An archbishop from Western Canada committed to healing the Church’s relations with Indigenous people and two distinguished medievalists who have made invaluable academic contributions to the University community here in Canada and internationally are to be awarded honorary degrees by the University of St. Michael’s College. 

Archbishop Donald Bolen will be granted a Doctor of Divinity degree at the fall convocation while Professors Ann Hutchison and James Carley will be granted Doctor of Sacred Letters degrees. 

Archbishop Bolen, a champion within the Church for Truth and Reconciliation, was ordained a priest in 1991, named Bishop of Saskatoon in 2010, and installed as Archbishop of Regina in 2016. Since being named a bishop, he has served on a variety of national and international ecumenical dialogues and has written three books on human relations, including ecumenical relations. Throughout his time as a bishop, he has been deeply involved in addressing the injustices inflicted on indigenous people in Canada. He has been a vigorous supporter of the recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and served as a member of the committee that encouraged Pope Francis to visit Canada in July 2022 to address Canadian indigenous peoples directly. A member of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, Archbishop Bolen was awarded the Cross of Saint Augustine in 2008 by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams for service to relations between the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. 

Professors Ann Hutchison and James Carley, distinguished scholars from the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies (PIMS,) will be awarded honorary degrees in recognition of their service and immense scholarly contribution to the University and support of students, marking the first time that St. Michael’s has accorded such an honour to a married couple.  

“The St. Michael’s campus is the historical epicentre of mediaeval studies in Canada, so it is fitting that we acknowledge Ann and James, for their remarkable scholarship, and their intellectual generosity to generations of students,” says St. Michael’s President David Sylvester. 

Professor Carley is University Professor Emeritus of York University and a Fellow of the Institute. Professor Hutchison is a long-time Fellow of the Institute and was Academic Dean of the Institute until 2022. Both have contributed much to the thriving and renowned scholarly world of Medieval Studies in Toronto and are models of interdisciplinary research.  

Prof. Hutchison’s work on Catholic and Counter-Reformation culture in England has filled an important niche in yet another research area vital to the University of Toronto’s graduate Centre for Renaissance and Reformation Studies and to St. Michael’s own Catholic profile. As Academic Dean at PIMS, she introduced many new initiatives, based on her passionate vision to link students and research from all cohorts on the east end of campus. Her Friday teas offered undergraduates, Mellon Post-doctoral Fellows, and faculty at PIMS, St. Michael’s and the Centre for Medieval Studies a unique intergenerational opportunity to meet and discuss their interests. She has mentored large numbers of SMC undergraduates and championed joint undergraduate/graduate/faculty research through her annual Women’s Medieval Workshop initiative.  

Dr. Carley is a historian of Glastonbury Abbey and the world of the high Middle Ages in England. His many publications on Arthurian literature and his collaboration with Welsh and Irish scholars are notable. His great work on the English royal library in the early Reformation period merges with his pioneering work on humanists and scholars and the recovery of lost and scattered libraries has bolstered his recent work on the study of Hebrew scholarship in Tudor England.  

“In Archbishop Bolen and in Professors Hutchison and Carley we see lives that reflect the core values of our university,” says President Sylvester. “They seek out the truth daily, they understand the value of building strong communities, and their dedication to their work offers us profound insights into the human condition. It is a privilege to be able to count them as part of the St. Michael’s community.” 

This year’s honorary degrees will be conferred at the University of St. Michael’s College convocation, to be held on November 11, 2023.    

Learn more about Honorary Doctorates and Other University of St. Michael’s College Honours

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 1^st 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!

Aïsha Philippe laughs as she tells the story of her pre-school self, so desperate to read that her mother would find her, upside-down book in hand, frustrated that she couldn’t yet make the magic of the text on the page in front of her come alive.

Today, she says, “Fiction, non-fiction…I’ll read anything!”

That lifelong love of reading drew Philippe into St. Mike’s Book & Media Studies (BMS)  program, with the other field of her double major Political Science, each supporting her great passion for education policy. As she reflects on the joy and relaxation that reading has brought her, not to mention the education and empowerment, she is firm in her desire to ensure all children have the same access to books and learning to lead fulfilled, fruitful lives.

And while a new graduate, she already has a great deal of work experience in the field. In the past year, for example, she served as a research assistant to a University of Toronto economics professor, supporting a podcast on economic inequality. An opportunity particularly dear to her heart was a placement as an intern in 2022 at the National Book Foundation, Presenter of the National Books Awards, helping with educational and public programming, communications and social media efforts, and non-profit operations and administration. One of her tasks while with the foundation was to select books that would be sent to public housing.

Her list of social and community experiences is equally impressive. For example, Philippe, who is trilingual and completed her four-year degree in three years –each year on the Dean’s List– was the co-host of Endnote, the Hart House Literary and Library Committee podcast. She was the Managing Editor of the BMS journal, Foolscap, and was the 4^th year representative on the Book & Media Studies Student Association.

COVID was already entrenched when Philippe began university at St. Mike’s in 2020, so she began her degree from her home in Washington, D.C., arriving in Toronto in the fall of her second year, in September 2021.

Soon, the St. Mike’s campus became home for her, a place to meet other students of diverse views and backgrounds, people with “brilliant ideas.”

“I cannot over-emphasize the community feeling at St. Mike’s. Students are given the spaces to exchange and collaborate,” vital skills for their lives ahead, she says, offering thanks to staff for supporting a range of student initiatives.

Today, Philippe is engaged in preparatory work before starting a Master’s degree in Education Policy and Analysis at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. Her goal is to work at a literary non-profit, with the door open to doctoral work down the road.

Looking back on her time at St. Mike’s, one of the opportunities she valued the most was helping to plan and present events during February’s Black History Month. Along with a panel discussion, a movie night and a dance class, the U of T Black Students’ Association and St. Mike’s hosted an open mic night,  featuring spoken word poet Eddie Lartey, winner of the 2022 Canadian Individual Poetry Slam.

It was an event that really resonated with students, she notes, recalling that the evening saw a lot of engagement, with people taking chances by sharing their ideas, their work. And that, she says, reflects one of the key take-aways from her time at St. Mike’s.

“Put yourself out there,” Philippe says. “It’s easy to count yourself out, but there should be no regrets —even if you fail—because you’re still learning. Make the most of your time!”

Rohma Khan chose St. Mike’s as her college because she fell in love with the architecture. But as she counts down the days until convocation, she knows it’s the people she will miss the most.

“When I chose St. Mike’s, the decision was based on the beautiful old buildings that reminded me of Hogwarts,” she says, referencing the Harry Potter franchise. But, says Khan, who is a Senior Residence Don, “I am going to miss my team, and working with the Dean’s office. I’m going to miss the people!”

Khan, who majored in Near and Middle Eastern Studies, with minors in Philosophy and Diaspora and Transnational Studies, says she learned both technical skills and life skills in her time in university.

While she came to university confident in her writing ability, for example, she soon realized she had more to learn. In a first-year seminar class, her professor, Anne Porter, recommended she work on her writing.

“She told me that I had great ideas but that I could express myself better. This was a surprise as I had always done really well in high school. But she told me that if my writing improved, I’d be unstoppable. I listened. Today, I am very proud of my writing.”

And the new course on the hit Korean television program Squid Game offered at St. Mike’s this past year by Dr. Paolo Granata left a powerful impression on her.

 “The show was known for its violence, but it also has a very powerful, hopeful message that underneath the violence there is still goodness – and we are good people. Such a juxtaposition!”

There were also lessons to experience outside the classroom. Khan was in first year when the pandemic hit, and when COVID precautions meant she was eating  in her room and taking courses online in her dorm, it made it harder to make friends, and she felt the isolation.

But then she began to think more about how so many students were in the same position and that, while she might be isolated, she was not alone, so she began to focus on making connections. And when she became a Residence Don, and then a Senior Residence Don she ensured she was mindful of checking in to make sure the students under her watch were okay and knew that they were part of a caring community.

“We need to be kinder to ourselves,” she says. “We are all struggling. You often think you’re the only one feeling guilty about the hours you don’t spend doing schoolwork, or whether you’ve done your best, but your best is only done when you are happy and healthy. We all need to stop and take a break from time to time. I had to learn this myself.”

As she reflects on her experience at St. Mike’s, she is quick to praise the community she has found.

“St. Mike’s is tight-knit community and there’s always somebody to take care of you. Whether in the COOP or the quad, you’ll always find someone who will help you.”

Now, Khan is planning to travel, with Jasper and Banff on her itinerary, and then write the LSAT (the law school admission test).

She says that being a Don was a big commitment with great responsibility but that she was happy to assume the role because she knows first-hand the value of building community.

“I wanted to return the favour and was happy to push the energy forward.”

