Thank you

Dear community,

I am thinking about all of you in this time of change. How we’ve all adjusted quickly to take care of ourselves and each other. How we’ve had to worry about loved ones, greet them without a hug and stay physically apart to protect them.

That separation can be seen as an act of duty, however. And respect. Although we are apart, we remain close. Appropriate actions now are vital, and will be indicative of our values as a society for generations to come. Together, we are setting an example for the future, and we must remain diligent and focused.

At times it has been surreal. Already, we’re communicating differently. When we can be face-to-face (but two metres away), I see people trying to cut through the “noise,” be present, and connect. We are conversing more digitally, too. Setting up a video conference is no big deal to me now. I suspect some of these now-novel activities will become common practice, as we explore different ways of working and living.

Throughout it all, I’ve watched Mount Royal’s employees remain calm and purposeful while handling some of the most difficult challenges this institution has ever seen, and they’ve done so with unguarded empathy. Faculty pivoted mid-semester adeptly, and were truly heroic in their efforts to change platforms so students could complete the semester. Most important, students heeded the precautions, and amidst the turmoil adapted stoically.

Alumni, my appreciation for all of you continues to grow as well. Our alumni community is one of kindness, compassion and ingenuity.

Thank you to the brave graduates of our nursing and health care programs, who have literally been on the frontlines since the beginning and have saved countless lives. Our health-care system is foundational. You proved it.

Thank you to our scientists, who are finding ways to fight this thing and discovering more every day about how to keep ourselves and our planet healthy.

Thank you to our educators and parents, who continue to ensure our children are receiving their right to a good education, knowing the worst thing in life is to stop learning.

Thank you to our communicators, those who have crafted the messages we need to move in the right direction, together.

Thank you to our computer and data scientists, who closely watch patterns in order to make wise predictions and implement preventions, with humanity.

Thank you to our graduates in the business community, who have been nimble in creating continuity, stalwart in their support for each other and extraordinary in keeping the supply chain open and moving.

Our mental health professionals continue to build and maintain hope and trust in ourselves and others. Thank you to those who understand human nature, and can provide comfort and solace, as well as real solutions.

Thank you to our thinkers, our planners, our scholars and our researchers who form a critical component of any response team.

And thank you to those who have created the art, poetry, music and books we can enjoy right now.

There are many who are working with communities on the other side of the world, or close to home in rural communities that are often forgotten. You are helping do what Mount Royal does best, which is provide a sense of belonging. Let’s keep talking through all of our channels. 

Thank you. I remain in this with you. Mount Royal is a place where you belong, and our campus waits patiently to welcome everyone back.

Tim Rahilly, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor, Mount Royal University