Congratulations, class of 2022!
Graduates inspire with courage, resilience and the ability to make change
— Mount Royal University | Posted: June 3, 2022
Page contents
- Morning ceremony: Wednesday, June 1
- Afternoon ceremony: Wednesday, June 1
- Morning ceremony: Thursday, June 2
- Afternoon ceremony: Thursday, June 2
- Morning ceremony: Friday, June 3
- Afternoon ceremony: Friday, June 3
- Centennial Gold Medal Recipients
- Governor General’s Academic Medal recipients
- Professors emeriti
From June 1 to 3, Mount Royal University held its first in-person Convocation ceremonies since 2019 and the feelings on campus were those of celebration, camaraderie, community and perhaps a touch of melancholy. It was not a “farewell,” however, but more of a “until we meet again,” as faculty, staff, family members and loved ones celebrated the achievements of Mount Royal University’s newest graduates. Over the course of three days and six ceremonies, 1,330 students crossed the stage to receive their parchments out of a total graduating class of 2,217. All are now part of MRU’s 110,000-strong alumni family.
President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly, PhD, imparted to the graduates that while they had spent their time at MRU learning and practicing their discipline, he, too, had learned much from them. Their accomplishments were made during an extraordinary time in history, which makes them, as individuals, exceptional in and of themselves. Students exhibited “remarkable patience and resilience,” Rahilly said, as the campus adjusted to operating during a pandemic, truly rising to the challenge, giving generously to others, leaning on each other when needed, and excelling despite all.
“Through observing your successes, I have learned what Mount Royal students are capable of when tested,” Rahilly said. “You are now ready to go out and use your education to make a difference and contribute the unique value that only you have to offer this world.”
Once an education is obtained, it is forever, Rahilly said, and will continue to grow and evolve throughout a lifetime. Each graduate should never shy away from the power of their achievement.
“Let your accomplishment amplify your voice as you speak up for what you know is good and right. Let it steady your nerves as you bravely clear a path to make change that leads to a better way. Let it uplift someone in your presence who does not hold the answer or privilege that you carry. Let it support your hand as it stretches out to lift someone up to walk beside you towards a peak you are determined to conquer.”
Thanks were given to the support provided by world-class faculty members who knew each of the grads, their goals and their aspirations. Staff were also committed to the former students’ collective success, and Convocation is a special day for all those working behind the scenes.
dr. linda manyguns, phd, Mount Royal’s associate vice-president of indigenization and decolonization, provided the official opening of the ceremonies. She said, “The power of completing your dreams reinforces the view that life is a series of journeys, circles within circles, in which you will travel. And as each journey begins with a dream, it grows to become a passion to do something important in your life.”
The graduates must now begin to share their knowledge in society, manyguns said. That will begin their journey into their next life.
“May the many trails and paths that you take now be filled with wonder and many adventures,” manyguns said.
Chancellor Dawn Farrell, who received an Honorary Doctor of Laws in 2019, provided opening remarks on the final day of ceremonies. In her role as chancellor, over the past year Farrell attended classes on campus to better understand the student perspective and what they are learning in order to better advocate for them to the government, the University and the community.
“From watching you interact with your teachers and participating in various lessons, my most memorable takeaway is that you are innovators, analysts, problem solvers and changemakers,” Farrell said.
“Being here today as a graduate means you are ready to step out and make great use of what you’ve learned here at MRU. Be bold and fix what’s broken in our society. There will be missteps and new problems will come up along the way — this is inevitable when you make space for change, but move forward nonetheless.”
Each ceremony was concluded with MRU’s honour song, which was gifted to the institution by campus Elder Miiksika’am, Honorary Doctor of Laws. The song recognizes Mount Royal as a place where Indigenous knowledge and perspectives are embraced and was performed by the Sorrel Rider Singers.
Congratulations alumni! Stay in touch at mru.ca/NewGrads. You will always belong here.
Find the complete ceremony program at mru.ca/GradProgram.