From the arrival of a new principal to our tradition of lighting up the campus in anticipation of Christmas, the fall was a busy time at St. Mike’s. Here are some of the things we celebrated during the months of October, November, and December.

New Principal Dr. Irene Morra Arrives — We offered a heartfelt welcome to Dr. Irene Morra as she assumed her duties on December 1, 2022. A St. Mike’s alumna with many family connections to the university, Morra comes to us from Cardiff University. In explaining why she has chosen to work at St. Mike’s, Morra says, “I’m drawn to St. Michael’s because it epitomizes, for me, the very ideal of a university experience.”

O’Mara, Donovan Receive Honourary Degrees — Two long-standing St. Michael’s professors – Sr. Mechtilde O’Mara, CSJ, and Fr. Daniel Donovan—received honourary degrees at the Faculty of Theology convocation in November.

St. Mike’s Celebrates Fall Convocation — University President David Sylvester presented remarks at the Fall Faculty of Arts & Science Convocation, which saw 139 of St. Michael’s students graduate.

President’s Capstone Awards Granted — Four graduates of St. Michael’s Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability program were awarded President’s Capstone Awards this November: Rosalind Share, Heather Anne McKelvey, Amanda Baron, and Patricia Escobar.

Convocation celebrations for 2020 and 2021 grads — On Dec. 14, St. Michael’s celebrated more than 360 graduates from 2020 and 2021. Grateful thanks to Eagle Feather Bearer Dr. Robert Phillips who led the procession Convocation Hall and to Colin Asuncion  (BA 2011 SMC), the speaker at the graduation celebration. 

Indspire Partnership Launched — St. Mike’s launched its partnership with Indspire to offer awards for Indigenous students. The application deadline for the next round is coming up on Feb 13, 2023.

 St. Michael’s Hosts Vatican Event — In November, the University of St. Michael’s College hosted the Canadian launch of the research findings from a key pillar of Pope Francis’s ongoing synodal process, work that offers a voice to those often invisible and unheard in church communities and society. More than 300 people gathered in person and online on   to hear about a report from an international theological research project, Doing Theology From the Existential Peripheries. The event has been posted on YouTube for those who were unable to attend.

Rosanne Rocchi to Chair Collegium — Toronto lawyer and St. Mike’s alumna Rosanne Rocchi was appointed Chair of St. Michael’s Collegium, chairing her first meeting, in person,  in October. 

Kelly Library Hosts Open House for Students — Staff introduced students to all aspects of our work and collections, from rare book and archival materials to research and writing help services, book preservation techniques, and Loans Desk offerings. We shared highlights on Instagram.

Research Consultation Hit New High — The Kelly Library is hitting new heights in terms of research consultations. Between May and January 1st, librarians conducted 241 research consultations, breaking the 2020 record of 200.

 Our First Christmas Market a Success — Students, staff, faculty, alumni, neighbours, and community partners helped make the first St. Mike’s Community Christmas Market a success. More than 350 people passed through the gates to visit 25 vendor tables, with partial proceeds from sales donated to Romero House. Curious? Have a look at our video of the event. 

Dante Exhibit & Reception, Manuscript Donation — Curated by Noel McFerran, our Dante exhibit won plenty of admirers at the library’s reception for the annual Dante lecture, held November 9th. Just weeks earlier, the Kelly Library was delighted to receive a modern handmade illuminated anastatic copy of Dante’s Inferno, known as Dante Guarneriano, from the Biblioteca Guarneriana in San Daniele del Friuli, one of Italy’s oldest and most venerated public libraries. Highlights of the exhibit are available the Kelly Library website.

Social Events Return to Campus — It’s been great catching up with friends both old and new as events have returned to campus. This fall, we saw the return of the Christmas tea, the Santa Claus parade party and staff Christmas party, all roaring successes. Another big hit was a donor reception honouring longtime coach Lex Bird.

Donovan Collection Work in AGO Exhibition — Babylon, a work familiar to many due to its prominent place in Madden Hall, is currently included in a retrospective of the work of artist Denyse Thomasos. The exhibit runs until Feb. 20 at the AGO. 

Student Life Hopping with Activity — Of course, our students were keen to resume in-person activities, and this fall saw classics such as the return of Kelly’s Korner. The Office of the Dean of Students in collaboration with the Library, Registrar’s office and Campus Ministry hosted a week of events to celebrate wellness on campus including Therapy Dogs, Study Cafes, De-stressor events and more. Our Commuter Dons and Campus Ministry hosted a Jingle Ball on December 1^st with carols, ugly Christmas sweaters, and lots of fun celebrations, while our residence community came together to celebrate the end of term and start of the holidays with formal dinners, where everyone dressed to the nines!

Campus Lights Shine — And, befitting the shortest days of the year, we saw the return of our festive Christmas lights, a bright spot not only for the students and employees of St. Michael’s, but for all who live and work in the neighbourhood.

Best wishes for 2023!

Summer has brought welcome changes to the University of St. Michael’s College campus. As the flowers bloom, and we prepare for the school year, we are taking time to look back on June and July, and share some of our wins, successes and achievements of the season. 

Convocation — We celebrated the Class of 2022 and welcomed this year’s graduates into the St. Mike’s alumni community at our Graduate & Family BBQ hosted by St. Mike’s Alumni Affairs. Elmsley Place provided a beautiful setting to celebrate graduates’ achievements, open Convocation gifts, and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Mentorship program — We are proud to announce that the mentorship program has more than 135 first-year mentees matched with upper-year mentors, with more students signing up daily!

New Hires — We welcomed a number of new hires, who continue to serve and help enrich our students, faculty, and community. Some new hires gathered on July 22 to connect with each other and build new relationships. From left to right: Tamarah Bryan, Erica Figueiredo, Sumeeta Farrukh, Karina Stellato, Nabil Arif, Kevin O’Rourke McColl, Jashan Khokhar.

Dr. Nicholas Terpstra took up the position of St. Michael’s Interim Principal on July 1. Terpstra, whose research examines the intersection of politics, religion, gender, and charity in Renaissance Italy, has taught at the University of Toronto since 1998. His current research is focused on two main areas: a digital mapping project based around Renaissance Florence, and a study of of how different social, cultural, and religious groups used spatial and sensory boundaries to navigate their relations with each other in 16^th-century Tuscany.

Regis-St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology welcomed its new Dean: Dr. Jaroslav Skira, who hosted an open house gathering at Regis on July 13 which was well attended.

Regis College also welcomed its new President, Gordon Rixon, SJ.

New Journeys — We bid Dr. John McLaughlin goodbye as former Dean of the Faculty of Theology. He will continue to serve as a Professor of Old Testament /Hebrew Bible at the Faculty of Theology. We are also celebrating the goodbye (for now) of Mark McGowan, the former Interim Principal at the University of St. Michael’s College from 2020-2022. He is going on sabbatical for research in Ireland. After that, he will continue to serve as Senior Advisor to the President, on Catholic Education, and will return to Celtic Studies and the History Department following his leave.

Renovations — We had some window cleaning at Founders House, which allows our staff to continue to see our Oasis in the City all around us. The Wellness Centre renovation in Elmsley Hall is moving wonderfully and is scheduled to be completed before Labour Day weekend. 

Retirement — We celebrated the retirement of Jean Talman, Program Assistant for the Celtic Studies program, with 32 years of service at the University. Sláinte!

Ukrainian Visitors — MASI is proud to #standwithukraine. On June 29, the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies (MASI) had a planning session to prepare for the hundreds of Ukrainian students expected to arrive from Ukraine at the University of Toronto this fall, thinking about how we can support them at the University of St. Michael’s College.

Welcome Day — On June 11, St. Mike’s opened its doors for an in person for Welcome Day, an opportunity for incoming students and their parents to learn about the university experience and critical first steps as they begin their university journey. Hybrid academic info sessions hosted by the Registrar and Student Services staff, campus tours, booths for student resources at St. Mike’s, and lunch in the Canada Room were some of the activities available to our newest students.

Summer has brought us beautiful weather and gorgeous flowers and trees — and Summer Camp. We currently have educators and students from Rome–seen here with President Sylvester are Alina Axinte and Celestine Cavalcante from The Parioli English School– on campus this summer for the Sol language Camp.

We hope that each of you can visit to see our campus in person, which gets more beautiful every year. There’s a reason St. Mike’s is known as the #Oasisinthecity!

An Ojibway from the Animakee Wa Zhing 37 First Nation, Dr. Michael DeGagné is the President and CEO of Indspire. He was appointed Nipissing University President and Vice Chancellor in 2013, becoming one of the first Indigenous presidents of a Canadian public university. He later served as the first President of Yukon University. In 1998, Dr. DeGagné became the founding Executive Director of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, a national Indigenous organization dedicated to addressing the legacy of Canada’s Indian Residential School System. This past academic year, he was a visiting fellow at the University of St. Michael’s College and he serves on the Advisory Council for St. Michael’s Diploma in Social Responsibility & Sustainability program. 

