Heavy snowfalls and cold temperatures didn’t slow down life at St. Mike’s. Take a look at what we celebrated in January and February:

Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk Awarded an Honorary Degree
The University of St. Michael’s College awarded Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree on February 25. A luncheon was held in his honour and attended by many notable members of the USMC community including Cardinal Archbishop Leo. The degree recognizes the archbishop’s ministry of presence in war-torn Ukraine, as well as his commitment to theological education. As a spiritual leader, he has had a significant impact on the Catholic community worldwide, particularly in promoting the unity of the Eastern and Western branches of the Church. His advocacy for religious freedom and the rights of Christians, especially in Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict, has drawn global attention.

In the evening, Archbishop Shevchuk engaged in dialogue with professor and New York Times best-selling author Timothy Snyder on the topics of war, peace, and truth at a public lecture held at the Isabel Bader Theatre.

Exhibition Highlights Scarboro Foreign Missions Archives
The John M. Kelly Library’s newest exhibition celebrates the donation of the Scarboro Foreign Missions Society records to the library’s Special Collections: Archives and Rare Books. Curated by Processing Archivist Francesca Rousselle, it explores the evolution of justice-oriented mission work from the Society’s early efforts at poverty-alleviation, the anticipation and response to the Second Vatican Council, and the subsequent expansion of ministries focusing on economic, political, interfaith, and ecological justice. The exhibit, titled ‘The Golden Rule: Social Justice and the Scarboro Foreign Mission Society’, can be found on the ground floor of the library and is on display until August.

The exhibition opened in January with a lecture by Father Robert E. Carbonneau on ‘Reflections on History to Shape the Future, 1918- 2025: The Scarboro Mission Archives at St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto.’ It offered a reflection on the importance of the Scarboro Mission Archives to China, 1918-1949, to an understanding of the Scarboro Missions of contemporary Chinese society. The talk was recorded and is available online.

Arbor Award Recipients
Three St. Mike’s alumni were recognized as Arbor Award recipients for their service and commitment to the college. Mike Binette, Maria Hunt, and Sr. Evanne Hunter, IBVM received the highest honour the University of Toronto bestows on its volunteers.

Public Lecture on AI
Despite the winter storm, there was a large turnout for a thought-provoking talk by Sheldon Fernandez, co-founder of DarwinAI and Regis MTS graduate. He spoke about the intersection of theology and artificial intelligence at Regis St. Michael’s on February 12. A video of the lecture has been uploaded to St. Mike’s YouTube channel.

Alway/Emmanuel Symposium
The Alway/Emmanuel Symposium offered answers to questions educators receive about interreligious teaching and learning that takes place both inside and outside the classroom. This year’s Symposium, titled ‘Bridges and Boundaries: Religious Diversities in the 21st Century Classroom, opened on January 12 with keynote speaker Professor Marianne Moyaert, who spoke on ‘Nostra Aetate: What Has It Taught and Mistaught Us about Interreligious Dialogue?’

Fr. Gerald Ryan Professes Final Vows
Congratulations to Prof. Gerard Ryan, SJ, who professed his final vows in the Society of Jesus on January 29 in the Chapel in Regis College.

Theology Lives Here
Regis St. Michael’s unveiled its newest recruitment campaign, ‘Theology Lives Here’, which invites prospective students to explore academic programs designed to help them find meaning for themselves and society. The campaign highlights RSM’s practical approach to theology through stories featuring a diverse array of students who, while pursing very different post-graduate degrees, share a desire to allow space for different viewpoints as they reflect on the big questions related to contemporary issues in both the church and contemporary culture. Watch video

Winter Clubs Fair
SMC Clubs had the opportunity to recruit new members and promote their upcoming events at SMCSU’s Winter Clubs Fair. The Club Fair brought many visitors to the COOP, which had been outfitted with new furniture and a new layout over the break.

Ice Rink Opens
Temperatures dipped low enough in January to open St. Mike’s ice rink. Its grand opening was celebrated with hot chocolate in the Quad. Multiple student groups, including St. Michael’s College Student Union (SMCSU), St. Mike’s Mentorship Program, and Black Student Engagement, have hosted events on the ice and it’s common to see students taking part in a game of shinny or a leisurely skate. The rink is managed by the ‘Snow Angels’, student volunteers who maintain the rink on a daily basis and offer skate rentals during their office hours.

AMPlify Mentorship Joins Career Week
The last week of January was Career Week at St. Michael’s with events to help students as they transition from the academic world into the workforce taking place on campus and virtually. This year, AMPlify, St. Michael’s alumni mentorship program, joined the lineup by offering a virtual resume clinic and a speed networking event.

Lunar New Year Traditions Bring Together St. Mike’s Community
St. Mike’s Lunar New Year celebrations brought together those whose traditions include marking the Lunar New Year and introducing those less familiar with the occasion to the rich cultural celebrations. The festivities were organized by SMCSU’s International Outreach Committee and the Office of Campus Ministry and held in the COOP on January 30. The experienced and less experienced alike were invited to try Chinese Mongolian calligraphy; Chinese paper cutting; dumpling making; and Jianzi, a traditional Chinese sport like hacky sack that uses a weighted shuttlecock rather than a ball.

Super Bowl Watch Party
More than 90 students came out to watch the Eagles take on the Chiefs at this year’s Super Bowl watch party held in the COOP. The watch party was organized by SMCSU, SMC Commuter Coordinators, and SMRC as a chance for students to connect over sports.

SMC Troubadours’ Production of Shawshank Redemption
The SMC Troubadours took on the challenge of adapting ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ for the Hart House stage, which included building a giant set that spanned the entire stage and creating their own soundtrack. Their efforts earned Director Neve Chamberlain an appearance on CBC’s Metro Morning.

Congratulations Michelle Alexopoulos
Congratulations to alumna Michelle Alexopoulos (SMC 9T4) on being appointed external deputy governor of the Bank of Canada.

Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology and MSGR Fraser Centre of Pastoral Theology Lecture
This year’s Elliott Allen and Fraser Centre lecture offered participants a timely look at eco-martyrdom. Dr. Elizabeth O’Donnell Gandolfo spoke on ‘Eco-Martyrdom in the Americas: Living and Dying for our Common Home’ at Regis College on February 3.

Celtic Studies Speakers Series
Postdoctoral Fellow in the Centre for Medieval Studies at the University of Toronto Michaela Jacques shared her research in the most recent installment of the Celtic Studies Speaker Series. She discussed the compilation, transmission, and reception of Welsh bardic grammars, vernacular treatises that present information about the Welsh language and rules for the composition of strict-metre poetry in her talk titled ‘Bardic Grammars as Windows into Late Medieval and Early Modern Wales.’

Seneca Student Learning the Ropes at the Kelly Library
The Kelly Library hosted a library and information technician student from Seneca Polytechnic for three weeks. As a practicum component of her studies, Olivia Parente is shadowing a variety of staff to gain exposure to different aspects of library work. She assisted with rare book cataloguing, importing and tweaking records from other libraries (known as derived cataloguing), helping loans desk staff with public services programming, taking part in inventory, observing a research consultation, and processing archival material.

The past few months have been marked by the pomp and circumstance of convocations, thought-provoking lectures and the merriment of the Christmas season. See what we celebrated at St. Michael’s in November and December.

Congratulations Class of 2024
The convocation for St. Mike’s Theology and Continuing Education students took place on November 9 in St. Basil’s Parish. This year’s convocation ceremonies included 19 graduates from the Faculty of Theology, three graduates from the Diploma in Interfaith Dialogue and 28 graduates from Continuing Education’s Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability program.

Capstone Awards
The President’s Capstone Awards are awarded to summative projects from the Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability (SR&S). The projects are designed to create a positive social change and environmental impact in the larger community. This year’s winning projects focused on sustainable and just supply chains in Canada; a guide that places a systems lens on a sustainability reporting; and a business case and model comparison of municipal ESG reporting and materiality assessment.

Honorary Degrees
Two honorary degrees were conferred at the convocation ceremonies. Francis Anthony Comper, CM, an influential member of the USMC community, was granted a Doctorate of the University and Sister Nathalie Becquart, renowned for her work with the Synod in Rome, was granted a Doctor of Divinity. A luncheon followed the convocation ceremonies for the honorees and their guests.

While in town, Sr. Nathalie led a fireside chat with students on the Synod on Synodality.

Regis College Convocation
Twenty-four graduates celebrated their academic achievements at Regis College’s convocation on November 23. Dr. M. Shawn Copeland received an honorary doctorate for her outstanding research and advocacy for social justice issues, especially on those who are marginalized and oppressed.
The day before, Dr. Copeland delivered Regis College’s Chancellor’s Lecture on the topic of ‘The Political Vision of Jesus of Nazareth: Imagination, Mission, and the Reign of God’.

Book Launch for Professor McGowan’s Latest Book
History and Celtic Studies Professor Mark McGowan captivated an audience of students, faculty, alumni, and friends with his lecture and book launch of Finding Molly Johnson, which looks at the fate of Irish famine orphans.

Professor McGowan Inducted into Royal Society of Canada
In addition to the launch of his book, we’re also celebrating Professor McGowan’s induction into the Royal Society of Canada at its Celebration of Excellence and Engagement on November 9. The honour stems from his groundbreaking work on Irish migration and settlement in Canada.

The Honouring Indigenous Aid Exhibit
Regis College presented ‘The Honouring Indigenous Aid Exhibit’, which paid tribute to the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Huron-Wendat First Nations in Canada West, now Ontario, who contributed to Irish Famine relief in 1847.

Dante Lecture
The annual Dante Lecture, established by Alberto Di Giovanni and Caroline Morgan Di Giovanni, was held on November 6. This year’s lecture, ‘Dante and Beatrice,’ was presented by Prof. George Corbett, Professor of Theology, School of Divinity, University of St. Andrews, U.K. He spoke about Dante’s Beatrice. The lecture was followed by a reception in the John M. Kelly Library where guests enjoyed an exhibit curated by Kelly Library’s Theology Librarian Noel McFerran. The exhibit focused on illustrations of Dante and Beatrice found in early manuscripts, 19th century engravings, and contemporary works.

A Poet Talks About Poetry
On November 7, the Friends of the Kelly Library hosted ‘A Poet Talks About Poetry,’ a chat with writer and SMC alumna Kate Marshall Flaherty. A graduate of St. Michael’s College and longtime facilitator for St. Michael’s Continuing Education programmes, Kate Marshall Flaherty has written seven poetry books, including Reaching V, published by Guernica Editions, and Digging, published by Aeolus House, and has won several awards. Caroline Morgan Di Giovanni, President Emerita of the Friends of the Kelly Library and fellow writer, was the evening’s host.

Lonergan Research Institute Lecture
The Lonergan Research Institute hosted a public lecture on November 14 by Dr. Karen Petersen Finch, of Montreal’s Presbyterian College on the ‘Applications of Lonergan’s Method: Questions for Reflection.’

Annual Elliott Allen Institute Lecture in Theology and Ecology
Noted Norwegian Theologian Dr. Jan-Olav Henriksen delivered the annual Elliott Allen Institute Lecture in Theology and Ecology on November 18. He spoke on the topic of ‘Allowing Grace to Work in the Anthropocene: Lessons from Nordic Creation Theology.’

Alumni Initiative 4 Women Conversations Series
The Alumni Initiative 4 Women held the latest instalment in its Conversations Series on ‘Landmark Changes from Papal Synod’ on November 8. It was a thought-provoking evening in response to the historic Synod on Synodality. Moderator Catherine Mulroney welcomed a dynamic panel of speakers: Christianity & Culture student Bridget Bowles, along with Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology (RSM) doctoral students Sr. Carla Thomas, OP and Christine Way-Skinner shared their unique generational insights on this pivotal moment in the Catholic Church. The event explored the Synod’s far-reaching mandate to advise Pope Francis on ways to more fully include all members of the Church, especially women. Notably, this Synod made history with the inclusion of 54 women among 365 delegates, and for the first time, women were granted voting rights in a Synod of Bishops.

‘Listening to Women in Medieval Irish Literature’
Professor Joanne Findon, Professor Emerita of English Literature at Trent University offered a closer listen to the voices of medieval Irish women on November 26.

University Chancellor Named Cardinal
Archbishop of Toronto and Chancellor of St. Michael’s Cardinal Francis Leo was elevated to the College of Cardinals at the Papal Consistory in Rome on December 7. He was joined by President David Sylvester and other members of the USMC community and collegium to mark this momentous occasion. We wish His Eminence Cardinal Leo all the best in the work that lies ahead.

When in Rome
Regis St. Michael’s Dean Jaroslav Skira and Professor Gerard Ryan, SJ attended a conference on the ‘Future of Theology’ organized by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Culture & Education from December 9-10. In addition to meeting theologians from around the world, they were granted an audience with Pope Francis.

A New Four-Year Operating Agreement with U of T
The University of St. Michael’s College and the two other independent federated universities signed a new four-year operation agreement with the University of Toronto. The agreement outlines mutual commitments and responsibilities including the use of shared spaces, classrooms, offices and student facilities for each federated university and ensures a rich student experience.

Campus Ministry Hosts TCDSB Day of Service
Campus Ministry hosted students from nine TCDSB high schools and their teachers to meet with the school board’s Nurturing Our Faith Community office and Deacon Robert Kinghorn. After Mass and a talk by Deacon Kinghorn about his Church on the Street experience, students gathered for lunch and then made sandwiches to distribute to people in need and toured the inspiring sculptures on campus.

Continuing Education Hosts Learning Day for High School Students
On November 12, the Continuing Education Division facilitated an orientation and learning day for 55 senior students from the nearby St. Joseph College School. During the day, the students participated in a variety of activities to increase their knowledge of both USMC and a day in the life of an undergraduate student. The activities included two mini lectures led by faculty members, a tour of campus and a residence room, a student panel and a scavenger hunt in the Kelly Library.

City of Toronto Green Skills Workshop
Director of Continuing Education Michael Salvatori joined colleagues from other Continuing Education Divisions as well as industry and community partners at a Green Skills workshop hosted by the City of Toronto. The purpose of the day was to convene key stakeholders from the municipal government, industry and postsecondary institutions to address the workforce needs that are essential to achieve the City of Toronto’s Net Zero strategy goals. The day offered an opportunity to promote USMC’s Diploma in Sustainability & Social Responsibility as well as the new courses and programs developed to further sustainability goals.

Panel Discussion on ‘It All Starts with a Story: Five Celebrated Children’s Authors on Talking to Young People About Social Change’
On November 28, Continuing Education hosted a virtual panel discussion with five Canadian children’s authors and educators to discuss challenges and strategies for holding meaningful discussions with young people about urgent and timely social issues in age-appropriate ways. The panel included Hadley Dyer, Joyce Grant, Rabia Khokhar, Inna Figotina and Rochelle Strauss and it was facilitated by Continuing Education Director Michael Salvatori. Over 40 participants joined online and contributed to the conversation. A recording can be viewed here.

World Digital Preservation Day
Students and staff dropped by the lobby of the Kelly Library on November 7 – World Digital Preservation Day, 2024 – to learn about digital preservation and find out what to consider for preserving their own born-digital materials. Over the course of the three-hour event, 37 people stopped by to learn something new about digital preservation.

