The University of St. Michael’s College is eager to welcome our alumni back to campus for a weekend of renewing friendships, celebrating milestones and creating community as part of Alumni Reunion 2025.
With warmer weather on its way, it’s time to start planning your weekend. This year’s itinerary boasts a spectacular lineup of activities running all weekend long from Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 1.
“Join us for St. Mike’s 2025 Double Blue Reunion as we welcome back all alumni for a memorable Reunion filled with opportunities to reconnect, reminisce, and rediscover campus. In addition to U of T-wide events, St. Mike’s will host special gatherings to celebrate our community—honouring class years ending in ’0s and ’5s and welcoming all alumni to the festivities. Get your tickets early – we anticipate selling out! Reconnect with friends, meet new ones, reminisce and rediscover campus with our brand-new campus tours, custom-created just for Reunion this year. Learn from St. Mike’s faculty and alumni on a variety of topics and experience today’s campus with unique tours and a variety of Reunion events,” says Lisa Webb, Alumni Affairs Manager.
Find out what’s in store for Reunion 2025:
Reunion kicks off on Friday, May 30 with a special Mass in Loretto College followed by an anniversary lunch honouring the Classes of 1970 and 1975. This year marks 50 years since the Class of 1975 graduated and 55 years since the Class of 1970 graduated, but due to COVID was unable to celebrate its 50th anniversary in person.
That afternoon, check out the Donovan Collection and the Scarboro Foreign Mission Society exhibit currently on display through a guided tour offered by Kelly Library staff. The Donovan Collection is a collection of largely contemporary art made possible by generosity and commitment of Father Dan Donovan, who will also be in attendance to introduce the tour. Francesca Rousselle, who curated ‘The Golden Rule: Social Justice and the Scarboro Foreign Mission Society’ exhibit will offer her insights on archival records of the Scarboro Foreign Mission Society that were generously donated to the college.
Afterwards, grab a bite to eat at the Alumni BBQ taking place on the Dodig Family COOP Terrace. Alumni of all ages can catch up and share stories from their university days while enjoying St. Mike’s branded beer, which is set to launch just in time for Reunion 2025.
Later in the night, the COOP will transform into St. Mike’s pub allowing alumni to reconnect with old friends while sipping St. Mike’s branded beer and dancing to music from their college years.
The Young Alumni Committee is pleased to also offer the Young Alumni Triva Night at Hemingway’s Restaurant and Bar in Yorkville on the evening of Friday, May 30. Join a team and come prepared to answer questions on a range of topics.
On Saturday morning take in the keynote lecture by Dr. Douglas Moggach (7T0) on ‘Modernity and Freedom: Lessons from Hegel’, which centers around modern ideas of freedom, citizenship, social interaction, and relations between state and economy. Dr. Moggach is a proud St. Mike’s alum and Distinguished University Professor at the University of Ottawa, life member of Clare Hall, Cambridge, and Honorary Professor of Philosophy at the University of Sydney.
Step into the past and explore the fascinating stories that shaped our campus with the ‘Footprints in Time: A Historical Journey’ campus tour. Tour guide and St. Mike’s alumna Luisa Giacometti will offer a captivating historical walking tour that brings history to life. From hidden gems to well-known landmarks, participants will discover something new about the familiar campus.
The Reunion weekend will include the next installment in the Alumnae Initiative for Women (AI4W)’s conversation series on ‘Value Added: Appreciating the Contributions of Women Academics’. In this panel discussion, St. Mike’s alumnae Drs. Gabriella Colussi Arthur (9T9), Professor Emerita and Senior Researcher, Department of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics at York University; Kathryn LaFontana (9T1), Chief Academic Officer of Ursuline College; Cathy Driscoll, Professor Emerita of the Sobey School of Business at St. Mary’s University in Halifax; and Theresa O’Keefe, Professor at the Clough School of Theology and Ministry at Boston College, will reflect on their careers at diverse institutions, share the joys and challenges of their work, and consider the various barriers faced by women academics and strategies to overcome them.
St. Mike’s Film Club will be screening the cult classic, Harold and Maude, on Saturday afternoon. This touching and subversive story of a troubled teenager who falls in love with a nearly 80-year-old free spirit is sure to resonate with viewers of all ages who feel a natural kinship with misfits and oddballs.
