Double Blue Alumni Reunion
St. Mike’s Reunion Schedule at a glance
(All times and locations subject to change)
Day 1: Friday, May 30, 2025
ALL DAY
- Welcome Center, 9:30 am-9 pm, Dodig Family COOP
MORNING
- Alumni Reunion Mass, 10:30 am-11:30 am, Loretto College Celebrant: Fr. John Huber, born in Rochester, NY and holds Masters of Theology from the University of St. Michael’s College https://basilian.org/en/about-us/leadership/
- 50th & 55th Anniversary Brunch, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, Charbonnel Lounge
AFTERNOON
- Meet the Author: Meet and greet with Celia Wexler (7T0), 2-3:00 pm, Dodig Family COOP
- St. Mike’s Campus Tour: Art and Soul: Donovan Collection & Scarboro Exhibit, 4 pm-5 pm, Kelly Library ALMOST SOLD OUT
EVENING
- BBQ with Smokin’ Bones, “Western Year Meet Up” and St. Mike’s-branded beer tasting, 6 pm-8 pm, Dodig Family COOP terrace
- Young Alumni Trivia Night, 7 pm-9 pm, Hemingway’s
- St. Mikes Pub Night, 8 pm-11 pm, Dodig Family COOP
Day 2: Saturday, May 31, 2025
ALL DAY
- Welcome Center, 9:30 am-7:30 pm, Dodig Family COOP
MORNING
- USMC Keynote Lecture: Douglas Moggach (7T0): “Freedom and the Modern World: Lessons from Hegel and Kant”, 9:30 am-10:30 am, Fr. Madden Hall
- St. Mike’s Campus Tour: Footprints in Time: A Historical Journey, 10:45 am-11:45 am, the “Quad” in front of Carr Hall SOLD OUT
AFTERNOON
- AI4W Conversation Series: Value Added: Appreciating the Contributions of Women Academics – Doors Open for light lunch 12 pm; Panel 12:15 pm-1.30 pm, Fr. Madden Hall
- Film Club Movie, “Harold and Maude” 2 pm-3:45 pm, Alumni Hall 400
- AGM, 4 pm-5 pm, Charbonnel Lounge
EVENING
- Alumni Reception, 6 pm-7 pm, Dodig Family COOP
- Alumni Banquet, 7 pm-10 pm, Brennan Hall 200 / Sorbara Auditorium
Day 3: Sunday, June 1, 2025
ALL DAY
- Welcome Center, 8:30 am-12:30 pm, Dodig Family COOP
MORNING
- St. Mike’s Campus Tour: Lights, Camera, Action: A Film & TV Sites Tour 9 am-10 am, the “Quad” in front of Carr Hall SOLD OUT
- St. Basil’s Mass, 10:30 am-11:30 am
AFTERNOON
- Alumni Awards Ceremony and Brunch 12 pm-2:30 pm, Charbonnel Lounge
Quiet Spaces
While you’re on campus, be sure to visit Dante Garden at the corner of St. Joseph and Queen’s Park Circle, beside Carr Hall. It features a life-sized sculpture of Dante along with individual sculptures representing each of the 100 cantos of the Divine Comedy. It is truly a masterpiece by world-renowned sculptor Timothy Schmalz and is a tremendous source of pride for the St. Michael’s community. A wonderful place for quiet contemplation.
Drop by the Wellness Studio which will be transformed into the Reunion Relaxation Zone, a carefully curated oasis of calm. We welcome you to use it as needed to rest, reset, and recharge. You can engage in quiet contemplation, journaling, playing with sensory materials, puzzling while enjoying the many benefits of sound bathing and aromatherapy and using the yoga mats, bolsters, and blocks for gentle stretching and movement if you wish. All supplies are provided! No registration is required. Hours: 1:00-5:00 pm on Friday, May 30, 1:00-4:00 pm on Saturday, May 31 and 10:00 am-12:00 pm on Sunday, June 1.
The Welcome Centre in the Dodig Family COOP isn’t just your Reunion 2025 hub where you must check in and get your nametags before your first event* – we’ll also be there to support your Reunion experience with staff ready to help with schedules, emergency toiletries, wayfinding help, guidance on ways you can give back to St. Mike’s, a drop box for book donations for the Friends of the Kelly Library, and more. You’ll also find a lounge area with comfy couches where you can rest in between events. Come and say hello!
*For those requiring assistance, we are pleased to be offering the services of student volunteers to help retrieve nametags. Simply come to your first event, identify yourself to staff and a student will head over to the Welcome Center to get your nametag and bring it back to you.