In my time as a university president, as an administrator, and in a host of other roles, I’ve sat on a lot of Convocation stages and marched in many Convocation professions. Often there’s sweltering heat – or, during winter Convocations, freezing temperatures – to contend with. However, no matter the weather, there’s always a special feeling in the air: the jubilation of the graduates and their loved ones mixed with a host of other emotions. There’s pride at this significant accomplishment, relief that the students’ hard work has paid off, and often a hint of sadness that this remarkable phase of life’s journey has come to completion. I’ve experienced many of these life-changing days and am grateful for each one. 

On June 20, 2022, however, I had a wholly new Convocation experience. The University of St. Michael’s College 2022 Spring Convocation marked a significant milestone: the very first time an Eagle Feather was carried in the Convocation procession. I was both proud and honoured to have been chosen by USMC as its inaugural Eagle Feather Bearer at this pivotal moment in time, when Indigenous traditions were entwined with USMC’s Convocation, blending two types of ceremonies together into a harmonious whole. 

(In a moment of serendipity, this date also fell in between the June 19 broadcast of the 2022 Indspire Awards and National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. The Awards are Indspire’s celebration of Indigenous excellence; they annually honour 12 outstanding Indigenous leaders and change-makers.) 

The Eagle Feather itself is a powerful symbol for Indigenous students and USMC community members. In many Indigenous cultures – including the Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Mississaugas of the Credit, the nations on whose traditional territories USMC stands – the Eagle Feather is considered sacred because the eagle flies closest to the Creator. It symbolizes respect, honour, strength, courage, and wisdom. 

Incorporating Indigenous ceremony into events like Convocation is significant on many levels to many participants: first, obviously, to the Indigenous graduates and their loved ones. It says clearly: we recognize and honour you, your culture, and your traditions. You belong here. One of the things that I’ve heard multiple times from Indigenous post-secondary students during my time at Indspire is that they often struggle with a sense that they don’t belong at post-secondary institutions; that they feel disenfranchised and isolated when they arrive on campus. One of the many ways in which we endeavour to support Indigenous students at Indspire is listening to what they have to say about their post-secondary experiences – and effectively working with our many partners on tangible ways to change those feelings of isolation and alienation into feelings of belonging and validation. 

Having the Eagle Feather at Convocation sends an unambiguous message to all graduates and their families, faculty, and administration: Indigenous students belong here at USMC, and they are valued. To current Indigenous students and alumni, it says: things have changed, and changed for the better. We are here to support you in your pursuit of your educational goals, and we value you as an integral part of the USMC community. 

I believe that the presence of the Eagle Feather also speaks to the non-Indigenous members of our community to remind them that Indigenous values and communities are to be recognized, honoured, and respected. In my role as Visiting Fellow, I don’t exclusively support Indigenous students; I’m responsible for contributing to the whole community. One key lesson that emerged during my work as Executive Director of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation was that true reconciliation can only be created by Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners working together. The work must be shared if it is to be both effective and enduring.  

After the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic – an event which disproportionately affected Indigenous students and Indigenous communities – the Spring 2022 Convocation was also noteworthy as the very first time that USMC had been able to hold an in-person Convocation celebration since the COVID-19 pandemic upended our lives in 2020. Face-to-face gatherings to celebrate significant events are particularly important to Indigenous Peoples, and having the Eagle Feather honoured in this way during this gathering also recognized our collective joy at coming together in person again. 

Moments like these ensure that reconciliation doesn’t just become an empty gesture. While the scope of work is considerable – and there is always more to be done – I feel hopeful and encouraged by the profound experience that I shared on June 20^th with members of the USMC community. It stands as a testament to what can be done if many parties work together to effect authentic reconciliation. 

As I congratulate the Class of 2022 and wish them all the best in their future endeavours, I’d also like them to hold a special moment in their memories: the moment when the Eagle Feather led the way to their Convocation. I invite all of them to carry this moment with them, remembering the significance of the Eagle Feather as they travel forth into their own bright futures. By being part of and acknowledging this historic ‘first’, they too are beginning to walk a path toward real reconciliation. 

Chi miigwech, 

Mike DeGagné, C.M. , President & CEO 

Indspire 

Read other InsightOut posts.

A collection of exceptional students from the Class of 2022 have received awards from The University of St. Michael’s College for their outstanding accomplishments. The awards were presented on Sunday, June 19 at a ceremony that followed the baccalaureate Mass.

At the ceremony, it was noted that both Yiyi Mao and former St. Michael’s College Student Union President Neo Yin have been nominated for the Governor General’s Silver Medal. Each year, the University of Toronto solicits nominations from each college for the student(s) graduating with the highest grade point average. From this prestigious group, three students are then selected to receive the Governor General’s Gold Medal.

Neo received numerous awards at Sunday’s ceremony, including the St. Michael’s College Gold Medal in Science, one of the 123 St. Michael’s College Silver Medals, the Principal’s Medal, and a Fr. Robert Madden, CSB, Leadership Award. He graduates with an Honours Bachelor of Science, with a Specialist in Advanced Mathematics, a Specialist in Mathematics and a Minor in Philosophy.

Yiyi was awarded the St. Michael’s College Gold Medal in Commerce and a College Silver Medal.

The College Gold Medal in Arts was presented to Kendall Kathleen Sneyd, who graduates with an Honours Bachelor of Arts with a Specialist in Archaeeaology and a Major in History. Kendall, an active mentor, was also awarded a College Silver Medal, the Sir Bertram C.A. Windle Graduate Scholarship and the Fr. Robert Madden, CSB, Leadership award.

Numerous students also received individual subject awards, as well as leadership awards at the ceremony. We congratulate all our graduates and celebrate their impressive accomplishments.

Spring Convocation 2022 promises to be especially festive this year with the return to in-person ceremonies, our first since 2019.

Celebrations for the more than 800 students in the Class of 2022 begin on Sunday, June 19 with the Baccalaureate Mass at 6 p.m. in St. Basil’s Church. The celebrant will be Fr. Adam Hincks, SJ, who holds the Sutton Chair in Science, Christianity, & Cultures. Prior to the Mass there will be an academic procession and a welcome from St. Michael’s President Dr. David Sylvester.

Light refreshments will be served after Mass in Sam Sorbara Auditorium, located on the second floor of Brennan Hall above the Dodig Family Coop.

At 7:15 p.m. on the 19th, a ceremony will take place in the auditorium to honour graduands recognized for their outstanding achievements at St. Michael’s College. Award winners have been notified by the Office of the Principal.

Monday will see two convocation ceremonies, each held Convocation Hall, at one of the University of Toronto’s most elegant buildings, located at 31 King’s College Circle. The morning ceremony, which begins at 10 a.m., is dedicated to Arts students, while the afternoon ceremony, to be held for Science and Commerce students, begins at 2:30 p.m.. The ceremonies will be also be alive-streamed on St. Mike’s campus, with signage directing guests to viewing locations.

St. Mike’s alumnus Dr. Michael Salvatori will speak at the morning convocation, while Samantha Peters will address the afternoon ceremony.

Dr. Salvatori holds a PhD in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning from the University of Toronto and has served as a core French and French immersion teacher, vice-principal, principal, university professor and CEO & Registrar of the Ontario College Teachers during his 30-year education career. He is currently Associate Professor at the College of Education, Niagara University in Ontario.

Lawyer Samantha Peters served as the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law’s first Black Legal Mentor-in-Residence/Mentor Juridique pour la Communauté Noire, serving in the 2020 – 2021 academic year. She engages in work at the intersection of law, education and policy, ranging from law reform initiatives to legal education to legislative research, including as the Education and Social Policy Researcher at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario where she briefed and advised elected officials as well as worked with Legislative Counsel on private member bills and motions to amend government bills. Between the two ceremonies, St. Michael’s Alumni Affairs Department will host a barbeque for graduates and their families, from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on the patio in front of Brennan Hall.

We look forward to seeing the Class of 2022 and their families on campus on convocation day and offer our warmest congratulations to our newest alumni!

Fall Convocation for the St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology and the Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability program will take place online on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021. To celebrate, we’re sharing the stories of some of this year’s graduates.

Master of Divinity graduate Samuel O’Ejeregbe was inspired to consider St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology after a priest friend spoke movingly about the quality of intellectual formation offered here.

“I visited Canada for the first time in 2015 to physically see the structures in place and I was utterly impressed,” Samuel recalls. “The professors were so helpful and not really keen on marks but ensuring that, as future Ministers, my classmates and I are a bridge for others, supporting and listening. That struck me!”

Samuel says the speical funding available for international students who are priests or studying for the priesthood is appreciated.

