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While Zhaodi Culbreath, Sc’08, was at Queen’s, he made lifelong friends and learned about himself and the world. After graduating, he found a great way to keep the connection to Queen’s strong was to volunteer. He worked with the Toronto Branch starting as the chair of the Young Alumni Committee (YAC) and then as President.

“I am reminded of my time as a student when I'm volunteering. Queen’s was a real catalyst for me growing into who I am now. It's a real trajectory setting place,” says Zhaodi, who recently moved from Toronto to Calgary.

Zhaodi’s dedication to Queen’s is the reason he is receiving the at the on April 2.

“I'm humbled to be selected as this year's winner. There is a great group of alumni being honoured at this year's Gala for doing some pretty amazing things for the university and I'm thrilled to be part of that group,” says Zhaodi.

He saw young alumni as a key demographic that the Toronto Branch needed to focus on. He worked with some fellow, dedicated recent graduates to form the YAC.. The YAC members created opportunities for new graduates to engage with alumni in Toronto, helping them connect as a group and learn more about the community they were joining.

“For me, my time with the Branch was about building on the work of previous volunteers and unlocking some untapped potential in the Toronto alumni community. I had an amazing team to work with and seeing the ideas start around a table, grow, gain momentum, and turn into some really great opportunities is what makes me most proud,” says Zhaodi.

Current Toronto Branch president Theresa Wetzel, Artsci’07, feels Zhaodi is a perfect choice to win the award. “Zhaodi is the type of person that started as a volunteer and supporter of Queen’s the moment he signed the acceptance letter and walked on campus,” says current Toronto Branch president Theresa Wetzel, Artsci’07. “The way that he has formed and shaped the Toronto Branch during his time as YAC Chair and president is legendary.”

 for the Awards Gala is now open.

Do you know any outstanding alumni? Email the QUAA to find out how to nominate them for an award at next year’s Gala.