Mount Royal University Summit Magazine

Summit MOUNT ROYAL UNIVERSITY

G BRINGIN to h t m ar

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WINTER

Student Nancy Clennett tells about her journey from a life on the streets of Calgary to becoming a Mount Royal University student devoted to helping others.

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» Lindsay Virtual Human Project » Giving Back in a Unique Way » Cougars kick off the crowchild classic

SPRING 2013

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FEATURES

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A world of possibilities Missy Chareka thought the General Education courses she was required to take as part of her degree were unnecessary, but she quickly discovered a world of possibilities

Lindsay Virtual Human Project Information Design students are helping researchers at the University of Calgary who created a three-dimensional computer model representing human anatomy and physiology

Pay it forward In April 2012, more than a dozen Aboriginal Housing Program students volunteered with Feed the Hungry as a thank you for tickets they received to a local sporting event

Bringing warmth to winter Student Nancy Clennett tells about her journey from a life on the streets of Calgary to becoming a Mount Royal University student devoted to helping others

Mount Royal students empower women in need

this issue

Student Danielle Gibbe is leading a team that will teach financial literacy and job skills to women who have experienced, or are at risk of, sexual exploitation

6 Adding value to the community

Celebrating student research

7 Awards and milestones

Each year, Student Research Day at Mount Royal celebrates original undergraduate research

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Examples of Mount Royal’s work within the Calgary community and beyond Mount Royal achieves excellence in and out of the classroom

8 Faculty abroad Giving back in a unique way Brent and Gail Shervey have been long-time volunteers at Mount Royal and are now dedicating their efforts to the Changing the Face of Education campaign in a unique way

Cougars kick off the Crowchild Classic The Mount Royal Cougars and the University of Calgary Dinos competed in the ultimate crosstown smackdown to promote the high level of interuniversity sport within Calgary

MRU faculty members travel abroad to apply their expertise around the world

34 Accomplished alumni Updates on our exceptional alumni

36 Mount Royal events 38 Closing words The Honourable Raymond Lee closes this issue of Summit with an inspiring message about the value and responsibility of being a citizen

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from the editor

Ask anyone about citizenship and you will get an array of thoughts and experiences.

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rom first-generation Calgarians to new Canadians immigrating from around the world, our community is a diverse representation of the multicultural fabric of the country we call home. I recently had the privilege of attending a citizenship ceremony hosted at Mount Royal University and was touched to see individuals from around the world overwhelmed with excitement at becoming Canadian citizens.

But citizenship is about more than where we live. It is about our commitment to and participation in making our world a better place.

Mount Royal President David Docherty’s vision for the University is one that sees the Mount Royal community, in addition to building intellectual capital, building social capital.

This issue of Summit focuses on the theme of citizenship.

In it you’ll learn about the remarkable life of Mount Royal student, Nancy Clennett. Clennett’s story follows her journey of overcoming addiction and homelessness and turning her experience into something extraordinary.

Establishing the successful Bringing Warmth to Winter campaign, which aims to keep Calgarians warm during our often unforgiving winters, Clennett is dedicated to helping those who are facing the same challenges she did only a few years ago.

You will also learn how our students are showcasing their excellence in research as part of Mount Royal’s Student Research Day. At Mount Royal, student research is not

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only about enhancing students’ individual learning, but also fostering a sense of citizenship where the final goal has a positive and tangible impact on the community.

As you read this issue, I invite you to reflect on what you believe makes a good citizen. We asked Mount Royal students, faculty, staff, alumni and even Calgary’s Mayor, Naheed Nenshi, the same question and I personally found the responses so motivating, I am committed to finding more ways that I can make a difference in the lives of others.

Published semi-annually in spring and fall, Summit allows readers to get insight into Mount Royal and learn about the innovators, rising stars, and teaching and learning excellence at our University.

I hope you enjoy the second issue of Summit and that our stories about those who make up the Mount Royal community inspire you now and in the future.

Hope Henderson Vice-President, University Advancement, Mount Royal University

Meet the team Editor-in-Chief

Hope Henderson

Editor

Angela Sengaus

Art Director

Michal Waissmann

Production Management Deb Abramson

Summ

Marketing and Editorial Coordination Mike Hwang

Summit Editorial Board

Shannon Thomas (chair), Peter Brodsky, Cyndi Cave, Niya Hurley

Contributors

Colin Brandt, Cyndi Cave, Fred Cheney, Nancy Cope, Jondrea De Ruyter, Maryn Edwards, Brendan Greenslade, Kyle Henry, Nicole Langton, Erin Payne, Marnie Powell, Karen Richards, Martha Taylor, Jessica Williamson

Photography

Roth & Ramberg, Kelli Green, Ewan Nicholson, Sergei Belski

Summit is published by Mount Royal University in the spring and fall of each year.

Distributed through various internal and external channels, Summit tells Mount Royal University’s ongoing story to its various audiences. Summit’s content will showcase the aspirations, achievements and contributions of Mount Royal students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters and, in so doing, clarify Mount Royal’s profile as a Canadian leader in undergraduate education.

ISSN 1929-8757 Summit Publications Mail Agreement #40064310

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: University Advancement Mount Royal University 4825 Mount Royal Gate S.W. Calgary, AB, Canada T3E 6K6

get it in writing right on your screen

Summit will be published in the fall and spring each year. Like this issue, its pages will introduce you to the exceptional students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters of Mount Royal University who are, together, helping to change the face of education in Canada.

Now, you can enjoy Summit by arranging to have a digital version of the next issue delivered right to your desk or home.

IT’S EASY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY Simply e-mail summit@mtroyal.ca with the following subject heading: YES, I WOULD LIKE TO ENJOY MRU SUMMIT BY E-MAIL. Same great stories — now, sustainably yours.

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ADDING VALUE

TO THE COMMUNITY Examples of Mount Royal’s work within the Calgary community and beyond.