Morning ceremony: Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Bachelor of Health and Physical Education, Bachelor of Education, Funeral Service Diploma, Massage Therapy Diploma, Personal Fitness Trainer Diploma, Athletic Therapy — Post Bachelor's Certificate, Embalmer Certificate, Funeral Director Certificate, Employment Preparation Certificate
Harnarayan Singh has maintained close ties with his alma mater, sharing his pride in being a Mount Royal alumnus at many public engagements across Canada.
The first ceremony of 2022 celebrated graduates from the Faculty of Health, Community and Education and the Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension. Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Dr. Elizabeth Evans, PhD, presented an Honorary Doctor of Laws to Harnarayan Singh, a Canadian sports announcer and journalist best known for hosting the Punjabi-language broadcast of Hockey Night in Canada, starting in 2008. He would eventually cover more than 700 hockey games in Punjabi and is now providing commentary for Rogers Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada.
As he was unable to attend the ceremony in person due to NHL playoff commitments, Singh provided a video of his speech. He vividly remembers when he graduated from the Mount Royal broadcasting program, saying, “I look back on it fondly, as it was not only a joyous occasion but one filled with hope for the unknown journey ahead.”
It was not always easy, as Singh recalled being the “victim of racist incidents” and the “recipient of hateful words,” however, those are not the people he remembers most.
“After each of those moments, there have always been other Canadians who restore my faith in this great country. May we all strive to be those Canadians. The ones who offer support, who treat others with respect, who are inclusive and who have each other’s backs,” he said.
There is still a lot of work to be done, however. “We must continue to fight that fight for respect, equality and inclusion for all,” Singh said, while reminding the graduates to not let themselves be influenced by others.
“It’s ever so important to look deep inside and follow your heart, because that is the recipe for your path forward.”
Read more about Harnarayan Singh.
After receiving their parchments, the graduates were sent off with an address from Dr. Robyn Madden, PhD, a two-time MRU alumna and recipient of a 2019 Alumni Achievement Award. Madden gained a love of research as an MRU student and moved on to complete her PhD in kinesiology. She is also an active volunteer with the MRU Alumni Council.
Madden started off by saying she was feeling quite emotional to be able to be with people once again to celebrate something wonderful. “To the class of 2022, you deserve to be here. You persevered, you excelled. Congratulations.”
Robyn Madden gained a love of research as an MRU student and went on to complete her PhD in kinesiology, researching dietary supplement use in athletes and other populations.
The day is for graduates, but also parents, peers, family, professors and loved ones to share in their success, Madden said. She encouraged the new alumni to stay in touch with their MRU professors and MRU community.
“I am very proud and humbled to be an MRU alum. But this community of alumni is only great because people like you continue to give back to it. So be sure to come back and water the soil where you grew,” she said. “Wherever you go, you are part of Mount Royal’s story and its future.”
Watch the June 1 morning ceremony.
Afternoon ceremony: Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Bachelor of Child Studies, Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Nursing, Social Work Diploma, Advanced Critical Care Nursing Post-Diploma Certificate
An Honorary Doctor of Laws was bestowed upon Grandmother Doreen Spence.
In front of students from the Faculty of Health, Community and Education, each of whom will be entering into fields where caring for others is fundamental, it was fitting that an Honorary Doctor of Laws was bestowed upon Grandmother Doreen Spence. A nurse for 40 years and a respected elder, Spence started her speech by describing how she was born during the darkest time for Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Now 85 years old, Spence’s grandparents spared her from having to attend residential school, however she still had to attend an Indian Day School. After graduation in Grade 9, she was forced to teach the other children, many of whom were older than her, and also the parents. She slept on the cold, hard floor of the woodshed and “was exposed to constant racism and abuse from the older students, parents and the teacher. I was used as free labour for those three years.”
Afterwards, Spence finished high school by correspondence, earned a scholarship to college and entered directly into nursing after graduation.
