Employee excellence in the spotlight

The spirit of Mount Royal University filled Ross Glen Hall on Thursday, Nov. 13 as the first annual Celebrate U Awards honoured outstanding employees, students and community partners whose leadership, service and innovation contribute to the University’s success.

The event also focused on Mount Royal’s commitment to recognizing excellence as part of its reinvigorated employee rewards and recognition programs. Members of the Mount Royal community came together to applaud the recipients and reflect on the achievements that contribute to the MRU experience.

“Celebrate U is part of a new framework developed to help build and strengthen a culture of recognition. It’s about making appreciation part of who we are not just something we do once in a while, but something woven into the everyday life of our university,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Tim Rahilly, PhD during his welcome address. “That’s what tonight’s awards reflect. The Chancellor’s and President’s Excellence Awards, along with the MyMRU Awards, recognize excellence at every level from institutional leadership to the everyday, grassroots contributions that quietly shape who we are.”

Throughout the evening, examples of impact, perseverance and leadership were shared — showcasing how MRU’s people continue to elevate the institution’s mission through their contributions. That spirit of dedication and excellence was exemplified in the recognition of Dr. Jennifer Pettit, PhD — a long-serving leader whose influence spans countless students and colleagues.

Over the course of her more than 28 years at Mount Royal, Pettit has shaped Mount Royal University’s academic culture through visionary leadership and exceptional service. Since joining MRU in 1997, she has served as a faculty member, department chair and now Dean of the Faculty of Arts. In presenting Pettit with Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award, Chancellor Arlene Strom lauded Pettit’s ability to “transform challenges into opportunities and inspire those around her. Dr. Pettit’s leadership has left an enduring mark on MRU’s academic and community life.”

In addition to her formal roles, Pettit has contributed to more than 125 committees and initiatives across governance, equity, and academic excellence. In reflecting on the award, Pettit highlighted the collaborative nature of service work and its critical role in building MRU’s academic community.

“I consider it an honour to have been chosen as a recipient of the Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award and it has been a pleasure contributing to Mount Royal in a variety of capacities,” Pettit said. “Typically, service work goes unseen, but it is often the underpinning of what makes MRU such a wonderful place to work and study. It is that collective effort and care that is the foundation upon which this great university is built. Service work is also not usually a solitary activity and I am proud to have been a member of so many great committees and teams that have shaped MRU.”

The Celebrate U Awards are part of a renewed vision to bring together MRU’s various recognition programs under one unifying celebration — one that acknowledges not just individual accomplishments, but the collective spirit that moves the University forward.

“Celebrate U is about more than awards. It’s all about fostering a culture of appreciation and belonging across MRU,” said Bonnie Thompson, associate vice-president, Human Resources, prior to the event, as she was attending a conference during the celebrations. “Each of us plays a part in the success of Mount Royal in all that we do. I believe that we can all take pride not only in what we achieve individually, but in the accomplishments we create together through collaboration and shared purpose.”

The event also served as the premiere of the first in a series of video profiles spotlighting Celebrate U Award recipients, beginning with the Student Records Team, this year’s Team Award winners. Each award recipient will be highlighted in a video, with profiles being released regularly now through the end of May.

As the evening unfolded, the sense of pride and connection among the MRU community was unmistakable. It was a night not only of celebration, but of reflection on the values that shape the university and the people who bring those values to life. Chancellor Strom spoke to the deeper meaning behind the awards and the power of recognition to bring people together.

“Recognition is about more than ceremony. It’s about connection: the kind that builds community, pride and a shared sense of purpose,” Strom said. “Every nominee and recipient represents a piece of what makes Mount Royal extraordinary, and together, those stories tell the story of who we are as a community.”

Honouring the 2025 Celebrate U Award recipients

Visit the 2025 Celebrate U Awards page to learn more about the recipients.

Chancellor’s and President’s Excellence Awards

Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Jennifer Pettit, Dean, Faculty of Arts
Recognized for more than 28 years of exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to advancing MRU’s mission and academic excellence.

President’s Leadership Award

Dr. Connie Van der Byl, Associate Vice-President, Research, Scholarship and Community Engagement
Celebrated for her visionary leadership, mentorship and inclusive approach to advancing research and collaboration across MRU.

President’s Community Connections Award

Ray DePaul, Executive Director, Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Honoured for building transformative partnerships that connect MRU with Calgary’s innovation ecosystem.

MRU Community Ambassador Award

Tania Willumsen, Past Chair, MRU Foundation Board of Directors
Recognized for her exceptional advocacy and philanthropic leadership in strengthening MRU’s community and reputation.

President’s Impact Award

Dr. Kenna Olsen, Faculty of Arts
Recognized for innovative initiatives that elevate MRU’s research culture and foster collaboration across disciplines.

President’s Student of the Year Award

Aliya Jomha, BA Honours Psychology
Honoured for her exceptional academic achievement, athletic excellence and community service as a student-athlete and researcher.

MyMRU Awards

Leading from Within Award

Beverly Van Horne, Library, Public Services
Celebrated for her mentorship, collaboration and behind-the-scenes leadership that supports excellence across campus.

Innovation Award

Dr. Julie Booke, Faculty of Health, Community and Education
Honoured for developing a student-focused leadership textbook that enhances engagement and learning in the HPED program.

Team Award

Student Records Team
Celebrated for their transformative work in improving systems, enhancing student experiences and championing service excellence.

Service Excellence Award (Front-Facing)

Jessica Mossière, Global Engagement, Outbound Programs
Honoured for providing exceptional student-centered support and building MRU’s global learning community.

Service Excellence Award (Behind the Scenes)

Dr. Priscilla Wamucii, Research Compliance Officer
Recognized for her meticulous, expert support of MRU’s Human Research Ethics Board and commitment to research integrity.

Emerging Leader Award

Dr. Brady Killough, Chair, Department of Mathematics & Computing
Celebrated for his collaborative leadership, mentorship, and impact in advancing academic programs and faculty growth.