I have been fortunate to experience an ocean of fond memories at MacEwan. One such memory is of the annual Cromdale Campus staff Christmas party. Cromdale was a former supermarket located in a rather colourful part of northeast Edmonton. What it lacked in panache it more than made up for in a dedicated, caring and fun-loving staff.

Needless to say, the campus building was a little quirky with a variety of nooks and crannies, including a mysterious basement with a door that was kept locked. Rumours abounded about the “basement.” Only the custodial staff (Olga, Doris and Mike) had keys. They worked hard to keep the campus looking good, but twice a day they would disappear to the basement. As time went on, the speculation grew as to what was really down there.  

Karen Jacob, who was then responsible for MacEwan’s PR, and her colleague, Henry, along with support from David Milner and Coleen Finlayson from the AV program, promised to produce a “reveal all” video of the basement that would be shown at the staff Christmas Party.

The night of the Christmas party, we gathered around several TV sets in anticipation of seeing the real story about the basement. The beginning of the video showed the basement door creaking open to reveal a dark, dungeon-like staircase that disappeared into darkness. The camera proceeded cautiously down the steps to a heavy, drawn curtain. On the other side of the curtain, ABBA music blared and bright lights flashed. And when the curtain suddenly parted, the sight before us was surreal.

Seated in oversized lounge chairs with their feet propped up on coffee tables were Olga, Doris and Mike. A maid and butler (Karen and Henry) served cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

The uproar of laughter was enormous and set the tone for one of my fondest memories of a special time at MacEwan. 

— Dr. Paul J. Byrne, President Emeritus