Oct. 2015, Vol. 1 No. 6
Be thankful it's October!

L.M. Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables, once said, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers”. I couldn't agree more, it’s my favourite time of year! The leaves are changing colour and the crisp fall air is inevitably present. With the school year in full swing, the hallways of MRU are buzzing with enthusiastic students and faculty and staff eager to make a difference.

This time of year is always a reminder to be thankful for all we have. Each and every day I’m reminded of how fortunate I am to be a part of such an exciting and inspiring community here at Mount Royal. Although it has been a while since I was in school myself, I am grateful for the post-secondary education and experiences that got me to where I am today. As alumni, I hope you are just as thankful for your Mount Royal experience. We are fortunate to have such amazing alumni and hope you will all continue to stay connected with us and carry that Mount Royal pride with you forever.

In this issue of True Blue, learn more about this year's Alumni Achievement Awards recipients honoured at last week's alumni celebration and check in with an alumnus who is a professor and more. Plus, we have an exciting volunteer opportunity for you; take part in Open House and help prospective students discover that MRU is where they belong.

– Brittany Simpson, coordinator, annual giving (and our newest team member)
What's new in Alumni Relations
2015 Alumni Achievement Awards report:
The Alumni Achievement Awards celebration took place last Thursday and what a great night! The new Bella Concert Hall did not disappoint. Take a peek at this Storify for a snapshot of the night's events. Click the links below to learn more about this year's recipients.
2015 Alumni Achievement Awards recipients

You still love this place...
One of the most common questions prospective students ask is "What can I do with my degree?" And who knows the answer to that question best? That's right, YOU - our alumni!

Volunteer at Open House on Oct. 24!

Share your story with prospective students so they can learn about what it's like to be a Mount Royal student and what may await them after they graduate.

We'll set you up with faculty/staff reps from your program/area of study and give you the opportunity to talk to prospective students face to face.

By volunteering, you will be a true blue Mount Royal ambassador. It's a great way to connect with Mount Royal faculty, staff and alumni while giving back your time to future MRU students, and one day members of your alumni community.
Open House
Sat. Oct. 24, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Mount Royal University
Roderick Mah Centre for Continuous Learning
Lunch provided.

Contact: Tierney, coordinator, alumni outreach, to get involved 403.440.7724 or tedmunds@mtroyal.ca by Oct. 12 (next Monday).
Alumni Groups
The Sport and Recreation Alumni Chapter held their annual Fall Social on September 28. The event featured a panel of alumni who talked to first-year students about their career paths since graduating, followed by an evening of networking. It was a well attended event, and will be sure to leave a lasting impact on students and alumni.

If you want to get involved or to ask about starting a new Alumni Group, contact James at
jjparsons@mtroyal.ca.
Alumni engagement opportunities
Learning opportunities
Institute for Environmental Sustainability Seminar Series: Presentation by Mount Royal Student on Scotland Field School - Oct 7, 1-2 p.m. EC1145. Free seminar no need to RSVP.


Thurs. Oct. 15, 5-7:30 p.m. Calgary Petroleum Club, Devonian Dining Room. Special presentations that address relevant issues in Calgary today from Mount Royal University Institute directors: Connie Van der Byl 's "Are you in it for the long run? Why environmental sustainability matters even more right now" and Ray DePaul's "Awakening Your Entrepreneurial Mind." Refreshments and cash bar
Please RSVP to Julia Johnston by Monday, Oct. 12 at
jljohnson@mtroyal.ca 403.440.6069.


Institute for Environmental Sustainability Seminar Series: Calfrac Well Services and City of Medicine Hat Baby's Breath - Oct 22, 1-2 p.m. EA1067. Free seminar no need to RSVP.
Events & volunteering
Harry G. Scheafer Mentorship program still looking for mentors! mtroyal.ca/mentorship. Apply by Oct. 15. Questions? Contact Ashley at mentorship@mtroyal.ca or 403.440.8754

Open House - Sat., Oct. 24, 2015. Know someone interested in attending MRU? This is a great opportunity for prospective students to learn about programs offered at Mount Royal University. Meet professors face to face, and get a tour of the campus and residences. Alumni can volunteer: contact Tierney, coordinator, alumni outreach, to get involved. 403.440.7724
Checking in with Mount Royal alumni
Have an inspiring story? We’d love to share it. Email alumni@mtroyal.ca and you could be featured in an upcoming issue of True Blue or Summit.
David Dozois
“Live as though you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” - Mahatma Gandhi

A professor of psychology and director of the graduate program in clinical psychology at the University of Western Ontario, David took courses towards his BA at MRU in 1988/89. "Mount Royal taught me that hard work pays off and that you can excel at something if you find your passion."
Read more...
Extras
New Student Orientation Tree

This tree represents you as Mount Royal University students and future alumni. It will grow with you as you grow during your time at Mount Royal, and like you, it will continue to grow and reach its full potential long after you leave.

Since Mount Royal's centennial in 2010, the MRUAA has donated a tree to each incoming class and given that class the opportunity to name their Class Tree at New Student Orientation. The name selected this year is Green Hope.
Check your mailbox for Summit
The fall 2015 issue of our biannual magazine Summit is out. The theme of this issue is Physical Literacy, a major in one of MRU's newest programs, the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education. This issue also features stories on each of our Alumni Achievement Award recipients so make sure to take a read through and check them out.

Tweet us a photo of you reading your issue of Summit Magazine with #SummitMag.

If you're not currently receiving Summit, let us know and we will ensure we have the correct address on file.
From our community partners
At this year's Alumni Achievement Awards, our Affinity Partner TD Insurance Meloche Monnex was able to provide seven scholarships to students. The scholarship funds were obtained through our partnership. When alumni purchase insurance from TD a portion is given to the Mount Royal University Alumni Association. Beyond the student scholarships, this money is used for alumni programming.
Join us on social
Did you know?
Alumni get discounts on Bella Concert Hall performances. Come check out the new venue.
MRU in the news
Cougars logo
Watch a Cougars Hockey game at the Flames Community Arena. Get to know the team and your favourite players in preparation for the Crowchild Classic Saddledome game on Jan. 21.

Follow the Cougars on Twitter @MRUCougars #Cougnation
Registration for Continuing Education courses is ongoing and courses start throughout the Fall. Build your career. mtroyal.ca/conted
Cougars logo
MRU Alumni TED pick

Dan Gilbert: The psychology of your future self

Each month we will provide a new TED talk to entertain, educate, provoke and inspire.

Quick links
Benefits and services
Mount Royal University Alumni Relations
Room A150

mtroyal.ca/alumni

alumni@mtroyal.ca
403.440.7000