Cathy Tremblay never had a backup plan.“I only applied to UVM,” she laughs.

“It was the school - the only one I ever wanted to go to.”

Growing up in Richmond, Vermont, Cathy was already part of the Catamount community long before she arrived as a student. Her father took her to UVM athletic games and, when it came time to choose a college, there was no hesitation.

“I was lucky,” she says. “I found my place and my people early on.

”That feeling deepened during her clinical rotations at the UVM Medical Center where she trained in radiologic technology. “That’s when I really knew. I wasn’t just a student. I was part of something bigger.”

A Journey That Unfolded Naturally

Though she stayed connected to UVM after graduation, attending events and cheering from the stands, it wasn’t until 2012 that her volunteer journey began in earnest. A familiar face at campus gatherings, Cathy caught the attention of Sarah Lenes G'10, AVP of Alumni Relations, who invited her to volunteer by joining the Vermont Regional Board.

“It wasn’t part of some grand plan,” Cathy admits. “It just kind of flowed naturally. Once I got involved, I realized how much I loved it. And how much I wanted to give back.”

That openness led her from the regional board to the UVM Alumni Association Board, then into leadership roles. “It happened because I said yes,” she reflects. “And I’m so glad I did.”

Ask Cathy what she treasures most from her years of service, and she doesn’t hesitate. “The friendships,” she says. “Hands down.” Even during the isolating days of COVID, Cathy found creative ways to stay connected to fellow board members by organizing what she called “UVM social pods” - small virtual gatherings to keep the camaraderie alive. “Sure, we missed being in the same room,” she acknowledges. “But those connections, they carried us through. They reminded us that we’re a family.”

The Emotional Heart of Volunteering

For Cathy, volunteering is less about the roles she’s held and more about the meaning it has brought to her life.

“It’s about belonging. About pride. About knowing you’re part of a community that cares,” she says. “When I walk back onto campus, I feel that energy, that sense of home. And volunteering amplifies that feeling.”

She encourages fellow alums - no matter their age or how long it’s been since graduation - to find their way back to UVM, whether through mentoring a student, writing postcards to admitted students, or attending regional or local events.

“You don’t have to be on a board to make a difference,” she says. “There’s a place for everyone.”

Looking Ahead—and Staying Connected

As she steps into her role as immediate past president of the Alumni Association, Cathy is confident in the alumni community’s future, especially as she watches the growth of the Student Alumni Association.“They’re our future leaders,” she beams. “And they’re already doing incredible things.”But she’s also quick to remind graduates and alums alike: “Wear your UVM gear. Start that conversation. You never know what connection you might make—or who might become your next lifelong friend.”For Cathy, it’s simple. “At UVM,” she says, “we’re all family.”

Go Deeper

Like Cathy, you can gain so much by getting more involved with UVM. Below are a few ways you can take action and be part of our worldwide Catamount community.

• Explore volunteer options and find the right way to give your time. 

• Join UVM Connect and be part of a community that is tens of thousands strong.

• Check out all of our upcoming events.

• Not getting regular information about UVM? Update your contact information so you get emails and mailings about everything that's happening.