Ashbury News
Autumn/Winter 2020
A YEAR LIKE NO OTHER UNE ANNÉE PAS COMME LES AUTRES
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Centre For Science
& Innovation
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Alumni
Profiles
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Alumni Making
A Difference
Ashbury News Autumn/Winter 2020
Table of Contents
Editor: Tara Jackson
News & Notes
Contributors: Matthew Williamson, Olivia Taggart, Stephanie Young, Chris Miedema, Vicky Wilgress. Ashbury News is published twice a year and sent to over 4,000 alumni, parents and friends.
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The new reality 6
Centre for Science & Innovation opens
Submit news or story ideas to: Ashbury College Communications Office 362 Mariposa Avenue Ottawa, ON K1M 0T3 communications@ashbury.ca Phone: 613.749.5954 Inside front cover: Students are using the new labs and classrooms inside Ashbury’s Centre for Science & Innovation, which officially opened in September. Back cover: Mr. MacGillivray, Dr. Boulianne and Mr. Grieg from the Senior School Science department conducted a rainbow elephant toothpaste experiment at the end of the opening ceremony for the Centre for Science & Innovation on September 24. They poured potassium iodide into flasks containing a potent mix of hydrogen peroxide, dish soap and food colouring, causing the hydrogen peroxide to break down into water and oxygen and producing a stunning foam.
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Closing 2020
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Volunteer recognition
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Word of Mouth
Ashbury Alumni
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Homecoming
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Home and Away
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Pandemic shifts
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Design and layout by AN Design Communications
Making a difference
Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
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Ashbury Chatter
@ashburycollege @ashbury.alumni
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In Memoriam
MOVING? Update your address. alumni@ashbury.ca
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Head of School
From the
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hat a remarkable year—nous avons connu une année exceptionnelle. Rarely has a school seen quite so much change as we did in 2020. And yet, throughout the shifts to distance learning, the modifications to long-established events and the adaptations to distancing and mask wearing, Ashburians were resilient. I am so proud of the way our students, faculty and families adapted to such historic shifts in the way we learn, engage and care for one another. Now, several months into what has become our new normal, we pause to take a look back at a year marked by elements which strengthened our mission, values and strategic direction, and by three notable C’s. • First, a commitment to anti-racism, pluralism and diversity. We have seen important dialogues and discussions happening within our community around these issues and we want to keep the conversations going. These are themes and areas of focus we will carry with us into the future. We want everyone at Ashbury to feel safe and welcome and will not tolerate any form of discrimination. • Second, our Centre for Science & Innovation finally opened its doors after a three-year campaign raised $7 million to build this stunning new addition to our campus. Having all of our Senior School sciences under one roof allows for more cross- collaboration between faculty and students, all of whom are enjoying the spacious, light-filled classrooms and university-calibre labs. • Third, and perhaps most critical, COVID. The pandemic initially saw the cancellation of school trips early in the year, followed by a full closure of campus and the swift shift to a new distance-learning model. Our faculty and students showed exceptional flexibility as they replaced in-person exchanges with engagement via screens in different time zones across the world. Our Ashbury community pivoted almost effortlessly to a new reality in what have been trying and uncertain times.
Since September, most students have been back on campus, benefitting from in-person learning and interaction, and distance learners, located in Ottawa and internationally, remain engaged overall. Extended learning happens incrementally outside the classroom with clubs and outdoor sporting activities, and the more we can remain safely active outdoors the better. We will continue to take advantage of our campus and adjoining green spaces (which tend to become snow-covered at this time of the year; luckily Ashburians are of hearty stock!). We continue to heed public health advice as student wellness is at the forefront of our concerns. Our wish for all is to be safe and well, carried forward by the Ashbury spirit to care for others.
Probitas, Virtus, Comitas, Norman Southward Head of School–Directeur
NEWS & NOTES
inclusion
Introspection and
Engaging in pluralism
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About 200 students and faculty members convened online in June to remember George Floyd and discuss how to create a more inclusive society. The session featured guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Anthony Bailey.