ST. MIKE’S REUNION 2025 FEATURED EVENTS
Reunion Mass
Friday May 30
10:30 am-11:30am
Loretto College
Hosts: Maria Gallo (9T8) and Liz Paupst (9T2)
Accessibility: Main accessible entrance to Loretto College
A level path leads to powered, covered doors. Entrance faces south directly onto the front driveway and is clearly visible from St. Mary Street.
50th & 55th Anniversary Lunch
Friday May 30
11:30 am-12:30 pm
Charbonnel Lounge
Host: Larry Cimino (7T3)
REGISTRATION CLOSES 11:59 PM, MAY 19, 2025. NO WALK INS PERMITTED. BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!
The 50th Anniversary Brunch is a special milestone celebration marking 50 years since the St. Mike’s class of 1975 graduated. As the class of 1970 were unable to celebrate in person in 2020, we are celebrating them this year too.
Accessibility: A single step leads to manual glass doors.
St. Mike’s Campus Tour: Art & Soul: Donovan Collection & Scarboro Exhibit
Friday May 30
4 pm-5 pm
Host: Liz Paupst (9T2)
SOLD OUT
Kelly Library Guided tour of The Donovan Collection of contemporary art and the Scarboro Foreign Mission Society exhibition, The Golden Rule: Social Justice and the Scarboro Foreign Mission Society, both at the John M. Kelly Library. The Donovan Collection, a collection of largely contemporary art, is the result of the generosity and commitment of Fr. Dan Donovan, who will be attendance to introduce the tour. Our tour guides will be James Roussain, Chief Librarian, and Francesca Rousselle, curator of the new Scarboro exhibition. The tour is brought to you by the Continuing Education Division and The John M. Kelly Library.
Accessibility: The Kelly Library strives to ensures our facilities are accessible for all people, including persons with disabilities. While we continue to work towards an accessible experience for all library users, we are aware that barriers exist and alternative arrangements are necessary for some. We work hard to provide whatever supports are required. There is an accessible ramp entrance at the north side of the building (west side) and elevator access to the 2nd floor. Please contact us with any concerns at kelly.library@utoronto.ca.
Alumni BBQ
Friday May 30
6 pm-8 pm
Dodig Family COOP terrace
Hosts: Stephanie Orange (6T2), Larry Cimino (7T3) and Cesare Platina (0T9)
REGISTRATION CLOSES 11:59 PM, MAY 19, 2025. BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Keynote lecturer Douglas Moggach will be in attendance!
When it comes to BBQ, we go big! See for yourself why everyone’s talking about local bbqer extraordinaire Smokin’ Bones. Join us at the SMC outdoor summer BBQ where alumni of all ages can catch up on old memories, share stories from their university days and reconnect. We are also hosting a special tasting of St. Mike’s very own branded beer – a special sneak peek just for alumni! Grab a bite before Trivia Night or St. Pub Night, A section will be reserved for our beloved Western Year graduates to meet and catch up. Cash bar (no drink tickets issued).
Accessibility: North Accessible Entrance to Brennan Hall
A level path leads to a series of manual, glass doors. Entrance is approached along the paths and ramps in the sunken courtyard between Brennan Hall and Elmsley Hall.
Western Year Meet Up
Friday May 30
6 pm-8 pm
Dodig Family COOP terrace
Confirmed attendees include: Ray and Shady, MK Brennan, Jo Ann and Rui Figueiredo and Marilyn and James Grace.
REGISTRATION CLOSES 11:59 PM, MAY 19, 2025. NO WALKINS PERMITTED. BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Western Year alumni, sign up for the BBQ and catch up with classmates in your very own special reserved area, the “Western Corral” – western wear optional! Cash bar (no drink tickets issued).
Accessibility: North Accessible Entrance to Brennan Hall. A level path leads to a series of manual, glass doors. Entrance is approached along the paths and ramps in the sunken courtyard between Brennan Hall and Elmsley Hall.
Young Alumni Trivia Night
Friday May 30
7 pm-9 pm
Hemingway’s
Hosts: Alessia Colavecchia (1T8), Jess Mitsopoulos (1T7) and Cesare Plastina (0T9)
Trivia Night is a fun social event brought to you by the Young Alumni Committee. Alumni of all ages and their guests compete in teams to answer questions on various topics, making for an evening full of laughs and memories. This year, it will be held on the rooftop patio of popular Yorkville restaurant, Hemingway’s (equipped with retractable garage doors in case the weather’s not perfect). Cash bar (no drink tickets issued). Ticket also you entry to St. Mike’s Pub Night!
