SMU alumni and students bid farewell to Bernie who left SMU to embark on new adventures!
Bernie Toh joined Singapore Management University (SMU) in February 2009 as Director, Office of Student Life (OSL). She held the position till December 2012. She assumed the role of Director, Office of Global Learning (OGL) till 31 December 2016 when she left SMU to pursue new endeavours. During her eight years at SMU, Bernie did what she does best – rallying her team towards a shared vision, building individuals, forging partnerships, inspiring others to be better.
Bernie strongly believed in SMU’s concept of holistic education - that co-curricular activities (CCA) are an integral part of student learning, and active involvement in CCAs provided invaluable opportunities for cultivating values and life skills such as integrity, leadership, conflict resolution, team building, grace in defeat, and humility in victory. During her term in office, her vision for OSL translated into the tagine, "Lessons in life. Lessons for life", from which Life-Lessons evolved.
She also fostered a relationship of "partnership" with student leaders, and gave them lots of room to experiment and execute their ideas. She knew they had to learn through their experiences. There were two cardinal rules, however, for which she would not compromise - safety and values. Students knew those were the boundaries where they could not overstep.
She also cultivated strong bonds with schools and offices to promote understanding and collaboration, meeting them regularly to update, get feedback and share ideas. Success was borne by the fact that when she launched the very first performance tribute by SMU staff and faculty to students during the University Student Life Awards night, many faculty and staff including SMU President, participated.
After four years at OSL, Bernie moved to Office of International Relations. Whilst there she took on additional portfolios in addition to global exchange programmes – international student initiatives, global summer programme, diversity and inclusion, and SMU GROW. To reflect the expanded role, the office was renamed Office of Global Learning. A successful brand which won praise from global partners was created. Integration, inclusion and internationalisation became the pillars of SMU's commitment to nurturing global citizens, with the tagine "The world is our classroom. Home and away"
In student exchanges, she signed new partnerships with highly ranked universities, and leveraged on opportunities for students to further their career aspirations or personal passions. For instance, she signed up University of Oregon and University of Western Australia for those contemplating a career in the sports industry, and University of Edinburgh for those with an interest in performing arts.
Bernie also had oversight of the new summer school programme which was immediately profitable; no mean feat even for established universities. The programme attracted participation from both undergraduate and postgraduate students from reputable overseas universities and received high satisfaction ratings.
A firm believer in the power of the student voice, Bernie roped in students to join her and her team at international conferences, an unprecedented move in the world of global exchanges. She picked articulate students to participate at the conferences, assisting the OGL team to man the SMU booths, and answer queries. The students were very effective ambassadors, and this enhanced SMU’s reputation as a progressive and dynamic university. Students learnt valuable lessons in the real world of international relations when placed in the spotlight, and developed confidence in holding their own.
Bernie has a heart for people, for pets, and for the world we live in - ever seeking sustainable solutions that will make for a greener earth, and a more caring way of life. She has a zest for life and brings cheer to those who know her. To celebrate the Bernie spirit, B3 Alumni Bistro has launched a new cocktail named “The Bernie”.
Bernie left SMU last month to pursue her personal passions. The good news is that she has promised to drop by regularly to B3. So for those who missed saying goodbye to her, there's a good chance you'll catch her there! So come by to B3, join us in a toast to her with "The Bernie" - to wish her all the best as she embarks on her new adventures!
More about “The Bernie”:
- Elegant
- Well-mixed blend of flavours (cinnamon, apple, single malt)
- A little sweet, a little spicy, and certainly packing a punch!
- Lasting, lingering after-taste that is well-remembered