For over 40 years, the SAMRU Awards have highlighted and celebrated post-secondary excellence at Mount Royal University (MRU). 

On April 11, students, faculty and community leaders gathered in Wyckham House for the SAMRU Awards.

The SAMRU Student Governing Board (SGB) was on hand for the ceremony and had the distinct honour of presenting over $42,000 in awards.

See the full list and bios of winners below! All bios are written by the winners.

Enrichment Awards

Ava Chow | Beyond Disabilities Award
Laurel Krbavac | Beyond Disabilities Award
Angie Deranger | Deanna Cardinal Memorial Award
Regan Gallagher | Gender and Sexual Diversity Award
Amal Mouaouia | Inspiring Culture Award

Clubs Awards

Palestinian Culture Club | Excellence in Community Service Award
CAMRU (Computing Alliance of Mount Royal University | Excellence in Membership Service Award

Staff and Faculty Awards

Dr. Sara Smith | Teaching Excellence Award
Jordan Kidney | Teaching Excellence Award
Mackenzie Fraser | Champion Award

Endeavour Awards

Dani Wakulich | Citizen Award
Demola Yusuf | Citizen Award
Hiba Adam | Citizen Award
Jemina Lumaban | Committed Learner Award
Kailum El-Kadri | Committed Learner Award

Excellence Awards

Ayden Ali | Bronze Award Winner
Daniel Owoeye | Bronze Award Winner
Mehak Grewal | Bronze Award Winner
Francine Cerbino de Santana | Silver Award Winner
Alaskan (Trinity) Manywounds | Silver Award Winner
Aisyah Ghazali | Gold Award Winner
Laila Malik | Outstanding Student of the Year Award

Enrichment Awards

Beyond Disabilities Award Winners
Ava Chow

Ava Chow is a first-year student studying Psychology, with a minor in French Language and Francophone Studies. She is passionate about education and helping students build confidence in their learning.

Outside of school, Ava works as a tutor, supporting students with a range of learning needs, encouraging them to develop both academic skills and self-belief. She also volunteers at a local school, where she works closely alongside students with varying mental and physical disabilities. Through this experience, she has developed a strong passion for supporting individuals with disabilities as well as their families, creating an environment where all students feel understood and supported.

These experiences have strengthened her interest in psychology and deepened her curiosity about how people think, learn, and develop. At Mount Royal, she is also a member of the Psychology Student Society, where she enjoys connecting with others who share an interest in psychology and mental health.

Laurel Krbavac

Laurel is an Elementary Education student with a minor in Physical Literacy. She is passionate about supporting people with disabilities, particularly in sport and recreation settings. She is committed to creating inclusive, participant-centred environments where individuals of all abilities can experience movement, confidence, and connection.

Currently, Laurel volunteers as one of the MRU CAPA program coordinators, where she helps plan and lead adapted physical activity sessions for children and youth with diverse needs. Through this role, she develops accessible programming, supports volunteers, and works to ensure meaningful participation for every child.

Laurel also regularly volunteers in the Dominican Republic, supporting local school and community sport initiatives for children living in poverty. She has been especially involved in an early learning centre for preschoolers, helping to provide a safe and supportive learning environment as well as access to sport and recreation opportunities. Whether in academic, work, or volunteer settings, Laurel continually works to foster inclusion, remove barriers to participation, and create spaces where everyone has the opportunity to engage in both sport and education.

Deanna Cardinal Memorial Award
Angie Deranger

Édlánet’é?, Si Angela Deranger Hule’ya’. Angie is a Dene Su’line woman from Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Fond du Lac Dene First Nation, and a community member of Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation. Angie is also a proud mother of seven children and a grandmother. Angie’s identity as a Dene woman, mother, helper, and learner guides everything she does.

Education, for Angie, is not individual achievement—it is collective responsibility. It is about restoring balance for our families, our youth, and our Nations.

Gender and Sexual Diversity Award
Regan Gallagher

Regan is currently a first-year Bachelor of Social Work student with a minor in Indigenous Studies. Passionate about helping others, she supports students through her volunteer work at SAMRU’s Peer Support and Pride Centre. Furthermore, guided by the principle of empathy, she strives to create inclusive, safe and welcoming environments while volunteering at the Peer Support and Pride Centre.

Additionally, she has volunteered with the Good Human Campaign as a facilitator at their event ‘Beyond the Small Talk’ and at Mount Royal’s Pow Wow Children’s Corner. Through her volunteer work and ongoing academic pursuits, Regan is committed to fostering inclusive, accessible, and supportive environments for all individuals.

Inspiring Culture Award
Amal Mouaouia

Amal feels fortunate to have taken part in a number of leadership and community initiatives during her time at Mount Royal University. Through her involvement with SAMRU, the Peer Learning Program, and her writing with The Reflector, she works to amplify student voices and improve everyday experiences on campus.

Amal also serves as Co-President of the Kids First Foundation, where she helps organize initiatives supporting student-parents and families facing financial strain. She is grateful for the opportunities to both learn from and contribute to the MRU community, and looks forward to continuing to support students and initiatives that make campus life more inclusive and connected.

Clubs Awards

Excellence in Community Service Award
Palestinian Culture Club

The Palestinian Culture Club (PCC) has fostered a strong sense of unity among students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging a deeper appreciation for Palestinian culture and heritage across the Mount Royal University community. Through a wide range of initiatives, the club has created meaningful opportunities for students and community members to engage with Palestinian traditions, artistic expression, cuisine, and history.

Beyond cultural celebration, PCC is also committed to amplifying voices that are silenced. This commitment has been demonstrated through interactive cultural events, educational panels, community gatherings, and charitable initiatives. Notably, the club raised over $32,000 in humanitarian aid to support relief efforts in Gaza in just one evening, reflecting the compassion and dedication of its members. What truly distinguishes the Palestine Culture Club is its ability to seamlessly bring together cultural celebration and meaningful advocacy, creating a space where education, community, and social responsibility can coexist and thrive. PCC continues to bring togetherness and excitement while always centring Palestine at the heart of all that they do.