“Keep in mind, at this time, the Indian Act had a policy that stated we were not able to get an education beyond Grade 3. Even getting into nursing was a challenge. They wanted my landed date of immigration. So, I put my birth date. Even when I graduated and started working, I was still challenged by constant marginalization and racism.
“We have found vaccinations for a lot of diseases, but we have not found a cure for racism,” she said.
As Canada’s representative and presiding Elder to the United Nations’ Working Group of Indigenous Populations, Spence helped draft the declaration that established global human rights standards and shares her traditional knowledge to benefit everyone. She has earned numerous other honours and recognitions, including a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for the 1,000 Women of Peace Project.
Referring to herself and the graduates as “caretakers” with the responsibility of keeping everyone safe and comfortable, she urged each one to follow the example of the buffalo, which always protects the herd.
Everyone must work every day to find the beautiful things and moments in life, Spence said.
“Life is a gift, not a given. Being intentional in your life is critical, so do everything with love and kindness — kisewatisiwin. Live your life to the fullest, be ready and listen to the messages that help guide your spirit. Know that you have the agency and responsibility to create positive change.”
Read more about Grandmother Doreen Spence.
The ceremony was concluded by alumna Cordelia Snowdon, who graduated from MRU with both a Social Work Diploma and Bachelor of Arts. She received the Outstanding Future Alumni Award in 2015 and now works with Mount Royal’s Institute for Community Prosperity.
“If there’s one thing I want to share with you, on behalf of more than 110,000 alumni, it is: don’t say goodbye,” Snowdon said.
Cordelia Snowdon advocates to improve the accessibility of resources, services and spaces for people in the community.
Now advocating to improve the accessibility of resources, services and spaces for people in the community, Snowdon laughed as she shared that not only did she never really leave, she will now be married on campus in just a few months.
Each graduate is still a critical part of the Mount Royal community, Snowdon said, and its best ambassadors.
“We can’t wait to see how you contribute to this school’s already incredible reputation.”
Watch the June 1 afternoon ceremony.
Morning ceremony: Thursday, June 2, 2022
Bachelor of Arts — Anthropology, English, History, Psychology, Sociology
Alexandra Daignault uses her business — which began as a class project at Mount Royal — as a platform to build equitable and safe spaces for marginalized women.
The morning ceremony of June 2 recognized the graduating classes from MRU’s anthropology, English, history, psychology, and sociology majors. It was a raucous crowd as friends and family cheered the new alumni crossing the stage and the Triple Gym took on a truly commemorative atmosphere.
The campus community can’t wait to see the alumni in action, said Rahilly, and looks forward to hearing about their accomplishments, which will be many and profound.
While there was not an honorary doctorate bestowed during this ceremony, the proceedings were concluded with remarks from alumna Alexandra Daignault, who graduated from MRU with a Bachelor of Arts — English and is now a community organizer, activist, and founder of Calgary-based Sarjesa, a business she started while a student. She uses Sarjesa as a platform to build equitable and safe spaces for marginalized women.
“Congratulations on making it to convocation,” Daignault said. “You may not know this yet, but the skills you’ve learned through your experience here will shape you in the best ways. You see, the technical skills we all learn within these walls are great, but at Mount Royal, I also learned to think critically, grew my capacity for compassion and cultivated the ability to navigate divisive environments with grace and care.”
Daignault described MRU as a safe, nurturing space for her, and during challenging times she makes a point of coming back. She will revisit her textbooks, email her professors and call on old classmates, who are now old friends.
“This school has given you the seeds, but now it's up to you to plant them,” she said. “It’s up to you to take the most daring next small step, and to continuously take small brave steps towards your goals.”
Watch the June 2 morning ceremony.
Afternoon ceremony: Thursday, June 2, 2022
Bachelor of Arts — Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Arts — Policy Studies, Bachelor of Computer Information Systems, Bachelor of Interior Design, Bachelor of Science — All Majors
Don Taylor encouraged the graduates to continue to study and learn throughout their lifetimes.
