Student Engagement & Experience
The Student Life office offers a multitude of educational experiences for TRU students, providing insights into all aspects of university life. The goal is to support students with academic, personal, and social success.
Our dedicated team are here to ensure a smooth and successful transition into life at Thompson Rivers University—whether you're studying on campus or online.
On-Campus Student Orientation
Your gateway to TRU: pre-arrival info, workshops, and social events for new students.
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Online Student Orientation
Your Online Student Orientation: resources, guidance, and connections for TRU students studying online.
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Student Mentorship
Empowering students through peers: explore TRU mentorship opportunities today.
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Student Life Storytelling
Showcasing real student voices to raise awareness of existing services and the student experience.
Learn MoreMeet the team
Julie Taylor
Manager of Student
Experience
250-371-5942Julie has been at TRU since 2010 where she oversaw the Global Competency certificate. She then moved into a role within the Center for Student Engagement, was a Learning Strategist- Orientation & Transitions and now the Manager of Student Life. Julie completed her education at UBC with a Bachelor of Education and worked in SD73 for many years before TRU. In her spare time Julie can be found exploring the outdoors, playing soccer, working out, or spending quality time with her son.
Kayla Sanford
Learning Strategist
Orientation & Transitions
250-371-5733Kayla (she/her) has been supporting TRU students’ personal, social, and academic success through their first year since 2018 and has received the TRUSU Student Success award for demonstrating excellence in supporting students. She completed her Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and Bachelor of Science (Co-op, Biology) at TRU. As a mental health advocate, she is passionate about reducing stigma associated with mental health conditions. When Kayla is not in the office, she enjoys painting, making music, being outdoors, and listening to Taylor Swift.
Emma Ferguson, she/her
Experience Coordinator - OnlineDea has a degree in Bachelor of Arts (Hons.), Design Communications from LASALLE College of the Arts in Singapore and a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma, Marketing from TRU.
Dea brings with her 5+ years of international work experience in the marketing and communications industry, as well as experience working at TRU World as an Admissions Officer.
She has also been involved as a part of the Storyteller Squad, a Career Ambassador and from her six month Co-op with Career & Experiential Learning.
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Dea Hanifaputri, she/her
Engagement & Outreach Specialist - OnlineDea has a degree in Bachelor of Arts (Hons.), Design Communications from LASALLE College of the Arts in Singapore and a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma, Marketing from TRU.
Dea brings with her 5+ years of international work experience in the marketing and communications industry, as well as experience working at TRU World as an Admissions Officer.
She has also been involved as a part of the Storyteller Squad, a Career Ambassador and from her six month Co-op with Career & Experiential Learning.
Erin Pincott
Experience Coordinator, Athletics & Peer Mentorship
250-852-7245
BiographyErin received her Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies from TRU in 2018; as a student, she competed on the TRU curling team and is a three-time U Sports silver medalist.
As a former student-athlete, Erin is excited to support and give back to WolfPack athletes. Having gone through this experience herself, she can relate to the unique experiences and challenges athletes face as they navigate student life.
Before starting this role in September 2023, Erin spent almost 5 years as the Sport Performance Coordinator for PacificSport Interior BC, which involved coordinating programs and workshops for diverse groups of athletes, coaches and parents. She also helped provide services, access to resources and support to high-performance athletes and coaches throughout the Interior BC region. These high-performance athletes and coaches ranged from those entering the pathway all the way to Olympians and Paralympians.
Most of Erin’s free time is spent on the curling ice. She has represented Canada on the world stage in the sport of curling and continues to compete on the World Curling Tour and chase the Olympic dream. During the off-season, she enjoys playing soccer, working out and gardening.
Alicia Ashcroft, she/her
Writer & StorytellerAlicia Ashcroft graduated from TRU in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Theatre. She has lived in New Zealand and Australia and travelled extensively before settling back in Kamloops. Above most things in life, Alicia appreciates community, volunteerism, film, travel, laughter, close friends, a good book, CBC 2, her two bears and a well-made latte.
Madison McGregor, she/her
Engagement & Outreach SpecialistMadison received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, Environmental Economics and Sustainable Development with a Distinction in Cooperative Education from Thompson Rivers University.
After graduation, Madison worked for the Freshwater Fisheries Society for three years before accepting a one-year project management position with the Faculty of Arts at TRU. From there, she spent two and a half years as a Special Projects Coordinator at Trades & Technology. She joined the Faculty of Student Development in September 2022.