Film buffs and casual viewers alike will appreciate the behind-the-scenes experience of the ‘Lights, Camera, Action: A Film & TV Sites Tour’ campus tour. Gather in the Quad on Sunday morning to find out which popular films and tv shows were filmed on campus.
The Alumni Association’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday, May 31 and will include the announcement of new board members.
All alumni are invited to attend the Alumni Reception and Banquet. Attendees can gather for a cocktail hour in the COOP and then make their way to Sorbara Auditorium for the Reunion’s marquee event, celebrating graduation anniversaries that end in ‘0 and ‘5.
Alumni Reunion 2025 closes with a lunch on Sunday to celebrate the St. Mike’s Alumni Award winners. These awards honour our outstanding alumni and this year’s recipients will be announced at the St. Alumni Awards Ceremony and Lunch that will take place following Mass at St. Basil’s.
Throughout the weekend, a welcome centre will be set up in Dodig Family COOP to help you navigate your weekend. Be sure to drop by on Friday from 2-3 p.m. to meet Celia Wexler (7T0) who will be available to speak about her latest book Catholic Women Confront Their Church (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016; re-released in paperback in 2024 and will be available for sale). While there, be sure to check out the pop-up book sale for some one-of-a-kind finds, hosted by the Friends of the Kelly Library.
Also, 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.
Registration for Alumni Reunion 2025 is now open. Don’t miss out, register early!
Celebrate the anniversary of your graduation with a gift to the Being Well at St. Mike’s initiative. This year, we are excited to rally our collective alumni support around this initiative dedicated to fostering students’ physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well-being— ensuring that they have the resources and support needed to thrive during their time at St. Mike’s and beyond. Will you and your classmates accept the challenge to lead the way and support Student Wellness at St. Mike’s?
When our alumni graduate, they leave equipped with the tools to make an impact in the world. The commitment and drive to share these gifts make our alumni special and the St. Michael’s community proud. Every spring when alumni are welcomed back to campus for Alumni Reunion, St. Michael’s is pleased to recognize alumni who have made their mark by championing St. Michael’s values.
Nominations are now open for the following alumni awards:
Dr. Richard Alway Award
Named for Dr. Richard Alway (SMC 6T2), who served as St. Michael’s first lay president from 1990-2008. The award was established in 2007 by our Alumni Association to recognize alumni who have made significant contributions to society through spiritual, professional and personal excellence.
Spirit of St. Mike’s Award
This award is presented to exceptional members of the alumni community who embodies the values of St. Mike’s – including human dignity, community, social justice, service and sustainability – in their professional, leadership and community roles.
Young Alumni Impact Award
Presented annually to a member of the alumni community who graduated from St. Mike’s in the last 10 years has made a distinguished and outstanding impact in their professional accomplishments, and contributions of service to benefit society.
Prof. Victoria Mueller-Carson Trailblazer Award
Since the Loretto Sisters and the Sisters of St. Joseph arrived at St. Mike’s as professors and advocates for women’s higher education, women have made their mark at the University of St. Michael’s College. One of these women was Prof. Mueller-Carson who was the first laywoman on staff at the University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto and a long-time professor of Germanic Studies. She joined a long tradition of women who pushed barriers to pave the way for female students who followed. This award is open to all alumni in the St. Mike’s community who can be described as pioneers, innovators, and trailblazers, making a ground-breaking contribution to improving and enriching the lives of others to create positive change.
Victor Dodig Community Impact Award
Named for Victor Dodig (SMC 8T8), President and CEO of CIBC and ardent supporter of St. Mike’s, this award is presented to a member of the alumni community who drives meaningful change, fosters innovation and demonstrates a significant impact through their professional achievements, community involvement or dedicated service. Victor’s leadership and the values he embodies are a source of inspiration to the entire St. Mike’s community.
Winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony and brunch during St. Mike’s 2025 Alumni Reunion weekend, which runs from May 30 to June 1. The ceremony will cap off what is sure to be a memorable weekend of reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.
If you know a St. Michael’s alum who exemplifies the criteria for the awards listed above, please nominate them. Nominations are due February 28, 2025, and can be submitted online.
