President Steenkamp: Try a little joy on for size

For many of us, the holidays invite reflection about what we accomplished, what challenged us and what we hope to carry forward into the new year. As I look back on the year, I’m grateful for what we’ve achieved together as an RRU community that continues to be defined by courage, creativity and care.

From launching new local and international campuses, to joining Academics Without Borders, to advancing research excellence, and even being named one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures, these milestones not only made headlines, but also moved us closer to our goal of creating a more inclusive, sustainable and future-ready university. You can read about many of those stories and more in this round-up story of RRU top news from 2025.

They remind us that even amid uncertainty, staying focused on the big picture and on all we’ve accomplished gives us momentum to carry us into 2026. That’s the energy I’m inviting into next year. That, and taking time for a bit of fun. I still get a little sweaty when our colleagues in Communications pitch “a fun little video.” But this year’s holiday video message was a “snap”, and it reminded me why showing up with a little humour matters. Life can be heavy, and taking moments to laugh teaches us not to sweat (or should I say, sweater) the small stuff. 

As we head into a well-earned break, I hope you are able to rest, reconnect and try a little joy on for size, too.