Convocation ‘24: Emmanuella Loomis, BSc Physical Education

Emmanuella Loomis, BSc Physical Education

Beyond the classroom: Fostering community on campus

Learn About the Program

A passion for sports and a desire to understand the human body led Emmanuella Loomis to pursue a bachelor of science in physical education (kinesiology and sports studies). The low student-teacher ratio and the opportunity to earn a degree from a top-5 Canadian university made the University of Alberta Augustana Campus the perfect fit for her academic journey.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Emmanuella assumed leadership roles on campus, notably as Vikings Athletics’ game day coordinator for three out of her four years. Under her guidance, the team achieved record attendance and sales stats during the 2023/24 academic year, a reflection of her hard work and the collaborative efforts of the Vikes Crew and her supervisor, David Ritz.

One cherished memory from Emmanuella's time at Augustana is her role as a resident assistant (RA). Through this experience, she found immense fulfillment in supporting her peers, organizing engaging events and acquiring invaluable life skills that she continues to carry with her today. The connections made during her time as an RA remain a source of joy in her life.

She looks forward to celebrating her convocation surrounded by her biggest supporters: her mom and stepfather. Emmanuella is also thrilled to embark on her next academic pursuit — she has accepted an offer of admission to pursue a juris doctor (JD) at the University of Victoria in British Columbia. With aspirations of becoming a human rights lawyer, Emmanuella envisions establishing her own firm dedicated to advocating for marginalized and underrepresented individuals in need.

Congratulations, Emmanuella!

What led you to choose your current area of study, and why the U of A Augustana for your studies?

Growing up with an active lifestyle, I have always been passionate about sports, physical activity and understanding how the human body works, so going into the program I did just made sense to me. I decided to choose the U of A Augustana Campus because of the low student-teacher ratio and the unique opportunity to earn my degree from a top-5 Canadian university.

What is one of your favourite memories from your time at Augustana?

Choosing just one favorite memory from my four short years at Augustana is challenging, but if I had to select a highlight, it would be my experience as a resident assistant (RA). As an RA, I had the opportunity to support my peers, plan interesting and fun events to foster an inclusive community environment and learn invaluable lessons and skills that I am able to take with me for life. Many of the connections made through my role I happily still maintain today.

Tell us about your favourite professor/lecturer and/or class.

I really enjoyed several of my physical education and psychology classes that I took throughout my four year program. In part due to the knowledgeable, experienced and accommodating professors that taught them. My most noteworthy were Daniel Gillespie, Dallas Ansell and Gary Snydmiller for physical education, and Timothy Parker and Ana Klahr for psychology.

Did you take on any leadership roles while you were a student, either on campus or in the Camrose community? 

I was the Vikings Athletics game day coordinator for three of my four years (after being promoted from Vikes Crew member my first year). In my role, I developed practical and professional skills and experiences that allowed me to thrive as a leader amongst my peers and ensure that the game day operations for our athletic teams ran smoothly. This most recent academic year (2023-2024) we hit record attendance and sales stats, which is also thanks to our hard working Vikes Crew and my exceptional supervisor, David Ritz.

How did you get where you are today?

It was a combination of hard work and sacrifices on my part, support and encouragement from my mom and step dad, and my soul dog and beloved adventure buddy, Ezra, who sadly had an inoperable tumor and has recently passed away.

What advice do you have for current and future students?

I have two big pieces of advice:

1. Plan for the future, but be prepared for it to change; because it will.
2. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone: join a new club, attend events that interest you, and embrace new experiences.

How do you plan on celebrating convocation?

I am spending convocation by going out for a celebratory dinner with my biggest supporters: my mom and stepfather, and getting some graduation photos taken.

What's next after graduation?

I am excited to share that I have accepted an offer of admission to complete a juris doctor (JD) at the University of Victoria in British Columbia. With my JD, I hope to become a human rights lawyer and open my own firm dedicated to helping marginalized and underrepresented people in need.