Friendship Bracelet Making De-Stressing Event
The Kelly Library held two very successful friendship bracelet making events on November 13 and November 20 in the Kelly Café. Whether you were a Swiftie preparing for the Toronto Eras Tour shows, making matching bracelets with your friends or a midterm-addled student needing a study break, all were welcome at this free event held for students, staff and faculty. We had so much fun being creative, making memories together, and seeing one another’s bracelets when they were finished.

Santa Claus Drops by St. Mike’s
The holiday season at St. Mike’s kicked off with a magical celebration where alumni and their families enjoyed delicious cookies, hot chocolate, and other treats. Little ones unleashed their creativity at the holiday arts and crafts corner, making their own Christmas masterpieces, as well as writing letters to Santa. Santa Claus made a special appearance, spreading early holiday cheer and magic before his big parade (The City of Toronto Santa Claus Parade) to make this a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Christmas Tea
One of St. Michael’s favourite holiday traditions returned. The Office of Advancement was delighted to thank donors for their support by inviting them to the annual Christmas Tea on December 3. The afternoon was filled with warmth, caroling with the Gaudete Singers and festive cheer.

Christmas Market
St. Michael’s hosted its 3rd annual Christmas Market on December 3. A record number of vendors sold one-of-a-kind finds including baked goods, handmade items and jewelry. More than $1700 was raised in support of Romero House. View photos here.

Staff and Faculty Luncheon
Staff and faculty rang in the holiday season at a luncheon on December 5 in Brennan 200. Attendees were encouraged to embrace the spirit of fun by wearing their most outlandish ugly Christmas sweaters, adding a lighthearted touch to the event. The luncheon provided a warm and joyful atmosphere, where colleagues enjoyed good food, laughter, and the opportunity to connect with one another. It was a wonderful occasion that captured the holiday cheer and camaraderie of the St. Michael’s community.

Falala Formal
Student Life celebrated our student leaders at this year’s Falala Formal. More than 90 students enjoyed a dinner with the season’s festivities as a thank you for their contributions on campus. View photos from the event here.

Schola Cantorum Advent Concert
The St. Michael’s Schola Cantorum presented their Advent concert at St. Basil’s Church on December 9. The concert featured the Oratorio de Noël (Christmas Oratorio) by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921), a lush and lyrical meditation on Christ’s birth through musical settings of biblical passages for soloists and chorus. Thanks to the efforts of U of T Music Technologist Peter Olsen, we’re pleased to share a recording of the concert with you.

Faculty and Fellows Reception
On December 12, the Principal’s Office held a reception for faculty and fellows in Charbonnel Lounge.

New Issue of St. Michael’s Alumni Magazine
The latest issue of St. Michael’s Alumni Magazine is now available. The cover story features Alumna Eleanor McGrath on living in harmony with life’s seasons, as well as a look back on Professor Mark McGowan’s illustrious 34-year career at St. Mike’s. Read the magazine here.

Tradition and new initiatives brought the St. Michael’s community together this fall. Here’s some of the things we celebrated in September and October.

Michaelmas
St. Michael’s celebrated our patron saint with our annual Michaelmas festivities, cohosted by SMCSU and the President’s Office, on September 26. As per tradition, the celebrations began with an academic procession into St. Basil’s Church for a special mass. The festivities continued with food trucks on Elmsley Place; games and activities in the Quad; and President David Sylvester and SMCSU President, Yusuf Durmus, cutting a cake with a sword.

Legacy Wall Event and Luncheon
The Michaelmas celebrations also honoured the newest inductees to St. Michael’s Legacy Wall. Former Prime Minister Paul Martin; Joan MacDonald Smith, Ontario’s first female solicitor general; and founder of St. Mike’s Continuing Education division Dr. Mimi Marrocco joined the legacy wall, which honours the efforts and achievements of key community members. Portraits of the three inductees were displayed alongside citations noting their accomplishments. The celebrations included a tour of the legacy wall followed by an intimate luncheon.

Archbishop Francis Leo to Named Cardinal
St. Michael’s extends its congratulations to Archbishop Francis Leo, Chancellor of the University of St. Michael’s College, who is to be elevated to the College of Cardinals. Pope Francis made the announcement on October 6. Archbishop Leo will be officially named as a Cardinal at the consistory that will take place on December 8 at the Vatican in Rome. Archbishop Leo is one of 21 men from around the world to be named a Cardinal.

St. Michael’s Now Home to Sheptytsky House
Following a generous $1-million donation from the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute Foundation (MASIF), the building known as Windle House has been renamed in honour of one of the most important figures in the Ukrainian Catholic Church. Sheptytsky House houses the offices and classrooms of the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies (MASI), which operates as an academic unit within the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology.

FAS Fall Convocation
St. Michael’s most recent graduates received their diplomas at the Faculty of Arts and Science Fall Convocation on October 28. Graduates gathered in Convocation Hall, where the University of Toronto installed their newest Chancellor, Wes Hall. Following the ceremony, a reception was held in Father Madden Hall for the newest graduates and their families.

St. Mike’s Annual Book Sale
This year’s St. Michael’s College Book Sale, organized by the Friends of the Kelly Library, raised a new record. Now in its 20th year, the sale depends on high-quality donations as well as a team of student and community volunteers whose skillful sorting, judicious pricing and good-humoured energy ensure the event’s success. In consultation with the Kelly’s Chief Librarian James Roussain, the Friends are using the proceeds to buy a cylinder printing press for the library’s Print Studio, set aside funding for library exhibits, refurbish worn-out chairs and sponsor an undergraduate research colloquium.

Launch of AMPlify, a New Alumni-Student Mentorship Program
AMPlify, an alumni-student mentorship program, kicked off during Grad Week with a speed mentoring event. Students and recent grads had the opportunity to meet with multiple experienced alumni mentors in quick, timed sessions. Grad Week was a collaboration between Campus Life and the Registrar’s Office and offered workshops and events for students thinking about going to grad school come next fall.

Grow Week
Campus life welcomed students back to campus with Grow Week. In early September, students were invited to take part in a variety of activities designed to celebrate university life, foster a collaborative spirit and set a positive tone for the year ahead. Popular activities included a keychain making session and a peer mentorship evening at FreePlay, an arcade bar.

Wellness Week
As part of efforts to shine a spotlight on the wellness services and resources available on campus, St. Michael’s hosted a Wellness Week. The week included a pen pal writing session, a visit from therapy dogs, and a workshop on how to navigate life post-graduation. To learn more about what’s new in wellness at St. Mike’s, read ‘Checking in on Wellness at St. Mike’s’.

Fall Cleanup Day
Wellness Week concluded with St. Mike’s Fall Cleanup Day. The event, organized by SMCSU’s Wellness Team, took place on the final day before the midterm break. Staff and students came out to show their appreciation for the campus by tidying it up in preparation for winter.

Book Launch for New Book by Prof. Michael Higgins
More than 100 people attended the launch of Prof. Michael W. Higgins’ much-anticipated new book, ‘The Jesuit Disruptor: A Personal Portrait of Pope Francis’ on September 17 in Alumni Hall. As part of the launch, Michael Higgins, who is the Basilian Distinguished Fellow of Contemporary Christian Thought, shared his insights on the Synod on Synodality. A wine and cheese reception followed in Father Madden Hall.

Interactive Session on the Synod in Rome with Sister Elizabeth Davis
On September 18, Regis alumna Sister Elizabeth Davis facilitated an interactive session on the Synod in Rome in the Regis Chapel. Sister Elizabeth was one of 54 women delegates to the universal phase of the Church’s Synod on Synodality. She attended a month-long session in Rome in October 2023 and again in October 2024. She shared her experiences at the synod and those working with it.

Tomson Highway Delivers Christianity and the Arts Lecture
This year’s Christianity and Arts lecture brought renowned author Tomson Highway to St. Michael’s on October 2. Highway is a best-selling author, playwright, musician and author. As part of the lecture, he treated attendees to a brief performance on the piano.

Critical Conversations in Catholic Education Conference
The Critical Conversations in Catholic Education conference, offered by Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology, was designed to empower parents and teachers to address climate anxiety with the young people in their lives. The keynote speaker Joyce Mercer, Horace Bushnell Professor of Practical Theology and Pastoral Care, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Yale Divinity School, spoke on the topic of ‘Youth Climate Anxiety and Religious Education’. The conference also included panel conversations on ‘Climate Anxiety, Youth, and Indigenous Knowledge’ and ‘Pedagogical Strategies for Eco-Resilience’.

Langan Lecture
This year’s Langan Lecture explored how Jesuit missionaries, led by Matteo Ricci, facilitated significant cross-cultural exchange between Christian Europe and Imperial China during the Ming and Qing dynasties through religious, cultural, and scientific dialogues. Boston College Professor M. Antoni J. Ucerler, a Jesuit priest and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, spoke on the topic of ‘Jesuit Missionaries & Mandarins in Ming and Qing China: Faith, Science, and the Arts’. In association with the lecture, a special collection was on display in the Kelly Library that included items from the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library and Ricci Institute for Chinese-Western Cultural History.

Tri-College Liturgy
This year’s Tri-College liturgy was held at the Newman Centre Chapel on October 16. Members of USMC, Regis St. Michael’s and St. Augustine’s Seminary participated in the mass.

New Continuing Education Courses
September marked the start of Continuing Education’s fall term with courses offered in both general interest and professional learning. Some of the general interest courses launched this fall included Letterpress Printing at the Kelly Library and Poetry and Prayer led by Mary Jo Leddy and Susie Whelehan.

The division also launched a new professional course, Unlocking Resilience: Climate Change for Social Impact Leaders as a complement to the longstanding Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability.

Michael Salvatori Visits Thompson Rivers University
Continuing Education Director Michael Salvatori visited Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Kamloops, British Columbia as a visiting lecturer. Michael made presentations to candidates studying in the Bachelor and Master of Education programs on professional standards and the development of professional judgment. His visit also afforded the opportunity to consult with TRU faculty on new course and program development.

Continuing Education Administers Diploma in Interfaith Dialogue
The Division of Continuing Education recently assumed the administration of the Diploma in Interfaith Dialogue, which was previously administered by the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology. Two interfaith courses, Islam 101 and Dialogues: Principles and Practices were launched this October. These courses are open and accessible to anyone who is interested in interfaith dialogue, regardless of their background, faith or experience.

Continuing Education’s Roxanne Wright Elected Vice President of OCULL
Roxanne Wright, Continuing Education’s Manager in Program Development and Delivery, and Disha Makhijani, Executive Assistant for Continuing Education, attended the Ontario Council for University Lifelong Learning (OCULL) Annual General Meeting and Professional Development retreat at the end of October. The event presented an opportunity to network with continuing education colleagues from across the country and learn from experts in the field. At this meeting, Roxanne was elected to the OCULL Executive Committee as Vice-President for a one-year term.

When Faith Meets Pedagogy Conference
The Continuing Education division joined the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology as an exhibitor at the When Faith Meets Pedagogy Conference in Toronto on October 25. This large annual conference offered an opportunity to promote the renewal of St. Mike’s Continuing Education division and its programs including additional qualification courses for teachers in religious education as well as the Diploma in Interfaith Dialogue.

Staff BBQ
All USMC staff members, as well as staff from PIMS, Loretto, Mary Ward and the Jesuit Forum, were invited to a staff barbeque on September 4. Staff chatted and enjoyed a meal al fresco on Elmsley Place.

Collegium Retreat
The annual Collegium retreat was held on September 12 in Charbonnel Lounge. President David Sylvester delivered a presentation on the rich history of the University of St. Michael’s College and Director of Mission and Ministry Sonal Castelino spoke about the Christian, and universal, values of USMC. The retreat was led by Christine Tausig-Ford, a consultant to the Collegium, who guided a set of workshops on good governance.

Collegium Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of St. Michael’s Collegium was held on October 9 in Charbonnel Lounge. Members discussed a wide variety of issues ranging from governance to finances. Outgoing Collegium members received gifts to recognize their service to the College.

Kelly Library Welcomes New Work Study Students
The Kelly Library welcomes two new work study students. Jillian Nash and Victoria Tywonek-Sobota joined the Kelly Library staff this fall and will be working on special projects until March.

Jillian Nash, our new work study Inventory Assistant, is a first year Master of Information Student at the University of Toronto in the Archives and Records Management concentration. She graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a BA in Classical Studies. She comes to us with experience working as a page at the London Public Library.

Jillian is working in the Access & Information department on a project to find mis-shelved or missing books. She will be individually scanning the barcodes of all our books in the collection into an Excel sheet. With this Excel sheet a report is run to compare that information with the information stored in our database to identify items that have gone AWOL. We are so excited to have Jillian working with us on this important project that will help keep our collection accessible to students and faculty!

Victoria Tywonek-Sobota, a new work study student in our Special Collections teams, is a second-year student within the University of Toronto’s combined degree program for a Master of Information and Master of Museum Studies.

Victoria’s work-study project is to digitize the entirety of The Mike, the official student newspaper of the University of St. Michael’s College, which has been in operation since 1948. The project involves two steps. The first is recording details about each issue onto a spreadsheet and mass-uploading the data to the University of Toronto’s digital repository. That’s half the job. To actually digitize the newspaper, Victoria uses a scanner for smaller issues and a camera for larger ones. Once the project is done, archival users will be able to access all copies of The Mike online!

Among the preparations for the return to school, we celebrated the achievements of some of our alumni and welcomed our newest students. Here’s what St. Mike’s celebrated in July and August.

Welcome Class of 2028!
Once again, St. Michael’s welcomed the incoming class with an outstanding Orientation Week. Through this year’s theme of SMC TV, students were introduced to the St. Michael’s community with a variety of events and activities. St. Michael’s spirit was on full display at the pep rally, clubs carnival and cheer-off.

Invocation
The fall semester opened with Invocation, which formally welcomes the incoming class to St. Michael’s. At this year’s ceremony, alumnus Victor Dodig with an honorary doctorate. Dodig is one of Canada’s most articulate advocates for, and supporter of, new Canadians. He is also passionate about the student experience, having been a student leader, social convener, and athlete while at St. Michael’s. He’s driven to ensure that all students have access to the supports and opportunities they need, whether they’re academic, social, spiritual or financial. In response, he and his wife, Maureen , have supported student scholarships, experiential learning programs and the Dodig Family Student Commons.

Book & Media Studies Welcomes New Faculty
St. Mike’s is delighted to welcome two new faculty members whose established expertise, experience, and enthusiasm make them wonderful new members of our community.
• Kit MacNeil (Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream) will be teaching a year-long first-year course, “The Printed Book,” which combines hands-on experience in the Print Studio with academic study, an upper-level course on “The Histories of Letterpress Printing,” and a new course currently in development.
• Francesco Arcalas Morriello (Assistant Professor, Research Stream) will be teaching four new courses in the Book & Media Studies program: “Fortune Telling and Media”, “Mass Media and the Atlantic Revolutions”, “Fake News” and “The Newspaper: A World History”.