heard. Please know that you should feel safe and supported in sharing your stories as we learn from you and become stronger together. Adding new measures and programming will continue to be a focus for our school leadership, including studying any racism experiences of students on campus, consultation with leading subject matter experts, communication and reporting mechanisms, policy development, training, curriculum content, and forums. Our student and alumni voices are critical in helping us advance these issues. There has been considerable introspection within our own school community about how we can be more inclusive and examine our own behaviours, words and actions as we ensure we uphold our motto of Probitas, Virtus, Comitas—honesty, courage and kindness—in all that we do. We want everyone at Ashbury to feel safe and welcome. We will not tolerate anti-Black racism, or any other form of discrimination and we hope you will be a part of the next steps as we carefully move the school forward in a meaningful and lasting manner. 3 | Ashbury News
arlier this year, events unfolded around the world bringing into focus the inequities and anti-Black racism that continue to exist. The emphasis on Ashbury’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, embracing pluralism and condemning all forms of racism and discrimination remains strong. In the summer, we convened an online forum for students to discuss the underlying issues surrounding recent global events. Special guest speaker Rev. Dr. Anthony Bailey, a local community leader in advocacy and social justice, spoke about racism, in particular anti-Black racism, and how we can create a more inclusive society together. Nearly 200 students participated in this productive dialogue. Students and alumni have since shared the importance of addressing anti-racism even more proactively beyond our existing programs and to question if we have indeed created the inclusive, safe and respectful environment that we seek for all in our community. It is important to note that these issues are not resolved in the short term and there is a clear need for ongoing attention, effort and commitment as a school community. Our renewed strategic plan Together Towards 2025—Ensemble vers 2025 identifies a key priority as fostering an inclusive school community to build on the strengths of our diversity. This priority is perhaps more evident now than ever. Our close relationship with the Global Centre for Pluralism is an excellent resource and over the past several months, we have seen a strong level of engagement in our pluralism and inclusion initiatives. Together with skilled facilitator Destine Lord, we have offered antiracism sessions for all senior students, faculty, staff, Ashbury’s Board of Governors, and our parent and alumni communities. Several faculty members continue to work on, and contribute to, a change accelerator group on pluralism, diversity and inclusion. It is important that we stand together, listen to each other and engage in respectful dialogue. We recognize that there have been students, past and present, who may feel the need to be
NEWS & NOTES
distance
Learning from a
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When the Ashbury campus closed in mid-March due to COVID-19, school administrators moved quickly to adapt to the new and rapidly changing reality. Students and faculty moved face-to-face learning online to a new distance learning model on March 24, with Term 3 taking place over Edsby and Microsoft Teams. Distance learning provided the opportunity for students to continue the Ashbury experience, and the school year, at home. Through a combination of technology and innovative off-screen programming, students remained connected with teachers, advisors and their classmates by engaging in meaningful ways. Teachers used their creativity with lessons; Phys Ed students completed reps and strength exercises in their living rooms or backyards and music students played instruments to a computer screen in time with classmates. Throughout the spring, Ashbury followed a daily schedule similar to a typical school day. Faculty delivered coursework with a flexible approach for a diverse student body. With some learners located around the world, time zones were considered, and class recordings made it possible to check in outside of scheduled class times. Course delivery methods were different for each grade and course level and lessons were task-oriented or interactive. Students balanced screen time with other activities, including going outdoors where possible, and were supported by various wellness outreach initiatives. Teacher Advisor Groups met virtually, providing students the opportunity to connect with a home form and check in with peers. Staff from Ashbury’s student services advised students on course selection, shared study tips and guidance on learning resources, and answered questions around the university admissions process. Many co-curriculars were also able to continue online, as did the ever-popular Senior Art Show, and the virtual format allowed for visits by guest speakers, who may not have been otherwise able to interact with students. In June, families gathered around screens to watch as Grade 8 and 12 graduates had their graduations via Microsoft Teams, while volunteers delivered balloons and congratulations signs to show some special recognition of the day. It was a surreal end to an unprecedented school year. And it was one the Class of 2020, and everyone else, will never forget.
Baking at home with a Junior School club.
Supervising tests took on a new look as evidenced by this shot from our Senior Mathematics Head, Mr. Holman, as he watched over students writing their final math summative assessments.
Physical education teachers had to get creative to conduct lessons via screens, but students were up to the challenge.
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in crisis
Helping a community
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OVID-19 and the campus closure provided an opportunity for the school to strengthen its external community partnerships and help neighbours. Students didn’t return after the March Break, but the freezers full of food in the on-site kitchens were still there waiting for them. The answer of what to do with boxes and boxes of ingredients? Share it, of course! Working with the Rideau Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, staff from Ashbury’s food services team loaded several vans full of food from the school's cafeteria for the neighbourhood's emergency food bank. Other Ashbury staff volunteered to transport hot meals from local restaurants to some of the city's most vulnerable. While most Ashbury staff worked from home for most of the spring and summer, some faculty members made
Faculty members Lisa Bettencourt and Brendan MacGillivray spend hours in the school’s science labs utilizing 3-D printers to produce more than 400 face shields for local healthcare workers.
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The PPE shortage at the start of the pandemic saw Ashbury use its resources to help others by printing hundreds of protective face coverings.
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Sean McConnell, Ashbury’s Director of Food Services, packaged up and delivered several van loads of frozen and packaged food from the school’s cafeteria for the neighbourhood emergency food bank.
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Emily Hickson, Ashbury’s Athletic Therapist, was one of several staff members who volunteered to deliver hot meals from local restaurants to those in need.
