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Congratulations, class of 2025!
Mount Royal University was proud to see 2,225 graduates complete their degrees, diplomas and certificates over the 2024/25 academic year — one of the largest graduating classes ever. From June 11 to June 13, six ceremonies celebrated Mount Royal’s newest alumni, who were cheered on by their supportive friends, family, faculty members, employees and fellow students — all who played part in their academic journey. They were days of celebration, camaraderie and community combined with a tad of trepidation of the unknown, however there is no doubt the class of 2025 has the tools and the skills to face it all.
Crossing the stage to receive their parchments during the ceremonies were more than 1,700 graduands-turned-graduates, who join the welcoming MRU alumni family of more than 115,000 strong.
It is not a “farewell,” however, but more of an “until we meet again,” as all alumni are encouraged to stay in touch and keep accessing the resources MRU provides.
You always belong here!
- Find all six 2025 Convocation ceremony videos in this playlist
- View the 2025 Convocation program
- Check out this year’s Spotify playlist
- Learn about our Honorary Doctor of Laws recipients — Leaders who grow beyond
- Ceremonies at a glance
- Indigenous Honouring Ceremonies
- Governor General’s Award recipients
- Centennial Gold Medal recipients
- Alumni speakers
Meet some of our exceptional graduates
- Caden Albright
Bachelor of Science — Chemistry - David Jackson
Bachelor of Arts — History - Kyle Joseph
Bachelor of Education — Education - Jamie Lalor
Bachelor of Health and Physical Education — Physical Literacy - Isabel Melby
Transitional Vocational Program and Inclusive Post-Secondary Education - Marcedes Moosewaypayo
Bachelor of Business Administration — General Management - Derek Morgan
Bachelor of Arts — Sociology - Melanie Whitaker
Funeral Services Diploma
Ceremonies at a glance
Arlene Strom was officially installed as MRU’s chancellor during the first ceremony
On the morning of Wednesday, June 11, Mount Royal’s second chancellor, Arlene Strom, was officially installed in her role.
The chancellor is the ceremonial head of Mount Royal University and presides over the granting of degrees. They are both a champion and ambassador for the University, and help advance its interests as well as the interests of the post-secondary sector.
Each parchment features the chancellor’s signature, and it is the chancellor who formally declares that students have earned their credentials.
Chris Lee, chair of Mount Royal University’s Board of Governors, led the proceedings, which involved the taking of the Oath of Office and then the Donning of the Robes.
“As a seasoned leader and dynamic connector, Ms. Strom embodies Mount Royal's commitment to serving and enriching the communities it supports. As chancellor, she will bring her thoughtful leadership and collaborative spirit to help tell the story of Mount Royal’s exceptional education and experience,” Lee said.
In her previous role as chief sustainability officer at Suncor, Strom oversaw strategic initiatives, including sustainability strategy, public policy, government relations, communications and community engagement. Deeply committed to community service, Strom chairs the Alberta Lieutenant Governor’s Arts Awards Foundation, is a board member of Nature Conservancy Canada and an advisory board member of Portage Energy.
“Arlene was unanimously approved by the Board of Governors to become Mount Royal’s second chancellor. I think we can all agree we are very fortunate,” Lee said.
Strom’s address to graduates began by her saying she “deeply believes” in the values of transformation, belonging, boldness, inquisitiveness and authenticity as outlined in MRU’s strategic plan, Vision 2030: Opening Minds and Changing Lives.
“In a challenging world, where there are differing perspectives and forces that try to divide us rather than unite us, I am proud to be part of an institution that values inquiry alongside civility, mutual respect and empathy,” she said.
Strom reiterated the importance of being true to oneself and that true authenticity is rooted in relationships with others.
“By completing your degree requirements, you have shown a commitment to learning, a willingness to gain insight from others, and I hope you have made friendships that will form a solid foundation from which you will grow beyond,” she said.
Referencing the Cree word ‘wahkohtowin,’ which speaks to the deep interconnection among all people and with the earth, Strom said, “It is my wish that you will choose to walk alongside others and you will give and receive the gift of connection and relationship.”
“Keep looking at the world with open eyes and open hearts. Learn from others. Listen deeply. Think critically. The world needs people who see others with kindness and with empathy, who connect and create with purpose.”
President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly, PhD, remarked that Convocation is the best part of the year, a moment of great tradition, honour and pride in accomplishments.
“Look at how much you’ve grown, not just in knowledge, but in character, resilience, perspective-taking, and leadership,” Rahilly said.
