The Mount Royal Alumni Association has celebrated alumni achievement and impact since 1984. Throughout the decades, several alumni awards programs have recognized more than 90 alum and marked Mount Royal’s evolution from college to university. Each year, the MRU Alumni Association celebrates and recognizes alum who exemplify Mount Royal’s vision and values in their profession and community through the Outstanding Alumni Awards.
This year’s recipients are systems thinkers, advocates, leaders, storytellers and compassionate caretakers, making a significant impact on their communities and beyond.
Leading the path to reconciliation
“Steve is a relentless advocate for Indigenous students as he is deeply devoted to his community and his professional work. This bridge has been critical for Indigenization.”
— Tom Buchanan, Nominator
About Steve
Steve Kootenay-Jobin, whose traditional name is Na’toya Piik’ski (Holy Bird in Blackfoot) is Iyarhe Nakoda from Stoney Nation in Treaty 7 Territory. He is proud to be two-spirited and is married to his partner Juan. Steve has contributed in numerous ways to anti-racism and reconciliation efforts. In 2019, he received the City of Calgary Chief David Crowchild Memorial Award in recognition of his leadership in the urban Indigenous community and Treaty 7.
Building safe spaces for self-discovery
“Through teaching, Dez has, with humility, caused students to inquire into their own understanding of the relationships between Canada and the Indigenous peoples.”
— Peter Choate, Nominator
About Dez
Dez Lindstrom (Shebobman) is an Anishnabe from Thunder Bay, Ontario. His 20-year social work career has included work in addictions, family violence and cultural support. Dez follows his cultural protocols and is a lifelong learner starting his Clinical Master of Social Work in May.
Amplifying voices in the gaming industry
“It is very important to Rosa that everyone has a seat at the gaming industry table and that marginalized voices are represented and part of the design.”
— Mehreen Kapadia, Nominator
About Rosalinda
Rosalinda’s company - Red Iron Labs - creates innovative products through an intercultural lens. Laser focused on the interaction between the human experience and technology, Rosalinda strives for true representation in the gaming and tech industry.
Systems thinker for food insecurity
“Paul is incredible - he truly takes a systems approach to solving huge problems like food insecurity. On a macro level, he figures out what works. Then, on a micro level works to incorporate social good into all aspects of his Business.”
— Alexandra Daignault, Nominator
About Paul
Paul cultivated his business as a student, then grew it into western Canada’s first commercial vertical farm and he’s never stopped innovating. Growing over 700 kg of fresh, delicious and sustainable greens, Paul is tackling food insecurity across the city.
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN COMMUNITIES
“Through a number of collaborative projects in the mid-90s and early 2000s, it was through David's leadership that many difficult conversations were started in western spaces.”
— Cynthia Gallop, Nominator
About David
David is a Non-Status Saulteaux from Pinaymootang First Nation in Manitoba and African American. His 30-plus years of experience includes initiatives in health and social services, management, policy development and community engagement with urban and FIrst Nations communities. David is currently focusing on facilitation, team development and cross cultural understanding.
Celebrating lives lived with grace
“David shows up, puts others first, is true to himself and has a positive impact on his inner circle of family, friends, the funeral home staff that he serves, as well as his colleagues.”
— Bridget Halfyard, Nominator
About David
While supporting families in some of the most challenging life moments, David leads with integrity, compassion and kindness. He is a trusted expert in the funeral directing industry in Canada and the U.S., and continues to build future industry leaders as an instructor at Mount Royal.
Powerful and personal storytelling
“The most powerful quality Tomi reflects is radical honesty and the belief that knowing yourself is the greatest act of self-love.”
— Ashley Lazette, Nominator
About Tomi
Tomi is a powerful storyteller who speaks her truth across all platforms and in multiple roles as a journalist, sought after speaker, and civic activator.
Contact us
MRU Alumni Council
4825 Mount Royal Gate SW
Calgary, AB, T3E 6K6
Email: alumnicouncil@mtroyal.ca
