Alumni

Doug's story

Sports Administration Diploma, 1983

For the last three decades Doug Dirks has been recognized and welcomed by millions as an anchor, host, commentator and reporter with CBC.

Dirks earned his Sports Administration Diploma from (then) Mount Royal College and his Bachelor of Education from McGill University in 1986. Returning to Mount Royal, he performed marketing work for the athletics department and play-by-plays of Cougars games. According to Dirks, this is where he got the broadcasting bug, and he went on to complete his post-graduate certificate in Radio Journalism from Humber College in 1988.

Dirks’ career with CBC began in CBC Saskatoon in the spring of 1990 and recently wrapped with “the most rewarding job” of his career as host of Homestretch on CBC Radio One. A man of many talents, Dirks’ portfolio also includes play-by-play commentating at four Olympic Games, reporting for multiple Grey Cup games, following the Calgary Flames during their 2004 Stanley Cup run, and lead commentating for World Cup alpine skiing and snowboarding.

An engaged Calgarian, Dirks has emceed more than 100 fundraisers and helped raise millions for local charities, including the Canadian Mental Health Association, Calgary Food Banks, Woods Homes, Canadian Humanitarian and the Special Olympics. Giving back to Mount Royal, Dirks was part of the advisory board for Mount Royal’s journalism and digital media program and host of multiple Alumni Achievement Awards events.

Kanakii's story

Social Work Diploma, 2000

From Siksika Nation, Ek-Kanakii Mekaisto is a social worker, teacher, knowledge keeper and community activist. Blending formal education with ancestral teachings, ceremony and storytelling, she is known and respected for her compassion in helping others overcome trauma.

First enrolling at Mount Royal in 1987, Mekaisto withdrew when some of the courses brought up trauma that she still needed to deal with. Returning nearly a decade later, while also working full-time and caring for five children, Mekaisto earned her Social Work Diploma in 2000. “It would be a beginning for me, realizing how important education is and helping me understand who I was in my healing journey,” she says.

Continuing her pursuit of education, Mekaisto went on to earn a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary, a Life Skills Coaching Certificate from Bow Valley College, a Master of Education from the University of Lethbridge and a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University.

As the owner of Sikotan Ikimmapii, Mekaisto offers counselling, training and educational opportunities with a focus on traditional ways of knowing. Pulling from her lived experience as a residential school survivor, Mekaisto uses her knowledge and wisdom to help people heal, build self-worth, and live a healthy and positive life. The name “Sikotan” is in recognition of Mekaisto’s late maternal grandmother, and “Ikimmapii’ is a contraction of the Blackfoot word ikimmapii’ipiitsi meaning to help, to care.

Mekaisto also works with the Siksika Board of Education’s Traditional Parenting Program, helping people understand the importance of learning their history and giving them a sense of connection to traditional ways.

Pabandee's story

Criminology Diploma — Law Enforcement, 2001

Both on and off the clock, Constable Pabandeep Dhaliwal dedicates his time to community justice work, crime prevention and positively influencing youth. Dhaliwal’s long-standing career with the Calgary Police Service (CPS) has spanned 19-years throughout various departments, including patrol, community liaison, school resource, and more.

Combining sport and community, Dhaliwal started an after-school dance club at Terry Fox Junior High School, and a wrestling team at Lester B. Pearson High School. Dhaliwal has volunteered countless hours towards CPS projects, initiatives and committees. He is the lead CPS member for gang prevention presentations with YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre, a member of the CPS Anti-Racism Action Committee and Police and Community Engagement program, and has volunteered for Kids Play Foundation, South Asian Sports Development Association, the Boys and Girls Club of Calgary, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary — and the list goes on.

For spearheading initiatives that support youth and prevent drug violence and gang activity, Dhaliwal was recognized with the 2020 Chief’s Award — Community Service, the 2021 Community Justice Award — Community Mobilization and a 2021 Crime Prevention and Community Initiatives award from the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police.

Be it through dance, wrestling, or gang prevention programs Dhaliwal builds community ties and inspires the next generation to choose a better path.

Dustin's story

Bachelor of Business Administration — General Management, 2015

Dustin Paisley is an entrepreneur, social innovator and community builder.

As co-founder of Calgary’s Local Laundry Apparel, a locally-sourced and ethically made clothing brand, Paisley took a simple idea — 100 per cent Canadian-made products — and supercharged it with big, socially-conscious ambitions. The company has already donated more than $100,000 to Canadian charities through apparel sales, with the ultimate mission to raise $1 million by 2030.

In addition to growing his own business, Paisley also supports local startups in his role as entrepreneurship manager with ATB Financial. He advises Albertan entrepreneurs through all stages, from vetting original ideas to growing and scaling operations.

Recognition for Paisley’s entrepreneurial and community-building prowess include the Unilever Leader of a Bright Future Award in 2015, Culbert Family Award for Philanthropy from United Way Calgary in 2018 and the Young Entrepreneur Award from the Alberta Business Awards of Distinction in 2021.

Paisley’s connection to Mount Royal runs deep. As a student, he won the 2014 JMH LaunchPad Pitch Competition and worked as the student social entrepreneur-in-residence for the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. After graduating, Paisley remained at Mount Royal for another year as the Institute’s social innovation animator, a position that ultimately led to a business plan, business model and $1.5 million in funding for what would become the Trico Changemaker Studio.

Through using business for good, Paisley continues to build community and stand as a mentor and inspiration for future entrepreneurs.