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signed a General Memorandum of Understanding with Calgary Reads to offer learning opportunities for young learners, Mount Royal students and student advisory groups, and to enable community engagement

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Health Education Coordinator Shermin Murji was appointed to the Advisory Board for Student Health 101, a national e-magazine for post-secondary students

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Wellness Services Manager Kandi MacElary chaired two national pre-conferences to contribute to post-secondary student health and wellness: Healthy Campus at Wilfrid Laurier University; and Population Health Data of Canadian Post-Secondary Students at Brock University

celebrated its 20th year in partnership with Junior Achievement — the largest youth organization in Canada — teaching financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness to junior high school students signed a General Memorandum of Understanding with Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) to establish the development of educational programing for preschool children at home Assistant Professors, Lynne Lafave and Jill Parnell, and Associate Professor Jocelyn Rempel, launched the pilot project A Pedometer and Nutrition Lifestyle Intervention for People Diagnosed With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, helping those living with the disease to overcome its challenges

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hosted the international conference Under Western Skies 2: Environment, Community and Culture in North America

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Professor Norm Vaughan presented Student Engagement and Blended Learning: What’s the Connection? at Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota and at Lakeland Community College in Kirkland, Ohio

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students in the Bissett School of Business raised more than $15,000 for the United Way by selling apples and oranges

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formalized an agreement with Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand for graduates of Mount Royal’s Aviation Diploma program to transition into the Massey Bachelor of Aviation Management/Honours or Master of Aviation

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Chair of Student Counselling Janet Miller, PhD, received Mount Royal Internal Research Grant funding for a multiyear research project entitled An Investigation of Emotional Intelligence, Peer Mentoring and First-year Student Retention in Post-secondary Education

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signed a contract with Gangwon province, South Korea, for the Languages Institute to train officials in English as they prepare for the 2018 Winter Olympics

AWARDS AND MILESTONES

Achieving excellence in and out of the classroom.

Recently, Mount Royal ... »»

received a $500,000 donation from CIBC to provide bursaries for students in the Bachelor of Education — Elementary program

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student, Karla Gourdeau, won the 2012 Alberta’s Next Top Accountant competition, presented by the Certified General Accountants’ Association of Alberta

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Chair of Policy Studies, Duane Bratt, PhD, and Associate Professors Wendelin Fraser and Vance Gough each received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal

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Associate Professor Kenna Olsen, PhD, received a $40,000 grant for her project Material Girls: Middle English Secular Female Scribes and Their Cultural Agents

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Associate Professor Alex Bruton, PhD, was named the 2012 Canadian Entrepreneurial Educator of the Year by the Canadian Youth Business Foundation

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Bissett School of Business students, Barbara Adamson, Murray Roberts, Abe Bernard and Sharday Issac, won the YOU Innovate Canada Tournament, hosted by the Canadian Youth Business Foundation.

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Assistant Professor Leah Hamilton, PhD, received a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Institutional Grant for her project Exploring Cognitive Processes that Underpin Effective Job Search Strategies Among Skilled Immigrants

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introduced the ALSIM ALX flight training simulator in 2012, providing Mount Royal Aviation students with Canada’s most technologically advanced flight simulator training program

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marked the 40th anniversary of The Calgary Boys Choir, started in 1973 by Douglas Parnham at the Mount Royal Conservatory

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Conservatory faculty member, Elizabeth Rebozo’s interpretation of the composition Seduccion won a 2012 Latin Grammy for renowned Cuban composer, Yalil Guerra

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Conservatory student, Colleen Venables placed first for violin at the 2012 National Music Festival

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Chair of Environmental Sustainability Mike Quinn launched his new book Parks, Peaks, and Parternship: Global Initiatives in Transboundary Conservation with a discussion about the challenges, opportunities and lessons learned from transboundary protection worldwide

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received a $250,000 donation, over five years, from JMH&Co to help the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship fund the JMH New Venture LaunchPad program which will empower students to launch their own business ventures. This January, five students were awarded $2,500 each to assist in moving their venture forward

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Assistant Professor Frank Cotae, PhD, presented the paper Looking at the Factors Affecting Conflict in Organization: An Understudy Leading to a Conceptual Model (co-authored) with Halia Valladares, PhD at the 2012 Istanbul International Conference on Business and Economics

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assistant Professor Uthpala Senarathne Tennakoon, PhD, received a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Institutional Grant for her project, ICT in Student Lives: Transferring Synergies into the Undergraduate Classroom

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FACULTY ABROAD — Brendan Greenslade

Aaron Williams and Susan Hunt Department of Earth Sciences

During the Spring semester, students from every discipline at Mount Royal can experience an international Geography Field School. Led by instructors Hunt and Williams, this school invites students to investigate the evolution of human landscapes, the influences of globalization, regional sustainable development initiatives, and environmental problems and policies.

Destinations alternate every year between the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia. In 2013, students will venture to Borneo, Bali and Thailand. While in Borneo, students will study the diffusion of religion, with particular focus on Hinduism and Islam. In Bali, students will explore environmental change and human impact by visiting the Semenggoh Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Bako National Park, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and Kinabalu Park — a UNESCO World Heritage site. Thailand will offer students the opportunity to examine the effects of the 2004 tsunami and its impact on tourism development, coastal beaches and coral reef ecosystems.

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Ian Sherrington

Department of Physical Education and Recreation Studies Sherrington recently conducted a field school where Mount Royal students immersed themselves in Norwegian culture and explored friluftsliv, the Scandinavian philosophy of outdoor life. Students visited various destinations, from the UNESCO Heritage Area in Fjordland on the western coast, to Morgedal — the birthplace of ski sports — to Jotunheimen National Park, which boasts the largest concentration of mountains higher than 2,000 metres in Northern Europe. These experiences enabled students to contrast and evaluate Canada’s inclination to outdoor sports and recreation with Norway, a nation whose culture is deeply rooted in outdoor culture.

The field school was conceived and facilitated in collaboration with Hedmark University College, and this reciprocal partnership will also bring a group of Norwegian students to Mount Royal in May 2013, providing unique learning opportunities for visiting students and Mount Royal students alike.

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David Legg, PhD

Department of Physical Education and Recreation Studies

Yaw Asante, PhD Department of English

This May marks the fourth time since 2007 that Asante — an associate professor originally from Ghana — will take a group of Mount Royal students to West Africa. He describes this field school as an opportunity to “put text into context” by taking students out of the classroom and offering them real-world experiences that can only be acquired through immersion in a foreign culture.

Students travel to Ghana and gain valuable cross-cultural ethnographic knowledge by visiting local communities, interacting with the people who live there and volunteering with developmental efforts. The field school will also meet and engage with local Ghanaian writers. Students will visit Mole National Park, a former game reserve and Ghana’s largest park; explore the historic slave castles at Elmina and Cape Coast in Ghana’s central region; experience the rainforest in Kakum National Park; and enhance their knowledge and understanding of post-colonial Ghana and Africa by visiting museums and cultural centres.

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In April 2012, Legg took a group of Mount Royal students on a field school experience that examined Australia’s approach to sport and recreation systems.