Accessibility: Trivia will be held on the rooftop Outback Patio located on the top floor. It is not accessible, as it requires climbing approximately three flights of stairs.
St. Mikes Pub Night
Friday May 30
8 pm-11 pm
Dodig Family COOP
Hosts: Maria Gallo (9T8), Matthew McGuire (9T6), Hao Chen (1T9)
An authentic St. Mike’s Pub where alumni can reconnect with old friends, make new connections and dance to music from back in the day. Past editions have been described as “the best night of my life”! Cash bar (no drink tickets issued).
Accessibility: North Accessible Entrance to Brennan Hall. A level path leads to a series of manual, glass doors. Entrance is approached along the paths and ramps in the sunken courtyard between Brennan Hall and Elmsley Hall.
Keynote Lecture by Douglas Moggach (7T0)
“Modernity and Freedom: Lessons from Hegel and Kant”
Saturday May 31
9:30 am-10:30 am
Fr. Madden Hall
Host: Maria Gallo (9T8)
Douglas Moggach, (BA Toronto, MA and PhD Princeton) is a proud St. Mike’s alum and Distinguished Professor at the University of Ottawa, life member of Clare Hall, Cambridge and Honorary Professor of Philosophy at the University of Sydney.
He has been awarded numerous visiting fellowships at leading educational institutions around the world including Sidney Sussex College, King’s College, Cambridge, St. John’s College, University of Muenster, Queen Mary University of London, the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, the Fondazione San Carlo di Modena, and Beijing Normal University. In 2007, he was awarded a Canada Council Killam Research Fellowship awarded by the Canada Council for the Arts.
His work, published in nine languages, has achieved international recognition in the fields of political theory, philosophy and intellectual history. His talk will center around modern ideas of freedom, citizenship, social interaction, and relations between state and economy.
Accessibility: Accessible entrance at Carr Hall south doors.
St. Mike’s Campus Tour: Footprints in Time: A Historical Journey
Saturday May 31
10:45 am-11:45 am
The “Quad”
Host: Joann Rossiter
SOLD OUT
Step into the past and explore the fascinating stories that shaped our campus! Join our tour guide Luisa Giacometti (7T5) on a captivating historical walking tour that brings history to life. From hidden gems to well-known landmarks, you’ll discover the secrets that have shaped St. Mike’s history. Luisa is a proud St. Mike’s alumna and has an array of interests from art to Toronto History. She has been conducting historical and architectural walks for the ROM for over 40 years and has been involved in historic culinary foodways.
Accessibility: Tour takes place outside (no building interiors will be visited) and is fully accessible.
Alumnae Initiative for Women (AI4W) Conversation Series: Value Added: Appreciating the Contributions of Women Academics
Saturday May 31
12:00 pm Doors open for a light lunch
12:15 pm-1:30 pm Panel
Fr. Madden Hall
Host: AI4W
Join a conversation about the contributions women faculty make to university life with St. Mike’s alumnae Drs. Gabriella Colussi Arthur (9T9), Professor Emerita and Senior Researcher, Department of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics, York University; Kathryn LaFontana (9T1), Chief Academic Officer of Ursuline College; Cathy Driscoll (8T5), Professor Emerita (Management), Sobey School of Business, St. Mary’s University, Halifax; and Theresa O’Keefe (8T5), Professor, Clough School of Theology and Ministry, Boston College. Panelists will reflect on their careers, share the joys and challenges of their work and consider the various barriers faced by women academics and strategies to overcome them. Together, they will also explore the unique contributions of women academics, particularly to student mentoring and institutional development.
Accessibility: Accessible entrance at Carr Hall south doors.
Film Club Movie
Saturday May 31
2 pm-3:45 pm
Alumni Hall 400
Hosts: Larry Cimino (7T3) and film club co-founder Susan Murray
Alumni are invited to view the movie screening of cult classic “Harold and Maude” with their classmates. “Harold and Maude” is the touching, droll and subversive story of a troubled teenager, played by Bud Cort, who falls in love with a nearly 80-year old free spirit, played by Ruth Gordon. Today, “Harold and Maude’ continues to resonate with viewers of all ages who feel a natural kinship with misfits and oddballs.
Accessibility: Accessible Entrance to Alumni Hall. An accessible concrete ramp slopes down towards a powered door. Entrance is located at the southeast corner of the building and faces the rear parking lot. Pedestrians may approach most safely along the pathway along east side of the building.