The moments that seemed impossible were actually surmountable, and those experiences shaped nervous new students into confident university graduates.
“Remember this: growth doesn’t stop here,” Rahilly said. “This is just the start of a lifelong journey. And just as you’ve changed from that first day on campus to today, I have no doubt you’ll keep growing, pushing boundaries and surprising yourself with what you can achieve.”
Provost and Vice-President, Academic Chad London, PhD, introduced each honorary doctorate recipient, which was then bestowed by Strom. The inspirational speeches by the new PhDs can all be found on MRU’s convocation YouTube playlist.
Each graduand then became a graduate as they walked the stage to receive their parchment while their friends and family roared in approval. Each graduating class was addressed by another alumni, one who had already left the University but maintained their ties through MRU’s Office of Alumni Relations.
Ceremonies were closed with the time-honoured tassel toss, where graduates move their tassels from the right side of their mortarboards to the left. This symbolic gesture officially concludes the Mount Royal educational journey, but not the relationships that will last long into the future.
Indigenous Honouring Ceremonies
Oki, Aba Wathtech, Danit’ada, Tanisi, Welcome.
On Tuesday, June 10, Mount Royal held its annual Indigenous Honouring Ceremonies, an event that has taken place since 2008 and has continuously grown and evolved since then. This year 66 graduates took part in a celebration of those who have learned to walk, dance and play in both the western and Indigenous worlds.
More than 100 First Nation, Métis, Inuit and Non-status Indigenous students were invited and graduate yearly from MRU.
The ceremony began with a procession led by flag bearers, drummed in by Sorrel Rider. Following that, Marija Small Legs (Piikani Nation), Mount Royal’s Iniskim Centre’s student success coordinator, provided words in gratitude to the students for entrusting her to be part of their academic journeys in front of a crowd of family and friends numbering about 550 people.
“I am humbled,” Small Legs said. “You move forward empowered by higher education, but guided by your ancestors, family, community. I hope you can foster reconciliation as you move into your professional workplace or if you plan on continuing your education. Never stop learning.”
Elder Miiksika’am (Clarence Wolfleg) then provided an opening prayer and blessing, which was followed by words from Mount Royal’s President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly, PhD.
“This is a ceremony I truly cherish because it centres the personal stories of the Indigenous students,” Rahilly said. “This ceremony holds deep meaning because it centres your voices and honours the cultures, traditions and communities that have shaped your path. It is a time to reflect on and celebrate what you have accomplished and to recognize the people who have walked alongside you.”
John Fischer, interim associate vice-president of the Office of Indigenization and Decolonization, followed Rahilly. He noted that June 2, 2025, marked the 10th anniversary of the closing event of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the day the Commission’s Calls to Action and the 10 TRC Principles of Reconciliation were released. Murray Sinclair, the TRC’s chairman, declared the best measure of reconciliation is Indigenous student success.
“As we acknowledge your graduation today, we see university students who have accomplished as much for their community as they have for themselves,” Fischer said. “Our parents and grandparents were shut out of the halls of academia and now you, who have grown so much, learned so much, lived so much, are carrying our hope into the future.”
Tori McMillan (Berens River First Nation), director of the Iniskim Centre, provided further background of Indigenous education at Mount Royal, starting with the name “Iniskim,” which was suggested by a student in 2007, the first year of the centre’s existence, and then officially transferred by Elder Leonard Bastien of Piikani Nation the following year.
“Currently, Mount Royal University is home to nearly 1,000 learners who represent First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities from across Turtle Island. For today’s event, our graduates are proudly representing over 40 First Nations and Métis settlements,” McMillan said.
Those recognized at the Indigenous Honouring Ceremonies represented the depth and breadth of educational offerings at MRU. There were graduates of the Indigenous University Bridging Program Certificate, Transitional Vocational Program Certificate of Completion, Embalmer Certificate, Funeral Services Diploma, Social Work Diploma, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Child Studies, Bachelor of Communication, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Health and Physical Education, Bachelor of Interior Design, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Social Work.
As they crossed the stage at the Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts’ Bella Concert Hall, certificate graduates received a gift bag, while diploma and degree recipients were gifted an eagle feather and Pendelton blanket or a Métis sash.
2025 Governor General’s Award recipients
The Governor General’s Academic Medal, established in 1873, is one of the most prestigious awards that can be earned by a student for exceptional academic achievement in a Canadian educational institution. On behalf of Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Mary Simon, governor general, Mount Royal University is pleased to congratulate Kailie Stobbart and Ali Hamoudi for their outstanding achievements.