Australia and Canada are similar in population density and geography, so this field school provided students with a basis for comparative learning focusing on sport and recreation systems beyond our borders.

Students attended lectures at universities in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne; toured Australian sport and recreation facilities; attended the Australian Open; visited Sydney’s Olympic Park; attended and played an Aussie Rules Football match in Melbourne; met with the Australian Paralympics Committee; and attended various professional sports matches. The students then presented their research at the University of Technology in Sydney. This field school takes place every four years and Legg will once again be heading “down under” with Mount Royal students in 2016.

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A world of possibilities During her first year of study in Mount Royal University’s Faculty of Arts, Missy Chareka thought the General Education (Gen Ed) courses she was required to take were an obstacle, diverting time and energy from her ultimate goal of a degree in psychology.

When, in her third year, Chareka chose a Gen Ed course in international business through the Bissett School of Business, it was only because the class fit her schedule. Yet that particular class changed everything.

“It was so engaging that I’ve changed my career goals as a result,” Chareka says. “I’ve declared a minor in International Business, and I’ve decided to apply to law schools, focusing on those with a strong emphasis on international business law.

“Now I think Gen Ed is one of the best things that Mount Royal has,” Chareka says.

Part of every Mount Royal degree, applied degree and diploma program, Gen Ed is a combination of foundational courses designed to provide all students with a broader understanding both of academia and the world around them.

Gen Ed is different from

traditional university electives that are taken in a very ad-hoc format.

Instead,Gen Ed is organized as a hybrid of foundational courses.

This ensures students get a basic understanding of four thematic clusters: Numeracy & Scientific Literacy; Values, Beliefs & Identity; Community & Society; and Communication. It encourages students to “choose their own adventure” by discovering areas of interest across faculties.

Gen Ed nurtures intellectual abilities, critical life skills and a lasting desire for learning.

“You come out of the experience with a greater world view and broader knowledge base,” says Chareka. “You don’t just have a piece of paper. You have real-life experience before you go out into the real world.”

The chair of Gen Ed, Karim Dharamsi, says the department is owned by everyone on campus.

“Faculty are responsible to educate both learners who have declared a major in their department and learners who have an interest in the subject and choose to participate as part of their Gen Ed experience.”

Chareka’s professor, Gerry Taft, encourages all of his students to declare a minor in International Business. He even hands out minor declaration cards to the class. Building on the other Gen Ed courses she has completed in languages and political science, Chareka is just one course away from completing a second minor in International Business.

Jessica Williamson

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mount royal university

Partnerships Every university is a community made up of scholars, students, staff and alumni — people brought together by a love of ideas, new knowledge and lifelong learning.

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ut the best universities also nurture deep connections that reach beyond their campus walls and, in this spirit, Mount Royal University is a proud partner in a range of community partnerships.

These partnerships are in addition to Mount Royal’s academic collaborations, which include such things as international student exchanges and faculty initiatives.

And, says Associate Vice-President, Academic Randy Genereux, expanding the number of community partnerships is a key priority in the University’s Academic Plan.

“Connecting with community at different levels, sharing the expertise of our faculty, serving as a role model to students in terms of how to be a good citizen — these partnerships really help make our overall community a better place,” Genereux says.

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He goes on to explain that community outreach and service learning projects are an integral part of the learning experience throughout every Mount Royal faculty and school.

celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

Since 1993, Mount Royal has served as the hosting institution for JA’s “Students are assigned to go into Economics of Success program. the community where they use Targeted to Grade 9 students from the knowledge and skills they are Calgary and the surrounding area, it developing to help address issues or challenges facing society,” Students are assigned to go into the community Genereux says. where they use the knowledge and skills they are

developing to help address issues or challenges Mount Royal has facing society been involved with the Calgary brings more than 4,500 students to community throughout its centuryplus history. Just two examples of the the University each year to build the knowledge, attitudes and skills they University’s long-term partnerships need to make effective education and are with the United Way and with career choices.

Junior Achievement (JA) of Southern Alberta — a partnership that is

O

ther partnerships are more recent. In 2012, Mount Royal became the first post-secondary in Calgary to designate stalls on campus for Car2Go, a car sharing company that gives the Mount Royal community one more choice of sustainable options for travelling to the University.

What makes a good citizen?

Another first was Mount Royal’s unique partnership with Bishop Carroll High School, which enables Bishop Carroll students to take select university courses for credit while still in high school. Mount Royal also participated in the Calgary Pride Parade for the first time, with more than 70 students, faculty and staff marching, including University President David Docherty.

New partnerships continue to be cemented across Mount Royal every day. One example is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) recently signed with HIPPY Canada, a nonprofit organization that helps immigrant, refugee and Aboriginal parents build literacy skills in their preschool children.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi The City of Calgary “Citizenship is the realization that each one of us has the power within our own hearts, hands and minds to take action — however large or small — to improve our community.

Calgary thrives because its citizens are driven to make it better every day.”

Still another example is a new partnership with Calgary Reads that will support literacy development while also giving Mount Royal Education students opportunities to develop their skills in delivering literacy education to elementary school students.

And, in the near future, a partnership agreement will be signed with the Calgary Food Bank.

“This promising partnership might see our business students learning how to manage a complex nonprofit organization, or Policy Studies students exploring how the Food Bank fits within overall social support structures,” Genereux explains. “It also fits within the research interests of faculty members at Mount Royal, so there is the potential for collaborative research opportunities.

“Engaging in each of these partnerships is just the right thing to do,” Genereux says. “We are helping to promote a more positive community.”

nancy cope

jane o’connor Manager, Governance & Executive Operations Mount Royal University Office of the President “A good citizen thinks beyond themselves.

Good citizens are active in their community, both at work and at home, and they contribute to society in a meaningful way, whether it’s through volunteering with a local charity or fundraising for a good cause.”

LINDSAY Virtual Human Project

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Ask Katrina Harnack to describe her 2012 summer internship and she says, “I made oldschool learning into new-school learning.”

“As I converted each old-fashioned outline into an iBook format, I added the LINDSAY project,” she says.

“Helping health care professionals make wise decisions — that’s one of the most important things we can do.”

“Now the outlines are interactive and include video, slide shows and diagrams with zoom capabilities.”

The U of C’s LINDSAY Project team is excited about continuing to work with Mount Royal’s Information Design students because, in the words of Christian Jacob, PhD, “it makes such a big difference to the project.”

The project Lyndelle Gonzalez undertook revolved around a small black book, crammed with black and white diagrams, that medical students use to identify symptoms.

