The beginning of the academic year brings so many events and ceremonies and special moments that there are simply too many to list. Here is a sampling, therefore, of what was going on at St. Mike’s in September and October….
Making a Splash at Orientation — St. Mike’s packed Orientation festivities with lots of learning and tons of fun, with everything from meet-and-greets, pancakes, and the invocation to, of course yet another victory at the bed races. More than 970 incoming students attended Orientation, with 150 upper-year students serving as leaders, marshals, mentors and coordinators.
Later in September, a special lunch was held for international students to give them a little added St. Mike’s TLC.
Since the start of classes, there have been a total of 96 events hosted by the Office of the Dean of Students and Student Organizations (SMCSU, Clubs etc.). Attendance at events is much higher than in 2022 and students have reported a growing desire for in-person connection points. These events include Grad Week, the successful launch of AMPlify St. Mike’s, Wellness Week, and the first annual Grow Week aimed at challenging students to step outside their comfort zones.
Regis St. Michael’s Year Off to a Good Start — The joint Regis St. Michael’s Orientation saw 75 students attend a beautiful evening of Vespers, presentations and a light dinner. New students got a chance to meet returning students, faculty and staff. The following week RSM had its opening Mass of the Holy Spirit at the St. Joseph’s Chapel, beginning the weekly Masses for the year and offering a chance to pray for the start of the academic year. A social with fellowship and food followed the liturgy.
Chief Delorme Visits Campus — Chief Cadmus Delorme, former Chief of Cowessess First Nation, spent a day with the University of St. Michael’s College community in September for a series of events, delivering a message of hope regarding ways to participate in the journey toward Reconciliation. But, he cautioned, “Reconciliation can only come from uncomfortable conversations.”
Celebrating Michaelmas — Campus was alive with festivities as we marked Michaelmas on Sept. 29. After an academic procession and the 12:10 Mass at St. Basil’s, events moved outside, with food trucks, cake, and games. Later in the day, the COOP was home to a magic show, and then St. Michael’s Schola Cantorum performed a concert in the church.
A New Book for Prof. McGowan — Congratulations to Prof. Mark McGowan on the successful launch of his latest book, Hunger & Hope: The Irish Famine Migration from Stokestown, Roscommon in 1847. Dr. McGowan is seen here with former Celtic Studies program student researchers Chiara Fallone, Elizabeth McDermott, and Julia Maher.
Lectures Offer Something for Everyone — Special lectures are a big part of the academic rhythm at St. Mike’s and this fall got off to a good start with guest speaker Dr. Deborah Parker delivering the annual Dante Lecture on the topic of Dante in the World and exploring what makes Dante’s work so adaptable. Earlier in the term, Dr. Daniel Todes, emeritus of Johns Hopkins University and Dr. Eleonora Filippova, from the Archive of the Russian Academy of Sciences, deliver the Langan Lecture, titled Unifying Science and Religion: Aleksei Ukhtomsky and the Psycho-Physiology of Salvation.
Art and the Heart — More than 180 students from the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School board spend half a day with us exploring Art, Theology and Social Justice through the various sculptures at Regis and St. Michael’s. Sculptor Timothy Schmalz, who was present in the morning, shared the importance of the role art can play in conversion of heart towards care for greater justice and peace in the world.
Sharing Gifts Via Out of the Cold — On Thursday afternoons a team of students get together to prepare a healthy snack and to share it with the regular patrons of Out of the who gather in St. Basil’s Church. The goal is to spend time in conversation, thus helping in an ever-so-small way those who live in solitude, while learning more about the plight of some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.
Taking Time to Reflect — In mid-October the Senior staff of the Bursar’s Office spent a few days off campus together for team building and some time to reflect on the vision of St. Mike’s, seeing how their roles in university administration intersect.
Safety First — Keeping campus safe, comfortable and efficiently run is a daily goal of our Facilities Team. Here are Pushpa and Leonila running a campus-wide fire drill.
Golf Tourney a Success — Thanks to all who turned out to play, as well as to our generous sponsors, the 2023 Golf Classic was a great success, and we’ve already got a date for next year – Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Eagles Nest Golf Club.