When you ask a successful person what has helped contributed to their accomplishments, an answer often given is the leadership of an invested and inspirational mentor. Whether a parent, friend, supervisor, hero or combination of these figures, there’s no doubt about how much of a difference an influential person can have on the trajectory of your life.
This National Mentoring Month, join UCalgary alumni and community-builders to learn about their mentorship experiences. These leaders will discuss the importance of mentors and will teach you how to pull together the wisdom of many mentors in various areas of your life to create a “super-mentor” experience that can help you achieve great things.
Dean Koeller (he/him)
Chief Executive Officer, Calvert Home Mortgage
Dean Koeller, BComm’97, is an energetic entrepreneur with a passion for his community. Alongside his role at Calvert Home Mortgage, he is also the Founding member and Chair of the Canadian Alternative Mortgage Lenders Association as well as a board member of the Alberta Business Family Institute and the Calgary Public Library Foundation. Dean has received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Alberta Mortgage Brokers Association President Award, and a Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40 award.
Reagan Markwell (she/her)
Graduate studies student, University of Calgary
Citizen of the Metis Nation of Alberta Region III, and Cree Metis from Treaty 1, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Reagan, BSC’20, is a dedicated lifelong learner, and is proud to be continuing her educational journey with the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business in the Master of Management program. She previously coordinated the Ótáp ímisskaan Indigenous Youth Leadership Program, as well as the Indigenous Student Access Program with the university’s Writing Symbols Lodge prior to acting as the Leadership Development Specialist with the University of Calgary’s Centre for Career and Personal Development.
Gareth McVicar (he/him)
Manager of Leadership and Student Development, University of Calgary
Gareth McVicar has had the great privilege over the last 15 years of working with students, faculty and staff to collaboratively create, grow and facilitate many of the University of Calgary's student leadership programs, including the university’s work with CliftonStrengths. Outside of work Gareth volunteers at the Alberta Children’s Hospital with his West Highland Terrier, Angus.
Ian Minnifee (he/him)
Director of Wealth Strategy, Fairfield Watson
Ian Minnifee, BA’94, is a community-builder, a promoter of diversity, a sports advocate and the former president of the University of Calgary Alumni Association Board of Directors. He is a founding member of the Dinosaur Basketball Foundation and has served on the University of Calgary Senate, alongside his successful career in the financial services industry. Ian also helped create the Senate Service Award for student athlete community volunteerism and co-founded a leadership program that connects the award recipient to a Senate mentor. In June 2018, he was awarded the Order of the University of Calgary for his record of exemplary and distinguished service to UCalgary.
Amanda Affonso (she/her)
Associate Vice President of Alumni, Community and Partnerships, University of Calgary
Amanda Affonso, BA’00, is a senior executive with over 20 years of experience in Canada’s energy industry. She has extensive experience in community and stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, communications and is a recognized leader in policy development. She is the recipient of multiple awards for excellence, including Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40, IABC’s Gold Quill Award in Community Relations and Alberta’s Most Enterprising Employee. Amanda is a passionate and inspirational leader who promotes collaboration and innovation to achieve desired outcomes.