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Cathy Allen, ’76 BSc, ’77 BEd, ’99 MEd, is a lifelong learner. From falling in love with science in high school to teaching and administrating for 41 years in Sherwood Park to serving on the Alumni Association council, Allen’s love of learning has animated her entire life.

Her latest course of study will begin on June 1, 2025, when she starts her two-year term as president of the U of A Alumni Association.

New Trail caught up with the three-time U of A grad to learn about her presidential goals, her favourite campus coffee shop and her sartorial enthusiasm for green and gold.

Did you always want to be a teacher?

No. During my bachelor of science, every course I took, that’s what I wanted to do. During geology, I realized I should be a geologist. During chemistry, I knew pharmacy would be a great career. 

But I always really liked science, even in high school. My interest was never in interpreting literature or ‘let’s all write a poem about something.’ The wiring in my head is all about science. 

After I finished my undergrad, I was drawn to the after-degree program in education. And it was the best career choice ever.

What’s your favourite place on campus?

I have fond memories of the libraries. The Herbert T. Coutts Education library or Cameron library — really, any place where lots of people would gather between classes or at the end of the day. 

As a graduate, my favourite campus coffee shop is the in the Students’ Union Building.

What’s your hidden talent?

I don’t have one. My talents are all overt. Everybody knows what I am. But quilting is my passion.

I make lots as gifts. I will make a quilt for a life event. There is no end to the places that you can send a quilt. I use up my scrap fabric to make quilts to donate. 

Whenever anybody in my world has a new human come into the world, they get a quilt.

It’s very relaxing. I enjoy it.

How do you show your green and gold pride? 

My background is Scottish. When I saw the U of A tartan, I was like, ‘Oh, I want a skirt.’ So I made one. I wore it the other night to an event. It works.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Anything by Elton John. I’ll go with Crocodile Rock. 

What’s something you’ve always wanted to learn?

To play the piano. During the pandemic, a friend gave me an extra keyboard of his. I did plunk around with it but I need the discipline of going to a lesson every week. It’s possible I’ll pick it up eventually. I still have the keyboard.

What U of A course would you like to teach? 

I would teach a graduate course for the Faculty of Education for new school leaders on building school culture.

What most excites you about the role of Alumni Association president?

The chance to serve as an ambassador, representing and promoting the university, and the chance to work with the gifted and talented people on the Alumni Council.

What’s one thing you hope to achieve in your tenure?

Fulfilling our strategic plan. It’s a great plan, with achievable goals and priorities, but it won’t happen overnight.

We have great work going on with Indigenous students and alumni. I’m very excited about continuing that work. The other one I’m energized by is continuing to reach out and invite alumni to reconnect with the U of A, through attendance at events on campus and volunteer opportunities

If you could bring in any U of A grad to speak at an Alumni Association event, who would it be?

I can’t pick just one! I thought of three. 

First is Deena Hinshaw, ’97 BSc, ’04 MD, ’08 MPH, ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥’s former chief medical officer of health.

The second is Beverley McLachlin, ’65 BA, ’68 LLB, ’68 MA, ’91 LLD (Honorary), former chief justice of Canada.

And the third one is Shawna Pandya, ’06 BSc(Hons), ’12 MD, who is going to space in 2026!

Are you on team Patches or team GUBA?

I will have to go with Patches.