With Thanksgiving now right around the corner, we are absolutely back in the swing of school. Before the leaves really start to turn, though, we thought we’d look back at September and to some of the high points of the month.
- Even in a pandemic, St. Mike’s was able to make Orientation special. We celebrated safely and sensibly, both online and with in-person, socially distanced events. Some statistics: 977 incoming 1st-year students registered for virtual Orientation Week; 797 1st-year students and returning second-year students registered for in person O-Week events (including paint nights, movie nights, Zumba and more); 797 1st-year students and returning second year students registered for in person campus tours. Welcome to the Class of 2025!
- As part of our commitment to listen and learn, St. Michael’s is offering a new course that looks at the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada. Christianity, Truth and Reconciliation is offered as a First-Year Foundations Seminar and is open to all first-year students in the Faculty of Arts & Science in the University of Toronto.
- We now have five members of the inaugural year of the Junior Fellows program.
- On the 700th anniversary of the death of Dante Alighieri, one of the world’s great poets, Michael’s announced the gift of an ambitious art installation detailing The Divine Comedy, to be placed on the southwest corner of campus.
- We marked Michaelmas, the feast of our patron saint, on September 29 with Mass, followed by lunch from a variety of food trucks, and a round of trivia hosted by SMCSU. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff all joined in the celebrations.
- We also celebrated Kathryn Elton, who announced her retirement as Chief Advancement Officer this past spring. Alumni, students, staff and faculty came together online to thank Kathryn for her tireless work, and to share memories of her leadership.
- Finally, ICYMI, a very special InsightOut to celebrate a very special Hoikety Choik!