We’re heading into July still smiling following all the amazing events that took place at St. Mike’s in May and June. From celebrating our new grads, our valued alumni, and a new Chancellor through to enjoying the return of the flowers on campus, May and June offered lots of reminders of how great life at St. Mike’s is, year-round.
Among the moments we celebrated in May and June:
Congratulations, Grads! — Congratulations to the Class of 2023 and welcome to the St. Mike’s alumni family! We were excited to welcome so many grads, along with family and friends to the BBQ hosted by St. Mike’s Advancement on June 13. The night before convocation, 450 people attended our annual awards ceremony and reception for graduands.
New Chancellor Installed at St. Mike’s — Toronto Archbishop Francis Leo was installed as the sixth chancellor of the University of St. Michael’s College. The installation ceremony took place prior to the Baccalaureate Mass, on the afternoon of June 12. Welcome, Archbishop Leo!
St. Mike’s Commits to Divest from Fossil Fuel Investments — At its June meeting, the Collegium of the University of St. Michael’s College committed to fully divest the University’s investments from fossil fuels by the year 2030, or sooner if possible. The University has held no direct investments in fossil fuel companies since 2013, and the Collegium’s decision will complete the process of removing fossil fuel companies from its indirect investments. Complete divestment from fossil fuels builds on St. Mike’s established initiative of investing according to its institutional values.
St. Mike’s strengthens ties to Maynooth University — The ties between the University of St. Michael’s College and Ireland’s Maynooth University are now even stronger thanks to an enhanced memorandum of understanding signed between the two universities. The agreement will further open doors for students and professors at both institutions, including new opportunities for students in the College’s undergraduate Mediaeval and Celtic Studies programs, and the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology. The MoU was signed in May when President Sylvester travelled to Maynooth, a trip that coincided with the annual excursion to the Irish university by students from St. Michael’s Boyle Seminar in Scripts and Stories, one of the many experiential learning experiences available to both undergraduate and graduate students at St. Michael’s.
Having a Blast at Alumni Reunion — From parties and pub nights to lectures and an awards brunch, over the course of five busy days filled with fun and fellowship we welcomed nearly 700 alumni back to campus as part of Alumni Reunion, which ran from May 31 to June 4. It was a pleasure to reconnect with alumni here at our “Oasis in the City” and celebrate the people who make the St. Mike’s community so special.
Dante Garden Unveiled — May saw the unveiling of an exciting new landmark at St. Michael’s, The Dante Garden. Patrons, donors, and friends gathered in the beautiful new garden, located at the corner of St. Joseph Street and Queen’s Park, which features sculptures of the cantos of the Divine Comedy, and Dante himself, by artist Timothy Schmalz. Brought to life by patrons Maurizio Bevilacqua and family, and Tony and Lina Gagliano and family, along with generous donors, this new landmark is a stunning addition to our campus, offering a new way to engage with the genius of the Divine Comedy.
St. Mike’s Hosts CCBI Book Launch — The University of St. Michael’s College was delighted to host the launch of Catholic Bioethics: A Twenty-year Perspective. We were particularly pleased to welcome Archbishop Francis Leo, Cardinal Thomas Collins, and many of the book’s contributors to the afternoon event.
MPP Visits Founders House — Rosedale MPP Jessica Bell met with St. Mike’s President David Sylvester at Founders House to discuss ways to work together to support the needs of the community.
Pride Progress Banner Raised — The University of St. Michael’s College respects diversity in all its forms and is committed to developing inclusivity an inclusive, welcoming community. Late in May, we raised a Pride Progress banner on the John M. Kelly Library, a sign of our commitment to that pledge.
Something’s Cooking… June 1st marked the arrival of Dana Hospitality to campus. Dana will now be handling food operations at USMC and Loretto sites.
What a Great Team! — Faculty and staff gathered in Charbonnel Lounge in June over a great array of desserts to celebrate those people marking significant work anniversaries. An especially warm welcome was offered to Jean Talman, who retired from the Principal’s Office after serving the community for 35 years, creating a strong link between the College and the greater Irish community in Toronto. Sláinte mhaith!
A Standing Invitation — It’s no secret that our Oasis in the City is beautiful year-round, but right now the campus is awash with colour. If you’re in the neighbourhood, please drop by to take in the sights. You’re always welcome!