From the Nominator

"The Queen’s graduating classes during the pandemic were different from their predecessors. They finished their degrees under lockdown, endured instability, and faced uncertainty. They were the first classes in Queen’s history that were unable to walk across the convocation stage to receive their credentials. 

These unique classes demanded an equally unique approach to engagement as they joined the ranks of Queen’s alumni. We set out to engage these alumni with a gift that acknowledged their unique situation and experiences. The gift, the result of collaboration by advancement colleagues, was a unique graduation present that we sent to every member of the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021: The Notebook. 

The Notebook initiative pulled together calls to action from our strategic plan to look for ways to build bridges that connect Queen’s to our communities--local and global--that will benefit a greater good. We established the following goals: 

1. Engage our newest alumni

2. Convey an understanding of their unique situation

3. Acknowledge and celebrate their success

4. Provide them with assurances and support

5. Give them an impactful gift

6. Support our broader communications effort to build a new strategic direction and vision for Queen’s, which included cultivating and articulating a global purpose, attending to the nature and quality of our university community, and benefiting the world beyond Queen’s."

From the Judges

Design was beautiful; it felt regal. This is a keepsake one could pass down to their kids. The giving aspect was a nice touch. Sentimental value. Appropriate gift for the audience.