Q & A with Sarah Dunnet, president of the KSR Alumni Association

Sarah Dunnet, president of the KSR Alumni Association. Photo supplied.

Sarah Dunnet is the President of the Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation Alumni Association where she shares her passion for engaging, networking and supporting KSR Alumni. Sarah graduated from the Faculty of KSR Combined Program in 2017 and went on to gain experience teaching in both Calgary and Melbourne, Australia. Since returning from Australia in 2020, Sarah has pursued opportunities within non-profit organizations, the tech industry and most recently taking her love for alumni engagement to the next level by accepting a position at Mount Royal University as an alumni program specialist.  She is also an active member of the University of Alberta's Regional Chapter where she assists in planning events to bring U of A alumni together in Calgary.

Tell us about your time at the Faculty of KSR and the U of A?

What I loved most about being in the Faculty of KSR was the community that was created among the students, the faculty members and the student council. I really enjoyed how the faculty and student council planned events to bring together students of all years of study. It made going into classes that much easier with familiar faces and study buddies and opened the door for amazing friendships to develop. During my time at the U of A, I was always highly involved in the university community including roles as a research assistant, recreation facilitator with Campus and Community Recreation as well as the clubs fair organizer with Student Group Services. Both my experiences in the faculty and the university at large truly shaped where my career and life have gone since leaving the university.

What inspires you most about KSR alumni?

I have always loved being surrounded by like-minded, passionate individuals striving to help others and to make a difference in whichever industry they pursued after leaving the faculty. I am inspired and in awe of how alumni have used their KSR/PER degree to follow their interests or as a stepping stone to lead to other career paths. We have many doors open with our degree and it's always exciting to see alumni seek non-traditional avenues.

If alumni are interested in getting involved and staying connected, where should they start?

KSRAA aims to engage with and bring together KSR/PER alumni after leaving the university. Alumni can connect and engage with each other through our programming and events that we offer year-round or through our social media channels. There are also other ways that alumni can get involved with the Faculty after graduation including through offering practicum placements, speaking on panels to students or as a mentor during the annual case competition. However you wish to remain connected, we have options for you!