Putting community first: Vicki Hayter, Alumni Relations and Development
By George Ardy, BA'15
“It’s about community first. You’re only as good as the community around you,” said Vicki Hayter, senior development officer for the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.
Hayter was raised in the small village of Hensall, Ontario and now lives in Lucan with her husband and two sons. She is actively involved there, serving on different committees that aim to improve the community and the quality of life for those living in it.
“My husband has been a Lucan Lion’s Club member for 13 years and their motto is ‘We Serve’,” she said. “I support many of their missions through volunteer work, from promoting youth activities to engaging with local businesses.”
Hayter also served four terms as Chair of the fundraising committee for the Lucan Relay for Life, and raised more than $200,000 to go toward cancer research during that time.
In addition to sharing her fundraising expertise, she also shares her musical talents at the event.
“After walking the track for 12 hours, everyone came together while I sang an inspirational song,” she said. “It was a powerful moment.”
Hayter has been a vocal teacher for 15 years, working with youth to not only develop their voices, but also their confidence and presentation techniques.
“One thing I can give to my students through voice lessons is the opportunity to build self-confidence,” Hayter said. “The skills I teach can be carried throughout life.”
Another project she is involved with is a renewal effort in Hensall where she still has strong ties. The old Opera House in the Town Hall was deemed unsafe because it needed many building upgrades, but a grant from the provincial government has given it a second chance.
“I’ve been working alongside the committee members where I can help promote it as we get it back up to code,” she said.
As a volunteer interviewer for the upcoming crop of Dentistry students, Hayter also values giving back to Schulich Medicine & Dentistry.
Balancing these commitments might seem challenging to some, but for this Hayter it’s just a way of life.
“A lot of people can't believe that I am involved with so many things,” she said. “But you just can’t put a number or a deadline on the things you help out with. That’s what I’ve learned from volunteering – a little bit goes a long way.”
