The leaders' club
Celebrating 50 years this fall, Western’s University Students’ Council (USC) was, and still is, a training ground for future leaders
Michael Medline, president and CEO, Canadian Tire Corporation. Sheila Copps, former deputy prime minister, political commentator and broadcaster. Mark McQueen, president and CEO, Wellington Fund.
The list of successful and influential alumni who were also executive members of the University Students’ Council (USC) is lengthy and growing year by year.
What is it about the USC – which is celebrating 50 years this fall – that seems to breed future leaders?
According to USC alumnus, Jeremy Adams, BA’94, the student-run organization, which is the largest in Canada, serves as a micro training ground for young people entering the work force.
“What’s great about the USC is the tremendous opportunity to test your own abilities and talents – to fail at some things and to succeed at others – in an environment that is smaller than what you would experience in the real world,” said Adams, who was USC vice-president of student issues in 1994 and 1995 and USC Alumni Chapter president in 2001.
For current USC President, Matt Helfand, BA’13, MA’14, the role has provided one of the most valuable and unique experiences of his life to date – with opportunities he couldn’t imagine being possible outside of the USC.
“From politics to communications and leadership to finance – I can’t think of a better place to gain these skills and experience,” he said. “I’ve been introduced to so many people, including leaders in the London community, and have participated in conversations at the highest level of the University.”
As he prepares to attend Western’s Faculty of Law in the fall, Helfand says he’ll apply the leadership, management, communications and interpersonal skills he’s gained as president of the USC.
“I truly appreciate the ability to interact in such a dynamic work place, where there are so many different files that cross your desk, from meeting with the Provost about Homecoming to addressing a student’s concerns regarding a club,” he said. “I can’t think of another job that would give me this type of experience at this age.”
And there’s something more – a lasting bond that develops between alumni who have shared the USC experience.
Adams said he’s become close friends with former USC members whom he’s connected with in a professional capacity. “Even though we weren’t on campus at the same time, we’ve bonded over that shared USC experience.”
To relive your Western experience, join Adams, Helfand and former USC comrades at the 50th anniversary celebrations at Homecoming. You can register here to receive more information about celebrations as it becomes available, or purchase tickets to the main event at the Wave on on Saturday, September 26. During the celebratory events, the USC Alumni Chapter plans to unveil a legacy gift in honour of the organization’s 50th anniversary.
If you can't wait until September, the USC Alumni Chapter is getting the party started early in Toronto at their spring social on May 27. Plan to join them there as well!
“It’s evident, after 50 years, the impact USC alumni have had and continue to have on their communities and in their careers,” said Adams. “The USC will always be a place where you share great experiences, a deep connection and make friends that last a lifetime.”
