Spring Forward: A Campus Walkabout

I took a walk across campus this morning. Students were enjoying the fair weather in the Quad under the watch of the sculpture of St. Michael, some lounging with a coffee, others stretching before an early run. Onward I went, entering Brennan Hall, past the recognition wall that honours donors who supported its spectacular renovation, beyond the Legacy Wall that features individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to society, until I got to the Dodig Family Commons (the Coop). There, I paused to observe the students within this beautiful space, clearly enjoying each other’s company. Very happy faces.

It was quite a different scene earlier this month. Heads down preparing for finals, the Kelly bursting at the seams, bleary-eyed students in pyjamas walking back from the Canada Room with breakfast in takeout containers (except for students observing Ramadan at that time—their breakfast was served up by Food Services before sun up, way before I arrived on campus for the day.)

But back to Brennan Hall. From the Coop, I went upstairs to visit Duane Rendle 9T7, Dean of Students, whose office oversees ‘student life’. Duane arrived in Toronto from Victoria, BC in 1995 for a graduate program. He came to St. Mike’s on the recommendation of a high school classmate who was studying at U of T and knew that St. Mike’s had a reputation as a welcoming college with a big sports tradition (not to mention that she had designs on setting Duane up with her roommate Nancy, which she did—Duane and Nancy will be celebrating their 20th anniversary this year). He knew right away that he was home. His experiences as a student within this supportive community were formative, and he draws on these today in his work to ensure St. Mike’s remains a welcoming place to work, live and study. 

Duane lived in Soulerin House, as did Rod McEwan SMC 9T5, and the two formed a fast and lasting relationship. The next year, Duane became don of Mallon House, and Rod became don of More House. Rod shares a commitment to the St. Mike’s community and recently made a significant donation which, in part, will be used for initiatives that support the wellbeing of students.

From Brennan Hall, I made my way back to my office in Founders House. I met with a student who we’d connected with an alumna for mentorship. The student was absolutely buoyant and expressed gratitude for the opportunity. 

I’ve had some interesting conversations with alumni lately. Several individuals have been in touch because they realized while doing their taxes that they had neglected to make their annual donation last year, and promised to make that up this year. 

An alumna from the class of 6T5 shared stories about her time as a commuter student, and memories of her favourite professor, Fr Donovan, who she remains in touch with. I spoke with family of the late Vicky Houghton SMC 4T9, a trailblazer and accomplished athlete, and heard more about her joie de vivre and extraordinary commitment to community service. Vicky’s legacy lives on with her donation to the Kelly archives, and her family remains connected to St. Mike’s. (See the story about Vicky’s visit to campus later in this newsletter, a reprint from 2019’s alumni magazine). A mass will be said in Vicky’s memory at St. Basil’s on May 1.

I think that our community remains strong in large part because it is entwined generationally. Alumni remain connected, and our students feel it. I welcome you to get in touch—I’d love to hear your story.

Preparation is well underway for this year’s Alumni Reunion, which runs May 25-29. We look forward to welcoming our honoured year celebrants from the 2s and 7s, and are inviting celebrants from the past two Alumni Reunions who were feted virtually to join us in person. Read more about that later in this newsletter.

In the meantime, we have reintroduced our annual Reunion fundraising appeal, this year in support of student wellness. Be Well at St. Mike’s will help with the work we’re doing to strengthen the fabric of this special place, in support of each other. Stay tuned for more on that.

Until next time,

Lisa Gleva. CFRE
Executive Director, Advancement