Welcome back from President Tim Rahilly

Posted Aug. 24, 2023

Transcript

Hello MRU community!

Fall is almost upon us and I look forward to reconnecting with all of you. I hope you’ve found some time to rest and relax over the summer months.

We have some amazing spaces on campus and today I am standing by the art installation inni awatto (“Buffalo on the Move”) located on the west side of Charlton Pond, Coming here gives me a chance to pause and to acknowledge, honour and respect the land, people and cultures here in Treaty 7 territory.

I’m excited for this time of the year! New and returning students fill our campus with an energy and enthusiasm that can be felt all around.

I definitely feel that energy, and I’m optimistic about the year ahead, because I know how hard everyone has worked to get us to where we are today, and I hope you enjoy that feeling of excitement as our student body engages with you for the first time this academic year.

As we get ready to launch both our university strategic plan and academic plan this year, I truly believe we are continuing to strive toward our vision of Opening Minds and Changing Lives.

Thank you for being so engaged in the process. You helped to make sure we remained true to our legacy and headed towards our goals for the future.

The university strategic plan represents what we will achieve together at Mount Royal.

With your feedback, the plan reflects every aspect of MRU – the work being done across campus and out in the community in the years ahead.

And now begins the hard work – implementing, measuring and acting on the road map we’ve set before us.

In early October, we’ll host the first Leaders’ Dialogue of the academic year.

The leadership team will update the community on the university strategic plan and other key initiatives for the year ahead.

Look for more details in the coming weeks on ways you can participate.

I can’t wait to see you all on campus and at various events this fall. When I walk from one meeting to the next across the East Gate Lawn, or when students flood Main Street after classes let out, I never take for granted how nice it is to say ‘hello’ to each other as we go about our day.

It reminds me that the people of MRU is what makes Mount Royal such an amazing place.

I am so grateful for everything you’ve done – and continue to do – for our students and for each other. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to MRU.

Stay well, and I’ll talk to you very soon.

Thank you.