How Alumni Stay Engaged: Continuing to Learn and Contribute to the School Community

Graduation from St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) marks the beginning of a lifelong connection to a vibrant and supportive community. Alumni play an integral role in shaping the school’s legacy, contributing to its ongoing success, and fostering a spirit of togetherness that spans generations. Staying engaged with the school community offers alumni countless opportunities to continue learning, give back, and strengthen their sense of belonging.

Whether by mentoring current students or fellow alumni, attending alumni events, or supporting initiatives that benefit the school, there are many ways to remain involved. This blog highlights why alumni engagement matters and explores the many ways graduates of St. Michael’s College School can stay connected, learn, and contribute to the community long after graduation.

Why Alumni Engagement Matters

Staying connected with St. Michael’s College School offers many benefits for both alumni and the broader community, allowing you to give back to the school and build a lifelong community.

Staying Connected

St. Michael’s College School offers a unique environment where lifelong friendships and values are forged. Remaining engaged ensures that these bonds grow stronger over time. Through events, mentoring opportunities, and digital platforms, alumni can stay informed and involved in the evolving story of the school.

Social and Professional Integration

Networking with fellow alumni opens doors to new professional and personal opportunities. Alumni events like reunions, the Alumni Networking events, virtual Alumni Information Series, and University Chapters provide avenues to connect, share experiences, and foster collaborations. Whether you’re mentoring a recent graduate or attending a Career Day, these interactions create ripple effects that benefit everyone involved.

Emotional Rewards

For many, staying engaged with SMCS is about pride and a sense of belonging. Alumni often feel a deep connection to the traditions, values, and community that shaped their lives. Giving back—whether through mentorship, participation in events, or financial contributions—brings immense personal satisfaction and reinforces the values learned at the school.

Practical Ways to Stay Engaged with St. Michael’s College School

There are countless ways for alumni to remain an active part of the St. Michael’s College School community. Whether you’re looking to give back, continue learning, or simply stay connected, the school offers a variety of opportunities to suit your interests and goals.

Explore Opportunities to Stay Connected

One of the easiest ways to stay engaged is by visiting the alumni portal, mysmcs.com, a hub for events, news, and engagement opportunities.

Additionally, alumni can attend exciting events, such as:

• Alumni Networking Events: These gatherings often feature keynote speakers, such as Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw ’85, and provide a platform to connect with other graduates.
• Reunions and Gatherings: Our Alumni Events list offers exciting ways to revisit old memories, reconnect with classmates, and forge new relationships.
• Virtual Alumni Information Series: This online webinar series allows alumni to share their expertise with the broader St. Michael’s community, fostering knowledge exchange and connection.
• SMCS University Chapters: Young alumni at universities across the globe help incoming SMCS graduates settle in and connect with the wider SMCS network.
• SMCS City Chapters: Whether you’re in Toronto or elsewhere in the world, City Chapters bring alumni together to network, celebrate, and build lasting friendships.

Staying informed is easy with the Blue Banner Alumni Magazine and the Tradition e-newsletter—each brimming with updates and stories celebrating alumni achievements and community milestones.

Join the Online and Social Community

Social media is another powerful tool for staying connected. Joining the alumni community on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram allows graduates to engage with their peers, keep up with news, and participate in discussions. The St. Michael’s College School Alumni Association is also an invaluable resource for connecting with the alumni network and finding ways to contribute.

Become an Active Mentor and Participant

Alumni have the unique opportunity to mentor current students and recent graduates, offering guidance and support during pivotal life stages.

Alumni can also volunteer at school events to help organize or participate in alumni gatherings, fundraisers, or other special occasions.

Sharing professional journeys with students and inspiring the next generation of leaders is another invaluable way to stay connected to the SMCS community and participate in lifelong learning opportunities, such as webinars, workshops, or other educational events.

Provide Ongoing Support to the Community

Supporting the school doesn’t always require large gestures—often the small, consistent actions make the biggest difference. Financial or in-kind contributions to initiatives such as scholarships, new programmes, or campus improvements directly benefit current students and ensure the school’s continued excellence.

Alumni can encourage their peers to stay involved and spread the word about engagement opportunities. Subscribing to newsletters and regularly visiting the alumni portal are easy ways to stay informed about what’s happening at SMCS.

A Community for Life

Being a part of St. Michael’s College School is a lifelong privilege. Alumni are an integral part of the school’s history and future. By staying engaged, alumni can continue to learn, grow, and make a lasting impact on the community. Every interaction contributes to the strength and vibrancy of the SMCS family.