Excellence in Membership Services Award
CAMRU (Computing Alliance of Mount Royal University)

The Computing Alliance of MRU (CAMRU) is a premier student organization at Mount Royal University dedicated to fostering innovation and professional growth within the field of computing. Serving as a vital bridge between the classroom and the tech industry, the club provides an inclusive environment where students can master technical skills, expand their professional networks, and build lasting community ties.

CAMRU is widely recognized for its flagship Annual Networking Night, which stands as the largest tech-focused recruitment event on campus, hosting nearly 300 students and over a dozen industry partners. Beyond career-building, the organization offers educational services, including industry-standard Git workshops, and insight panels with major firms such as ATB and RBC. 

Whether its members are expert coders or curious beginners, the club empowers them with the resources and confidence needed to navigate the digital landscape. Through its steadfast leadership, CAMRU remains an essential pillar of the MRU campus community.

Staff and Faculty Awards

Teaching Excellence Award Winners
Dr. Sara Smith

Dr. Sara Smith is an Assistant Professor of Ecology and the Student Research Coordinator in the Department of Biology. Before joining Mount Royal University in 2022, she taught a variety of student-centred courses and workshops at the University of Calgary, the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, and Harvard University. 

At MRU, Dr. Smith focuses on inquiry-based, experiential learning to give students the opportunity to gain authentic research experiences and hone relevant skills for today’s science job market. As the Biology Student Research Coordinator, Dr. Smith’s goal has been to demystify the hidden curriculum of academic research by organizing public Biology Research Day and Science Showcase events and lowering the barriers to entry for course-based research experiences.

Her favourite moment in the classroom is seeing a concept or topic connect with a student for the first time, making the abstract and weird world of biology relatable and accessible to everyone in her class.

Teaching Excellence Award
Jordan Kidney

Jordan Kidney is an educator who believes that teaching begins with care. He works to create spaces where students feel seen, supported, and safe enough to learn, struggle, and grow. With a kind and compassionate approach, he strives to make learning feel approachable and meaningful, helping students believe in themselves even when they doubt their own abilities.

Jordan is known for bringing warmth, patience, and authenticity into the classroom, always trying to meet students where they are and remind them that they matter. For him, teaching is about more than sharing knowledge. It is about building confidence, nurturing curiosity, and creating a sense of belonging. He hopes that the students who pass through his classroom leave not only with new skills, but also with a stronger sense of their own worth, resilience, and potential.

Champion Award
Mackenzie Fraser

Mackenzie Fraser is an instructor in the Bachelor of Child Studies program at Mount Royal University. A graduate of the program herself, Mackenzie returned to Mount Royal University in 2022, bringing over 13 years of direct practice experience to the Child and Youth Care Counsellor (CYCC) stream. Her extensive background spans residential treatment, mental health services, schools, and community-based programming.

As a passionate CYCC and educator, Mackenzie’s practice is deeply rooted in being relational, strengths-based, and authentic. She is committed to trauma-informed approaches and strives to foster a sense of belonging for every student and young person she works alongside. Beyond the classroom, Mackenzie is a published children’s author, with work inspired by the curiosity and creativity of the youth she serves. Grounded in real-world experience, she remains dedicated to sharing her passion for the field and supporting the next generation of practitioners in Calgary, Alberta.

Endeavour Awards

Citizen Award Winners
Dani Wakulich

Dani Wakulich is a psychology student graduating this June. Throughout her degree, she has been actively involved in her campus community while maintaining strong academic standing, earning placement on the President’s Honour Roll in both the 2023/24 and 2024/25 academic years. Dani has contributed to student life through leadership, volunteering, and mentorship, working to create supportive and engaging spaces for fellow students.

She first became involved on campus as an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) Peer Leader, where she supported initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive and welcoming campus environment. Dani later joined the Mount Royal University Justice Advocates, first as a member and later serving as a Design and Events Executive for the club. Through these roles, she has worked to promote student engagement and advocate for social justice and equity within the campus community. Dani hopes to continue this work beyond the MRU campus in the future.

Demola Yusuf

Demola Yusuf is in his final year of the Anthropology Honours program at Mount Royal University, minoring in Indigenous Studies. Throughout his undergraduate degree, Demola has been actively involved across campus as a student member on MRU’s Human Research Ethics Board, a Student Director with the Archaeology Society of Alberta – Calgary Centre, and a volunteer peer supporter through the MRU After Hours Peer Support Program, where he provides crisis support to fellow students.

Demola has also dedicated much of his time at MRU conducting his honours thesis on the medicinal plant knowledge systems of the Siksikáítsitapi Nation. He has been presented with the Robert Spence Memorial Scholarship, the Humphreys Memorial Scholarship in Archaeology, and the Alberta Innovates Summer Research Studentship. Demola plans to pursue medicine following the completion of his undergraduate degree.

Hiba Adam

Hiba is a dedicated student and community-driven member of the campus community whose work blends artistic expression with meaningful social impact. As a Muslim, Hiba was raised to believe that all people, especially children, deserve the opportunity to excel in life, regardless of their shortcomings. Her love of children, as well as her lifelong goal of pursuing healthcare as a career path, evidently show through her work with non-profit organizations.

Hiba balances her time in academics with volunteer work both on and off campus, despite being a first-year student. She aligns herself with organizations that foster unity, inclusion, and shared purpose, such the Calgary Public Library, MRU Camps, SAMRU clubs, and Calgary Arts Development.

Academically, Hiba seeks deeper understanding of her degree program through practical applications in her volunteer work. Whether she is working on bake sales, event set-up and logistics, child care, designing professional merchandise, art development, or serving those in the community who are less fortunate, Hiba brings intention, empathy, and a strong sense of identity into everything she does. During the rest of her time at Mount Royal, she hopes to foster a sense of vibrancy, belonging, and unity on campus..

Committed Learner Award Winners
Jemina Lumaban

Jemina Lumaban is a fourth-year Accounting student at Mount Royal University who is passionate about supporting both her campus and local community. She serves as a Senior Learning Peer with the Peer Learning Program, where she facilitates collaborative learning sessions that help learners strengthen their understanding of course concepts through guided problem-solving and discussion. She also contributes to the program’s social media outreach by helping create posts that promote events, share wellness and facilitation tips, and recognize Learning Peers.

