by Christine Gross, alumni relations manager

September often means new beginnings and adjusting, once more, to routines that seem new all over again. New office supplies courtesy of the office supply cupboard, for example.

I may still have the new office supplies I helped myself to last September but for the life of me I wouldn’t be able to find them under the piles on my desk. New fall clothes – or trying to fit into the old ones – mostly the second one. Also, new full-time RRU students chasing old peacocks and . . . new plans for alumni too.

This September saw the successful re-launch of the Vancouver Alumni Branch and will see the launch of a long-awaited Vancouver Island Alumni Branch. We welcomed nearly 200 ex-cadets and university alumni back to campus for Homecoming 2009 in early September, a three-day celebration that rekindled friendships for some Royal Roads alumni who hadn’t seen each other in 50 years.

I was very proud to play a part in welcoming such important members of our heritage as a university back to campus - and then serving them a lot of great wine.

In November, the Calgary Alumni Branch will recognize the first recipient of the Wild Rose Alberta Alumni Impact Award, the first initiated by Royal Roads alumni since the university’s inception. This is not the only first for RRU alumni taking place this fall. Plans are underway for a brand new Post-Graduate Certificate program launching through our Continuing Studies Department in January.

What are you creating today? Have you tapped into your personal and professional stream of well-being? Do you have something to share, to tell, to offer? This is your invitation to contribute to an ongoing dialogue about the business of life. Visit the StoryNet - a space that expands our collective experience as RRU Alumni.

The Foundations for Innovation and Transformation Post-Graduate Certificate is a response to what alumni have said they want with regards to furthering mastery of their program material and catalyzing leadership.

I was fortunate enough to sit in on a free teaser session, offered as professional development during Homecoming. I was literally amazed by how much I took away from just one two-hour class, and I’m incorporating the lessons I learned in my daily work life still. This entire certificate was designed through consultation with fellow alumni and I’m truly excited about the results.

For those who would like more information on getting involved in your local alumni branch or starting a branch in your area or if you’d like more information on the new post-graduate certificate, please get in touch with me and I’ll be happy to help. Email Christine.Gross@royalroads.ca

Same goes for how to hoard new office supplies.

However, if you’d like more information on how to fit into your old fall clothes, we may all have to turn to the RRU Recreation Centre.

ALUMNI UPDATES

Do you employ RRU graduates? We know our alumni are exceptional, and we’re looking for employers who think so too. If you have a testimonial you would like to share with us about your experience working with RRU graduates, please contact Patty Shaw at patty.shaw@royalroads.ca

If you are planning on being in Calgary the evening of Monday, November 2, the Calgary Alumni Branch is honoured to invite all Royal Roads alumni and guests to a private event with Frank O’Dea to be held in the Bennett Room at the Ranchmen’s Club. During this very special evening, the Calgary Alumni Branch will recognize the first recipient of the Wild Rose Alberta Alumni Impact Award. Cost is $75.00 + GST per person. That includes underground parking, an evening with friends beginning at 6:30 p.m., a fabulous dinner and an opportunity to meet a Canadian icon. CLICK HERE for individual registration. CLICK HERE to reserve a table for eight.

As an RRU alumnus or ex-cadet, you are an important member of the Royal Roads community; a community comprised of alumni, learners, faculty, staff, and volunteers. Your fond memories, friendships, experiences, and academic accomplishments are valued elements of the university's history - and an essential part of its future. Please keep us up-to-date. Send your news to rru-alumni-relations@royalroads.ca