Spotlight on Bonnie Walter, Academic Programs Specialist

Since joining the University of Calgary in 1983 as a Clerk Typist II, Bonnie Walter has built a remarkable career spanning more than four decades. Over that time, she has worked across nine departments and eight faculties, including Science, Education, Medicine, Haskayne, Social Sciences, and Arts.

Bonnie has intentionally moved between roles throughout her career to continue learning, take on new challenges, and grow her skills. Today, she serves as an Academic Programs Specialist in the Department of Political Science, where she supports three undergraduate programs. Her role spans course-related activities, including course outlines, final grades, timetabling, and the provision of data and analytical reporting to departmental leadership. She works closely with directors and the Department Head and collaborates with many service units across campus.

She speaks warmly of the university and its culture of opportunity and community: “The University of Calgary is a wonderful place to work, and there are many wonderful opportunities here.”

A strong advocate for student success, Bonnie emphasizes the importance of keeping students at the centre of everything the university does: “We would not be here if it wasn’t for the students. They are why the work matters.” This commitment is reflected in initiatives such as the High School Model United Nations, where University of Calgary employees and student volunteers from across disciplines come together to create meaningful experiences for visiting high school students and showcase the university community.

Bonnie is also known for her willingness to help, attention to detail, and commitment to supporting others. She has become a trusted mentor to newer colleagues, sharing institutional knowledge while continuing to learn from fresh perspectives: “Relationships are important because we will inevitably need to lean on one another.”

Steve McCardy, AVP, People and Culture, highlights the broader impact of contributions like Bonnie’s: “Bonnie’s career reflects what is possible at the University of Calgary. Her commitment to learning, deep institutional knowledge, and support for others help strengthen our community and enable collective success.”

She credits supportive leadership, collaboration, and open communication as key enablers of her growth and values opportunities to recognize staff contributions across the institution. Reflecting on her long career, Bonnie attributes her tenure to relationships, resilience, and perspective: “Not everything is perfect, but there are so many positives. We’ve been able to get through it, and we’ve come so far.”

She also expresses appreciation for initiatives that highlight employee stories: “I think it’s wonderful that we’re doing these articles.”

Outside of work, Bonnie prioritizes ways to recharge and support her well-being. She enjoys walking around campus, researching family genealogy, and exploring her creative side by working with glass.

For Bonnie, the University of Calgary has been a place of growth, purpose, and community.