MRU kicks off convocation ceremonies with installation of new chancellor
Mount Royal University kicked off its first of six convocation ceremonies Wednesday morning with the installation of new chancellor Arlene Strom.
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Strom brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience, including her role as chief sustainability officer at Suncor, from which she retired in 2023. After retiring, she spent a year as an advanced leadership initiative fellow at Harvard University. She also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Trinity Western University, as well as a Master's of Political Science and a law degree from the University of British Columbia.
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In her role of chancellor, she will serve as the ceremonial head of the university and as an ambassador and advisor. Though she's new to the role, she's looking forward to discovering how her knowledge can best serve the school.
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'I'm passionate about the vision to open minds and change lives,' Strom said. 'I want to figure out how I can be a part of that and be engaged and work with the team here at MRU.'
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Her background in sustainability, which included working closely with Indigenous groups, will likely play a major role in her contributions to the university.
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'I loved the work that I did in sustainability, and so within that, I love the commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples,' Strom said. 'I'm super proud to be wearing a robe that reflects an Indigenous name that I was gifted by Elder Casey Eaglespeaker: Api Makuyaki.' Her gifted name means 'White Wolf Woman' in Blackfoot.
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Dr. Tim Rahilly, MRU's president and vice-chancellor, said that Strom's leadership, expertise and well-connectedness were what stood out the most from other candidates.
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'I've had the pleasure of working with a few different chancellors in my career,' Rahilly said. 'The great thing about the role is that each chancellor can bring their interests to the role.'
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Strom addressed the university's graduating students for the first time as chancellor during Wednesday morning's ceremony.
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'You have an opportunity to be changemakers in a complex world,' she said. 'Keep looking at the world with open eyes and open hearts, learn from others, listen deeply, think critically.
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'You have earned this moment of triumph.'
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Wednesday morning marked the start of three days of convocation ceremonies at MRU, which will see 2,225 students obtain their degrees. Five individuals will also be awarded honorary Doctor of Laws, which is the university's highest academic honour. Bob Steadward, Patti Pon, Cynthia Provost, Rosella Bjornson and Thomas Wood will each receive an honorary degree over the coming days.
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