“I am always delighted to let my friends abroad who are keen about studying Theology that St. Michael’s has a good supportive system to support international students. I was moved by the support I received financially from the Faculty, funding that ensured a successful completion of my program particularly during the pandemic. God willing, I will be pursuing a vocation to the priesthood in the Catholic Church.” 

St. Michael’s membership in the Toronto School of Theology, with TST’s members reflecting various Christian traditions, was another plus for Samuel, who says he benefitted from the ecumenical approach at TST.

“Love is the greatest. Other religions should not be treated like they are not God’s children because they not Christians.

“St. Michael’s College is welcoming and non-discriminatory, truly living the Gospel message that ‘All be One.’ In my spare time, I hope to assist the University in recruiting friends from the United Kingdom and Africa keen on studying Theology to consider the University of St. Michael’s College as first choice for Creative Theology. Many thanks.” 

Celebrate this year’s graduates with us at the Faculty of Theology’s Fall Convocation 2021 page.

Fall Convocation for the St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology and the Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability program will take place online on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021. To celebrate, we’re sharing the stories of some of this year’s graduates.

“I was drawn to study at the St. Mike’s Faculty of Theology out of a desire to learn more about my faith and my church,” says Andrew Selvam, a member of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board (DPCDSB) cohort who will be awarded his Master of Religious Education degree on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021. “At the same time, it became evident that St. Mike’s had an awesome reputation in the field of Theology within the province and country.  Having a faculty with a local satellite campus and a program drawn towards educators made it easier to complete my first few courses.”

While the pandemic altered delivery of classes, Andrew says “both the virtual and in-class experiences were enjoyable…. The lectures, readings and discussions were informative and made you want to delve deeper into aspects of faith and course content that you had never thought of before. Professors care about your experience and understanding of the material.”

While earning his degree while working working full-time was a significant time commitment, Andrew notes that program offerings at other colleges within the Toronto School of Theology expanded his choices, both in terms of scheduling and course options. And, he adds, “St. Mike’s also has an incredibly faculty of professors who are here to assist you.”

He singles out experiential learning as a particular benefit to his time at. St. Mike’s, noting the abilty to study ecotheology with the Sisters of St. Joseph at their retreat centre in Cobourg and the opportunity to enroll in A Journey Through History: The Jesuit Mission in Midland were particularly meaningful.

As he looks forward, Andrew says his experience at the Faculty will be a huge benefit as he begins his new ministry as a chaplaincy leader with at Iona Catholic Secondary School, adding that his studies were also relevant to his classroom work as a degree as a science and religion teacher.

“Catholic Social Teaching has made me more aware of the issues facing our world and pushed me further to a spirit of service not only in my local but global community as well,” he says.

“The friends and academic family you build at St. Mike’s will continue to be with you for many years to come,” Andrew says. “I was invited and encouraged by students in the Master’s program at St. Mike’s and hope that I can do the same.”  

Celebrate this year’s graduates with us at the Faculty of Theology’s Fall Convocation 2021 page.

Convocation is a time for celebrating not only the memories and friendships but also the academic and extracurricular achievements of the graduating class. This year, almost 150 graduating St. Michael’s students received medals and titled awards. Celebrate their accomplishments with us as the Class of 2021 enters the St. Michael’s alumni family.  

 Graduation Awards by Application 

The Principal’s Medal Award 

In conjunction with the family of the late Professor Lawrence E. Lynch, the Principal’s Medal was created in 1978 to recognize the almost lifelong association of Professor Lynch with St. Michael’s College, and also to mark his 25th wedding anniversary. 

 Prof. Lynch served as the College Principal from July 1976-June 1981. 

 The medal is given annually to a graduate who has made a distinctive contribution to life at the college and who upheld the practice of Catholicism proper to a university community. 

This year’s recipient of the Principal’s Medal is Nicole Machado.  

The Marina Santin Award  

St. Michael’s alumni Sylvia and Raymon Santin established the Marina Santin award in honour of their late daughter. During her time at St Mike’s, Marina contributed significantly to the life of the College and to the broader University of Toronto community through her work as an Arts and Entertainment columnist for The Mike, staff photographer for The Newspaper, a Coordinator of the 1991 St. Michael’s Orientation, and by her presence at and support of College and University events and programmes. 

 The Marina Santin Award is presented annually to a female graduate who has distinguished herself by an active and constructive involvement in the life of the college. Recipients exemplify the Christian ideals of joyful engagement in life, openness to others, service to the community, and responsible leadership. 

This year’s recipient of the Marina Santin Award is Samantha Marie Ramphal.  

The Sir Bertram Windle Graduate Scholarship 

The Sir Bertram Windle C.A. Graduate Scholarship is awarded to a student with an excellent academic record who will be entering a liberal arts graduate program at the University of Toronto in the September following graduation. 

This year’s recipient of the Sir Bertram Windle Graduate Scholarship is Natalie Barbuzzi.  

The W.B. Dunphy Medal  

The W.B. Dunphy Medal was created in 1991 to honour Professor William Dunphy, who served as College Principal from 1981-1991. 

 Principal Dunphy was particularly concerned that university life should not be separate from the life of the wider community. 

 The medal is awarded annually to a graduate who has been most successful in combining excellent academic achievement with a sustained commitment to volunteer service in the wider community. 

This year’s recipient of the W.B. Dunphy Medal is Bryn Badour.  

The Fr. Henry Carr, CSB Award  

The Father Henry Carr, CSB, Award, named in honour of a Basilian Father who helped shape this institution and who served as President and Superior at St. Michael’s from 1915 to 1925 is presented to a graduate who has made an outstanding contribution to the University of Toronto in athletics, academics, leadership, or student life. 

The recipient of this year’s Father Henry Carr, CSB, Award is Victoria Lunetta.  

The Fr. Robert Madden, CSB Leadership Awards 

Father Robert Madden was a much-admired professor, chaplain and Basilian Superior at St Mike’s who served as the Director of Alumni Affairs in his retirement. The Father Robert Madden Leadership Awards are presented to students who have made significant contributions to the University of St. Michael’s College community by demonstrating leadership, cooperation, and solidarity in student-run organizations or community endeavours. 

The recipients of this year’s Fr. Robert Madden, CSB Leadership Awards are:  

Juliano Baggieri

Natalie Barbuzzi

Adam Da Costa Gomes

Onagite Emakpor

Chiara Greco 

Kyungmin (Jace) Lee 

Victoria Lunetta

Nicole Machado

Taylor Medeiros

Nicholas Pagano

Chiara Perry

Sabrina Quartarone

Samantha Ramphal

Grusha Singh

Isabela Villanoy

Angela Zhou

The University of St. Michael’s College Young Alumni Award 

The University of St. Michael’s College Young Alumni Award is awarded to a graduand who has demonstrated involvement and leadership at USMC, in the UofT community, and in the local community that encompasses the values of USMC, including volunteerism, contribution to student life and spirit of inclusiveness.

The recipient of this year’s University of St. Michael’s College Young Alumni Award is Adam Da Costa Gomes.

Graduation Awards by Merit and Program 

The Alberto and Caroline Morgan Di Giovanni – Centro Scuola Scholarships  

Alberto Di Giovanni, 7T1 and his wife, Caroline Morgan Di Giovanni, 7T0, have a long and close association with the University of St. Michael’s College. They met here as students and have stayed involved as alumni. Three of their children (Annamaria, Carlo and Franca) as well as nieces and nephews have followed in their footsteps and graduated from St Mike’s. Alberto and Caroline have endowed scholarships and an annual Dante lecture to demonstrate their appreciation for their experiences here and to encourage St Mike’s graduates to develop life-long connections with their alma mater. 

The Alberto and Caroline Morgan Di Giovanni Scholarships are awarded each year to St. Michael’s College students. Earlier this spring Di Giovanni scholarships were awarded to students participating in the Gilson Seminar in Faith and Ideas. 

Today we are recognizing the Alberto and Caroline Morgan Di Giovanni Scholarships for graduating students who have achieved the top marks in Italian Studies and have demonstrated leadership and community spirit on the St. Michael’s College campus and in the community at large. 

The recipients of this year’s Alberto and Caroline Morgan Di Giovanni – Centro Scuola Scholarships are Nicole Chiefari and Chiara Marie Muia.  

The Tommaso Serrao Award 

This award was established by the Family and Friends of Mr. Tommaso Serrao, who had a great love and passion for Italian literature. 

The award is presented to an outstanding graduate who has excelled in the study of Italian. 

The recipient of this year’s Tommaso Serrao Award is Rita Kot.  

The Mercier-Knowlton Prize for Philosophy in Christianity & Culture 

While studying at St Michael’s College, William Leo Knowlton, class of 1927, developed a deep love of philosophy that never left him. 

In 1999, he made a generous donation to St Michael’s to establish an endowed lectureship in Philosophy and Theology. 