Kailie Stobbart was awarded the Silver Medal for achieving the highest academic standing of all graduates in a degree program. Stobbart graduated with a Bachelor of Communication — Broadcast Media Studies and a cumulative GPA of 4.00. Read more about Stobbart.
Ali Hamoudi was awarded the Bronze Medal for achieving the highest academic standing of all graduates in a diploma program. Hamoudi graduated with an Aviation Diploma with a cumulative GPA of 4.00. Read more about Hamoudi.
2025 Centennial Gold Medal recipients
MRU’s Centennial Gold Medal award is patterned after the Henry Birks and Sons Gold Medal, which was Mount Royal’s highest award for student academic achievement from 1935 to 1985. The medal commemorates the University’s deep tradition of academic achievement and leadership.
Brielle Pedersen-Skene (Bachelor of Midwifery) was selected as the 2025 Centennial Gold Medal Recipient for the Faculty of Health, Community and Education.
Kelaena Maude (Bachelor of Business Administration — General Management (Honours)) was selected as the 2025 Centennial Gold Medal Recipient for the Faculty of Business and Communication Studies.
Zoë Say (Bachelor of Arts — Psychology (Honours)) was selected as the 2025 Centennial Gold Medal Recipient for the Faculty of Arts.
Rodney Omoku (Bachelor of Science — Biology) was selected as the 2025 Centennial Gold Medal Recipient for the Faculty of Science and Technology.
Professors emeriti
Emeritus is an honorary title granted to someone who retires from a position of distinction, most commonly an academic faculty position. It is a mark of highly distinguished service in the academic realm. Three former Mount Royal professors received the title this year.
Dr. Glenn Ruhl, PhD, is a retired professor and the former chair of the Bachelor of Communication — Information Design program within the Faculty of Communication Studies at Mount Royal University. His academic background includes an honours baccalaureate, a professional teaching certificate and both a Master of Arts and a PhD in education. Read more.
Brian Traynor obtained his Bachelor of Arts at Trinity College Dublin and received a Master of Science and a Master of Engineering from the University of Calgary. After a number of years in industry, he came to MRU in 2004 and was a key contributor to the development of the information design program in the School of Communication Studies. Read more.
Dr. Mitchell Clark, PhD, dedicated 43 years to Mount Royal University. He was chair of social work and disability studies for nine years before moving to the Department of Psychology, where he was an associate professor and also served as assistant chair. He received his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science and PhD from the University of Calgary. Read more.
Alumni speakers
Wednesday, June 11 — 10 a.m. ceremony
Candice Goudie is an alumna of the Bachelor of Health and Physical Education — Sport and Recreation Management program. After getting her dream job with the Calgary Flames in her third semester, Goudie took night courses four days a week, juggling professional and academic commitments while working Flames and Hitmen game nights for the next two years. She is currently the executive director of the Calgary Flames Foundation and Community Investment at Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation. Read more.
Goudie provided a few tips and tricks collected from her peers to the new graduates from the Faculty of Business, Communication Studies and Aviation:
"Do what you love, but know you won’t love everything you do."
"Don’t settle, but get settled into knowing it’s a process and that process can be a grind."
"Don’t lose sight of where you want to go, but don’t be afraid to let your eye stray."
"Paths are not linear."
"Be brave, but not irresponsible."
"Saddle up next to failure, but do everything you can to succeed."
"No job is too big, no task is too small. Do. It. All. All of it."
"Get serious about your goals. But never take yourself too seriously."
"Big dreams need big plans. Do the work."
She concluded by saying, “Be a sponge and never stop learning from your peers, leaders and mentors. And just when you thought group work was over, well, a career is just one big group project.”
Wednesday, June 11 — 2 p.m. ceremony
After graduating from Mount Royal in 2007, Cam Bawol obtained his Chartered Accountant Designation with Meyers Norris Penny (MNP) and then spent several years in various executive positions in oil-field services before he went on to build an asset-backing lending company. Bawol later returned to MNP where he led the corporate finance department and served as a fractional chief financial officer and controller. Today he creates value for MNP's existing and new clients through their national business development team. Read more.
In his address to the new graduates of the Faculty of Business, Communication Studies and Aviation and the Faculty of Continuing Education, Bawol said, “I would generally advise against arguing. Trying to convince others, imposing your views, just so you feel right, that they feel wrong, isn’t a constructive use of energy. What’s most important is being confident in yourself, and validating yourself.”
