Top RRU News of 2025
If you’re like us, you love a good news story. Lucky for you, we’ve shared plenty this year – from opening two brand-new campuses to stories about fish farms that empower to powering a greener future with equity at its core. And as the year wraps up, we’re highlighting just a few. Read through until the end to cap off this feel-good read with some funny (and spooky) videos too.
Two new campuses, same great university
RRU Langford, John Horgan campus opening
We opened our new Royal Roads University, John Horgan Campus this fall, offering innovative post-secondary options for a growing number of students living in the Westshore.
Together with partners, we’ve created a space where a bourgeoning Westshore community can access a variety of educational opportunities for a through a unique partnership between RRU, the University of Victoria, Camosun College, the Justice Institute of BC and the Sooke School District.
Our grand opening celebration included Indigenous Elders, the Horgan family, partner institutions, the Province of BC, the City of Langford and more than 150 guests in attendance.
Watch President Philip Steenkamp’s first-day-of-class tour inside the new building as he reflects on the late John Horgan, former premier of BC, and his vision for a post-secondary campus in Langford.
RRU Ras Al Khaimah campus launched
We also opened an international branch campus in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), United Arab Emirates. The RAK campus brings Royal Roads’ applied and career-focused learning model to a new region, creating opportunities for students who may face barriers to studying in Canada and supporting local workforce and industry needs. See photos from President Philip Steenkamp's recent visit to the campus to connect with students, faculty and staff.
RRU launches the most flexible undergrad in Canada
With the new RRU Langford, John Horgan Campus, comes a trio of new undergraduate degree pathway programs offering students the flexibility to build on their achievements in Business and Sustainability, Social Sciences and Environmental Sciences (meet some Environmental Science students… and the feathered guests who recently dropped by their class below). Students choose from a certificate or diploma program in year one, with the option to customize their degree path in one of nine bachelor programs.
“The West Shore region is one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada, and our Langford campus is right at the heart of it,” said Royal Roads University President, Philip Steenkamp. “We’re thrilled to offer accessible post-secondary education within this dynamic community, allowing students to achieve their academic and career goals close to home.”
Changemaking at RRU
We hosted two highly anticipated Changemakers Speakers Series events in 2025. Award-winning journalist Althea Raj joined public opinion analyst David Coletto for a panel discussion on polarization and politics. We also welcomed award-winning journalist and author Tanya Talaga, who spoke about her deeply personal journey of uncovering the life of her great-great-grandmother, Annie Carpenter.
Based on her third, national bestselling book, The Knowing, Tanya Talaga creates an intimate experience for audiences as she tells the story of the search for her family’s matriarch, Annie Carpenter.
Royal Roads University joined Academics Without Borders this year, furthering our commitment to global citizenship and community-focused learning. As part of the network, RRU faculty will have the chance to help low and middle-income countries build the capacity of their post-secondary institutions to drive development and improve the quality of life in communities around the world.
This year, the Honourable Janet Austin received the university’s highest honour, a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, presented at our Spring 2025 Convocation ceremony. She served as Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia from 2018 to 2025 and used her title to champion Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, the importance of respect for diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of Canadian society.
In her address to Spring 2025 grads, honorary degree recipient Dr. Janet Austin calls on graduates to put their ambition to work in service of something bigger than themselves.
Faculty research
How can nutrition and sleep habits lower your risk of dementia? What does fish powder have to do with women’s empowerment in Bolivia? And how can we keep the memory of the Holocaust alive for future generations, even after the last survivors are gone?
As an internationally designated Ashoka Changemaker Campus, Royal Roads researchers aim to bring about change for a better world. For Dr. Julie MacArthur, Canada Research Chair in Reimagining Capitalism, that means rethinking the green transition through the lens of equity and community.
“We need to shift the sources of power so that we reduce the emissions that cause climate change,” says Dr. Julie MacArthur, “and that power shift must happen both in the literal and social sense.”