This gift also enabled the College to re-institute the Mercier Prize, which had been established in 1924 in honour of Cardinal Mercier and his work relative to the philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas. 

This award is given to the student with the highest CGPA in Philosophy and Christianity & Culture. 

The recipient of this year’s Mercier-Knowlton Prize for Philosophy in Christianity & Culture is Samantha Marie Ramphal.  

The James O’Brien 5T0 Book Award 

The James O’Brien Book Award was inspired by the memory of James O’Brien, St. Michael’s Class of 1950. 

After graduating, he remained an active alumnus of the College, serving on the USMC Senate for a number of years, as well as on the Library Committee. 

His family established this award to honour his love of literature and to celebrate their continuing association with St. Mike’s. 

The recipient of this year’s James O’Brien 5T0 Book Award is Cassandra Marie Fernandes.  

Davide De Luca Memorial Graduation Scholarship

A gifted and brilliant student, Davide De Luca (July 4, 1980 – March 30, 2020) was a loving son, a cherished friend and a respected colleague. He pursued his unquenching thirst for knowledge and touched the lives of so many during his academic journey on these very grounds. He left this world too soon, leaving a legacy of love, compassion, goodness and respect for his fellow man. 

The scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student in the Faculty of Arts and Science at St. Michael’s College graduating with a major in Italian Studies with the highest overall GPA. Should there be no qualifying student, a minor in Italian Studies will be considered.

The recipient of the first Davide De Luca Memorial Graduation Scholarship is Erica Angela Vardaro. 

Governor General’s Silver Medal

The Governor General’s Academic Medal was first awarded in 1873 by the Earl of Dufferin, and has since become one of the most prestigious awards that a student in a Canadian educational institution can receive. The governor general of Canada continues this tradition of encouraging scholarship across the nation and recognizing outstanding students.

The silver medal is awarded to the undergraduate who achieves the highest academic standing upon graduation from a bachelor degree program.

The nominees for this year’s Governor Genreal’s Silver Medal are Omar Elbardisy and Ruikai Wu.

College Gold Medals 

The College Gold Medals are awarded to graduating students with the highest cumulative grade point average in Arts, Science, and Commerce. 

The recipients of this year’s College Gold Medals are:  

College Silver Medals 

College Silver Medals are awarded to all other graduating students who have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.7.  

The recipients of this year’s College Silver Medals are: 

Duane Rendle is the Dean of Students at St. Michael’s College. Originally from Victoria, BC, Duane completed his BA at the University of Victoria in 1993, and then came to U of T to complete a Master of Industrial Relations. While attending U of T, Duane served as a don at St. Michael’s College and became very involved in student life. In 1998, St. Mike’s hired Duane to serve as their Dean of Men, a precursor to his current position.

Ceremonial Splendour

Over the past 22 years, I have had the great pleasure of watching our students graduate from a unique vantage point—that of the convocation beadle.

What, pray tell, is a beadle? That is a very common question and the same one I asked in the spring of 1999 when I first assumed the role. The beadle (sometimes spelled “bedel”) is an officer at a college responsible for ushering students into a formal ceremony, ensuring they are seated, and leading them back out when the ceremony concludes. Beadles are easily distinguished from the students by their academic regalia and, most notably, the presence of a large mace resting firmly against their shoulder.   

The mace has been a symbol of university authority since the 11th century. It was originally intended as a weapon (!), presumably to fend off the rabble who begrudged the pomp and pageantry of the academic elites. Mercifully, such incidents were rare—so rare that universities began to adorn the mace, transforming it from a tool of combat into a ceremonial sceptre.

The University of Toronto mace was handcrafted in London, England and is constructed of gold-plated silver. It was a gift from Lt.-Col. Eric Phillips (chair of the Board of Governors from 1945 to 1964) and was unveiled at the June 1951 convocation. Since then, tens of thousands of graduands have witnessed the mace being reverently carried into Convocation Hall to officially commence their graduation ceremonies. 

Under the mace’s crown is a cushion that bears the coat of arms of George IV, the sovereign who granted the university’s first charter in 1827. As the mace is turned, a series of panels reveal the cipher of King George IV, then the arms of Canada, of Ontario, and the University of Toronto. Additional images of crosses, maple leaves, fleurs-de-lys and beavers pay homage to U of T’s cultural and religious influences.

(At the Baccalaureate Mass preceding the convocation ceremony, I lead the graduands into St. Basil’s Church with the St. Michael’s mace. Please see the accompanying video to learn more about it.)

Serving as the beadle is easily the best perk of being the Dean of Students. Prior to the ceremony I am invited to the Chancellor’s reception, where I get to hobnob with academic dignitaries and the honorary degree recipients. Over the years I have met many well-known Canadians from the worlds of politics, the arts and academics, but I think my favourite encounter was with the irascible Rex Murphy, of The National Post fame. Mr. Murphy seemed genuinely interested in finding out what a dean of students actually does, and his east coast charm made me feel like I was chatting with the fellow on the next barstool, rather than a Canadian icon.  

Leading the academic procession into Convocation Hall is always exhilarating. When the organ chimes and we begin our measured walk down the main aisle, every eye in the hall turns to watch the spectacle. In decades past, our procession was accompanied by the clicking of countless cameras and the light of 1,000 flashes; now though, most choose to silently record the grand entrance using a variety of handheld devices. Once the stage is ascended, I gently place the mace in its ornate cradle atop the beautifully carved table, where it serves as a silent witness to the crowning achievement of each graduating class.      

As the ceremony concludes and the second stanza of “O Canada” begins, I take my cue to retrieve the mace from its holder and lead our newly minted graduands out of the hall and into the throng of well-wishers that await. But for me, my job is just beginning. Over the years I have made it a practice to linger in the crowd for as long as the Chancellor’s Office will permit, to congratulate families, shake the hands of the graduands, and pose with them in photos with the magisterial mace. Over the past two decades I have had the honour of being included in countless portraits, and I am always grateful to be included in such an intimate family moment. This, for me, is the highlight of convocation day and, after a respite necessitated by the pandemic, I cannot wait to return to campus and fulfill the hallowed duties of the beadle once again. 

Read other InsightOut posts.

From navigating an entirely digital academic year to planning out their next adventure in uncharted waters, the 2020/2021 academic year presented novel challenges for St. Mike’s newest alumni. 

While all 817 St. Mike’s graduands who will take the virtual walk across the convocation stage tomorrow at noon have had unique USMC journeys, there is one overwhelming sentiment they all agree on: the St. Michael’s community is like no other. “They are definitely some of the best people I have met,” says graduand Natalie Barbuzzi, who studied Environmental and Human Geography.

Sitting down with the St. Mike’s class of 2021, it’s clear what made their time at USMC special was the community. Chiara Perry, Social Science student, says “Regardless of the day I had, as soon as I walked into the Coop there would always be smiling faces greeting me, and how can you not be happy surrounded by your friends?”

Many graduands feel an important thread binding the community together was their appreciation for holistic education. Victoria Lunetta, who studied Political Science and served as chapter president for the Nyantende Foundation, learned her degree is only part of her story: “as I’ve learned from an amazing four years at the U of T… academic pursuits only make up a small part of who I am and who I hope to be.”

As lockdown kept St. Mike’s graduands apart, Adam Da Costa Gomes, Neuroscience and Pharmacology student, challenged what it meant to be a community. He found a change of perspective helped him re-imagine what it meant to find community at a distance.

 “I have a strong dislike for the term ‘social distancing’ because that’s not what it is. It’s physical distancing,” Da Costa Gomes explains. “I found by reframing that in my mind, I’ve learned that I’m not socially isolated, and you don’t have to be either.”

Despite the pandemic, Chiara Greco, Editor-in-Chief of The Mike, saw St. Michael’s students’ passion for creating community grow even stronger. Greco recounts the paper’s 2021 team as the largest ever. 

“I’ve been super impressed this year by how many student groups continued to push through and create communities for SMC students despite the pandemic,” Greco says. “The fact that people were still interested in getting involved despite the pandemic really emphasized for me how important student life is to the SMC community.”

Knowing the struggles of finding community, especially after spending a year online, St. Mike’s graduands have some sage words of advice for incoming students.

“Start small, but start somewhere! Join a club that you’re interested in, join a cultural association you resonate with, just make sure you start somewhere!” says Da Costa Gomes. 

Sam Gruppuso, Criminology and Sociology student, agrees. “I think if you are new to SMC and trying to find your place, you should try and get involved in as many things as you can and see what feels right to you and stick with it.”

On navigating the academic landscape, Joy Fan, a Public Policy student, reminds students to reflect and go at their own pace. “Re-evaluate your priorities and why you’re overworking yourself,” Fan suggests. “Consider taking a slower pace to university – there’s no need to rush to graduate!”

