Enhancing leadership training with renewed gift to MEERL program
Mike Rose, Artsci’79, and Susan Riddell Rose, Sc’86, have donated an additional significant gift of $1.1 million to the Master of Earth and Energy Resources Leadership (MEERL) program to help the next generation of natural resources leaders respond to environmental challenges in innovative and sustainable ways.
This major contribution will play a pivotal role in expanding and strengthening the MEERL program, which was supported by Mike and Sue at its inception. The new gift will help scale MEERL and ensure it continues to cultivate a new generation of leaders who have the skills and aptitude to confront increasing challenges in the natural-resources sector with creative and thoughtful solutions.
“On behalf of Queen’s University, I’d like to thank the Roses for their generous support of the MEERL program,” says Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane. “This gift positions Queen’s as an important partner in the ongoing transformation of the natural resources industry – both in Canada and around the world. It will help us prepare the next generation of leaders, who will tackle some of the world’s most significant and urgent challenges.”
Michael Rose, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tourmaline Oil Corp., Canada’s largest natural gas producer, was recognized as Canada’s CEO of the year for 2023. He’s long been a leader in the natural resources industry for his future-thinking approach. Through Tourmaline, he has helped the industry meet the global need for responsibly developed low-emission energy.
Sue Riddell Rose, President and CEO of both Perpetual Energy Inc. and Rubellite Energy Inc. has been a recognized leader in Canada’s natural resources sector for more than two decades. She is receiving the 2024 Business Leader of the Year from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, is currently a governor for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, and is one of the founders and acting chair of Canada Powered by Women, an organization that represents the voice of women in the national energy transformation dialogue.
With this gift, MEERL will pursue several strategic initiatives to raise awareness of the program, create innovative and unique learning opportunities, attract high-achieving students, forge strong industry connections, and build strategic partnerships within and outside the Queen’s community.
Operated under the Department of Geological Science and Geological Engineering, the MEERL program employs a multidisciplinary approach to train future leaders in the natural resource industries. Since its inception, the program has made a remarkable impact emphasizing a multi-disciplinary approach to equip 55 mid-career leaders from around the world with the knowledge, skills, and breadth of understanding needed to navigate the complexities of responsible resource development that will enhance Canadian prosperity and meet societal needs while minimizing environmental impacts.
“The Roses’ generous contribution will make a significant difference in the lives of our students and the advancement of the MEERL program,” says Dr. Barbara Crow, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Sciences. “This gift creates new learning opportunities, fosters innovative curriculum development, and provides students with crucial financial backing. This $1.1-million contribution represents a significant step toward a brighter future for natural resource development, and we’re thankful for the support that will make this vision a reality.”
Note: This story originally appeared on the Queen's Alumni site.