What is your first U of A memory?
The first memory that comes to mind was actually watching a Vikings basketball game in the Augustana gymnasium. I remember the atmosphere was amazing, and the student body was having such a great time cheering on their fellow classmates! My favourite memory, however, was winning an Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) championship with the Vikings men’s hockey team in 2012. That group is still so close with one another today, and winning with your closest friends has had a huge impact on us all.
What’s something your coworkers don’t know about you?
I guess two things come to mind here. A lesser known thing might be that my wife and I have volunteered in many different ways to help support the Camrose Animal Rescue Society through events, fundraising and fostering animals! It’s something we both care deeply about! As well I’ve been fortunate enough to officiate two of my closest friends' weddings, both of whom are coaches here for the Vikings!
What’s your favourite distraction?
Going out for dinner with my wife, Carley! She’s currently finishing her master’s in counselling, so we try to go out for dinner once every couple of weeks to reconnect with no phones. I believe it’s quite grounding for both of us!
If you were enrolling in one course, program or degree right now, what would it be?
Law, Crime, and Justice Studies at Augustana I think would be awesome!
You can invite anyone — alive or dead, real or fictional — to dinner. Who would it be?
Prince. My mom introduced me to his music when I was growing up and I have been fascinated with him ever since. His guitar playing is incredible and he has such an intriguing personality.
If you could see any live performance tomorrow, what would it be?
Probably a Leon Bridges concert. He seems to put so much soul in his work and I think that would be beautiful to witness live!
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
Take chances and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Just ensure you learn from your experiences.
I’ve made more than my fair share of mistakes; however, those lessons have shaped the individual I am today. Although the mistakes were sometimes hard to swallow, I wouldn’t trade the “hard times” for the lessons I have gained from them.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Reruns of The Office!
What three words describe your U of A experience?
Unique, impactful and community!
Do you have any upcoming projects or initiatives you are looking forward to at work?
I always look forward to another new season of Vikings Athletics! This year we will be hosting another ACAC Cross-Country Grand Prix which likely tops my list for events this year. We have such great trails and scenery in Camrose for the student-athletes and it’s such a fun day for viewers and competitors!