Reflecting on her own university journey, Sana Moshin recounts a piece of advice she received: “Someone in my first year told me that these would be the best few years of my life, and this certainly held true for the memories that I made in my dorm.”

Even though Book and Media Studies student Taylor Medeiros will continue her work creating community with St. Michael’s alumni after graduation, she knows it won’t be the same. “I think that the SMC community is filled with some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met, and I’ll [miss] being able to talk to them every day.”

Greco has one parting message for her fellow grads after reflecting on the distance, burnout, and challenges the Class of 2021 overcame to ensure the community flourished in their final year: “I think what’s important is taking a step back to allow yourself to be proud of everything you’ve accomplished this year.”

Convocation is a time not only for celebrating memories and friendships, but also the academic and extracurricular achievements of the graduating class. This year, almost 150 graduating St. Michael’s students received medals and named awards. Celebrate their accomplishments with us as the Class of 2020 enters the St. Michael’s alumni family.  

Graduation Awards by Application 

The Principal’s Medal Award 

In conjunction with the family of the late Professor Lawrence E. Lynch, the Principal’s Medal was created in 1978 to recognize the almost lifelong association of Professor Lynch with St. Michael’s College, and also to mark his 25th wedding anniversary. 

 Professor Lynch served as the College Principal from July 1976-June 1981. 

 The medal is given annually to a graduate who has made a distinctive contribution to life at the college and who upheld the practice of Catholicism proper to a university community. 

This year’s recipient of the Principal’s Medal is Rose Wang.  

The Marina Santin Award  

Sylvia and Raymon Santin, St. Mike’s alumni, established the Marina Santin award in honour of their late daughter. During her time as a St Mike’s Marina contributed significantly to the life of the College and to the University through her work as an Arts and Entertainment columnist for The Mike, staff photographer for The Newspaper, a Coordinator of the 1991 St. Michael’s Orientation, and by her presence at and support of College and University events and programmes. 

 The Marina Santin Award is presented annually to a female graduate who has distinguished herself by an active and constructive involvement in the life of the college. Recipients exemplify the Christian ideals of joyful engagement in life, openness to others, service to the community, and responsible leadership. 

This year’s recipient of the Marina Santin Award is Sasha Hellwig.  

The Sir Bertram Windle Graduate Scholarship 

The Sir Bertram Windle C.A Graduate Scholarship is awarded to a student with an excellent academic record who will be entering a liberal arts graduate program at the University of Toronto in the September following graduation. 

This year’s recipient of the Sir Bertram Windle Graduate Scholarship is Isabel Armiento.  

The W.B. Dunphy Medal  

The W.B. Dunphy Medal was created in 1991 to honour Professor William Dunphy, who served as College Principal from 1981-1991. 

 Principal Dunphy was particularly concerned that university life should not be separate from the life of the wider community. 

 The medal is awarded annually to a graduate who has been most successful in combining excellent academic achievement with sustained commitment to volunteer service in the wider community. 

This year’s recipient of the W.B. Dunphy Medal is Zara Ahmad.  

The Fr. Henry Carr, CSB Award  

The Father Henry Carr, CSB Award, named in honour of a Basilian father who helped shape this institution and who served as president and superior at St. Michael’s from 1915 to 1925 is presented to a graduate who has made an outstanding contribution to the University of Toronto in athletics, academics, leadership, or student life. 

The recipient of this year’s Father Henry Carr, CSB Award is Hodan Mohamud.  

The Fr. Robert Madden, CSB Leadership Awards 

Father Robert Madden was a much admired professor, chaplain and rector at St Mike’s who served as the director of alumni affairs in his retirement. The Father Robert Madden Leadership Awards are presented to students who have made significant contributions to the University of St. Michael’s College community by demonstrating leadership, cooperation, and solidarity in student-run organizations or community endeavours. 

The recipients of this year’s Fr. Robert Madden, CSB Leadership Awards are:  

Anna Zappone 

James Pettem 

Julia Orsini 

Luke Bannon 

Almeera Khalid 

Vicente Constantino Kripka 

Sabrina Daniele 

The University of St. Michael’s College Young Alumni Award 

The recipient of this year’s University of St. Michael’s College Young Alumni Award is Samuel Gearing.  

Graduation Awards by Merit and Program 

The Alberto and Caroline Morgan Di Giovanni – Centro Scuola Scholarships  

Alberto Di Giovanni, 7T1 and his wife Caroline Morgan Di Giovanni, 7T0 have a long and close association with the University of St. Michael’s College. They met here as students and have stayed involved as alumni. Three of their children (Annamaria, Carlo and Franca) as well as nieces and nephews have followed in their footsteps and graduated from St Mike’s. Alberto and Caroline have endowed scholarships and an annual Dante lecture to demonstrate their appreciation for their experiences here and to encourage St Mike’s graduates to develop life-long connections with their alma mater. 

 Four Alberto and Caroline Morgan Di Giovanni Scholarships are awarded each year to St. Michael’s College students. Earlier this spring Di Giovanni scholarships were awarded to students participating in the Gilson Seminar in Faith and Ideas. 

Today we are recognizing Alberto and Caroline Morgan Di Giovanni Scholarships for graduating students who have achieved the top marks in Italian Studies and have demonstrated leadership and community spirit on the St. Michael’s College campus; and in the community at large. 

The recipients of this year’s Alberto and Caroline Morgan Di Giovanni – Centro Scuola Scholarships are Julia Volpe and David Adamiszyn.  

The Tommaso Serrao Award 

This award was established by the Family and Friends of Mr. Tommaso Serrao, who had a great love and passion for Italian literature. 

The award is presented to an outstanding graduate who has excelled in the study of Italian. 

The recipient of this year’s Tommaso Serrao Award is Janet Marta.  

The Mercier-Knowlton Prize for Philosophy in Christianity & Culture 

While studying at St Michael’s College, William Leo Knowlton, class of 1927, developed a deep love of philosophy that never left him. 

In 1999, he made a generous donation to St Michael’s to establish an endowed lectureship in Philosophy and Theology. 

This gift also enabled the College to re-institute the Mercier Prize, which had been established in 1924 in honour of Cardinal Mercier and his work relative to the philosophy of St Thomas Aquinas. 

This award is given to the student with the highest CGPA in Philosophy and Christianity & Culture. 

The recipient of this year’s Mercier-Knowlton Prize for Philosophy in Christianity & Culture is Sasha Hellwig.  

The James O’Brien 5T0 Book Award 

The James O’Brien Book Award was inspired by the memory of James O’Brien, St. Mike’s Class of 1950. 

After graduating he remained an active alumnus of the College, serving on the USMC Senate for a number of years and on the Library Committee. 

His family established this award to honour his love of literature and to celebrate their continuing association with St. Mike’s. 

The recipient of this year’s James O’Brien 5T0 Book Award is Danielle Nassr.  

College Gold Medals 

The College Gold Medals are awarded to graduating students with the highest cumulative grade point average in Arts, Science, and Commerce. 

The recipients of this year’s College Gold Medals are:  

College Silver Medals 

College Silver Medals are awarded to all other graduating students who have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.7.  

The recipients of this year’s College Silver Medals are: 

Although a virtual ceremony took the place of an in-person Convocation at the conclusion of their university experience, members of the Class of 2020 look back fondly on their time at St. Mike’s, starting from the moment they first set foot on campus. “Every time I think about my time at St. Mike’s,” Michael Coleman (Honours Bachelor of Science: Physiology and Biochemistry double-major) says, “it really starts from the welcome I got” during Orientation Week.  

Anna Zappone (Honours Bachelor of Arts: Environmental Geography major, Forest Conservation and English minors), a veteran of St. Michael’s orientations over several years, agrees. “It’s such an amazing week, no matter what goes wrong or whatever happens,” she says. “Everyone screams until they lose their voices – everything is just so extreme and it’s just so fun.”  

The thrill of the week’s activities introduces new students to a community of care and support. Coleman remembers Orientation for the way “it makes you feel a part of something bigger, but not intimidating,” a quality he did his best to communicate to new students when serving as an orientation leader and residence don in later years. “Everyone’s your family,” he says. “It’s gotten better every year.”  

Brennan Hall provides a setting for Paul Nunez’s (Bachelor of Arts: English major, Classical Civilization and Anthropology minors) memories of St. Michael’s. “I really love how’s there’s a community within the Coop,” he says, “very outgoing, encouraging strangers to join in the fun.” Though he often spent late nights there hitting the books alongside his classmates, “we don’t usually talk about what we’re studying.” The camaraderie grew irrespective of programs or disciplines.    

Joseph Rossi (Honours Bachelor of Arts: International Relations major, History and Political Science minors) remembers this feeling of camaraderie in Brennan, and across campus generally at “move-in days, Dean’s cup events, and great conversations in the residence or in the Coop.”  