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regular trips to school’s science labs, utilizing 3-D printers to produce PPE (personal protective equipment) for frontline staff at CHEO and the Ottawa Hospital. With all physical distancing and safety measures in place, these teachers turned makers produced more than 400 face shields for healthcare workers at Ottawa hospitals. This giving spirit was echoed in our alumni community, and we were buoyed to see so many stories of our graduates giving back and making a difference at this unique time in our history. (See pages 28–29 for more.) While we missed seeing our students in person and having our classrooms full for the tail end of the 2019–20 year, we were grateful that our physical and human resources could be put to use for the benefit of others.
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The new reality Safety at the forefront of a unique school year Ashbury’s 129 th school year began in a very different format. Instead of gathering on the front lawn to start a new term, students donned masks, sanitized their hands and entered the building at staggered intervals—and at a distance. What greeted those students were hallways and classrooms that looked much different to the ones they left in the spring. Plexiglass dividers, physical distancing stickers on the floor, bottles of hand sanitizers and bacterial wipes are all new additions to the Ashbury spaces this year. Lockers remain out of bounds and the dining room is used only by the boarding students. Just over half of our 109 boarding students returned to campus, beginning in late August, completing their quarantine period before joining classes in person.
Classroom activity is now a hybrid mix of in-person and online, synchronous and asynchronous, following modified daily schedules. Senior School faculty balance different cohorts of students on different days, with students grouped according to their House or boarding residence. All faculty use the equivalent of a mini broadcasting studio each day, as they navigate screens, cameras and time zones to include and engage students learning from home as close as Ottawa, or as far away as China, South Africa, Germany and Mexico, among others. A daily change since September is the mandatory COVID-19 health screening, completed online or via a submitted form, before coming to campus. It, along with increased cleaning measures, have quickly become part of the routine for teachers, students and staff alike.
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NEWS & NOTES
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Phys ed classes are incorporating new protocols into curriculum additions of archery and gymnastics.
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Student musicians are following new protocols while performing this year.
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A variety of protective measures have been introduced to keep students safe while at school.
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Masks and gloves are the new norm for some science activities.
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Faculty members balance in-person and distance learners.
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Plexiglass dividers come in handy for brainstorming or working out complex problems.
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The Junior School cycling club was one example of a co-curricular that resumed this fall, allowing for picturesque trips around the National Capital Region.
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Enhanced cleaning procedures mean that Junior School students can be creative with music lessons using percussion tubes called Boomwhackers.
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Teacher Advisor Groups continue with new physical distancing measures.
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Despite the pandemic-related difference, much of the Ashbury experience remains the same. Students are Âparticipating in innovative learning, critical thinking and creative pursuits. Community service opportunities Âcontinue, with students volunteering at neighbourhood food banks and connecting virtually with youth at the local Boys and Girls Club. Co-curriculars are still on offer, with many being modified to an online-only format. Most athletics are running safely outdoors, with students focussed on practice and fundamental skill-building while formal competitive schedules are on hold. Outdoor spaces on and near campus are being utilized for much more than sport and exercise; learning moves outside whenever possible, in all weather, providing students with fresh air and a different perspective. Although things look and sound quite differently this year, music is still alive and well at Ashbury. Following strict safety protocols, students are playing instruments in class, adhering to the recommendations of the University of Colorado aerosol study. Phys ed classes are also a go, with measures in place to ensure reduced contact. New additions to the curriculum this year included an introduction to orienteering, archery and gymnastics. Whether they’re learning in class, or at home, Ashbury students have demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the first few months of an historic year, learning adaptable skills that will continue for the foreseeable future.
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Centre for Science & Innovation officially opens Ribbon cutting ceremony marks end of three-year fundraising campaign on new build
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shbury College officially opened its new Centre for Science & Innovation on September 24. The three-storey facility is the latest addition to the school’s 13-acre campus, housing six labs and offering a 40% increase in teaching areas. The new space allows for all of Ashbury’s senior science classrooms to be grouped together alongside multi- disciplinary spaces. Six new university-calibre laboratories set a new standard for independent school facilities, while light-filled classrooms with moveable furniture increase spaces for STEM, allowing teachers to adapt to different and evolving pedagogies, and provide a spacious new environment for students to discover, innovate and take their studies to new levels as they contribute to improving our world. Ashbury’s science faculties are led by passionate and inspiring subject specialists and the school’s innovation programs are built on a spirit of inquiry and discovery. Over one third of Ashbury graduates pursue post-secondary education in science and engineering. Invited guests for the physically-distanced opening ceremony included Ashbury alumnus Alex Munter, CEO of CHEO, Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe, Rawlson King
and Christina Tessier, president and CEO of Ingenium. The trio were joined by a small group of Ashbury students and faculty, who have been enjoying the new spaces since the start of school earlier in September. A fundraising campaign saw $7 million in donations raised to fund both the build and a complementary endowment for financial assistance, directed to attracting and supporting exceptional students who would not otherwise be able to receive an Ashbury education. Currently over 10% of Ashbury’s student body benefit from our financial assistance program.
