2015 Alumni Ascent Magazine

Alumni

RUNDLE

Rundle College/Academy • Spring 2015

Alumni

A

The

scent

Rundle Alumni Magazine

Mount Rundle Banff Alberta

CONTENTS Facebook: Rundle College Alumni

Twitter: @RundleAlumni (College)

Twitter: @RundleACAlumni (Academy)

www.rundle.ab.ca CONTACTS: Rundle Academy Alumni Relations Michelle Cawthorpe cawthorpe@rundle.ab.ca Rundle College Alumni Relations Aaron Goettel goettel@rundle.ab.ca

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FEATURES RUNDLE COLLEGE ALUMNUS - making a difference P. 4 Rundle alumnus Sam Sawchuk ‘12 and fellow Rundle alumni create Sandwich For a Story (SFS) - an organization devoted to dismantling the stigma associated with homelessness through the exchange of a sandwich for a story.

RUNDLE ACADEMY ALUMNA - still moving mountains P. 6 Rundle Academy alumna Alexis Demecha ‘09 moves mountains in a neuroscience research lab while climbing mountains around the world.

HIGHLIGHTS UPCOMING and PAST EVENTS

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RUNDLE COLLEGE ALUMNI UPDATES

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RUNDLE ACADEMY ALUMNI UPDATES

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MENTORSHIP

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GIVING AT RUNDLE

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STAY CONNECTED

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RUNDLE’S NEW SCHOOL

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i n m Alu

UPCOMING EVENTS MAY

JUNE

Thursday, 14

Rugby Homecoming

Friday, 22

Rundle Alumni Golf Classic

Saturday, 20

Class of 2005 Reunion

Are you a member of the Class of 2005?

Your 10-year reunion is coming up!

Don’t miss your chance to catch up with fellow classmates and faculty.

Sign up at rundlereunion2005@gmail.com

PAST EVENTS HoHoHomecoming Pub Night this past December was great fun and there was an excellent turn out with over 60 Rundle College alumni and staff taking over Shillelagh’s Pub to reminisce and catch up.

Rundle Academy’s Class of 2004 10-year reunion last summer at Original Joe’s was a great way to get together and share some stories of past and present. Thanks to everyone for coming out!

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ollege Alumnus - making a difference

Sandwich For a Story (SFS)

is an organization devoted to dismantling the stigma associated with homelessness through the exchange of a sandwich for a story. Comprised of four Rundle College Alumni: Evan Beck ’12, Sam Sawchuk ‘12, Alex Kim ‘12, and Andrew Buckley ‘11 - SFS has taken their initiative to a number of cities including Calgary, Vancouver, Raleigh, and Seattle. Rundle College Senior High’s CAUSE group is currently working with SFS. As a member of the CAUSE steering committee, Noah Cooke, a grade 12 Rundle College student, had the privilege of interviewing Sam Sawchuk.

It really demonstrates how the passion for helping others carries on far beyond Rundle’s doors in the character of our alumni.

Noah Cooke: You have defined your mission as “breaking down the barrier between the homeless populations and the rest of society through simple acts of engagement.”

What inspired you to embark on this mission?

NC: Perhaps it was not one thing in particular, but was it - something that your parents exposed you to, a teacher said, or some kind of internal disposition - that motivated you to found Sandwich for a Story?

Sam Sawchuk: I was always really involved in the Calgary youth volunteer scene; I would go to seniors’ homes and volunteer and make sandwiches at the Mustard Seed or the Drop-in Centre. I thought that was really cool. At the same time, however, I felt a disconnect from the homeless because I did not get to interact with them. I thought it would be really cool to take it to another level to talk with them and hear their stories.

SS: My friend Evan Beck, who also attended Rundle College in 2012, has always been really enthusiastic about helping the homeless… his parents took him to Victoria, and instead of opening presents for Christmas, they handed out sandwiches to the homeless! Evan introduced me to a new way of looking at things. I was the technology behind our initiatives… he did not know how to integrate technology. It was the perfect opportunity at the perfect time.

My idea arose when I was in Vancouver and quite involved with the technology scene there. I realized that technology provides so many different ways for us to connect, but there are not many options for the homeless to share their stories and reintegrate into the world. The idea occurred to take a really simple form of technology like a blog and allow people to see their stories. My hope was that others would notice and help them or some might be able to relate to their situation and offer them guidance.

We always describe ourselves as a middleman between a charity and a person. If you give twenty dollars to a charity, often you do not know whom that is going to. We value interacting with individuals, with unique personalities, on the streets.

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NC: As you have often said, the stigma associated towards the homeless population often results in them feeling invisible. What is the root cause of this stigma and how does the exchange of a sandwich for a story help erode it?

SS: The root cause is a lot of misconceptions: people often think it is drugs, alcohol, unplanned life events, or death in the family. It is so hard to put your finger on what it is. Slowly integrating people through listening to these individuals’ stories helps to break the barrier. The key to breaking down the stigma is bringing back the interaction, instead of just one- sided “you do not know how you are helping.”

NC: Have any of the stories that have been shared with you had an impact on you personally?

NC: Besides Evan, are you working with other Rundle College alumni? How has this helped you in your endeavors thus far?

SS: One is a First Nations man who had come from a very troubled background and had been an alcoholic.

Currently he is upgrading his courses to get back into university. His story reminds me that when I am struggling with my courses or have some problem in my life, there are people in much more difficult situations that are working very hard to get to a place where they want to be.

