As Calgary approaches the significant milestone of two million residents, Dr. Tim Rahilly, President and Vice-Chancellor of Mount Royal University, reflects on the profound Indigenous teaching embodied in the ninni awatto (Buffalo on the Move) installation near campus. This arrangement of rocks, symbolizing bison, carries a powerful message: "Education is the new buffalo, from which a good life will be attained." For millennia, Indigenous peoples relied on the buffalo for survival and prosperity; today, knowledge serves that same vital role in sustaining and advancing our society.
The Evolution of Mount Royal University
Mount Royal University has grown in tandem with Calgary itself. Founded in 1911 as a small downtown college with just 75 students, it has transformed into a dynamic, multi-faculty institution serving 16,000 students. The university's history is inextricably linked to Calgary's development, with its students, faculty, staff, and alumni forming the essential fabric of the city's past and future.
Commitment to Undergraduate Excellence
Today, MRU is distinguished by its unwavering dedication to the undergraduate experience. The institution is renowned for high levels of student engagement and a deeply personal approach to teaching. This success stems from dedicated faculty and staff who mentor students, ensuring they not only master academic subjects but also develop critical life skills: critical thinking, innovation, and leadership.
While MRU is increasingly recognized for impactful, community-focused research and robust work-integrated learning programs, its core remains the classroom. The university provides a holistic education that prepares graduates to be both "career-ready" and "community-ready." The outcomes are compelling: a significant percentage of its more than 118,000 graduates secure meaningful employment in Calgary, reporting high job satisfaction as they build careers in their hometown.
Fostering Local Leadership
MRU's growth is primarily driven by students from Calgary and the surrounding area, highlighting its commitment to a "hometown" advantage. This ensures that individuals who grow up in the region have the opportunity to lead here. Today's young Calgarians seek more than just degrees; they aspire to become active global citizens across diverse fields such as healthcare, technology, business, arts, and education.
Navigating Future Challenges
As Calgary expands toward two million people, it faces several challenges:
- Balancing growth with environmental stewardship
- Aligning skills with a shifting global economy
- Navigating a polarized world where human connection is often overlooked
By embracing proactive adaptability, Calgary can intentionally design its future and equip citizens to anticipate tomorrow's challenges. The collective ability to prepare graduates to plan, innovate, and evolve is crucial for a thriving, resilient city.
Education as the New Buffalo
The solution to these challenges returns to the concept of education as the new buffalo. By fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive community, Calgary can provide the intellectual sustenance needed to bridge divides and solve complex problems. Dr. Rahilly emphasizes that ensuring those who grow up in Calgary have opportunities to lead here is fundamental to the city's prosperity.
Mount Royal University stands as a testament to this vision, evolving alongside Calgary to empower local talent and build a resilient future grounded in the wisdom of the past.
