Board member bios

Deanna Renyk
Karen Parsons
Michelle Logullo
Baset Zarrug
Shawnee Armstrong
Norma MacIntosh
Andrea Morrow
Donna Sharman
Darlene Saltesz
Terry Dowsett

Deanna Renyk — President

I graduated from Mount Royal College with a diploma in Natural Sciences (’92) which was also my university transfer courses. I went on to complete a Bachelor of Science Degree in Cellular, Molecular and Microbiology from the University of Calgary (’96). I would like to pursue my master’s degree within the next couple of years.

I worked at an environmental laboratory in Calgary for five years starting as a laboratory technologist, then laboratory coordinator and finally as the laboratory manager of the inorganic water, instrumentation, microbiology, and toxicology laboratories. Presently, I work as the Manager of the Laboratory Support Centre responsible for the chemistry, biology and environmental laboratories, general laboratory safety, biosafety and radiation safety. I have worked at Mount Royal University for five years and love being in a learning environment.

I am a member of ABSA Canada, the Canadian Society for Chemistry and the Chemical Institute of Canada and ESSA.

Karen Parsons — Vice President

I attended Mount Royal University in the late seventies in the Social Work program, took a break…, and returned in 1993. I graduated Phi Theta Kappa from the Social Work program in 1996. I began working in the Office of the Registrar in 1997 and over the past 10 years have held various roles all within the Office of the Registrar. I am currently the Coordinator, Office of Student Conduct & Convocation.

Baset Zarrug — Treasurer

I started my educational journey in Canada at Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario where I completed Electrical Technician Diploma in High Transmission and Distribution (‘87) and Electrical Engineering Technology in Automated Systems (’89). After moving to Calgary, I began taking classes at Mount Royal and I completed an Arts and Science Diploma in General Studies in Mathematics (’94); also, I completed a Bachelor of Applied Small Business and Entrepreneurship (’98). After graduating in ’98, I enrolled in more technical training where I completed Bachelor of Applied Information Systems in Network Management (’04); in 2008, I completed my MBA in Executive Management with a Specialization in Leadership.
I have been employed at Mount Royal University in the IT Services department as a Network Analyst since 1998.

I am a member of the network team managing and maintaining the network infrastructure for Mount Royal University.
In addition, I have been involved with different committees at Mount Royal University:
2009 • Member of the MRSSA Negotiations Committee
2008 - Present • First Vice-President of the Mount Royal Support Staff Association (MRSSA)
2008 - Present • Mount Royal University Budget Advisory Board
2001 - Present • Educational, Development, and Training (EDT) Committee
2008 - Present • MRU Calgary Corporate Challenge Soccer Team Captain
2005 – 2008 • Executive member of the Mount Royal Support Staff Association (MRSSA)
2003 – 2005 • Distinguished Support Staff and Manager Award selection committees.

I have enjoyed being part of a great educational institution that empowers the leaders of tomorrow to shape and make a difference in our new world. I can be reached at bzarrug@mtroyal.ca.

Michelle Logullo — Secretary

After moving from Ontario, I attended the University of Calgary and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) in 1989. I promptly started at Mount Royal University in the former Student Services area and moved into the newly formed Academic Advising Office in 1990. While working as a Recruitment Officer and Academic Advisor, I completed my Mount Royal Business Administration (Marketing) Certificate part-time and finished my last course the week after the birth of my third daughter. My oldest daughter now attends Mount Royal herself, so the circle is complete (I still have two more to recruit though).

I have just celebrated my 23rd year of employment at Mount Royal and enjoyed celebrating our University's 100th year of operation by marching in the 2011 Calgary Stampede and participating in the Community Gives Back program in December 2010. I consider Mount Royal my second home and have made many lifelong friends that I call family here. In my current role as Coordinator of Student Recruitment, I have the awesome job of recruiting future students to this great institution. I consider it an incredible honour to see them off at our convocation ceremonies as graduates and fellow alumni of Mount Royal University.

Shawnee Armstrong — Director-at-Large

Norma MacIntosh — Director-at-Large

I first came to Mount Royal University as a piano student, and as well, taught piano as a faculty member. I soon became an Academic Upgrading and University Transfer student, moving to the University of Calgary to complete my Bachelor of Education degree. This opened the door to a beginning career as a music specialist in the public school system.

I have been an educator for over 40 years, with 27 years experience in adult education. I returned to Mount Royal in 2001 to continue my career, and am currently the Dean of the Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension. Previous to this, for five years, I held the position of Program Director of Business Education and Training within the department.

In my earlier career, I worked as a public school teacher, and had numerous programming positions, including the Associate of Continuing Education with the Calgary Board of Education, then one of the largest adult learning organizations in Canada. I have also been a small business owner and TV producer.

It is a privilege to work in Continuing Education at Mount Royal University where we are able to contribute to our students’ educational success and the quality of our community as a whole.

Andrea Morrow — Director-at-Large

In the Fall of 2007 I graduated with an Applied Degree in Public Relations and just couldn’t leave.

My experiences here have been amazing; I came to Mount Royal University from Regina, Saskatchewan for the Public Relations program and immediately became involved in the Mount Royal community.

While working toward my degree, I was also able to work within Mount Royal’s Residence Community, as a Resident Advisor and then a Student Leadership Advisor for the Residence Activities Council. I also got involved as a Student Ambassador for the College. In 2004 and 2006 my passion for the Latin culture took me to Mexico and Spain to study Spanish and Public Relations through Mount Royal’s international exchange programs.

Now, as Communications & Events Coordinator for International Education, I get to travel around the world and use my Mount Royal experiences and Spanish to promote Mount Royal University to international students.

Donna Sharman — Director-at-Large

I started as a part-time student at Mount Royal University in Psychology. I completed my Diploma in Rehabilitation Studies (’90). After obtaining more experience in the field working with people with disabilities and the employment disadvantaged, I attended the University of Calgary and completed a Certificate in Adult & Continuing Education (‘96) and then a Bachelor of Community Rehabilitation (’99).

I volunteered as a Volunteer Ambassador for a few years. I am entering my 14th year of working at Mount Royal University in the Transitional Vocational Program, where I have worked in a variety of roles, presently as Program Administrator.

Darlene Saltesz — Director-at-Large

Student Conduct Officer/Enrolment Services

Terry Dowsett — Director-at-Large

Project Coordinator - Sustainable Business Practices