The fourth-year student was asked to create an electronic, colour, interactive version of the book, and to create links between the 15 categories of

Jacob is director of Bioinformatics at the U of C. His work on the LINDSAY Project bridges computer science and medicine.

“As computer scientists who interact with medical researchers and

“Information creates understanding and, ultimately, understanding leads to wisdom.”

Ask her professor, Glenn Ruhl, PhD, and he says Harnack served as an advocate for the creation of understanding.

Harnack is a third-year student in Mount Royal University’s Bachelor of Communication — Information Design program. Along with fellow student, Lyndelle Gonzalez, she worked with researchers from the University of Calgary on a three-dimensional computer model representing human anatomy and physiology.

Called the LINDSAY Virtual Human Project, it’s like a flight simulator for the medical profession — an interactive tool enabling students and professors to explore how bodies work.

Harnack was asked to incorporate the virtual human into course outlines used by the U of C’s Undergraduate Medical Education.

information it holds, each with more than 30 sections.

“The question I had to answer was, ‘How do I take all this information and put it into a digital format?’”

Gonzalez remembers.

After extensive research into iPad layouts, she created an intuitive interface design that enables medical students to easily access deeper levels of information.

Most importantly, it helps students formulate a diagnosis for each patient.

And that’s key for Glenn Ruhl, who also serves as chair of Mount Royal’s Information Design program.

“Information Design takes data and moulds it into information,” he says.

“Information creates understanding and, ultimately, understanding leads to wisdom.

educators, we know how to program stuff and how to make cool things happen,” Jacob says. “But to make it look beautiful and present the content in the right way — that’s where Mount Royal’s Information Design program comes in.”

For Mount Royal students Gonzalez and Harnack, the experience of working with professionals at top levels of computer science, medicine, design and publishing helped confirm their own career goals.

“It made me confident about my abilities and opened my mind to what my degree can do,” Harnack says.

nancy cope

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FEED THE HUNGRY

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pay it forward

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n April 2012, more than a dozen Aboriginal Housing Program students from Mount Royal University’s Iniskim Centre made good on their promise to “pay it forward.”

This promise grew out of their desire to experience and explore Calgary. When the students found it difficult to afford local events, they put their heads together and came up with a brilliant idea — approaching local organizations to ask for donated tickets.

But the students didn’t expect to receive without giving something in return.

The students promised to donate their time spent at the event back to a local

charity of the organization’s choice.

One of Mount Royal’s neighbouring businesses, Valentine Volvo, didn’t hesitate when they were approached.

They gladly donated Calgary Hitmen tickets to the students and, in return,

The students hosted, prepared and served dinner for close to 500 guests, and because the experience made a great impact on the students, they volunteered there again in January.

“Community support is important to our students.

The students benefit from the whole experience in so many ways.” asked that the students volunteer their time at Feed the Hungry.

Feed the Hungry is a charity of the Catholic Diocese of Calgary and has been providing Sunday dinner to thousands of Calgary’s homeless and working poor at St. Mary’s Hall since 1993.

Student Housing Coordinator, Atiba Nelson, is thrilled the students he works so closely with are getting out into the community and giving back.

“The students get caught up in the bubble of going to class, going home to residence, eating with their roommates and living on campus, but

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not exploring the city. We want the students to explore Calgary,” Nelson explains. “The best way to do that is through community events.”

Described as “a home away from home” for Mount Royal’s Aboriginal students, the Iniskim Centre recognizes that students originate from diverse communities across Canada, and that they have chosen to

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come to Mount Royal not just for the programs, but also for the small class sizes and community feel.

“Community support is important to our students,” says Nelson. “The students benefit from the whole experience in so many ways.”

MARNIE POWELL

G N I G N I R B to h t m r a

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WINTER

Many people deal with worries on a daily basis, but rarely about where to sleep at night. Nancy Clennett faced that exact problem, living on the streets of Calgary only a few years ago.

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I’m F

sitting across a kitchen table from Nancy Clennett on an icy January afternoon, with soft jazz playing and condensation frosting the windows.

It’s hard to believe that just five years ago, she would have been outside on such a day, looking for a place to sleep that night.

or the first five years I lived in Calgary, I was a straightup crackhead on the streets,” says Clennett.

But Clennett has a way of subverting expectations. She has transformed herself from an addict with a Grade 7 education into a student who is taking six classes in Mount Royal University’s Child and Youth Care Counsellor Diploma program and working parttime at the treatment centre she once attended.

As difficult as it was, her experience as an at-risk youth gave Clennett the impetus to discover Mount Royal’s Child and Youth Studies programs, an environment in which she has excelled.

She is committed to helping the kind of kids she once ran with, hoping that through her experience and education, she can help spare others from some of the challenges she’s faced.

Her commitment goes far beyond the classroom. With the help of the Iniskim Centre — Mount Royal’s

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academic support centre for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students — Clennett created the Good Karma Project, a series of initiatives designed to help Calgarians in need.

The Project’s first initiative, called Bringing Warmth to Winter, collected winter coats and outerwear to donate to Calgary’s homeless population through local nonprofits like The DI: Calgary Dropin & Rehab Centre, Inn from the Cold and Avenue 15 Youth Shelter.

support, Clennett descended from casual drug use and violent outbursts into complete destitution.

“I did a lot of horrible stuff when I was in active addiction, and since I’ve been healthy, I’ve been committed to paying forward some of the kindness I’ve experienced,” Clennett says.

Last October, Clennett teamed up with Tracey Bert, the Iniskim Centre’s student success coordinator, to create an on-campus and online campaign

“Everything that can possibly go wrong in life has happened to me.”

“Everything that can possibly go wrong in life has happened to me, and I recognize a lot of the experiences that these kids are going through,” Clennett says.

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orn in the Yukon, Clennett moved first to the Northwest Territories and ultimately to Calgary. It was the beginning of a downward spiral. Shunted through the primary education system with minimal

that focused on raising awareness of homelessness in Calgary and raising donations. The results were surprising.

“We didn’t know how it was going to turn out, but I can honestly say I was impressed by the response from the Mount Royal community as well as the outside community,” says Bert.

“We had donations from as far away as Edmonton.

“The warm clothing and blankets are one way of showing that people do care, that you aren’t alone out there.”

“Many people have different definitions of what success is — academic success, success in your career — but Nancy is a success by any definition. Everyone at the Centre is so proud of her,” Bert says.

