• Security Services August 2024
    Meet our team

Learn more about some of our team members

 

Manesha Sidhu - Director

   

What are your work duties at MRU? 

Director of Security Services - I am responsible for overseeing campus safety and ensuring a secure environment for everyone on campus.

What is your professional background?

I’ve spent 10 years in the security industry, starting in event security before joining MRU nearly 6 years ago as a Security Team Lead.

What drew you to a career in campus security, and how do you personally connect with the students and staff you help protect?

I chose a career in campus security to make a positive impact in a community where a sense of safety is key to learning and growth. I believe in breaking down the barriers that uniforms can create, so I focus on listening to concerns and ensuring that everyone on campus feels safe and supported.

403.440.5053 | msidhu@mtroyal.ca


Will Fossen - Operations Manager

   

What are your work duties at MRU? 
My primary purpose is to assist our Director in carrying out the mission of Security Services including acting as an incident commander to strategically and tactically direct all security incidents and emergency operations, engaging in the active management of staff including recruitment, training, and the day to day operation of Security Services.

What is your professional background?
I have worked as a public safety professional for over 35 years and spent the last 20 years as a peace officer with the City of Calgary, spending the last 5 years as the Deputy Chief of Transit Public Safety, before joining MRU.

What drew you to a career in campus security, and how do you personally connect with the students and staff you help protect?
I have worked in post secondary at one time in my career and found the work to be challenging but also rewarding. When the opportunity came up to join MRU Security Services, I felt it would be a good fit for what my experiences have taught me and what I could bring to MRU. I am still relatively new to this position but I have found there are some great people here who are committed to making MRU a safe and vibrant place for students and staff to work and learn.

403.440.8493 | wfossen@mtroyal.ca


Oladipo Jabagun - Safety Program Manager

   

What are your work duties at MRU?

In my role at MRU, I focus on developing and implementing comprehensive safety programs that ensure the well-being of our campus community. My work involves collaborating with various departments and student groups to ensure that our approach to safety is well understood and supportive of the well-being of the campus community. Additionally, I oversee the security representatives based out of Riddell Library and Learning Centre and provide leadership in fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for everyone on campus. The final aspect of my role is working closely with staff, students, and faculty to create tailored safety plans that address their specific needs, whether it’s for individual concerns or broader departmental initiatives around safety.  

What is your professional background?

I come from a diverse background in social work and human services, which I believe offers a unique lens to campus safety. My experience spans across multiple sectors, including non-profit organizations, school districts, mental health and addiction services, and correctional facilities. I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals and teams through complex challenges, which has shaped my understanding of safety in both individual and organizational contexts.

What drew you to a career in campus security, and how do you personally connect with the students and staff you help protect?

My career in campus security stems from a passion for creating environments where people feel secure and supported. Having worked in mental health, education, and social services, I’ve seen firsthand how safety impacts well-being and success. For me, campus security offers a unique opportunity to blend my skills in safety and security with a proactive, people-first approach. I believe in fostering trust and building relationships with the campus community, and I make it a point to connect with students and staff by being present, approachable, and understanding of the various challenges they may be facing. 

403.440.7214 | ojabagun@mtroyal.ca


Tonya Melendy - Security Team Lead

   

What are your work duties at MRU?
I am one of the four Security Team Leads at Mount Royal University, I'm responsible for maintaining campus safety by ensuring smooth security operations and performing all Security Representative duties. My role involves supervising and training security staff, managing dispatch operations, patrols, various alarms, coordinating emergency responses, first aid assistance, and more.

What is your professional background?
I hold an Alberta Security License, a Legal Assistant Diploma, and a Personal Care Attendant Certificate. With six years of security experience, I currently enjoy my role here at Mount Royal University. Previously, I worked as a Healthcare Zone Supervisor and Security Officer at Paladin Security, handling security in hospital settings. My experience also includes providing care and support as a Community Support Worker and Community Disability Practitioner, where I had the privilege of supporting and caring for individuals with disabilities in various residential settings.

What drew you to a career in campus security, and how do you personally connect with the students and staff you help protect?
I was drawn to a career in campus security at MRU after learning about the role from a friend and former co-worker who highlighted the job's duties and an opening. Excited by the opportunity, I sought a position that focused more on customer service and the opportunity to gain experience in a different environment. At MRU, I quickly grew to appreciate the campus environment, enjoying interactions with students, assisting exchange students, participating in events, and responding to service calls with my team. My experience as a student, along with further education, deepened my understanding of the challenges students face and enhanced my ability to connect with and support them. I am committed to protecting and supporting students as they work towards their goals. Security Services are here to support students, employees, and the public. Whether you require a safewalk after an evening class, or just a friendly conversation, we're available 24/7 to assist those in need. If we cannot provide the help you need directly, we'll guide you to the right resources.


Simon Hermiz - Security Team Lead

   

What are your work duties at MRU?
As a Team Lead, I am dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all members of the MRU community.

What is your professional background?
With over 12 years’ experience in the security industry and a strong commitment to community engagement. Some of my duties include supervising and coordinating the work of security personnel, including scheduling shifts, assigning tasks, and providing guidance. I oversee daily security operations, ensuring that all duties are carried out effectively and in accordance with MRU policies. I engage with students, faculty, and staff to build trust,address their safety concerns and promote a culture of security awareness and cooperation. 

What drew you to a career in campus security, and how do you personally connect with the students and staff you help protect?
I started working for MRU security back in 2017 and I absolutely loved the inclusive environment that MRU fosters. I like helping students/faculty and staff by being approachable, ready to listen to concerns, and open to conversations. Being friendly and approachable helps demystify their role and encourages people to engage with them. 


Chris Joseph - Security Representative

   

What are your work duties at MRU?
My role on campus is to ensure a safe and comfortable experience in Mount Royal University, primarily the Riddell Library. 

What is your professional background?
I graduated Criminal Justice in 2016 and started working in security at Cadillac Fairview Chinook Centre for 6 years. I worked as a Security Representative, Dispatch and Assistant Supervisor.

What drew you to a career in campus security, and how do you personally connect with the students and staff you help protect?
I've always been interested in helping people and ensuring safety. Working security for 6 years has allowed me to connect with people by being approachable, building trust and actively listening to  concerns. I was interested in working in campus security as it would be a new experience for me with different challenges that I could learn from. I look forward to working with this team and contributing my experience to help with campus safety.


Melissa Gavel - Security Representative

   

What is your professional background?
I have 15 years of experience in the security industry working in various settings including college/university campuses and both public and post-secondary library facilities. I have an AA in Criminal Justice with a diploma in Security and Police Sciences and I am on track to complete my BSc.in Anthropology with a focus in both biology and archaeology.

What are your work duties at MRU?
A major part of my role as a Security Representative at Mount Royal University and the Riddell Library and Learning center is ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and the public. Some of my day-to-day duties include conducting patrols, monitoring CCTV systems, responding to incidents and/or medical emergencies, and conducting investigations. As a Security Representative at the RLLC, I also work in collaboration with the 24/7 security teams assisting with a range of activities and calls for service on campus.

What drew you to a career in campus security, and how do you personally connect with the students and staff you help protect?
The draw for me to work in campus security is my deep commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of others. I've always had a strong sense of responsibility and a desire to contribute to a positive and secure environment. Working in campus security is important to me because students and staff should feel like they are in a safe place to focus on their learning and growth. In terms of connecting with students and staff, I believe that communication, trust, and making a point to be approachable and visible on campus is key to ensuring that staff and students feel comfortable coming to me with their concerns or just for a friendly chat.