“This new centre is a capstone to our programs and facilities and a beautiful new addition to our school,” said Norman Southward, Ashbury’s Head of School. “Capturing the awe of sciences in Ashbury classes can only further inspire our students as innovators and discoverers in improving our world.”
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Ashbury’s new Centre for Science & Innovation officially opened on September 24. It sits between the chapel and gymnasiums and replaces the old science rooms, built in 1973.
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Students welcomed the chance to use the new lightfilled classrooms when in-person learning resumed in September.
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The Centre would not be possible without the support of generous campaign donors.
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Guests gathered for the distanced ribbon cutting ceremony on September 24. Clockwise from bottom left, Hugh Scott, Chair Ashbury College Foundation; Dr. Libby Boulianne, Head of Science, Senior School; Kevin Pidgeon, Chair, Ashbury Board of Governors; Christina Tessier, President and CEO of Ingenium; Rawlson King, Councillor, Rideau-Rockcliffe; Norman Southward, Head of School; Isabelle Stevens, School Captain; Bruce Mutch, Executive Director of Enrollment and Advancement.
We would like to thank Rachel Baxter and John Lindgren for the leadership and commitment they have dedicated to the success of the campaign supporting the Centre for Science & Innovation and student financial assistance over the last three years. Rachel, past parent to Emily ’09 and Isabelle ’12, and John, past parent to Drax ’14 and Noelle ’19, Foundation Board Director and former Governor, have been wonderful supporters of Ashbury College over many years, and the role they played in this campaign has had a transformational impact on the school.
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Thank you to our campaign co-chairs
Closing 2020
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or the first time in Ashbury’s history, Closing went virtual. Public health restrictions meant that large gatherings were not possible, so the ceremony, speeches and award presentations all took place online. While some traditions could not happen, many Âgraduates were able to collect their diplomas in person following the virtual event. Visits to the campus were staggered, allowing time for families to pose for photos with their new graduates and create unique memories.
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NEWS & NOTES
Generosity in Unprecedented Times:
G iving to Ashbury
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his is a time like no other. The ability for Ashbury to deliver on its mission, while responding to the evolving needs resulting from the pandemic, and maintaining the commitment to student financial assistance, has been supported by the generosity of the Ashbury community, for which our gratitude cannot be overstated. Thank you, donors, for helping us harness the technology and training required to pivot to distance learning where needed, safeguard the health and wellbeing of our students, and provide continued access to an Ashbury education. Ashbury’s campus has been re-imagined in order to comply with physical distancing requirements, including check-in stations, abundant signage, plexiglass, and well-stocked PPE. Sanitization fogging equipment was purchased to ensure any shared equipment can be cleaned between classes. A focus on outdoor spaces and recreation, physical activity, and mental wellness—which are interconnected—remains a priority. New physical education equipment that suits physical distancing like Frisbee, bocce ball, archery, and paddleball, are now available for students. Two outdoor 40x80-foot rinks have been installed to support the physical education programs in both the Senior and the Junior schools, to run skating, hockey, ringette, broomball, and curling on the outdoor ice. Co-curricular programming will include a learn-toskate program and coed hockey. The Ashbury Wellness Team was expanded to include nurse Marilyn Allen, who alongside Tui Noonan, supports the wellness needs among students. The KeepMeSafe
New fogging equipment ensures any shared equipment can be sanitized between classes.
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A Message from Hugh Scott ’88, Chair, Ashbury College Foundation As the custodian of the Ashbury College Endowment fund, the Foundation Board oversees a diversified portfolio and seeks to minimize the impact of market fluctuations. Despite stock market swings spurred by unpredictable economic conditions over the last ten months, the Ashbury College Endowment has recovered well. Through generous support from Ashbury donors and prudent oversight of the endowment, Ashbury maintained its goal of providing 10% of current students with needs-based financial assistance covering at least 50% of fees. The increase in student financial assistance, and the completion of the new Centre for Science & Innovation, would not have been possible without the continued support from the Ashbury community. Your contributions not only build upon what has come before, they create a legacy for future generations of Ashburians.
NEWS & NOTES
s tudent support app, which provides student-centred counselling services, available 24/7 and in students’ preferred language, was rolled out to provide additional mental health and wellness support. Both Nurse Allen and the KeepMeSafe app were in place prior to the onset of the pandemic, and their contribution to our wellness program is vital. From a technology perspective, an overall upgrade to Wi-Fi infrastructure was completed, including new cabling, hardware, and software. Classrooms are equipped with tripods, iPads, high-quality microphones, and FM systems (promoting better in-person and online sound clarity) allowing in-person and distance learning to move forward as seamlessly as possible. Additional and expanded professional development opportunities and training sessions, particularly on themes of inclusivity, pluralism and diversity training have been requirements for faculty, staff, and volunteers’ professional development. The Annual Giving program has allowed Ashbury to be nimble and respond to the multitude of needs required to safeguard the wellbeing of our students, while delivering on our mission. Annual Giving and Endowment support also helped provide access to an Ashbury education to 10% of current students, at a minimum of 50% of tuition fees. Endowment support is critical for the long-term financial sustainability of Ashbury and to provide ongoing bursaries for needs-based financial assistance. Thank you, Ashbury donors, for your support!
