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Department of Economics

Alumni

Keeping in touch with your fellow alums is a great way to network and to keep up with friends from your days on campus.

We love learning of our former students’ personal and career successes. Please keep in touch with the department.

Read an interview from International Women's Day, with UVic alumni, Jamie Emery. 

More recently, we talked to UVic alumni, Dr. Christopher Ragan. 

Economics Alumni Council

The department’s alumni council works closely with the department to support our past, current, and future students as they navigate their professional lives.

One important contribution has been the establishment of the Economics Alumni Scholarship, which supports both undergraduate and graduate students. In addition, the council regularly hosts events to connect students, faculty, and alumni, providing opportunities for networking and professional development.

This year (2026), the department is very pleased to welcome four new members to the council. The new council and the department look forward to continuing, and expanding, the great work of the council.

Current Members

Kayleigh Donahue (MA Economics, 2015)

I graduated in 2015 with a MA in Economics from UVic and I’ve been living and working in Vancouver since 2018. My career has mostly been outside economics but the mindset and analytical tools from economics are always close at hand at work. I’m currently working in consulting for a small firm that focuses solely on governance and supporting boards.

Steve Gaskin (MA Economics, 2008)

My experience completing an MA in Economics at UVic was very positive and has served me well over the years. I started the program in 2004, completing several co-op terms (Health Canada, BC Ministries of Tourism and Environment) and undergraduate teaching assistant roles along the way, graduating from the program in 2008. 

Upon graduation, I was fortunate to secure employment at Health Canada in Ottawa but returned to Victoria for an opportunity at the BC Ministry of Agriculture shortly thereafter because the West Coast felt too much like home to me. In 2010, I began work as an Economist for one of Canada’s largest asset managers producing macro-economic and financial market research. This company was subsequently acquired by a major Canadian bank, launching my career as a Wealth Advisor in 2013 – a career I’ve enjoyed ever since. 

In 2017 I co-founded Lighthouse Wealth Management with my former partner and in 2024 became the Senior Wealth Advisor and Managing Partner of the firm. We are a boutique wealth management office working with about 200 households that produces our own internal research. The analytical and decision-making tools acquired at UVic and over my career are at the forefront of what I do for clients every day. I’m grateful I have gained this knowledge and perspectives from my professors and fellow students in the program.

Harini Kapali (MA Economics, 2023)

I completed my MA in Economics in early 2023.  During the MA, I did co-op terms as a Policy Analyst at Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada.  My research was in environmental economics, focused on intergenerational conflict in tax preference. I am back to being a graduate student now, finishing up an MSc in Statistics at UVic.  Prior to starting the MSc, I was with the Health Sector Information, Analysis and Reporting (HSIAR) division at the BC Ministry of Health for a little less than 2 years.  The analytical and modelling skills I gained from my time at UVic Economics provided the foundation for everything I have been doing since. I am eager to help with the alumni council, and I look forward to connecting with fellow alumni and students. 

Aidan Scarcella (BSc Honours Economics, 2025)

I graduated from UVic in 2025 from the Economics BSc Honours program. I have since moved to Ottawa to work for the Bank of Canada and plan to attend grad school at the conclusion of my time with the Bank. I am very grateful for the skills that I learned in my undergrad at UVic, and I hope to support current students with their transition out of school through the Economics Alumni Council. 

Department Representatives

Kenneth Stewart
Graham Voss

Economics Alumni Network

Join the Economics Alumni Network to connect with your peers and make a difference for current students. The network is open to all UVic Economics alumni.

Members help plan events, take part in informal mentoring of economics students and circulate interesting information.

Join them on Facebook or LinkedIn to stay connected and hear about upcoming events.

Scholarships

The Economics Alumni Network established two scholarships, awarded each year to one graduate student and one undergraduate student in the Department of Economics.

The Women in Economics Affinity Group created the Women in Economics Graduate Scholarship to support and encourage women pursuing a graduate education in economics. Thanks to alumni and friends who have contributed to this important fund.

Visit our giving page if you’d like to donate to either of these funds.

UVic Alumni Association

The UVic Alumni Association helps UVic graduates stay connected with one another.

Donors

The generous contributions made to our department by individuals and organizations provide invaluable assistance to our students in the form of awards and scholarships.

Browse the list of undergraduate scholarships, medals and prizes and graduate awards & scholarships made available  to our Economics students.

Contributions from corporate donors have helped us in other ways, most notably in the upgrading of computer equipment in our graduate computer facilities.

The Reid Elliot Reading Room, made available by a generous contribution from friends and relatives of Professor Reid after his death in 1974, is open for all students to hold study sessions, attend tutoring sessions, study for exams or relax between classes!

Supporting economics

Find out how you can make a vital contribution to the ongoing success of the Department of Economics and its students by contacting our Development Officer, Cheryl Webb at cherylwebb@uvic.ca or 250-721-6044.

Or, visit our giving page to make a donation online to UVic Economics!