Bachelor of Science graduates along with compatriots in the Bachelor of Arts program crossed the stage to receive their parchments on the afternoon of June 2. During the same ceremony, philanthropist and businessman Don Taylor received an Honorary Doctor of Laws. As generous supporters of MRU, the Taylor Family Foundation has provided the University with $36-million over the past ten years and has literally transformed the campus, perhaps most notably with the beautiful Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts.
After obtaining a Master of Science in engineering from the University of Alberta, Taylor began his career with the Canadian Western Natural Gas Company. In 1966, he became the president of Engineered Air, a struggling heating, ventilating and air-conditioning equipment manufacturing business. With Taylor as president, Engineered Air grew steadily, never experiencing an unprofitable quarter. In the 1980s, he founded and built Resman Oil and Gas, a successful private oil and gas company, and has since invested in a number of successful early stage energy companies. In the mid-’90s, Taylor developed a significant real estate organization that now owns and leases three million square feet of commercial property.
To the graduates, he said, “You are on the doorstep of a new stage in your life. One that is very exciting, and will also be challenging. But I’m sure you will all greet it with energy and a positive outlook,” he said. “You will meet challenges if you accept opportunities.”
Taylor encouraged the graduates to continue to study and learn throughout their lifetimes. Don’t be afraid of failure, Taylor advised, and always search for success, as one success often leads to another.
In addition to his honorary doctorate, Taylor was invested as a member of the Order of Canada in 2012, and then as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2016. He is also an Alberta Business Hall of Fame inductee.
The ceremony was concluded with remarks from alumna Colby Clifford-Hughes, who graduated from MRU with a Bachelor of Arts — Criminal Justice. She is a social worker and passionate mental-health advocate who provides trauma-informed care to youth within the justice system.
“You may not know this yet, but as you leave here today, this school is coming with you,” Clifford-Hughes said. ‘The connections you’ve made here, with peers, faculty, alumni and mentors, will be instrumental to your future success.”
Colby Clifford-Hughes is a social worker and passionate mental health advocate who provides trauma-informed care to youth within the justice system.
Nothing quite compares to the pride she feels as a MRU alumna, Clifford-Hughes said, even after attending another institution. The quality of the education the graduates have received will provide “limitless potential,” and through it all, Mount Royal will always have the new alumni’s backs.
“My advice: stay curious, stay open, be creative, think critically, and keep pushing the boundaries of your knowledge,” she advised. “Congratulations graduates, and welcome to the Mount Royal alumni community.”
Watch the June 2 afternoon ceremony.
Morning ceremony: Friday, June 3, 2022
Bachelor of Business Administration — Accounting, Finance, International Business, Marketing and Supply Chain Management, Business Administration Post-Bachelor's Certificate — Advanced Accounting and Marketing
Cathy Williams advised the new alumni to take charge of their own lives, stand on their own two feet and take responsibility for their own actions.
Bissett School of Business graduates celebrated their achievements the morning of June 3 in front of a supportive crowd of friends and family. On the stage along with faculty members and executive was Cathy Williams, recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Laws in recognition of her nearly 40-year career in oil and gas where she broke many gender barriers.
Chief financial officer for Shell Canada Ltd. from 2003 to 2007, after retiring, Williams went on to serve on several boards including the Mount Royal College Board of Governors from 2003 to 2010. As chair of the Board from 2007 to 2010, Williams was instrumental in leading Mount Royal’s transition to full university status in 2009. Williams and her husband, Bruce, have also established a fund in support of Mount Royal’s Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
In her address to the graduates, Williams said, “Today I want to share with you some thoughts which may be useful to you in the future as your careers develop. It is critical to understand yourself, your strengths, and weaknesses. A strength taken too far can become a weakness, but you can manage a weakness when you understand it.”
Williams also advised the new alumni to take charge of their own lives, stand on their own two feet and take responsibility for their own actions. It’s that kind of mindset that led Williams to being inducted into the Women’s Executive Network Hall of Fame in 2008 and being named to the Globe and Mail’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women list in 2012.
