The top 10 for 2021

These are the most-read Mount Royal stories from the past 12 months

10. Inclusive Post-Secondary Education program adds new credential

Mount Royal’s Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) program is now offering an extension certificate including four new courses.


First-year student Will Dodge-Smith is the first student eligible to receive an IPSE Extension Certificate from the Faculty of Continuing Education upon completion of his studies in the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education major.

First-year student Will Dodge-Smith is the first student eligible to receive an IPSE Extension Certificate from the Faculty of Continuing Education upon completion of his studies in the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education major.


9. MRU unveils Bachelor of Social Work Degree as Albertans cope with pandemic

The approval of the Bachelor of Social Work will help challenge structural systems contributing to discrimination and marginalization.


Male social worker talking to two people who look a bit upset.

Mount Royal is known for having instructors with practical experience in the areas they teach.


8. Campus community marks National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

MRU's Journey to Indigenization's events included guest speakers, presentations, an intergenerational healing series and other opportunities to learn about Indigenous Peoples and histories.


Campus flags were lowered to half-mast on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30) and for Sisters in Spirit Day (Oct. 4) to acknowledge and honour the lives lost through residential schools and the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.

Campus flags were lowered to half-mast on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30) and for Sisters in Spirit Day (Oct. 4) to acknowledge and honour the lives lost through residential schools and the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.


7. Room to grow

A $15 million gift from Don and Ruth Taylor will allow Mount Royal University to increase access to a post-secondary education for Albertans and enrich the student experience.


Don and Ruth Taylor and the Taylor Family Foundation are generous supporters of MRU.

Don and Ruth Taylor and the Taylor Family Foundation are generous supporters of MRU.


6. Bell rings for first virtual reality class at Mount Royal University

A new course at MRU and the first of its kind in Canada is taking students where no class has gone before.


Associate Professor Tony Chaston, PhD, in worlds he created for his virtual reality psychology course.

Associate Professor Tony Chaston, PhD, in worlds he created for his virtual reality psychology course.


5. Distinguished Faculty Award recipients announced

Every year the winners are nominated by their peers, chosen by a selection committee and represent outstanding work in teaching, research and service.


Distinguished Faculty Award winners from left to right: Dr. Ghada Alatrash, PhD, Dr. Kimberly A. Williams, PhD, Dr. Lynne Lafave, PhD, Dr. Carmen Nielson, PhD, and Dr. Samanti Kulatilake, PhD.

Distinguished Faculty Award winners from left to right: Dr. Ghada Alatrash, PhD, Dr. Kimberly A. Williams, PhD, Dr. Lynne Lafave, PhD, Dr. Carmen Nielson, PhD, and Dr. Samanti Kulatilake, PhD.


4. New dean of the Faculty of Business and Communication Studies announced

The Bissett School of Business and the School of Communication Studies welcomed Dr. Kelly Williams-Whitt, PhD, as their new dean on Aug. 23.


Dr. Kelly Williams-Whitt, PhD, is the dean of Mount Royal’s Faculty of Business and Communication Studies.

Dr. Kelly Williams-Whitt, PhD, is the dean of Mount Royal’s Faculty of Business and Communication Studies.


3. WWII hero pilot donates $2.4 million to aviation program

Ken Lett survived the harrowing invasion of Normandy to live a life dedicated to the skies and is giving back to a new generation of pilots.


Ken Lett receiving his wings from Prime Minister Mackenzie King in 1942.

Ken Lett receiving his wings from Prime Minister Mackenzie King in 1942.


2. 2021 Alumni Achievement Awards

This year's recipients include a resilient social worker and residential school survivor, a compassionate community health nurse, an inspirational human resources professional, an equity-driven entrepreneur and a high-achieving varsity athlete.


Mount Royal is proud to recognize those who have dedicated their time, efforts and careers to spark positive change.

Mount Royal is proud to recognize those who have dedicated their time, efforts and careers to spark positive change.


1. Mount Royal University names AVP Indigenization and Decolonization

dr. linda manyguns, phd, is the associate vice-president of indigenization and decolonization at mount royal, providing vision, strategy, leadership and direction.


Dr. Linda ManyGuns, PhD.

transformation “should be gentle, and any process should reflect and integrate all thoughts in a consensus model,” manyguns says.


Dec. 20, 2021

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