Alumni Weekend and TEDxRRU

1 to 6 p.m.: TEDxRRU

Join us for our 3rd annual TEDxRRU event. Learn from industry leaders, innovators and changemakers as they share their "ideas worth spreading" on the theme of Changemaking. 

• Venue: Dogwood Auditorium, Royal Roads University
• Additional ticket purchase required. Note: Special alumni rate offered when you register. 

9:30 a.m.: Registration & Welcome Reception

• Venue: Dogwood Auditorium, Royal Roads University

Register and reconnect over refreshments with fellow alum, RRU faculty, staff, friends and family.

10:30 a.m.: Keynote Presentation & Q&A with Dan Riskin “How to Thrive in the Brave New World of Artificial Intelligence”

• Venue: Dogwood Auditorium, Royal Roads University

AI is transforming industries, and it will soon reshape how we interact with one another.  While it may feel overwhelming, the evolution of intelligence—whether in animals or machines—follows predictable patterns, including adaptation, social stability, and eventual harmony with the environment. By understanding these trends and leveraging AI effectively, Dan will share how individuals and organizations can harness its potential to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

12:30 p.m.: Lunch & Networking

• Enjoy lunch freshly prepared and reconnect with fellow alum, RRU faculty, staff, friends and family.

2 p.m.: Choose Your Own Workshop

• Venue: Various locations on campus
• Event Description: Choose one of many interactive sessions that will inspire and provide thought-provoking conversation in nature, and in mind. From yoga in Hatley Castle, to hands-on culinary gardening at the Farm at RRU, to exploring topics like collective leadership and thought-provoking questions in nature, we have something for everyone. You won’t want to miss out!   

Cultivate Connection: The Farm and Edible Garden Adventure  
Led by: Solara Goldwyn, MA Environmental Education & Communication 2024

Immerse yourself in a guided exploration of the Farm and edible gardens at RRU. Enjoy an experiential session featuring sustainability-focused practices and hands-on culinary gardening, designed to inspire and delight. 

Preparing Your Idea for the Stage 
Led by: Lara Scott, MBA 2023 & Carla Cuglietta, MA Global Leadership 2023

Dive into this dynamic two-part session designed to help presenters craft and refine their ideas for the TEDx stage. The first part focuses on preparing and developing thought-provoking ideas, while the second transforms the room into an interactive idea pitch fest. Here, candidates present a brief version of their talk to TEDx coaches, curators, past speakers and peers, receiving valuable feedback and actionable guidance to enhance their applications and ideas. 

Outdoors and Inward: Thought-Provoking Questions in Nature 
Led by: David Graham, MA Executive Coaching 2024

Discover how nature can ignite your creativity and problem solving in this transformative session. A guided immersive experience facilitated by experienced coaches, you’ll consider thought-provoking questions and ideas while stepping into nature. This hands-on approach combines coaching and outdoor reflection to inspire fresh insights. Come prepared with a challenge that you are facing or an opportunity you want to explore. 

Collective Leadership: A relational Approach to Making Sense of the World
Led by: Val Cortes & Shelby Blackjack

Explore a relational and holistic view of collective leadership. Gather new insights to make sense of the world and chart a path forward. Be prepared for engaging discussions and a dialogue based on co-razonar (to think together with the heart).

Traditional Plant Walk on Charlie’s Trail
Led by: Cowichan Elder Kenneth Elliott

Join Cowichan Elder Kenneth Elliott on an interpretive walk of Charlie's Trail where he graciously shares his deep ancestral knowledge of forest flora passed down to him by his grandmother. Calling the walk 'looking at the forest through my grandma's eyes', Ken shares how everything in the forest is either food, medicine or a tool, and nothing is taken for granted or without gratitude. 

Yoga at the Castle 
Led by: Nancy Prevost-Maurice (MACAL, 2024) 

Reconnect with your body and mind during this rejuvenating yoga session on the Castle Terrace. Open to all levels, this practice combines gentle movement, breathwork, and mindfulness in a supportive environment. Whether you're seeking relaxation or renewal, join Nancy Prevost-Maurice (MACAL, 2024) to nurture balance, strength, and serenity in a shared moment of connection.

5 to 7 p.m.: Alumni Changemaker Achievement Awards Reception

• Event Description: Are you ready to celebrate RRU alumni who are making profound and positive change in the world? Join us for our inaugural Alumni Changemaker Achievement Awards Reception as we unveil and celebrate the remarkable achievements of these individuals who come from diverse fields across our four award categories – Global Changemakers, Distinguished Changemaker, Emerging Changemaker and Community Changemaker. This evening promises to be nothing short of inspirational!