At long last, mental health is being openly discussed and researched. Unfortunately, there still remains a stigma around mental health, mental illness and suicide. The University of Calgary Chancellor’s Club signature event on Feb. 28 did much to ensure the conversation continues to move forward.
The second and final Chancellor’s Club event for the 2018-19 season, held at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, was attended by many community leaders, academics and Chancellor’s Scholars. The Chancellor’s Club funds 40 scholarships, valued at $10,000 per year for up to four years. The club’s scholarships attract the brightest young minds who raise the standard of excellence at the U of C, thereby enhancing our entire community.
Guests in attendance at the event included: host Chancellor Deborah Yedlin and her husband Martin Molyneaux; U of C president and vice-chancellor Ed McCauley; keynote speaker Brenda Mackie, chair of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute’s Strategic Advisory Board; keynote speaker Dr. Paul Arnold, director of the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education; and keynote speaker Karen Gosbee, a community member impacted by family mental illness. Others presenting included: fourth-year scholars Brett Rothery and Sydney Sparanese. Rothery’s address focused on his research in the Department of Psychology on individuals with gambling disorders and addictive personalities and was supported in his presentation by researcher Dr. Andrew Kim. Rothery also discussed his work with the Calgary branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, supported by the organization’s executive director Laureen MacNeil.
Sparanese spoke to her research with the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, which looks at the brain’s opioid mechanisms and the efficacy of treating opioid addiction with other substances. She was supported in her presentation by researcher Dr. Charlie Kwok. The evening concluded with remarks from Robbie Babins-Wagner, CEO of Calgary Counselling Centre. Others in attendance are pictured.
With files from U of C Chancellor’s office
Mental health advocate Karen Gosbee (left) and Brenda Mackie, president, Hotchkiss Family Foundation were two of the keynote speakers at the University of Calgary Chancellor’s Club event.
From left: Canadian Mental Health Association executive director Laureen MacNeil, Dr. Paul Arnold, inaugural director of the Mathison Centre for Mental Health & Education and the Alberta Innovates Translational Health Chair in Child and Youth Mental Health at the University of Calgary; and Brett Rothery, fourth-year Chancellor’s Scholar.
Dr. Richard Sigurdson and Robbie Babins-Wagner, CEO, Calgary Counselling Centre.
From left: David Goldblum, Dr. Lesley Rigg, Linda and Roger Jackson.
U of C Chancellor emerita Ann McCaig and her daughter Roxanne McCaig.
Hotchkiss Brain Institute’s Charlie Kwok (left) and Sydney Sparanese, fourth-year Chancellor’s Scholar from Victoria, B.C.
Beverly MacLeod (left) and Suzanne Devonshire Baker.
U of C professor emerita Gayla Rogers and her husband Brian Rogers of McLeod Law.
Dentons LLP partner, emeritus David Tavender and Marion Rogers.