SS: I am actually working with two other Rundle College alumni: Andrew Buckley, a 2011 graduate, as well as Alex Kim and Evan Beck, who both graduated in my year [2012]. That’s another really cool aspect of Sandwich for a Story: how we have grown as people from high school and knew each other there. Our friendship is pretty cool – working together, we can constructively criticize and question.

Another individual made a really good point that I will not forget. When he said he was stressed, I asked “Do you often go for a walk or do anything to get your head off things?” He replied that he sometimes did, but that “it’s just so hard, when you know you have to go back to that place.” For me, this sets things in perspective - how different it could be for these individuals to have someone come up to them and want to talk to them.

Everybody has stresses, but the homeless experience stress in so many different ways, on a totally different level.

NC: Has your mission in Sandwich for a Story changed your perception of success and enabled you to mature as an individual?

SS: One of the biggest things that stopped me is time management; having Alex, Andrew, and Evan is huge, but it is teaching me to be a leader in a way. I have to delegate tasks to them. Likewise, they have to delegate tasks to me. Second, although it sounds cliché, I have really realized that you should have gratitude for everything. Third, is the importance of getting into a habit of helping people. I feel like people go out once a year and go make sandwiches… that is great, but it is really cool if you can find something small and do it every week. It makes you feel really good, having something you keep doing consistently to help others.

NC: What are the long-term objectives of your mission and where do you see the most potential to achieve this?

SS: One day we would like to take the lessons we have learned from the stories we have heard and use them to help shape some of the policy towards homelessness.

I find that a lot of the policies are shaped by what the policymakers believe homelessness is, and not actually what the people on the streets are going through. I hope that one day, organizations such as ourselves can form a collective bond to shape policies that actually affect the homeless in a positive way.

NC: For our CAUSE (Creating Action Using Student Empathy) initiative group, it is very encouraging to hear that… perhaps some of us could be working together on initiatives in a few years time!

How can students and other members of the Rundle community contribute to Sandwich for a Story?

SS: Usually, Andrew and I go out every Thursday to give out sandwiches and let people know on Facebook and Twitter when we will be going. If they have another day that would work better we can also accommodate that. That is probably the biggest help and where people will feel they are making the greatest impact. Also, they can make sandwiches or donate. In May, we are becoming a non- profit organization; this will make it a lot easier for people to contribute. I definitely recommend checking out our social media channels; because that is where we connect to people the most!

NC: Thank you very much Sam. SS: Thank you.

We would encourage anyone interested in contributing to this incredible initiative to access Sandwich For a Story’s Twitter and Facebook Sites. It is our hope, as the CAUSE initiative group, that the Rundle College community students, families, alumni, teachers, and administrators can invest in this cause and continue the Rundle legacy of giving back to our society!

NOAH COOKE Rundle College CAUSE Initiative Group

www.sandwichforastory.com Twitter: @Sandwich4astory Facebook: Sandwich for a Story

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cademy Alumna - still moving mountains

“Rundle helped me gain the fundamental skills I needed to learn to do well academically at university. In addition, I gained a number of helpful life skills that have allowed me to create a diverse lifestyle and expand my interests beyond that of academia.”

After leaving Rundle I moved to Lethbridge and started my undergraduate degree in neuroscience. I completed my degree and graduated in August 2013 with honours and distinction. My final thesis was an analysis of immediate early genes Arc and Homer1a detection methods in hippocampal remapping studies.

I have had the privilege to work alongside many other researchers throughout my degree and after graduating was offered a job as a research technician in Dr. Bruce McNaughton’s lab at the Canadian Center for Behavioral Neuroscience. I had the opportunity to work on two projects; one focusing on electrophysiology and hippocampal remapping during sleep replay, the other I am assisting in making an atlas of the rat brain using particular tissue staining methods and tracers.

I decided to travel by myself to South America for 2½ months. I started in Ushuai, Argentina Patagonia and travelled north through Chile. I continued onto Bolivia and travelled south to San Pedro de Aticama.

I am currently in Calgary working as a lab manager in a neuroscience research lab studying seizures.

I have found sports to be of great value in maintaining a balance in my life. Adventure/adrenalin sports have given me an outlet to explore and expand on my own capabilities. The mental and physical challenges I have experienced while climbing, mountain biking, skiing and skydiving have taught me many valuable lessons. Finding the drive to push through something even when things are in complete chaos can open your eyes to the strength of your own abilities in any activity. It is these skills I’ve learned and use every day.

I am looking forward to continuing my education in neuroscience and contributing meaningful ideas to the scientific community. I learned from sports that you need to open yourself up to new experiences and to people that have a positive influence on you, and from this I have had some amazing adventures.

I hope now to share these experiences with people and evolve not only my abilities, but others who want to act on that wild and crazy imagination. I think Rundle fundamentally set me in this path by providing me with the knowledge of my own abilities.

RUNDLE ACADEMY ALUMNA ALEXIS DEMECHA ‘09

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ollege - Stories of Alumni Achievement

PARTNERING WITH RUNDLE ALUMNUS, DR. AARON GOODARZI ‘95 TO SUPPORT CANCER RESEARCH

It wasn’t long ago, over 35 staff and students at Rundle College Jr. Sr. High shaved their heads or cut off their ponytails for our Pony Up For Cancer fundraiser.

Over $28,000 was raised to support Kids Cancer Care and the Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute.

