Graduated: BA (Hons), 1997
In my final year, I took two history courses that perhaps foreshadowed my career – a seminar on the settlement of the Canadian West and a historiography class that had a profound effect on how I looked at history, the notion of objectivity, and museums. After several working years in the charitable sector with sojourns into historical research and writing along the way, I came to the Western Development Museum (WDM) as the Director of Development in 2011. I oversee fundraising programs for the WDM, seeking to ensure ample resources for Saskatchewan’s history museum. The WDM’s work is grounded in the artifacts and their stories and I like to think that my academic background helps me to share those stories with our supporters.
Beyond learning the names and dates, larger concepts, patterns and themes, I appreciate having had the opportunity to study with professors and instructors with diverse areas of expertise and approaches, which helped inform my communication style when talking about history. I was part of the group of students that founded the History Undergraduate Students’ Association, an early opportunity to build relationships and leadership skills. I know I use my history degree every day in my job. Fundraising is work that requires passion for the cause one is working for. Being a confident researcher and writer, and being able to draw connections and common threads allows me to create a solid case for support for the WDM and gives me the opportunity to share my passion for history with everyone who chooses to give to the WDM.