“Understanding the nature of risk and accepting it as part of life is important as we all work with partial information. You will never regret having a plan B,” she said.
A career is important, but so are friends, family and loved ones, she said.
“Realize that life and careers rarely go in a straight line. Be proud of your successes and learn from your failures. Make changes when things don’t go according to plan. Remember the old saying, it is not the plan which is most important, but the planning.”
Read more about Cathy Williams.
The ceremony concluded with words from alumni speaker Dustin Paisley, co-founder and chief laundry operator at Local Laundry. A graduate of the Bachelor of Business Administration program, Paisley is leading Local Laundry to a fundraising goal of $1-million to support local charities.
“If there’s one thing I want to say to you, it’s that you’re ready,” he said. “You’re ready to take what you’ve learned and better your community, or better your industry, or drive impact however you feel inspired to.”
Dustin Paisley is the co-founder and chief laundry operator at Local Laundry and is standing up to fast fashion with his socially conscious clothing brand.
The graduates can take pride in being MRU alumni, Paisley said, as the community consists of “some of the brightest and most innovative entrepreneurs, employees and community leaders. So, wear your ‘MRU alum’ badge with pride and represent this school through your tenacity, open-mindedness, critical thinking and creativity.”
Echoing Williams’ words, Paisley reminded the new alumni that they are the ones who control their destinies. But while they are out making a difference, MRU will always welcome them back.
“There are so many ways to stay connected to this community, and we hope that you will.”
Watch the June 2 morning ceremony.
Afternoon ceremony: Friday, June 3, 2022
Bachelor of Business Administration — General Management and Human Resources, Bachelor of Communication — All Majors, Aviation Diploma, Business Administration Post-Bachelor's Certificate — Human Resources
Honorary Doctor of Laws recipiens, Jann Arden.
The final ceremony of Spring 2022 Convocation had a special kind of energy. As students from the Bissett School of Business eagerly awaited their chance to cross the stage and receive their parchments, they were treated to an appearance by one of Calgary’s most famous residents. Multi-platinum, award-winning singer, songwriter, actor and author Jann Arden was bestowed an Honorary Doctor of Laws in recognition of her incredible 30-year career as a Canadian artist and commitment towards raising awareness around causes such as literacy, education, aging, caregiving, Alzheimer’s, animal cruelty and addiction. She has released 15 albums with 19 top-10 singles, won eight JUNO Awards including Female Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year, 10 SOCAN Awards and four Western Canadian Music Awards, to name a few. In 2020, Arden was announced as an inductee into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and has also been inducted into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Her success has been recognized with a Star on Canada’s Walk of Fame and by being named to the Order of Canada.
In her transparently pure and personal style, Arden spoke to the students with genuineness, compassion and humour. She began with a story about her grandmother, who provided Arden advice as a child in opposition of the norm.
“‘Spread yourself thin,’ she said. ‘All the seeds are not going to grow in the pot if you plunk them all into the same hole,’” Arden remembered. “And that’s what I have been doing my entire career.”
As a Mount Royal student 40 years ago in the theatre arts program, Arden failed. “This is my triumphant return,” she said.
A Canadian original — a brilliant multidimensional talent — Arden remains firmly rooted. “I’m not particularly good at anything I do. I’m not the best singer, I’m not the best writer, but I had a mother that said, ‘You don’t have to be a great writer to tell a great story.’ And that stuck with me, because it made me worry less about being clever and using big words and somehow impressing my contemporaries with my literary prowess.” Arden has written five books, the most recent being her new memoir If I Knew Then: Finding Wisdom in Failure and Power in Aging, released October 2020. It follows her 2017 Canadian bestseller, Feeding my Mother: Comfort and Laughter in the Kitchen as a Daughter Lives With her Mom’s Memory Loss, which spent a combined 44 weeks on The Globe and Mail bestseller lists.