“The Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute is absolutely delighted at the generous contribution from the students, staff and friends of Rundle College!

For those who do not know us, we represent the convergence of cancer research between the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Medicine and the Tom Baker Cancer Centre – a singular institute housing all of Calgary’s medical and scientific research efforts for cancer. Your gift has been received warmly and will be put towards our research endeavours immediately, which have particular strengths in the areas of childhood and young adult brain cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer), radiation biology and novel anti-cancer therapeutics.

“As a former Rundle College student (class of 1995!), I particularly am grateful to the Rundle College Community for their support over the years and their continuing positive influence on our society and this great city of ours.”

DR. AARON GOODARZI ‘95

Marc Smith ‘95 earned a Hospitality Management degree from the University of Calgary and worked in the industry for ten years. Marc also worked for the University in Human Resources for five years before moving on to Nexen Energy in the recruiting department.

1995

Marc now lives in Airdrie with his wife and three daughters.

Raj Bhatt ‘97 graduated from Rundle 1997 College and went on to study at Harvard. After obtaining his MBA, Raj moved to New York to work with an investment firm. In 2011 he started his own investment firm and today owns several small companies. Namely, he is growing early childhood academies in the US and currently owns a daycare company in Calgary called VonKids. He also has ownership and oversight in a physical therapy company, a software company, a retail cookie franchise, and he’s looking to get into investing in gyms. Raj still lives in New York and is married with two boys. Maybe one day he’ll return to Calgary and we’ll see his little boys wearing the Rundle uniform!

Dr. Holly Fritz ‘98 has returned to Calgary and is currently practicing dentistry at 1998 Aspen Dental Care; just a stones-throw away from Rundle College Jr. Sr. High. After obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Calgary in Zoology in 2002 she then made the move to Edmonton to attend the University of Alberta for Dentistry. Five years after graduation, Holly made the move back home to her hometown, closer to the mountains, family and friends.

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ollege - Stories of Alumni Achievement

Victoria Chio (Lai) ‘99 currently manages Alumni Relations/ Career Services at Bow Valley College. She is married with two girls and their beloved dog, Duncan. Victoria is starting an MA in Leadership 1999 at Royal Roads in January as well as training for a half-marathon this year.

Congratulations to Sari Bondar ‘00 on her recent wedding and new home.

2000 Sit back and watch CBC’s documentary Story Behind The Brews highlighting Rundle Alumnus Ravinder Minhas ‘00 and his family’s brewery business.

Twin sisters Shawna and Jacquelyn Perron ‘01 celebrated their 30th birthday last year by hosting a party and raising money for KidSport. Friends and family gave generously in their honour and helped to raise nearly $25,000 for the charity. Great job!

2001 Rundle Sweethearts Get Hitched!

Rundle Alumna Dr. Sahra Kanji ‘01 has been practicing dentistry in Calgary since 2009 and is now the Owner of Willow Park Dental, located on the ground floor of Southcentre Executive Tower, and co-owner of Toothworks Calgary, a start-up dental practice in Royal Oak in NW Calgary. She is happily married to Adam Jiwani, whom she had been dating since high school. Sahra has a passion for travelling and learning about new cultures. She is currently planning a summer trip to Israel and Jordan this summer.

2001 Alumnus Aly Hirjee ‘01 ended up marrying his high school sweetheart in August 2012. They had their first child this past February - one day after his birthday! Aly moved to Edmonton in 2004 to finish his education. In August 2006, he opened the first ‘Connected Cellular’ location in Northern Alberta. Since then he and his brother Nadim, also a Rundle alumnus, have grown Connected Cellular to six locations throughout Alberta. They are also Edo Japan franchisees with two locations in Edmonton. He tells us that life is great and very busy, but he is loving every second of it!

2002 Noreen Kassam ‘02 is currently running her own business in Toronto as an entrepreneur in healing and teaching Psychosomatic Therapy. She tells us, “It's all about how our body is our autobiography and how we can literally heal pain and disease by taking care of our emotions.”

Since Rundle, Noreen has completed a degree in biology, a masters in applied linguistics, certifications in crossfit, TRX, fascial stretch therapy, canfit pro, exercise and program design, NLP Masters and Psychosomatic Practitioner.

Richard Lobsinger ‘02 and Laura Harvey ‘01 tied the knot this past summer and are excitedly expecting their first child this month. Congratulations to you both!

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Visit Noreen at: www.beautifymybeing.com www.thenoreenproject.com www.mindandbodyunleashed.com

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ollege - Stories of Alumni Achievement Jordan Fleming and Brock Heartwell ‘03 have turned their passion into a thriving business.

Youth Brigade Snow and Skate is Calgary’s only youth skate and snowboard shop conveniently located in Strathcona square in the Southwest.

Pick up a copy of Jaime Soulodre’s ‘02 book exploring the proof of God through mathematics.

Thanks Jordan and Brock for donating product for Rundle’s recent fundraiser for the new school. Visit their website at: www.youthbrigadess.ca

2003

Hopkinson Family Business

Gerus Family Update Brydon Gerus ‘00 is now living in LA working as an Art Director. Calvin Gerus ‘03 is in 2000 San Francisco getting his MBA at Hult 2003 Business school and Kendal Gerus ‘04 2004 is living and working in Victoria at Power to Be and loves it!