Final preparations are under way as St. Mike’s gears up for the 2024 Alumni Reunion. We are eager to welcome alumni back to campus from May 30 to June 2. This year’s reunion schedule includes free lectures, soirées and special celebrations for those who graduated in the years ending in 4 and 9.
“Campus comes to life in a different way when alumni come back for Reunion,” says Lisa Gleva, Executive Director of Advancement. “As alumni reminisce with each other, they bring with them nostalgic memories of the past, reminding us of St. Mike’s long history as a caring, connected community. The Alumni Reunion Committee has put together a terrific program for 2024 with a theme of ‘Renewing Friendships, Celebrating Memories and Creating Community’. From social events to celebrations and a great lineup of lectures, there’s something for everyone. We’ve even set up a ‘Touchdown Space’ in the Dodig Family Coop where alumni can meet up while enjoying light snacks and beverages.”
Reunion kicks off with the USMC Alumni Association’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday, May 30 from 5:30-6:30 pm in the John M. Kelly Library. The meeting will be followed by an opening reception in the Dante Garden, offering attendees a chance to reconnect in a one-of-a-kind setting surrounded by sculptures created by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz.
All are welcome at the Alumni Reunion Mass in the Loretto College Chapel at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 31st which will include a ceremony to remember alumni who have passed on since we were last together. Following the Mass is the 50th Anniversary Brunch for 1974 graduates and their guests to celebrate their milestone anniversary.
On Friday afternoon, St. Mike’s Film Club has organized a screening of The Paper Chase in Alumni Hall. The film will be followed by what is sure to be a lively discussion.
There’s a little something for everyone on the Friday evening: USMC Young Alumni will take over the Maddy pub with a night of trivia, while the Coop will be transformed into St. Mike’s Pub. And for something a little mellower, be sure to check out the Wine & Whisky Smooth Jazz Salon in Charbonnel Lounge. Guests are welcomed to ‘meet in the middle’ on the Coop Patio.
Saturday, June 1 will feature a day of learning, and alumni, guests, and members of St. Mike’s faculty will deliver presentations on a variety of exciting topics:
- Prof. Paolo Granata: Learning with/by AI.
- Principal Irene Morra: From Shakespeare to Dr. Who: Postwar Britain, Canada, and the Making of a Cultural Identity.
- Alumnae Initiative for Women Panel: Women and the Impact of Their Money.
- Eric Alper: The Canadian Contribution to the Rock, Blues, and Folk Musical Canons.
You’re invited to attend any – or all – of the free lectures!
The USMC Reception and Banquet held on Saturday, June 1 will celebrate the anniversaries of graduates of the years that end in ‘4 and ‘9. Join your fellow classmates for a meal and conversation in the Sorbara Auditorium in Brennan Hall.
The 2024 Alumni Reunion concludes with Mass at St. Basil’s on Sunday, June 2, followed by the Awards Ceremony and Brunch. These awards recognize individuals who embody St. Mike’s values.
The University of St. Michael’s College Archives has prepared a special exhibit entitled “Our Past Inspires Our Future,” which will be on display in the Kelly Library throughout the weekend. It features memorabilia from athletic victories, St. Mike’s performances, and formal dances. Many of the items on display were donated to the Archives by alumni and friends of the University. The Library is also hosting a voting station for St. Mike’s 2024 Christmas Ornament. Help us choose this year’s ornament by voting for the building you’d like to immortalize as a keepsake.
Past years’ Christmas ornaments featuring St. Mike’s landmarks such as Brennan Hall and St. Basil’s Church will be available for purchase.
And yes, the Coop will be open to all attendees throughout the weekend as a “Touchdown Space”. Whether you want to stop by for snacks, catch up with friends or post updates on the community message boards, the Coop will be the heart of this special weekend.
Many of these events require registration. Don’t be disappointed; reserve your spot this week by visiting stmikes.utoronto.ca/reunion.
It’s no secret that at St. Mike’s, people make the difference.
With the 2023 Alumni reunion, which includes honoured years ending in 3 and 8, just around the corner we thought we’d have a little fun and try something different.
There’s been much talk in recent months about various AI computer programs effectively mimicking the human voice, but we know that the St. Mike’s voice is unique. To demonstrate our assertion, we created an AI-generated invitation to reunion alongside one written by Cassandra Lima, who not only works at St. Mike’s but is also an honoured year grad herself. The computer-generated piece runs first, below. The difference, we think, is pretty obvious!
