November 09, 2011

Mount Royal University unveils new Learning Labs and Resource Hall

Encana donates funds to create Institute for Sustainability and the Environment

(CALGARY – Nov. 9, 2011) Earlier today, Mount Royal University officially celebrated the opening of its new Learning Labs and Resource Hall for students in arts, science and technology during a ceremony held in the new facility.
The building, which includes new student study and lab spaces, is also equipped with state-of-the-art technology that will provide opportunities for Mount Royal students to learn cutting edge techniques largely unavailable in other undergraduate settings.

Mount Royal University President David Docherty is excited by the potential opportunities that the new labs will provide for students.
“By having state-of-the-art facilities and equipment available, we are bringing research into the classroom and providing students with opportunities to learn one-on-one from our faculty of experts in a real-world setting,” says Docherty.

“The knowledge students will gain from the use of this equipment in a learning environment, as well as during undergraduate research projects, will also provide them with unique opportunities to translate theory into practice. Facilities like this that will fundamentally provide students with opportunities to gain insight into how a given piece of equipment can work to assist in solving problems and recognize its limitations.”

During the event, the Government of Canada was recognized for the $13.45 million Knowledge Infrastructure Program funding which led to the creation of the new Learning Labs and Resource Hall. Calgary Centre Member of Parliament Lee Richardson represented the federal government by attending and providing remarks from Ottawa.

The facility also received financial support from the Ministry of Advanced Education and Technology. Through this ministry, the Government of Alberta provided $10 million towards this project.
Encana Corporation also announced a generous donation of $1.5 million towards the creation of the Institute of Sustainability and the Environment at the event.

Encana is the lead corporate donor to date in the Changing the Face of Education campaign, supporting the initiative.

“Encana is committed to continuous improvement of its practices, and the applied research conducted through the new MRU Institute will support that improvement – and will be shared in the public domain,” said Dave Lye, Vice President, Corporate Environment, Health & Safety, Security & Corporate Responsibility, Encana Corporation. “As well, involving students in research will allow them to develop skills and first-hand understanding of environmental issues. They will enter the workforce with knowledge and experience that will be invaluable in their careers and to the employers lucky enough to attract them.”

For more information about Mount Royal University, please visit: www.mtroyal.ca

The Following is a text of the speech given by Lee Richardson, MP for Calgary Centre at the grand opening of Mount Royal University’s Science and Technology Learning Resource Hall

 

Good Morning Ladies and Gentleman,

It is good to once again be back here at Mount Royal University.

Today we gather to celebrate the grand opening of the ‘Science and Technology Learning Resource Hall’ here at Mount Royal University.

This new facility will provide students with increased spaces for studying and additional laboratories, thereby allowing MRU students access to state of the art equipment upon which they can learn cutting edge techniques that are largely unavailable in most other undergraduate settings.

Through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP) our Government provided nearly $94 million in funding for 11 projects here in Calgary alone.

This translated to an investment of over $17 million in Mount Royal University. This funding has allowed MRU to not only expand their science and technology wing but also made it possible for major upgrades to be made to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems for Lincoln Park Campus, the creation of a nursing simulation lab, other electrical and mechanical upgrades and new technology to improve both the security and emergency notifications systems here on campus.

KIP has been an essential element of Canada's Economic Action Plan, since 2009 it has provided approximately $2 billion in support for infrastructure enhancements at universities and colleges.

Investments made through this program have not only generated economic benefits and created jobs but have also enhanced Canada’s research capacity, supported the attraction of new students and provided a better educational experience for the highly skilled workers of tomorrow.

Our Government is proud to invest in initiatives that will support leading-edge research which will create jobs, improve the quality of life of Canadians and strengthen the economy. Investments like this will make sure that our students have the tools they need to be successful, and help Canada develop, attract and retain highly skilled jobs for years to come.

I am pleased to see MRU take another step forward in helping create a diverse and highly skilled workforce that will ensure Canada’s future economic prosperity.

Thank you.