September 2015, Vol. 1 No. 5
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September: forever back to school
“Learn as though you'll live forever.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
I hope everyone had an amazing summer. I just returned form a three week vacation in Europe with my family, arriving home just in time for back to school. It's been a long time since I was in school but September always brings back those school memories and my love of learning.
I'm a big believer in lifelong learning and one of my passions is learning through reading. Some of my favourite books are Good to Great by Jim Collins and Deep Survival by Laurence Gonzales. On my fall reading list is Etta and Otto and Russel and James by Emma Hooper and The Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King . This month, on top of my own learning, my kids return to school after summer break (twins both entering grade 5). That means back to packing school lunches and running to various practices, games and performances, which I'm sure some of you can relate to. September is sure to be a busy month for me, and I bet for most of you. Make sure to take some time to relax, read (I recommend this issue of True Blue) and learn. If you have any book recommendations I'd love to add to my fall reading list. Email me at bstamand@mtroyal.ca.
This issue of True Blue is all about learning and celebrating your "blue streak." Find out how you can win tickets to the Alumni Achievement Awards (exactly one month away) and participate in the Colour-U-Blue race where you'll come out looking truly blue. Stay connected to the University by mentoring a student. They'll learn from you and you're sure to learn from them too. Watch a Ted Talk on lifelong learning and purchase tickets to a concert at the new Bella Concert Hall.
Happy reading and learning!
– Buffy St-Amand, manager, alumni relations and annual giving
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What's new in Alumni Relations
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Win tickets to the 2015 Alumni Achievement Awards
NEW Bella Concert Hall, Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts
Mount Royal University
Old and new friends, local entertainment, great food and drinks.
Hosted by local media personalities (and MRU alumni)
Doug Dirks & Jenny Howe from CBC Radio Calgary.
Two ways to win two tickets to the alumni event of the year:
1. Share #PartOfMe on Twitter with why MRU is still part of you by Sept. 15
2. Comment on the Mount Royal University Alumni LinkedIn Group post with why MRU is still part of you.
Don't want to take your chances?
Purchase your tickets for only $40 at:
mtroyal.ca /alumniachievementawards
Watch a teaser video for this year's awards celebration.
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Give back your time & talent
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Work one-on-one with a student for two hours per month from January-June. Last year, 81 MRU alumni participated as mentors! Registration opens Sept. 4.
Apply online at mtroyal.ca/mentorship between Sept. 4 & Oct. 15, 2015
Contact Ashley Davidson, mentorship coordinator, for more information:
adavidson@mtroyal.ca 403.440-8754
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Alumni Groups
The NEW Social Work Alumni Chapter is hosting a professional development panel discussion event this month.
"Using Social Media to Build Professional Relationships"
Sept. 24, 2015
Tickets: $10 each
This event will be eligible for Category A Credits for Registered Social Workers but is open to all alumni. Light refreshments and a cash bar will be available. Get in touch for more information!
Our alumni are starting brand new chapters for Social Work, Psychology, Social Innovation, Public Relations, Nursing and Education. If you want to get involved or to ask about starting a new Alumni Group, contact James at jjparsons@mtroyal.ca.
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Alumni engagement opportunities
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Learning opportunities
Beakerhead. Sept 16 - 29.
Beakerhead is a smash up of art, science and engineering where everyone is welcome! Free and tickets events.
Institute for Environmental Sustainability Student Research Seminar: Thurs. Sept. 24, 1 - 2 p.m. EA1067. 15 min presentations by three student research assistants. Free event registration not required.
Save the date: Additional Institute for Sustainability Seminar Series events: Oct. 7, Oct. 22, Nov. 4, Nov. 19, Dec. 2. More details to follow in the October issue of True Blue.
Centre for Community Disaster research: Were the Women Washed Away? The Gender of Vulnerability and Resilience in Disaster. Fri. Sept. 25, 12:30 to 2 p.m. Kristen Barber will talk about these and other issues women faced during Hurricane Katrina, advocating for disaster scholarship that both is gender sensitive and takes an intersectional approach to examining risk and resiliency.
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Events & volunteering
Calgary Pride Parade. Sun., Sept. 6, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 9th Avenue. Walk alongside MRU's President David Docherty, peers, colleagues, friends and family to celebrate gender and sexual diversity. MRU will have a booth at Shaw Millennium Park after the parade. If you would like to help out contact Tracy at tgarrick@mtroyal.ca
The Bella Concert Hall Opening Festival. Sept. 19 - Oct. 3. The Bella Concert Hall, Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts is now open! Join us as we celebrate the opening of this stunning new venue with four concerts. Alumni get a discount on tickets.
 MRU Colour-U-Blue - 4th Annual. Sat. Sept. 19, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.. Early bird fees end Sept. 18: $24 for member, $34 for non-member. Register here.
2015 Alumni Achievement Awards celebration. Thurs. Oct. 1, 6 p.m. Bella Concert Hall, Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts. Old and new friends, local entertainment, great food and drinks. Come celebrate your blue streak, an evening out at your house - Mount Royal University. Tickets here.
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Checking in with Mount Royal alumni
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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.
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Julie Vincent
Julie Vincent is a MRU alumna many times over. She's a true believer in lifelong learning, and her many Mount Royal diplomas and certificates makes her the perfect fit for this back to school September issue of True Blue. Julie started out as a journalist, worked in PR and now owns her own business as a professional photographer. "I’m still a student! I can’t imagine the time where I’ll not be."
Read more…
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The Junction: Apply to be an ambassador
We're looking for interesting alumni to act as ambassadors at our student speed networking/mini mentorship event called The Junction on Oct. 27. If you answer 'yes' to the following questions contact Kathy Mok coordinator, alumni services, for more details and further eligibility: kmok@mtroyal.ca, 403.440.7015.
1. Do you enjoy talking to students about your personal and career path?
2. Have you accomplished inspiring professional and personal achievements since your time at MRU?
3. Did you graduate in the last 15 years?
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Tea with Tierney
Meet with Tierney, coordinator, alumni outreach, face-to- face to learn more about alumni programs, benefits and services. Find out how to get involved, give your input and share your alumni story over tea (or coffee).
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Mount Royal Alumni have access to Library resources and not just books. Get your Alumni Card and keep on learning.
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Back to school is not just for kids. Update your career skills through Continuing Education this fall. Some new programs include Advanced Public Relations, Automotive Sales and Community Investment Professional mtroyal.ca/conted
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