AI invitation
You are cordially invited to attend the University of St. Michael’s College Reunion in Toronto from May 31 to June 4, 2023. Join us for a weekend filled with old friends, exciting activities, and memories to last a lifetime. We will be hosting a variety of activities throughout the weekend, including a campus tour, a cocktail reception, and a gala dinner. You will also have the chance to explore the city and reconnect with old classmates. We can’t wait to see you on campus and celebrate the history of the University of St. Michael’s College. RSVP today and we look forward to seeing you in Toronto!
Cassandra Lima attained an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto in 2018 and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Toronto in 2020. Cassandra joined the Office of Advancement at the University of St. Michael’s College in May 2022, and works as an Advancement Officer, Engagement.
When I think back to when I indicated my interest in having the University of St. Michael’s College be my ‘home college’ for the duration of my undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, I am reminded of the process I took to come to such decision.
I had spent an afternoon combing through each of the seven colleges’ websites to get a good sense of what each was like, as I anticipated that each had a unique profile, and I wanted to see which would be the best fit for me. Within the first few moments of navigating through the St. Mike’s website, I saw a handful of photos of students socializing and engaging in extracurricular activities. I was unsure whether the photos were candid or staged, but it did not matter to me either way – what mattered was that they were there on the website, front and centre.
Why was this so important? Well, to me, it showed that the college wanted to highlight the fact that student life was at its core, and that it was valued and celebrated. I too valued the notion of student life, and while I was a bit unsure as to whether there was room for it within a university setting, I was delighted to see that the college was promoting the notion that it was. It was at that point that I realized St. Mike’s was a place where I would be able to acquire an academic education and grow as an individual.
Now, as a St. Mike’s alumna, I look back at my time as an undergraduate student and think about how fortunate I am to have chosen St. Mike’s as my ‘home college’ all those years ago. St. Mike’s fostered a sense of community amongst my peers and myself and encouraged subsequent connection and personal growth that exceeded my initial expectation. When I graduated from my undergraduate studies, I left with not only a degree but life-long friendships and core memories, many of which were made through connecting with my peers while hanging out in Brennan Hall after classes, partaking in St. Mike’s-based student groups like the University of Toronto Italian Canadian Association [UTICA] and the Medieval Studies Undergraduate Society [MSUS], and attending club nights and formals.
This sense of community, I have learned, is not unique to just me and my peers. Since I started working in the Office of Advancement about a year ago, I have had the pleasure of connecting with alumni from varying classes, and almost every single alumnus and alumna I have spoken with references the same sense of community. This is the thread that connects alumni of all ages and it is the driving force that my colleagues and I at the Office of Advancement have put behind Alumni Reunion 2023 planning.
In light of Alumni Reunion 2023, I want to take a moment to extend a note of congratulations to all honoured years alumni, including my own class of 1T8. Whether you are celebrating your 5th or 75th class anniversary, this year marks an incredible milestone that deserves to be celebrated, and I strongly encourage you to come to campus from May 31st to June 4th and join us all in the exciting festivities that the Office of Advancement has planned!
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Douglas Moggach studied political science and economics at University of Toronto, and was active in political and social affairs at St. Mike’s. He obtained his PhD from Princeton, and has taught at University of Ottawa since 1976. He has held visiting appointments in Australia, China, Germany, Italy, and the UK, and has published widely in German philosophy. He is a class representative for the St. Michael’s Class of 1970, and will be sharing a St. Mike’s memory at this year’s Honoured Years Cocktail Hour during Alumni Reunion.
Coping and Partly Coping: Living with the Pandemic
The academic year 2020–21 had been shaping up to be an exceptionally good one. I retired from teaching a few years ago, but have remained active in research. So I had been invited to spend the month of October 2020 at the University of Salamanca, and had also been awarded visiting fellowships in the UK from January to May 2021. The intent was to discuss my latest book, which came out in Germany just before the pandemic, and to get feedback on my current projects, and of course to see my friends and favourite places.
Alas! All these and other plans had to be postponed indefinitely. Only now, 14 months later, is it even possible to think about rescheduling these activities; but even so, everything remains tentative. My family and I have been fortunate in that we’ve been spared physical illness, and there is much to be grateful for, as we must constantly remind ourselves. Still, the frustrations and delays were often hard to deal with, as I know we can all say.
