Collegium is the principal of two bodies that govern the affairs of the University of St. Michael’s College. Its members work to safeguard the property and funds of the University, and ensure that it has the resources to carry out its mission while operating in accordance with the best academic practices and the governing law. Member profiles can be found below, and a list including special committee members can be found here.
- Mr. W. John Bennett
John Bennett has had a long and successful career in the Canadian business and investment communities. He is currently President of Bennett Church Hill Capital Inc., a family investment holding company, Chairman and principal shareholder of the New Look Vision Group Inc., the largest fully integrated optical retailer operating across Canada and Chairman and Co-Founder of MacKinnon, Bennett & Company, a specialized merchant bank focusing on renewable energies, transportation and smart city sectors. He has been a director of many public and private companies, is an active philanthropist and has been on the board and involved with many leading Canadian educational and charitable institutions and foundations. John holds an Honours Degree in History and Philosophy (1967) from SMC and also an L.L.B. (1970) from the University of Toronto. He is married to Diana Collins Bennett (SMC 1968), has three children and is a member of the parish of Saint Patrick’s Basilica, Montreal, Quebec. He and his wife’s family have had an involvement with SMC and the Basilian Fathers stretching back over 100 years.
- Msgr. Rev. Samuel T. Bianco, P.H.
Msgr. Rev. Bianco is a graduate of St. Michael’s College (1962). He received his M.A. from University of Toronto in 1964. He is a former Assistant Registrar of St. Michael’s College (1972-1975). He entered the Basilian Fathers in 1966 and was ordained a priest in 1972. In addition, Msgr. Bianco has been Pastor of St. James Parish in Toronto, Associate Pastor, Holy Rosary Parish, Toronto (1975-1979), Director of Religious Education and Chaplain with mentally challenged Persons (1978-1984), former Pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Toronto and Rector of St. Michael’s Cathedral. He was honoured as a Monsignor by Pope John Paul II in 1996. Msgr. Bianco was appointed to the Collegium by the Superior General of the Congregation of St. Basil in September 2017.
- Ms. Cianna Choo
Cianna Choo is the President of the St Michael’s College Student Union (SMCSU) and a 3rd-year student majoring in Neuroscience and Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at the University of St. Michael’s College.
She has served as the 2020 Orientation Coordinator and been a 2 year resident at Loretto College. Cianna has been highly involved since her first year. She loves the college and is passionate about working towards making students feel welcome and supported at St. Michael’s.
Cianna was appointed as the ‘non-voting’ undergraduate student representative to Collegium by the St Michael’s College Student Union in September 2020.
- Rev. Darren Dias, OP
Rev. Darren Dias, OP, is Associate Professor and Director of Academic Programs in the Faculty of Theology of the University of St Michael’s College in the University of Toronto. His area of research includes the intersection of lived religion and doctrinal development, in particular, the reality of religious diversity and the Trinity. He is the chair of the Toronto School of Theology’s Faculty Assembly. Darren is the appointment of the Canadian Bishops to the Catholic-Muslim working group. He serves on the board of Catholic Cross-Cultural Services, Canada’s largest newcomer settlement agency. Darren serves on the leadership of his religious order.
- Mr. Paul Harris
Paul Harris, CFA is a partner and a portfolio manager for the Equity Portfolio and the Fixed Income Portfolio. Mr. Harris has more than 20 years of investment experience. Prior to co-founding Avenue Investment Management Inc., Mr. Harris worked in New York for Fiduciary Trust International as a senior portfolio manager focusing on global equity portfolios for institutional clients. Before joining Fiduciary Trust International, Mr. Harris was with TD Asset Management, where he was a senior portfolio manager of the Greenline Dividend Fund, the Greenline Small-Cap Fund and the TD Bank pension fund. In addition, Mr. Harris was an equity analyst covering financial services and technology globally. Mr. Harris received a B.A. from the University of Toronto in 1986. He became a Chartered Financial Analyst in 1994. He is a member of the New York Society of Financial Analysts and the CFA Institute. Mr. Harris was appointed Chair of the Collegium in September of 2020.
