College of the Rockies students gain far more than academic knowledge. Through hands-on learning, community involvement, and meaningful connections, they build confidence, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. These experiences often inspire students and alumni to give back—strengthening communities across our region and beyond.
Here are just a few of the many ways our students and graduates are making a difference.
Creating Space for Mental Health Support
After struggling with her own mental health as a Practical Nurse student at the College and inspired by the support she received from her instructors and student services employees, Emma Peters created and hosted the Be the Change Run in her hometown of Sundre in 2025. “I wanted to bring people together and show our support for mental health”, she said. After a successful inaugural run, Emma looks forward to continuing the run in the years ahead.
Just as Emma identified a need in her community, Katelin found an opportunity to support some of Cranbrook’s most vulnerable residents
Nourishing the Community Through Student Innovation
What began as a work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunity quickly became a passion project for pre-education student Katelin Connaroe. She worked with the Community Connections Society of Southeast BC (CCS) to launch a pilot project that saw her provide fresh, nutritious meals to Cranbrook’s unhoused population, supporting both food security and student learning. Each week, Katelin used fresh produce from the CCS’s Urban Farm and nutritionally dense food from their Food Recovery program to prepare 30 fresh salads. Assisted by partners at Public Health Outreach and the RCMP, Katelin delivered the salads to several locations throughout the community. “It’s really fulfilling to know the contribution we’re making to the health and wellbeing of some of the more vulnerable citizens in Cranbrook and to know that they will get at least one nutritious fresh meal every week,” she said.
Katelin’s efforts to support food security demonstrate how meaningful WIL experiences can be—and students in other programs are applying their skills to different community challenges
Innovating for a More Sustainable Future
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students Aman Sidhu, Brooklyn Rauser, and Kelsie Lussier, in collaboration with their field guide from the East Kootenay Regional Hospital (EKRH) developed an innovative sustainability initiative as part of their leadership practicum. The first-of-its-kind PVC plastic disposal method helps to keep thousands of PVC waste out of landfills in Cranbrook alone. “It can be intimidating coming into a large organization, especially as students. It would be easy to assume the hospital had thought of everything. These ladies decided to challenge that notion and look for ‘the better’ option and found it! I hope that every student who enters the workforce follows their lead and continuously challenges the status quo and keep exploring new ideas,” said Stacy Byram, co-chair of EKRH’s Environmental Sustainability Team.
Community impact can be both innovative and practical—and sometimes it’s as simple as meeting immediate needs.
Keeping the Community Warm
In November 2025, BSN students engaged in community outreach, and representing the COTR chapter of the Canadian Nursing Student Association, held a Coat Drive, collecting jackets, snowpants, winter boots, blankets, and accessories for those in our community in need.
These student-led initiatives are powerful, but they’re only part of the story.
Making a Difference Every Day
Not all contributions come through specific projects or events. Many of our alumni create change through the work they do every day—by advocating for fairness, supporting vulnerable populations, and improving systems from the inside out. Their dedication continues to inspire us.
“Through my work, I hope to be a strong advocate of patient-centred care and to set a good example for other sonographers to remove our biases and treat every patient equally and with kindness.” – Hanna Hofmeister, University Science alum, medical sonographer.
“I oversee a team of incredible individuals committed to improving healthcare. We’re streamlining processes, addressing talent shortages, and collaborating with government leaders to provide best-in-class service to those in need.” – Jenna Sirucek, LPN alum, Senior Manager of People, Services, and Recruitment for a leading organization specializing in air and ground ambulance services for remote communities in northern Canada.
“The Criminal and Social Justice program prepared me to be ready to find a new passion in advocacy which I discovered through my work as a research assistant. I feel the ability to have both lenses will help me be a well-rounded social worker who understands inequalities, systemic oppression, over-representation, and gaps within systems. I hope to use that understanding to take steps to bring further awareness and change.” – Mackenzie Nelson, Criminal and Social Justice alum, Probation Officer
“I am so grateful for the amazing experiences College of the Rockies provided me. They have led me to pursue my dream of becoming a public health professional so I can contribute to the health and wellbeing of my community, and maybe someday – the world.” – Chelsea Fiorentino, BSN alum, Policy Analyst for the Nursing-Family Partnership program, part of the Ministry of Health’s Public Health, Prevention, and Planning Branch.
These stories represent only a small sample of the many ways College of the Rockies students and alumni are shaping stronger, healthier, more connected communities. Their compassion, creativity, and leadership remind us that education is most powerful when it’s used in service of others—and we are proud to support their journeys.