“The college system is great at UofT, and I think it’s an important experience,” Rossi says. While students benefit from the larger University of Toronto setting, St. Michael’s provides community and support on a smaller scale, something that students often mention as being uniquely valuable. “I think that St. Mike’s is where I found my support network,” says Michelle De Pol (Honours Bachelor of Science: Neuroscience specialist, Physiology minor). “I will remember the support that I felt from other students at St. Mike’s most.”  

Julia Orsini (Honours Bachelor of Arts: Political Science major, English and Italian Culture and Communication minors) comes from a long line of St. Michael’s grads, setting her memories of community on campus alongside those of her family. “It’s true what they say, St. Mike’s is a very tight knit community,” she says, mentioning the Office of the Registrar and Student Services as giving her essential support throughout her undergraduate experience. “They were really there to listen and hear what was going on, not only in my academics but in life,” she says. “They want to see you succeed.”  

Family is, of course, the word that keeps coming up in reference to the St. Michael’s community—and that family only continues to grow. “I met my best friends here,” Kate Friesen (Honours Bachelor of Science: Immunology major, Physiology and Biology minors) says. “Living in residence, we would go out—like half the floor would come to McDonald’s to get a coffee at 1 a.m. to keep studying.”  

Echoing several of her classmates, Friesen says the most memorable thing for her about St. Michael’s is “how welcoming everyone was, and how supportive the whole community was, and how fantastic the people were.”  

We asked members of the Class of 2020 if they had messages for their classmates. Here’s what they said.

Julia Orsini is a member of the graduating class of 2020. On Tuesday, June 2, 2020, she was granted an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree with a Major in Political Science and Double Minor in English and Italian Culture and Communication. She will be pursuing a Master’s Degree in Marketing at Schulich School of Business in September 2020.

Double Blue Forever

Coming from a long line of family members with double blue running deep in their veins, I was so excited to carry the torch in my academic journey and become a St. Michael’s College student myself. By reflecting on my time working with USMC Orientation, teaching chants like Hoikity Choik and Bubbaloo, I couldn’t help but remember learning them at a young age and wearing my dad’s oversized SMC sweater. For decades, St. Mike’s has influenced education through Basilian teachings to transform young enthusiastic student minds into great leaders, and the university welcomed me with open arms the fall of 2015 with opportunities to grow and develop.

At USMC we are always quick to discuss our tight-knit community. It is no wonder the place quickly became the home that I had been expecting on my arrival, and hence why it will be so difficult to leave now that I have graduated. I learned early on that your university experience will be whatever you put into it, and I knew being heavily involved in the USMC community from the start was integral to my five years here. As I prepare to leave the gates of USMC behind I am confident that my time and experiences here have helped me mature in ways I could have never imagined when I first stepped foot on campus. My time with the St. Michael’s Troubadours Drama Society and The Mike are notable memories, including having the opportunity to find creative ways to connect the Young Alumni community as a work-study student at the Office of Alumni Affairs. The latter is now becoming reality for me as I become part of the Young Alumni Community myself.

Although our USMC Class of 2020 had the unconventional experience of graduating via a YouTube Convocation, I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and that God does not give you more than you can handle. I believe that the Class of 2020’s unwavering determination to continue learning without a traditional university experience is a testament to our strength as a community capable of accomplishing greatness.

Despite not having the traditional convocation, the University of Toronto administration still managed to recreate the procession, which I watched as I gathered with my family at home on the couch. Instead of wearing fancy heels that bore the impact of walking across campus from USMC to Convocation Hall, I opted for comfy house slippers. Rather than trying to find my parents in the sea of people as I waited for my name to be called out, we screamed, celebrated and cried when my name appeared on our television screen, and we held each other tightly. It turns out our unprecedented virtual convocation allowed me to celebrate instantaneously with my family in a way that transcended distance, continents and time zones.

I am proud to be a St. Michael’s student turned Young Alumni member, and share with the graduating class the optimism for a better and safer future as we continue to form new knowledge, skills and experiences to keep the world on turning.

Read other InsightOut posts.

“Community” is one of the words that comes up most often when graduating students talk about what made their St. Michael’s experience special. While their university experiences were not always easy, several members of the Class of 2020 found that the St. Michael’s community was there for them when they needed it most.  

“I struggled in first year,” Kate Friesen (Honours Bachelor of Science: Immunology major, Physiology and Biology minors) says. “I was going to transfer home—I transferred all my credits.” What ultimately convinced her to stay? Conversations with older students in the Canada Room, who encouraged her that things would get better if she stuck it out. At St. Mike’s, she says, she found “people who are going to push you further.”  

Friesen found community at St. Michael’s near the beginning of her student experience, meeting people who would become her best friends in residence and at Orientation. An orientation coordinator her first year who “was just so welcoming” stayed in touch with her and even recently provided her with a reference. Because of the support Friesen received at St. Mike’s, she stuck it out at the University of Toronto—and now is preparing to take on a PhD placement in Oncology at Oxford University. “I feel I’ve grown leaps and bounds from where I was when I came in,” she says, “and I wouldn’t have grown this much if I’d stayed at home.”  

“St. Mike’s is such a wonderful community, it’s so diverse, it’s so warm and welcoming,” Friesen’s classmate Anna Zappone (Honours Bachelor of Arts: Environmental Geography major, Forest Conservation and English minors) says. She finds the college’s sense of community unique at the University of Toronto. “Everybody is always together, always doing things, always so eager to give back to our little community.” Involved in Orientation, student government, and even Collegium during her four years at St. Mike’s, she spent much of her student career giving back to the community in just this way, and was recognized for her contributions this year with a University of Toronto Student Leadership Award.  

Joseph Rossi (Honours Bachelor of Arts: International Relations major, History and Political Science minors) didn’t realize how much the diversity of the St. Mike’s student body would shape his experience—but that diversity would become one of the things he valued the most about his time in the school’s community. “Learning about different religions, cultures – it shapes your own perspective,” he says. “When you listen to someone and have a conversation, you grow as a person, and as an intellectual.”  

“The older colleges are so rich in tradition, and I think there’s something to be said about that – it gives a community and a heritage aspect to it,” he continues. Michael Coleman (Honours Bachelor of Science: Physiology and Biochemistry double-major) agrees: “St. Mike’s is probably the most proud college to display its history,” from historical photos on display dating back to its founding to the many fireplaces that can be found all over campus. “Pretty much everywhere you go, St. Mike’s is just brimming with history,” he says.

As a student in residence all four years, including two as a residence don, Coleman took a special pleasure in introducing parents of students to this history while helping their children move into their rooms during Move-In Day. Welcoming students to campus is, in part, helping them come to see this history as belonging to them, as well.  

“I associate St. Mike’s primarily with community engagement,” says Paul Nunez (Bachelor of Arts: English major, Classical Civilization and Anthropology minors), founder of the SMC Wellness Club and a fellow winner of a University of Toronto Student Leadership Award. Nunez’s experiences of community at St. Mike’s are primarily set in the Coop, a hub for both students in residence and commuter students alike. For him, the most memorable parts of life at St. Mike’s “are the nights in Brennan Hall when I would stay till closing at 11 p.m. studying,” he says. One or two other students would almost always be doing the same, creating a special late-night camaraderie.  

Ultimately, what Nunez and other students came to feel about St. Michael’s during their time as students is summarized well by their classmate Michelle De Pol (Honours Bachelor of Science: Neuroscience specialist, Physiology minor): “Coming onto St. Mike’s campus, I always felt like I was coming home.” Coordinator for SMC Mentorship and also a U of T Student Leadership Award winner, De Pol continues: “I find that that kind of student community is unique at U of T, and it was definitely a cornerstone to my success throughout university.” 

The following remarks were included in a program delivered to members of the graduating class as part of their virtual Convocation.

On behalf of Principal Boyagoda, and all of our colleagues at the University of St. Michael’s College, I offer congratulations on completing your undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto.   

The historically rich university ceremony of convocation is meant to provide the opportunity to celebrate your academic accomplishments and to acknowledge publicly those who have supported you. Well done, and congratulations also to your family, friends and the professors and many others who have helped you complete this important chapter in your educational and personal journey.  

This year, however, you and your classmates, in fact all of us, have been also called to reflect upon the extraordinary events we find ourselves facing, individually and as a society.  The circumstances surrounding your convocation are like no other.  We recognize that it has been a challenging way to end this year.  It is not only the shift to remote learning, and the distancing from good friends at this time of celebration: for many, the events of the last few months have added real economic and personal strain to the usual challenges one would expect to face as program completion deadlines approached. So, please know that we acknowledge that in addition to the academic focus and discipline you have demonstrated in this last semester of your studies that you have been asked to find within yourselves the patience, flexibility and strength to face these new challenges.  