RRU researchers also examined how to make change in the online spaces and workplaces that shape our everyday lives. In collaboration with Island Health, Prof. Frances Jorgensen led a study that asks health-care workers what makes them fees safe on the job. Knowing that online violence is a real risk for young people, Prof. Kathleen Manion led a study that put youth at the centre, asking them directly about the problems they’re seeing online, and their ideas to make digital spaces safer.
Jasmine Dionne, asst. prof. of Justice Studies, wrote their dissertation on how Indigenous Knowledge can prevent gender-based violence while Cheryl Heykoop led a research collaborative as it works to improve cancer care and support for young adults in BC.
And in his feature film, Shih [Interconnectedness], which premiered in early 2025, Prof. Geo Takach asks, “How can we bring environmental, Indigenous and arts-based approaches into dialogue to improve relationships with the Earth and its First Peoples?”
Alumni and student achievement
Royal Roads students and alumni are no strangers to stepping up with care, creativity and courage, even when it’s hard. That was the heart of President Philip Steenkamp’s message to Fall 2025 graduates in his convocation address, where he shared his best advice on what it means to lead. Explore the stories below to see what’s possible when these values guide action, and then watch President Steenkamp’s convocation address, complete with convocation highlights.
Six inspiring alumni were selected for Alumni Changemaker Achievement Awards this year in four categories.
Community Changemaker Awards were given to Master of Arts in Leadership alum Dapo Bankole for his work supporting immigrants and to Graduate Certificate in Corporate Social Innovation alum April Hicke for her leadership and advocacy for women in tech.
Distinguished Changemaker Awards were presented to Master of Business Administration in Executive Management alum Veni Iozzo for her inclusion and advocacy for women leaders at CIBC, and Master of Arts in Leadership alum Veronica Fox for her impact with the RCMP and beyond.
Master of Arts in Conflict Analysis and Management alum Kevina Power received the Global Changemaker award for her international development work, and Master of Arts in Global Leadership alum Cheryl-Lynn Townsin received the Emerging Changemaker Award for her rare disease advocacy work inspired by her daughter Lexi.
Brooklyn Rudolph, a member of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation in Manitoba, was the selected artist to collaborate with Walmart Canada through Indigenous Proud’s annual design contest this year.
“My art is a way to give back to community and to support those on their healing journeys,” Rudolph says, who holds a Certificate in Indigenous Environmental Leadership from Royal Roads University. Read her story.
MBA grad Jim Kyte, the only legally deaf player in the history of the National Hockey League, spoke about his advocacy for disabled athletes after being appointed a Member of the Order of Canada. Read more.
MA in Tourism Management grad Melinda Quintero was honoured with a Governor General’s Gold medal for her thesis, which mapped First Nations heritage sites and place names near Victoria. Full story.
President Steenkamp's Convocation message: The power of raising your hand
When we were young, we were taught to raise our hands to ask questions. Later, we raised them to volunteer, to serve and sometimes, hardest of all, to ask for help. Over time, I’ve learned it's also my best advice on how to lead, said President Steenkamp
Climate Action
This fall, we released our Climate Action Plan 2025 – 2030, which sets out a pathway for the university’s climate action over the next five years. This new plan builds on the previous Climate Action Plan and maintains its alignment with the RRU’s core values and its vision of Inspiring people with the courage to transform the world.
We continued tracking and reporting our GHG reductions through our annual Climate Change Accountability report. In 2024, we reduced our total emissions by 30 per cent from the 2010 baseline. While public sector organizations are not required to report on scope 3 emissions — which include activities such as business air travel, domestic and international student travel, waste and commuting —this year’s report included scope 3 emissions for the first time.
In collaboration with CRD and the City of Colwood, we hosted our first Biodiversity Celebration, a fun afternoon of walks, talks and a showcase of biodiversity and related projects from around greater Victoria.
In addition, the Royal Roads Library created a Digital Library Climate Collection of climate research and resources, including featuring an ever-expanding repository of graduate student projects, e-books, audio visual materials and other digital resources related to climate and sustainability.
Here are some other climate-related story and events highlights from the past year.
