On behalf of the School of Information Management, I would like to express my thanks and congratulations to the SIM Associated Alumni for hosting a very successful 2014 Welcome Reception. The theme of this event, Stay Connected, was very evident in the many conversations and interactions that occurred throughout the evening. I was especially pleased to see alumni from both our MLIS and MIM programs at the event. Jiselle Alleyne, the Chair of the Associated Alumni, greeted us via video from Trinidad and Tobago in the cheerful and enthusiastic manner with which I always associate her. Kelli WooShue was the MC of the event and did an excellent job of tying in the theme of the event. Marianne Hagen brought greetings on behalf of Dean Peggy Cunningham. We were all inspired by the recollections and thoughts of three of our alumni, Suzanne van den Hoogen (Class of 2009), Tracey Jones-Grant (Class of 1986), and Michelle Paon (Class of 1998). Lou Duggan spoke on behalf of Donna Bourne-Tyson (who was with us in spirit and via Twitter in Calgary) to remind alumni to nominate the alumnus or alumna of the year (see details here). Joining the event was Dalhousie’s Registrar, and soon-to-be CEO of Halifax Public Libraries, Åsa Kachan.

Many people were responsible for this very successful event, but I would like to thank especially Jiselle Alleyne, Ann Barrett, Kelli WooShue, Donna Bourne-Tyson, and Lou Duggan from the Associated Alumni, and Kim Humes, JoAnn Watson, Andrea Kampen, Jenna Knorr, and Ben Worth from SIM. Without the efforts of this team, this event could not have taken place.

Thank you, as always, to you, our Associated Alumni, for your continued support of the School and, most especially, of our students. Included below are some pictures from the event.