New, and Not So New, Staff Hires
Thang Tran joined the Facilities & Services department as Capital Assets Project Manager. Thang has an engineering degree from McMaster University and has since gained experience in a wide variety of industries, including construction, food manufacturing and real estate. He has worked as a project engineer, production manager and maintenance manager and is currently pursuing a PMP certification.

Iulia Iarca has joined the Principal’s Office staff permanently. She started as Executive Assistant in July 2023.

Scanning and Modelling of Teefy Hall
The scanning and modelling of Teefy Hall at 57 Queen’s Park Crescent East was completed on July 2. This is the first time accurate drawings of the building have been completed since 1936. Over the years there have been renovations that were not properly documented, making the original drawings out dated. The scanning and modelling will allow contractors to view and quote on projects without being on-site or in areas that may be hazardous and film companies can explore and create mock-ups of sets for film shoots.

Parcel Lockers
Parcel lockers were installed outside the mailroom on July 16, allowing residents to pick up their parcels at any time of day.

Book & Media Studies Summer Abroad Program
Prof. Paolo Granata and his Book & Media students travelled to Italy where they visited some of the most iconic locations of the Italian print culture tradition. Through the Summer Abroad Program, students followed the footsteps of the “Prince of Renaissance printers” Aldus Manutius, under his motto Festina Lente (“make haste slowly”). They participated in workshops and experiential learning held by scholars, experts, and conservationists. See photos on Prof. Granata’s LinkedIn page.

Prof. Mark McGowan and Team Receive Major Research Grant
Congratulations to Professor Mark McGowan, an International Co-Leader (Canada), on “Historic Houses and Global Crossroads: Revisioning Two Northern Ireland Historic Houses and Estates,” which has been awarded a major research grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council of the United Kingdom for 2025-2027. Professor McGowan’s work is focused on Lord Dufferin, Governor General of Canada from 1872-1878, and his engagement with Indigenous issues during his tenure—the creation of the Indian Act, and government sponsorship of Indigenous Residential Schools. Dufferin was the Lord of Clandeboye House, near Bangor, County Down, and the Canadian dimension of the project highlights the imperial/colonial connections of this estate, through its owner.

Professor David Wilson Helps Bring Canadian History to a Broader Audience
Professor David Wilson’s work on the Dictionary of Canadian Biography makes it easier for the world to learn about Canada and Canadians. In 2013, he was appointed general editor of the Dictionary of Canadian Biography, the largest bilingual project in Canadian humanities. The project launched a new website in July that was developed by teams at the University of Toronto and Université Laval in Quebec. The new website makes it easier for readers and researchers to learn about the women and men who helped make the country what it is today.

Paris 2024 Olympics
St. Mike’s track star Jazz Shukla competed in the women’s 800m heats at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Throughout the Olympics, Charbonnel Lounge was showing the action and the St. Michael’s community was invited to drop-in and cheer on the athletes.

St. Mike’s Alumna Rosemary Ganley Recognized with Order of Canada
Rosemary Ganley, a writer, activist and teacher, was recently named a Member of the Order of Canada for her lifelong advocacy for human rights, gender equity and social justice, including co-founding Jamaican Self Help, an organization of Canadians working to support the development of healthy Jamaican communities.

New Furniture in the Kelly Library
Gone are the Blockbuster-like ground floor DVD shelves that used to attract film buffs from all over campus to the Kelly Library’s ground floor. But no worries: the DVD collection has just moved to the second floor. In its place, nestled up against the south side of the multipurpose room, is a mix of soft and hard furniture, giving our students much-needed extra study space. The new furniture is thanks to the support of the Friends of the Kelly Library (FOTKL).

St. Mike’s Learning Strategist Working in the Kelly Library
The St. Mike’s learning strategist, Meghan Litteljohn, has begun offering appointments in the Kelly Library. She and Stacy Reardon, the Writing & Research Help Centre director, hope that by working from the library Meghan will benefit from the closer orbit of writing instructors and librarians and be more accessible to students. Working in Room 137 on the library’s ground floor, Meghan helps students figure out how to build on their strengths and learn better. She covers such topics as transitioning to university, reading, note-taking, study habits, assignment planning, stress and time management. Students can find out more about Learning Strategies on the College’s Student Services page, and they can book an appointment with Meghan here.

Unique Regis Library Books Now at the Kelly Library
The Kelly and Regis libraries are gradually moving the entire Regis College library collection to the Kelly Library. By the end of this month, all of Regis’s unique-item monographs – books unique in the UofT library system – will have been transferred to the Kelly Library. Summer 2024 saw the relocation of the Regis Library compact shelving and the transfer of a significant number of unique periodicals. This project remains on-time with a scheduled completion date of May 2025.

USMC Social Club Pub Happy Hour
St. Mike’s staff gathered at Hemingway’s in Yorkville on July 11 for the inaugural USMC Social Club Pub Happy Hour. Members of the USMC community conversed over drinks to beat the summer heat.

New Issue of St. Michael’s Alumni Magazine
The latest issue includes features on the “St. Mike’s Effect” at Sunnybrook Hospital, the renewal of continuing education and an update on the St. Mike’s sports scene. Read the flipbook.

Rosemary Ganley, a writer, activist, and teacher was recently named a Member of the Order of Canada for her lifelong advocacy for human rights, gender equity, and social justice, including co-founding Jamaican Self Help, an organization of Canadians working to support the development of healthy Jamaican communities.

Ganley, a contributing columnist to the Peterborough Examiner, wrote about her reaction to the news.

“The first one (emotion) was immense surprise. I am an ordinary person, a senior, a widow, in my late 80s, not an athlete or academic or musician or scientist; but a former teacher with an international outlook, who has been blessed by my country in many ways, this latest being the ultimate one.”

Read the column: https://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/life/ganley-looking-ahead-to-investiture-to-the-order-of-canada/article_4d6d9226-2863-5697-a9c8-12fb70f0fbb9.html

Summer continues to be abuzz with activity at St. Mike’s, and it’s not just the bees delighted with the flowers in bloom. With the alumni reunion, CITC Conference, convocation, orientation preparation and welcome day, it has been a busy and beautiful time to visit the campus.

Here’s are some of the things St. Mike’s celebrated in May and June:

Congratulations, Grads!
Congratulations to the Class of 2024! Convocation festivities commenced on June 12 with a Baccalaureate Mass at St. Basil’s Parish, and many of our outstanding scholars were recognized at the Awards Ceremony that followed in Brennan Hall. Convocation for St. Michael’s graduates from the Faculty of Arts and Science took place on Thursday, June 13 at UofT’s Convocation Hall. St Mike’s welcomed its new grads and their families with a BBQ, where the newest alumni enjoyed lunch, picked up their grad gifts and took pictures around the scenic campus.

Honorary Doctorate Recipients Named
The University of St. Michael’s College is proud to announce its 2024 honourary degree recipients. This year, Sr. Nathalie Becquart, XMCJ, Tony Comper, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Montreal, and Victor Dodig, current President and CEO of CIBC, will receive the University’s highest honour. For more than 50 years, St. Michael’s has been awarding honorary degrees, employing its statutory right as an independent university to recognize individuals who embody its mission to advance academic excellence and leadership in society in service to the common good.

Alumni Reunion a Hit
With the theme of “Renewing Friendships, Celebrating Memories, Creating Community,” Alumni Reunion 2024 offered a little something for everyone, with events ranging from receptions and lectures to panel discussions and parties. This year’s reunion honoured alumni who graduated in years ending in 4 and 9 and hosted the class of 1074’s 50th anniversary. Five alumni were also recognized for their achievements with St. Mike’s Alumni Awards: Dr. Robert Cusimano (Alway Award), Pia O’Leary (Dodig Award), Michelle Shephard (Prof. Victoria Mueller Carson Trailblazer Award), Nicholas Rita (Young Alumni Award), and Susan Adam Metzler (Spirit of St. Mike’s Award).

James Roussain Named New Chief Librarian and Director of Special Collections
The University of St. Michael’s College is pleased to announce the appointment of James Roussain as the Dr. William D. Sharpe Chief Librarian and Director of Special Collections at the John M. Kelly Library, effective July 1, 2024. In his two years as interim Chief Librarian, he displayed impressive leadership overseeing the consolidation of the Regis St. Michael’s theology collections and developing a significant new congregational archives collection. He had also managed important renovations, including the addition to new archival and rare book space, the re-opening of the print studio and the creation of the new multi-purpose teaching and presentation space in collaboration with the Friends of the Kelly.

Marking Retirements at RSM
The Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology (RSM) community gathered to honour and reminisce with three long-standing professors and wish them well as they head into retirement. Professors Joseph Schner, SJ, John L. McLaughlin, and Michael Stoeber, all of whom have been teaching at Regis College or St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology for decades, were the guests of honour at the event, held at Regis College.

St. Mike’s Co-hosts CITC Conference with Irish Partners
The University of St. Michael’s College is delighted to announce that Dr. Eamonn McKee, Ireland’s Ambassador to Canada, has been named an honorary fellow of the University. Formal acknowledgement of the appointment took place on May 28 at the opening reception for the Canada, Ireland & Transatlantic Colonialism Conference. The conference, held at St. Mike’s from May 28-30, brought together scholars to discuss the relationship between Ireland and Canada, particularly with reference to migration, the apparatus of the British Empire, colonialism, religion, and Irish engagement with the Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island. The conference was co-sponsored by the Embassy of Ireland, Department of Foreign Affairs, the Ireland Funds of Canada, the Irish Cultural Society of Toronto, and the University of St. Michael’s College Offices of the President and the Principal and its Celtic Studies Program.

St. Mike’s Project Looks at Lonergan’s Connection to Residential Schools
An ambitious new research project shepherded by St. Michael’s Professor Reid B. Locklin aims to re-examine the life and work of the Jesuit theologian Bernard Lonergan through the lens of his connection to the Indian Residential School System, the first such study conducted of the renowned Canadian philosopher and theologian. Locklin’s co-applicants on the two-year project, which has been awarded a prestigious Insight Development Grant from the Social Science and Human Research Council (SSHRC), are Professor Darren Dias, O.P., a member of the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology (RSM) and the Executive Director of the Toronto School of Theology, and Concordia University’s Prof. Christine Jamieson.

A Catholic Call to Service
A service day brought 90 high school students to campus to gain an understanding of what it truly means to serve. Grade 11 and 12 students from nine high schools in the Toronto Catholic District School Board answered the call to be a part of the ‘A Catholic Call to Service’. The day, led by St. Michael’s Campus Ministry team, was designed to show high school students how small acts of service can make a big difference. The day began with the Eucharist in the Loretto Chapel, followed by campus tours, with stops to view some of the sculptures that tied in with the day’s theme of social justice. The students also assembled sandwiches that were packed in paper bags to be distributed to those in need. As they left, each student took two packed lunches to give to someone in need that they met on their way home.

USMC-AP Capstone Research Colloquium
On Friday, May 24, Grade 11 and 12 students in the AP Capstone Diploma Program at Bishop Reding Catholic Secondary School, Central Peel Secondary School, and De La Salle College “Oaklands” gathered at Brennan Hall for the third annual USMC-AP Capstone Research Colloquium. As part of an initiative developed by USMC and the College Board to promote access to postsecondary education, student participants had the unique opportunity to engage with university resources, and particularly the John M. Kelly Library, as they conducted research for their capstone projects throughout the 2023-2024 academic year. From the participant group of 60 students, seven were selected to present their research at the colloquium attended by members of the USMC community, including professors, senior students, and academic advisors, all of whom were truly impressed by the excellent research conducted by the students, and the exceptional quality of each presentation. Congratulations to all presenters and their dedicated teachers and peers.

Student Leaders Head Off on Retreat
The second annual Student Leader Collective (SLC) Retreat took place on May 6-8 in Albion Hills. The Campus Life and Campus Ministry teams partnered to host an overnight retreat for the most senior student leaders including various Coordinators, St. Michael’s Student Union and Residence Council members, and Student Campus Ministers. The students were highly engaged, taking part in team building activities, values-based reflections and community planning. It was a highly successful retreat where many new friendships were formed and students sought to make the experience memorable by showcasing their unique talents and perspectives.

First Full Orientation Staff Meeting Held
Orientation planning is well under way! The Orientation Team has chosen SMC TV as its theme. Continuing with its Choose-Your-Own-Adventure-style schedule, coordinators and marshals have planned a week of fun television show-inspired social and academic programming. On June 1, the leaders joined the marshals for their first full staff meeting, receiving updates, and then continuing the party outside in Scollard Park. The marshals hosted sample games, and marshals and leaders had an incredible time bonding, eating freezies and cheering Hoikety Choiks.

Deaconate Ordination
Congratulations to the 10 RSM students who were ordained transitional deacons on May 24, 2024. The ordination took place at St. Basil’s.

New Continuing Education Staff Member
The Continuing Education Division is delighted to welcome Roxanne Wright as Manager of Program Development and Delivery. Beginning July 2, Roxanne will oversee the development of general interest and professional learning courses and programs. She will also lead the development of recruitment and promotional strategies and strategic partnerships, in addition to the appointment and supervision of course and program instructors, facilitators and course developers. Roxanne brings a wealth of experience and expertise in continuing education, adult education, curriculum design, and program development and has worked most recently at Toronto Metropolitan University and the School of Continuing Studies at the University of Toronto.

Exploring the Arts of the Book
June marked the relaunch of community learning at St. Mike’s with the Exploring the Arts of the Book workshop, led by book artist and book binder Andrew Huot. In this workshop, held in the recently refurbished Print Studio, participants learned a range of book arts from both Western and Eastern traditions.

Dante Garden Lecture and Garden Tour
In June, Continuing Education hosted a Dante Garden Lecture and Garden Tour, led by speaker Prof. Giulio Silano, who delivered an enlightening talk on Dante Alighieri’s immortal work, The Divine Comedy. The event included lunch and a tour of the Dante Sculpture Garden by artist Timothy Schmalz, and an opportunity to view the Di Giovanni Dante Collection in the Kelly Library.

Sr. Maureena’s Book Launch
A book launch for Redeeming Jesus’ Name: Reflections of a Ninety-Year-Old Nun Living in Jerusalem by Sr. Maureena Fritz, NDS was held on May 22 in Charbonnel Lounge. Sr. Maureena is a member of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion, professor emerita with the Faculty of Theology at the University of St. Michael’s College, and former director of the English Language Sector of the Ratisbonne Pontifical Institute in Jerusalem. She is also the founder of the BatKol Institute in Jerusalem, which is dedicated to the study of the word of God within its Jewish milieu.

Welcome New Students!
St. Mike’s invited its newly admitted undergraduate students to campus on June 15. Welcome Day gives students the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the St. Michael’s community, connect with upper-year students and staff, and explore available resources including the Writing Centre and the Kelly Library.

New Donations to Dante Collection
Caroline and Alberto Di Giovanni have generously donated two new volumes of The Divine Comedy to the Kelly Library’s Dante Collection. The new additions include a rare early edition published in 1564. The newer volume is a copy of the original Palatine manuscript at the National Central Library of Florence.

