New Alumni Club recruits members to help students

Malaspina alumni want to give back to the community.

That’s why Nathan Thornton is leading the charge of an "exciting new initiative" called the Alumni 100 Club at Malaspina University-College. Working closely with the Malaspina Foundation, the new club will raise money for student scholarships, bursaries and awards.

"This club has the potential to make a huge impact," said Thornton, assistant branch manager for CIBC Wood Gundy. "With the cost of post-secondary education rising each year, today's students need all the help they can get."

About 20 alumni have already joined, and Thornton hopes to recruit over 100 members by September.

"The new club will complement all the other activities alumni are already involved with at Malaspina," he said. "It will be a fun, dynamic group of people who want to reconnect with Malaspina and give something back."

Anyone who has completed a Malaspina certificate, diploma or degree program, or university transfer courses, is welcome to join. The club will operate similar to service organizations like Rotary.

Memberships cost $300 per year, with $200 going straight into the student scholarship fund. Members’ benefits include invitations to special receptions, networking opportunities, discounts at the Malaspina Theatre, gymnasium, Discovery Room Fine Dining Restaurant, and Malaspina Bookstore.

Thornton is certain he'll meet his September recruitment goal because "there are so many successful Malaspina graduates living and working in mid-Vancouver Island communities."

Thornton completed three years of university studies at Malaspina in the mid-1980s, studying English and History. He completed his degree at the University of Victoria only because Malaspina didn't start granting degrees until 1989.

"But I've always considered myself an alumnus of Malaspina," said Thornton. "I grew up in Port Hardy and attending Malaspina was definitely the right choice for me. It's a perfect stepping stone for students from smaller centres. The idea of moving to the mainland right after high school and going to a big city university was intimidating. It was more appealing to attend a smaller regional institution like Malaspina."

Thornton played basketball for the Malaspina Mariners and enjoyed "a fun and active three years" studying on the hill. "I liked the warm, welcoming atmosphere at Malaspina, and close relationships with students and faculty," he added. "As a student, I always felt like more than just a number or name."

Now married and the father of two, Thornton joined CIBC Wood Gundy’s Nanaimo branch as a financial advisor seven years ago. He was recently promoted to assistant branch manager and enjoys playing an active role in the community, including serving as director for the Vancouver Island Children's Festival.

"I love what I do," he said. "Nanaimo is my adopted home-town. I attribute a large part of my success to my time spent at Malaspina. The connections I made with people, and the skills I learned, will remain with me throughout my life and career."

Thornton encourages other alumni to join Malaspina's new Alumni 100 Club. He can be reached at (250) 716-2260.