people's," he says. "It's not a set linear route. Do what makes you happy."