Permafrost: A Digital Preservation Tool
When it comes to rare and archival materials, who doesn’t first think of old books, papers, and photographs, or maybe cassette tapes, film reels, and VHS? But digital materials—such as video, sound, and image files—are now media staples too. At the Kelly Library, a growing number of archival materials are digital. Some of these, including newly acquired records from the Scarboro Missions and Sisters of Service, are digitized copies of physical materials. One problem with preserving these is format. With such a mishmash of file types, like mp3, wav, jpg, png, wmv, and mp4, archivists need to find ways to ensure digital files are protected, even as formats and technologies decay or disappear. In response, Kelly Library archivists have begun using a digital preservation tool called Permafrost to preserve our digital records. Permafrost, a tool developed by Scholars Portal, provides cloud storage space to maintain and protect our digital records.

10,000-Step Challenge
A Kelly Library team of Sarah Stiller, Daisy Yuan, Astrida Ezergailis, Jessica Barr, and Francesca Rousselle took part in UofT’s 10,000 Steps Challenge this past May. While they didn’t win any prizes, team “Cirque du sore legs” finished 100th out of 202 teams with a daily average of 10,650 steps and a combined 1.98 million steps over 31 days!

For Patrick Elo, crossing the dais on June 13 is an accomplishment that took almost 50 years. While trying to renew his library privileges at the University of Toronto, he had the realization that despite completing his courses in 2000, he was never granted a diploma.  

“I had completely forgot about it. I had sort of kept in my mind the idea that I would finish an Honors BA,” Patrick says. 

He checked with St. Michael’s Office of the Registrar, where it was confirmed that he had completed the 15 courses required for a three-year Bachelor of Arts degree, which he will receive at this week’s convocation ceremony.  

Patrick started at the University of Toronto in 1972 at the age of 21, with the ambition of completing an Honours Bachelor of Arts. Having attended the Basilian-run Michael Power High School in Toronto he felt a natural connection to St. Michael’s College, also run by the Basilians. 

Throughout his 20s he moved between being a full-time and part-time student and occasionally dropping courses. “I did complete some courses in my 20s, but I was not persistent in my studies,” he admits. 

He returned to U of T in the late 1980s to achieve a personal ambition of reading Homer in the original ancient Greek. His love for the language stems from fond memories of reading the great myths as a child. “Children’s stories are all retold Greek myths. I was attracted to the legendary world,” he says. 

He was often the oldest student in the class. “You’re sharing a passion and a common interest that you’re devoting so much of your energy and your time to. It doesn’t really matter what the age is,” he says. “It was very wonderful to work with young people and to see their effort and intelligence.”  

Alongside his studies, he was advancing in his career as a men’s clothing salesman. “I would come down to the campus early in the morning and have breakfast in Yorkville and go to class for 9 a.m. Afterwards I would go home or go directly to work for an afternoon or evening shift. I worked at Yorkdale at the time. I was getting up at 5:30 a.m. to study Greek and going to bed at midnight,” he says. 

He excelled in his studies, earning a place on the Dean’s List. In his third year, he was recognized as the top student in the Greek program. He took his final course, a fourth-year seminar course in Thucydides, when he was 49 years old.  

Then he needed to take time off from his studies to recover from surgery to rebuild his neck. 

“When I was studying Greek, I would study sometimes for six hours without stop. My posture was so bad that it took me some years to learn how to erect myself properly and I was very reluctant to read at length,” he says. 

Meanwhile, life got busy. He bought a house and was excelling in his career. “I finally embraced selling clothing as my career. I always had a love of clothing because I had a love of beautiful things. I was lucky enough to sell beautifully, often handcrafted, items. I sold mostly clothing that was made in Canada and Italy, not made in workshops where people are working in terrible conditions. It was important for me to do that,” he says. 

While he recognizes that he didn’t need a degree in his career, his education has been a benefit. “My education has certainly helped me. It has enriched my ability to communicate and conversations are a little bit deeper. I’m not doing this [graduating] to show off or anything. It’s for personal reasons to honour what I did and the effort I made,” he says. 

And yes, he did read Homer in its original text including both parts of the Iliad and parts of the Odyssey. “From time to time, I still go back to the ancient Greek and dip into it and review,” he says. 

Up next, Patrick will take a trip to Italy in the fall, which will be his first to Europe. He’s looking forward to visiting the country’s ancient sites that inspired his love for the Classics. He also hopes to continue his educational efforts by auditing courses this fall. 

More Convocation 2024:

Grad Para Babuharan on Finding His Community

Grad Vanessa Choi on Paying it Forward 

St. Mike’s Student Dacian Dawes on Finding her Place

Grad Patrick Policicchio on Research, Connection and Belonging

Grad Anita Rajkumar on Giving Back to her Community

It was a day of celebration and happy memories as the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology (RSM) community gathered to pay tribute to three long-standing professors and wish them well as they head into retirement.

Professors Joseph Schner, SJ, John L. McLaughlin, and Michael Stoeber, all of whom have been teaching at Regis College or St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology for decades, were the guests of honour at the late afternoon event, held at Regis College.

RSM Dean Jaroslav Skira offered introductions, noting how bittersweet the moment was. He shared his happiness at being able to celebrate the many contributions to teaching, the community and to scholarship of the retirees, but also expressed how keenly aware he was of what the absence of such valuable and committed colleagues and friends will mean.

Schner, Professor Emeritus, Psychology and Psychology of Religion, a man who has held numerous roles at Regis and the Toronto School of Theology, received gentle ribbing from his colleagues, who noted that this was his second retirement, a fact that speaks to his dedication to theological education and to Regis, they added.  Schner came to Regis in 2002 from Campion College in Regina, where he had served as President. He was appointed Interim President of Regis in 2003 and continued in that role until 2011, and then filled it again from 2015-2017. He first retired in 2017 but continued to teach as a Professor Emeritus.

Professor Gordon Rixon, S.J., President of Regis College, told the gathering that Schner had offered invaluable assistance and insight into the talks that led up to the Regis St. Michael’s federation. He smiled as noted that Schner would play “good cop” to Rixon’s “bad cop” when dealing with contractors handling renovations to the Regis College building, adding that sometimes the two would switch roles, and that Schner was “very effective” in both.

RSM Professor Michael Attridge offered a video tribute to his long-time friend and colleague McLaughlin, who joined the Faculty in 2004. Attridge offered not only his own memories but also those of former students and others in the world of biblical scholarship.  (McLaughlin specializes in Old Testament/Hebrew Bible and is an Associate Member of the Graduate Faculty, Department of Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations, University of Toronto.)

Attridge spoke to McLaughlin’s booming laugh, impressive singing voice, his various forms of service to the Faculty community and his attention to detail, as well as the pleasure many found in sharing a pint with McLaughlin while talking about the Bible, life, and God.

The accolades Attridge gathered spoke to how McLaughlin helped his students learn how to teach, and how he brought the Hebrew Bible to life.

“John loved what he taught,” shared Attridge.

Professor Michael Stoeber Professor of Spirituality and Philosophy of Religion, was feted by colleague Professor John Dadosky as the first layperson to join the Regis Faculty, arriving in 2000. Dadosky, who met Stoeber the following year, cited his colleague’s firm belief that the world will be saved by beauty.

Noting that Stoeber had come to Regis from Catholic University of America, Dadosky said, “their loss is our gain.”

Referencing Stoeber’s prolific publishing record and his supervision of 19 dissertations, Dadosky offered particular praise for Stoeber’s work on transformational suffering, mystical experience and post-coloniality.

Additional praise was proffered for Stoeber’s work as a visual artist and to his contributions as a consultant to the Art Gallery of Ontario leading up to the Mystical Landscapes exhibit.

After numerous tributes from a variety of speakers, the guests of honour offered a few words in response.

Schner told the celebration that it had been 50 years since he had graduate from Regis and been ordained a Jesuit.

“Regis will always be a part of me,” he said.

Stoeber noted that his formal departure would not be until March of 2025 and offered praise for his caring colleagues and the enthusiastic staff with whom he had worked.

And McLauglin noted that, as he’d done his graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from St. Mike’s in 1983, he’s been associated with the Faculty for more than half his life. With a planned return to his hometown of St. John, New Brunswick, coming, he left the door open for all to join him in some dulce and have a lobster supper.

The University of St. Michael’s College is pleased to announce the appointment of James Roussain as the Dr. William D. Sharpe Chief Librarian and Director of Special Collections at the John M. Kelly Library, effective July 1, 2024. 

“I am delighted to formalize James’s role as Chief Librarian of the Kelly,” says President David Sylvester. “The appointment comes after an overwhelmingly positive external review by a panel of experts chaired by Kate MacDonald, Nicholls Librarian and Director of the John W. Graham Library & Trinity College Archives, Trinity College, University of Toronto. In his two years in the role of interim Chief Librarian, James has demonstrated impressive leadership, overseeing the consolidation of the Regis St. Michael’s theology collections, as well as developing a significant new congregational archives collection. He has also managed important renovations: including the addition to new archival and rare book space, the re-opening of the print studio and the creation of the new multi-purpose teaching and presentation space in collaboration with the Friends of the Kelly. His vision for integrating the Kelly resources more intentionally with academic programming in St. Michael’s College, the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology and Continuing Education is serving our students, faculty and the community in innovative new ways.” 

“It is an honour to be entrusted by USMC to move the Kelly forward in its mission of bringing people together in support of their intellectual pursuits,” says Roussain. “We have an incredible team of people at the library who are deeply committed to helping students succeed and I look forward to working with my colleagues on developing new and innovative programs attuned to the changing needs of both our patrons and of academic libraries more generally. Informed by an imminent external review of our operations, the Kelly will continue to prioritize the development of its circulating and special collections and its reputation as a welcoming space on campus for students and friends. I am bolstered by the incredible support received from across campus to centre the library within our students’ academic lives.” 

Roussain’s academic and professional career attests to his deeply respected position within the North American community of university librarians. A recent participant at the Harvard Leadership Institute for Academic Librarians, he earned his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Information, and Master of Education degrees at the University of Toronto. James’s research interests are many and reflect the multi-faceted nature of his role: they range from constructions of the professional identity within archives to the pedagogical methods that can increase information and archival literacy in students. He has taught across these areas of research expertise in the Book and Media Studies program at St Michael’s as well as in the graduate program at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Information.   

Roussain first joined St. Michael’s in 2017 as the library’s first Outreach and Instruction Archivist, focused on engaging students with the library’s archival and rare book holdings. He was named Interim Head of Public Services in 2020 and then Head of Public Services in 2021, before being appointed Interim Chief Librarian in June 2022. Prior to joining the Kelly Library, Roussain had worked as a Corporate Records Archivist with Scotiabank where he engaged with units across the organization on the development and implementation of the records management program. An active volunteer within the Canadian archival community, he has spent the last ten-plus years serving various organizations, including as president of the Archives Association of Ontario  and of the Toronto Area Archivists’ Group, and as a board member with the Association of Canadian Archivists. 

“I am delighted to see James Roussain formalized as the Chief Librarian at USMC,” says Principal and Vice President Irene Morra. “His established expertise, his commitment to pedagogy and scholarship across disciplines, and his indefatigable, constructive dedication to building upon strengths speak to the importance of this appointment. He is, moreover, deeply respected as a colleague at St. Michael’s: engaged, enthusiastic, and always informed by an instinctive appreciation and collaborative respect for the work of his colleagues.” 

The John M. Kelly Library is the largest library of the federated colleges at the University of Toronto and the second largest of the more than 40 libraries at the University of Toronto. Its collections support students in all disciplines with a focus on those areas taught at St. Mike’s, including Catholic theology, European and Slavic language and literature, mediaeval studies, Irish and Celtic studies, book history, media studies, and philosophy. 

In addition to a circulating collection, the library also has a range of archival, manuscript, and rare books special collections, including the works of novelist Sheila Watson, writer G.K. Chesterton, and recently the archival records of the Sisters of Service and the Scarboro Foreign Mission Society. 

The University of St. Michael’s College is delighted to announce that Dr. Eamonn McKee, Ireland’s Ambassador to Canada, has been named an honorary fellow of the University. Formal acknowledgement of the appointment will be made on Tuesday, May 28 at the opening reception for the Canada, Ireland & Transatlantic Conference, which takes place at St. Michael’s May 28-30. 

“It is a privilege to offer recognition of the extraordinary friendship Ambassador McKee has shown St. Michael’s in the four years of his appointment to Canada,” says University President David Sylvester. “The local Irish community played a significant role in the founding of the College in 1852. More than 170 years on, our Celtic Studies program is a testament to those ties. We are grateful to Ambassador McKee for his ongoing support for—and involvement in—this world-renowned program.”   

Honorary fellowships are awarded to individuals whose ongoing work aligns with the vision and values of the University. An honorary fellowship draws the recipient into the St. Michael’s community for mutual enrichment, inspiration and encouragement. 

“I am thrilled and honoured to become an Honorary Fellow at St Michael’s,” says Ambassador McKee. “There has always been a warm welcome for me at the College. It has had a long and enriching relationship with the Embassy and indeed with all my predecessors as Ambassador. 

“The College has been a source of great new friendships for me. I am indebted to  Professor Mark McGowan for all his guidance as well as the corpus of his work on the Irish in Canada,” Ambassador McKee says. “He has become a great friend as we collaborate on projects like Fifty Irish Lives in Canada and the Global Irish Famine Way. President David Sylvester along with Principal Irene Morra have a great vision for the College and Irish studies are very much a part of that, I am delighted to say. I think that Irish Studies in Toronto have been served very well by St. Michael’s. There is tremendous scope for expansion and development.” 

Born in Dublin, Dr. McKee was appointed in 2020 as Ambassador of Ireland to Canada, Jamaica and The Bahamas, having served previously as ambassador to Israel and South Korea. He holds a degree in modern Irish history and economics from University College Dublin and earned a doctorate from the National University of Ireland, with a thesis on Irish economic policy, 1939 to 1952. 

Dr. McKee joined Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs in 1986. His storied career has placed him at a key juncture in modern Irish history. While stationed in Washington from 1990 to 1996, he became part of the early discussions on the Northern Irish Peace Process. He then was appointed a member of the Irish government’s team involved in the negotiation of the Good Friday Agreement, which helped bring peace to Northern Ireland. 

“The story of the Irish in Canada has been a revelation to me over my four years here. The influence of the Irish has been profound, their experience over the generations reflective of powerful forces at work on both sides of the Atlantic,” he says. “The range and depth of this story is barely known in Canada and virtually forgotten in Ireland. I can guarantee you that my explorations of this won’t finish when I leave in August so I’ll be a Fellow in word and deed!” 

(Toronto Friends of the Visual Arts press release)

Rita Daniel, President of the Toronto Friends of the Visual Arts, recently announced the recipient of the 2024 Founders Achievement Award which is meant to celebrate a person or group, who, over time, has made an exceptional contribution to the visual arts community. Father Daniel Donovan is the 2024 award recipient whose passion for art makes him a very worthy recipient.

“Described as man of ‘grace, elegance and kindness”, Father Donovan’s dedication to sharing his vast contemporary art collection and his support of local artists deserves this public recognition and gratitude from the Toronto Friends of the Visual Arts”, commented Rita Daniel. The Founders Achievement Award is a $15,000 prize.