Andrew Hopkinson ‘03 and his brother Keith Hopkinson ‘07 have both stepped into the family business of corporate aircraft brokering - the oldest and 2003 2007 largest firm of its kind in Canada. Andrew and Keith deal in airplanes of all sizes, but with a particular focus on corporate jets and turboprops.

Laura Barclay ‘04 owns her own photography company and shoots mainly weddings/engagements, family portraits, and athletics - of course she will always be an athlete!

Laura is working two other jobs as well, making her very busy.

Along with her fiancée Craig, Laura recently spent three years living in South Africa while Craig earned his masters degree.

Laura worked as a camera operator for a TV show, gaining some experience working in video production.

2004

Laura and Craig loved South Africa but did not want to settle there permanently so they made the tough decision to come back to Canada. The couple are planning a casual backyard barbecue wedding this summer. Congratulations to the happy couple!

Take a look at Hamish Crawford’s ‘03 book from the perspective of the wife of one of history’s greatest side-kicks - Dr. John H. Watson of the Sherlock Holmes duo.

To add to his accomplishments as a published author, Hamish starred in Frost/Nixon last October and The Beaux’ Stratagem this past April, both at the Pumphouse Theatre.

Droppo Family Update After high school, Alumna Dana Droppo ‘07 went to NYU to study critical theory. She is now graduated and working as an editor at a lifestyle magazine named Complex. Click on Lana Del Ray to read Dana’s first cover story.

2001 2007 2011

Dana is also the global editor-in-chief of Pepsi.com, and creates content for Fortune brand clients like Nike, Heineken, Miller, Coors, etc.

Matt Droppo ‘01 is currently living in Toronto and working for a software company while Ali Droppo ‘11 is studying biology at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, BC.

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Alumnus Darshan Rickhi ‘05, currently working at Warmland Films, recently directed a series of short films titled Convos With My 2-Year Old. The series is now an internet sensation.

2005

Elizabeth Thompson ‘06 graduated from University of Lethbridge in 2012 and is currently working as a junior high math/science teacher at Calgary Academy.

2006

Alumna Daniela Montgomery ‘07 was integral in setting up the charity Four Feet Companion Foundation that supports numerous animal charities. Please visit www.fourfeet.org for more information about Daniela’s work.

2007 Dan Bushell ‘05 graduated from Mount Royal with an Arts degree, majoring in English and a minor in Geography. Dan is currently writing a series of military science fiction/fantasy works.

Rundle Alumnus Wes MacInnes ‘05 has been busy since his days on the Rundle stage. Known throughout the country music industry as Wes Mack, his passion for music has propelled him to country music stardom. Wes will be joining Canadian superstar Shania Twain on the Canadian leg of her 2015 farewell tour.

Check out Wes Mack’s new song Before You Drive Me Crazy climbing the country music charts.

2000 2005 2006

Shafina Sachedina ‘06 finished medical school in Dublin, Ireland and is currently at Vancouver Children’s Hospital specializing in pediatric neurology.

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After graduation, Jacqueline Jones (Smith) ‘07 travelled and lived in South Africa before finding her passion in the fitness, health and wellness industry. As a pro-card holder with the WBFF (World Beauty Fitness & Fashion) Jacqueline is now an elite fitness model worldwide and made her pro debut at the Montreal Pro Am show last year.

Now married, Jacqueline has since become a certified personal trainer and is currently studying to become a Registered Natural Nutritionist.

Jacqueline now offers personal training, nutritional counselling, personal meal plans, grocery shopping education, and personal meal prepping. She is also currently designing a program to teach children healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices.

Sachedina Family Update Ruhin Sachedina ‘00 is happily married and works for Fortis. Faraz Sachedina ‘05 just graduated from medical school in New York. Faraz is back in Calgary studying for his Canadian and US exams to apply for specialization.

Kaylee Sapieya ‘07 is now living in LA pursuing her dream of acting! She recently cowrote, co-produced and starred in a SAG New Media web series called, “Bad Therapy”.

Follow Jacquline on: https://www.facebook.com/JacqJonesFitness https://www.facebook.com/jacqueline.jones.37 Instagram: jacqjones23

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ollege - Stories of Alumni Achievement

Amy Lewanski ‘08 is currently attending Antioch University in Los Angeles, working toward a Master's of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing. In particular, her concentration is in Writing for Young People. She also spent three years tutoring students in low-income schools and communities in San Diego.

2008 Adam Gordon ‘08 is currently working in Edmonton as a Field Engineer with EllisDon and lives in Leduc with long-time girlfriend Jenn and Shi'tzu, Aladdin. In his spare time, Adam can be found paragliding in the Rockies or riding his bike.

Adam hasn’t strayed too far from his roots and visits Calgary frequently to act as race director for the Calgary Stair-athon. The race was founded by both Adam and his sister two years ago. Since that time, the Stair-a-thon has raised nearly $20,000 for sustainable clean water projects in Kenya. Visit www.yycstairathon.com

Michael Charney ‘09 recently graduated from a five-year double degree program at the University of Waterloo (Bachelor of Mathematics) and Wilfrid Laurier University (Bachelor of Business Administration/ Finance). Through the program Michael was involved in the co-op program and worked at Pace Oil and Gas, RBC Capital Markets/Global Investment Banking/Corporate Finance, RBC Capital Markets/Global Investment Banking/ Mergers & Acquisitions, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan/Oil & Gas Private Equity.

