Former employees and associates of TRIUMF gathered this past Sunday, December 13, 2009, for the inaugural reunion of the TRIUMF Alumni and Retirees Association (TARA). The event drew together about 30 people on an unusually cold and snowy afternoon in Vancouver.
This first reunion marked the official launch of the formal TRIUMF "alumni" association. Although conceived of many seasons earlier, it was the hub-bub of activity around the fortieth anniverary of TRIUMF that drew organizers Roy Moore, Mike Craddock, and Corrie Kost together to turn concept into reality. Working with TRIUMF director Nigel Lockyer, Jim Hanlon and Josie Farrell in Human Resources, and even colleagues in the office of the UBC Pension Plan, the trio found ways to contact more then 300 different former employees and associates of TRIUMF to invite them to join the organization.
Although attendance at this first reunion was limited, the participants eagerly agreed that 2010 would bring the membership well past 100 (it now stands at 77). Greeted by hot food and coffee, the members of TRIUMF's "extended family" examined historical photos, videos, and banners overviewing the history of TRIUMF. Some folks had been involved first-hand in the construction of TRIUMF and its main cyclotron while others had completed work at TRIUMF and moved into the forum of public service as elected representatives. A highly talented and invigorating group!
The mission of TARA is to:
- To foster a sense of community among the former employees of TRIUMF;
- To collectively work with TRIUMF to maintain relevant and useful participation in current programs and activities; and
- To serve as a resource for TRIUMF.
The purpose of creating such an organization is to expand the TRIUMF community by formally recognizing those who have worked at TRIUMF and have been a part of its success. For more information, please visit the TARA website.
The participants at the inaugural reunion gathered for a photograph with several "visitors" from TRIUMF's current staff.
A special thank-you to all those who worked behind the scenes to make this organization and this event possible (especially Dana, Jennifer, Jim, Josie, Meghan, Mindy, Sandi, Sharon, and Shirley).
-- By T.I. Meyer, Head, Strategic Planning & Communications