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June 9, 2023

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Convocation 2023

Class of 2023 shines at Convocation

More than 2,200 graduates completed their degrees and diplomas this academic year — one of the largest graduating classes ever. 

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Spirit River Striped Wolf

Recognizing what can be changed

Former SAMRU president and policy studies alumnus Spirit River Striped Wolf had to overcome survivor's guilt in order to excel at MRU.

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Zafina Budhwani

Research provides the right formula

Bachelor of Science — Chemistry alumna Zafina Budhwani, who is also a 2023 Centennial Gold Medal recipient, says research opportunities at MRU helped set her up for a master’s.

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Kyle Mackenzie

Uncovering confidence and leadership abilities 

Bachelor of Nursing graduate Kyle Mackenzie says presenting his authentic self helped buttress newfound leadship abilities and he is headed into his career with a passion for patient advocacy.

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Naavneet Aulakh

From introvert to mentor

Finance and supply-chain management alumna Naavneet Aulakh’s original plan at MRU was sidetracked, but in the very best way.

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Marc Hamoline

Yet another phase in life

After close to 50 years and a career in protective services, Funeral Director Certificate grad Marc Hamoline returned to school for a new profession he loves. 

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Nyadholi Thokbuom

Solid support grounds Cougars athlete's success

Sociology alumna and Cougars volleyball superstar Nyadholi Thokbuom became a master at achieving balance through taking advantage of resources provided at Mount Royal.

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Danny Dufresne

Reaching out in order to help others

Child and youth-care counsellor alumna Danny Dufresne overcame early adversities and become motivated to make a positive and helpful impact in the lives of children.

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Announcements

Special advisor to EDI appointed

Professor Michael Uzoka, PhD, has been appointed special advisor on equity, diversity and inclusive (EDI) excellence for the 2023/2024 academic year. In this role, he will assist and support the AVP EDI in providing guidance and strategic direction on EDI issues for faculty and on special initiatives, such as the development of a comprehensive EDI in research portfolio and support for faculty in developing their EDI statements. Uzoka will also contribute to the EDI strategic planning process, to development and implementation of the Scarborough Charter provisions, serve on the president’s EDI Advisory Committee as the faculty co-chair, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders in promoting a culture of inclusion at MRU.

New director in Human Resources

This week, Bonnie Thompson joined Mount Royal’s human resources department as director, HR and employee relations. Thompson has more than 15 years of experience in the public sector and holds a Master of Public Administration. She comes to MRU from the University of Calgary.

Journey to Indigenization call for presentations

Since 2021, the Office of Indigenization and Decolonization (OID), in partnership with the Iniskim Centre, has hosted a series of institutional activities occurring annually from Sept. 22 to Oct. 4. During MRU’s Journey to Indigenization, we commemorate the signing of Treaty 7, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Orange Shirt Day and Sisters in Spirit Day. The OID wants to showcase, share and collect the indigenization and decolonization work happening across campus or in the community. If you are interested in presenting your project, work or research, or would like to be a session moderator, please complete this form.

University event calendar upgrade

MRU will launch a new campus event calendar this summer, replacing the Google Calendar currently in use. The new calendar, which uses their LiveWhale calendar software, will reinvigorate how the University presents and promotes event listings. A virtual demonstration of the event submission form and calendar will be scheduled in the coming weeks. Please contact Rob Petrollini if you have any questions.

Annual space audit begins June 12 

Over the next three months, Facilities Management staff will be entering all rooms on campus to update space information. Pictures may be taken to record the condition of finishes, furniture layouts and equipment. Email fm@mtroyal.ca with any questions. Learn more and view a tentative schedule.

Wellness Wednesday session on acceptance and inclusion June 14

Join Employee Wellness on June 14 for an online session on Creating a Positive Culture of Acceptance and Inclusion. Learn how you can contribute to an environment where employees feel safe, valued and respected. Learn more.

Mount Royal launches new wildfire smoke webpage

A new webpage features steps Mount Royal is taking to mitigate the effect of wildfire smoke in campus buildings and ways you can reduce your exposure to the smoke. Learn more at mru.ca/WildfireSmoke.

More washroom choice on campus

Later this month, some multi-user washrooms in the Bissett School of Business building (EB) will be redesignated as all-gender, which means everyone can use them. The locations will have signage indicating the facilities available in each space. Learn more about this step to provide a more equitable and inclusive environment for all members of the Mount Royal community.

