Holiday greetings from Mount Royal President and Vice-Chancellor Tim Rahilly
Posted December 11, 2020
Hi everyone, Tim here. As 2020 comes to a close and the fall semester winds down, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude. It has been a very challenging time for all of us. I think individually and collectively we’ve had to deal with a lot. Certainly, members of the campus community have shared some concerns with me.
However, I’m grateful that many have also shared stories of perseverance. I’m just so delighted to recognize and to celebrate the fact that so many of us in the campus community have been able to move forward and experience some success, and that the University itself has been able to stick with and to achieve its academic mission.
To our students — I’ll start with you. You’re why we’re here. We’re so grateful to all of you for dealing with the fact that things are not perfect. As hard as we’re all working, we can’t make it perfect, but we’re doing our level best. So congratulations to you for your successes, for sticking with it and for the learning that you’re doing as we move through this time.
To our faculty and our staff — our amazing faculty and staff. Your ethic of care for our students is outstanding. I think that’s what Mount Royal is known for, and you are doing an excellent job of living that as we move forward.
To our Alumni — our amazing ambassadors in our communities. Thank you for your support, your kind words, and a special shout out to our alumni who are working on the front lines. We’re so proud of what you’re doing, and so grateful for everything you do on behalf of everyone in our society.
To our donors — we couldn’t do this without you. Your support, your words, your donations during this time mean so very much. They sustain us, they keep us going and we really look forward to being able to engage with you a little bit more in 2021.
To our boards — our General Faculties Council, our governing bodies. Not only have you had to deal with so much new business stemming from the pandemic, but you’ve had to do it in ways where you’re meeting online in large groups. Certainly not what you signed up for, so very grateful to all of you for your support and for your hard work on behalf of the University.
I’m optimistic about the year ahead and know that we’ll be able to return to something that looks a little bit more familiar to all of us.
I want to wish everyone good luck for all of their activities at the end of the semester. Students — all of those papers, all of those exams. Faculty — all of those papers, all of those exams. I look forward to hearing how that all turned out early in 2021.
Over the December break hopefully all of you can take some time for yourselves. Be sure to unplug and enjoy a much deserved rest.
Finally, please stay safe, stay well, take care of yourself and I look forward to seeing you, hopefully face to face, in 2021.
River by Joni Mitchell
Performed by Kate Stevens, singer-songwriter, alumna
MRU Conservatory
‘Twas the Night Before Winter Break
Written by Terry Kellam, executive director, MRU Foundation
Performed by Brad Mahon, PhD, dean, Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension
T’was the eve of the holidays, and throughout MRU,
The hallways were empty, a most lonely view!
The students, the faculty, home much of this year,
All doing great work, for sure that is clear.
Be it teaching or research, or keeping us strong,
The Mount Royal team has worked hard all year long.
The students adapted with sheer force of will,
The faculty pivoted, their typical skill.
Most staff quickly moved to working off site,
While those still on campus excelled, day and night.
The halls oh-so quiet, it’s different these days,
Our community deserves the highest of praise.
For meeting this challenge with steely resolve,
Allowing us all as a group to evolve…
Google Meet, chats online, or friends by Zoom,
whatever it took, to be in the same room.
Adapting will make us stronger, it surely is clear
As we see 2020 in our rear-view mirror.
And so, as we head to a much-needed rest,
My wish for you comes as a simple request:
Please take good care, enjoy this time out,
You’re tired, weary and need rest, no doubt.
Next month is a new year with promise and hope,
We’re on the upswing from this slippery slope.
There’s light in the distance, a literal shot in the arm
To campus we’ll come back, all safe from harm.
This pandemic has silenced our campus these days
But not quashed our spirits, we’re the Cougars – always!
So as we say ciao to this exceptional year
We all give thanks, for your grace and good cheer.
Kick back and relax, you’ve earned a good break,
Happy Holidays to all, and unwind, for Pete’s sake!
Tim’s Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe
The president loves to bake, but sadly he can't bake for all of us. Instead, he is sharing his favourite chocolate chip cookie recipe for you to try at home over the December break. Enjoy!
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
cream together
add 2 eggs and beat until fluffy
add, already sifted together
1 1/3 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
also add
2 cups chocolate chips
2 cups oatmeal – (you can also grind the oatmeal for a different texture cookie)
1 cup pecans
mix together just until flour disappears
put cookies on sheet
bake at 375ºF for about 12 mins