Date: January 29, 2026
Time: 3:30 – 5:00pm
Place: Alumni Hall (outside registration on Abbotsford campus)

This event is designed to bring together students and recent alumni (0–5 years post-graduation) for an afternoon of relaxed, meaningful conversation. Whether you’re still figuring things out or already a few steps into your career, your perspective as a UFV graduate is incredibly valuable.

The Afternoon Exchange focuses on small-group conversations where participants can share experiences, ask questions, and learn from one another in a welcoming environment.

What to expect:

• Small-group conversations with students, alumni, and UFV mentors
• A guided format that supports easy conversation
• Opportunities to share your experiences and learn from others
• Light refreshments in a relaxed afternoon atmosphere

You don’t need to prepare anything in advance. Just bring your curiosity and your experience as a UFV alum.

If you’re interested in staying connected, supporting students, and building your alumni network, we’d love to see you there.

Register online

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Alumni Mentors

Ashley McDougall (BA ’25)

Ashley McDougall is a graduate of the University of the Fraser Valley, holding a bachelor of arts in economics and political science. She currently works in public affairs and government relations in Vancouver, where she supports advocacy initiatives across Western Canada in sectors including construction and health care. During her time at UFV, Ashley was deeply involved in student leadership, serving in governance and advocacy roles focused on strengthening the student voice and community engagement. She remains actively involved in civic and political organizations and is passionate about mentoring students who are exploring careers in public policy, advocacy, and government relations.

Emily Harpur (BA ’18)

Emily Harpur is the manager, stewardship and operations at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV). She began working at UFV in 2015 as a work-study student and is a proud alumna, having graduated in 2018 with a bachelor of arts in psychology.

Jaspal (Jas) Singh (BBA ’11)

Jas graduated from UFV in 2011 with a bachelors of business administration in accounting and continued on to earn his MSc finance degree and CPA designation. He currently works in public practice and teaches as a sessional instructor. He also volunteers as the chair of the CPABC Fraser Valley chapter, working with the UFV SAA to run local events.

Jenny Campbell (BA ’00)

Jenny Campbell lived abroad and worked in education for nearly fourteen years before returning to Abbotsford to work on her family farm, Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm and Meadery, where she juggles winemaking, and bee education with her permaculture enthusiasm.  She holds an MFA in Creative Writing (UBC), a BA with extended minors in Theatre and Fine Arts (UFV) as well an intermediate certificate in Modern Languages (UFV). She is also an Organic Master Gardener (RRU), certified Bee Master (BC), and British Columbia Honey Producer’s Association certified beekeeping instructor.

Monica Soto (Dip ’26)

Mónica Soto Veytia is a University of the Fraser Valley alumna currently completing her social service worker diploma, with a strong background spanning education, student services, and community support. With over eight years of experience in teaching and youth engagement and more than seven years in administrative and office management roles across international and Canadian contexts, Mónica brings a people-centred, highly organized, and collaborative approach to her work. She currently supports youth in care through community agencies in the Fraser Valley while also working with UFV International, where she assists students and campus partners through front-line service and cross-departmental support. Passionate about lifelong learning, relationship-building, and positive social change, Mónica values UFV’s role in fostering inclusive, diverse, and community-connected graduates.

Rohan Syal (BBA ’22)

Rohan is a marketing and communications strategist with experience across higher education, non-profit, public sector, and startup environments. He specializes in brand strategy, digital marketing, and audience engagement, translating complex initiatives into clear, impactful campaigns. Rohan combines a cross-industry perspective with a focus on measurable outcomes, building strategies that connect people, purpose, and performance.

Sam Varing (BBA ’14)

Sam Varing is senior legal counsel at First West Credit Union and a University of the Fraser Valley bachelor of business administration graduate. In 2025, she received UFV’s Young Distinguished Alumni Award for her leadership, mentorship, and community involvement. Sam is also the vice-president of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce.

Stacey Irwin (BBA ’97)

Stacey Irwin co-founded the UCFV Alumni Association and sat as its first chair – a position she held until 2008. She holds an incredible commitment to community driven by three principles of success: be open to new opportunities; stay committed to continued learning; and dedicate yourself to making your community a better place.

Throughout her almost three decades with Prospera Credit Union, Irwin has seen the financial institution through it all, including its recent merger with Westminster Savings Credit Union in 2020. Still, one thing remains the same: her incredible talent for making connections that benefit the people and places around her.

Tristan Taylor (Dip ’23)

Tristan is the founder of the Canadian AI Advancement Institute (CAIAI) and author of the Introduction to Artificial Intelligence textbook. His vision is to help all Canadians learn, adapt, and succeed with AI. Tristan has established himself as a leader in democratizing AI education through institutional and industry partnerships focused on delivering AI training, and in his free time, serves on various local committees as a board member and director. Tristan is a recent UFV graduate and Director of the UFV Alumni Association.

Whitney Fordham (BBA ’09)

Whitney (she/her) is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and building lifelong relationships between the institution and the community. She believes in the power of meaningful connections, connecting people with opportunities and with each other. With a bachelor of business administration in marketing with a minor in economics from UFV and a master of public administration from the University of Victoria, Whitney brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role, having worked at UFV for over 17 years. Recognized with a 2023 Inspirational Leadership Award, Whitney’s authentic approach creates an inclusive and welcoming alumni community.