Change making takes flight at MRU
The Trico Changemakers Studio, located on the third floor of the Bissett School of Business at Mount Royal University, brings together community organizations, social ventures and students to collaborate to address social or environmental challenges.
The Studio held an official launch on Sept. 27 with studio members, the university community and government representatives in attendance. Speaking at the gathering was Wayne Chiu of Trico Homes and the Trico Foundation, which contributed $1 million to the Trico Changemakers Studio as part of Chiu’s philosophy of “doing well and doing good.”
Studio director Jill Andres said, “Changemakers come from all different backgrounds, sectors, and disciplines. We have social entrepreneurs, artists, activists, and students — and every single one of them is essential if we want to make progress toward addressing complex issues. We’re so pleased to have members that represent the expanse of the social innovation ecosystem.”
In attendance with Andres, Wayne and Eleanor Chiu were Siksika Elder Roy Bear Chief; MLA Greg Clark; Lesley Brown, Mount Royal University Provost; Patti Pon, CEO of Calgary Arts Development; Paul Singh Kundan, vice-chair, MRU Board of Governors and CEO and founder of Stone West Homes Inc.; Michele Stanners, MRU Board of Governors; Susan Swan, MRU Board of Governors; Paula Worthington, Paula Worthington PR; Cathy Glover, Changemaker in Residence, Marlies Van Dijk, lead, Alberta Health Services Design Lab; Alyssa Lindsay, executive director, Canada Bridges; Sarah Price, director of service, Silvera for Seniors; Allyson Dann, network engagement facilitator, Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network; Stephanie Jackman, founder and board chair, REAP Business Association; John Taylor, Southwest Alberta Sustainable Community Initiative; Lesley MacKinnon and Jackie Mattock Howard of the United Way Calgary and Area; artists Skye Louis, Vicki Stroich, Melanee Murray-Hunt, Kathryn Pearce, student Joe Plant and many more.