In addition, Jemina volunteers with the Students’ Association of Mount Royal University (SAMRU), supporting initiatives that enhance student wellbeing. She also volunteers with The Mustard Seed, contributing to programs that provide resources and support for individuals experiencing homelessness, low-income families, and children’s education.

Kailum El-Kadri

Kailum El-Kadri is a fifth-year student at Mount Royal University in Calgary, where he is completing a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in the Business of Sport and Recreation. He is the founder and president of KJ Events Co., the organization behind the All-Canadian Classic, a national high school football showcase that brings together top student-athletes from across Canada to compete, develop their skills, and gain exposure to post-secondary opportunities. Alongside his work in sport and event management, Kailum remains committed to learning both inside and outside the classroom.

Through his work with the All-Canadian Classic, Kailum has helped create opportunities for dozens of young athletes each year while building partnerships with coaches, sponsors, and community supporters across the country. He is also actively involved in coaching and mentoring youth athletes, reflecting his passion for sport and leadership development.

Kailum is committed to growing sport in Canada and creating platforms that help young athletes pursue their goals both on and off the field.

Excellence Awards

Bronze Award Winners
Ayden Ali

Ayden Ali is a fourth-year Sociology student with a minor in Business at Mount Royal University, and holds a strong record of academic excellence. He has contributed to Mount Royal’s research community through two terms as a Research Assistant in both the Department of Humanities and Communication, supporting faculty-led projects regarding student activism at Canadian universities, as well as exploring the effects of digital media on civic and political attitudes.

Beyond research, Ayden is deeply involved in university-wide governance and student advocacy, serving on major bodies including the General Faculties Council, the Student Affairs Committee, the Teaching and Learning Committee, Arts Faculty Council, and the Health, Community & Education Council. Across research, governance, and student engagement, Ayden is committed to improving the student experience and helping build a more informed, inclusive, and engaged campus community.

Daniel Owoeye

Daniel Owoeye is a fourth-year Bachelor of Nursing student at Mount Royal University and a student-athlete on the MRU Men’s Basketball team. Throughout his time at MRU, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and academic excellence and has become a prominent advocate for representation, and community engagement. Daniel balances the demands of varsity athletics with a rigorous nursing program while maintaining a passion for mentorship and service.

Beyond the classroom and the court, Daniel is a committed mentor and community leader. In 2025, he founded a free community basketball development camp themed on “Resilience,” providing elite coaching to underserved youth. His extensive volunteer portfolio includes serving as a respite caregiver for over three years and coaching for the WIN Basketball Club. Currently working within Alberta Health Services as an undergraduate nurse in a Perioperative Unit, Daniel plans to transition into a career in healthcare where he can continue to champion equitable, compassionate care and positively impact his community. 

Mehak Grewal

Mehak (she/her) is a fourth-year Psychology student with a minor in Marketing. Her academic interests include women’s and children’s mental health, in addition to consumer behaviour. On campus, Mehak has been actively involved as a Peer Health Educator, New Student Orientation Leader, and New Student Registration Leader, while also serving in an executive role in the Psychology Student Society. Through these roles, she advocates for student well-being. Beyond campus, Mehak volunteers with Kids Help Phone and the University of Calgary, guiding individuals through personal challenges and contributing to research.

Silver Award Winners
Francine Cerbino de Santana

Francine Cerbino is a Bachelor of Science student in Biology at Mount Royal University who will graduate with Honours while maintaining a GPA of 3.96. She has earned a place on the Dean’s Honour Roll every semester and the President’s Honour Roll each year, demonstrating consistent academic excellence throughout her degree.

As a mature student and mother, Francine returned to university with a strong sense of purpose and has balanced her studies with leadership and service. She contributes to the Peer Learning Program as both a Learning Peer and a Senior Learning Peer, facilitating collaborative learning sessions, mentoring students, and supporting peer training initiatives.

Beyond campus, she volunteers in animal care settings, reflecting her commitment to community involvement and compassionate service. Through her resilience, leadership, and dedication to supporting others, Francine has made a meaningful impact at MRU and beyond.

Alaskan (Trinity) Manywounds

Alaskan identifies as a mixed Native woman, with roots in both the Tsuut’ina and Cree Nations. She is currently in her second year of the Child and Youth Care Counsellor program at Mount Royal University, where she is developing the knowledge and skills needed to support children, youth, and families in meaningful and culturally grounded ways.

In a short time, Alaskan has achieved many meaningful milestones. In 2025, she embraced the title of artist, something that once felt like only a childhood dream. That dream has grown into a platform where she shares her story with youth, encouraging them to follow their own paths and believe in their potential.

This year, she was also invited by an alumna to join the Treaty 7 Student Advisory Committee, further expanding her involvement in Indigenous student leadership and community advocacy. Through her education, creativity, and community engagement, Alaskan continues to inspire and uplift those around her.

Gold Award
Aisyah Ghazali

Aisyah is a second-year student in the Bachelor of Child Studies: Child and Youth Care Counselling (CYCC) program at Mount Royal University. Passionate about inclusive care, she has dedicated herself to supporting children, youth, and families through adversity. Alongside her studies, she is also an active volunteer with Ups and Downs: Calgary Down Syndrome Community, helping to organize events that promote inclusion and support individuals with Down Syndrome. In her free time, Aisyah loves to go hiking and skiing, and has recently worked in Japan facilitating outdoor activities with children and school groups.

Aisyah’s commitment to advocacy and community engagement is rooted in her personal experiences and a deep desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable children and youth, and she looks forward to continuing her research in child development with the Palix Foundation: Alberta Family Wellness Initiative this summer.

Outstanding Student of the Year
Laila Malik

Laila Malik is a journalism student at Mount Royal University and a passionate community leader dedicated to advocacy, service, and storytelling. Born and raised in Calgary, she brings a diverse perspective shaped by her Indian Punjabi and Kashmiri heritage and her experiences travelling internationally. Laila is the founder and president of the Sisterhood in Action Club at Mount Royal University, where she works to create supportive spaces for women and encourage community engagement on campus. She also serves on the Muslim Students’ Association Advocacy Team, supporting initiatives that amplify student voices and address issues affecting the Muslim community.

