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.
Kent Soltys
Kent is transforming the future of nursing
Continuing Education — Personal Trainer Certificate, 2004
Nominator: Erin Drebert
Meet Kent
As the creator of the MICRO goal setting framework, Kent uses his 14+ years of clinical experience to implement comprehensive training strategies to enable nurses to maximize their leadership potential while prioritizing their own self-care, in turn, improving patient outcomes across multiple healthcare settings.
Ellen Parker
Ellen is a bold PR maven
Bachelor of Applied Communications —
Public Relations, 2008
Nominator: Ran Ju
Meet Ellen
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Ellen Parker founded Parker PR in 2014 and has blazed a trail of public relations expertise in Calgary ever since. With a client list spanning local start-ups to global brands, Parker’s namesake award-winning firm is known for providing innovative services built on authentic relationships and community engagement. On campus, she nurtures the next generation of Mount Royal’s public relations experts as a committed alum volunteer and guest lecturer.
Emma Poole
Emma is an authentic communicator
Bachelor of Applied Communications — Journalism, 1999
Nominator: Sarah Imran
Meet Emma
Visionary communications expert Emma Poole has redefined the field with her unwavering integrity and authenticity. From impactful reporting to strategic international communications, Emma has spearheaded transformative community initiatives that have established her as a respected leader in the communications industry.
Christina Sgaggi
Christina is an inquisitive changemaker
Bachelor of Business Administration — Marketing, 2019
Nominator: Geoff Hughes, Business Administration Diploma — Marketing Management, 2005
Meet Christina
Christina Sgaggi is a lifelong learner who uses her passion for scholarly inquiry to bring a fresh and bold perspective to her role as a creative director. She blends creativity and altruism into a powerful force for transformative change inspiring and empowering her colleagues locally and communities globally.
Kimberly Gray
Kimberly Gray is opening minds through storytelling
Bachelor of Applied Communications — Public Relations, 2010
Nominator: Alex Kingcot, Bachelor of Applied Communications — Public Relations, 2010
Meet Kimberly
Acclaimed documentary film maker Kimberly Gray is an innovator in Alberta’s film industry, bringing crucial environmental and social issues from rural Alberta to a broader audience to transform community engagement conversations. With a commitment to inclusivity and belonging, Kimberly also empowers future storytellers as an educator at Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary.
Racha El-Dib
Racha El-Dib is changing lives through advocacy
Bachelor of Arts — Sociology, 2018
Nominator: Haley Jarmain
Meet Racha
Founder of Nadia’s Hope Foundation, a non-profit organization begun in the memory of her sister, Racha El-Dib has made a significant impact as a domestic violence advocate and educator. Renowned for her powerful public speaking and school presentations, Racha focuses on prevention and intimate partner violence awareness. Her resilience and dedication underscore her transformative role in driving meaningful change and touching lives in her community.
Kaylene McTavish
Kaylene McTavish is a champion for belonging
Bachelor of Communications — Public Relations, 2014
Nominator: Alena Boczek
Meet Kaylene
Kaylene McTavish has revolutionized student engagement at MRU. Known for her authenticity and bold approach, Kaylene’s leadership on campus is demonstrated across the student experience through initiatives like “All-Access NSO” to support neurodiverse students and the Indigenous Grand Entry to honor cultural heritage. Her commitment to inclusivity and belonging highlights her significant impact on campus and in the broader community.
Past award recipients
Contact us
MRU Alumni Council
4825 Mount Royal Gate SW
Calgary, AB, T3E 6K6
Email: alumnicouncil@mtroyal.ca
