Laurier Grads Soar is a multi-part series that has returned for the 2017-18 year. The segment features former Wilfrid Laurier University athletes and student-leaders in the Athletics and Recreation Department, and the success they have enjoyed since leaving Laurier. Written by award-winning journalist David Grossman, different features will be released throughout the year that will emphasize the role Athletics and Recreation played in helping them achieve success.

Emily Rudow: Founder, Oneiric Hockey

Emily Rudow has it all figured out when it gets down to discussing goals and objectives.

Hers are straightforward: “to get it right” and “to keep following dreams with lots of passion”.

Can't ask for anything better than that from a cheerful and enthusiastic individual who, in addition to a positive outlook on life, is one who is making the world a better place.

Ever since she attended Margaret Avenue Public School in Kitchener, and later graduating with academic honors from Bluevale Collegiate, Rudow - an energetic and vibrant individual - has been one hooked on creativity and inspired by many things.

When it came to making a choice on where to expand her knowledge, and seek a university education, Rudow said it was fairly simple for her.

“Laurier was my first choice,” she said without hesitating. “I liked everything that Laurier had to offer to me. The different cultures, the Business Studies program, the size of the campus. The first time I got there, the place just stuck in my head as a place I had to attend.”

Always eager to try things, Rudow, who played club league soccer in Waterloo, rugby in grade school and later Laurier, also thrived in distance running. In 2017, she challenged herself to compete in 74 half marathons – in 74 days – doing so with success while also raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Her running accomplishments just might be enough for to claim a World record for women for the most consecutive days competing in a distance of 20 or more kilometres.

“Persistence is the best way to describe me,” she said. “I have read a great deal about pursuing quests and that inspired me as a person - and now in my career.”

Putting a hold on her running career was tough even after three attempts to run the Boston Marathon - something she eventually did in 2017). Rudow said she put a stop on sports competition, other than a bit of seasonal competitive hockey in a Toronto Women's league.

Even a cherished aspiration to play hockey for Canada at the Winter Olympics was just that – a dream.

“It came right down to a decision on time commitment and battling a feeling that I was neglecting family, friends and life,” she said. “There comes a time when you need to focus on reality.”

With her radiant personality, Rudow has so much confidence and gave up a secure fulltime job as a digital account executive to focus on something she calls “special”.

Rudow is a co-founder of Oneiric, a company that focuses on easy-to-dress hockey apparel for youngsters between the ages of five and 13. The product is available at stores across Canada and the United States as well as online.

“Some days, I get emotional because this job is not all glamor, but just lots of hard work, challenges and problems.  I see myself as making a difference and it's rewarding when people say they love something I created.”

-END-

 David Grossman is a veteran award-winning Journalist and Broadcaster with some of Canada's major media, including the Toronto Star and SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN, and a Public Relations professional for 40+ years in Canadian sports and Government relations.

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Steve Griggs - Chief Executive Officer and President, Tampa Bay Lightning
Sophie Kotsopoulos - Senior Director of Integrated Marketing, National Hockey League
Mike McKenna - Former Director, Telecom, Media and Technology Investment Banking
Nicole Lee - Director of Integrated Marketing, National Hockey League
Mike Bartlett - Executive Director, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Foundation
Rebecca Watts - Manager, 2017 World Junior Hockey Championship
Hugh Lawson - Director of Business Development, Staples Promotional Products
Cheryl Pounder - Former Canadian National Women's Hockey Team Member
John Morris - 2010 Olympic Men's Curling Gold Medalist
Bill Burke - Chief Executive Officer and Owner, Niagara Ice Dogs
Tania Pedron - Manager of Administration and Operations, Maple Leafs Sport and Entertainment
Wayne Kemick - BMO Wealth Advisor
Denise Burke - President, Niagara Ice Dogs
Kevin McDonald - Vice President of Football Operations and Player Safety, CFL
Dr. Megan Yaraskavitch - Neurologist
Andrew Agro - Director of Corporate Sponsorship and Business Development, New York Jets
Marcia Powers-Dunlop - Senior Manager of Professional Support Services, Toronto District School Board
Joe Vernon - Lawyer, Miller Canfield