University of Alberta in Fort McMurray

The University of Alberta hosts the Advancing Alberta program annually to engage local communities across the province, bringing awareness about the university, its research and the impacts in the community while seeking opportunities to engage and collaborate on innovative and relevant projects.

Join us at this reception to connect with U of A alumni and community leaders to hear about some of the latest initiatives undertaken at the U of A in the areas of energy, health, wellness, and AI and learn how these advances contribute to Alberta's thriving economy.

This event is open to all alumni, donors, friends of the U of A and their guests.

Space is limited. Registration will close when the event reaches capacity, or on October 11, 2024.

About the speakers:  

Elan MacDonald, Vice President (External Relations)

Elan has spent her career advising organizations and corporations to sustain and grow their businesses by navigating government, policy development, crisis communications, the regulatory and legislative processes, and the shifting political, social and economic landscapes.

Elan is Chair of the Real Estate Council of Alberta, a director on the boards of Edmonton International Airport (YEG), AMII, and Atlas Global Brands. She is past-Chair of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce and a former Director on the boards of Covenant Health, Edmonton Global and Alberta Ballet.

Elan has a long history in Alberta politics serving as Deputy Chief of Staff and Political Advisor to two Alberta Premiers and as a political advisor to Cabinet Ministers.

Dr Brenda Hemmelgarn, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry and the College of Health Sciences

Dr. Hemmelgarn has served for more than 35 years in various roles across health care, academia and administration. She is a fellow of both the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.

Dr. Hemmelgarn’s research expertise focuses on using administrative and other secondary data sources to improve patient-oriented research, patient engagement, and integrated knowledge translation, and to move forward positive change in health policy and practice. She has received more than $20 million in funding as a principal investigator and has more than 500 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Hemmelgarn established the world-renowned Alberta Kidney Disease Network and is a founding member and co-team lead of the Interdisciplinary Chronic Disease Collaboration.