In addition to these initiatives, Clennett has also accepted a practicum at Wood’s Homes, one of Calgary’s longest-running and most respected nonprofits. It focuses on helping youth transition into adulthood, and her first

Tracey Bert (left) and Nancy Clennett (right) delivering clothing donated through the Bringing Warmth to Winter Campaign.

assignment is with Eagle Moon Lodge, a program designed to restore balance and begin healing for at-risk Aboriginal youth between the ages of 11 and 17.

“As soon as I walk in there, they know I’m not like the other workers,” Clennett says.

“Because of my story and being from the North, I can relate to the children and youth that are going through the program.”

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inding her niche has continued to drive Clennett forward, and her open nature radiates warmth as we chat over a steaming cup of coffee. Along with a keen wit and the confidence that comes from realizing her way in life, Clennett’s passion and her commitment to helping others are almost magnetic, drawing more and more people to her cause.

Next fall, Clennett’s Good Karma Project will launch Bottles for Change, an initiative to assemble baskets for the Calgary Pregnancy Centre using donations and gently used baby items collected from the Mount Royal campus community.

Iniskim Centre

What Makes a Good Citizen?

Mount Royal’s Iniskim Centre is an academic support centre for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students. It was created specifically to increase enrolment and retention of Aboriginal students. While increasing awareness of distinct cultures, history and protocols, Iniskim offers a wide range of programs and services, including: »» the Aboriginal Education Program »» the Aboriginal Science and Technology Education Program »» Aboriginal Student Housing »» Medicine Trail Program »» Cultural and spiritual advising »» Counselling »» Personalized and peer tutoring

Valerie Kinnear Associate Dean Bissett School of Business Mount Royal University “Good citizenship entails having a vision of things that can make society better, coupled with the will to make it happen despite adversity — a commitment to community involvement. A good citizen is concerned with carrying strong personal values and ethics, and has a respect for others, the environment and themselves.”

The Project’s winter clothing collection will also return.

“The warm clothing and blankets are one way of showing that people do care, that you aren’t alone out there,” Clennett explains. “It’s really hard when people think that you’re nothing and won’t do anything to help you out. It just brings you even further down.”

Clennett explains that she was told she was “a piece of crap” so many times that she believed that was her life and that she had nothing else going for her.

“I’m now in a position where I can think about eventually getting a Bachelor of Applied Child Studies degree and starting a career where I’ll be able to show other people in tough circumstances that your life doesn’t have to stay that way.”

Colin Brandt

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Kaylene McTavish President Students’ Association of Mount Royal University “The beautiful thing about good citizens is that they are ordinary people striving to better the world around them. Rather than simply watching life pass them by, good citizens demonstrate qualities they want all of society to carry, through active, ongoing participation within their community.”

Child Development Lab

Elizabeth Mack Client Marketing Manager Venture Communications Bachelor of Applied Communications — Public Relations ‘10 “A good citizen remembers that there are others in their community. They are thoughtful. They are accountable to themselves and others. They are honest and trustworthy. They strive to do what is best for the entire community.”

T

he Nov. 20, 2012 opening of Mount Royal’s Child Development Lab had University President David Docherty reading some of his favourite childhood stories while young learners listened intently. Then the children enthusiastically tested a series of activities carefully created just for them.

The lab is an innovative learning tool that enables students in Mount Royal’s Child and Youth Studies programs to observe children at play and work directly with them in order to develop the skills needed for creating safe and stimulating play environments.

Wayne Chiu Founder and CEO The Trico Group “Living in harmony with people from all walks of life. Giving of yourself in time and money to make the community a better place to live.”

To experience a hands-on approach to learning, Child and Youth Studies students often work with different “manipulative” materials such as goop, paint and water, which are readily available inside the lab.

State-of-the-art video equipment is another feature offered that will record learning and development of both the students and the children.

“When we use the lab, it gives our students the opportunity to practice setting up environments for young learners,” explains Cathy Smey-Carston, chair, Child and Youth Studies. “Having the opportunity to provide experiential learning and research potential within our field is really exciting.”

Jondrea De Ruyter

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23

Mount Royal students empower women in need T Seeing possibilities. Taking action. Enabling progress.

T

hat’s a tagline used by Enactus, an international nonprofit organization (formerly known as SIFE) that brings together student, academic and business leaders to improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need.

And it’s exactly what Mount Royal University student Danielle Gibbie is doing as a member of Enactus. She is leading a team of fellow students in developing and presenting a program called EmpowerU. Working with the Servants Anonymous Society of Calgary (SAS), the EmpowerU team teaches financial literacy and job skills to women who have experienced, or are at risk of, sexual exploitation.

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“We want to help them be as successful as they can be.”

Wendelin Fraser, an associate professor with Mount Royal’s Bissett School of Business, applauds the students for serving as role models.

As faculty advisor with Enactus, she sees how EmpowerU is helping women plan to return to school, open bank accounts and establish Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) for their children.

Since January 2012, Gibbie and her EmpowerU team have volunteered their time and expertise, all while balancing full-time course loads and part-time jobs. One of their star pupils is Smith.*

“The students meet with the women on a weekly basis and commit a significant amount of time cultivating a sense of trust and a relationship with them,” Fraser says. “They offer mentorship and

“Our goal is to empower the women so they can reintegrate into society and increase their confidence,” says Gibbie, a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in Nonprofit Management.

Danielle Gibbie A third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration who is dedicated to bettering the Calgary community.

“We want to help them be as successful as they can be.”

At 42 years old, Smith has left the sex trade and overcome substance abuse to excel in academic upgrading courses at Bow Valley College. She hopes to pursue a career in radiology.

“Before the EmpowerU classes, I was intimidated even talking with people at the bank because of my past,” Smith says. “Danielle gave me enough confidence to walk into my bank and set up a more suitable account. It was invaluable to me.”

Gibbie and her teammates also helped Smith by securing scholarship funds through Enactus sponsors, Walmart and Genworth Financial Canada.

“They [MRU students] really believe in what they’re doing and it shows,” Smith says. “You can see that they’re passionate about it. I got the feeling that they really wanted me to succeed and they were very patient in helping me do that.”

continued support as the women make new lives for themselves.

“Danielle is committed to the betterment of our community and I give her a lot of credit for taking this project forward.”

Gibbie says her work on EmpowerU is both rewarding and fulfilling.

“We’re taking skills that we’re learning in the classroom — project management, volunteer management and teaching — and we’re applying them to real-life situations right away,” says Gibbie, who plans to work in the nonprofit sector after graduating next year.

“It’s a great feeling knowing that I could have even a little impact on someone’s life.”

*Summit is using this pseudonym to protect Smith’s privacy.

