GREEN+GOLD is for everyone! It’s more than a day or an event - it’s a feeling! It’s how we recognize the people who make our university community vibrant, inclusive and innovative. From athletic jerseys to convocation caps and spiritwear, GREEN+GOLD is everywhere. Read on to hear from fellow staff, as well as some alumni and students, about what GREEN+GOLD means to them.
In the Community
In photos: We are GREEN+GOLD
September 18, 2024
Marvin Washington
Staff: College Dean and Vice-Provost, College of Social Sciences and Humanities
"Green and Gold for me means that I take pride when representing the U of A, whether helping a student navigate the university's web of buildings and classrooms, attending one of our performances or athletic competitions or working with our neighbours on a community initiative.”
Elan MacDonald
Staff: Vice-President, External Relations, VER VP Portfolio Admin
"To me, green and gold symbolize a profound sense of belonging and community at the U of A. Our school colors extend beyond our campuses and connect us with a global network of alumni and partners. Green and gold visually embody our collective impact, both locally and internationally."
Nizar Jaffer Somji, M. Eng.; P. Eng.; ICD.D
Nizar (Staff: Chancellor, Chair of the University of Alberta Senate) with Ellen Doty, Assistant Dean, Development, Faculty of Law
"Green and gold helps define our identity. Wearing it brings a sense of community and connectedness and makes me feel part of a larger family of individuals focused on developing solutions to complex interconnected problems, locally and globally.”
Devonne Kendrick
Staff: Senior Marketing Strategist, External Relations, Marketing
"To me, green and gold represents having pride in being an alumnus of a top-five university in Canada. It's celebrating the amazing research and work being done by our faculty and staff and being hopeful about the future seeing so many people who are eager to have a positive impact on the world.”
Tawana McLeod
Staff: Associate Athletic Director, Advancement, Golden Bears & Pandas Athletics
"The green and gold spirit is about history, community and being a part of something larger than yourself. It's more than just wearing colours, it's about how each of us is a part of the U of A story and it's those collective experiences that make the University of Alberta such a special place.”
Apoorva Mishra
Student: Fourth-year undergraduate student, Honors, Neuroscience
"As an ambassador, wearing green and gold symbolizes the stories we share, the rich history we celebrate and the pride we carry for our university. To me, green and gold are more than just colours; they represent the positive impact I've made in fostering community and inclusivity."
Vi Tran
Student: First-year graduate student, Master of Public Health
“The colours perfectly capture my journey here. As someone green to the field of public health, I feel like a sapling, ready to soak in golden rays of knowledge and experience. I look forward to leading with purpose and reflecting on my time here as a golden chapter of my life.”
Chichi Igbelina
Staff: President, Athletics Marketing and VPFO CCR Programming, President and Captain, U of A Cheer Club
Student: First-year undergraduate student, BSc, Nursing (after degree)
"To me, green and gold are more than just colours—they are a reflection of our journey, both as individuals and as a team. Green represents our growth, teamwork and resilience, while gold symbolizes the numerous achievements we have accumulated through our hard work.”
Zeyad Elsalhy
Staff: Advisor, Student Service Centre, Office of the Registrar
"Green and gold is what defines our community! Wearing those colours, seeing them within our buildings and throughout nature, makes me feel a part of something bigger than myself, and any opportunity to contribute to our campus community is a worthwhile endeavour for me.”
Morgan Bosgoed
Staff: Program Coordinator, Intramural Sports, Campus and Community Recreation
"Green and Gold means to me that I get to represent the colours of a University that has meant so much to the City of Edmonton and the province of Alberta. I wear green and gold proudly!”
Brandon Meiklejohn
Alumni: Alumnus, Civil Engineering, 2023
“Green and Gold means the world to me. As a former member of the Golden Bears Basketball team, I found a sense of community brought by the green and gold. Being on the team and in this community, I've made lifelong friends and created memories along the way.”
Danial Ahmed
Student: Fourth-year undergraduate student, BSc, Psychology
"Wearing green and gold is my choice to embody the values I share with this university. It’s my commitment to a lifelong pursuit of knowledge driven by an unwavering belief in self-improvement. I wear my colours boldly knowing this campus is devoted to my mission and will provide me the golden opportunity to do so.”
Siri Nelson
Staff: A-Team Lead, UAlberta Athletics
Student: Fourth-year undergraduate student, Bachelor of Arts, Recreation, Sport and Tourism (BARST)
"Green and gold to me symbolize optimism and success. Especially related to my academic career, I have navigated obstacles and rough patches and have remained positive through it all thanks to the community I have found on campus. Because of them I am (finally) on my way to completing my journey in June!"
Brock Davidiuk
Staff: Head Coach, Golden Bears Volleyball
"One of my values is pursuit, whether people are pursuing academic inquiry, personal growth or cutting-edge innovation, U of A has no shortage of people shooting for the stars. I consider myself lucky and am inspired that I get to coach student-athletes who are pursuing academic and athletic excellence every day.”
Kyle J. Kramer
Staff: Kyle (Manager, Digital Strategy, External Relations, Marketing) with daughter, Mariko Kramer, a recent U of A grad
“Green and Gold represent the energy, pride and sense of belonging at the University of Alberta—a place that has shaped my career and become a special part of my family’s journey.”
Megan Garbutt
Student: Fourth-year undergraduate student, BSc, Honors, Immunology and Infection
"To me, green and gold symbolize the vibrant community and deep sense of belonging that we share and serves as a reminder that I am part of something much greater. When I wear green and gold alongside so many, I celebrate our diverse backgrounds, incredible experiences, and shared journey ahead that binds us together."
Cathy Allen
Staff: '76 BSc, '77 BEd, '99 MEd and member of Alumni Council
"Green and gold symbolizes my pride as a U of A alumna and the sense of belonging that I feel as part of the community. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that have arisen because of my accomplishments at the U of A."
Sarah Kowalevsky
Staff: Assistant Dean, Development, Alberta School of Business
"Together the colours green and gold are magical and represent power and confidence, yet humbleness and harmony. We must showcase our colours proudly. Because what we do here at the University of Alberta is nothing short of amazing.”
To help you celebrate the GREEN+GOLD spirit, our Golden Bears and Pandas Athletics department is offering all University of Alberta full-time staff a 35% discount on general admission tickets for each of the GREEN+GOLD Spirit Games this season! Staff can get up to 5 discounted tickets per game, so it's a great opportunity to bring family and friends and show them how we GREEN+GOLD!
Full-time staff can access this ticket offer by signing up via Ticketmaster using their U of A CCID email address. A Ticketmaster account under a personal email will not work, so you may have to create a new account with your CCID email address. If you are already logged into Ticketmaster under a personal email, you will have to log out first.
The next GREEN+GOLD Spirit Game is on Sept. 20. Cheer on the Golden Bears football team as they take on the Regina Rams at Foote Field while enjoying free swag, face-painting, t-shirt cannon and a drone show. Learn more at We Are GREEN+GOLD.