So how to cope? Why not reactivate some dormant projects, or make progress in other endeavours that I had belatedly begun? Besides being vaccinated, I have administered other pandemic antidotes to myself. Ever since I was a boy, I had wanted to learn Ancient Greek. It wasn’t offered in my high school, but I had studied it on my own, on and off over the years. The language is elusive and astonishingly complex, the hardest I have ever attempted, and as an autodidact I had never been able to advance beyond intermediate level. A good friend who is a retired Classics professor kindly offered to guide me through Plato’s Apology in the original, and with another friend we arranged weekly meetings on Zoom, reading the Greek, struggling to translate it, and having the impenetrable points of syntax and vocabulary explained to us. It was highly rewarding, not only because I now feel able to tackle other Greek texts with some confidence, but also because of the camaraderie that we felt and could look forward to experiencing every week: virtual, indeed, but genuine.
Another antidote was bagpipes. I began learning a few years ago, again fulfilling a childhood dream, and I think it’s even a harder exercise than Plato’s Greek! It takes manual dexterity and an ample lung capacity, and presents significant challenges for late beginners like me. I have an outstanding teacher, patient and encouraging, so that my weekly lessons, remote, of course, are always enjoyable, even when my renditions are less than stellar. Before the lockdowns I had accompanied the band that my teacher directs on one of their tours of Scotland, in the course of which I was able to play along (only drones, no melody, wisely), in Skye, and to meet the Queen when the band performed at Balmoral. My services were not required for that particular performance, but I was designated to present Her Majesty with a gift. On being introduced to her as my teacher’s newest student, Queen Elizabeth looked at me with some surprise, and asked, “Really? Just now?” An apt comment, but I persist, even now. I hope to be good enough to play “Scots wha’ hae” with the band on the next visit to the Wallace Monument in Stirling. Regardless, the lessons are another high point during weeks and months of confinement.
eMaybe the most important thing is to keep working and keep focus. Though the content is often good, Zoom conferences lack the immediacy and ease of interaction that you get in personal meetings, and deprived of my usual networks and sources of inspiration, I found myself floundering and unproductive for too long during the lockdowns. That had to change, and I recently roused myself to submit a new book proposal to a university press. I await the assessment, but in any case I intend to complete this manuscript in the next twelve months. As a colleague once bluntly advised me when I complained about the difficulties I was having in revising an article, “Work harder!” He was right. That was the answer back then, and perhaps it is the best pandemic antidote right now, too. It’s not the same, and it’s not as good as it might have been had so much time not been irretrievably lost. I’m only partly coping, if I’m honest with myself, but as Aristotle instructs us, the good for us human beings is always the best attainable good, even if it’s not the absolute best. So with that, with labour and Aristotelian prudence, we cope as best we can.
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St. Mike’s is turning on the local star power to celebrate the 2021 Alumni Reunion.
Four of our graduates—including two celebrated authors, a noted television writer and producer, and a famed tenor—will share their thoughts with our Alumni in Entertainment panel. The online discussion, to be moderated by St. Michael’s Associate Professor Dr. Iris Gildea, takes place Saturday, May 29 from 3 to 4 p.m.
Panelist Natalie Jenner, the best-selling author of The Jane Austen Society, graduated in 1990 with a B.A. in English literature and a minor in cinema studies. When she looks back on her undergraduate years, the memories that arise surround the power of the written word.
Jenner recalls “my Shakespeare professor warning us as they were about to read from King Lear that they always choked up during a final moment between Lear and Cordelia. I remember how surprised we all were when the professor began to read, did indeed start to tear up, and had to take a moment to collect themselves.
“When I think about my own privilege in being a published writer, it is this moment—its power, its realness, and its vulnerability—that I return to again and again.”
Kevin Sylvester, writer and illustrator of more than 30 children’s books, graduated in 1989 with a joint major in English and Philosophy (USMC) and a minor in Latin. His most recent project is illustrating The Fabulous Zed Watson! with current St. Mike’s student—and Kevin’s child—Basil Sylvester. Reflecting on his time at St. Mike’s, Kevin says that a favourite spot on campus would be “the offices of The Mike, where I was editor (sort of a disastrous one) and illustrator, and where I discovered interests and skills that would set me on the path I’m on now.”