Founded in 1998, the Toronto Friends of the Visual Arts is an independent, membership based, non-profit organization that promotes knowledge of the visual arts to its members through an extensive education program, and provides support and recognition for artistic achievement to artists and art organizations in the GTA and surrounding area.

In the past twenty-six years, TFVA has given awards to 240 artists, visual arts organizations and those engaged in the visual arts in the GTA.

The Achievements of Father Donovan

Father Daniel Donovan (b. 1937) is by profession a Catholic priest and professor, now emeritus, in the Faculty of Theology at the University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto.

Father Donovan’s interest in art was sparked during the mid-1960s when his graduate theological education took him to Rome and Münster, affording him the opportunity to visit many of the great museums of Western Europe. Returning to Canada in 1967, he brought home two 1957 woodcuts by Jakob Steinhardt, which continue to inform Father Donovan’s approach to art. As his interest and knowledge of art expanded with visits to Europe, New York and other major American cities, by 1981 he began to collect art in a serious way, initially with the purchase and donation to St. Michael’s of an important Kosso Eloul sculpture, Zen West, which sits on campus property. He reasoned that buying art and making it available for others to enjoy was something worthwhile and not an unreasonable way to spend the money that he was being paid as a professor at St. Michael’s.

He soon directed his interest to contemporary Canadian art and art in Toronto. So began a practice that continued for over 40 years of spending Saturday afternoons visiting Toronto’s many and varied art galleries, meeting many artists and gallerists and acquiring a growing collection of works in which he found the spiritual or religious in the broadest sense.

Over the years, Father Donovan has assembled a collection of over 400 works of art, almost exclusively by Canadian contemporary artists. Some acquisitions were influenced by students accompanying him on gallery visits, and some on his desire to support emerging artists. Among some 200 artists represented in the collection are works by Meryl McMaster, Robert Mapplethorpe, Angela Grauerholtz, Barbara Steinman and Denyse Thomasos. The donated works now hang in buildings throughout St. Michael’s campus, including the John M. Kelly Library classroom buildings and student residences.

Since initial installation in Odette Hall in 1997, thousands of visitors and students have come to see the collection. Over the years, Father Donovan has conducted many tours of the collection, including TFVA. In recent years, UofT has formed a committee to continue supporting the Donovan Collection.

As Father Donovan has remarked: “It is a striking thing about our culture that we have traditionally put such an emphasis on reading and writing and on literature in our educational practice and have largely taken the visual arts for granted. That may be why so few people are open to engage with contemporary art.” For nearly 60 years, Father Donovan has shown us how to engage with contemporary art, and the TFVA is thrilled to celebrate this wonderful supporter of the arts.

Fr. Donovan was featured in the Spring/Summer 2022 St. Mike’s alumni magazine.

Learn more about the Donovan Collection on the Kelly Library website.

Recently, St. Mike’s student Camila Justino heard a lecturer advise students not to “leave part of yourself at the door,” urging them to engage in as many opportunities and experiences as possible. As a mother and a mature student balancing family life and school with forging a new life in Canada, the message resonated with her.

When Justino saw an ad for the Dean for a Day just days later, she sat down and wrote an application essay, outlining some of the issues she would tackle if she were Dean. Her words were convincing, as she won the opportunity to trade places for a day with Prof. Melanie Woodin, Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science, and get an inside look at the world of administration at the University of Toronto.

“I think one of the things that set apart my 500-word essay for the contest is my constant curiosity and questions about the ways we live,” Justino explains. “The main suggestion I had also came from a place of anguish in an expensive city, with increasing rates of homelessness and unemployment. It can be difficult to transition from being an undergraduate to becoming a professional able to pay all the basic expenses. My essay questioned the pressure we students might face and asked U of T to have a career centre that considers the unique circumstances of underrepresented groups of students.”

The Dean for a Day experience began at Woodin’s office in Sidney Smith Hall on St. George St., where Justino also met some of the Dean’s staff who briefed her on her agenda. Then she was whisked off to the Experiential Learning Commons (ELC), a place she deemed “fascinating” for its work on everything from hosting career workshops on topics such as interviewing through to connecting students with potential employers.

From there it was over to Simcoe Hall to meet with Prof. Sandy Welsh, Vice-Provost, Students, and then a short walk to meet with Hart House Warden David Kim.

Finally, it was back to Sid Smith for some office time, followed by a meeting with the Arts & Science Student Union (ASSU) executive in the Dean’s conference room.

When asked to describe a high point of the day, Justino laughed and said, “All of it!” She followed up, though, but stressing how meaningful it was for her to encounter women in senior administration.

However, the most inspiring part of the day, she says, was participating in the final meeting with the ASSU, which organized the contest with the Dean’s office to raise funds for food banks on campus.

“Watching the union of students ask to lower the fees of deferred exams and their willingness to defend rights for students and make important changes definitely made me proud of being a student,” Justino says.

Camila, a Book & Media Studies major with minors in Celtic Studies and Mediaeval Studies, is poised to graduate this spring. As she ponders whether to move on to graduate school or seek a career based on her gift for writing (she earned an earlier degree in literature before emigrating from her native Brazil) she says it was “inspiring to see women taking the lead.” She was particularly impressed, she notes, by Woodin’s status as a scientist.

As Justino familiarized herself with the western side of the U of T campus, Dean Woodin’s time at St. Mike’s included a visit to the Pontifical Institute for Medieval Studies, the John M. Kelly Library, and a brief stop in Odette Hall to say hello to St. Mike’s Principal, Irene Morra.

“The Dean for a Day fundraiser has become one of the highlights of my year,” says Woodin. “I really enjoyed switching places with Camila and connecting with the students, faculty, and staff of St. Michael’s College, while she filled in for me and provided our team with invaluable insights and perspectives about the student experience. This day truly brought back fond memories of my time as an undergraduate student at U of T.”

As the academic year draws to a close, Justino is looking forward to her next moves while expressing her affection for her soon-to-be alma mater.

“University opened the door for me (in Canada), including helping me to learn English,” she says. “I got great support from the Kelly Library and have special affection for Kelly. St. Mike’s is my home.”

From using a sack of potatoes as a visual aid to making cultural references to works as disparate as Plato’s Republic and television’s Desperate Housewives, the recent St. Michael’s College Research Colloquium was as entertaining as it was informative. 

The annual event, held this year on March 23, showcases the research and presentation skills of students studying at St. Michael’s. The event mirrors the experience of an academic conference, where students write and submit an abstract as part of the application process and then present their research to an audience, field questions from attendees, and receive feedback from faculty respondents.  

“The purpose of the event is to encourage fruitful collaboration between the student population and St. Mike’s faculty and fellows,” says Dr. Bernadette Guthrie, Interim Director of the Junior Fellows Program and organizer of the day. 

“The Colloquium affords undergraduate students the opportunity to present their work publicly to members of the larger academic community. This experience also offers an invaluable experience for those students planning to pursue graduate studies.” 

The day-long colloquium, which saw participation from five faculty members, featured two student panels that addressed the theme of “Labour, Leisure, and the Good Life”. In the morning panel on “GenderLeisure/Gendered Labour,” Elinor Egan (a double major in Christianity & Culture and Slavic Languages and Culture), presented on “‘Women’s Work’ through the Lens of the Christian Imagination”, while Cinema Studies major Brian Tin shared his paper, “Let’s Talk Cooking: Gendered Marketing for the Nintendo DS and User-fying Women Gamers.”  

The afternoon session saw three papers presented on the theme of “The Work of Art, the Work of God, and the Work of Contemplation.” English Literature major Bridget Bowles spoke on “Withstanding the Loss of Beauty and Dignity: Bede, Caedmon, and the Labour of Poetry in Early Modern England; Mediaeval Studies major Para Babuharan offered a paper titled “Opus Dei: Worship and Work in the Rule of St. Benedict”; and Hoda Sadek, currently studying Political Science, Philosophy and History, delivered a paper titled “Enlightenment: The Importance of Outward Contemplation for a Good Life.” 

St. Michael’s Junior Fellows also played a role in the day, developing this year’s theme and helping draft the language of the Call for Papers. They adjudicated the submissions, grouped the papers into panels, and helped locate respondents.  Two junior fellows, Dang Pham and Joseph Dattilo, served as moderators for the student panels. 

For Tin, whose research focussed on gendered video game marketing, “the colloquium could not have been timelier.” He had learned about the event from his independent project supervisor, Prof. Felan Parker. Noting that his goal had always been to publish or present his work somewhere, he took the 40-page independent study project and focused on two sections, creating a new, shorter paper for the event. 

“The version I presented at the colloquium was a mixture of two parts (out of the total seven) of the original paper. …Writing a version for the colloquium did make me think about and articulate my arguments more carefully.” 

The day began with a keynote address – “Irish Lumpers:  Appetite and Political Economy Before the Great Famine”—delivered by Prof. Padraic Scanlon, an associate professor in the University of Toronto’s Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources and the Centre for Diaspora & Transnational Studies. Scanlon, who is a Senior Fellow at St. Michael’s, gave a lively talk in which he used a sack of potatoes to challenge figures and stereotypes about the pre-famine Irish. 

The day concluded with a faculty roundtable on Labour and Leisure in the Intellectual Life. 

“I hope students come away from the event with a sense of confidence in their own role as budding scholars and in their ability to develop and refine their ideas through the process of conversation and critique,” says Guthrie. “I also hope that the Colloquium served as a site of intellectual friendship, one that afforded students the opportunity to forge connections with faculty and fellows beyond the classroom.” 

When the Print Studio in the John M. Kelly Library re-opens later this month, it will offer students an opportunity to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty as they learn about moveable type and the process of printing.

The hands-on experience is designed to lend students an enhanced appreciation for the thought that goes into creating all manner of printed materials, with discussions on design theory, print structures, book history, and our personal engagement with the tangible.

While we live in an era where digital books and printing is everywhere, the printed word remains a powerful touchstone to everything from emotions to a sense of history, says James Roussain, the interim William D. Sharpe Chief Librarian at the John M. Kelly Library. Think of an inscription in a book from a deceased loved one, the magazine with a cover noting a significant moment in history, filed away for posterity, or the joy of perusing shelves in a bookstore. Books and other types of printed materials, like posters or ephemera, he adds, are even used to decorate, a powerful indicator of what a person values and sees as esthetically pleasing.

The re-launch represents the fruition of years of planning for, and dreaming about, a space where experiential learning can help students understand the power and importance of the printed word. The original studio opened in 2002, but was closed in recent years, awaiting repairs and renovations. Over those years, the studio published three chapbooks, small pamphlet–stitched booklets.

“The pieces have come together for a better integrated program, with a more welcoming space,” says Roussain. “We have created a comfortable environment for students, with better ventilation and more space for printing demonstrations or student engagement. Recent renovations have doubled the footprint of the studio and bumped up the number of seats to 24.”

Working in the studio, students will have the opportunity to design layouts and set type, choose inks and papers, and print using the library’s collection of 19th-century printing presses. Future courses will also teach students how to bind books using traditional and modern methods. “We want students to explore the incredible variety of crafts that together make up the book arts,” says Roussain.

The Print Studio builds on the Kelly Library’s collections of rare book and archival materials. Not only can students see and handle examples of printing from its earliest days, they can also learn and sample methods of production, quickly discovering the complexities of the art and its impact on our lives.

The studio, located on the second floor of Kelly in Rm. 233, houses a variety of 19th- and 20th-century printing presses. Surrounding the presses are type cases– wooden drawers full of metal type, painstakingly set in the presses by hand, while shelves ringing the room are loaded with ink and the various other items needed to bring the presses to life.

Roussain says there are many people to thank for the improved studio space, from the Friends of the Kelly Library, who donated $18,000 towards the renovations, through to the energy and vision of St. Michael’s Principal Irene Morra, who has worked to create new links between the studio and course offerings available in the Book and Media Studies program.

The studio re-launch takes place on Thursday, March 21 at 6 p.m., beginning with a lecture in Room 105 of Kelly Library offered by Victoria University Principal Angela Esterhammer and titled “Stranger than Fiction: Scottish Emigrants and Print Culture in the 1820s.” A reception will follow, and then a demonstration in the Print Studio, led by Kit MacNeil, who teaches a course in St Michael’s Book & Media Studies program and serves as Master Printer at the University of Toronto’s Massey College. All are welcome to attend.

Montreal, March 14, 2024 – The Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) announced the appointment of Father Jeffrey S. Burwell, SJ, as the next Provincial of the Jesuits of Canada. This appointment is the culmination of a thoughtful, prayerful process of consultation and discernment, marking a significant milestone for the Canadian Province.

Father Burwell will succeed Fr. Erik Oland, assuming his new responsibilities on July 31, 2024, with an inaugural Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Toronto. A special celebration will also take place at the Jesuit infirmary in Richelieu, Quebec, on the Feast of the Assumption, August 15, 2024.

The University of St. Michael’s College congratulates Fr. Burwell on his appointment and gives thanks for the service of Fr. Erik Oland.

More information about the appointment is available on the Jesuits of Canada website.

After a relaxing break, we started the new year with a flurry – not of snow, in this odd, winterless winter – but of activities. Here are some of the moments St. Michael’s marked in January and February.

Fr. McConica Remembered — Fr. James McConica, CSB, who served as President of the University of St. Michael’s College from 1984 to 1990, was remembered at a memorial Mass held on February 15 in St. Basil’s Church. Mass was followed by a reception attended by colleagues, friends and members of his Basilian family. Mark Carney, the former Governor of the Bank of Canada, and David Lametti, the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, each shared memories of how Fr. McConica served as a mentor to them when they were studying at Oxford.

RSM also had the first installment of our Critical Conversations in Catholic Education Series of events in the Halton School Board. Prof. Cynthia Cameron and several RSM speakers presented to more 30 teachers about how we can tackle youth anxiety over climate change.

St. Mike’s now an IFCU Member — St. Michael’s received admission into the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU). This video was distributed to their members.

Alumni Honoured with Arbor Awards — St. Mike’s President David Sylvester was on hand as some key alumni members received the University of Toronto’s Arbor Award in recognition of outstanding volunteer service. Sr. Mary Anne McCarthy, CSJ, John Kostoff and Ed Unger were all honoured, with past recipients Wendy Brennan, Mimi Marrocco, Teresa-Anne Martin and Rita Shaughnessy also recognized.

Black History Month Poetry Night — Students from SMC and the wider U of T community participated in an open mic and poetry night on campus to celebrate Black History Month, a fantastic opportunity to hear the talent and the stories of students.

RSM Readies for Lent — The Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology entered into the Solemn Season of Lent with Ash Wednesday Mass and a soup social at St. Basil’s. The celebration encompassed the wider RSM and downtown Toronto community. 

Talking Mental Health and Wellbeing — On February 21, SMC faculty and staff across departments attended a lunch and learn featuring research on student perceptions of wellbeing conducted by Dr. Lauren Brown (Program Coordinator at the Multi-Faith Centre). Through a guided mental health check-in, free write exercise, and slow reading, staff explored how to create a campus community that promotes a relational and integrated approach to student wellbeing. An audio summary of Dr. Brown’s research and themes explored during the Lunch & Learn can be found here. 