In September 2014 Michael started a full-time job at RBC Capital Markets, working in the Mergers & Acquisitions group within Global Investment Banking.

We’d like to hear from you! Send in your updates that we can include in the next alumni newsletter: alumni@rundle.ab.ca

2009

Last year, Rundle College was proud to welcome back #90 from the Montreal Alouettes, Rundle College alumnus and valedictorian from the Class of 2009, Mike Klassen ‘09. Mike presented a signed Alouettes jersey to Headmaster, Dave Hauk and Rundle Cobras Football Coach, Brent Hargreaves. Mike’s jersey is proudly displayed on the alumni athletic wall in the Jr. Sr. High School.

Mike recently signed a new two-year contract with the Alouettes going into the 2015 season.

Mike continues to be an active part in the Cobras football program and is often on the field mentoring and coaching the next group of student athletes eager to wear the Cobra uniform.

Megan Smith ‘09 studied at UNBSJ in Saint John, New Brunswick and played varsity volleyball. She transferred to Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax to finish her degree. After graduation, Megan spent a year travelling (mostly solo) to Thailand, Laos, Australia, Fiji and New Zealand.

Megan is now back in Calgary working as the Catering Coordinator at The Ranchmen's Club.

2009

Chelsea Shewchuk ‘09 is currently completing a Masters Degree in Media and Communications at City University London in the UK. Additionally, she is working as a marketing intern for a TV production and distribution company called New Media Vision.

Chelsea hopes to remain in the UK to work following graduation.

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Georgia Sibold ‘10 graduated from Mount Allison University This past May, Alumna Niki Leung ‘10 graduated from in Sackville, NB in May 2014 with a BA in Political Science Syracuse University double majoring in Retail and and Psychology. She has since gone on to complete a MA in Marketing Management. She is currently in Cleveland, Public Relations at the University of Westminster in London, Ohio working at TTi company (owners of Hoover, UK. Georgia plans to remain in the UK and begin work Dirt Devil, and Oreck products) and is working as at a tech-focused PR firm in September following the a Marketing Specialist. In July 2015, she will be 2010 relocated to their Hong Kong office! completion of her dissertation.

After graduation from Rundle, alumna Jenna Galloway ‘10 went on to study at the University of Calgary working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences. Jenna is currently working with the Centre for Research and Disability Studies researching for a project on yoga and autism.

As a yoga enthusiast, Jenna co-founded Little Hippies; yoga for youth, in 2013. Inspired by her research work, Jenna went on to establish the Little Hippies Foundation that provides free yoga classes to kids who are sick, recovering, have special physical or mental needs, who come from low-income backgrounds, or who just need a little bit of light in their lives.

Photo by David Moll

Follow the great work Jenna and her team is doing at: www.littlehippieskidsyoga.com

Alumnus Andrew Buckley ‘11, quarterback for the University of Calgary Dinos, recently made history after being awarded the CIS Russ Jackson award, for the second year in a row, as well as the Hec Crighton award, Canada’s equivalent of the Heisman Trophy for most valuable player in the CIS. Buckley is the first CIS athlete in history to be awarded these two top awards in the same year.

At just over 20 years old, Andrew’s achievements on the field, in the classroom and in the community are remarkable:

2009 Rundle Cobras Football Team Tier IV Provincial Champions • 2010 Rundle Cobras Football Team Tier IV Provincial Football Champions • 2011 Rundle Cobras Football Team MVP Award Alberta Senior Bowl South Team • 2011 U of C Dinos Football Team CIS Academic All-Canadian • 2012 U of C Dinos Football Team • 2013 U of C Dinos Football Team Canada West Conference All-Star Recipient of the Russ Jackson Award

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2014 U of C Dinos Football Team Canada West Football Player of the Week Canada West Conference All-Star Canada West Frank Gnup Memorial Trophy for MVP Canada West Student Athlete Community Service Award CIS First Team All-Canadian • 2014 CIS Russ Jackson Award for accomplishments in academic achievement, football skill and citizenship • 2014 CIS Hec Crighton Award for most outstanding Canadian CIS football player • 2015 Calgary Booster Club Male Athlete of The Year • 2015 CFL Draft Pick - Calgary Stampeders

2011

DECEMBER 15, 2014

SI.COM

DOUBLE ISSUE

FACES IN THE CROWD:

ANDREW BUCKLEY Calgary, Alberta > Football Buckley, a senior quarterback at the University of Calgary, became the first player to with the Hec Crighton Trophy -- Canada’s Heisman Trophy equivalent -- and the Russ Jackson Award, for academics and citizenship, in the same year.

His 10.6 yards per carry topped all QBs, and the Dinos led the nation in points (419), TDs (51) and total offense (5,082).

Andrew in Sports Illustrated!

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ollege - Stories of Alumni Achievement

Klassen Family Update - by Natalie Nicole Klassen Androsoff ‘07 is the most beautiful and wonderful mother and wife. Her daughter Paisley has a rare condition called PTLS and our whole family is continually learning new things about her. She is the best! Nicole also has her personal training certificate and is in amazing shape; she can beat anyone on the squat rack!

2007 2009

2010 Everyone probably already knows Mike Klassen ‘09 plays for the Montreal Alouettes. In the offseason he gets to spend his time in Calgary, going to U of C and training. He is still a big teddy bear, (don’t tell him I said that!) and loves to give back to whoever he can, whenever he can.