He concluded by saying, “What you have invested to earn the credential you get today has given you a strong foundation. Aim to do good things with it, whatever that looks like for you. And when you can, pay it forward.”
Thursday, June 12 — 10 a.m. ceremony
After graduating from Mount Royal in 2016 with a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education — Physical Literacy degree, Grace Dafoe has since become a decorated Canadian Skeleton athlete proudly representing Canada on the world stage while using her platform to promote community, Safe Sport, and chasing big goals. Off the track, she is deeply committed to community impact through her work with organizations like Classroom Champions and KidSport Calgary — mentoring students, breaking down barriers to sport participation, and helping young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience. Read more.
In her words to the new graduates of the Faculty of Health, Community and Education, Dafoe said, “During your time here you have probably set different types of goals. Maybe it was to just get through something like a really tough class, maybe it was to challenge yourself to try something new. Maybe you studied abroad, took on additional volunteer work or an internship. This series of goals, steps, turns, stepping up, being brave, overcoming fear have brought you here … to your graduation day.”
She concluded by saying, “As alumni, you can keep building and creating this university’s story. If a prof asks you to come back to class to speak, say yes if you can. If you can mentor a student, do it. And whatever you do and in all the places you go … Be proud that you studied at Mount Royal. Be proud that you are a Mount Royal alum.”
Thursday, June 12 — 2 p.m. ceremony
Growing up in Iraq, Dr. Maryam Yaqoob was forced to flee home at age 16. She moved to Syria with her family until war erupted, eventually making her way to Canada with her family as refugees. She attended Mount Royal University and graduated with a degree in cellular and molecular biology in 2017 before earning her doctor of medicine from UCalgary. Maryam is currently a resident physician in internal medicine. She established Calgary’s STEM Cell Chapter, in collaboration with Canadian Blood Services to recruit donors in the Stem Cell Registry. In 2020, Maryam received the Top 25 Immigrant Youth Award.
In her words to the new graduates of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Yaqoob said, “Class of 2025, what you have achieved and learned will set you on a path for what's next. Remember your own moments with gratitude and pride. Keep connecting with Mount Royal alumni as you explore, create, grow and learn …
“After today, you can continue to build and create this university's story. In the world, wherever you go, you are Mount Royal’s best ambassadors.”
Friday, June 13 — 10 a.m. ceremony
Graduating in 2018 with a sociology major, Racha El-Dib is dedicated to raising awareness about domestic abuse. After losing her sister Nadia to domestic homicide, she founded Nadia's Hope Foundation. The foundation offers support, education and advocacy to those affected by domestic abuse. Racha also established a bursary in her sister’s name through the SAIT Legal Assisting Program, supporting students pursuing legal careers. She is a 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient and currently works as a human resources coordinator, using her skills to foster supportive, inclusive workplaces. Read more.
In her words to the graduates of the Faculty of Arts, El-Dib said, “Class of 2025, when I look at you, I see passion. I see resilience. I see changemakers. I want you to know, despite any doubts you have now and will have in the future, YOU are possible. Your voice, your presence, your story, they matter.
“When I lost Nadia, I thought the pain would eventually pass, that I’d move on. But instead, her dreams and her story became my purpose. I found the strength to keep going and keep fighting for what’s right. I also want you to know, healing from loss, grief or from disappointment is always possible. Joy is possible. Growth is possible.”
Friday, June 13 — 2 p.m. ceremony
Cody Foggin graduated from Mount Royal University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts — Criminal Justice and the University of Alberta in 2020 with a Juris Doctor. He is currently a lawyer at Miller Thomson LLP, a national business law firm in Calgary, where he practices corporate and securities law, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance and emerging technologies. Cody is Indigenous and a proud member of Frog Lake First Nation. He lives in Calgary with his wife and two beautiful daughters.
In his words to the graduates of the Faculty of Health, Community and Education and the Faculty of Arts, Foggin said, “Some of the most meaningful experiences happen without planning. From paths I didn’t expect to walk. And I’ve come to realize that thinking you know it all isn’t the point. It’s okay not to know exactly where you’re going, as long as you’re moving forward with purpose, and staying true to who you are.
“So if I can leave you with anything, it’s this: trust.
“Trust yourself. Everything is a process. Trust the process.
“Mount Royal has given you more than you might realize and being a Mount Royal alum will build on it.”