Jondrea De Ruyter

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25

Last spring, Mount Royal University held its inaugural Student Research Day, designed to showcase original research undertaken by students.

Associate Vice-President, Research, Trevor Davis, PhD, says that, while undergraduate research isn’t new at Mount Royal, disseminating, celebrating and documenting it systematically is.

“Various faculties and departments have previously held their own poster or research presentations, but this was the first such event hosted by the University,” Davis says. “We were thrilled with the response — close to 90 posters and about 160 registrants.”

The first Student Research Day showcased projects ranging from literature reviews to classroom-based research to individual and group projects. Each was accompanied by a written abstract, now posted on the Mount Royal website.

Building on that success, this year’s Student Research Day is being held in a larger venue to accommodate more students. Community partners, advisory committees and community agencies involved in research at Mount Royal are also invited to view the student projects.

Fourth-year Bachelor of Science student, Angela Smith, participated in last year’s event.

After working as a lab assistant for Assistant Professor of Biology, Carol Armstrong, PhD, Smith decided to present a research poster on her findings on how a specific protein in the cerebellum impacts the different stages of chick embryo development.

For Smith, the opportunity to work alongside Armstrong made the experience invaluable. But to see the research being undertaken by her peers and classmates was also inspiring.

One project in particular explored the skills employers look for in a new hire while identifying which “soft skills” were most important to employers today. Student group members Mark Zehner and Riley Baldwin had the opportunity to complete this project working alongside Associate Professor David Finch, PhD. “The biggest impact was actually seeing how much research is taking place on campus,” Smith says.

fred cheney

27

Students take the lead in planning Student Research Day This year’s Student Research Day doesn’t just showcase original student research — it also highlights original student design.

Nicole MacDougall (BBA Marketing) and Christina Riches (BCMM Information Design) are the creative talents behind the event’s marketing campaign.

Working with the marketing team in Mount Royal’s Office of University Advancement, MacDougall and Riches were involved in logistics and planning for the event, but their primary responsibility was to come up with and execute eye-catching and effective advertising.

“We took over the entire promotion and carried it through from beginning to end, just starting off with an idea,” says MacDougall.

That idea — a series of vibrant posters inspired by graphic novels — enabled the pair to reflect the energy and excitement of the event while targeting audiences ranging from faculty and students to community partners.

“When you go to school, you’re learning all these different things and a project like this puts it all together in one package,” Riches says. “It’s great to see the project from the beginning and go through all the steps.”

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28

B

rent Shervey and his wife, Gail, are long-time volunteers at Mount Royal University. They are currently dedicating their efforts to the Changing the Face of Education campaign — the largest fundraising campaign in Mount Royal’s history — in a unique way.

Recently, the Sherveys created a $20,000 endowment that will generate two scholarships for deserving Mount Royal students each year, indefinitely.

A volunteer at heart, Shervey (who, in addition to serving as managing director at Boyden Canada, serves on the TELUS Calgary Community Board) is dedicated to helping students succeed.

TELUS has developed a number of programs to help employees give in their communities, and Shervey

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Brent and Gail Shervey with students Brittany Holt and Saralyn Winston. discovered that TELUS matches employee donations to charities of their choice dollar for dollar.

Fortunately, TELUS extends this benefit to volunteers.

“As a TELUS volunteer, I know the positive impact corporate funding can have on a charity or community organization,” Shervey says. “I also understand that a scholarship can make the difference between a student failing or succeeding. Because of my long-term association with Mount Royal, the decision to create our scholarship here was easy.”

Mount Royal students Brittany Holt and Saralyn Winston were the two students to receive the Shervey Scholarship this year. Recently, they had the opportunity to meet the people who helped make financing their education easier.

“Receiving this award reassured me that there are others who believe in me and my potential to be a great teacher,” says Holt.

Shervey encourages potential donors to research whether their employers will match donations. Some companies will even match a donation made by an employee’s spouse.

“It gives us a good feeling to know we’re helping students become the citizens of tomorrow,” says Shervey.

For more information on how to make a donation or set up a scholarship or bursary, contact the Mount Royal University Foundation at giving@mtroyal.ca or 403.440.7700

mARTHA TAYLOR

Sprouting a ‘stache’ in

support of Movember

D

uring the month of November 2012, Mount Royal University students, faculty and staff joined forces to sprout moustaches of all colours, shapes and sizes in support of Movember — a campaign to raise funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and male mental health initiatives.

With 239 individuals grouped into 41 teams, Mount Royal’s first year participating in Movember was a huge success that brought the campus together for a great cause in a spirit of friendly competition and camaraderie.

Together, Mount Royal raised an outstanding total of $40,230.

Mount Royal’s top fundraising team was The Big Wigs, led by University President David Docherty; Vice-President of Student Affairs and Campus Life, Brian Fleming; and Vice-President

of Administrative Services, Duane Anderson. They raised $4,980 with Anderson alone raising $2,030.

Movember began with male participants, called mo bros, sporting a clean-shaven face to raise money through 30 days of moustache growing efforts. Women, known as mo sistas, were also involved, seeking out sponsorship and supporting the men in their lives.

The timing of Movember couldn’t have been better, as earlier in 2012, Docherty struck a Mental Health Strategy Task Force showing Mount Royal’s commitment to supporting the mental health of students. Movember offered the opportunity to create an environment in which mental health issues can be supported and talked about openly and respectfully.

Karen richards

30

KEEPING TIES THROUGH

MOUNT ROYAL ALUMNI CHAPTERS S

ome people see citizenship merely as living within a country.

Others see citizenship as a responsibility to engage with their communites — working with neighbours near and far to strengthen Canada’s social fabric.

Mount Royal University doesn’t have to look much farther than our own alumni — especially alumni chapters and branches — to find strong and supportive citizens.

“Alumni are any institution’s best ambassadors,” says James Parsons, coordinator of Mount Royal’s alumni chapters and branches. “They know the institution, have the most invested in its progress and carry with them a sense of pride that is unparalleled.

“With more than 85,000 alumni at its fingertips, Mount Royal is fortunate to have a growing number of engaged

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citizens within our own community, rooting for the University every step of the way.”

Mount Royal has more than 20 alumni chapters, which connect alumni who attended the same program, played on a Cougar Athletics team together, or participated in a campus club or society. Alumni branches are geographically based, uniting alumni who live in the same city or region.

Mount Royal currently has an active branch in Toronto.

Both chapters and branches are an important means of creating community and helping graduates maintain a connection to their academic program and to Mount Royal.