As for me, Natalie Klassen Bauman ‘10, I married the love of my life, Randall Bauman, last May and we are living in Lethbridge. I will graduate from the University of Lethbridge this semester from Kinesiology. I am so excited to be able to influence others in sport and activity for the rest of my life.

Randy and I just sold our house (that he built us) and we are taking the next year off to travel and see what God has planned for us overseas.

Alumna Taryn Knorren ‘11 is fast approaching graduation after three years at Renaissance College’s Leadership Studies Program at 2011 University of New Brunswick. Through her program she had the opportunity to travel to India working at an organic farm, exploring India and Nepal, then making her way to base camp at Mount Everest.

In August, Taryn will be travelling to Thailand as a mentor for the organization Right To Play to help at their Global Youth Summit.

Leah Morell ‘11 is taking her Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering at Carleton University in Ottawa and is set to graduate next spring. She is currently working a co-op term at an energy consulting firm.

Leah is still involved in ringette as a player and manager of the Carleton University Ravens and is the Co-Director for Carleton's 2015 EngFrosh.

2011

Jake McKenna ‘12, currently studying at StFX, helped the XMen capture their first ever AUS track and field championship banner last year. For his efforts Jake was voted captain of the team this year.

2012

Send in your updates that we can use for the next alumni newsletter alumni@rundle.ab.ca

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Congratulations to Devon Keys ‘12 for being selected as the 2013 Calgary Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) Senior High Female Athlete of the Year for her athletic achievements on the court and on the field.

Devon joins a long list of Rundle College female athletes that have received the award: Shawna Perron 2000 Kaitlin Mulyk 2001 Kendal Gerus 2004 Kayti Simonson 2007 Natalie Klassen 2010

2012

Alex Adams ‘12 is currently in his third year studying biomedical sciences at the University of Calgary and has started to apply to medical schools, both in Canada and abroad.

Lauren Cole ‘12 is currently finishing up her third year in Life Sciences at Queen’s. She is excited to be the Chair of the Queen’s Autism Partnership Program where they connect students and local kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Lauren is still pursuing her passion of dance through the Queen’s Dance Club.

IN REMEMBRANCE The entire Rundle community is saddened by the passing of Toni Kohn Woodward, Rundle College alumna ‘06 on September 7, 2014. Toni was a loving wife to fellow Rundle alumnus, Stephen Woodward, daughter of Jeff and Wendy Kohn and sister to Jordan and Tessa.

After graduation from Rundle, Toni earned a degree from the University of Southern California; she also completed studies at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Toni was residing in Los Angeles, California with Stephen and had started a fine fashion jewellry company.

In support of Toni’s beliefs and values, The Toni Kohn Woodard Foundation was created in honour of Toni to enrich the lives of underprivileged young girls by empowering them to create a healthy social, educational and physical foundation.

If you would like to support the TKW Foundation, please visit: www. tkwfoundation.com (the site will be live end of June) www.facebook.com/TKWFoundation

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cademy - Stories of Alumni Achievement in their own words

2002 After leaving Rundle Academy, I attended SAIT and graduated with a Marketing diploma. I then attended the University of Lethbridge and graduated with a degree in General Management. I took some time to travel through Thailand and worked in Lethbridge as a bike shop manager. I am currently a project coordinator for an oil and gas manufacturer in Lethbridge and I recently got married to the love of my life, Candace Laine.

Adam Trommeshauser ‘02 “Mr. Lawson you were a big influence on me, and I thank you for being such an amazing teacher.

If it wasn’t for the Academy, I would not be where I am today.”

2004 I ' v e said many times before, I did despise the idea of going to a private school and having to wear a skirt, but when I hadn’t been punished my first couple of days, and had not gotten into serious trouble for wearing boy pants the first day it snowed, then I realized I was in a good place!

What have I done in 10 years ..... after graduating from the Academy in 2004, I attended Mount Royal for upgrading and took courses in the General Studies program. A few years later, I enrolled into the Math 30 Pure stream at Chinook Learning, but succeeded in Math 30 Applied. In 2008, I enrolled in the Hotel and Restaurant Management Program at SAIT, and then moved to Toronto in 2009.

I attended culinary school and moved back to Calgary to work at Canada Olympic Park, as a banquet chef - this was not my calling.

During my year-end evaluation at COP, I was distracted by the construction in the parking lot and my head chef suggested that I follow the truck, as I was more excited when it passed by, than being let go from my job!

The following year, I worked as a flag girl for Volker Stevin and a general labourer at Canwest Concrete Cutting. In 2012-2013, I got my Class 3 license and operated a ROCK TRUCK!! I then attended CDI College’s Oil and Gas Administration program. In 2014, I started off the year as a teacher’s assistant at CDI College, but was offered a job as an Administrative Officer at Dominion Lending Centres Westcor. In October, I took a long- awaited trip to Costa Rica to reward myself for all the schooling that I had done.

My parents knew when I was young that I learned differently, but they didn’t know of any other options until I was in grade 11. My psychologist recommended testing to see if I had a learning disability. Once I was diagnosed, we were off to explore other schools. At the Academy, I had two teachers for Social Studies and this helped as they would read the test questions out to me and pronounce “key words”. The entire school encouraged us to highlight words in different colours, read the entire test before starting, and to not be afraid to ask questions. But the most important thing were the SMALL class sizes!!

“I loved the teachers’ teaching styles and if I could start my life over, I would have begun my schooling at Rundle Academy.”