- Ms. Maria Hunt
Maria Hunt is a capital markets professional with over 20 years of experience in the wholesale banking industry. Ms. Hunt began her career at Citibank Canada in Foreign Exchange, before moving to TD Securities where she was Vice President & Director, Debt Syndication, Debt Capital Markets. After almost two decades at TD, Maria took some time off to be with her young family. She has recently re-engaged in the capital markets business, having completed contract positions at BMO Capital Markets and more recently at CIBC Capital Markets. Ms. Hunt is actively involved in her community and is also a member of the Board of Directors for Food for the Poor Canada, a charitable organization which provides basic aid and sustainable development to communities in the Caribbean and Latin America. She has governance experience, having held executive positions on the board of the Parents’ Association at St. Michael’s College School. Ms. Hunt holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto. Ms. Hunt currently resides in Toronto with her husband and three sons.
- Mr. John Kostoff
Mr. John Kostoff was approved as a member of the Collegium of the University of St. Michael’s College in December of 2017. Mr. Kostoff is an alumnus of the University of St. Michael’s College graduating with a Master of Education from the University of Toronto. He graduated from the Rotman School, University of Toronto, essential MBA program. He is a specialist in Religion, holds a Parliamentary certification from the University of Wisconsin, and a diploma in Ministry from St. Francis Xavier University, N.S. Additionally Mr. Kostoff holds certification for an Ontario Supervisory Officer Qualification. Mr. Kostoff has a long and widely varied experience in the field of education and is currently the Executive Director for the Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officer Association. Mr. Kostoff has served on several boards including St. Augustine’s Seminary, Healthy Cities, Mississauga, Share Life and the Institute for Catholic Education. He has held instructor positions for St. Paul’s University, St. Michael’s College Continuing Education, and the University of Niagara among others.
Mr. Kostoff’s published works include: Auditing Our Catholic Schools-Person Publishing , The Domestic Church and the Family, Novalis, publishing date 2018, Transformative Leadership, published – Institute of Education, History of Catholic Education in Ontario, coauthored with Dr R. Dixon. He is a regular contributor to the Catholic Register, education columnist, the Editor of OCSOA, a quarterly scholarly research newsletter.
- Ms. Mary Ann Leon
Mary Ann Leon is a certified professional accountant and a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors. She is also an alumna of USMC (B.Comm. 77). She has over 30 years of combined experience in public accounting, corporate finance, financial advisory services and board governance in the for-profit and not-for- profit sectors. She currently provides financial advisory and investment portfolio supervision to religious congregations. Her board experience includes Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto, Shepherds’ Trust, Mary Centre, St. Michael’s Halfway Homes, Leon’s Furniture and Sun Life Financial Trust.
- Rev. Andrew Leung, CSB
Fr. Andrew Leung, CSB completed his Bachelor of Education in Physical Science and Biology at the University of Alberta in 2001, Master of Divinity at the University of St. Michael’s College in 2007, and Master of Education in Administration at the University of Toronto in 2012.
He completed his principal papers through the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) and has served as a teacher in Edmonton, Hong Kong, and Toronto. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2008 for the Congregation of St. Basil (Basilian Fathers) and had been posted as associate pastor and administrator to St. Basil’s Parish in Toronto, St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged in Sheung Shui, Hong Kong as a teacher, St. Michael’s College School in Toronto as a teacher, and St. Alphonsus and St. Clare Parishes in Edmonton as pastor.
During Fr. Leung’s time as a teacher he has taught General Science, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Math and coached the Badminton team. He was also the Director of Spiritual Life (2015-2016) for St. Michael’s College School. Fr. Leung also served the Basilian community as the Basilian Associate coordinator (2011-2013). In 2018, the Archbishop of Edmonton appointed Fr. Andrew as the Archbishop’s Delegate for Catholic Education and in 2019 he was appointed as a director for the Detroit Catholic Central High School board in Novi, Michigan. In November 2018, Fr. Leung was named interim president of St. Michael’s College School, a position he held until October 2019, when he was appointed to the permanent role of President.
Fr. Leung was appointed to the Collegium by the Superior General of the Congregation of St. Basil in March 2019.
- Mr. Benjamin Lujan
Benjamín Luján is completing a Ph.D. in Theological Studies at the USMC Faculty of Theology and does adjunct teaching at Seneca College’s School of Arts and Science in Toronto. He is an active participant in ecumenical and interfaith engagements, with a special focus on Indigenous justice. He holds a Master of Arts in Theology from the University of St. Michael’s College, as well as an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religious Studies and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto. He has a special interest in Indigenous spirituality, interfaith engagements, liberation theology, and Lonergan studies. His dissertation investigates the spiritual bases of Indigenous self-determination and its relevance to all persons, in particular in the current Canadian context. Mr. Lujan was selected as the graduate student representative on Collegium by the Faculty of Theology, Student Life Committee in September 2019.
