Cougar Booster Club’s ongoing legacy supporting Mount Royal University’s student-athletes
University is a transformative period in a student's life where academic pursuits meet personal growth and lifelong connections. For some Mount Royal University students, participating in sports and athletics is an integral part of their university experience. However, balancing academics and athletic commitments can be financially challenging, but donors like the Mount Royal Cougar Booster Club can and do make all the difference in these scenarios.
Recognizing that some student-athletes may face financial barriers that hinder their ability to fully engage in their sport, the Cougar Booster Club plays a vital role in providing these student-athletes with opportunities to dedicate themselves fully to their teams and represent MRU with pride. Over the past 40 years, the Booster Club has contributed $1.4 million — establishing six of their own scholarships, an endowment to help support Cougar Athletics operations and contributions to countless other scholarships and bursaries that support the Cougars.
Since the Booster Club’s inception in 1982 by Al Bohonus, athletic director at the time, and Tim Dupuis, a Cougars alumnus, the goal has been to support MRU varsity athletic teams and programs. Current president of the Booster Club, former student-athlete and MRU alumnus, Kyle Wilson emphasizes the importance of giving back to the broader community.
“I would not be here without the support of those before me. Now, I am in a position alongside the Cougar Booster Club’s Board of Directors to be able to offer that support back to current student-athletes,” Wilson says.
Through his involvement with fellow alumni board members, the aim is to get funds raised into the hands of the student-athletes right away. This vital support acts as a catalyst for the student-athletes to strive for excellence in their sport while maintaining a strong academic standing. Contributions to student awards directly impact the lives of aspiring athletes, enabling them to pursue their dreams and reach new heights while creating a generation of well-rounded individuals poised for an accomplished future.
The Cougar Booster Club and its donors are instrumental in shaping the future of student-athletes and leaving an enduring impact on the university community.
“I would like to thank all the donors from the past, present and the future, for making MRU what it is today and what it could potentially become,” Wilson says.
To learn more about how you can make a difference for student-athletes, visit: Cougars Campaign
To stay connected to upcoming sports events, highlights or opportunities, visit: MRU Cougars
To inquire about volunteering opportunities with the MRU Cougar Athletics, please email Robert Godfrey at rgodfrey@mtroyal.ca for more information.
To learn more about getting involved as an MRU alumni, visit: MRU Alumni
July 21, 2023 - Emily Wilkes