Becoming an Alumni Leader
Many alumni look for opportunities to give back to Durham College (DC), helping to support future generations of students through co-op opportunities, mentorship, and philanthropy. The Alumni Leaders category recognizes DC graduates who have made an annual donation to DC of $500 or more, further building upon the lasting impact they’ve had on the college.
We caught up with Alumni Leader and President of the Durham College Alumni Association (DCAA) Board of Directors, Drew Samuels to ask him about why he chose to give back to DC and what philanthropy means to him. A 2011 graduate of the Paralegal graduate certificate program, Drew is a licensed paralegal as well as a part-time professor at DC.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GIVE TO DC?
Often when you go through life and experience a challenging time, you ask yourself, “Why me?” I think you should also ask yourself the same question when you experience good times. For that reason, I feel it is imperative that I give back to DC. During your post-secondary educational journey, you may experience difficult times. There is a sense of urgency and with that urgency comes stress. However, some of the best times are experienced at school as well. Giving to DC can help students who are in need and allow them to fully embrace the student experience.
BEYOND YOUR FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS AS A DONOR, YOU GIVE BACK TO DC THROUGH VOLUNTEERISM ON THE DCAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ARE ASLO A PART-TIME PROFESSOR. HOW HAVE THESE ROLES BENEFITED YOUR CAREER OR YOU PERSONALLY?
Money is an important factor in giving back but time can be impactful too. On the DCAA Board of Directors, I have the privilege of speaking with alumni about their experiences and helping to define the vision of how we engage with alumni. Through teaching in DC’s Paralegal program, I get to be the professor I always wanted to be and am able to assist others on their pathways to success.
My volunteerism and my time as a part-time professor has enriched both my career and personal life. There are numerous benefits, including professional development, networking opportunities, visibility in the community, personal fulfilment, and also skill diversification.
HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COLLEGE HAVE IMPACTED STUDENTS?
One of the most important things we can pass on to students is information. I often meet students who just want to know how to galvanize their education and create a career path. Part of that journey is understanding that someone before them had similar concerns and fears, as well as similar hopes and dreams. To know a person just like them overcame odds and achieved success is a burden lifted from them and can inspire hope. I think it propels the students I speak with to go on and achieve far greater success than I have. I cannot think of a greater feeling than trying to provide a student with inspiration by providing them information, mentorship, and/or sponsorship and then watching that student execute and achieve their dreams.
WHAT ROLE DOES PHILANTHROPY PLAY IN YOUR LIFE?
With the resources I am fortunate enough to have – both time and money – I am able to influence social change which will outlive me. Your legacy can certainly be your family, but it can also be accompanied by your philanthropic endeavours. What you do today will have an effect on tomorrow and quite possibly generations to follow. I believe my legacy is intricately tied to the good I do with the resources I can provide.
If you’re interested in becoming an Alumni Leader, contact the Advancement & Alumni Relations team for more information or make a donation online. A contribution of $50 a month to the Student Experience Fund can help ensure students have access to new and industry standard equipment in their field.