- Sister Mary Anne McCarthy, CSJ
Sr. Mary Anne McCarthy, CSJ is the Assistant Congregational Leader of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto and was previously a General Councillor on the Leadership Team from 1994-2002. Her past experience includes teaching at Paul Dwyer High School, Oshawa and Michael Power-St. Joseph’s High School, Toronto. Sr. Mary Anne was formerly the Director Mission and Values, Providence Healthcare, Toronto. She has served on the Board of Directors of both St. Joseph’s Health Centre, Toronto and the Catholic Health Association of Ontario. Sr. Mary Anne is an alumnus of the University of St. Michael’s College. She has a Master of Divinity from the University of St. Michael’s College and has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto.
- Dr. Mark McGowan
Dr. Mark McGowan is a Professor of History and Celtic Studies, and the Interim Principal and Vice President of the University of St. Michael’s College.
St. Michael’s Principal from 2002–2011, Dr. McGowan is an historian renowned for his work on the Catholic Church in Canada and the Great Irish Famine, as well as the lasting impact that the Famine’s mass migration had on Canada.
He has won multiple awards for both his teaching and writing, and is well known for his work in Catholic education, including the history of Catholic education in Ontario. He has served as a consultant to the Institute for Catholic Education. His latest book, It’s Our Turn: Carrying on the Work of the Pioneers of Catholic Education in Ontario was published by Novalis in 2019.
He is cross-appointed to U of T, where he holds tenure and has served as Deputy Chair of the History department (2017-19), as Senior Academic Advisor to the Dean of Arts & Science, International (2014-17) and as Acting Vice-Provost, Students, for the University of Toronto for part of 2013.
- Rev. Donald McLeod, C.S.B.
Rev. Donald McLeod is Director of Healthy Aging and Eldercare for the Basilian Fathers. He is also Associate Professor of Theology and Religious Education, St. Joseph’s College, University of Alberta, and was recently appointed Dean of Advancement of the College and a member of the Senior Administrative Team. He also serves as Chair of the Board of Governors of Assumption University in Windsor, Ontario and as a Trustee of the Canadian Religious Self-Insured Retention Plan in Toronto. Rev. McLeod is an Alumnus of St. Michael’s and the Toronto School of Theology and holds an Honours B.A., M.Div. and ThD. He is appointed to the Collegium by the Superior General of the Congregation of St. Basil.
- Mr. Brian Miron
Brian Miron retired from Pyramis Global Advisors/Fidelity Asset Management in 2015, after 15 years with the firm as a research analyst and, for the last 8 years a portfolio manager responsible for overseeing and managing $18 billion in fixed income investments on behalf of Canadian retail and institutional clients. Before joining Fidelity in 2000, Brian was a vice-president at RBC Dominion Securities in Toronto, where he created and led the firm’s corporate debt research effort in Canada and was ranked #1 Canadian Corporate Debt Analyst by the Brendan Wood survey for several years. Brian served as a senior credit analyst for Dominion Bond Rating Service from 1992 to 1996 and from 1990 to 1992, was an economist for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs in the Finance Branch for the Province of Ontario. Brian received a BCom in finance in 1989 and an MA in economics in 1990, both from the University of Toronto. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder.
- Ms. Katie Moriarty
Katie Moriarty is a Senior Manager with Deloitte Toronto. Ms Moriarty has more than 10 years experience providing audit and advisory related services to clients within the financial services industry, both in Canada and internationally. Prior to joining Deloitte Canada, Ms Moriarty was with PwC, Dublin, Ireland, where she was a manager in the audit practice, focused on delivering audit related services to clients within the financial services sector. Ms Moriarty is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ireland, and Chartered Professional Accountants, Ontario.
- Ms. Catherine Mulroney
Staff representative Catherine Mulroney joined the Faculty of Theology as Programs Coordinator in March, 2015. Ms. Mulroney is a double alumna of the University of St. Michael’s College, having earned a BA in English Literature and Mediaeval Studies in 1982, and a Master of Divinity degree in 2010. A career journalist, she has held positions with The Toronto Star, The Financial Post and The Canadian Press, and has worked with an extensive list of freelance clients on projects ranging from prospectus writing to ghostwriting for a communications firm. Her popular column on family life, The Minivan Years, ran for many years in The Star. Most recently, she was the managing editor of Living with Christ, a Novalis publication. Ms. Mulroney and her husband, Globe and Mail journalist Michael Babad, have co-authored three business books, and were short-listed for the 1994 National Business Book Award. Ms. Mulroney’s volunteer work includes two terms as a director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto, where she served two years as vice-president. Ms. Mulroney and Mr. Babad have four adult children.
