Justin Morello is one of the newest alumni to join MacEwan University’s Alumni Advisory Council (AAC).

Justin graduated from MacEwan’s Bachelor of Commerce program in 2016, and then studied law at the University of Victoria. After working as a lawyer in private practice for a couple of years, he took a position with the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Justice. Today, he is an active volunteer with the Court of King’s Bench Amicus program and the Civil Claims Duty Counsel project, both aimed at improving access to justice for self-represented litigants appearing in the Alberta Court system.

We caught up with him to talk about his accomplishments, favourite memories of MacEwan and goals for his new position with the AAC. 

Your biggest achievement so far?

I was never a star pupil growing up, but I believe my positive experience at MacEwan during my undergraduate degree gave me the desire and confidence to pursue a professional degree. Law school was one of the most demanding and exciting experiences of my life. I am proud of my commitment to my studies and grateful I had the opportunity to pursue such a fulfilling career. 

Something about your time at MacEwan that you still think about?

My time spent in the Sport and Wellness Centre. In addition to it being an excellent facility, it was a great place to meet like-minded fellow students. Even if I spent half my "workout" socializing, it was always a bright spot during my day. 

Someone who made an impact on you during your time at MacEwan?

I was running out of steam towards the end of my undergraduate degree when I found myself in several of Dr. Noufou Ouedraogo’s upper-year management classes. His calm demeanour, clear and concise teaching style, and approachability made those classes some of the most enjoyable of my degree. Those experiences factored into my decision to continue my academic journey and pursue law school.

What do you do in your spare time? 

Just about anything with my family and friends – spending time outside, trying new restaurants and playing video games. 

What inspired you to join the AAC? 

I had such a positive experience during my time at MacEwan and truly felt like I was a part of a tight-knit community. I wanted to join the AAC to regain that sense of community and maintain that feeling for fellow alumni after they've moved on from MacEwan. 

What do you hope to accomplish as an AAC member?

Reconnecting with fellow alumni and promoting the value of having a built-in network of impressive and accomplished individuals. Despite embarking on all sorts of different journeys after our time at MacEwan, building relationships with and learning from other alumni is invaluable, and I want to contribute to initiatives that promote those relationships.