1891 Day
On November 20, Ashbury established a new tradition, 1891 Day, our inaugural day of giving. The history of the school was celebrated, and funds were raised supporting needs-based financial assistance. Donations came in from across Canada, the U.S., and the world from alumni, parents, parents of alumni, faculty and staff and friends of the school. More than $80,000 was raised as part of this special one-day movement of generosity. Thank you!
Through your kindness on 1891 Day, the lives of deserving students will be forever changed.
Ashbury had a significant effect on my life. I met many of my best friends at Ashbury. I received resources, coaching and guidance that I do not think I could have received anywhere else. Football coach and faculty member Dwayne Smith always preached three words to us: character, commitment, and achievement. All these years later, I have come to understand that if you have the first two, the third comes along with it. I try to carry that lesson forward with me. Being granted the Bob Gray Memorial Bursary represents a significant moment in my life, and it’s important to me that other kids get the same chance that I had. Duncan graduated from Western University (J.D. with Distinction, 2019) where he was valedictorian and graduated on the Dean’s List. He is an associate at Goodmans LLP in Toronto.
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Financial Assistance: Reflections from Duncan Lurie ’12
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Volunteer Recognition
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e owe a debt of gratitude to the many volunteers who support Ashbury College with heart, passion and a commitment to moving the school forward. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the opportunity to gather in person in the spring, but we still recognize Ashbury’s most dedicated volunteers and express our gratitude to all those who give their time, effort and energy to Ashbury College. The Jean Teron Award winner is Stephen Woollcombe ’57. This award was founded in 2013 in honour of the dedicated and prolonged service Jean Teron has given to Ashbury College. It recognizes individuals who have provided exceptional and sustained volunteer service to the College and its community. Stephen Woollcombe is a longtime, dedicated volunteer of Ashbury College. With a deep family connection, starting with his grandfather G.P. Woollcombe, founder of Ashbury College, Stephen has maintained a strong bond to the school through his years as a student, 1947–1957, and his many years as a member of the Board of Governors. Stephen has served as a Life Governor of Ashbury College since 1972, making him the school’s longest serving governor. He was a member of the education committee as well as the long-term planning committee and published a book titled The Life and Times of George Penrose Woollcombe, in conjunction with the 125th anniversary of the school in 2016. With proceeds of the book sale, Stephen e stablished the Founder’s Award for Service and Effort, to be awarded annually at the Senior School Closing ceremony. Stephen continues to be engaged with Ashbury’s chapel program. Stephen’s d aughter, Dharini Woollcombe, attended Ashbury from 1990–1993. The Outstanding Alumnus/Alumna Volunteer Award winner is James Baxter ’83. This award recognizes an alumnus or alumna whose willingness and dedication to contribute their time and effort which led to a positive
impact on the school, its programs and activities. James Baxter has been a dedicated volunteer of Ashbury College for many years, including nearly two decades of service on the Foundation Board. While on the Foundation Board, James served as Treasurer from 2011–2012, headed the Finance and Investment Committee from 2013–2016, and was Chair from 2016–2019. He was active in fundraising for the Creative Learning Centre and led the Foundation’s fundraising efforts for the new Centre for Science & Innovation, all the while championing a commitment to expand financial assistance to deserving students. In addition to his work with the Foundation, James serves as the class representative for 1983 and on numerous occasions over the years, he has been an assistant coach for the Junior and Senior Boys Football teams, most recently returning to the field in 2017. James is the father of Caitlin Baxter ’20, Thomas Baxter ’20 and Ben Baxter ’23. The Outstanding Parent Volunteer Award recognizes a parent whose willingness and dedication to contribute their time and effort which led to a positive impact on the school, its programs and activities. Four parents were awarded in 2020: Menisha Sharma, Jill Dickinson, Jennifer Fu He and Wanda Brascoupe. Menisha Sharma has volunteered at Ashbury for 10 years, starting on the Parents’ Committee from 2010–2014 where she served as Vice-Chair from 2013–2014. Menisha was also a Guild member from 2014–2018 and has served as a member of the Board of Governors since 2016. Menisha also chairs the Behavioural Risk Mitigation Steering Committee and the Long-Range Planning Committee. Other volunteer activities include assisting with events, a member of the Refugee Sponsorship Committee, assisting with the musical productions and supporting the Round Square Conference. Menisha is the mother of Ashwin Sharma ’17 and Devan Sharma ’20.