Beyond campus, Laila is the co-founder of the Together for Sudan Foundation, a humanitarian initiative focused on raising awareness and support for communities affected by crisis. She hopes to combine journalism and medicine in the future to highlight humanitarian issues and advocate for underrepresented communities. Through leadership, journalism, and advocacy, Laila strives to create meaningful social impact

Congratulations are in order for not only the winners, but also all those who applied! 

Are your contributions to the Students’ Association deserving of recognition? We encourage you to continue your exceptional engagement. Award applications will open at the beginning of the winter semester.

Further information regarding the SAMRU Awards can be found here. For any questions or inquiries, please contact [email protected].

Students have been clear for years: Fall Reading Week should move to November.

This year, we came closer than ever to making it a reality. And still, it fell short again.

The power to move Fall Reading Break sits with Mount Royal University’s General Faculties Council (GFC), the university’s highest academic governing board. 

In October 2025, the GFC voted to survey students and faculty on whether Fall Reading Week should stay in October, attached to Thanksgiving, or move to November, attached to Remembrance Day.

In January 2026, that survey went out through MRU’s Office of Institutional Research and Planning. You may have even participated yourself. The results reinforced what students have been saying since the inception of Fall Reading Week: 78 percent of students supported moving Fall Reading Week to November.

This result reached the two-thirds majority needed from students to move the week off from classes. But student support alone was not enough.

The MRU Faculty were also required to have two-thirds of its surveyed population vote in favour of moving the break. But despite 58 percent of the faculty supporting the move in the January survey, that support was not enough.

No longer about students

In a press release sent to CTV in 2016, then Mount Royal University president David Docherty announced that Fall Reading Days (which previously gave students three out of five days off during the week of Remembrance Day) would be moved to Thanksgiving weekend and expanded to a full Reading Week in 2017. 

In the release, Docherty stated, “We feel strongly that the timing of this break will be extremely beneficial to students’ mental health and well-being” and that “The decision to add a fall term reading week reflects our commitment to student success.”

Almost immediately, students voiced their dissatisfaction with the new Reading Week. In 2019, MRU journalism instructor Mike Vernon conducted a survey in which 97 broadcast media and journalism students were polled, and 84.5 percent of those students voiced dissatisfaction with the current days the week lands on, with many stating that it was too early and that a November break would be more beneficial based on workload.

In 2023, The Reflector polled students on their satisfaction with the timing of MRU’s fall reading week. Of 62 respondents, 43.5 percent gave it the lowest possible score. Most of the rest weren’t far behind.

This data, alongside the latest findings from MRU’s Office of Institutional Research and Planning, shows a shift in the university’s priorities.

If Reading Week truly aimed to support students’ mental well-being and success, the university wouldn’t have spent years ignoring and disregarding students’ concerns.

What’s next?

Leading up to the March 20, 2026, GFC meeting, your SAMRU Representation Executive Council (REC) made their latest push to move Fall Reading Week to November to align with other Universities in Alberta and with student mental health and academic concerns.

Students showed up at the meeting supporting a November Reading Week while sporting “majority rules” stickers and ensuring they were noticed by GFC attendees. 

Because the motion to consider moving Fall Reading Week was ultimately defeated, Fall Reading Week will stay in October until it’s brought up for discussion again … possibly not until the Fall 2029 Semester. 

Students have done their part. They showed up. They answered. They made their voices clear more than once. Now the question is whether the university is prepared to act on what students have said.

—– UPDATE! APRIL 17 —–

• The Faculty is on our side: MRFA President, Brenda Lang, personally put forward the motion this month and fought hard for it.
• Although the motion to bring it forward was again defeated, MRU’s President is listening: Following the debate, President Tim Rahilly acknowledged its importance to the community. He has committed to taking the issue to his leadership team for a review and will report back to GFC.

We aren’t done. We’ve updated our full breakdown of the process and what’s next here: samru.ca/mru-fall-reading-week-november-vote-2026

How you can help: Showing up matters. Student presence made a huge impact at the March meeting and kept the pressure on in April. GFC meetings happen on the third Friday of every month. You can also reach out to REC directly at [email protected] to share your thoughts.

We encourage students to continue sharing their voices loudly and proudly, including by contacting REC via email at [email protected] regarding this or any other issue.

Students can also attend GFC meetings, held on the third Friday of each month from September to May, to show faculty that this cannot wait until 2029. While the motion may have fallen short for now, REC will continue advocating for students and exploring all available options to ensure students’ voices are heard.

For general inquiries, you can contact us at [email protected].

Students will soon be able to breathe a sigh of relief; Stress Less signals the end of the semester is right around the corner!

SAMRU’s Stress Less programming returns April 13-17! From puppy visits and drop-in yoga sessions hosted by the MRU Yoga Club, to a Smudge Space at the Cultural Inclusion Centre (CIC), Stress Less offers something for everyone to decompress, and relax your mind, body and soul.

Keep scrolling, and check out the full list of Stress Less events below!

Stress Less all across campus

Rotating Free Snack Tables (April 13-17)
Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Locations: Main Street (April 13, 15 & 17) MRU Library (April 14 & 16)

Free Take-home Crafts and Plants (April 13-17)
Time: 9:00 am until supplies last
Location: SAMRU Reception (Z222)

Free Cotton Candy (April 13-17)
Time: 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Location: West Gate Social

Puppy Room (April 13,14, 17)
Time: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Location: The Gallery (Z224)

Free Massages (April 14 & 16)
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Location: Wyckham Second Floor Lounge

Smudge Space (April 14)
Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: Cultural Inclusion Centre (Z203)

Free Used Books (April 13-17)
Time: During Operational Hours
Location: Wyckham Second Floor Lounge

Drop-in Yoga (April 14)
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Council Chambers (Z236)

SAMRU Centre Programming and Activities (April 13-17)
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Pride Centre (Z307), Cultural Inclusion Centre (Z203), Student Advocacy Resource Centre (Z211), Peer Support Centre (Z210)

Finish the Semester Strong

The end of the semester can be a difficult time for students.

Whether it’s working with your classmates to get that last group project submitted, writing the final sentence of your essay, or preparing for your final set of exams, SAMRU is here for you along the way!

