Alumni Association Spotlight
Michael Nitz, originally from Scarborough, moved to Thunder Bay to attend Lakehead University. He saw the importance of retaining graduates in the north and decided to explore his career opportunities here, upon graduation in 2004. He previously held a Branch Manager position with RBC in Nipigon and Geraldton before returning to Thunder Bay to work for the company here.
Interested in the Lakehead Alumni Association since his graduation, Michael always wanted to give back to his alma mater. He realized there was a gap in terms of student – alumni engagement and interaction and saw the opportunity for implementation of a mentorship program. He began speaking to former Alumni Relations Manager, Rob Zuback, who suggested getting involved with the Board of Directors. Michael accepted a nomination to run for the Board and was successful.
As a Board member, Michael meets regularly with the other Directors to plan a number of initiatives aimed at promoting the Alumni brand, engaging students, scheduling events, and ensuring that the Alumni Association has a strong voice while representing Lakehead’s largest shareholder of over 40 000 alum. Being on the Board also gives him the opportunity to assist with major annual occasions like the Alumni Golf Classic, Convocation, and the Alumni Awards Dinner.
To Michael, the most rewarding thing about being involved with the AALU is how it affords him the opportunity to show the passion he has for Lakehead while working together to enhance and strengthen its reputation and connection to past students. He believes that Lakehead University taught him how to be a free thinker and reach for the stars. Michael considers himself fortunate to be a Lakehead grad, as the knowledge he’s gained has helped him greatly in his career, as well as with the additional board positions he holds with the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Young Professionals Network of Thunder Bay.
