After graduating from the University of Alberta, Ashton Rudanec found herself drawn to her alma mater, eager to give back to the community that had been a significant part of her own journey.
As president of the University of Alberta Alumni Association, Rudanec’s own journey speaks volumes about the power of the alumni network. She says she landed her current role at AIMCo through a chance meeting with an alumna, Alison Schneider. That encounter, which happened at an International Women’s Day event, opened doors to a career she hadn’t initially considered. “It changed the trajectory of my whole life, leading me into a field I never thought I’d be in.”
Rudanec’s passion for connecting with alumni is evident in her efforts to meet graduates across different cities. “I’ve met alumni in New York, Singapore and Hong Kong, and they’ve all been willing to connect,” she notes. Her experiences underline her belief in the lifelong value of alumni networks. “You’re in university for a short time, but you’ll be an alum forever.”
Her leadership also reflects her dedication to inclusivity and sustainability. Rudanec has advocated for policies that allow board members to balance personal commitments, such as parenting, while actively participating in the organization. “I’m proud that the changes I’ve advocated for enable talented individuals to contribute their time and skills,” she says.
For Rudanec, these small, meaningful connections are the foundation of a strong, thriving alumni community, including the Top 40 community of which she’s now a part. “The small contributions that we make in aggregate can make a pretty big difference.”
This article appears in the Nov/Dec 2024 issue of Edify
