In 2011, Ashley King was on a gap year, travelling the world, unaware she'd one day become a leading voice for accessibility in the arts. At 19, King lost her eyesight after unknowingly drinking methanol-tainted alcohol at a Bali bar. Years later, MRU's journalism program gave her the foundation to tell her story, which culminated in Static: A Party Girl's Memoir , a play about loss, resilience and methanol poisoning awareness that premiered in Calgary in 2024. Collaborating with Mount Royal journalism professor Meg Wilcox (whom she hadn't met until after graduating), they adapted Static into a top-rated podcast. Now an artistic associate at Inside Out Theatre, King champions inclusive performances and works with theatre companies to increase accessibility across Calgary's arts scene.
Mount Royal University honoured King and six more of its best and brightest alumni on Nov. 6 at the Outstanding Alumni Awards.
These individuals embody the MRU spirit of authenticity, boldness, curiosity and transformation in their communities and across the globe. You may have crossed paths with one or more of these graduates whether on campus or in our broader community:
- Craig O'Neill Aviation Diploma, 2002
Charting a flight path for Indigenous aviators - Aislinn Grant Bachelor of Business Administration General Management, 2016
Leadership for female founders to build better brands - Ashley King Bachelor of Communication Journalism, 2018
Facilitating greater inclusion in the arts - David Nicholson Employment Preparation Certificate, 2020
Lifting spirits with determination, integrity and kindness - Alexandra (Daignault) Sangster Bachelor of Arts English, 2018
Brewing social impact with business innovation - Stanley Peake Bachelor of Physical Education, 2001 (UT)
Fostering leadership, personal growth and values-driven decision-making - Ashid Bahl Associate Diploma Police Science, 1979
Showing that living a life for others is a life worthwhile