2012

Whitney Watson ‘04

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R A undle

cademy - Stories of Alumni Achievement in their own words

After I graduating from Rundle Academy, I have taken many different paths in my life that I could never have imagined.

Like many students, I didn’t quite know what I wanted to do right after school.

I decided to go right into university and attended BYU-Idaho, and to be honest, I hated every second of it! I dropped out to seek other avenues for a career.

Unfortunately, without a degree or any other training, I found myself in the lawn care business for a large land developer.

2005

I worked for two years and I was promoted to foreman and ran a crew of five other people.

As I continued to do this job, I realized that I wanted to do something greater with my life than simply mow the same patch of grass day in and day out!

Eventually this led me to return to BYU-I with a fresh perspective, and a desire to learn.

While still trying to figure out what exactly I wanted to major in, I was presented with an opportunity to go on a two-year service mission for my church. I traveled to Michigan, USA and I tried to bring some happiness to people who had lost their own path. While helping others, I found this helped to refine my future endeavors.

Since my mission, I have been back in school for three years, pursuing a degree in Psychology. I graduate this winter - this is exciting and somewhat unbelievable, since I barely made it through high school! If it wasn’t for the patience of the teachers I wouldn’t be standing here today.

As for my future, I’m currently getting ready to apply for grad school to pursue my dream of becoming a Child Psychologist, so that I can help others.

After graduating from Rundle Academy, I spent a few semesters at Mount Royal University, trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I quickly realized that I was more interested in a program at SAIT and transferred into the two-year, Energy Asset Management Program and graduated in April 2013. I returned to SAIT and recently took the Petroleum Land Administration certificate, while working for a small oil and gas company.

2007

During my studies, I played on the soccer team for the SAIT Trojans for three years.

In my second year I was asked to become co-captain of the team. I help to lead the team to Provincials, which had not been accomplished in ten years. I also had the opportunity to coach for the 2013-2014 soccer team. I did return to SAIT for more schooling, and in-turn, continued to play on the team.

Breanne MacLeod ‘07

Breanne was enrolled in Rundle Academy in grade 5 and graduated in 2007. She was involved in many extracurricular activities and special events around the school. In Junior High, she was awarded Athlete of the Year 2003-2004. In Senior High, she was awarded the Athlete of the Year 2006-2007, and the Sportsmanship award in 20052006. In June, Breanne’s name will be placed on our Sport Hall of Fame to recognize her post-secondary achievement.

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Brent Ady ‘05

R A undle

cademy - Stories of Alumni Achievement in their own words

Zakir Hussein ‘07 After graduating from Rundle Academy, Zakir continued his studies at the University of Calgary earning a degree in Environmental Management and Sustainability, while at the same time starting up Organo Energy: a company focusing on the collection of waste animal fats and grease from restaurants that are refined and reused in biofuel production.

Zakir’s technology attracted the interest of Harvard and now Zakir juggles his time as a Harvard guest speaker as well as a student taking Strategic Management and Environmental Sciences.

Recently, Zakir launched a new company; Enerknight Media, that supplies businesses with indoor digital advertising screens. Since 2014, Enerknight Media has been supporting local Calgary Photographers through its Capture YYC contest and the Eat, Drink and Play initiative to provide a local guide to the best places to eat, drink and play in Calgary.

Visit Organo and Enerknight

Zakir has been awarded the Student Entrepreneur of the Year by Enactus, Western Canada Entrepreneur of the year, Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 under 40, and named a Leader of Tomorrow by Business in Calgary Magazine.

2007

After graduating from Rundle Academy, I was enrolled in the Bassett School of Business at Mount Royal University.

Upon completing three semesters, I transferred into the University of Calgary’s Business Program.

I have graduated with a BA in Political Science and currently I am completing my second major in Economics.

2012

What do I miss about Rundle? The teachers and the opportunities to ask questions and really learn oneon-one or in a close environment.

This is something I didn’t completely capitalize on and regret this now with classes of 200 other people!

Adam Orr ’07

I have also completed two internships auditing contracts and other accounting duties. This summer I will be involved in an internship with TransCanada Pipelines.

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R A undle

cademy - Stories of Alumni Achievement in their own words

After graduating from the Academy, I enlisted with the Canadian Armed Forces and completed my basic training in April of 2010.

I continued my training at the Canadian Forces base in Borden, Ontario for Vehicle Tech Training.

In 2011, I was posted in Edmonton at the Canadian Forces Base, and I have resided there, ever since.

In 2012, I adopted my son Carson, and helped to deliver my second son Mason, in 2013.

After graduation, Keith attended Acadia University to study Dramatic Arts. Keith ended up transferring to The Academy of Art University in San Francisco and will graduate this year.

Being diagnosed with dyslexia while at the Academy, it was important for Keith to find a post-secondary school with an excellent LD resource centre. The Academy of Art University has been the right fit for Keith along with perseverance and a strong work ethic he developed at the Academy.

Keith Gunning ‘09

Attending Rundle taught me a lot about everything from mentoring to teamwork; the qualities that I continue to use at my job in the Canadian Forces. I definitely miss playing football with the Rundle team, and of course the amazing friends that I made.

Greg Trumbley ‘09

2009 This year has been very hard for me; my best friend passed away so I'm taking some time to mourn. I am, however, getting close to graduating from the University of Victoria and starting a masters program in Reformation Literature. Hopefully this will still happen, just not as soon as anticipated.

