MacEwan University and the Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) are teaming up to create new opportunities for MacEwan students. The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) solidifies their partnership in downtown vibrancy and reinforces the important roles that both organizations play in downtown Edmonton’s economy.
“We are very pleased to announce the next step in our long-standing relationship with the OEG,” said Dr. Annette Trimbee, MacEwan’s president and vice-chancellor. “Both organizations are significant players in enhancing activity and energy in the city’s core, and we share a vision of downtown that is full of activity and people.”
Since the opening of Rogers Place, the Downtown Community Arena has been home to the MacEwan Griffins men’s and women’s hockey teams. In addition, thanks to a partnership with the Oilers Community Foundation, the university’s Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity has been the beneficiary of 50/50 proceeds from Oilers annual Pride games for several years.
The MOU includes a commitment to creating work-integrated learning opportunities in the Oilers’ organization for MacEwan students – and establishes a framework that will allow for future growth in this area. “This is a very important component of this agreement,” says Dr. Trimbee. “One of the goals in our Teaching Greatness strategic vision is for every program we offer to include a work-integrated learning opportunity. This MOU is an important step in this direction.”
“With our enrolment continuing to grow, and the construction of our new School of Business building underway, partnering with organizations like OEG is important to providing these opportunities to our students,” said Dr. Trimbee.
“Our partnership with MacEwan is a reflection of our commitment to making a difference in our community,” says Tim Shipton, executive vice-president, External Relations, OEG. “We have a lot in common with MacEwan – most significantly our roles as key economic and social catalysts in our city’s downtown, and as hubs of cultural and sporting excellence. Now, we’re very excited to have the opportunity to play a more active role in supporting MacEwan students by providing them with hands-on experience in our organization. Signing the MOU with MacEwan is timely as OEG prepares for its next phase of development through the expansion of ICE District, focused on adding more housing for residents and more amenities for visitors to the city.”
The MOU with OEG is the latest in a series of agreements MacEwan has signed with prominent organizations in the greater Edmonton region. Students participate in work-integrated learning opportunities with the Edmonton Elks football team in marketing, athletic therapy and massage as well as an agreement with the Edmonton International Airport to provide real-world experiences for MacEwan students in several fields.