Justin Jalea, who graduated in 2007, is a human rights activist, conductor and JUNO-nominated tenor. He graduated with a specialist designation in Philosophy, with a focus on ethics, legal and political philosophy. The St. Mike’s campus is particularly dear to Justin’s heart, with his favourite spot on campus the “picturesque” Scollard Park, in between Brennan Hall and St. Basil’s.
The significance of that spot?
“I walked through the square almost daily as a student and always tried to take a moment to enjoy the relative peace and quiet. I have such an attachment to the (park) that I even proposed to my fiancée there,” he says.
Rounding out the panel is 1980 grad Peter Mohan, a writer and producer of Canadian and American dramatic programming, including The Hardy Boys, Orphan Black and Night Heat. While at St. Mike’s, Peter spent long hours in the Coop, but his fondest memories are of Faculty of Theology prof Fr. Arthur Gibson, who wrote a book on the films of Ingmar Bergman. Peter took a film class from Fr. Gibson and remembers him as being “brilliant, supportive, and truly insane.”
The panel is just one of many great events scheduled for this year’s reunion, which also includes a Dons Reunion, a lecture by Drs. Alison More and Paolo Granata on building a virtual scriptorium to bring mediaeval manuscripts to an online format, a virtual cocktail party for honoured years, and, of course, the Alumni Mass. For more information and a complete list of events, please see our alumni reunion page.
St. Mike’s alumni returned to campus for Alumni Reunion 2019 from May 29 to June 2, where they had the opportunity to catch up with classmates, make new friends, and reacquaint themselves with the college that remains an important part of their lives.
The Alumni Affairs team organized 18 different events scheduled around reunion celebrations hosted by the University of Toronto, and in the final count, more than 600 people attended St. Michael’s special events. This year, the honoured classes ending in ’4 and ’9 came back to campus to celebrate their milestone anniversaries, including alumni returning from as far back as the class of 1949.
Some alumni traveled from as far away as New Zealand, England and Houston to participate, while others found themselves returning from a short distance away as they settled back into residence at Elmsley Place or Loretto College for the weekend.
The reunion kicked off with a SHAKER gathering at Ripley’s Aquarium with St. Mike’s young alumni in attendance, and concluded with a full house for Sunday’s Mediaeval Symposium by Dr. Alison More. A selection of photos from these and other events can be found at the bottom of this post.
Highlights from Alumni Reunion include:
- Lectures and presentations from St. Mike’s faculty, including Assistant Professor Felan Parker’s engaging Stress-Free Degree lecture on Fortnite and video game culture and a standing-room-only presentation by Assistant Professor Alison More, who had just returned from conducting an international learning experience in Ireland with Boyle Seminar students.
- Anniversary Masses, one celebrated by Fr. Morgan Rice, CSB (2009 graduate of the Faculty of Theology) in the Loretto College Chapel, and another at St. Basil’s celebrated by Archbishop Michael Miller, CSB, (USMC 1969) who travelled from Vancouver to enjoy his 50th anniversary of graduating from St. Michael’s. Alumni toured the John M. Kelly Library, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary since opening in 1969, and Chester Gryski’s (USMC 1969) spoke about the Canadian Fine Press Exhibition, which featured items printed by the late Glenn Goluska (USMC 1969). If you missed your chance to share memories or photos of the library during reunion, you can still do so—just send an email to usmc.archives@utoronto.ca.
- A revival of the st. mike’s pub. The Class of 1994, in conjunction with the Class of 2009, marked their 25th and 10th anniversary, respectively by turning the Firkin on Bay into the st. mike’s pub, a former campus hangout space.
- A capacity-crowd All Alumni Double Blue Party in the newly renovated Brennan Hall Lounge and The Dodig Family COOP. Alumni had the opportunity to travel down memory lane with a display of photos and flip through yearbooks from the honoured years.
- “Canadian Writing Now,” a panel discussion hosted by Principal and Vice-President Randy Boyagoda and English Chair Professor Paul Stevens. One of the authors, Anthony De Sa (USMC 1989), dedicated his reading to Fr. Robert Madden, CSB, and shared a story of Fr. Madden going out of his way to offer kindness and support after Anthony’s father passed away.
