Trevor Emmel | Helping make everyone’s day just a little bit easier

As Trevor Emmel sits at a table in the Health Research Innovation Centre atrium, there are few people who walk by and don’t recognize him. He’s greeted with multiple smiling faces and friendly waves.

Trevor has been with the University of Calgary for a decade. Nine of those years have been as a distribution clerk at the Foothills Campus.

“My favourite part of the job is getting to interact with everyone, regardless of title or what area they work in,” says Trevor, who gets to connect with more people on a daily basis than most people do in a week. “Everyone who works here brings something different to the table. I enjoy seeing that variety.”

Prior to working at UCalgary, Trevor was on campus as a student. He completed his undergraduate degree in sociology in 2004, before heading to Europe on a backpacking tour. While there, he visited Denmark, Italy, France, and Germany. Then, in 2006, Trevor spent time working in New Zealand and Thailand. 

“Travelling is something I love, and that has taught me a lot,” says Trevor. “Being by yourself in a place you’ve never been before really forces you to step outside of your comfort zone. You can’t shy away, you need to meet new people and build new relationships. The skills I developed while abroad are something I use every day.”

After two years overseas, Trevor knew it was time to come back to Calgary. That’s when he took a job with UCalgary’s Alumni Relations team.

“That first gig was great, but it just wasn’t for me,” said Trevor. “It’s important to love what you do, and I knew I wanted to do something that had more variety and allowed me to help people.

“My current position is the perfect fit. The people here are like family, and I love helping them in any way I can; helping make their day a little bit easier,” he said with a broad smile. “I’m so proud of where I work. Such special things are happening here every day, and it means a lot that I get to be a part of that.”  

Tidbits from Trevor

Origin: British Columbia

Favourite colour: Blue

Favourite food: Seafood – prawns, scallops, lobster. And pizza!

Hobbies: Travelling, riding my mountain bike, listening to music, attending concerts, and watching sports.

Not so hidden talent: An incredible memory.

Advice for current and future students: “Be open to opportunity. You never know where you’ll end up, so keep an open mind. Just be sure that you’re always doing what you love – enjoy life!”

What the Cumming School of Medicine should do in the next 50 years: Continue to grow. “In my nine years here, I’ve seen so much change and growth. I’m excited to see what’s to come.”