Planting party proves fruitful in the Polyculture orchard
Two tree planting sessions were held this spring at The Farm at Royal Roads to grow the polyculture orchard. Members of the RRU Healthy Planet Club and Pacific Rim College Permaculture Program helped plant 30 apple, pear and persimmon trees plus pollinator plants. See photos from the session led by Solara Goldwynn, farm and food systems Lead.
The orchard additions were planted in the farm’s new trellised orchard area. As the trees grow, visitors will be able to enjoy a stroll or picnic between the rows.
From barn to boardroom: BBA students explore livestock markets for seaweed
Bachelor of Business Administration in Innovation and Sustainability students worked with Sidney-based client, Cascadia Seaweed, a local company that cultivates seaweed in the ocean in partnership with Indigenous communities along the coast of BC.
They kicked off an intensive four-week research project, combining farm visits and industry interviews, to help shape the future of sustainable seaweed in agriculture. See more photos from their day in the field that yes, included a trip to an actual field.
Students team up with Cascadia Seaweed to kick off an intensive four-week research project, combining farm visits and industry interviews to help shape the future of sustainable seaweed in agriculture.
Resilience By Design Lab assists research capacity in the Maldives
Supported by Global Affairs Canada and facilitated by Alinea International, the Resilience by Design Lab at Royal Roads University partnered with the Maldives National University (MNU) to co-develop a comprehensive University Research Framework focused on climate change and environmental sustainability. Read more about this project shaping one of the most urgent challenges of our time.
“What excites me most” says Robin Cox, director, Resilience by Design Lab and professor at Royal Roads, “is that this framework won’t just sit on a shelf—it’s designed to … help shape solutions to some of the most urgent challenges of our time.”
Community and belonging
We work together to design a community where people from any community or country can bring all aspects of themselves to their work and studies. One of the ways we do that is for events and celebrations such as the ones we held for Black History Month, Asian Heritage Month, National Indigenous Peoples Month among others.
During Pride Week, President Steenkamp spoke about what it means to be a gay university president at a time when inclusion initiatives and 2SLGBTQI+ rights are increasingly under threat in higher education.
In conversation with Head of the Office of Human Rights and Accessibility Alejandro Campos-Garcia, Royal Roads' Dr. Philip Steenkamp reflects on identity and leadership in his role as a university president and what gives him hope.
In celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, thousands gathered along the shores of Esquimalt Lagoon, including hundreds of school children, to enjoy a full day of crafts, field games, cultural presentations and performances. See photos and video from the annual event and hear from partners and participants.
Giving
In October 2025, we announced a $250,000 donation from TD Bank – a generous donation that will have a significant, positive impact on climate action that supports increased environmental literacy and ecological stewardship in our communities.
In honour of the late John Horgan, we announced the creation of the John Horgan Entrance Award, which will provide financial support to new undergraduate students attending RRU programs at the Langford campus.
Finally, we launched our first RRU Giving Day in 2025 — raising more than $134,000 in support of student awards, bursaries, gardens revitalization and more during the 36-hour campaign. Giving Day is more than a fundraiser, said Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations Rebecca Sharma. “It’s a celebration of generosity and community. Every gift tells our students, ‘We believe in you.’"
We also celebrated a generous Giving Day donation of a new cooler for the RRU student food bank, along with a truckload of food to support students and our local community — all kindly provided by the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
The lighter side
There were some decidedly wild and spooky campus moments in 2025.
On April 1, we shared the news of one of our peacocks – usually seen on our Colwood campus – roaming about in Langford. Watch below for the full report by PBC reporter April Fooslet.
And if that didn’t ruffle your feathers, this next video might. We got into the Halloween spirit, sharing a witchy tour of some of the spookiest places on campus.
This is the one that gave us all the feels. Could these friends *be* any closer?
Thanks for sticking with us to the end. Click the link and share your favourite RRU moment from 2025 for a chance to win an RRU hoodie!
Find more highlights from the past year on our Royal Roads News page and follow us on social including on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. See you in 2026 when we'll be sharing more news, stories and content from across the RRU Community.