Thank you for the grace and resilience you have demonstrated in this challenging time.  You, and the class of 2020, will be remembered in a unique way in the long and rich history of St. Michael’s.   

Congratulations again.  Be well, and God bless you and yours. 

David Sylvester, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor
The University of St. Michael’s College

John Montefiore is a member of the graduating class of 2020. On Tuesday, June 2, 2020, he will be granted a Bachelor of Arts degree with a Double Minor in Education and Society and Human Geography.

Walking Away—and Coming Back

My relationship with St. Mike’s goes back to 1995, when I first began my university career. I abandoned my pursuit of a university degree, however, after I was found I was unsuccessful in performing academically while also being a varsity athlete with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues football team. I walked away from both my academic and athletic dreams, primarily because I was unable to face and overcome the adversity and difficult position in which I had put myself.

Decades later, in the summer of 2018, I returned to the University of St. Michael’s College to explore the possibility of returning to school to complete my university degree. The staff at the registrar’s office were so helpful, accommodating, and supportive of me in my goal to complete my studies! A special thank-you goes out to Associate Registrar Miranda Cheng. She helped me plan my return and directly contributed to my success. I will be forever grateful to her and to the entire St. Mike’s administrative staff for helping me erase decades of feelings of regret and disappointment.

Today, I am proud to be a graduate of the University of St. Michael’s College. My feelings of pride, however, would have been delayed if not for the flexibility, actions, and commitment the entire University took to ensure that the academic year would not be lost due to COVID-19. All my professors went above and beyond to transition to a virtual format to help complete the winter term. Considering my own experience with adversity, seeing the University of Toronto react so positively in a time of crisis was inspiring. As such, I have decided the best way I can repay both St. Michael’s and the University of Toronto for their efforts is to aspire to be the best version of myself in spite of being faced with challenges that may arise, and to “pay it forward” to anyone that can benefit from any assistance I can provide.

As for not having an in-person convocation, well, I do feel somewhat disappointed. More so for my family, who would have loved to experience a moment that I failed to deliver to them decades ago. But it is just the cherry on top of the sundae! As I reflect back on my academic journey, I am reminded that it was the journey itself, the knowledge gained, the friends I made, the personal growth, and my sense of accomplishment that was the ice cream, chocolate sprinkles, whipped cream and nuts that made up one delicious dessert. I am so grateful for being a part of the class of 2020, and will always remember graduating during the COVID-19 crisis. So, instead of using crisis as an excuse, I will use it as a reason, a reason to rise above it and do interesting things during these interesting times.

Read other InsightOut posts.

At the Faculty of Theology and Continuing Education Division’s 2019 Fall Convocation, not only will new scholars receive degrees qualifying them to conduct high-level research and teach, but two already-accomplished scholars will also receive special honours in recognition of their longstanding contributions. This year’s honorary degree recipients are Dr. Catherine B. Shannon and Dr. James Heft, SM (Marianist), both prolific researchers, writers and educators whose work embodies the ideals of the University of St. Michael’s College.

Dr. Shannon graduated from St. Michael’s with a B.A. in History in 1960, and went on to become a historian of Northern Ireland. In addition to her research on the historical roots of partition and the Northern Irish conflict, she worked to organize conferences and symposia during the 1980s and 1990s to promote dialogue between nationalist and unionist politicians. She has written on the impact of the conflict on Northern Irish women, and convened two conferences where women from Northern Ireland and the Republic discussed their aspirations for peace and their roles in achieving it.

In addition to her scholarship and advocacy, Dr. Shannon has served as a guest historian for museum and historical society exhibits. She has also served on the Executive Board of the American Conference of Irish Studies for over a decade, and has served as president of the Eire Society of Boston and the Charitable Irish Society of Boston.

Dr. Heft is a priest in the Society of Mary and has been a leader in Catholic higher education for over three decades. He received his MA in 1971 and his PhD in 1977 from the Faculty of Theology at St. Michael’s. For years, he served in a variety of teaching and administrative roles at the University of Dayton, where he chaired the Theology department before working as provost and then university chancellor. He departed in 2006 to found the Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

The author or editor of 13 books on topics ranging from intellectual humility and interreligious dialogue to Catholic higher education, Dr. Heft has also published over 175 articles and book chapters. His book Catholic High Schools: Facing the New Realities (Oxford, 2011) was listed as a best-seller in a recent Oxford catalogue, and a new book on the future of Catholic higher education is under review with the same press. In recognition of his long and distinguished service to Catholic higher education, in 2011 the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities made Dr. Heft the recipient of the Theodore M. Hesburgh award.

For their many contributions and accomplishments, Dr. Shannon will be conferred with a Doctor of Sacred Letters, honoris causa and Dr. Heft will be conferred with a Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa on Saturday, November 9 during a joint convocation for the Faculty of Theology and Continuing Education Division at St. Basil’s Church. A reception will follow in Fr. Madden Hall.

A list of all past recipients of honorary degrees from the University of St. Michael’s College can be found here.

On June 14, the University of St. Michael’s College will welcome back to campus two accomplished alumni, who will be addressing the Class of 2019 at each of this year’s two-degree conferral ceremonies.

At 10 a.m. June 14, Arts graduates will gather in Convocation Hall for the presentation of their degrees, and Dr. Andy Smith, CEO of Sunnybrook Hospital, will deliver remarks.

Dr. Smith graduated from St. Michael’s in 1990 and entered medical school. Today, Dr. Smith serves as president and CEO of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, a prestigious appointment that followed years of leadership in other roles at Sunybrook, the Division of General Surgery at the University of Toronto, the Odette Cancer Program and Cancer Care Ontario. A surgeon by training, Dr. Smith anticipates a day when advances in ultrasound and other medical technology result in surgical procedures no longer requiring incisions on the patient’s body – a science-fiction scenario he is helping to bring into reality with his team at Sunnybrook.

Science and Commerce graduates will gather at Convocation hall at 2:30 p.m. for their degree conferral ceremony, and those students will hear from Aashni Shah, CEO of non-profit Elixir Labs and software engineer for Square.

A member of the St. Michael’s Class of 2016, Ms. Shah was named one of Canada’s 50 most inspiring women in STEM by Inspiring Fifty, an honour she received for her innovative work at the intersection of technology and philanthropy. She was the first female president of the Computer Science Student Union at the U of T in over a decade, and founded UofTHacks, Canada’s first student-run hackathon. Born and raised in Kenya before moving to Canada in 2011 to start university, Ms. Shah is an advocate for diversity in tech, and believes that “by promoting diversity in STEM, we’re increasing our odds of finding stable and sustainable solutions that will help Canadians and people all around the world.”

Dr. Smith and Ms. Shah have worked to create new pathways into the future, representing the value of an education that pairs elite skills and job-readiness with a sense for the most important questions facing society today. We look forward to their remarks to the Class of 2019.

Chancellor Wilson, Dean Cameron, Principal Boyagoda, Mr. Foran, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Graduands:

I bring you greetings on behalf of our Chancellor, Cardinal Collins, and on behalf of the University of St. Michael’s College.

One of the things that I have enjoyed in my time here is the opportunity to celebrate the many connections that link St. Mike’s with the University of Toronto. Of course, the biggest and most important link is right in front of me, because you, as students, are citizens of both institutions.

But that’s only one of many ties that bind.

You can find another in the building next door to us, Simcoe Hall, which is where the President and senior administration of the University of Toronto have their offices. The foyer of the building houses plaques and portraits that speak to the remarkable history of this institution. Dominating one wall is a list of the names of people who’ve contributed to the development of the U of T through the decades.

The very first name on the list, dated 1850, is that of John Elmsley, son of a Chief Justice of Upper Canada, and himself a veteran of the Royal Navy and a leading figure in the Toronto of his day. He’s someone who had an enquiring mind, a well developed conscience and a remarkable sense of integrity.

Following his marriage, Elmsley became a Catholic, which was not a particularly good career move in these parts in the 19th century. But he devoted himself to helping that struggling community, and was an early champion of Catholic education.

His gift was his farm, Clover Hill, on what was then the northern edge of Toronto. It is now the heart of the St. Mike’s campus. St. Basil’s, the Church that he helped build, where he attended Mass daily, and where we gathered for Mass this morning, is the oldest building in continuing use on the University of Toronto campus.

Elmsley decided that to be who he was called to be, he needed to question and, at times, to challenge the culture and received wisdom of his day. But in daring to do that, he never stopped being a loyal, energetic, sometimes controversial and always fully-engaged member of his society. In many ways, he embodies qualities that have come to define the University of St. Michael’s College and its graduates.

In congratulating you today, and sending you off to do all the great things that you are going to do, I ask you to spare a thought for John Elmsley, someone who dared to be different, who followed his conscience, and who never stopped giving his gift of service to this university, this city and this country.