Make sure to stay up to date on our Stress Less events here, finish the semester off strong and enjoy your well-earned summer break!

For general inquiries and suggestions, you can always reach out to us at [email protected].

Last month, two MRU students walked the halls of Parliament Hill, sat across from Members of Parliament, and made sure your concerns were heard at the highest levels of government.

SAMRU REC President, Tala Abu Hayyaneh, and SAMRU REC Vice President External Mariana Mejia Salazar, travelled to Ottawa for the Canadian Alliance of Student Association’s (CASA)’s Advocacy Week (Nov. 17–21), joining student leaders from across the country to push for change on the issues that matter most to you: housing affordability, student grants, and access to work-integrated learning.

Why this matters

This kind of advocacy has a track record. Over the past decade, CASA’s work has contributed to real policy wins—including the elimination of interest on federal student loans, a 40% increase to Canada Student Grants (now $4,200/year), and federal investment in student housing. These aren’t abstract victories. They show up in your financial aid package.

Advocacy Week is how that work gets done: face-to-face meetings where student leaders present research, share stories, and push politicians to act.

Who they met

Abu Hayyaneh and Salazar met with MPs, ministers, senators, and government staff throughout the week, including:

• MP David MacKenzie (Calgary Signal Hill) — MRU’s own MP, who asked detailed questions about the impact of affordable student housing investment
• Ginette Lavack, Parliamentary Secretary for Indigenous Services Canada, who acknowledged frustration around the Canada Student Grant not keeping pace with inflation
• MP Jacob Mantle (York-Durham) discussed affordable housing funding and stakeholder consultation for apprenticeship programs
• Carina Gabriel, Staff for Women and Gender Equality (WAGE), confirmed ongoing engagement and relationship-building with student organizations
• Minister Patty Hajdu (Jobs and Families), Senator Colin Deacon, MP Leslie Church, MP Greg McLean, and others

A moment of reflection

For Abu Hayyaneh, this was her final Advocacy Week after two years representing students at the federal level.

“I am left with an immense amount of gratitude for the students I’ve worked with, advocating for half a million students across Canada,” she said. “It’s an incredible honour to have been part of this journey.”

Your turn?

REC applications are now open for the upcoming spring election. If you want a seat at tables where decisions get made—and a chance to carry this work forward. You can find more information on the application process and how to apply here!

Whether you’re facing academic or non-academic challenges, it’s good to know you’re not alone. Your Students’ Association has a dedicated resource just for you: the Student Advocacy Resource Centre (SARC) at Wyckham House!

To share everything SARC has to offer in Room Z211, we chatted with Ayesha, the Advocacy Resource and Support Coordinator, to learn about her role and how SARC’s programs support students with a wide range of advocacy concerns.

Keep reading to learn more about Ayesha’s role at the Students’ Association and how SARC provides essential support and guidance for students facing academic or personal challenges.

Tell us about yourself!

I’m Ayesha Khalid, the Advocacy Resource and Support Coordinator here at SAMRU. I’ve been with the team since 2019, focusing on empowering students and helping them build the skills to advocate for themselves. Outside of work, I’m passionate about travelling and enjoy painting in my free time.

What is the Student Advocacy Resource Centre?

The Student Advocacy Resource Centre (SARC) provides confidential services and support to individual students who have academic and/or non-academic advocacy concerns and questions.

What types of services and support do you offer to students?

Some of our services include final grade appeals, requirements to withdraw, incomplete grades, withdrawal with cause, correspondence review and more. We also help students prepare for meetings and accompany them as support people.

A common misconception is that we advocate on behalf of the student, which is not the case. Rather, we empower and help equip students with the skills they need to advocate for themselves.

Lastly, we also provide internal and external resources to students in need so they feel supported on and off campus. 

What do you hope students take away from their experience with SARC?

I hope that when students leave the centre, they feel empowered, heard and have adequate resources to take the next steps. I want students to be aware that they are not alone in times of distress, and that SARC is there to support them as they navigate through their academic concerns.

Where can students find the Student Advocacy Resource Centre?

SARC is here to support you on the second floor of Wyckham House in Room Z211. We’re open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, and while walk-ins are welcome, booking an appointment helps us to best serve you. To make an appointment, head to the SAMRU website and fill out our online booking form or access the link here. Our team will follow up to confirm a time that works for you – either online or in person.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I am aware that advocacy may seem a bit daunting at times, especially in crisis. However, we try our best to help maintain a welcoming and positive environment while we support students through their journey. We look forward to meeting you!

You can reach Ayesha at [email protected] or book an appointment anytime Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. 

For general inquiries, contact us at [email protected].

If you’ve ever grabbed lunch in the food court, attended a club event in the Gallery, or caught a show at West Gate Social, you’ve been part of a legacy that started more than sixty years ago with one simple idea; students should have a space to call their own.

Back in 1963, nearly 50 years before it became a university, Mount Royal College (MRC) students didn’t have that. At this time, Mount Royal College was located in the downtown core of Calgary.

The Student Council met wherever it could, relying on generosity from the college administration for space, funding, and even permission to operate.

That changed when a young business instructor named Robert Wyckham joined their retreat in Banff; and listened to their frustrations.

“During the retreat, I suggested a way of raising money from the student body on an annual basis which would free the Council to operate in a more independent manner,” Wyckham recounted.

At the time, an idea like this was relatively unheard of, but it paid off.

Within two years, Council members had raised enough to buy a small house just up the street from the downtown campus. They called it Wyckham House, in honour of the instructor who helped them take that first step toward autonomy.

“I didn’t think I deserved such an honour, but I was thrilled to be asked,” Wyckham wrote.

Continued Growth of Wyckham House as Enrollment Rates Sore

Over the next couple of decades, MRC experienced a sharp rise in student enrollment rates.

To accommodate this increase, Mount Royal moved to its current Lincoln Park campus in 1972; students ensured Wyckham House came with it, not just in name, but in spirit.

Dr. Wyckham returned for the sod-turning of the new Wyckham House in 1984 and again for its 10th, 20th and 30th anniversary celebrations. By this time, the Student Council had outgrown a simple house, requiring an entire building for meetings, events and student centres.

The 10th anniversary celebration stands out as a truly special day for Wyckham House.