“I really just wanted to tell stories that connected people. And that’s what I’ve done with my music, that’s what I’ve done with the zany TV show.”
Arden is co-creator and star of the CTV hit comedy series JANN, which she began working on when she was 55 years old and in which she plays a fictionalized version of herself. Mount Royal was fortunate to be able to take part in season two when the campus enthusiastically welcomed the cast and crew to shoot scenes over several days in 2019.
“You can be doing amazing things at any age,” she said. “I am constantly asked what my big moment was, my big break. I honestly don’t have one. It was thousands of seemingly insignificant moments that got me to this place.”
Saying her proudest accomplishment in her life are her friendships, Arden said the “people you surround yourself with are going to make all the difference for a successful life.”
In the graduates, Arden sees a bright future. She advised them to continue to be dedicated to doing the things they love and to support others.
“Cheer other people on. Because they succeed does not mean that you fail. And the whole idea of success being a ladder has always been the most absurd image that I could possibly imagine. Success is not a ladder. Because it indicates room for only one person going up and one person coming down.
“Success is a horizon, because it indicates people standing shoulder to shoulder. When you cheer people on, it does something to your heart, it does something to how you make your way through the world. It makes you kinder, it makes you empathic. To sincerely be altruistic and wish other people well, it makes all the difference in the world.”
The final alumni speaker of 2022 was chair of the MRU Alumni Council and president of the MRU Alumni Association, Danielle Gibbie. After graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration — General Management, Gibbie moved on to become director of institutional partnerships at Operation Eyesight and has a keen interest in gender equity and global health.
In her address to the new alumni, Gibbie said, “You’ve learned hands-on life skills like critical thinking, humility, stepping out of your comfort zone and community building. Hold on to that, and use that in your journey ahead.”
Danielle Gibbie is a non-profit leader with a keen interest in gender equity and global health.
Gibbie reminded students that they will always have the lifelong support and the network of people that their university experience provided.
“You represent what the school has accomplished as well as where it's going,” Gibbie said, and that she has all the confidence that the graduates will do well.
“My advice: stay open, yet stay true. Stay open to new opportunities, because you never know where a phone call, cup of coffee or internship might lead. But through that, stay true to yourself and your values.”
Watch the June 3 afternoon ceremony.
Centennial Gold Medal recipients
The Centennial Gold Medal is awarded to eligible students at MRU based on a nomination system. The students must be graduating from diploma and degree programs, have a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher and demonstrate leadership through involvement in campus and community activities. The Student Awards committee selects one student from each faculty to receive the Centennial Gold Medal.
Olivia Brodowski
Bachelor of Arts — English (Honours)
During her time at Mount Royal, Olivia Brodowski could be found listening to live music with friends at West Gate Social, planning and participating in the English Honours Conference, and swimming endless laps in the Recreation pool.
She also served as vice-president of the Outdoor Adventure Club, as well as the Film and English Student’s Society. She was a Catamount Fellow for Emerging Changemakers working on a project related to systemic racism in primary and secondary school systems, and also competed in Map the System.
Brodowski graduated with a Bachelor of Arts — English (Honours). She was selected as the 2022 Centennial Gold Medal recipient for the Faculty of Arts with a cumulative GPA of 3.88.
Nicole Bell
Bachelor of Nursing
Nicole Bell’s memorable moments at Mount Royal include camping out with friends in the Riddell Library and Learning Centre for pathopharm study sessions, hosting the Nursing Mix ’N’ Mingle and Trivia Night, and early morning clinical carpools hyping up fellow nursing students for the day ahead.
She was vice-president of student life with the MRU Student Nursing Society, a Student Nursing Society Board member, a student leader with New Student Orientation and MRU Open House, a Dean’s Student Advisory Committee member, and actively involved in the Health, Community, and Education Advocacy group.
Bell graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing and was selected as the Centennial Gold Medal recipient for the Faculty of Health, Community and Education with a cumulative GPA of 3.97.
Currently working in intensive palliative care, Bell plans on pursuing her master’s.
