YAHOO! Stampede Alumni Mixer rounds up RRU connections in Calgary
Royal Roads University alumni gathered in Calgary for an evening of connection, conversation and Stampede flair during the RRU Stampede Alumni Mixer.
Held at Village Brewery, the event brought together grads, faculty and staff for an informal celebration of community, learning and lifelong ties.
“It’s always a great opportunity to connect with our alumni and hear how their programs have transformed their lives,” said Veronica Thompson, vice-president academic and provost. “You can feel the impact in the room.”
President Philip Steenkamp also attended the event and emphasized the importance of staying connected with alumni across the country.
“We host alumni events in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver and Victoria every year,” said Steenkamp. “Alumni are our best ambassadors. They’ve lived the Royal Roads experience and carry it into the world.”
From left to right: Associate Faculty of Business Sheila Carruthers, MBA alum Dan Petley, and RRU President Philip Steenkamp.
For Patricia Simmons, a Calgary-based HR business partner and graduate of the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program, Royal Roads was the right fit both academically and professionally.
“I loved the flexibility of my program. It aligned perfectly with my career,” said Simmons. “I also attend the webinars often. They’re usually scheduled around lunchtime, so I can make it work during the day.”
Longtime alumni leader Scott Ackerman agreed that the power of the RRU network continues to grow after graduation.
“I come to events like this as often as I can,” said Ackerman, a former chair of the Calgary RRU Alumni Association. “One of the reasons I chose Royal Roads was for the network. It’s important to keep showing up and building that.”
Rebecca Sharma, Royal Roads' director of advancement, noted that events like this support the university’s vision to inspire people with the courage to transform the world.
“With over 39,000 alumni globally, events like this help foster relationships, spark ideas and grow our community,” said Sharma. “Some alumni even set up student awards or give back in ways that support future learners.”
From left to right: Alum Scott Ackerman, alum Dan Petley and Dean of Interdisciplinary Studies Rob Mittelman.
“Meeting in person, whether in Calgary, Toronto or back in Victoria, gives alumni the chance to connect with people they might never have met otherwise,” said Dean of the faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies Rob Mittelman.
From plaid shirts and cowboy hats to boots and belt buckles, the Stampede spirit was strong. Guests mingled over craft beer and conversation.
Whether it was someone’s first alumni mixer or just the latest of many, the evening served as a warm reminder that at Royal Roads, graduation is just the beginning.