University not only helps us get perspective on the world around us, it's an experience that helps students focus on what's important to them, find their passions and explore new options for their future.

Mount Royal University is known for treating each student as an individual, not a number. National student satisfaction surveys consistently rank Mount Royal professors above the national average for taking personal interest in students' academic progress.

The experience of two grads, Alumni Leah Gruenwald and Max Campbell, highlight how the combination of academics and on-campus career services can prepare students for the life they want to lead.

A fated job opportunity leads to a change of plans

Leah Gruenwald on her dream job helping Calgary youth succeed

Every day, Leah Gruenwald removes barriers. In her role as a success coach with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary (BGCC), she helps youth leap the hurdles they encounter as they attempt to graduate high school.

The path she took before learning her passion for helping youth wasn't a straight one.

Gruenwald has always been remarkably good with kids. So, when she was advised by an academic advisor to pursue teaching, it made a lot of sense. But, part way through her Bachelor of Arts degree at Mount Royal University (MRU), she says fate intervened.

While browsing MRU's annual Career Fair event, Gruenwald approached the BGCC booth, eventually applying for a part time program leader position at the Forest Lawn Community Club.

"I was hired to work afternoon and evening programs for children between the ages of six and 12. We did everything - cooking, baking, art, sports - but a main focus was working on social and emotional learning with the kids."

For two years while completing her major in sociology at Mount Royal, Gruenwald enjoyed her work with BGCC so much, she decided to alter her plan of becoming a teacher.

After making an instant impact with younger youth, Gruenwald and her team quickly recognized that no programming existed for kids aged 13 to 17 - when youth are at a high risk of engaging in risky behaviours and becoming disengaged from school, family and friends.

"I helped lead the creation of the youth program. In doing that, I realized I enjoyed working with older kids."

That realization led her to her current role as a success coach with the All in for Youth Program, made possible through a partnership between BGCC and The United Way of Calgary and Area.

Gruenwald went on to become a success coach to help students graduate high school.

"I always have tons of school supplies available. But I also address larger challenges including housing, food insecurity and mental health," says Gruenwald, who quickly points out a barrier could be something as small as not having a notebook. "By putting the ball in the youth's hands, we're teaching them how to advocate for themselves."

Her work with BGCC has helped her develop a clear idea of what she wants to accomplish next and credits Mount Royal for helping her get there. In summer 2018, she began her a master's degree in counselling psychology, which will get her one step closer to her next dream job.

"My dream is to work with children and youth who have experienced trauma. I've worked with lots of youth who have experienced trauma and are still living their best life. Through my time at MRU and with Boys and Girls Clubs, I know I can continue to make a difference for them."

University not only helps us get perspective on the world around us, it's an experience that helps students focus on what's important to them, find their passions and explore new options for their future.

Mount Royal University is known for treating each student as an individual, not a number. National student satisfaction surveys consistently rank Mount Royal professors above the national average for taking personal interest in students' academic progress.

The experience of two grads, Alumni Leah Gruenwald and Max Campbell, highlight how the combination of academics and on-campus career services can prepare students for the life they want to lead.

Behind the Red and White

Max Campbell continues family legacy in the CFL

Max Campbell, community relations and communications coordinator with the Calgary Stampeder Football Club, is no stranger to the Canadian Football League (CFL).

"My family has been involved in football for much longer than my lifetime, dating all the way back to the 70s," said Campbell.

Although there wasn't so much as a football team at Oak Bay High School in his hometown of Victoria, B.C., pursuing a career in sports was natural for Campbell. But there didn't appear to be a clear path to achieve that pursuit.

After completing some post-secondary schooling closer to home, Campbell enrolled in the Sports and Recreation Management program at Mount Royal University (MRU). Bravely, knowing no one, he packed his bags, moved to Calgary, and hasn't looked back.

"Even if another school offered a similar program, I'd still choose MRU. I always felt like I belonged there."

Campbell says the teaching and learning environment at Mount Royal, including small class sizes and deep relationships with his peers and professors, prepared him to land his current role with the Stamps.

"The importance of those one-on-one connections can't be stressed enough. The people I met at MRU continue to be great resources for me to bounce ideas off of."

But Campbell says the practical experience he gained through his program's two required practicums - one spent with the Edmonton Eskimos and the other with the Stampeders - was the most vital part of landing his dream job. After completing his term with the Red and White, he was offered the permanent role he continues to hold.

Now in the midst of his fourth season, Campbell always looks forward to game days.

"Game days are definitely the longest days. But first of all, I can watch the game and enjoy what football is all about. I also get to do both sides of my job on game days, and that's what I love most."

But it isn't just game days that keep Campbell's schedule full.

Campbell could be tasked with monitoring media at practices, coordinating interviews, or filling various fan requests. He also writes press releases and edits games notes on a weekly basis. In addition, Campbell holds sole responsibility in the Stampeders organization for connecting players with community events, causes and initiatives that are meaningful to Southern Alberta.

"The players trust that anything I'm coordinating for them is going to be a success, so my relationship with them is really important. I want them to know I have the best intentions in mind and am never sacrificing their commitment to football."

The balance of knowledge, practical experience and strong relationship building Campbell gained during his time at MRU set him up to tackle this role. As an expression of gratitude, he continues to stay in touch with his alma mater after graduation through his former classmates and professors, the Harry G. Schaefer Mentorship Program and the Office of Alumni Relations.