Continuing Education Ramping up for Re-launch –The reconstituted Continuing Education Council of Senate had its first meeting in February and the division has launched its Continuing Education interest survey to gauge interest from the larger community, as well as gain an understanding of preferred topics, delivery methods and timing for programs and courses. If you haven’t had a chance yet, we’d love your participation. 

And congratulations to Disha Makhijani, who has recently been appointed Executive Assistant, Continuing Education. Disha also recently became a Canadian citizen. Brava!

Kelly has Something for Everyone — The Kelly Library has had several successes over the past couple of months. The letterpress Print Studio on the second floor has been revamped into a larger, more user-friendly teaching space and, as if on cue, the Print Club — for letterpress enthusiasts — met for the first time in January to work on a manifesto. The library also exhibited in-person and virtual book displays celebrating Black History Month in February, and at the end of last month the Friends of the Kelly Library arranged a St. Mike’s alumni author panel featuring Silvia Falsaperla (SMC 8T7), Darlene Madott (SMC 7T5), and Caroline Di Giovanni (SMC 7T0).

Skating Rink Open — The weather took until February to fully co-operate but our rink opened in early January, with students, staff and other community members taking to the ice, truly proving that St. Mike’s is a four-season Oasis in the City.

Be Mine! — Staff got together just before Valentine’s Day for a cookie decorating event, which saw a great turnout and lots of friendly competition at this social team-building break. Congratulations to the Facilities team, who came out on top.

SMC Troubadours Have Another Smash Hit — The SMC drama society, The Troubadours, successfully put on a sold-out run of four performances of Legally Blonde at the Hart House theatre in February. 

Chinese Lunar Celebration — SMCSU welcomed the Wushu Project, a Toronto-based martial arts school, to campus to celebrate Chinese New Year with a Lion Dance! The Lion blessed the SMC community with wealth and prosperity in the new year by eating the lettuce and spitting it out on the event organizer, Vanessa Choi, SMCSU’s VP Arts.

With the fall semester in full swing, we had a rich range of activities take place, including many that focussed on caring for our neighbours. From mental health awareness workshops to St. Mike’s beloved traditions, here is a sampling of the things we celebrated in November and December.

Christmas Market, Community Efforts Raise Funds to Help Others — Elmsley Place was lit with lots of light and merriment on December 7^th for the 2^nd Annual Christmas Market. St. Michael’s welcomed 30 vendors (students, alumni and community members) and hundreds of shoppers to purchase gifts at this festive occasion. With many tables donating their proceeds to charity, we were able to raise more than $2300 for the Romero House. The market was a success and we look forward to continuing the tradition next year.

Another $1378 was raised for St. Basil’s Out of the Cold program via donations collected at St. Michael’s Schola Cantorum concert, the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology, Campus Safety U of T, our Christmas Luncheon, and in-kind donations. Thanks to all who gave so generously and lent their time and talents.

Alumni Christmas Tea Delights — One of our favourite traditions, the Alumni Christmas Tea, took place just before the Christmas Market opened. It was great to see longtime friends back on campus for high tea and gorgeous music from the Schola.

Falalala Formal — Student leaders at SMC celebrated a fantastic first semester at the inaugural Falalala Formal. The formal was organized as a way to thank our involved students for all their hard work and dedication to serving their peers. 

RSM Marks Convocations — In November, Regis and St. Michael’s theology students participated in their respective convocations. The keynote speaker at St. Michael’s convocation was Archbishop Donald Bolen of Regina, while the Keynote at the Regis Convocation was Sr. Elizabeth Mary Davis.

Regis College hosted its annual Chancellor’s Lecture, delivered by theologian Prof. Werner Jeanrond, in November, and the students gathered to let their hair down with a Karaoke night early in December.

Fall FAS Convocation — More than 100 St. Michael’s students received their diplomas at the Fall Faculty of Arts & Science convocation in early November. Festivities also included an awards ceremony for some of St. Mike’s top students.

St. Mike’s Visits Rochester Alumni — President David Sylvester and Lisa Gleva, our Executive Director, Advancement, had a great time getting caught up with our many alumni members who live in the Rochester, NY, area. We loved the feedback on life at St. Mike’s and we were excited to share lots of news about exciting developments at their beloved alma mater.

Be There Certificate Contest Winner — Congratulations to SMC student Dzhafar Kabidenov, winner of the Be There Certificate contest and a $50 gift card. Thank you, Dzhafar, for completing the certificate and building the knowledge base, skills, and confidence to safely support anyone who may be struggling with their mental health. The Be There Certificate is a free online self-paced learning opportunity featuring an actionable framework designed to increase mental health literacy and provide the knowledge and skills needed to recognize signs of distress and safely support yourself or anyone struggling with mental health. 

More SMC Frontline Staff Received Suicide Prevention Training — SMC registrarial staff participated in professional development and received SafeTALK (‘Suicide Alertness for Everyone’) training in a November workshop co-facilitated by Emily VanBerkum-Farahat and Emma Oliver. The primary goal of SafeTALK is to provide participants with the confidence and skills to become suicide alert so that people with suicidal thoughts can be identified and provided life-affirming care.

SMC Students De-Stress Through Creative Arts — SMC students put stress relief in action in November with canvases, brushes, and paint provided for students to make their own masterpieces. An instructor was on standby in case students wanted to learn basic techniques or brainstorm ideas for how to get started or what to paint. This was the fall term’s final event in the ‘Wonderful Wednesday’ art-based series piloted. The series will return this semester with a variety of activities such as dance and creative writing that nurture and celebrate artistry, imagination, self-confidence, and self-expression!   

SMC Students Explore Coping Skills — During prime mid-term season, Manager of Community Wellness Emily VanBerkum-Farahat, SMC’s Wellness Council, and student participants explored the topic of stress and coping. Together, we learned what stress is, how it’s triggered, and how to bolster self-awareness and natural resiliencies to cope better in personalized ways. Students also had the opportunity to foster open and direct talk about stress management and wellbeing through conversation guided by St. Mike’s Talking Circles leaders, while eating a delicious dinner together.  

SRS Capstone Award Winners — Student Capstone Projects, the summative exercise in the Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability Program, were awarded in early November. These projects are designed to create positive social and environmental impact. The 2022-23 winning projects focused on embedding equity in social and environmental practices, creating shared value in the construction and music industries, and embedding sustainability and social responsibility within small and medium companies, in public institutions and at the country level. Congratulations all!

John M. Kelly Library Alive with Activity — Library staff welcomed grade 12 students from Peele and Halton in November as part of the college’s Capstone program. Students learned about the U of T libraries, Library of Congress classification, and got practice finding a book on the shelf.

The Dark Flame of Poetry exhibit launched in November. Curated by Remi Pulwer, Head of the Kelly Library’s Technical Services, this exhibit celebrates 160th anniversary of the birth of Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio.

The library held an open house for students this fall. Students dropped by the ground floor to meet staff, pick up pamphlets, and munch on snacks.

The C.P. Stacey Award Committee and the Laurier Centre for the Study of Canada (LCSC) have awarded historian David A. Wilson of the University of St. Michael’s College the 2022 C.P. Stacey Award for scholarly work in Canadian military history.

Canadian Spy Story: Irish Revolutionaries and the Secret Police (McGill-Queen’s University Press) examines the 19th-century Irish revolutionary Fenian movement and its efforts to confront British imperialism in Ireland with armed invasion and insurrection in British North America. In the years just before and after Canadian Confederation, the Fenians were seen as a significant security and military threat. In Wilson’s expert hands, the story of clandestine efforts by Canadian secret police and British authorities to infiltrate and assess Fenian networks in the U.S. and British North America make great history and great reading.

“This exceptionally well-researched book has plumbed the depths of Canadian, American and British archives, as well as dozens of 19th-century newspapers and other publications, thoroughly reconstructing how authorities responded to a revolutionary threat that aimed to strike first at Britain’s North American colonies and then a newly independent Canada,” the C.P. Stacey Award Committee noted. “The Fenian invasions of the 1860s and 1870s are widely recognized as a key factor that led to Canadian Confederation in 1867, and now the secretive efforts to gather the intelligence that gave Canadian and British governments the information needed to appreciate the defence threat posed by the Fenians have been definitively addressed.”

Wilson is a professor in the Celtic Studies program at St. Michael’s College and the Department of History at the University of Toronto, as well as general editor of the Dictionary of Canadian Biography. The recipient of many awards and prizes for research and teaching, Wilson is also known for his two-volume biography of Thomas D’Arcy McGee.

Historian C.P. Stacey was brilliant in his ability to contextualize and frame military history in its contemporary political contexts. The award committee collectively found Wilson’s work mirrored this approach, remarking “Canadian Spy Story is a highly readable example of why military history has meaning and relevance for all Canadians.”

The award committee was struck by the considerable depth of choice when working to choose the winning book. There are two honorable mentions for the 2022 C.P. Stacey Award:

• Terry Copp with Alexander Maavara, produced a richly nuanced view of the First World War as experienced in one of Canada’s most diverse and complex cities in Montreal at War, 1914-1918 (University of Toronto Press). Their findings deepen, and frequently trouble, the understanding of Montreal’s place in Quebec and Canada during the war and beyond.
• Matthew Barrett, in Scandalous Conduct: Canadian Officer Courts Martial, 1915-1945 (UBC Press), provides a detailed study of Canadian officer courts martial and demonstrates how dismissal from the services had an influence on officers’ conduct, while allowing for redemption through service as other ranks.

The C.P. Stacey Award is named in honour of Charles Perry Stacey, historical officer to the Canadian Army during the Second World War and later a longtime professor of history at the University of Toronto. The award is presented annually to the best book in the field of Canadian military history, broadly defined, including the study of war and society. The award winner receives a $1,000 prize, made possible through the generous support of John and Pattie Cleghorn and family and the Department of History at Wilfrid Laurier University. The LCSC took over administration of the award in 2018 from the Canadian Committee for the History of the Second World War.

The 2022 C.P. Stacey Award Committee consisted of Kevin Spooner (Wilfrid Laurier University; director, LCSC), Isabel Campbell (Directorate of History and Heritage, National Defence Headquarters, Ottawa), and Lee Windsor (University of New Brunswick). Learn more at LCSC’s War and Society research cluster.

(Source: Wilfred Laurier University press release)

The beginning of the academic year brings so many events and ceremonies and special moments that there are simply too many to list. Here is a sampling, therefore, of what was going on at St. Mike’s in September and October….

Making a Splash at Orientation — St. Mike’s packed Orientation festivities with lots of learning and tons of fun, with everything from meet-and-greets, pancakes, and the invocation to, of course yet another victory at the bed races. More than 970 incoming students attended Orientation, with 150 upper-year students serving as leaders, marshals, mentors and coordinators.

Later in September, a special lunch was held for international students to give them a little added St. Mike’s TLC.

Since the start of classes, there have been a total of 96 events hosted by the Office of the Dean of Students and Student Organizations (SMCSU, Clubs etc.). Attendance at events is much higher than in 2022 and students have reported a growing desire for in-person connection points. These events include Grad Week, the successful launch of AMPlify St. Mike’s, Wellness Week, and the first annual Grow Week aimed at challenging students to step outside their comfort zones. 

Regis St. Michael’s Year Off to a Good Start — The joint Regis St. Michael’s Orientation saw 75 students attend a beautiful evening of Vespers, presentations and a light dinner. New students got a chance to meet returning students, faculty and staff.  The following week RSM had its opening Mass of the Holy Spirit at the St. Joseph’s Chapel, beginning the weekly Masses for the year and offering a chance to pray for the start of the academic year. A social with fellowship and food followed the liturgy.

Chief Delorme Visits Campus — Chief Cadmus Delorme, former Chief of Cowessess First Nation, spent a day with the University of St. Michael’s College community in September for a series of events, delivering a message of hope regarding ways to participate in the journey toward Reconciliation. But, he cautioned, “Reconciliation can only come from uncomfortable conversations.”

Celebrating Michaelmas — Campus was alive with festivities as we marked Michaelmas on Sept. 29.  After an academic procession and the 12:10 Mass at St. Basil’s, events moved outside, with food trucks, cake, and games. Later in the day, the COOP was home to a magic show, and then St. Michael’s Schola Cantorum performed a concert in the church.

A New Book for Prof. McGowan — Congratulations to Prof. Mark McGowan on the successful launch of his latest book, Hunger & Hope: The Irish Famine Migration from Stokestown, Roscommon in 1847. Dr. McGowan is seen here with former Celtic Studies program student researchers Chiara Fallone, Elizabeth McDermott, and Julia Maher.

Lectures Offer Something for Everyone — Special lectures are a big part of the academic rhythm at St. Mike’s and this fall got off to a good start with guest speaker Dr. Deborah Parker delivering the annual Dante Lecture on the topic of Dante in the World and exploring what makes Dante’s work so adaptable. Earlier in the term,  Dr. Daniel Todes, emeritus of Johns Hopkins University and Dr. Eleonora Filippova, from the Archive of the Russian Academy of Sciences, deliver the Langan Lecture, titled Unifying Science and Religion: Aleksei Ukhtomsky and the Psycho-Physiology of Salvation.

Art and the Heart — More than 180 students from the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School board spend half a day with us exploring Art, Theology and Social Justice through the various sculptures at Regis and St. Michael’s. Sculptor Timothy Schmalz, who was present in the morning, shared the importance of the role art can play in conversion of heart towards care for greater justice and peace in the world.

Sharing Gifts Via Out of the Cold — On Thursday afternoons a team of students get together to prepare a healthy snack and to share it with the regular patrons of Out of the who gather in St. Basil’s Church. The goal is to spend time in conversation, thus helping in an ever-so-small way those who live in solitude, while learning more about the plight of some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.

Taking Time to Reflect — In mid-October the Senior staff of the Bursar’s Office spent a few days off campus together for team building and some time to reflect on the vision of St. Mike’s, seeing how their roles in university administration intersect. 

Safety First — Keeping campus safe, comfortable and efficiently run is a daily goal of our Facilities Team. Here are Pushpa and Leonila running a campus-wide fire drill.

Golf Tourney a Success — Thanks to all who turned out to play, as well as to our generous sponsors, the 2023 Golf Classic was a great success, and we’ve already got a date for next year – Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Eagles Nest Golf Club.

While the pace on campus is decidedly different in the summer months there is still a ton of great things happening at St. Mike’s. Here are a few of the things we celebrated in July and August:

Dr. Salvatori Named Head of Continuing Ed — Dr. Michael Salvatori has been named Director of St. Michael’s Continuing Education division. Salvatori is a career educator and author with extensive experience in university administration and teaching as well as at the secondary and primary school levels. He takes up his duties in October.

RSM Launches Rome Course — An innovative new course from Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology saw students travel to Rome this summer to focus on a theological and historical overview of the issues that divide Christians, as well as the bonds that unite them. Catholic Perspectives on the Ecumenical and Interreligious Movements, taught by Dr. Michael Attridge, was held at Centro Pro Unione, an institution located in central Rome run by the Friars of the Atonement, an order with a charism devoted to actively promoting Christian unity and the founders of what is now known as the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Honourary Degree Recipients Announced — We were pleased to announce that 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. The ceremony takes place at St. Basil’s on Saturday, November 10.

