What is your first U of A memory?
My first memory is of my first day as a student roughly 20 years ago. I remember the vibrancy of campus, the smell of the pancakes and the information booths with all the university information. I still smile when I walk to my office and smell the pancakes during Week of Welcome.
What’s something your coworkers don’t know about you?
I am typically an open book, although my coworkers may not know that I love to bake and I’m looking at taking some lessons in the near future.
What’s your favourite distraction?
I have two favourite distractions. The first one is definitely running, which I found a love for after a significant event in my life. The sound of my runners hitting the ground, the fresh air around me and the accomplishment post run helps me to forget the realities around me and reset. The second is the Food Network (or maybe just food in general). I find the cooking and baking episodes calming.
If you were enrolling in one course, program or degree right now, what would it be?
I would enroll in a Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Science through the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences. I am fascinated with the science of food and I would love to learn more about how it impacts the human body.
What’s a weird pet peeve you have?
I asked my kids what they think is a weird pet peeve of mine and all three of them said mismatched socks. I can’t deny it. When my kids put on mismatched socks, I am not a fan!
You can invite anyone — alive or dead, real or fictional — to dinner. Who would it be?
My grandma. She is no longer with us and I have so many unanswered questions. She lived as a military spouse who traveled the world. I would love to hear more details about her experiences and what made her who she was.
If you could see any live performance tomorrow, what would it be?
I have to jump on the Taylor Swift bandwagon. I would love to see her with my kids. We all love her music. I am also a huge Walker Hayes fan.
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
To focus on the journey and not always the end goal. The journey is where the magic happens and makes you who you are. It’s important to enjoy the process, there is so much joy in that.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Coffee! My favourite part of the day is enjoying that first morning cup of coffee.
What three words describe your U of A experience?
Challenging, rewarding and opportunistic.
About Christine
Christine Legault was appointed as the new Director, Campus & Community Recreation in January 2023. Christine has a long history at the U of A starting with her undergrad in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation and has continued working in U of A sport and recreation settings for the past 17 years.