Mount Royal University Unveils New Learning Labs and Resource Hall

(3BL Media / theCSRfeed) Calgary - November 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.   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   ENCA18566