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The Story of Mahood Commons: Making an Impact Through Land Pledges

At a gathering that included friends and family, the large and open area in front of Ambrose University’s academic building has been officially named Mahood Commons, a touching tribute to the late Sam Mahood, and his late sister Kitty Mahood. The Mahood Commons now preserves a cherished legacy of the generous family. The Mahoods were originally owners of the farmland where the Ambrose campus in Calgary is now located.

Sam and Kitty were collectively known to be humble, generous and hospitable individuals. Kitty regularly connected with missionaries from all over the world, while the two of them actively prioritized participating in God’s work by being there for any stranger, friend or family in need of a helping hand.

The Mahoods sincerely valued the role that post-secondary education plays in shaping students for both career excellence and dedication to the Gospel. They believed in students following a career of their choosing while sustaining a deep devotion to Jesus and personifying that dedication throughout their entire life. Mahood Commons now represents these inspiring values that will be honored for generations to come.

At a gathering that included friends and family, the large and open area in front of Ambrose University’s academic building has been officially named Mahood Commons, a touching tribute to the late Sam Mahood, and his late sister Kitty Mahood. The Mahood Commons now preserves a cherished legacy of the generous family. The Mahoods were originally owners of the farmland where the Ambrose campus in Calgary is now located.

The Story of Mjolsness Hall: Giving to an Educational Institute to Make a Difference in the World

Mjolsness Hall, an area that houses the library and academic offices, came to be when Chester Mjolsness and his wife Martha were joined by family and friends to honour Chester’s enduring life of leadership, integrity and faith. Chester was born in 1919 and raised on a farm west of Sundre, AB. In 1943, he began a sawmill business that remains thriving to this day. On March 5, 2021, Chester passed away peacefully at home at the age of 101.

Ambrose’s continual commitment to raising inspiring Christian leaders resonated strongly with Chester when he first visited the campus. His ties to Ambrose not only lie in his generous gift to the campus, but he is proud to provide an environment for his great-granddaughter Samantha to study and worship during her post-secondary education.

In response to why he chose to support Ambrose, Chester said, “To whom much is given much is expected.” Chester also actively encourages us all to make any kind of difference as long as we are guided by faith. He said, ‘Little is much if God is in it.” And finally, to sum it up best, these commemorating words can be found engraved on a plaque situated at Mjolsness Hall: “Live with integrity, keep your word, build relationships, give back, and trust God.” These are truly encouraging words of wisdom that will now be part of the legacy Chester Mjolsness has left at Ambrose for years to come.