Alumni Association
Annual General Meeting
Saturday May 31
4 pm-5 pm
Charbonnel Lounge
Hosts: Maria Gallo (9T8), Matthew McGuire (9T6) and Hao Chen (1T9)
Come and hear the latest University updates by University of St. Michael’s College senior leaders President David Sylvester and Effie Slapnicar, Bursar
Chief Administrative Officer. Be the first to hear the announcement of new Alumni Association Board members and Board updates. We are VERY excited to host keynote speaker Dr. Catherine Bragg (7T5), former Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs in the United Nations. Previously, she spent 24 years in the Canadian federal public service in seven federal departments, four at the Director General level including as the DG, International Humanitarian Assistance, Peace and Security Program in the former Canadian International Development Agency. This last position launched her two decades of involvement as a humanitarian practitioner and academic that saw her visit over 100 countries in response to approximately 30 humanitarian crises. Following her retirement from the UN, she continues her volunteer work as Adjunct Professor of Humanitarian Action, University College Dublin, Ireland; as an occasional speaker and lecturer worldwide; and as a national and international member of governing boards and advisory councils in the public and private sector. She is currently a Senior Fellow in the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, U of T. Dr. Bragg received her degrees from U of T (B.Sc. Psychology), University of Cambridge (M.Phil. Criminology) and the State University of New York at Albany (Ph.D. Criminal Justice).
Accessibility: A single step leads to manual glass doors.
Alumni Reception
Saturday May 31
6 pm-7 pm
Dodig Family COOP
&
Alumni Banquet
7 pm-10 pm
Brennan Hall 200
Hosts: Stephanie Orange (6T2), Larry Cimino (7T3)
REGISTRATION CLOSES 11:59 PM, MAY 19, 2025. NO WALKINS PERMITTED. BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Welcoming all alumni to this marquee event celebrating anniversaries that end in ‘0 and ‘5. Meet up with old friends and make new ones! Featuring music by student cellist Maxwell Darlington.
Accessibility: North Accessible Entrance to Brennan Hall. A level path leads to a series of manual, glass doors. Entrance is approached along the paths and ramps in the sunken courtyard between Brennan Hall and Elmsley Hall.
St. Mike’s Campus Tour: Lights, Camera, Action: A Film & TV Sites Tour
Sunday June 1
9 am-10 am
The “Quad”
Host: Liz Paupst (9T2)
SOLD OUT
Get ready for a star-studded adventure as we take you on a tour of iconic film and TV sites on the St. Mike’s campus! Join us on Sunday, June 1, for Lights, Camera, Action, where you’ll step into the scenes of your favorite movies and shows. Along the way, you will have an opportunity to pose for a photo like your favourite stars at the various locations. Whether you’re a film fanatic or just love a great behind-the-scenes experience, this is your chance to walk in the footsteps of Hollywood.
Accessibility: Tour will be walking through the campus exteriors of the following buildings: Alumni Hall north landing, Elmsley Place, Brennan South, Quad, Elmsley underpass, Brennan North (accessible via the series of ramps running adjacent to the COOP patio). It may also visit the following interiors: Kelly Library 1st floor and 2nd floor (Accessible ramp entrance at the north side of the building (west side). Elevator access to the 2nd floor); Father Madden Hall (Accessible entrance at Carr Hall south doors, may need to depart from Carr Hall north doors, where there are two steps leading from the foyer to the door.); and Charbonnel Lounge (Accessible entrance at the south side of the Porter’s Desk lobby to enter Charbonnel Lounge (entrance doors from the lobby to be propped open).)
Awards Ceremony and Lunch
Sunday June 1
12 pm-2:30 pm
Charbonnel Lounge
Hosts: Larry Cimino (7T3) and Stephanie Orange (6T2)
REGISTRATION CLOSES 11:59 PM, MAY 19, 2025. BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!
NO WALKINS PERMITTED.
Join us in celebrating this year’s St. Mike’s Alumni Award winners, following Mass at St. Basil’s.
Meet Your 2025 Alumni Award Winners!
Dr. Richard Alway Award
Katie Di Tomaso (0T0)
Katie has had lifelong dedication to service, justice, and community-building. After obtaining her law degree, she has spent over 21 years in private practice in civil litigation, representing diverse clients in complex tort litigation matters, including the Catholic Children’s Aid Society. As Chair of the Ontario Bar Association’s Insurance Law Section and Secretary of the Canadian Bar Association’s Insurance Law Section, Katie has centered her mandate on continuing legal education, community-building, and advocating for civil justice reform. Actively engaged with the Catholic community, she dedicates time to mentoring young professionals, advocating for social justice, and supporting charitable organizations, a testament to her commitment to human dignity and inclusion. She is a dedicated mother of two active daughters and an engaged community leader. Her passion for improving the lives of children through education, health, and well-being has driven her extensive volunteerism for which she was nominated for an Award of Merit by the Toronto Catholic District School Board and awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award.