With former Premier Ralph Klein present, the next stage of development for Wyckham House was announced.

“The building seems always to be a work in progress,” Wyckham wrote regarding the space that keeps evolving with each generation of students.

The Past, Present and Future

Dr. Wyckham went on to earn his Ph.D. from Michigan State University and became a professor of marketing at Simon Fraser University.

His teaching and research have had a profound impact on many students over the years. Yet his early contribution here at Mount Royal remains one of his most enduring legacies: empowering students to manage their own affairs and create their own community.

“Each time I wear the 10^th anniversary commemorative t-shirt, I recall the energy and commitment of the students who manage the affairs of Wyckham House,” Wyckham wrote.

That independent spirit continues to guide the Students’ Association of Mount Royal University (SAMRU) today. As outlined in SAMRU’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, one of the Association’s core goals is to make the Wyckham House Student Centre an indispensable part of campus life; a place where every student feels connected, supported, and empowered.

So next time you walk through Wyckham House, whether it’s for a meal, a club meeting, an event, or just a break between classes, take a moment to think of the student leaders and the professor who started it all.

Their vision lives on in every conversation, every idea, and every friendship formed within these walls.

When Alexandra Daignault enrolled in an Indigenous Studies course at Mount Royal University, she didn’t expect it to inspire a social enterprise blending activism, community, and culture, one cup at a time.

Daignault, a former English major with a focus on post-colonial theory, recently returned to campus as a guest speaker. 

For her, the trip was more than just revisiting her alma mater — it was a full-circle moment.

To understand why this trip was extra special, we have to go back a couple of years. Daignault was a student majoring in English with a focus on post-colonial theory.

“I was talking to my grandmother (whose family is from Trinidad), who was hugely impactful,” Daignault said. “We talked a lot about our role in post-colonial futures, and how our communities had been complicit in supporting colonial projects.”

Her grandmother’s encouragement led her to take the next step in her education.

“One day, my nan said, ‘If you really want to take this work forward, we have to take an Indigenous Studies class.’” “So I registered in a course led by Dr. Renee Watchman and that’s really where everything started to click.

How One Class Changed Her Life

Daignault recounted her very first class where she met Dr.Watchman. Within minutes, she knew this would be no ordinary class.

“Dr. Renee Watchman walked in with long hair and Fluevog boots and was just the coolest ever,” Daignault said.

She explained the class project: students had to bring activism into their everyday life, a task that would account for 60 per cent of their grade.

Throughout the semester, Daignault studied activist movements like the Oka Crisis, the Occupation of Alcatraz, and the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

“What struck me about this topic was that in my communities, we also have a lot of missing women, a lot of violence towards women and girls, but there was no way of bringing these communities together in conversation,” Daignault said.

From Coursework to Social Enterprise: Building Community Impact

Daignault wondered what could be done. It was at a routine trip to Good Earth Coffee where she would have her “aha” moment.

Daignault looked at her plain Good Earth cup and wondered why there wasn’t any tea that raised awareness on the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. 

“There wasn’t any tea that raised awareness on the issue and used locally sourced ingredients. I thought, what if there was a tea that did both; and donated part of the proceeds to support missing and murdered women?”

Daignault created hand-stitched tea bags and sourced ingredients with help from her aunt’s store. She submitted the project and earned an “A”, but the idea wouldn’t leave her alone.

“I couldn’t stop thinking about it,” she said.

Throughout the next few years, Daignault took business classes and sought guidance from elders. It was after a friendly jokingly said, “You’ll never know if this is a good idea until you actually sell a bag of tea,” that her idea finally became a reality.

Daignault rushed home, got supplies from Staples, put the product together, and launched an Etsy store. Overnight, she sold approximately 200 units. 

Things were only up from here. Her company, Sarjesa, has grown into a socially conscious brand found in cafes across Calgary and recently became the tea provider at West Gate Perks in Wyckham House.

Giving Back to the Next Generation

“Coming back to campus and seeing our tea served here feels full circle,” Daignault said. “MRU gave me the foundation to think critically and act with care.”

“I’m proud of all the businesses we work with, but this one is closest to home for me,” she added.

Daignault credits her success to mentorship and self-reflection, particularly lessons from Dr. Watchman on humility and responsible allyship.

“She taught me to ask better questions, to understand my position as a non-Indigenous person, and to learn through listening,” Daignault said. “That’s something I carry into every part of my business.”

Now an established entrepreneur, Daignault encourages current students to explore their ideas.

“If you have an idea that won’t leave you alone, explore it,” she said. “And if you need support, reach out, that’s what alumni are here for.”

“I love MRU; This campus is the place to be,” she said. “It’s the most underrated university experience that actually delivers the most bang for your buck. There are so many resources, and I’m proud to be part of this campus.”

Welcome back to campus! While you were recharging this summer, your elected student leaders on the Representation Executive Council (REC) were busy advocating on your behalf. The team spent the summer focused on affordability, student employment, and making sure your voice is heard at every level.

Meet your 2025–26 REC team

REC is made up of four full-time student leaders elected by peers and appointed by the Student Governing Board. This year’s team includes:

Together, they represent student interests at Mount Royal University (MRU) and advocate to government and external organizations on issues like tuition, academic policies, student rights, and more.

Summer Advocacy Wins

Removing the $1 bookstore bag fee

• Successfully lobbied to eliminate a $1 fee for bags on online bookstore pickups, saving students thousands annually and easing financial pressure.

Advocated for Youth Employment

• Met with government officials (municipal, provincial, federal) regarding youth employment challenges.

Youth employment and co-op placements on the agenda

• Stressed the need to include co-op placements in funding programs to remove financial barriers 

You can read their full release on our website here. 

Your Vote Shapes Your City

Your vote in Calgary’s October 20 election is your voice on student issues like public transit, housing, and jobs.

To help you get ready, your student leaders (REC) hosted Municipal Mondays to teach you about voting and a Student Connect event where close to 100 students met 33 candidates.

Now, it’s your turn to make a difference. See Election Calgary’s website for a full list of mayoral and ward candidates and to find out which ward you’re in and where and when to vote!

