FACULTY PUBLICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Celebrate U: Meet the President’s Leadership Award winner
Connie Van der Byl, PhD, associate vice-president of research, scholarship and community engagement, is the 2025 President’s Leadership Award recipient. She is a collaborative leader who has helped strengthen MRU’s research culture through inclusive initiatives such as the 2024 Research Plan and the Sustainability Research Collision series. Watch her video.
Meet the Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award winner
Dr. Jennifer Pettit, PhD, dean of MRU’s Faculty of Arts, is the recipient of the Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award. She was recognized for her visionary, collaborative leadership and lasting contributions to initiatives such as tenure, general education and indigenization. Watch her video.
Meet the Student of the Year
Aliya Jomha is the recipient of the President’s Student of the Year Award through the Celebrate U program. Jomha is recognized for her strong academic performance, athletic excellence and meaningful community service as both a student-athlete and a researcher. Watch her video.