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The President’s Fundraising Breakfast for Mental Health

Tegler Student Centre

May 4, 2023 7:30 am - May 4, 2023 8:30 am

The President’s Fundraising Breakfast for Mental Health is one of Concordia University of Edmonton’s (CUE) signature, and most important, events. 100 per cent of the funds raised through the breakfast are allocated to the Shaughn O’Brien Mental Health Fund to create, support, and advance mental health services and well-being initiatives on campus.

To date, the fund has raised over $170,000 and has allowed us to prioritize the importance of mental health on our campus and provide critical support to our students when they need it most. 

Event Details


This year’s theme From Comfort to Growth focuses on the importance of expanding comfort zones and embracing growth zones. Speaking up about mental health isn’t always within our comfort zones; we are grateful to the students who will be sharing their experiences at the event.

We are also fortunate to have a matching donor this year. The first $10,000 raised on the day of the breakfast will be matched by Shelagh O’Brien, Shaughn’s mother, who has been supporting this fund since the day it started.

Thursday, May 4 ┃ 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Tegler Student Centre, Concordia University of Edmonton, 7128 Ada Boulevard

If you’re unable to join us, consider giving an ongoing or one-time donation by clicking here.

Guest Speakers


Kaylee Reed is graduating from CUE’s four year Applied Emphasis Psychology program at the end of May and was recently granted early acceptance into the After Degree in Education here at CUE. Kaylee’s professors and placement supervisors describe her as an exceptional student and individual who strives for excellence in every area of her life, including as a newer student athlete on Concordia’s curling team and as a director of her local community’s Agricultural Society. She is also described as a “go-getter” who is always seeking new opportunities to step out of her comfort zone and gain more knowledge in various areas.

Selina Verkland is a second year student in the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology program at CUE. She is also an alumna of the Bachelor of Arts undergraduate program. During her undergraduate years, Selina was a member of the Thunder Athletics women’s soccer team. She has carried forward her many experiences amassed at Concordia and believes passionately in advocating for mental health, engaging in meaningful change and augmenting the voices of those who go unheard. 

Duncan Calef is graduating this semester from his four year Bachelors of Science degree with a major in biology, and will be getting married in 16 days! Duncan is a former member of the Thunder men’s volleyball team, and now invests his time outside of school into volunteering for a Christian youth ministry, working at a physiotherapy clinic and rock climbing. Duncan displays exceptional leadership qualities among his peers, and is described by them as being emotionally mature and a person who invests deeply into high quality relationships. 

Dr. Thea Comeau is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at CUE and teaches in both our Applied Emphasis and Psy.D. programs. She is also a Registered Psychologist in private practice in Edmonton. Her research and clinical work focus on supporting individuals in finding growth after trauma and life transition, especially through the exploration of human values.

Acknowledgements


Thank you to Hub International for being our Presenting Sponsor, George & Bell Consulting for the Wellness Sponsorship, and Dana Hospitality for providing your complimentary breakfast. Because of their generosity, 100% of the funds raised will go towards student mental health! This is cause for celebration and even more of a reason to donate to the cause.

Presenting Sponsor

Wellness Sponsor

Breakfast Sponsor