NEWS & NOTES
where she served as Chair in 2013 and 2016. Wanda has also volunteered with the Parent Advisory Committee, the Round Square Conference and Indigenous culture activities. As an active Ashbury Community member, commodity is the word she uses to describe the community. Wanda is the mother of Sarah Peters ’15, Lauren Peters ’17 and Gabriella (Bella) Peters ’20. The Outstanding Student Support Volunteer Award winner is Ross Varley. This award recognizes a member of the Ashbury Community whose willingness and d edication to contribute their time and effort which led to a positive impact on the school and its students. Ross Varley has been dedicated to the Ashbury community since he was hired as a biology teacher in 1976. He is also a former interim Headmaster and Assistant Headmaster. Since his retirement in 2003, Ross has remained committed to Ashbury through his volunteer work with the science department and his time spent driving the Ashbury bus. He continues to help teachers plan and execute labs, assists with ordering and organizing equipment and materials, and is the supervisor for the experimental work needed for the IB extended essays in biology. Ross also tends to the school’s axolotls, a group of sibling amphibians. Thank you to all the Ashbury volunteers: parents, past parents, alumni, students and friends. Your spirit, energy and commitment to students makes a difference every day at Ashbury!
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Stephen Woollcombe, the 2020 recipient of The Jean Teron Award
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Jennifer Fu He, 2020 recipient of the Outstanding Parent Volunteer Award
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James Baxter, 2020 recipient of the Outstanding Alumnus/Alumna Volunteer Award
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Wanda Brascoupe, 2020 recipient of the Outstanding Parent Volunteer Award
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Menisha Sharma, 2020 recipient of the Outstanding Parent Volunteer Award
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Ross Varley, 2020 recipient of the Outstanding Student Support Volunteer Award
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Jill Dickinson, 2020 recipient of the Outstanding Parent Volunteer Award
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Jill Dickinson has been a committed volunteer of Ashbury’s Guild from 2014–2019. While on the Guild, she served as President from 2017–2018 and assisted with numerous activities, including the creation of the Heart of Ashbury volunteer T-shirts, the creation of Coffee in the Circle and assisted with the plant sale at Springfest. Jill has also been a dedicated volunteer on Ashbury’s Ball Committee, where she served as Co-Chair in 2016 and a member of the Ball Executive in 2019. Jill was also an active volunteer for the Round Square Conference in 2018. Jill is the mother of Conrad Dickinson ’16, Kyle Dickinson ’18 and Leah Dickinson ’20. Jennifer Fu He has been an active volunteer at Ashbury for several years and is a vital resource to fellow Chinese parents. She has supported many events, including the Chinese Tea Ceremonies and the Lunar New Year celebrations. Jennifer continues to volunteer as a liaison for Ashbury staff and Chinese parents, providing cultural guidance and translation assistance. Jennifer is the Founder of the Ashbury WeChat group and has served as the administrator since 2016. Jennifer is the mother of William He ’18 and Lucy He ’20. Wanda Brascoupe has been a dedicated volunteer since she first served on the Ashbury Guild from 2010–2014 and again from 2015–2019. While on the Guild she served as Vice-President from 2012–2013. Wanda has also been an active contributor on Ashbury’s Ball Committee
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Word of Mouth Ashbury sisters launch clothing company that mixes retail with social justice Can a sweater speak a thousand words?
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rade 11 student Chantalia Fevrier-President is banking on it. She’s the entrepreneur and co-founder behind Ottawa-based clothing company Silence is Compliance, founded in the summer of 2020. Featuring stylish and eye-catching designs, the brightlycoloured hoodies and T-shirts available in the Silence is Compliance collection are not only fashion forward, they also promote awareness of issues important to the founders, Chantalia and her sister Haigann ’19. “I got the idea for the brand at the end of May, after George Floyd was killed,” says Chantalia. “That really hit me and my family hard. It was something we had certainly experienced before, but somehow actually seeing it happen this time left a bigger impact. And it probably hit me harder because it happened during COVID as well.” In June, Chantalia was one of many to attend the peaceful march for Black Lives in downtown Ottawa. She wanted something unique to wear at the event, so she drew a picture of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery, added the words Silence is Compliance, and taped it to her sweater. The reaction she received sparked an idea. “A lot of people commented positively on my sweater at the march,” she says, “so when I got home I talked to my sister about how we might move forward on the idea. That’s when it started.” Chantalia’s sister, Haigann ’19, provided some inspired consult for the conversation. Haigann is currently in Italy
attending university studying fashion, design and business. Together, the sisters brainstormed both a concept and a name for the company with a cause. “Even though the spark was certainly the Black Lives Matter movement, I didn’t want the brand name to be solely focused on that,” Chantalia says, who adds that her St. Lucian background has made her passionate about many issues affecting that country, including access to education and healthcare. “I didn’t want a name that limited us in any way, so we landed on the idea that you should always speak up about things that are wrong and that being silent is never right. That’s where Silence is Compliance came from.” Next came a brand identity, and the sisters worked together to develop a look. After doing some research, Chantalia came up with the idea of some sort of graphic with a mouth, and then Haigann re-imagined the concept into its final version: an open mouth with the words Silence is Compliance running over top. “My sister and I are very close and we are always doing something together,” says Chantalia of her relationship with Haigann. “I am used to collaborating with her and we work well together.” (Chantalia and Haigann have three other sisters and one brother who share common traits: “We’re all dreamers and we’re all optimistic,” says Chantalia.) Given the positive feedback from her first design mockup, and Haigann’s interest in the fashion business, the sister duo decided clothing would be the first mainstay of the
