Most-read stories of 2022
From sweet stories of a pandemic-born cookie business to news of a new collaborative post-secondary campus to be built in one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities, these most-read stories excited and delighted RRU News readers this year.
10. Sweet success: Royal Roads alum starts cookie company during pandemic
After graduating from Royal Roads’ Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management, Tim Thakker never imagined he would be making and delivering homestyle, triple-chocolate cookies to eager customers waiting at their front doors.
But during the pandemic he discovered that perfecting the recipe for a successful business could start in his own kitchen.
Grab a glass of milk and sink your teeth into this sweet story.
9. These new graduates ‘rock’: Chancellor’s Award Winners
One loves rocks.
Another loves to rock out on guitar, but likes helping people — at home and abroad — even more.
Yet another wants to help teachers and kids to take their learning into the great outdoors.
They’re all Royal Roads students who were awarded the university’s highest academic honour at our Spring Convocation.
And their stories – of excellence and achievement – were among our most read stories of the year.
8. What’s the link between oil prices and clean tech stocks?
What happens to clean energy stocks when oil stock prices go up or down? What happens to clean tech stocks when clean energy companies are on the rise? Do international events such as COP26 or the Paris Climate Accords have any influence?
7. MAPC grad cuts through the noise of mental health conditions
Master of Arts in Professional Communication alum Megan Reimer spent 14 months researching the experiences of people with mental health conditions. Her thesis is meant to help anyone, or everyone communicate better through the “noise” of mental health conditions.
“Anxiety puts a filter on things,” she says. “You just can't quite get your message through.”
6. Looking under the hood of Jason Kenney’s iconic campaign truck
What is the symbolism behind Alberta Premier Jason Kenney's big blue campaign truck? A pair of Royal Roads faculty members co-authored a chapter revealing their findings about the signature campaign vehicle in a new book about Alberta politics.
Turns out, you were just as curious – making this and this our sixth most read story of 2022.
5. Towards a greener future: Royal Roads’ Climate Action Plan 2022-2027
Vowing to work with others to not only tackle but also to lead provincial, national and international efforts, Royal Roads has pledged to make climate action a central part of its mission.
And you wanted to know more about how we’ll act on that pledge.
You can find these details and more in this top-performing news story (and video) about our Climate Action Plan 2022-2027.
4. New program a pathway for Indigenous environmental leaders
A unique program that launched at Royal Roads University in 2022 offers Indigenous students the opportunity to launch their professional or academic careers in environmental leadership – without leaving their home communities.
The first-of-its-kind Certificate in Indigenous Environmental Leadership Pathways is designed with and for Indigenous learners; it’s entirely online, so students can study in their own time and in their own communities.
3. RRU MBA student flies to the rescue of BC communities
He’s a student – and a helicopter pilot – on a mission. CEO of Helicopters Without Borders and Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Executive Management student Owen McClung-Sitnam’s story really took off with readers.
2. RRU in collaboration to open new Westshore campus
We couldn’t have been more excited to this year announce our plans to build a new collaborative post-secondary campus on the Westshore.
“This investment is so important for students,” said Philip Steenkamp, Royal Roads University president. “As we see many more people looking for post-secondary training, this campus will allow us and our partners to offer an expanded suite of options for learners at every age and stage.”
1. Indigenous water activist Autumn Peltier honoured for her activism
Our most read story of 2022 was a profile of water activist Autumn Peltier, who was recognized this year with a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa at Royal Roads University’s Spring Convocation, for her commitment to creating a better future.
“I'm getting the message out, and I'm creating this big conversation about Indigenous issues in Canada,” she said.