Alumni Notebook
Ex-Cadet oral history project captures extraordinary stories

by Christine Gross, Manager, Alumni Relations

“Royal Roads is haunted with the memories of some pretty important folk who helped shape this country and the world,” says ex-cadet David K. Lett, class of 1959-1961.

I can guarantee few people at other universities have ever yelled out a window for mating peacocks to "shut-up already" but the Royal Roads campus is a different sort of place.

It’s not simply the campus that sets the university apart. Our alumni and their memories of life at Royal Roads are extraordinary. So extraordinary, projects are underway to capture these stories and experiences, beginning with our ex-cadet alumni.

From 1940 until 1995, Royal Roads served as a military training institution. Originally opened to train naval reserve officers for service in World War II, it expanded to provide a military and academic education for all three military services.

I know our university alumni think their residencies were tough but they have no idea. Running ‘circles’ was a punishment universal to all ex-cadets.

From the Grant Building, down the road past the Millward Building, through the porte-cochere in front of Hatley Castle, then all the way back up the hill to where they started, cadets would be made to run this third of a mile circle repeatedly for the smallest perceived infraction – like a speck of lint on a uniform. Not even our MBA residencies require that.

Even when not being punished, cadets would have to ‘double’ to class. I get winded walking from Parking Lot 3 to the Grant Building carrying my bag and morning tea let alone running from class to class in military-issue boots.

Despite what I may consider undue hardships, the Royal Roads ex-cadets share the same strong connection to this place as our university alumni. The transformation that took place in their lives as a result of their time here is much the same as ours and the Royal Roads Ex-Cadet Oral History Project is allowing cadet alumni to share these stories.

The class of 2007 MBA graduates (pictured) would like to invite all RRU alumni to a golf tournament challenge scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at the Country Meadows Golf Course in Richmond, B.C. See Alumni News and Events below for details.

Spearheaded by oral history project coordinator and soon-to-be Masters of Professional Communication alumnus Karen Inkster, the project is capturing the stories of our cadet alumni through filmed interviews, voice recordings, photographs and written anecdotes.

In addition to a rich history, Karen’s research so far has revealed encouragement and support for the academic institution we’ve become.

"This college - these hallowed halls - is still doing a good job and our participation and the heritage that we are part of is important to all that. You know, Royal Roads is haunted with memories and some pretty important folk later on in years that helped shape this country and the world. All learners and alumni are part of that so they can feel that their degree is worth something . . . that it's from an institution that's got roots", ex-cadet, David K. Lett, Class of 1959-1961.

Deep roots, an alumni community powerful enough to change the world . . . and very loud peacocks. Royal Roads is indeed, a different sort of place.

For more information about the Ex-Cadet Oral History Project, contact Karen Inkster at (250) 391-2600 ext. 4405.

Alumni News and Events

Iqaluit musher Lynn Peplinski (MEM 04) won the gruelling Qimualaniq Quest dogsled race in March, defeating four other teams who took part in the 320-kilometre competition.

In December 2007 Kyle Reagan (BCOM 05) and his brother opened Vancouver’s Som Visao Urban Ultrasound Spa and Wellness Centre. Kyle is Director of Corporate Relations and hopes to expand their services across Canada.

Todd Dunlop (BCOM 01), company co-founder and current president of NeverBlue Media will transition to an active role on the recently formed Board of Advisors following the appointment of a new company president. NeverBlue Media is a Victoria B.C-based online marketing company specializing in affiliate marketing.

MBA graduates invite alumni to golf tournament challenge
The class of 2007 MBA graduates would like to invite all RRU alumni to a golf tournament challenge. Scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at the Country Meadows Golf Course in Richmond, B.C., the event will serve as a reunion for the 2007 MBA class and as an opportunity for RRU alumni members to network. All levels of golfers are welcome – the golf tournament will be Texas Scramble format making the event fun for everyone. A BBQ buffet with prize presentations (or boasting rights) follows the golf tournament. Golf and BBQ buffet is $80 per person and BBQ Buffet only is $30 per person. Golf is limited to 36 players and will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no limit to numbers for the BBQ Buffet. RSVP to ninang@telus.net by May 1, 2008.