NEWS & NOTES
brand. With a look and feel already established, and a target demographic of their contemporaries, Chantalia began to research manufacturers that could produce the clothing and turn the girls’ ideas into reality. She eventually located a company in Winnipeg who could both supply the products in limited quantities and screen-print them. Next came the issue of how to fund this new venture. “We approached my parents with the idea and we presented them with our business plan,” says Chantalia. “They thought about it for a few weeks and eventually agreed to give us a loan.” With a first small production drop of 50 sweatshirts in the works, the sisters set their sights on promotion and a website to capture sales. They stared social media accounts for the brand and set up an online platform that features descriptive look books, all of which are photographed and styled by Chantalia. As followers increased, so did interest in their clothing and message. Each collection feature bright colours, with imagery created by the two sisters, inspired by ’90s graphics and aesthetics. They first released the Justice Sweater Collection, a range of brightly-coloured sweaters featuring memorial images of Black men and women on the back, with Silence is Compliance on the front. A launch edition T-shirt, released to coincide with the brand’s website, celebrates black beauty and culture. “The T-shirt is vibrant and fun while still portraying the Silence is Compliance message through the butterfly graphic sitting on the mouth of one of the characters,” explains Chantalia. Twenty percent of the brand’s profits to support charities, primarily Canadian organizations working to make changes by providing aid to Black people, and people of colour, whether it be physically, mentally or creatively.
“It was always my idea to involve a charity aspect,” says Chantalia. “We really want to support groups who are working to make change in a hands-on way and we’re committed to every drop helping a different BPoC (Black Person and Person of Colour) group.” A percentage of Silence is Compliance’s profits is donated with each collection. The brand has so far supported the Black Youth Helpline, which provides educational and mental health services to Black youth, and the Black Legal Action Centre, which provides legal aid to lower income Black-Canadians. Plans are in the works to support arts and sports foundations in the future. The brand is also committed to raising awareness and “uplift those in our community,” Chantalia says. Through weekly spotlights on the website and social media, Silence is Compliance is able to feature Black-owned businesses or artists and share them with their customers. “It is a great way to connect with our audience and showcase those voices that are speaking up,” says Chantalia. After fewer than six months in operation, sales at Silence is Compliance are going well, with Chantalia reporting sales in Ottawa, Toronto and as far away as Alberta. With a new products for winter, plans to ship internationally in 2021 and a possible partnership with an influencer in negotiation, Chantalia is busy managing a thriving business alongside her Ashbury studies. “Thanks to word of mouth, more and more people are finding out about us and discovering our message,” she says. “The feedback we’re getting is very positive and I’m looking forward to what comes next.” For more on Silence is Compliance, visit silenceiscompliance.shop or follow them on social media.
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Silence is Compliance promotional photo showing items from the brand’s launch collection.
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Haigann Fevrier-President, one of the founders of Silence of Compliance.
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Chantalia Fevrier-President, one of the founders of Silence is Compliance.
Credit: all images courtesy of Silence is Compliance
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Homecoming Week 2020
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hank you to everyone who participated in September’s Homecoming Week 2020 and made it a huge success. Despite the physical distancing, which meant not gathering in person on campus, and travel restrictions due to COVID-19, the Ashbury community connected in new and innovative ways and collective spirits were high. Highlights of the week included an alumni trivia night on Zoom, a virtual 5km Fun Run, an anti-racism education session, Junior School student
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Q & A videos with alumni, and a limited-capacity golf game at the Gatineau Golf and Country Club. To celebrate reunion classes, alumni contributed songs to nostalgic playlists on Spotify, and shared throwback photos to their days at Ashbury. A special thanks to the golf event sponsors: Dilawri Auto, Sezlik.com, Jeff Hill – BMO Private Wealth and the Aliferis Family.
ASHBURY ALUMNI
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Devon Purcell ’03, Howard Miller ’02, James Kenny ’02, Danial Taggart ’05
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Angela Singhal ’98, Jeff Smith ’94, Mike Taggart ’90, Angela Taggart
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Julie Taggart ’93, Montserrat Bouvier, Tracy Rait-Parkes, Jill Dickinson
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Bruce Mutch, Oliver Han, Angela Zhang, Bingxin Chen
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Jeff Hill ’91, Liza Mrak ’91, Blair Dickerson, Kevin Bon ’92
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Steve Street ’04, Tom Christie ’04, James Macmillan ’03, Brook Simpson ’04
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We hope to be able to gather on campus for Homecoming and Reunions 2021 to celebrate all reunion years ending in an ’0, ’1, ’5 or ’6.