Madison loves hiking, photography, travelling, immersing herself in different cultures and meeting new people. Also a sports enthusiast - she spent 15 years swimming at a national level, living and breathing athletic life for a decade and a half! Madison is a dog lover and hopes to own a rehabilitation centre and shelter for neglected or homeless dogs someday.
“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” – Emma Hadley
Student Storytellers
Reese Dolphy, he/him
Reese is a second-year student pursuing the undergraduate Visual Arts Diploma. He joined the team in 2024 after being recruited by a storyteller who recognized his creativity, perseverance and academic enthusiasm. He identifies as a BIPOC trans man and is proud to be part of the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community. Reese is impeccably ardent and deeply committed to campus activities, community building and academic well-being. You might also know Reese as a volunteer with TRU Sustainability and various organizations and events in Kamloops.
Deiveek Agarwal, he/him
Dev (/deɪv/) is a fourth-year communications student majoring in public relations and has been a member of the student storyteller team since 2024. He’s photographed campus life for TRU Student Life, the Omega newspaper and hosted ‘Map It!’ on CFBX 92.5 FM. He enjoys interviewing people, learning about their work and sharing their stories. Dev has also completed co-ops with TRU’s Intercultural Learning department and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada in the Yukon. His goal is to connect more students with TRU’s services and see the campus bustling with activity.
Emma MacAulay, she/her
Emma graduated from TRU in June 2024 after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy and is currently a graduate student in the Master of Education program. A senior storyteller, Emma’s primary focus on the team is social media content production. She enjoys analyzing online trends, filming, directing and editing content. One of her favourite projects she worked on as a storyteller was promoting the Kamloops Blazers hockey games. Emma is passionate about philanthropy and avidly enjoys her volunteer work with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and the City of Kamloops. She has also contributed to on-campus philanthropic initiatives such as Day of Giving, TRU’s Annual Foundation Gala and TRU Wolfpack Back the ‘Pack Night. She hopes to encourage students to step out of their comfort zones, get involved on campus and try something new at TRU.
Alexa Huacuja, she/her
Alexa is a BBA student majoring in marketing. A storytelling enthusiast and visual creative, Alexa thrives on expressing herself through creative ideas, helping others feel seen and understood. Her global perspective, shaped by living in three countries, fuels her visual creativity and love for culture and blogging. Alexa’s passion lies in helping purpose-led brands stand out by blending bold ideas with strategic thinking. She’s super excited to create content with TRU Student Life and be part of the storyteller team.
Hanifa Hafidh, she/her
Hanifa is in her final year in the Bachelor of Science program and majors in biology. Through her leadership role at the EUReKA! science program, Hanifa is enthusiastic about and invested in science outreach and youth education. As a member of the student storytellers team, Hanifa is excited to bring her love for storytelling, curiosity and connection to the forefront. Through her journey as an international student from Kenya, she aims to uplift diverse voices and inspire others to explore new opportunities at TRU with confidence and creativity.
Orientation and Transitions Mentors/Ambassadors
Abdus Samad (he/him)
Program of Study: PBD in Human Resources Management
Fun Fact: My favourite fruit? All of them. There's not a single one I dislike — though I might lose a bet on a technicality if tomatoes were involved.
Chidinma Ugbaja (she/her)
Program of Study: PBD in Supply Chain Management
Fun Fact: I know every winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race from season 1 – 17.
Daniela Pineda (she/her)
Program of Study: Bachelor of Business Administration
Fun Fact: I love cooking new dishes and being able to share it with my friends.
Divya Chandak (she/her)
Program of Study: Bachelor of Business Administration
Fun Fact: I can eat salads all day long. Also, my sisters tell me that I have solutions for all of their problems.
Oreoluwa ‘Oreo’ Alakaba (she/her)
Program of Study: Bachelor of Communication and Digital Journalism
Fun Fact: I can still do a cartwheel… I believe that’s impressive, sort of.
Mint Thai (she/her)
Program of Study: PBD in Applied Data Science
Fun Fact: I’ve lived abroad since I was 18 and love traveling, puzzles, and thrill rides. I even traveled solo to countries without speaking the language—hand gestures and Google Translate got me through!
Saaim Attar (he/him)
Program of Study: Bachelor of Business Administration
Fun Fact: I love shawarma so much that I once ate it every day for 3 months.
Jerin Jeejo (he/him)
Program of Study: Bachelor of Science
Fun Fact: I am always on the lookout for new things to explore! Whether it is a new place, activity, or experience, I love trying something different and making the most of every adventure.
Melani Sagastume (she/her)
Program of Study: Bachelor of Arts
Fun Fact: I love to travel, and I always make sure to collect as many souvenirs as possible from every place I visit.
