When former Calgary Stampeder
place-kicker, Mark McLoughlin, hung up his cleats earlier this spring
after 295 games played with the club, he left behind a sterling list of
accomplishments both on and off the football field.
McLoughlin, born in Liverpool,
England and raised in Winnipeg, finished his career as the
second-leading scorer in CFL history and all-time scoring leader for the
Stamps, with 2,953 points. He received an athletic scholarship to the
University of South Dakota, where he obtained a Bachelor of Education
degree. During his sophomore year McLoughlin became a Christian through
Campus Crusade for Christ.
In the 1988 CFL
College Draft he was drafted by the Calgary Stampeders.
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"It was great being
a part of an organization like the Stampeders," McLoughlin
recalled, "they truly valued individual faith choices."
When McLoughlin
arrived in Calgary he discovered 16 of his teammates were
believers. "There were opportunities for our families to get
together for Bible studies," he said. "There was an
infrastructure for us."
That spiritual
infrastructure involved coaches, the team’s chaplaincy and
Athletes in Action, Canada (AIA). AIA was born in Toronto in
1974 when 10 CFL players gathered to discuss ways to meet
the spiritual needs that were evident within their league.
They had a passion to share with their fellow players the
truth of how Jesus Christ had changed their lives.
Since coming to
Calgary 16 years ago, McLoughlin has developed an impressive
portfolio of accomplishments including winning the Western
Division Scoring Crown, Western All-Star, and the CFL’s Tom
Pate "Man of the Year" Award for contributions to team and
community numerous times, as well as setting club and league
records. McLoughlin is also one of only two Stampeders to
capture three Grey Cups. |
Former Calgary Stampeder
#13 Mark Mcloughlin of the |
But what he has done off the
field is even more impressive. McLoughlin helped establish Calgary’s
Stay-In-School Initiatives since 1992; averaged 100 school visits per
year to promote the importance of staying in school; developed a
community partnership model to ensure equitable educational
opportunities for students; lent his support to the Mount Royal College
Kids Program, the Hot Technology Expo, City of Calgary Police ‘Play
Ball’ program, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Calgary and the City of
Calgary’s Sister City Commission; volunteered for numerous community
organizations that benefit youth and became the Partnership Coordinator
for the Calgary Education Partnership Foundation.
The opportunity to promote
education, values and community commitment are three of the main reasons
why McLoughlin recently announced he is joining Calgary’s Alliance
University College (AUC) as Vice President of External Relations.
AUC relocated to Calgary last
July, as Canadian Bible College and Canadian Theological Seminary, after
being located in Regina for 62 years. AUC has partnered with Nazarene
University College to offer combined Arts and Science degrees along with
14 theological and ministry related degrees and diplomas.
"The past year has been one of
tremendous transition and change for me," McLoughlin admitted. "After
retiring from the Calgary Stampeders and looking at the options
available for my next career move, I realized I wanted to align myself
with an educational organization and to work in an environment
consistent with my values and beliefs."
"The timing was right," he
continued. "It was a fit from a personal value standpoint and a family
standpoint."
Dr. George Durance, President
of AUC, explained the significance of McLoughlin’s appointment, "Given
our recent move to Calgary, and the large capital campaign we have
undertaken to build a new campus, we have recognized our need to have
someone like Mark in the role of VP of External Relations. With his
integrity, commitment to excellence, and service to the community we are
confident that he will help us communicate our desire to build a
high-quality Christian university college."
McLoughlin’s immediate goal is
to help raise the $26 million needed for the completion of AUC’s new
campus in the west hills of Calgary. To date AUC has raised over $5
million.
McLoughlin’s official start
date is not until September, 2004 but he’s busy working at the AUC
offices. "I’m here; giving what I can to help," he said. "From an
educational standpoint, the potential of this institution in this
environment is huge. On a number of different levels this institution
can answer a lot of the educational needs in this community."
"I’m looking ahead to one day
being up on the hill surrounded by thousands of students," McLoughlin
concluded. "I just feel so blessed to be given this opportunity."
For more information on AUC visit
www.auc-nuc.ca.