Members volunteer their own time and energy to engage their respective groups in Alumni Association initiatives such as networking, fundraising, mentorship and undertaking numerous volunteer endeavours.

Parsons says the efforts of all chapters and branches enable Mount Royal’s three-person Office of Alumni Relations to reach thousands of alumni and community partners without losing the personal, face-to-face contact that defines Mount Royal.

“Chapters and branches are constantly working with our office and reaching out to faculties and departments across campus, helping to build their volunteer bases and collaborating on various initiatives,” he says, adding that there is a strong emphasis on student participation and representation to keep up with current programming and needs.

“By fostering affinity and growth of our alumni chapter and branch structure, we are strengthening the Mount Royal community.”

Cyndi Cave

Make the most of your lifetime connection to Mount Royal by taking advantage of the many perks available to our alumni family including: » discounted memberships at Mount Royal Recreation » special rates for Mount Royal Conservatory, Theatre and Cougar Athletics tickets » scholarships for children of alumni » access to the Mount Royal Library

Mount Royal alumni also receive special offers through our affinity partners: » » » »

TD Insurance BMO Bank of Montreal Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Bounty Cellars Winery

To find a full listing of Mount Royal alumni benefits and services, visit mtroyal.ca/alumni.

We look forward to hearing from you!

403.440.7000 alumni@mtroyal.ca summit - spring 2013

32

Cougars kick off the

Crowchild Classic It was an exciting inaugural year for the Crowchild Classic, and it ended with one of the biggest games in Canada West Universities Athletic Association history — a men’s and women’s hockey doubleheader played at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Feb. 7.

The Crowchild Classic — launched with the assistance of Mayor (and MRU professor on leave) Naheed Nenshi during a ceremony in front of city hall in the fall of 2012 — pits the Mount Royal University Cougars against the University of Calgary Dinos in 17 regular season games in men’s and women’s basketball, hockey, soccer and volleyball. The winner is determined by the overall results of the head-to-head clashes between the two universities throughout the season.

The Crowchild Classic marks Mount Royal’s first year in the Canada West and Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) conferences. Described as the ultimate crosstown smackdown, the Classic is also part of a concerted push by both universities to promote the high level of interuniversity sport within Calgary and the benefits of exercise and a healthy lifestyle for all students.

The trophy for the winner is a 68-kilogram cast iron City of Calgary manhole cover, donated by Trojan Industries and intended to represent Crowchild Trail, the freeway that links the two universities.

The humble yet powerfully strong manhole cover can comfortably withstand millions of tires passing over it every day. It represents the pain and sacrifice that studentathletes willingly accept — often putting in long hours with little public recognition — in pursuit of the sport they love.

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Congratulations to the Dinos, who claimed the coveted manhole cover in this first season and who will proudly display the trophy at the U of C for a full year.

The Crowchild Classic returns in September 2013, when the Cougars and Dinos will meet on the soccer pitch to kick-start year two of the annual challenge.

Kyle Henry

33

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34

ACCOMPLISHED ALUMNI In their work, their studies and their lives, our alumni embody Mount Royal values such as lifelong learning, intellectual curiosity and citizenship.

Ezra Voth, Policy Studies ‘12

Kristin Westdal, Sport and Recreation ‘06

Earning a Master of Arts, University of Calgary, AB

Completed a Master of Environmental Science, University of Manitoba, MB

Erin Holm, Applied Business and Entrepreneurship ‘11

Currently a marine biologist at Oceans North Canada

Completed a Master of Business Administration, University of Saskatchewan, SK

Jenneth Allison Mills, Anthropology with A Business Minor (Hon) ‘12

Currently a corporate training director at Saskatoon Business College and a tutorial leader/sessional instructor in the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan, SK

Trevor Raymond Owen Ford, History (Hon) ‘12 Earning a Master of Arts in History, Memorial University, NFL

Geoff Schoenberg, Applied Business and Entrepreneurship ‘07

Pursuing a Doctorate of Philosophy, Griffith University, AUS

Cynthia (Cyndy) Dawn Morin, Arts (with distinction) ‘02 Completed a Law Degree, University of Calgary, AB Currently runs Resolve Legal Group and was the sole organizer of Calgary’s first Family Law Fair, 2011

Pursuing a Master of Research, Aberdeen King’s College, Scotland

Carmen Lalonde Psychology (hon) ‘10 Earned a master’s degree at The New School for Social Research, NY

“My Mount Royal professors,

Sarah Michelle Hutchison, Policy Studies ‘12

Nancy Ogden, Anne Vernon

Pursuing a Doctorate of Philosophy in Experimental Psychology, University of Victoria, BC

and many others, helped

Amanda Edge, General Management ‘12 Pursuing a master’s degree in Science in Sustainable Energy Development at the University of Calgary, AB

foster a belief in myself that I could be successful in any endeavour I may have chosen.

They provided me with the foundational skills necessary for success and showed me

Gavin Wolch, History ‘06 Graduated with a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Windsor

that I was capable of anything I put my mind to.”

showcase

Accomplished Alumni information is submitted by alumni or pulled from media stories. To send us your update, please email alumni@mtroyal.ca

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MOUNT ROYAL UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY INFORMATION EVENING Wednesday, April 10 4 – 8 p.m.

The Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning Take the next step…

Talk face to face about programs, admission, registering for classes and financing your education.

Find out what makes Mount Royal a great choice.

mtroyal.ca/uie

36

Events Calendar Theatre MRU presents Richard O’Brien’s

MARCH

20

The Harry G. Schaefer Mentorship Program Speaker Series: Learn and Lead

3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning Join us for the first event in the Mentorship Speaker Series with Australia’s most published author on mentoring, Ann Rolfe. During her engaging and informative session Rolfe will speak about how effective mentoring is invaluable for your personal and professional development.

Free admission — all are welcome RSVP by March 13, 2013: sls@mtroyal.ca

27

Wyatt Artist in Residence Series: Miró Quartet

7:30 p.m.

Leacock Theatre Experience one of the world’s top chamber ensembles as Conservatory alumnus, William Fedkenheuer, returns to Calgary for the first time as violinist with the Miró Quartet, hailed by The New York Times for its “explosive vigor and technical finesse.”

For more information: mtroyal.ca/wyatt

The Rocky Horror Show

28 & 30

The Rocky Horror Show

April 2 – 6

7:30 p.m.