Spirit of St. Mike’s Award
Peter Dellinger (7T4)
Peter began his legal aid career focused on economic justice issues in the Midwest, where he directed a state-wide legal services program representing migrant farmworkers. An adjunct faculty member at the University at Buffalo School of Law, he works with Rural Migrant Ministry in New York State on farmworker immigration issues. After graduating from St. Mike’s as part of the Western Year cohort, he received an M.A. in American Government from American University and his law degree from the Antioch School of Law, Washington, D.C. He is married to Carolyn Reardon and has twin sons, Paul and Tom.
Young Alumni Impact Award
Maria Rio (1T7)
An advocate for Community-Centric Fundraising, Maria uses her lived experience to push for innovative, equity-driven approaches in the nonprofit sector. A refugee who arrived in Canada at an early age, Maria’s personal experience with charitable services fueled her passion for nonprofit work. She began fundraising in 2011 as a face-to-face fundraiser and later transitioned to in-house roles, serving as Director of Development and Communications at small and mid-sized nonprofits. Maria is the founder of Further Together, a fundraising consulting firm launched in 2023 and hosts The Small Nonprofit Podcast. On the Board of Living Wage Canada, she is passionate about helping nonprofits break away from outdated practices and embrace new, impactful models of fundraising.
Prof. Mueller-Carson Trailblazer Award Deborah Livingston-Lowe (9T7)
Deborah is a passionate researcher, worker and educator in the field of sustainability. She has studied, taught and worked in the local, sustainable textile field for over twenty years. As a traditional handloom weaver, Deborah works with local farmers in a soil-to-soil fibre system to produce farm-to-fashion textiles in the form of blankets, fabric for clothing and upholstery, domestic textiles, and textile art. Deborah’s award-winning work has been displayed in exhibitions, on film and television, and on the fashion runway.
Victor Dodig Community Impact Award
Brenda Sweeney (8T4)
Brenda is deeply committed to mentoring young Canadians, supporting refugee settlement, and advocating for women’s education and empowerment. She is an active volunteer with Scouts Canada, St. John Ambulance, St. Andrew’s Parish (Oakville) and St. Michael’s College. Brenda is the Chair and a co-founder of the Alumnae Initiative for Women at St. Mike’s, which enriches the experiences of all St. Mike’s women through advocacy, leadership and philanthropy. Professionally, Brenda provides governance, strategy and reputational risk guidance to senior leadership and elected officials in the broader public sector. She is married with two adult sons, both of whom are graduates of U of T, one from St. Mike’s.
Accessibility: Accessible entrance at the south side of the Porter’s Desk lobby to enter Charbonnel Lounge (entrance doors from the lobby to be propped open).
Welcome Centre
Friday May 30 10 am-5 pm
Saturday May 31 10 am-4 pm
Sunday June 1 9 am-12 pm
Dodig Family COOP
You MUSTpop by this central walk-in space to check in and get your nametag before your first event. Student volunteers will also be available to help Reunion guests with a number of things including replacement nametags, emergency toiletry bags, programs and wayfinding help. You’ll also have the opportunity to give back with forms and online options available onsite.
Accessibility: North Accessible Entrance to Brennan Hall. A level path leads to a series of manual, glass doors. Entrance is approached along the paths and ramps in the sunken courtyard between Brennan Hall and Elmsley Hall.
VOTE FOR THIS YEAR’S CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT
Cast your vote in the Welcome Centre to help us select the next iconic St. Mike’s Christmas ornament! Ornaments will be sold at this year’s Christmas Market tradition!
Meet the Author: Meet and greet with Celia Wexler (7T0)
2-3:00 pm Dodig Family COOP
Come and meet Celia Wexler, author of Catholic Women Confront Their Church (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016; re-released in paperback in 2024) and Out of the News (McFarland, 2012), and winner of the Society of Professional Journalists’ Excellence in Journalism award for journalism history. Celia will be here to talk about her her most recent book Catholic Women Confront Their Church (which will be available for sale).
Contact Us
Feel free to email Alumni Affairs with any questions, feedback, or suggestions at smc.alumniaffairs@utoronto.ca.
Follow our social media pages for updates and be on the lookout for emails with Reunion news and updates!
Not getting our emails? Update your contact information at stmikes.utoronto.ca/findmesmc and don’t miss out on news and events happening throughout the year.
Stay Connected
We’d Love to Hear from You!
Feel free to email Alumni Affairs with any questions, feedback, or suggestions at smc.alumniaffairs@utoronto.ca.