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About Us

Smith Development & Alumni Relations 

We provide resources and services for ~25,000 Smith alumni (Commerce and Masters-suite alumni), including SmithConnect, our exclusive online student and alumni directory and engagement platform, business clubs, networking events, reunion planning, and continuous learning opportunities through Smith Insight. As well, the department offers ways for alumni to give back to their alma mater through sharing their time, knowledge or financial support, to help ‘pay it forward’ to the next generation of business leaders at Smith. 

 

Our Mission

To develop outstanding leaders with a global perspective, and to create new knowledge that advances business and society. Our Vision is to be one of the world's most innovative and influential business schools.

Our Values

  • Excellence and innovation
  • Respect for self and others
  • Ethics and integrity
  • Collaborative relationships with alumni, partners, and stakeholders

Development and Alumni Relations Staff

Ylber Kusari
Ylber Kusari

Executive Director, Development & Alumni Engagement

ylber.kusari@queensu.ca

Ylber Kusari

Krista is responsible for providing support to Jeanette Hepburn, and supports Jessica Duggan in her Major Gift portfolio.

Krista ensures invoices are paid and tracks the D&AE budget.  She works closely with the Dean’s office when it comes to requesting the Dean’s time for meetings and events.

Krista manages the onboarding process to the team and works closely with Laura Brooks to keep the D&AE office operating effectively. 

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Krista Downie
Krista Downie

Alumni & Development Coordinator

krista.downie@queensu.ca

Krista Downie

Krista is responsible for providing support to Jeanette Hepburn, and supports Jessica Duggan in her Major Gift portfolio.

Krista ensures invoices are paid and tracks the D&AE budget.  She works closely with the Dean’s office when it comes to requesting the Dean’s time for meetings and events.

Krista manages the onboarding process to the team and works closely with Laura Brooks to keep the D&AE office operating effectively. 

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Elaina Raponi
Elaina Raponi

Alumni & Development Coordinator

elaina.raponi@queensu.ca

Elaina Raponi

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Shelley Hamill
Shelley Hamill

Senior Development Officer
613.533.3369 x 33369
shelley.hamill@queensu.ca

Shelley Hamill

Shelley is responsible for managing the Annual & Reunion Giving portfolio including: class giving, leadership and annual giving, QUIC and QUAAF, EDII, parents giving program, and pledge renewals. She also sits on the Indigenous Initiatives working group.

Shelley manages a pool of major gift prospects primarily located in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. She works closely with Laura Brooks on her major gift portfolio.

Shelley works closely with Jessica Duggan and the Annual & Reunion Giving team: Steph Lunitz, Talia Gordon and RM - TBA.
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Emma Clarke
Emma Clarke

Senior Development Officer

emma.clarke@queensu.ca

Emma Clarke

Emma is responsible for managing a pool of major gift donors in Stewardship, and providing strategic support and overall coordination for the fundraising, stewardship and development activities carried out by D&AE.

Emma works closely with all Smith MG RMs, University-Wide Research and Stewardship colleagues and Cicely Dickson/Jeanette Hepburn.
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Julie Bertoia
Julie Bertoia

Development Officer, Leadership Giving

julie.bertoia@queensu.ca

Julie Bertoia

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Jack Seymour
Jack Seymour

Stewardship Officer

jack.seymour@queensu.ca

Jack Seymour

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