Healthy living in July

Get outside, enjoy the sunshine and get some exercise with Employee Outdoor HIIT on Wellness Wednesdays in July. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts involve short bursts of exercise to get your heart rate up. Presented by Employee Wellness, sessions take place from 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. on July 5, 12, 19 and 26 at the TransCanada Amphitheatre. Learn more and register.

Ellucian Go: decommissioning MyMRU app in June 2023

The Ellucian Go MyMRU app is no longer being supported and is being removed from the iOS and Google Play app stores. Please continue to use MyMRU.ca and the mtroyal.ca website as your source for the most current information.

June fitness challenge presented by Fit Kitchen

Fit Kitchen and MRU Recreation have partnered to design a challenge that stresses your muscular endurance and they want to see how many reps (with good form) you can complete. Ask a staff member to observe your attempt at a pull-up, push-up, v-sit, or jump squat. Folks with the top scores for each category will be entered to win prizes courtesy of Fit Kitchen. Visit the Recreation Centre to enter.

Spring and summer student Rec memberships

Students who are not enrolled in spring or summer courses can still access MRU Recreation at a discounted rate. From June 1 to Aug. 31, students can get a membership for only $75 from the Customer Service Desk by showing their high-school or post-secondary ID.

Gender-Based Violence and Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy

The Gender-Based Violence and Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy has now been ratified at Mount Royal University. This policy represents the University’s ongoing efforts to foster a culture of respect and safety, while providing support for those who have been impacted by gender-based violence and misconduct. Learn more.

Did you know?

The fountain located in the Gauthier Courtyard was resurrected in 2018 after having been drained and left empty for more than 10 years. It is accessible from E-Wing and F-Wing (Stevenson Plaza next to The Table), and flows into the large pond by the TransCanada Amphitheatre. Go and enjoy the cool breeze it provides during the hot summer months.

 

MRU in the Media — In case you missed it

Calgary laboratory trailblazing new fire investigation innovations:

Global News — Gwen O’Sullivan, faculty; Court Sandau, adjunct faculty; MRU Environmental Forensics and Arson Lab

Searching for truth in the digital age: How investigative journalism is evolving with digital media:

Calgary Journal — Brooks Decillia, Archie McLean, faculty

MRU’s 2023 honorary doctorate recipients bring words of inspiration to graduates:

Calgary Herald — 2023 HD recipients: Gen. John de Chastelain, Cheryl Foggo, Bruce Starlight, Don Baker, Leslie O’Donoghue, Nancy Southern

USports All-Canadian Tatum Amy Joins The Beauts

The Hockey News — Tatum Amy, alum

MRU sees first Indigenous student president graduate, hoping to help community

Go to “Show More” at CBC Calgary and find June 2 News at 6. Move forward to 13:35. — Spirit River Striped Wolf, alumnus

Mount Royal University, faculty, students and alumni are often featured in the media. To subscribe to the daily MRU Media report, email mediarelations@mtroyal.ca.

 

Bleed Blue

Biology professor receives research award

Assistant Professor Michael Asmussen, PhD, received a Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholar award to bring his research to Victoria Island University. The highly competitive award supports early career health researchers who are building leading-edge research programs and is highly competitive. Asmussen is also MRU’s Canada Research Chair in Neuromechanics and Human Physiology and leads the Foot-Ankle Stability (FASt) Lab. Read more.

Humanities professor elected as co-president of faculty association

Associate Professor Corinne Mason, PhD (women’s and gender studies, Department of Humanities), has been elected to the position of co-president of the Women and Gender Studies et Recherches Féministes (WGSRF), which is the Canadian faculty association for women's and gender studies. The goals of the WGSRF are to promote and foster the field of women and gender studies and to build a network of its scholars across Canada.

 

Events

Creating a Positive Culture of Acceptance and Inclusion

Wed., June 14 from 10 to 11 a.m. — Virtual

Learn about ways to create an environment where employees feel supported, safe, valued and respected. Register.

Lunch & Learn: Celebrating Pollinator Week on Campus with Alexandria Farmer

Thurs., June 22, from noon to 12:50 p.m. — Memorial Garden

Join Alexandria Farmer in the Memorial Garden to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of pollinators while discovering practical ways to contribute to their preservation. Register.

 

Have a story, announcement or info to share?

Summit and website stories

We would love to hear about your story! Go to the online story submission tool and guidelines.

MyMRU announcements

Please send announcements for MyMRU's homepage to mymru@mtroyal.ca. Review the guidelines.

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