REAC is back

The Representation Executive Advisory Committee (REAC) Ambassadors are students who work directly with elected student leaders on important committees. This is a hands-on way to make a difference on campus.

Committees REAC volunteers are involved with include:

• Tuition & Fee Consultation Committee (TFCC): As a TFCC Ambassador, students represent their peers by reviewing budget documents and providing feedback in meetings to help ensure that financial decisions regarding tuition and fees are fair.
• General Faculties Council (GFC): As a GFC Ambassador, students represent their peers on the university’s main academic decision-making body, ensuring their voices help shape policies that affect their classes and learning experience.

Share your experiences and get involved!

There are many different ways you can voice your opinions and be heard. Here are some of the key things where your input will help your elected representatives in the near future and make a difference.

• MRU’s Indigenous Strategic Plan: MRU is updating its Indigenous Strategic Plan this year and listening sessions will be held for students, staff, and faculty. REC is encouraging students to attend. For those unable to participate in person, we’d be more than happy to offer help preparing written messages or delivering feedback on students’ behalf. Reach out to REC at [email protected].
  
• Tuition Consultations in October: With tuition consultations scheduled for October, student feedback about affordability and any effects tuition may have is critical in shaping our advocacy efforts.

“Whether it’s about tuition, employment, or campus life, your input drives our work,” REC President Tala Abu Hayyaneh said. “We need to know what matters most to students.”

Students can connect with us throughout the year to share feedback on issues affecting their academic and personal lives at MRU.

“Whether it’s about tuition, employment, or campus life, your input drives our work,” Abu Hayyaneh said. “We need to know what matters most to students.”

• Academic Accommodations Policy: We are also preparing for consultations with MRU to participate in the review of the university’s Academic Accommodations Policy, ensuring the process is fair and accessible.

“We want to make sure student voices are heard at the table,” Anita Surujbally, SAMRU REC VP Student Affairs, said. “The best way to do that is by listening to students who have gone through the process themselves.”

How you can help: Students who have used, or tried to access accommodations are encouraged to share their experiences directly with us. Feedback will inform REC’s position in discussions with MRU administration.

Connect with us!

We’re so glad to have students back on campus for the new semester!

It was great seeing so many of you at the New Student Orientation, Campus Carnival and Open House. If you didn’t get to connect with REC, don’t worry! You’ll see the team all over campus this year.

 To stay up-to-date on where we’ll be and what we’re working on, be sure to keep an eye on our events calendar and follow us on social media!

• REC BlueSky: @samrurec.bsky.social
• REC Instagram: @samru.rec

If you have any questions or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your representatives at [email protected]. We’re here to represent you!

From its humble beginnings to becoming SAMRU’s biggest, boldest, and most talked-about event, it’s been a wild ride, full of laughter and learning.

Each year, hundreds of students show up not just for the prizes, but for the open, inclusive space to explore topics around relationships, sexuality, and sexual health, all while shouting “BINGO!” at the top of their lungs.

As we get ready for Winter 2026 iteration of Sex Toy Bingo, let’s take a fun little trip down memory lane and see how this legendary event grew from curious concept to can’t-miss campus tradition.

13 Years of Buzz

Early Years: 2015-16

2013 marked the debut of what would become a staple in the student social calendar. Though the early events lacked today’s elaborate themes and sets, they immediately stood out for bringing students together in a fun, judgment-free space to explore sexuality, build community, and learn about consent and the safe, consensual use of sex toys.

Becoming the Premier Event: 2018-19

By 2018–19, Sex Toy Bingo had become one of the most anticipated events on campus, known for its elaborate themes, lively entertainment, and lines out the door.

Bingo Before the Break: Winter 2020

By 2020, Sex Toy Bingo was a must-attend event, with lines forming over an hour in advance. If you didn’t get in, you swore you wouldn’t miss the next one. Little did we know, The Winter 2020 Sex Toy Bingo would be the last for nearly two years as just weeks later, in-person classes were suspended as the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

The Return: 2021-22

After nearly two years, Sex Toy Bingo returned in Fall 2021; not just as a fun, judgment-free space to explore sexuality and consent, but as a celebration of MRU students’ resilience after two challenging years.

Our Biggest Bingo in the Galaxy: 2023-24

The Fall 2023 edition of Sex Toy Bingo quickly became a fan favourite. With its extraterrestrial theme, stunning visuals, and out-of-this-world performances, the event earned rave reviews and cemented its place as one of the most iconic in the event’s history.

Get Ready for Sex Toy Bingo!

Sex Toy Bingo is approaching on February 12th! Doors open at 7:00 pm, and the first game begins at 8:00 pm. Entry is first-come, first-served, and limited seating is available, so be sure to arrive early! If you’re on the reservation list, arrive before 7:45 pm to guarantee entry. 

Get ready for a night of laughter and learning, and be prepared to be entertained by our special co-hosts Ivy La Fleur and Janet Miller.

This is an 18+ event, so remember to bring one piece of valid, government-issued photo I.D. and your MRU One Card. See you there!

Explore Sexpo Workshops!

Sexpo Workshops focus on important topics such as safe and consensual sex, effective communication and what healthy sexual relationships look like.

You can find some of our upcoming workshops below:

Safelink STBBI Testing

When: Feb. 10 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: U216A (by MRU Wellness)

Safelink will on campus offering testing for Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis C.

STBBI 101

When: Feb. 25 4 – 5 p.m.

Where: The Gallery

The Sexual Health Peer Educators, a sub-team of the Peer Health Educator program at Mount Royal University are hosting a workshop dedicated to making sexual health conversations easier. They’ll break down how to talk to your partners, what a positive test result actually means for you, and the 101 on PEP and PrEP. This is a judgment-free zone, and everyone is welcome to attend!

Ceramics and Sex Ed

When: Mar. 25 4 – 6 p.m.

Where: Council Chambers

Learn how to make vulva or nipple ceramics with the help of Firuze Avci from VLV ceramics. Then learn more from local sex educator, Emma Mutch, as she answers your questions on sex ed, pleasure, and more. Space is limited, so be sure to sign up here to register and confirm your spot!