Midnight shows: March 30 and April 5 only Wright Theater Theatre MRU presents the stage version of the cult classic movie. Bring your toast, do the Time Warp, and join the fun as this rock musical follows two clean-cut kids who run into car trouble and seek help from Dr. Frank N. Furter. $20 Adults, $15 Students/Seniors For more information: mtroyal.ca/theatre

APRIL

4

JMH New Venture LaunchPad Competition

6 – 8 p.m.

Mount Royal University students pitch their student venure ideas to judges for prizes of up to $10,000 to help launch their ventures. Consider it a kinder, gentler Dragon’s Den ... but no less exciting!

For more information: innovate@mtroyal.ca

9

Chad Gaffield – Public Lecture

Noon – 1 p.m.

Jenkins Theatre Chad Gaffield, PhD, president of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, speaks about dealing with small universities and attracting research dollars.

For more information: Faculty of Arts, 403.440.6961 storres@mtroyal.ca

10

University Information Evening

4 – 8 p.m.

Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning Talk with students, faculty and staff about programs, the admissions process, student services and campus life.

For more information: mtroyal.ca/uie

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27

Conservatory Open House

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Leacock and Wright Theatres Discover The Conservatory’s diverse music programs for babies, youth, adults and seniors as well as speech arts programs and performing ensembles. Learn how to register your children or yourself.

For more information: mtroyal.ca/conservatory

MAY

9

Social Media Revolution Conference — Getting Down to Business

8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning Join us for the third year of the MRU Shift Social Media conference. This year we’re not just sitting around.

Participants will have the opportunity to get their hands in the mix and fully experience social media.

For more information: mtroyal.ca/mrushift

JUNE

1

Pearls of Wisdom

6 – 10 p.m.

Triple Gym Join us for the 16th annual Pearls of Wisdom, Calgary’s premier lobsterfest. Presented in partnership with RBC Royal Bank, this event raises funds for student scholarships and features Rodney “The Oysterman” Clark and his crew.

For more information: mtroyal.ca/pearlsofwisdom

6&7

37

Spring Convocation

Triple Gym Graduates and their guests are invited to attend Spring Convocation at Mount Royal University. Convocation offers graduates the time-honoured tradition of celebrating their accomplishments with faculty, peers, family and friends.

For more information: mtroyal.ca/convocation

8 – 11

Administrative Sciences Association of Canada (ASAC) Conference Hyatt Regency Calgary The Bissett School of Business will host ASAC’s annual conference. It is Canada’s main bilingual conference for management and will feature two keynote events of interest to national business leaders.

For more information: asac.ca

13 – 15

24

Mount Royal Cougar Classic Golf Tournament

Pinebrook Golf and Country Club This signature event raises money for Cougar Athletics and helps studentathletes pursue their dreams while achieving a university degree. Spend the day with supporters, alumni, student-athletes and coaches of our varsity program. $220 Alumni, $250 General public For tickets and more information: mtroyal.ca/cougars

JULY

Crops and Cultures: Cultivating Morningside Commodities and Communities Music Bridge Summer Concerts Agricultural History Society Leacock Theatre and venues across Calgary 2013 Conference The Banff Centre, Banff Scholars and students who study rural and agricultural history will gather over three days for papers, plenary sessions and a keynote by James Scott, PhD, of Yale University’s Agrarian Studies Program.

For information and registration: Faculty of Arts, 403.440.6054 jlanderson@mtroyal.ca

3 – Aug. 2

This international music exchange program brings exceptional young students aged 12 – 18 to study in Calgary. It also offers public concerts featuring both world-class alumni — such as Nikki and Timmy Chooi, Ning Feng and Tao Ni — and renowned faculty — such as Roberto Diaz, Andres Diaz, Ian Swensen and David Shifrin — as well as student recitals.

Free admission For detailed information: mtroyal.ca/musicbridge

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Closing WORDS In

2006, I was appointed by the Government of Canada as citizenship judge for southern Alberta, and I had the honour of welcoming between 40,000 and 50,000 new citizens into our Canadian family during my three-year term.

The people who appeared before me had made the decision to leave their homelands and seek a new life in a new country. Many had travelled thousands of miles, made sacrifices and worked hard to adapt to a new culture, a different and sometimes severe climate, often a new language and, most of all, a different life.

Each time I administered the oath of citizenship, I would tell our newest citizens that being a Canadian means more than receiving a citizenship certificate — it means sharing a common set of values, having rights and responsibilities, and being a member of our great country.

As they take the citizenship oath, new citizens affirm their commitment to Canada, declare their loyalty and vow to do their best for our nation. With

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this Closing Words article, I would encourage every Canadian to take that oath to heart.

Whether we were born here or whether we chose to move here, every Canadian citizen bears the basic responsibility to respect one another, help one another and, of course, understand one another.

Whenever you vote in an election, serve on a jury, help others in the community or protect our heritage and environment, you are fulfilling your responsibilities as a citizen.

Whenever you make the effort to meet and talk with your neighbours, you are learning about and respecting one another’s cultures and traditions.

Very few Canadians share the same past, but we all share the same future. I believe Canada’s future is extremely bright. When Canadians work together, our accomplishments are limitless.

In September 2011, The Honourable Raymond Lee was awarded Mount Royal’s Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award, presented at the annual Legacy Awards dinner. The Legacy Awards pay tribute to the more than 85,000 alumni who have made remarkable contributions to the business and social fabric of Alberta as well as national and international communities.

Mr. Lee has a long list of accomplishments including his work in securing a history-making formal apology from the Government of Canada for the wrongs committed as a result of the Chinese Head Tax and Exclusion Act imposed on Chinese immigrants.

He was also one of the founders of Multi-Cultural Canada in 2005 and in 2006 became the first person of Chinese descent in Alberta to become a Canadian citizenship judge.

The Honourable Raymond Lee Engineering ‘58

Comments? E-mail summit@mtroyal.ca

How can I reward myself and help my alma mater?

Get the BMO Mount Royal University MasterCard *. ®

®

Reward yourself with 1 AIR MILES®† reward mile for every $20 spent or 0.5% CashBack® and pay no annual fee1.

Use the card and help the Mount Royal University Alumni Association fund scholarships, bursaries, events and other programs that benefit students and alumni at no additional cost to you.

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1 Award of AIR MILES reward miles or CashBack rewards is made for purchases charged to your account (less refunds) and is subject to the terms and conditions of your BMO MasterCard Cardholder Agreement. ® Registered trade-marks of Bank of Montreal. ®*Registered trade-mark of MasterCard International Incorporated. TM†/®† Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by LoyaltyOne, Inc. and Bank of Montreal.

summit - spring 2013