Governor General’s Academic Medal recipients
The Governor General’s Academic Medal, established in 1873, is one of the most prestigious awards that can be earned by a student for exceptional academic achievement in a Canadian educational institution.
Presented on behalf of Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Mary Simon, administrator of the Government of Canada, Kathryn Zemp was awarded the Silver Medal on the morning of June 1 for achieving the highest academic standing of all graduates in a degree program. Zemp graduated with a Bachelor of Education — Elementary and a cumulative GPA of 4.00.
During the afternoon ceremony of June 1, Phoebe Koenig was awarded the Bronze Medal for achieving the highest academic standing of all graduates in a diploma program. Koenig leaves Mount Royal with a Social Work
Diploma and a cumulative GPA of 4.00.
Professors emeriti have displayed true commitment to Mount Royal, to impactful research, and to the field of teaching and learning. They are permitted to retain as an honorary title the rank of the last office held.
Professor Emeritus Allan Derbyshire, M.A, B.P.E.
Department of Health and Physical Education
June 1, 2022
Throughout his 40-year tenure as a professor at Mount Royal University, Allan Derbyshire was a consummate educator. He poured his energy, intellect and passion into teaching generations of physical education, outdoor pursuits, and ecotourism and outdoor leadership (ETOL) students. He was instrumental in creating curriculum, countless courses and two programs.
Derbyshire’s career began after he received his Diploma of Education and British Teaching Certificate at Edge Hill College of Education in England. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Physical Education and Alberta Teaching Certificate from the University of Calgary, and his Master of Arts in Education at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He was the recipient of three Distinguished Teaching Awards at Mount Royal and has continued to teach courses and guest lecture since his retirement in 2010.
A dedicated lifelong educator and pioneer of experiential education, Derbyshire was a strong advocate of the Mount Royal Outdoor Club. He has maintained close ties to the ETOL Alumni Chapter and is involved in the Allan Derbyshire Student Award, which supports students completing their expedition graduation requirement.
Professor Emeritus Bruce Foster, PhD
Department of Economics, Justice and Policy Studies
Thursday, June 2, 2022
Dr. Bruce Foster, PhD, joined the Faculty of Arts in 1997. He served as chair of several departments, and was the inaugural chair support co-ordinator as well as the co-ordinator for non-profit studies. Known for his ability to build relationships and maintain his empathy and humour during challenging situations, Foster strove to be an effective problem solver, mentor, teacher and colleague. He remains convinced that he was the only faculty member at MRU with a “Shrine to Elvis” in his office.
Foster received his bachelor’s and master’s in political science from Simon Fraser University, and his PhD from the University of British Columbia. His teaching areas included Canadian politics and government, the Canadian Constitution, judicial processes, elections and political thought. His research interests include right-wing political thought and activism, populist parties and social movements.
Since his retirement in 2019, Foster continues his research in conservative politics and writes occasional reviews for scholarly journals. He looks forward to participating in his department’s upcoming program reviews. Foster also donated his entire office library to the student resource room in the Department of Economics, Justice and Policy Studies.
Professor Emerita Catherine Smey-Carston, PhD
Department of Child Studies and Social Work
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Dr. Catherine Smey-Carston, PhD’s, leadership, commitment and mentorship continue to influence faculty and students in the Department of Child Studies and Social Work, and the wider community, despite her retirement in 2021. She has contributed significant scholarship to the field of child studies. Smey-Carston guided the development and delivery of the Early Learning and Child Care Certificate and Diploma, applied child studies degree and the Bachelor of Child Studies.
Smey-Carston received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta, her Master of Arts from San Diego State University and her PhD from the University of Calgary. Smey-Carston joined Mount Royal in 1991 and has served as chair of child and youth studies in addition to many other faculty leadership roles. She maintains strong connections with the University and wider provincial stakeholders for early learning. Carston is working with community partners and stakeholders to support the professionalization of the early childhood workforce, which directly relates to current students.