I have sold some of my art, and I'm also trying to get two books published. One is an illustrated childrens’ book and the other an adult science fiction novel.

2012

I've done some traveling and I am planning to move to France next year to work on my French before returning to complete school.

While attending Rundle Academy, I was inspired by Ms. Patience and Mrs. Cawthorpe. They brought out my artistic, wild side which has helped me in the personal training and group fitness classes I teach. Mr. Morrow was an excellent teacher as well; he helped me to hone my writing skills and really piqued my interest in self expression through literature.

Katie Campbell ‘09

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MENTORSHIP The Rundle Alumni Association will be looking to grow its mentorship program over the next few years. To kick off the program, we encouraged alumni to sign up with the Rundle College Career Bank volunteering their time and talents to mentoring current Rundle students and fellow Rundle alumni. Thank you to the many alumni that have already signed up.

If you have not signed up yet, please consider lending your name to the list found under this link (http://bit.ly/1QKfp0R) so that together we can create a strong network of support within our Rundle community.

The Rundle Alumni Association Mentorship Program recently connected two alumnae; Nicole Armstrong ‘03, who has been working in London, England (now as an Associate Strategy Director at R/GA) and Chelsea Shewchuk ‘09, who recently moved to London to attain her Masters in Media and Communications at City University London. Nicole was a great resource for Chelsea; helping her adjust to a new city and offering career advice from an established and successful alumna in a related industry.

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams...”

Henry David Thoreau

but Rundle’s here to help you on the journey!

GIVING AT RUNDLE Building on Success Capital Campaign

The Building on Success Capital Campaign was launched in 2013 to support the building of a new primary/elementary school alongside the Junior/Senior School on 17th Avenue.

To date our Rundle Community has contributed over $3 Million dollars, but we still need an additional $1.8 Million to reach our goal. Please show your support and appreciation for Rundle and what it has provided for you, and help us build on our success by strengthening Rundle for future generations.

Annual Fund

Founding Fathers Scholarship & Bursary Fund

Endowment Fund

Gifts to the Annual Fund support your choice of academic enrichment, athletics or fine arts. You may also elect to have your gift allocated to the Headmaster’s Initiative, which allows immediate use of your funds for projects with the greatest need.

The Founding Fathers Scholarship & Bursary Fund honours Dr. W.J. Collett and Dr. R.C. Conklin, the Founders of Rundle College. Scholarships and bursaries are awarded to Rundle College Society students of good character who are passionate and motivated contributors to the Rundle community. Over 30 students annually receive a scholarship or bursary.

The Rundle College Endowment Fund was created to ensure the sustainability of Rundle College Society as a leader in independent education. Investment income from the Endowment Fund is used to enhance the faculty, programs and facilities of the Society.

A named endowment fund allows donors to recognize the special role that Rundle has played in their lives. Each endowed gift to Rundle provides a unique, enduring legacy.

Did you know?

Tax receipts will be issued for all donations. Alberta has one of the highest charitable donation tax credit rates in Canada (50% on donations in excess of $200).

How to give?

Donations can be made by cheque and mailed to Rundle College Society 4411 Manitoba Road SE Calgary, T2G 4B9 or by credit card by calling 403-291-3866.

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CONGRATULATIONS Classes of 2015 116 Rundle College and Rundle Academy students join the ranks of proud Rundle Alumni

•

Congratulations to our alumni who are graduating from universities across Canada and around the world

Why a Rundle Alumni Association?

The Rundle College Alumni Association desires to maintain a lifelong relationship with our alumni to continue promoting the goals of our mission statement (reach their potential, attain their best and celebrate when they do) to support our alumni at every opportunity.

10

Ways to stay connected:

1. Update your contact information. Email alumni@rundle.ab.ca 2. Provide personal achievement or milestone updates 3. Read the newsletters and attend Alumni events 4. Stop by the school; our doors are always open 5. Volunteer for school presentations, speaking engagements 6. Become a class rep 7. Mentorship - join the Rundle Career Bank 8. Stay connected with other Rundle alumni 9. Browse the Rundle website : www.rundle.ab.ca 10. Volunteer to help build the Rundle Alumni Association

Have some suggestions for future alumni events?

Let’s talk. Contact alumni@rundle.ab.ca and share your ideas.

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alumni

events COMING SOON

A

new School for Rundle’s Youngest Students Thank you to our Rundle community for supporting our new school project. We are privileged to educate your children and will be proud to welcome them into their new school.

Children of Alumni Given Priority Enrollment

W

e are excited to announce that our vision of a complete Rundle campus for students in Kindergarten - Grade 12 is becoming a reality.

The new school, scheduled to open in the Fall of 2016, will bring together all Rundle College students on a shared, 20-acre campus; providing a complete educational experience for students from Kindergarten through to Grade 12. This innovative K-6 school will complement the current Jr. Sr. High School campus and its exceptional facilities.

Rundle College will continue to provide a nurturing, engaging environment that provides an enriched, personalized education, preparing students for an ever-changing world.

Crimson Art Photography

In keeping with Rundle tradition, each year we offer available openings to siblings of our current students and children of our alumni first. If you are interested in enrollment for the 2016/2017 school year, please contact us at collegeadmissions@rundle.ab.ca or academyadmissions@ rundle.ab.ca.

Please visit our website www.rundle.ab.ca for more admissions information

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