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Rev. Paul Verhoef
Christian (Reformed), serving as the Faith Leader Liaison
email: pverhoef@mtroyal.ca
phone: 403-519-1202
What to tell people about me? I’ve been called to follow Jesus and embody his love throughout all of my relationships (and find that calling to be a huge challenge) – in my marriage, as a father, a son, a friend, a pastor. I love the wild and wonderful diversity of people, fresh air, good questions and great conversations, playfulness, and lifelong learning. I actually like the messiness of community too, of working to do good things together, even across deep differences. I like the riskiness of being vulnerable; I find hope in honest lament; I like the deep work of reconciliation. In all of this, I love being surprised by beauty, by grace, by hope, by joy along the way. For over twenty years, I’ve worked on university campuses listening to people’s lives, laughing and crying alongside of friends, fostering thoughtful and faithful community, and supporting others as they shape beautiful dreams. I see the Spirit’s vitality through it all – and just keep joining in. Glad to grab a coffee and hear a bit about you too!
Fr. Troy Nguyen
Fr. Troy Nguyen - Christian (Catholic)
Troy.nguyen@calgarydiocese.ca
587-288-6150
My name is Fr Troy Nguyen! I am excited to be part of the team here at MRYU. I am a Roman Catholic Priest for the Diocese of Calgary. I am the Vicar for Young Adults and I represent the bishop with regards to this demographic. I used to be a banker and a science/religion teacher before I became a priest and I love talking and discussing about faith and philosophical topics and even basketball and some anime!
We have created a new platform of outreach for university students and young adults called the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy at our off-campus centre in St. Mary's Cathedral. I will be visiting campus at least once a week as I split my time between UofC and SAIT as well.
I enjoy just hanging out with students near the Theatres on Tuesdays from 12-4. We chat about life, celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation and share my love of food. I hope to meet you soon!
Program Coordinator
I am the program coordinator for St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy, the Catholic young adult ministry in the Diocese of Calgary. I help manage and coordinate events for our ministry and hope to spread the Gospel with truth, love and compassion!
Rev. Kelly Johnson
University Campus Ministries
403.703.3125
kpjohnson@mtroyal.ca
Kelly loves the energy and diversity of campus life. He is passionate about helping people encounter God in the everyday world of studies and research and through service learning locally and globally.
Kelly met Barb during his first degree and enjoys travelling and serving together. Kelly has four kids (including two who graduated from MRU) and two grandkids.
Kelly oversees University Campus Ministries (UCM Calgary) at UofC, MRU and SAIT and is generally at MRU on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Rev. Margaret Koizumi, B.A., M.Div.
Lutheran Chaplain
403.471.9895
mpropp@mtroyal.ca
Her educational background is in Visual Arts and Chemistry before studying theology at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon. Currently Margaret serves the ELCIC (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada) as the Lutheran Chaplain at the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University and SAIT.
Along with the United Church chaplaincy, a weekly program called the Drum/Dine/Discuss which involves drumming, a meal, and talking circle happens at MRU every Thursday at 4:30 in the Yellow Room of Wyckham House. A monthly program called the Women’s Circle also runs out of I143A Gathering Place, as well as available for one on one meetings with students through appointment.
Margaret loves to be creative, through food, and art. She is currently exploring her hobbies of pottery and painting.
Christian Chaplain (with United Church of Canada)
587-284-6223, garylmak@gmail.com
Born in Calgary to Chinese parents, I love hiking around the city with my Labrador mix puppy. You’ll also find me at Nose Hill or Fish Creek being pulled wherever my one year old son wants to clamber. I looove board games and getting to know students. Hope I meet you at the event I run: Drum Dine Discuss every Thursday at 4:30!
Stephanie Alexandre
Ministry Associate, UCM (University Campus Ministries)
steph.alexandre34@gmail.com
Stephanie is a recent UCalgary graduate from the English and Drama program and a hockey goalie-turned-theatre-nerd. She is passionate about getting to know people and their stories, and sharing God's love through hospitality and the Arts— whether through music, on the page, on stage, or over a cup of tea and some good conversation. As a Ministry Associate with UCM, Steph is ecstatic to have the opportunity to be back on university campuses and connect with MRU's wonderful student body.
Hafidh Fawaz Saleem
Having completed his Memorization of the Quran (Hafidh) in 2017 through the full-time Tahfeez Program at the Islamic Association of NW Calgary (IANWC), Fawaz has since been giving Friday sermons (Khutbahs), youth lectures, teaching the Quran, and leading Taraweeh during Ramadan. Fawaz lives his life following the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) “Allah helps his servant, as long as his servant helps his brother (others)”. As such, one of Fawaz’s passions is to advocate and support Muslim students as they navigate through their academic journey, and has done so through being involved in the MSA during his time at the University and also through establishing the Muslim Students’ Advisory Committee (MSAC). His work through MSAC has helped support hundreds of students by providing them with support and guidance to achieve their best academic selves without compromising their Identity as a Muslim.
Fawaz has also been involved in many different programs and organizations within Calgary in various capacities and provided services such as professional and peer mentorship, spiritual and mental health guidance, leadership development, program coordination, media interviews, etc. Furthermore, as a teacher at the SW Masjid Quran school, Fawaz loves to teach how to read the Quran. He also takes his love of the Quran to social media and shares his recitation and reflections on his pages @qalbiisaleem to inspire others to begin their journey of learning the Quran as well. His work in the community is also recognized through being a recipient of the Alberta Newcomer Young Leader Award, amongst other recognitions. Additionally, as a Registered Nurse, Fawaz hopes to combine his experience of holistic wellbeing and Islamic knowledge to support Muslim students as they navigate through their academic journey at the university.