Prof. Wilson Receives Irish Honour — Celtic Studies Prof. David Wilson, who was named the Thomas D’Arcy McGee Ireland and Canada Person of the Year 2023, received his award recently at the Thomas D’Arcy McGee Summer School in County Louth, Ireland. The annual award honours a person who has made an exceptional contribution to Ireland-Canada relations. The award citation reads, in part, that Wilson is “a brilliant writer and outstanding orator. His two volumes on Thomas D’Arcy McGee ‘must rank as one of the great historical biographies of our time”.

Mentoring Program Off to a Strong Start — AMPlify St. Mike’s, a program that matches alumni mentors together with upper-class students and recent graduates, hosted two mentor orientation sessions in August and will host two more in September, ahead of the October 3 launch party. The two orientation sessions are an important part of the program and solidify our alumni mentors’ participation.

Social Time for New Hires — Our newest employees had a fun lunch at Eataly, organized by the President’s Office and HR. Attendees included: Sara Taghinia (Registrar’s Office); Disha Makhijani (President’s Office); Chanelle Burris (HR); Iulia Iarca (Principal’s Office); Nicole Ferrante (Campus Ministry); Laura Forsey (Library); Daisy Yuan (Library); and Irene Krispis (Registrar’s Office). Since then, Will Palmer has joined the maintenance team as Maintenance Technician II.

St. Mike’s Staff Impresses in Kickball — Firm believers in the old adage about the dangers of all work and no play, several staffers joined friends to create a St. Mike’s kickball team in the Jam league. The team went through the regular season undefeated, with 4 wins and 1 tie, to be regular season champions, and then earning a bronze in the playoff.

Getting Ready for O Week — Our amazing student services team has been busy working to provide incoming students with all the information they need to succeed, as well as collaborating with orientation co-ordinators Hedieh Hashemi and Giovanna Macedo to arrange a spectacular introduction to life and learning at St. Mike’s. The jampacked orientation schedule runs from Aug. 31-September 14. Check out the orientation Instagram account at smc_orientation to follow the fun!

New Issue of St. Michael’s Magazine Available — Want to get caught up on all the latest news from St. Mike’s? The latest issue of our alumni magazine is available online for you.

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!

March and April saw good news for St. Mike’s on multiple fronts. Here are just a few of the things we’ve been celebrating on campus in recent weeks:

President Sylvester Re-appointed–We are delighted with the news that Dr. David Sylvester has accepted a second term as President of the University of St. Michael’s College. Dr. Sylvester has made great strides at St. Mike’s and we look forward to another successful term.

Making Waves as a Blue Community–St. Michael’s and Regis College are now Blue Communities. We signed on as members in mid-April, formally recognizing that St. Mike’s is committed to protecting the world’s water supply and ensuring all people have access to water as a human right.

St. Mike’s, Loretto Sign Residence Agreement–In a significant development designed to protect and carry forward the impact of the Loretto Sisters on our campus, St. Michael’s announced it would be assuming the operation and management of Loretto College as of May 1, 2023.

ACCUC Meets on Campus–St. Mikes played host to presidents from the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities for their most recent semi-annual meeting.

Archbishop Leo Visits Founders House–Archbishop Francis Leo stopped by Founders House shortly before his installation in March.  He  arrived with Cardinal Thomas Collins to meet with Collegium Chair Rosanne Rocchi and President Sylvester.  

Exciting Staffing News from Campus Ministry–The Campus Ministry team is expanding! Campus Ministry Coordinator Nicole Ferrante is now full-time, having successfully completed the comprehensive exams for her Master of Divinity degree at Regis College. As well, Christina Labriola has joined the team as the Director of Music.  She will remain Artistic Director of USMC’s Schola Cantorum as well as creating a student choir you’ll hear on Saturday evenings at the Campus Ministry Mass during the academic year. She’ll also offer music workshops as a means of professional development and networking for liturgical musicians in Toronto. You’ll see her Christina in action at the Baccalaureate Mass on Monday June 12.

Jesuits Shine Light on Work of Sonal Castelino and Fr. Rixon–Sonal Castelino, xmcj, and Regis Fr. Gordon Rixon, SJ,  were featured in a recent edition of the Jesuit publication Hemispheres for their work presenting the Homeless Jesus statue at Regis College to visiting high school students.

Panel Marks Good Friday Accord–St. Mike’s marked the 25^th anniversary of the Good Friday Accord, a critical step in the move to peace in Northern Ireland, with an impressive panel discussion featuring Janice McGinn, Ireland’s Consul General in Toronto, MP James Maloney, Greg Quinn, the Acting British Consul General in Toronto, Ciaran Quinn, Sian Fein’s representative in North America, and Robert Kearns, Chair and Founder, Canada Ireland Foundation.

The Return of the “Christianity and the Arts” Lecture–University of Westminster professor John Wyver gave a presentation about his BBC television documentary Coventry Cathedral: Building for a New Britain, telling the story of the building of the new Coventry Cathedral in 1962 after the destruction of the medieval building in WWII.

Innovative AI Class Announced–How’s this for exciting programming? We learned that Fall 2023 will see a new class at St. Mike’s that will be taught almost entirely with artificial intelligence tools. “AI as a Classroom” is an advanced fourth-year seminar that will be offered as part of the Book and Media Studies Program (BMS) at St. Michael’s College, in the University of Toronto.

Kelly Library Dante Collection–“They entered the Kelly Library with hope and abandoned none of it,” Kelly staffers report. Dante enthusiasts including Heather Webb, keynote speaker at the “Emotions and Communities in Dante” conference, immersed themselves in the Library’s Dante Collection in advance of her closing address at the “Emotions and Communities in Dante” conference, held at St. Mike’s from April 12-13. Webb, from the University of Cambridge, was joined in the library’s Special Collections Reading Room by other Dante scholar,  including Elisa Brilli from the U of T Centre for Medieval Studies.

2022-23 St. Mike’s Yearbook Released–The Mike Publications produced the 2022-2023 St. Mike’s Yearbook, created by a dedicated team of student leaders. It features events and programs from various student initiatives and activities throughout this academic year. To purchase a yearbook, visit https://form.jotform.com/231033563911044.  To view our incredible archive of SMC yearbooks check out  https://archive.org/details/usmcyearbooks.

SMC Troubadours Present Angels in America–The SMC Troubadours presented a staged reading of Angels in America, Millennium Approaches, to a sold-out crowd in our beautiful Father Madden Hall. This epic story involved incredibly creative staging and interactive story-telling that left a huge impact on those who attended.

SMC Campus Clean Up–Clean SMC, St. Mike’s student-led initiative focused on sustainability and creating a culture that cares for our common home, organized a campus-wide clean up with support from the President and Bursar’s offices! The clean-up had more than 30 attendees and showcased the efforts of our collective community in preparing for a beautiful spring season.

A Fruitful Retreat for All–The last weekend in April saw Sonal Castelino, xmcj, and Emma Oliver, Assistant Dean of Campus Life, take 28 students in senior leadership on a retreat at Lake St. George Field Centre. Retreatants included orientation coordinators, members of the residence council, student campus ministers, SMCSU members, mentorship coordinators and commuter coordinators.

The Winter semester has been fruitful and fun so far, with great academic and social events for everyone. Here’s a sampling of some of our memorable moments in January and February: 

Listening to Indigenous Voices –St. Michael’s joined with community partners to begin monthly dinners and listening circles at the Mary Ward Centre to begin to learn more about Canada’s Indigenous history.

Dr. Sylvester Profiled by ACCU –St. Michael’s President David Sylvester was profiled recently in At The Helm, a publication from the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU).”St. Mike’s is positioned to offer the human voice through our strength in theology, philosophy, ethics, the humanities, and whole person education. Everything that we do is built around collaboration,” he told the publication.  

McLuhan Meets Silicon Valley — Dr. Paolo Granata and members of the McLuhan Seminar in Creativity and Technology are just back from another successful trip to California’s Silicon Valley, a visit that made a lasting impression on students. Participant Nicole Ling says the trip allowed students to “network with high tech business leaders, CEOs, and venture capitalists on how to turn crisis into new opportunities for startup leaders and tech researchers for a sustainable world in the annual Fujitsu ActivateNow Technology Summit.”  As student Sophie Disch describes it, “investigating and experiencing up close how technology and creativity fosters innovation in the global technology centre that is Silicon Valley was an incredibly inspiring journey. …I was most interested in learning how the symbiosis between institutes, companies, and educational institutions creates a sustained spirit of creativity in Silicon Valley.” 

Kelly Library News — The John M. Kelly Library is delighted to welcome Teresa Wong as its new Digital Archivist. Teresa, who developed her passion for digital preservation at the J. Paul Getty Trust, first joined the Kelly Library as a contract archivist in 2017 and has a background in history, records management, and Critical Information Policy Studies. Teresa will be taking a leading role in developing the Kelly Library’s Digital Preservation Studio. 

A group of senior-level undergraduate students from York University’s Social & Textual Production of Children’s Literature course visited the Kelly Library to tour the Digital Studio and Conservation Studio. The course focuses on the materiality of children’s books as objects and their relationship to digital surrogates. The library’s facilities were able to highlight the relationship between physical and digital preservation of materials and their value as research objects in both scenarios.

Celebrating Black History Month — The Office of the Dean of Students, in collaboration with Campus Ministry, the Registrar’s Office, and various student organizations, hosted a series of events to celebrate Black History Month, including movie nights, a Dance Class with U of T’s Afro Dance Club, Panel’s featuring Black Experiences on campus and in religious spaces, as well as an Open Mic Poetry night featuring Eddie Lartey (@tupacshakespeare), who recently won the Canadian Individual Slam Poetry competition.  

Alumni Networking Social — The office of the Dean of Students, the Registrar’s Office, and Office of Advancement collaborated to host an Alumni Networking Social with more than 20 alums and 60 student attendees who gathered to connect and discuss opportunities for professional development and career planning. 

Supporting Irish Speakers — Anthony Trindle, who is at St. Mike’s this year as an ambassador for the Ireland Canada University Foundation and  teaching Irish Language courses – including the only advanced Irish course in Canada–has been working hard to establish a Toronto branch of Conradh na Gaeilge (the Gaelic League), the world’s oldest, largest and most impactful Irish language organization. The local chapter now has 85 members, and 35 turned out recently for an Irish language event. Congratulations, Anthony! 

Lectures on Campus — Celtic Studies professor Pa Sheehan delivered a lecture in the Celtic Studies Speakers’ series entitled Nationalism and Amateurism: Pillars of the Gaelic Athletic Association, while Dr. Catherine Keller of New Jersey’s Drew University delivered a talk on her new book, Facing Apocalypse: Climate, Democracy, and Other Last Chances, at this semester’s Elliott Allen Lecture.

Varsity Hero a St. Mike’s Man — The Varsity Blues featured quarterback—and SMC student– Kinsale Philip in a recent profile. A fourth-year philosophy major, Philip is the first person in his family to attend a post-secondary institution. Read how he’s breaking cycles and building bridges. 

A Different Kind of Masking–This year, the highly anticipated– sold out! –masquerade ball returned after a Covid-induced hiatus. Students from the Medieval Studies and Celtic Studies Undergraduate Society joined faculty and friends in Father Madden hall to “party like it was 999” and to celebrate a return to campus.  

Taking to the Stage — The Troubadours, St. Mike’s Drama Society, trod the boards at Hart House Theatre for the first time in three years to put on the Tony Award winning Sondheim musical, Into The Woods, with sold-out shows and rave reviews. It was an absolute success! 

Lion Dance Celebration — We ushered in the Year of the Rabbit with  traditional Lion Dance performance!  The colourful, fun event was a great way to usher in the new year. 

Campus Skating Rink Opens — And finally, if you found yourself with a Skaters’ Waltz ear worm this winter it’s probably because our rink opened up for the winter. The rink, located in the quad, is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Skates are available to rent through the St. Michael’s College Student Union during office hours. 

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!

As spring settled in we eagerly joined in lots of activities in April and May, especially enjoying the return of in-person events! 

This year’s reunion was particularly special as it was the first in-person reunion since 2019. Hundreds of alumni joined us online and in person to learn from faculty lectures, reconnect with classmates, make new friends and celebrate milestone graduation anniversaries together. Highlights include Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie’s keynote speech at the Annual General Meeting, a Young Alumni Pub Quiz held in Yorkville, fascinating faculty lectures by Dr. Michael O’Connor, Dr. Alison More and Dr. Cynthia Cameron, the Double Blue All-Alumni Party and two wonderful brunches – one to celebrate the 50^th graduation anniversary of the Class of 1972, and one to honour this year’s Alway Award winner, Barry McInerney (SMC 8T5), for his contributions at St. Mike’s and beyond. We’re already looking forward to next year’s Reunion!  

Our incredibly popular 1^st-year Gilson Seminar in Faith and Ideas finally made it to Rome for the pinnacle of the program. Piggybacking groups that missed the trip because of the pandemic allowed all students to have a chance to make the tri. Their stay in the Eternal City included a visit to the Vatican, as well as the Vatican Observatory, as well as numerous day trips and lectures. No doubt a great time was had by all. 

Spring saw a great group of doctoral candidates in the Faculty of Theology offer successful thesis defences. Congratulations to Shannon Wylie, Aleksander Krogevoll, and Somyong Lee. 

The Faculty of Theology held its annual commissioning Mass, a beautiful tradition that sees the community come together to pray for graduates as they head out into the world to minister in a variety of ways. 

Congratulations to librarian Silvia Vong. One of her recent articles on information literacy was rated among the top 20 instruction article of the past year by the American Library Association (ALA) Library Instruction Round Table (LIRT). 

A book shifting project on the 2^nd floor is now finished. Spearheaded by librarian Remi Pulwer, the floor’s entire collection was shifted over 12 months of work to create space for new books and titles from our print reference collection. 

To paraphrase Shakespeare, in spring, a young student’s heart turns to …. sports! Construction began on St. Mike’s Athletic Field thanks to the initiative of the St. Michael’s College Student Union (SMCSU), who have funded the project, which includes new fencing, grass, and picnic benches for students to enjoy the outdoor space in our #Oasisinthecity. 

Meanwhile, the SMC Crochet club completed their blanket tapestry to celebrate the community here at St. Michael’s! 

And of course, while spring always leaves us guessing, it arrived in all its splendor on campus, each year a little more beautiful than the one before. There’s a reasons St. Mike’s is known as the #Oasisinthecity! 

The days have been so full recently it’s hard to believe it’s April already! Here’s a look back at some of the things we celebrated in February and March. 

• Eight members of the Class of 2022 received  Student Leadership Awards from the University of Toronto. Congratulations to all!

• Students from across the St. Michael’s community shared their research at the 2022 USMC Student Research Colloquium. This year’s theme was the idea of the university itself, and topics ranged from how Raskolnikov would have fared at U of T to the communal work of truth-seeking in the modern university to the work of philosopher Joseph Pieper. 

• PhD candidate Mia Theocharis was selected to take part in a virtual synod meeting with Pope Francis on February 24. The meeting focused on issues relating to migration.

