When she graduated from UTSC (Hon. B.A., Arts Management Co-op, 9T7), Lisa Fenton Lemon did not let her involvement in campus life fade. Since graduation, she has held full-time positions at UTSC as cultural affairs coordinator, alumni development officer and senior development officer.
In 2003, Fenton Lemon moved on to her current position as manager of alumnae programs at Havergal College in Toronto.She is an active member of the alumni community and gives back by helping with arts management initiatives and assisting in mock interviews for current students. Last summer, she employed a UTSC arts management co-op student at Havergal.
“When I started in the arts management program at UTSC I did not think I was going to be a fundraiser, says Fenton Lemon. “I entered the program because I wanted to work in the arts. I loved the theatre – but did not want the life of a struggling actor. Plus, I don't sing very well! The program was a great way to stay involved in the arts and pursue a [related career]".
Fenton Lemon is currently enrolled in the master of arts in philanthropy and development, a distance learning program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. For her final research paper, she is studying alumni giving and participation at UTSC.
When she’s finished her research project and degree this summer, she will share her results with UTSC, and help the campus better understand the needs of our alumni.
“I had such a great time at UTSC, and some of the people I met there are still among my closest friends," says Fenton Lemon. She says keeping involved in campus activities has helped her maintain that feeling of connection.
She continues to support UTSC for many reasons, but says there is one feeling that really drives her efforts.
“My experience at UTSC, and the education I received there, has played a large role in shaping who I am today and has contributed to my achievements. I feel that [giving] is my responsibility. While at UTSC, I benefited from the generosity of others and now it is my turn to give back".