Pearls of Wisdom returns

This June, Trico Homes is stepping up as Signature Sponsor behind the return of one of MRU’s most-loved events. Mount Royal University's famous fundraiser, Pearls of Wisdom, is returning after a decade-long hiatus. Lobster prepared on stage, oysters on ice and live music sets this night apart from any other in the Calgary event circuit. With support from generous sponsors like Trico Homes, the return of this iconic celebration is sure to make a big splash.

Trico Homes’ commitment to community

After years of calls to reestablish the event, on June 6 Pearls of Wisdom will be reimagined for a 2026 audience. As Signature Sponsor, Trico Homes is behind the wave reviving this community favourite, but their support of MRU reaches much further.

"Trico Homes has proven time and again that they are committed to creating opportunities that inspire communities to grow and thrive. It's through their philanthropy that Pearls of Wisdom is making this long awaited comeback," says Terry Kellam, associate vice-president of Development and Alumni Relations at MRU. "We are deeply grateful for all that Trico Homes has done to shape Mount Royal University through years of valued friendship and support."

When it comes to community building, Trico Homes represents a strong foundation. Trico Homes and its founders Eleanor and Wayne Chiu, who each received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from MRU in 2024, have been shaping Calgary since 1992. Their building enterprise stretches across Calgary, Cochrane, Airdrie, Chestermere and Okotoks, creating not just residential homes but also centres for community and connection. Trico Homes has always been a company driven by the desire to serve and elevate communities, values that MRU also aims to reflect. For 11 years, the Chius supported the original Pearls of Wisdom and watched how it forged connections across Calgary in support of students and their futures. This event has always been designed to bring people together.

Established in 2008, the Trico Charitable Foundation has made many contributions to the Calgary area with their support ranging from health care and community initiatives to post-secondary and higher education programs.

The Chius’ impact at Mount Royal has been deeply felt on campus through student awards, unique community opportunities and innovative spaces such as the Trico Changemakers Studio. They have also generously supported the Roderick Mah Center for Continuous Learning and the Bella Concert Hall.

The reimagining of Pearls of Wisdom with Trico Homes’ support is sure to resonate not only with attendees, but will also send ripples throughout the entire community.

What was Pearls of Wisdom? For those who don’t already know

Originally established in 1993, Pearls of Wisdom was a community event designed to generate fundraising support for university milestones, such as the launch of new programs. Hunter Wight, then vice-president of University Advancement at MRU and original founder of Pearls of Wisdom, set out to bring an event to campus that would stand out as unique and memorable. With this goal in mind, Wight enlisted the help of Rodney Clark, owner and operator of Toronto-based Rodney’s Oyster House.

During the event, MRU’s upper running track hosted receptions where Rodney’s staff shucked oysters into large ice-filled wooden boats. In the Triple Gym below, on a central staging area, Rodney’s staff prepared lobsters with skill and showmanship for anywhere between 350 to 400 guests. Pearls of Wisdom shucked off the restrictive style of typical fundraising events, welcoming guests in everything from jeans to cocktail dresses.

While the original Pearls of Wisdom wrapped up with its final on-campus event in 2013, the legacy of this unusual fundraiser has persisted. “Pearls of Wisdom gave us a platform to present our best and brightest and reconnect with existing supporters while welcoming new friends on campus,” says Melanie Rogers, vice-president of the Department of Community Engagement.

“When we reached out to the community about the potential return of this landmark event, the response from Trico Homes was immediate. With their support, our goal is to create a new version of Pearls of Wisdom that brings back something our community has missed.”

Funds raised from the event will directly support student awards in health disciplines, transforming generosity into opportunity and creating ripples of impact that extend across campus and beyond.

A new wave of wisdom

Putting on an event like this would not be possible without a community of champions supporting efforts for connection. While this year's event will not be the same as the original iteration, it will carry forward the story of Pearls of Wisdom. There will still be lobster provided by Rodney's Oyster House, now owned by Rodney’s daughter, Bronwen. There will still be an amazing cause, this year in the form of student awards and there will still be inclusive community-building opportunities courtesy of Trico Homes.