• We marked St. Patrick’s Day with a Reception attended by the Irish Ambassador to Canada, Eamonn McKee. Students, faculty, staff, and community members joined together to mark March 17 in person. The following Sunday, we celebrated our first in-person alumni event since the start of the pandemic, when alumni and friends gathered for a reception following the St. Patrick’s Parade. Guests enjoyed Irish-themed refreshments and a St. Patrick’s Day greeting from St. Mike’s Principal Mark McGowan.

• The Faculty of Theology launched its new website in March, a site that offers a fresh look and improved functionality.

• Students from the inaugural Boyle Seminar class gathered to celebrate their upcoming graduation and reunion as a group. Joined by Professor More and Principal McGowan, the Boyle Seminar students reflected on their time as a class, sharing memories and pictures.

• St. Michael’s and the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies hosted a virtual/in-person workshop on faith and doubt as experienced by women in the Middle Ages.

• Congratulations to Regis College students Meghan Bowen and Jeff Braff, finalists in the TST 3 Minute Thesis Competition. Doctoral student Bowen offered the Presentation title: “As You and I Are One: A Historically-Informed Reading of Augustine’s Goods of Marriage for Contemporary Ethics”, while DMin student Braff presented: “Fortifying the Front Lines: Incorporating the Buddhadharma into the Provision of Spiritual Care to Hospital Staff.” Best of luck to both as they on to TST’s final competition on April 25, 2022.

• The SMC Troubadors offered three performances of Spring Awakening at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts.

• On March 26^th the St. Michael’s College Student Union hosted their first End of Year Formal in three years at the Royal Ontario Museum. 400 Students were able to gather for a night of food, dancing, and celebration.

• We rounded out Black History Month with a series of educational and fun events in St. Mike’s own special Black History Week.

• The Facilities team is celebrating Mike Graham’s completion of his probation period on March 7^th. He is now a full-time permanent employee at the University of St. Michael’s College as our Senior Building Operator.  Congratulations Mike!  

Now that we are well into 2022, we’d like to take a look back at some of the events we were celebrating at St. Mike’s in December and January of this academic year.

• With the help of the Vice-President’s Working Group on Indigenous Awareness, the University of St. Michael’s College has begun to consider the priorities from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action on which we would like to focus. The working group received a list of suggested priorities and ideas from various departments, including the Dean’s Office, Campus Ministry, Facilities, Kelly Library, and more. The group has met to discuss these and plan to move forward with prioritizing the Calls to Action in our community.

• A working committee has been struck under the leadership of Campus Ministry director Sonal Castelino to begin the process of engaging in Pope Francis’ Synod on Synodality. Listening circles will be held in the coming weeks.

• St. Mike’s welcomed Melodie Buhagiar and Lisa Gleva to the community. Melodie serves as the Director of the President’s Office and Secretary to Collegium. Lisa is our new Executive Director of Advancement.

• More than 130 people joined in the virtual launch of 170 Years of Service: A Collection of Essays on the History and Mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto. The book contains several contributions from St. Mike’s faculty and alumni.

• For Let’s Talk Day on January 26, SMCSU and the Dean’s Office held an online Mental Health Seminar, and then offered a virtual screening of the film The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

• Congratulations to recent Faculty of Theology MDiv graduate Maria Drossos on her appointment as Director of the Metropolitan’s Office in Boston.

• Our friends at Regis College celebrated doctoral candidate Erica Siu Mui Lee, who recently passed her doctoral dissertation defense titled “Exploring the Contributions of Bernard Lonergan and Peter Phan to A Christian Trinitarian Approach to Religious Pluralism” with no corrections.

• In collaboration with U of T’s Campus Security, Campus Ministry collected 12 boxes of winter accessories for St. Basil’s Out of the Cold and $1,580 in gift cards for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

• Meanwhile, for the second year in a row, Joe Maiato rallied his Facilities and Housekeeping colleagues and ran also ran a fundraiser for the local Out of the Cold. The generosity of his department helped him raise $595! Well done, Joe!

• Students, faculty and staff came together—outside—to celebrate with a Christmas Festival in early December. A good time was had by all—and perhaps a Beaver Tail or two…

• As well, two socially distanced dinners—the Commuter Christmas Dinner and the Residence Formal—were held to celebrate the end of term.

November saw St. Mike’s in full swing, with great academic news, convocations to celebrate, and lots of social events. Here are some of the items on our celebratory list for November:

• November saw two St. Mike’s convocations: both the College and the Faculty of Theology celebrated the conferral of degrees, with the Theology convocation including the first graduates in the Diploma in Interfaith Dialogue, as well as this year’s cohort in the Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability program. Congratulations to all our newly minted alumni!

• St. Michael’s set an impressive precedent in November, with three of our students receiving university endorsements to apply for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. Two of the three candidates advanced to the interview stage for consideration, a wonderful reflection of the academic excellence of our students.

• Melodie Buhagiar began her duties as the new Director of the Office of the President. Buhagiar, who holds a degree from Carleton University’s School of Journalism, joins St. Michael’s after a decade of working at the University of Toronto.

• The Principal’s Working Group on International Student Life met for the first time, gathering to discuss the experiences of international students on campus and ways in which USMC can help improve them. The group will continue to meet throughout the year and implement ways to make the most of the international community’s experience on campus.

• The Irish Ambassador to Canada, His Excellency Dr. Eamonn McKee, made an in-person visit to Canada and was greeted on campus on November 3 by a small delegation of student leaders and staff from Celtic Studies, the Principal’s Office, and President Sylvester. The group gathered in Charbonnel Lounge with a lit fireplace to give the gathering a cozy Irish feel.

• The Italian Undergraduate Students Cultural Association (IUSCA) hosted a movie night, screening of Disney’s “Luca” in the quad on a chilly November evening to celebrate Italian culture with the wider SMC Community.

• The St. Mike’s Residence Council hosted a two-day Dean’s Cup Games event featuring activities spanning four different spaces on campus to get our residents to let off some steam during midterm season!

• SMCSU and H2art hosted a paint night for students to enjoy time away from screens and relax while building community.

• Who doesn’t love a puppy? The Dean’s Office collaborated with St. Mike’s Wellness to host a wellness day which included four sweet therapy dogs for students to play with.

• The Troubadours hosted their third show of the year—a student-written play entitled Hallie Kwan vs. the Timekeepers—to help support the development of student work and celebrate the ingenuity of our students.

• And finally, it’s beginning to look a lot like…. the coming of seasonal festivities! St. Mike’s tradition of decking the outside halls with dozens of lights occurred late in the month. If you haven’t yet basked in the glow, the lights will remain up until early in the New Year.

October, the month in which we traditionally offer thanks, was a busy one at St. Mike’s, with a bounty of things to celebrate. Here are a few of the happenings that caused us to cheer:

• A Memorandum of Agreement was approved on Oct. 20 by the University of St. Michael’s College Collegium and the Governing Council of Regis College which will provide for the federation of the two institutions for the purpose of creating a world-class centre of excellence in Catholic theological study. An oversight committee will now plan for the implementation of the agreement, with the federation’s inaugural academic program offered in the 2022-2023 academic year.

• Dr. Hilda Koster, a professor of feminist theology and ecotheology, has been named the new holder of the Sisters of St. Joseph Chair in Theology.

• The Gilson Seminar in Faith and Ideas hosted its first in-person beret’ing-in ceremony and welcome since COVID-19 for the fifth class of the SMC One program.

• All our St. Michael’s undergraduate programs have seen an upward trend in program numbers this academic year, with a record 502 students registered in our Book and Media Studies Program. 

• Campus Life hosted its annual Grad Week October 18-22,  featuring presentations from six different graduate programs across Toronto, six SMC Alumni speakers, and a workshop on graduate school applications facilitated by St. Mike’s Career Educator.

• Student clubs and groups gathered throughout the final week of October to celebrate Halloween in unique ways, including an outdoor showing of the 2009 film Coraline, free Trick or Treat wellness kits, Pumpkin painting and more!

• The SMC Troubadours hosted their second show of the year, RhiannaBoi95, virtually via livestream. This heartwarming one-man show invited audiences into the challenges and struggles young people face with social media and technology.

• The St. Michael’s College Student Union (SMCSU) hosted its fall by-elections and now have a full council, including two inaugural positions: Vice President of Mental Health and Accessibility, and Vice President of International Community Outreach. The newly constituted council is excited to continue its term and has spent October building a comprehensive plan for student engagement this year.

With Thanksgiving now right around the corner, we are absolutely back in the swing of school. Before the leaves really start to turn, though, we thought we’d look back at September and to some of the high points of the month.

• Even in a pandemic, St. Mike’s was able to make Orientation special. We celebrated safely and sensibly, both online and with in-person, socially distanced events. Some statistics: 977 incoming 1^st-year students registered for virtual Orientation Week; 797 1st-year students and returning second-year students registered for in person O-Week events (including paint nights, movie nights, Zumba and more); 797 1st-year students and returning second year students registered for in person campus tours. Welcome to the Class of 2025!

• As part of our commitment to listen and learn, St. Michael’s is offering a new course that looks at the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada. Christianity, Truth and Reconciliation is offered as a First-Year Foundations Seminar and is open to all first-year students in the Faculty of Arts & Science in the University of Toronto.

• We now have five members of the inaugural year of the Junior Fellows program.

• On the 700^th anniversary of the death of Dante Alighieri, one of the world’s great poets, Michael’s announced the gift of an ambitious art installation detailing The Divine Comedy, to be placed on the southwest corner of campus.

• We marked Michaelmas, the feast of our patron saint, on September 29 with Mass, followed by lunch from a variety of food trucks, and a round of trivia hosted by SMCSU. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff all joined in the celebrations.

• We also celebrated Kathryn Elton, who announced her retirement as Chief Advancement Officer this past spring. Alumni, students, staff and faculty came together online to thank Kathryn for her tireless work, and to share memories of her leadership.

• Finally, ICYMI, a very special InsightOut to celebrate a very special Hoikety Choik!

While things slow down on campus during the summer, COVID made recent months quite different — and thus, some of the things we celebrated were particularly noteworthy.

For example….

• Students returned to campus for in-person events, including paint nights, movie nights, and games nights offered by the Dean’s office.

• St. Mike’s residence students got to enjoy a summer BBQ celebration with the new barbeque purchased by the Dean’s office for outdoor events. 

• St. Mike’s Wellness Council hosted its first annual Wellness Convention over Zoom in early July, with presentations from administration, faculty, staff, and Evangeline Cowie, SMCSU’s Vice President of Mental Health and Accessibility, on the priority of student mental wellbeing on campus.

• The university offered its best wishes to Irene Wiseman and Isabel Louro in the Custodial Department. Irene retired August 1 after 16 years of service, while Isabel retired on July 1 after 16 years of service, and has opted to remained on part-time status.

• The Faculty of Theology welcomed Dr. Cynthia Cameron as the newly appointed Keenan Chair of Religious Education and Assistant Professor of Religious Education. Dr. Cameron will be teaching Religious Education courses primarily for our MRE students, who are excited about this new appointment in the faculty.

• Father Andrew Summerson joined St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology as Assistant Professor of Greek Patristics. Fr. Summerson will be working in conjunction with the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies. 

• St. Michael’s welcomed Sonal Castelino as the new Director of Campus Ministry. She started her duties in August, and in addition to offering direct support to students out of her office next to the COOP, she will influence the larger direction of the university as a member of the president’s senior leadership team.

• The John M. Kelly Library finished moving its rare book collection from the ground floor of the library to a newly-constructed space on the second floor. The reason for the move was simple: to protect our amazing collection of rare and often irreplaceable items to ensure their long-term use. The ground floor, while offering an eye-catching location for the collection, has some features that fetter the long-term preservation of rare materials: high levels of light; fluctuating temperature and humidity; and, most troubling, proximity to the Kelly Café (it’s amazing what crumbs can attract!). Now, both books and staff can breathe a sigh of relief. The collection’s new second floor home abuts the library’s other special collections, making them much easier to access.  
  • Fun fact: The movers hired to complete this monumental task – Jim Clifford Moving Services Inc.— have a Kelly Library connection. Mr. Clifford, now owner of the operation, was a young buck back in 1969 and was on the team that moved the books into the library when we first opened our doors!
  • Pictures: Carefully packing the books into crates for their move upstairs. Note the original 1969 carpets! The new space affords a more controlled environment where we can take the actions necessary to preserve this unique collection.

So much happens every day at St. Mike’s that we’ve decided to start taking a pause at the end of each month to look back on some of our accomplishments. If you’ve got something to share, please email it to catherine.mulroney@utoronto.ca

•  817 members of St. Michael’s Class of 2021 took part in a virtual convocation on Wednesday, June 23. A special shout-out to a class who faced extraordinary obstacles and came out on top.

• The possible federation between the University of St. Michael’s College and Regis College took an important step forward with the governing bodies of the two institutions authorizing the Steering Committee to develop a Memorandum of Agreement. The goal is to have an MoA ready for examination and approval by the Governing Council and Collegium by September/October 2021.

• The University of St. Michael’s College is the first Catholic university in Canada to offer support for a statement from American Catholic Bishops calling for protection of at-risk LGBT youth. St. Michael’s signed the document—God Is On Your Side: A Statement from Catholic Bishops on Protecting LGBT Youth, released by the Bishops in partnership with the Tyler Clementi Foundation—with unanimous support from the Executive Committee of St. Michael’s Collegium.

• Dr. Adam Pugen was named the Inaugural SMC One McLuhan Seminar Post-Doctoral Fellow. Dr Pugen is a recent graduate of the Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto and is a specialist on the ideas of Marshall McLuhan. He will be working closely with Professor Paolo Granata and will be teaching a course in the Book & Media Studies Program. Welcome Adam! 

• The Kelly Library’s focus on online research support has been a success. Librarians during the pandemic responded to more than double the number of research questions over the previous year, from 168 in 2019–2020 to 408 in 2020–2021. Meanwhile, the number of research consultations librarians held during the same period jumped from 257 in 2019–2020, when they offered them just in-person, to 346 when they went online in 2020–2021.

• We had a great response to our virtual Spring Reunion. More than 500 alumni registered for three days of events, being treated to a panel on entertainment, engaging lectures, and more!

• June 4 and 5, St. Michael’s co-presented “Henri Nouwen and the Art of Living,” an online conference celebrating the beloved spiritual writer on the 25th anniversary of his death. Luminaries including Sr. Helen Prejean, Fr. Ron Rolheiser, and Dr. C. Vanessa White offered moving reflections on Nouwen’s life and work and its relevance for today.

• St. Michael’s groundskeeping added a valuable member to the team—Gabriel Naidoo, a second-year student staying at Sorbara Residence over the summer who will be working as Grounds Assistant.

• Former @uStMikes president and @USMCTheology Dean Sr. Anne Anderson, CSJ was named this year’s recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Catholic Health Alliance of Canada.

• A model room is being created in Fisher House to give residents in the Queen’s Park dorms a sense of the look and furniture of the newly renovated rooms.

• New windows are being installed in Elmsley Hall, enhancing the comfort of occupants, as well as the building’s efficiency.

• Initial work has been in Brennan Hall to create a Commuter Common Room, paid for thanks to the Student Improvement Fund.

• And finally, we are looking ahead! Online Orientation for the Class of 2025 is now under way, having kicked off on June 18th.