Building community from the ground up
This profile is part of Celebrate U, Mount Royal's employee rewards and recognition program. The University values and appreciates the exceptional work and contributions of our employees. Through this program, we aim to celebrate those who have dedicated themselves to the success of Mount Royal.
Rissa Myers is always on her toes — whether she’s navigating the dynamic nature of working in Facilities Management at Mount Royal University or darting across a squash court on campus.
Quick thinking and adaptability are second nature to her.
“In squash, you need on-the-fly strategy,” Myers says. “It’s the same at work. No two days are alike, and that keeps it exciting.”
For Myers, the determination she shows on the court mirrors her personal and professional journey.
It’s been 34 years since the first time she stepped onto campus as a hesitant teenager. Since then, Myers has become a fixture in the Mount Royal community and played an important role in creating a learning environment where students and employees can thrive.
Today, as the manager of Facilities Administration and Innovation in the Facilities Management department, she’s part of the team that designs, builds and maintains the campus’ vibrant spaces.
“Everyone at Facilities Management works hard to keep the lights on, make sure the heat works in winter, and the air conditioning keeps us cool in summer,” Myers says. “From clearing snowy sidewalks to keeping up seasonal planters, we’re committed to making this campus safe, functional and beautiful.”
That same sense of pride has been a constant in Myers’ life, shaped by her early experiences and family values.
Born in Manila, Philippines, Myers grew up in a tight-knit, multigenerational household where extended family was ever-present.
Her parents and relatives leaned on each other for support, especially during challenging times. When her father worked abroad in Saudi Arabia, her mother managed their household amidst a period of enormous political unrest.
Myers vividly recalls the fear of helicopters overhead and bombs landing nearby during the a military revolt. Her mother’s strength left an indelible mark, teaching her to persevere through uncertainty and to always be grateful.
That perseverance brought the family to Calgary in 1990.
While her parents viewed the move as a chance for greater opportunity, Myers was initially reluctant, having just been accepted to university in the Philippines and deeply attached to her friends and basketball teammates. However, the decision wasn’t up for negotiation, and Myers found herself starting over in an unfamiliar country.
Calgary soon started to feel like home, thanks in part to Mount Royal.
Myers recalls taking an English proficiency test at Mount Royal — then still a college — and being struck by the community’s warmth. She returned to campus to earn a diploma in business administration with a major in accounting.
Years later, in 1999, she joined MRU’s Finance team, eventually transitioning to Facilities Management where she’s continued to excel ever since.
Over the past two decades, Myers has been part of MRU’s campus-wide transformation, contributing to the construction of major projects like the Bissett School of Business, Faculty of Arts building, Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts and Bella Concert Hall, as well as the Riddell Library and Learning Centre.
“Currently, I’m part of the team working on the revitalization of the G-wing, including the former library space in G-100. This latest investment that benefits students will create a hub of student-based campus services with an integrated service delivery model. There’s also going to be a plaza and common areas for gathering, classrooms, multi-purpose spaces and more. It’s an exciting project and I can’t wait to see students using these renovated spaces.”
After construction on a project is complete, Myers notes that the Facilities Management team — which includes Environmental Services, Grounds and Building Operations — often works quietly behind the scenes. This work involves keeping up the building systems: lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, as well as electrical.
Though these efforts may sometimes go unnoticed, she takes immense pride in watching projects evolve from blueprints into spaces where students learn, perform and grow. Myers feels her work truly comes alive when she sees students at New Student Orientation and Convocation — the bookends of the student experience.
“It makes me proud,” she says. “It makes me feel that I’ve been part of their journey, even in a small way.
“Providing an environment where students can thrive gives meaning to what I do. Even on tough days, knowing that my work supports their success makes it all worth it.”
Leadership is central to Myers’ role, and she’s passionate about empowering her team and preparing the next generation of leaders. She often draws inspiration from the famous speech in Coach Carter, which emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s potential.
“Sometimes we try to limit the light we exude to the world because we’re afraid that we’re not good enough,” she says. “You should share your light because when you do, you unconsciously give permission to others to do the same.”
For Myers, MRU will always be more of a second home than a workplace. It’s where her children learned to swim, where she celebrated achieving her citizenship, and where she’s grown both professionally and personally.
It’s also where she found one of her passions: squash. She discovered the sport in 2002, soon after Mount Royal added six squash courts as part of a major expansion project. An all-around avid sportswoman, Myers saw the conveniently located courts as the perfect chance to try something new.
Now, she’s a regular on the courts and a key organizer for the MRU Squash Club, which boasts more than 100 members. She helps coordinate leagues, drop-ins and community events.
“It’s an incredible workout, but it doesn’t feel like one because it’s so fun. It’s also inclusive — you can adapt to anyone’s skill level, making it enjoyable for everyone.”