For those who have yet to visit our vibrant Pride Centre (Z307), it is located on the third floor of Wyckham House. The centre plays a crucial role on campus by offering a safe, inclusive and supportive space where all students, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or background, can feel accepted and valued. More than just a physical space, it’s a community that brings together connection, education and empowerment. Whether you’re looking for peer support, educational resources or simply need a space to relax and meet new friends, the Pride Centre is here for you!

Drop by anytime from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm on weekdays and meet our Pride and Healthy Relationship Coordinator, Gloria! Whether you have questions, need resources or want to chat, Gloria welcomes everyone to stop by and say hi! To learn more about the Pride Centre, check out our spotlight blog here!

The Pride Centre also hosts ongoing programs throughout the year, such as Crafternoon and Wellness Wind Down. Check out the Pride Events Calendar to stay updated.

Additional Resources:

Below are additional online and off-campus resources to get the education, information, and support you may need.

Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights

Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights is a pro-choice charitable organization committed to advancing and upholding sexual and reproductive health and rights in Canada and globally.

Alberta Health Services – Sexual and Reproductive Health
AHS provides resources and information to Albertans on various sexual and reproductive health topics.

CCASA
Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse provides support to those affected by sexual violence.

Centre for Sexuality
The Centre for Sexuality provides education, training, and counselling services.

Freddie
Freddie aims to revolutionize healthcare for the LGBTQ2S+ community by offering empathetic, inclusive, and expert-driven services that prioritize individual needs, barriers and stigma associated with traditional healthcare experiences.

PRUDEMag
PRUDEmag is a zine that celebrates spinsters, asexuals, relationship anarchists, celibates, and others resisting sex necessarism by reclaiming “prude” as a powerful affirmation of autonomy, boundary setting, and the sacredness of “no.”

SafeLink Alberta
SafeLink Alberta is a crucial resource offering immediate and confidential support to those affected by domestic violence, connecting individuals with services tailored to their needs.

Scarleteen

Scarleteen is an inclusive nonprofit providing progressive sexuality and relationship education.

Sensuale Intimate Wellness
Sensuale Intimate Wellness is a sex-positive, body-positive, queer-owned adult store that offers a curated selection of 100% body-safe products, emphasizing radical pleasure activism to help you and your loved ones live your best and healthiest lives.

Sex & U
SexandU.ca provides accurate, credible, and up-to-date information and education on topics related to sexual and reproductive health.

Sex-Ed Files

Mariah Caudillo (the creator of Sex-Ed Files) provides inclusive and accessible online sex education through her social media channels.

S3xTheorywithDee

Multi-award-winning sex educator Dee Whitnell delivers inclusive LGBTQ+ sex-ed through her social media channels and award-winning books.

That something might be the sweet camaraderie of a club! No matter what year of study you’re in, clubs are one of the best ways to make the most of your campus experience!

There are dozens of SAMRU clubs teeming throughout the corridors of MRU. Do you want to establish some fellowship within your program, or are you looking to locate a group that’s into chess as much as you? Look no further than our Club Hub!

But what if there isn’t a club that piques your interest? That’s nothing you and a couple of friends can’t fix! So, whether there’s a club niche you’ve spotted on campus or your peers are primed and ready to make the club of your dreams happen, here’s your guide to ensure you and your group are ready to ratify.

Treading over the basics

Creating a SAMRU club is perhaps the best option to locate your people on campus – with the Clubs Expo serving as a prime facilitator for exposure and recruitment. However, you must officially ratify your club for your group to attend.

Ratification is a relatively short but concise process, requiring you to:

1. Gather Your Team: You need at least three (and no more than four) Signing Authorities and 10 members to start.
2. Complete the Paperwork:
   • Fill out the signing authority agreement.
   • Draft and submit your club’s constitution.
3. Submit and Obtain Training Information:
   • Send in your ratification form and documents.
   • Have all Signing Authorities complete the online club training (Our Clubs Coordinator will contact the SAs about training once your forms are submitted).
4. Receive Funding:
   • Once you ratify, your club will receive $300 in seed funding. Re-ratified clubs get an additional $150 each year.

Additionally, a club can’t overlap too closely with another that’s established and active on campus. While we understand there are crucial differences between different Warhammer franchises, they’d have to fall under an umbrella collective.

Unsure of the conduct you and your members have to follow? Check the Club Hub website for anything and everything you’ll ever need to ratify or re-ratify your club.

What constitutes the constitution?

Hold up! Before you submit your ratification forms, you’ll also need to account for your club’s constitution. While a constitution usually implies weeks of grueling work, this particular process is unanimously considered much less painful than writing a federal one. 

To help you along the process, we’ve even got you covered with a template. You’re only a couple dozen fill-in-the-blank answers away from becoming an official SAMRU club. With your members either in a room or Zoom call, you can complete the constitution in less than 10 minutes!

Garner a following

If you have yet to ratify your club, it can be difficult to get the word out to would-be members.

Unsure of how to spread the word about your club-to-be? Seeking out new members in your classes and at events (including those hosted by your Students’ Association) are both great options to get the ball rolling.

You can link your social media profiles and Discord servers to the Club Hub while you’re ratifying your club! Be sure to check your DMs routinely for messages from future friends.

You’re looking ready to ratify

Looking over this list, does your future club look less like a twinkle in your eye and more like a bunch of completed checkmarks? You might just be ready to ratify!

Once you’ve prepared all your forms, you can submit them on the SAMRU Club Hub page, and our Clubs Coordinator will get in touch within a couple of business days. We can’t wait to see you and your peers together on campus this semester!

Clubs Expo

Now that you’re ratified, you’re all ready to market your club to the campus world at the Clubs Expo. The Winter Clubs Expo will be taking place January 20th and 21th from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm in Wyckham House and is the perfect opportunity to reach students who were unaware of your club, and grow your collective!

Plus, the top display wins a huge prize!  Join us for the SAMRU Winter Semester Clubs Expo, mingle with fellow students and connect with others who share your interests. Be sure to join SAMRU’s newsletter to stay updated on all the latest happenings. And if you spot a niche that’s missing, you’ll know just how to fill it!

If you have any club-related questions or would like more information on signing up for this semester’s Clubs Expo, you can always check out the FAQ page on our brand-new Club Hub website! 

For general inquiries, you can always send us a message at [email protected].