- The Honoured Years’ Dinner and Medal Ceremony where alumni who graduated 55, 60, 65, and 70 years ago, with a standing ovation for Vicky Houghton (USMC 1949), the first ever Female Athlete of the Year at St. Michael’s, who recently donated her Varsity jacket to the USMC Archives.
- Dr. Mimi Marrocco (USMC 1969) was recognized for her work in adult education, corporate social responsibility and ethics as the recipient of the 2019 Alway Award, named in honour of former President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Richard Alway (USMC 1962).
President David Sylvester expressed his appreciation to the campus community following the weekend, writing:
“Many thanks to the staff, faculty and students who contributed to the success of Alumni Reunion It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with generations of St Mike’s graduates. Our alumni felt warmly welcomed, thoroughly enjoyed the gatherings, lectures and tours and commented on how lovely the grounds and facilities looked. The weekend was a tremendous community effort, which showcased St. Mike’s at its best.”
See you next year! If you’d like to see more photos from the weekend, please email smc.alumniaffairs@utoronto.ca.
Gifted Educator and Founder of the first program providing executive education in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility recognized by University of St. Michael’s College alumni
Dr. Mimi Marrocco (Class of 1969) has received the 2019 Alway Award, an honour in recognition of her decades of service and important contributions to the life and reputation of the College. As her former students and colleagues attest, her work—especially in the area of Continuing Education—has influenced the lives of thousands of people.
Former University of St. Michael’s College President Sr. Anne Anderson, CSJ said Dr. Marrocco “gifted USMC with her passion for Continuing Education.” That passion, Sr. Anne said, yielded “innovative, cutting-edge programs across a broad spectrum of interests,” including “our internationally known Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility.”
Over 300 participants from across Canada and over 20 countries have gone through the CSR program, and over 250 alumni from the program hold positions as VP, Director, or Manager in CSR and Sustainability capacities.
“Mimi is the heart and soul of the CSR Certificate Program,” CSR Program Manager Kathryn Cooper said. She described Dr. Marrocco’s contribution to the field in Canada as decisive: “Dr. Marrocco developed an innovative collaboration with the Conference Board of Canada to launch in 2002 the first program providing executive education in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility. This program created the platform for the very first developments of the body of knowledge, best practices, mentorship and action learning projects in business for Corporate Social Responsibility.”
As the first recognized, professional University Credential in Canada related to CSR, the St. Michael’s program Dr. Marrocco founded has also created a network of alumni and mentors in the field. Program participants receive mentorship support for 13 months, which helps them achieve first-time success in implementing the CSR/Sustainability projects they undertake during the program. To date, participants have implemented over 200 action-learning projects at their companies and organizations, including numerous CSR, Sustainability and Community Investment strategies.
Dr. Marrocco’s former students describe her as a dynamic leader whose talent for teaching is matched by her care for them. “Mimi is so lovely and insightful,” said one, while another said that Dr. Marrocco “has been instrumental in helping me to open my mind to different perspectives.”
After earning a BA from St. Mike’s, Dr. Marrocco received an MA in 1970 and a PhD in 1978, both from the U of T, where she later taught as a member of the English Department. Dr. Marrocco worked for over a quarter century as Director of Continuing Education at St. Michael’s, and served as faculty leader for the CSR Certificate program.
An industry leader as well as an educator, Dr. Marrocco has served on academic and community boards, including stints as president of both the Ontario Council for Lifelong Learning and the Canadian Association of University Continuing Education.
She has served in many roles for Catholic educational and charitable institutions, and she continues to serve in board and/or committee member roles with organizations such as the Arts and Letters Club or Toronto, the Toronto Hunt Club, and the Advisory Committee of the Canadian Business Ethics Research Network at York University.
Named for past St. Michael’s President Dr. Richard Alway, a member of the USMC Class of 1962 and our first lay president, the Alway Award is given in recognition of alumni whose significant contributions to society bring esteem to them and to the College.
For her pioneering work in the field of Continuing Education in Canada, for her support of the mission of the University of St. Michael’s College, for the way she has helped shape the lives of her students, and for her many other achievements, St. Michael’s is proud to call Dr. Mimi Marrocco one of its own. The Alway Award is a small token of the College’s gratitude for her life and work.