Your top reads during MacEwan’s 50th year reflect milestones in our university’s history, the ongoing challenges we face together, new programming, excellence among our students, faculty and alumni, and much more.
Here are just some of the many MacEwan stories that are worth a second look.
Installing our first chancellor
We announced that Dr. Anthony Fields would become the university’s first chancellor in June. The renowned oncologist and visionary leader in cancer care was installed during a virtual ceremony on July 12 and presided over MacEwan’s Fall Convocation Ceremonies in November.
Read more about Dr. Fields.
Getting to know the Class of 2021
Our convocation stories are near the top of our annual most-read list – as they should be. Who doesn’t love celebrating all of the hard work of our graduates?
Our first convocation of 2021 was virtual, and we celebrated students by faculty – the Faculty of Arts and Science, Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications, Faculty of Health and Community Studies, Faculty of Nursing and School of Business. In November, we finally gathered again and celebrated convocation with the first grads to walk the stage since 2019.
Celebrating teaching excellence
Since 1994, students have nominated hundreds of MacEwan faculty members for Distinguished Teaching Awards – one of the university’s highest honours. Read more about the 2021 recipients: Dr. Sara Grewal (assistant professor, English), Dr. Cameron Macdonell (associate professor and chair of the Department of Computer Science), Eaman Mah (instructor, English as an Additional Language) and Allan Wesley (assistant professor, Decision Sciences).
Announcing the Bachelor of Fine Arts
In April, we announced the addition of a new Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program that builds on the university's decades of experience in preparing graduates to shape Alberta's vibrant arts and culture sector.
The first BFA students will begin their program in Fall 2022, but there’s a lot of pent-up demand for this degree.
See what our arts alumni have to say.
Marking the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On September 30, MacEwan observed the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a day of learning and reflection. The university’s kihêw waciston Indigenous Centre organized several opportunities, including Speaking Truth – an evening of music and healing with Indigenous artists – and two online events where faculty members and staff answered questions, shared reflections and provided resources on residential schools and reconciliation.
See photos, events and resources.
Being named one of Canada’s best employers by Forbes
Forbes magazine partnered with market research firm Statista to compile the annual list, surveying more than 8,000 Canadians working for businesses with at least 500 employees. MacEwan was the top Alberta-based employer on the Forbes list and one of two Alberta post-secondary institutions included on the complete list of 300 employers.
Launching the 50th anniversary website and preparing for a year of celebration
We kicked off our half-century celebrations in September with a new website featuring a digital timeline and a place for the MacEwan community to share their stories. But we’re far from finished – our 50th festivities will continue through the Winter term and wrap up with a big celebration in the spring. Stay tuned for details. In the meantime, we’d love to hear your favourite MacEwan memories.
Presenting honorary doctorates for the first time
In July, the university conferred honorary doctorates for the first time in its 50-year history. In a pre-recorded virtual ceremony, MacEwan alumna Brenda Barton (Advertising and Public Relations, ’81) and Dr. Anthony (Tony) Fields were awarded Doctors of the University, honoris causa, by MacEwan President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Annette Trimbee. During the Fall Convocation ceremonies in November, we conferred three honorary doctorates to Dr. Di Brandt, Carola Cunningham and Dave Tuccaro.
Gifting an Indigenous name to the new digital learning environment
MacEwan's new digital learning environment was gifted the name paskwâwi-mostos mêskanâs, which in Cree means "plains Cree buffalo trails."
"The human experience is central to a university education – it isn't only about content, it's about intent," said Dr. Trimbee. "Adopting this new name is another step forward in our commitment to creating change and ensuring a more inclusive, human experience for all of our students."
Welcoming a queer historian, drag performer and author as our writer in residence
Darrin Hagen served as MacEwan’s 28th writer in residence, in collaboration with the Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity.
Hagen has had many roles throughout his life, but he didn't become a writer until penning his one-person show, The Edmonton Queen, which tells the stories of lives lost to the AIDS epidemic. Hagen decided to publish the stories as a book. As an author, playwright and queer historian, he encourages and supports aspiring writers.
Read the Q&A.
Congratulating our alumni featured in Edify magazine’s Top 40 Under 40
MacEwan alumni Shani Gwin, Linda Hoang, April MacDonald Killins, Andrew Paul and Harpreet Singh were among Edmonton’s most influential people on Edify magazine’s annual Top 40 Under 40 list. Through creativity, service and entrepreneurship, these alumni are shaping our city.
Read the full story.
Celebrating 6 people who are championing equity, diversity and inclusion
As part of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Week, MacEwan recognizes Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (I.D.E.A.) Leaders who go above and beyond to champion human rights on campus and in the community, including Shivani Solanki (pictured above).
Read about all six 2021 I.D.E.A. Leaders.
Hearing a mother's untold story and how it inspired a research chair project
Jacqueline Baker, associate professor in English and Creative Writing, talked about her journey to becoming a writer, what research looks like in her discipline and how she plans to spend her time as one of the 2021 Board of Governors Research Chairs.
Read the full Q&A.
Claiming historic first U SPORTS national championship
On November 21, the Griffins women’s soccer team brought home the first U SPORTS national championship in the university’s history. But the MacEwan community wasn’t alone in expressing our pride – provincial and municipal leaders congratulated the team at the Alberta Legislature and Edmonton City Hall.See the photos.