- Msgr. A. Robert Nusca
Msgr. A. Robert Nusca is a Roman Catholic Priest of the Archdiocese of Toronto, ordained in 1988. He was appointed to the Collegium by the Archdiocese of Toronto in September of 2020.
He holds a Doctorate in Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) from the Pontifical Gregorian University (1998). His dissertation is entitled: “Heavenly Worship, Ecclesial Worship: A Liturgical Approach to the Hymns of the Apocalypse of St. John,” and was written under the direction of Fr. Ugo Vanni, SJ.
Msgr. Nusca is currently the Pastor of Holy Rosary Church in Toronto. From 2001-2014 he served as the President and Rector of St. Augustine’s Seminary of Toronto—a Member College of the Toronto School of Theology. He also served as the Seminary’s Dean of Students (1997-2001). He is an Associate Professor of New Testament Studies and has been a member of the Seminary’s Formation Faculty since 1996.
He is the author of The Christ of the Apocalypse: Contemplating the Faces of Jesus in the Book of Revelation (Emmaus Road Publishing, 2018).
- Ms. Samantha Ramphal
Samantha Ramphal is a third year student at the University of St Michael’s College in the University of Toronto (UofT). Samantha is an international student from Trinidad and Tobago, attending the University of Toronto as a Lester B. Pearson scholar. She is majoring in Biology and Environment and Health and minoring in Christianity and Culture. In addition to her studies, Ms. Ramphal also works as a Registrarial Assistant at St. Michael’s College and is a member of the Caribbean, African and Equity studies writing group at New College.
- Ms. Rosanne Rocchi
Rosanne Rocchi is a graduate of USMC, 1973 and Osgoode Hall Law School (LL.B., 1976 and LL.M., Taxation 1986). As a lawyer at Miller Thomson LLP, Rosanne has had extensive experience with all areas of wealth transfers and management, with emphasis on fiduciary issues in both a commercial context and the charitable sector. She has served as a Director of a national public financial institution with emphasis on investment management issues, including prudent investor issues and has also serviced on the Board of Governors, Regis College, University of Toronto. Ms. Rocchi joined the Collegium as an alumni member of Collegium in September 2019.
- Mr. Simon Rogers
Simon Rogers was selected by the full time professional librarians of the University of St. Michael’s College in September 2019. Mr. Rogers earned his Master’s degree in Information Studies (archival stream) from the University of Toronto in 2008 with an additional specialization in Book History and Print Culture. He has extensive experience processing, arranging, and appraising materials. He has held contracts at a number of institutions, both private and public, including UTSC, University of Toronto Archives and Media Commons, Ontario Jewish Archives, Art Gallery of Ontario, and most recently Trinity College.
He is active in the profession, having authored several publications and retaining membership in both the Association of Canadian Archivists and the Archives Association of Ontario. His most recent article (forthcoming), co-authored with a colleague, addresses the challenges inherent in monetary appraisals.
- Prof. Giulio Silano
Giulio Silano has been a member of the Faculty of Arts & Science for the University of St. Michael’s College since 1984 in the Medieval Studies and the Christianity & Culture programs. He is a member of the University of Toronto Department of History and Center for Medieval Studies. Prof. Silano is married with four children, three of whom are graduates of USMC. Prof. Silano was elected for a second term as the Faculty of Arts & Science representative to the Collegium in September 2020.
- Dr. David Sylvester
Dr. David Sylvester was appointed the 8th President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto on July 1, 2018. Previously, David served two terms as Principal of King’s University College at Western and was the founding President of Corpus Christi College of liberal arts established at U.B.C. A Professor of medieval history, he holds an M.A. and a Ph.D. from Fordham University, New York City and has taught in universities in Canada and the United States. David is currently Chair of the Governance Committee of Universities Canada and serves on the Board of the Federation of the Humanities and Social Sciences. He recently completed a six-year term as the Canadian representative to the Washington-based Board of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities and is the past chair of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities of Canada. In addition to his interests in university governance, David is committed to exploring the role of universities in community building, especially in response to the TRC calls to action. View Profile