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Home and Away
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rior to COVID-19, the winter was a busy time for the Ashbury alumni community. Successful gatherings were held in Boston, Ottawa and Toronto where alumni of all ages were able to connect and catch up. In late 2019, Boston alumni gathered at The Hourly Oyster House and alumni in Ottawa celebrated the holidays at The Clarendon Tavern. Days before the pandemic shutdown, Toronto alumni gathered at The University Club of Toronto on March 5. While our gatherings may need to be virtual for the foreseeable future, we’re looking forward to being able to see our alumni in person again soon.
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Toronto:
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Alumni gathered at The Clarendon Tavern in Ottawa
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Jane Kennedy, Kaveh Rikhtegar ’82, Ross Varley, Mary Ann Varley
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Shamir Daya ’03, Alex Patrick ’03, Caitlin (Sparks) Patrick ’03, Stuart Gray ’03
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Anna Lepsoe ’18, Saba Usmani, Hope Rikhtegar ’18, Neola Duthie ’18
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Chanelle Zaphiropoulos ’13, Norman Southward, Oleg Zarakhani ’07, Meghan Kennedy ’95
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Chase McRobie ’11, Audrey McRobie ’11, Michael Howard ’08, Shelley Gomme
Boston:
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Alumni gathered at The Hourly Oyster House in Boston
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Alumni gathered at The University Club of Toronto in Toronto
Terry Devine ’57, Dickson Wood ’63, Michael Widdrington ’56, Patrick Welsh ’02, Charles Barnes ’70
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Carol Rodriguez ’19, Carlos Rodriguez Guerra ’19, Liz Ariho ’19, Kaniz Williams ’18, Ivanna Alba Ortega ’19, Neola Duthie ’18, Laura Lee-Chu ’19
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Charlotte Ashe ’09, Andrew Mansfield ’11, Brendan McGovern ’09, Teddy Taggart ’11, Norman Southward, Brent McKean ’11
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James Garel-Jones ’13, Justin Yan ’13, Vaughan Rawes ’13, Amelia von Finckenstein ’13, Jared Roth ’14, Jaclyn Friedlich ’13, Mikhail Nikolaychuk ’13, Julia Davis ’13
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Holiday Party:
ASHBURY ALUMNI
Shifts
Pandemic
Graeme C. Clark ’78, Canada’s Ambassador to Mexico, on international relations in the time of COVID
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ike many of us, COVID-19 changed the nature of Graeme C. Clark’s job. As Canada’s Ambassador to Mexico, Clark ’78 is responsible for bridging relationships between North America’s northern and southern-most neighbours and for supporting Canadians who work in or travel to Mexico. But when the pandemic hit, his role shifted into one of helping Canadians get out and get back home. “In those first few days, my immediate preoccupation was taking care of Canadians who were heeding the Prime Minister’s call to come home,” Clark says. “It was top of mind to get everyone back to Canada safely.” While the effort was hurried and imbued with a sense of urgency, Clark says he was more fortunate than some of ambassadorial counterparts in other countries, as several Canadian airlines already had established routes to Mexico and flights were, for the most part, readily coordinated. In the months since those return flights, Clark’s role has continued to evolve and now includes more screen time than ever before, which poses a challenge for this skilled communicator.
A day in the diplomatic life On any given day, during a pandemic or not, Clark is responsible for a variety of different files, dealing with a vast range of people, helping Canadians who may be in distress, advising, and ultimately, cultivating relationships. At a time when international relations are at a unique forefront, Clark’s role has taken on new meaning and importance. “It is a privilege to serve the country,” he says. “It is a fascinating job and it’s about the most important thing one can do in public life. When you are doing that job in a country that counts—and Canada counts in Mexico— it makes it all the more meaningful.”
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“COVID will mark a generation and focus minds on collaboration,” he says. "It’s not something a single country will solve on its own.” “Talking to people virtually is not something I really like, because I find you can’t read people as well or intuit what they are feeling over a screen,” says Clark. “I am at heart an introvert, but I had to put on my extrovert clothing to touch base with people.” Many of Clark’s appearances or meetings now take place online. It’s also the way he checks in with the 300 people working for Canada at its nine consular agencies located across Mexico. “There’s ongoing communication to ensure everyone is healthy, and that their mental health is taken care of at this time,” he says. Perhaps most importantly, Clark says COVID has reinforced the need for countries to work together. He cites the international negotiation for PPE supplies and predicted cooperation that will be required to obtain eventual vaccines, as examples.
Ambassador Clark with Ambassador Juan José Gomez Camacho at the signing of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement in Mexico City, December 2019.
ASHBURY ALUMNI
Graeme Clark, front row, second from left, with the school prefects 1978 (image: Ashbury yearbook)
Cutting a ribbon at the Hospital Gral Dr. Rubén Leñero in Mexico City. The artwork was a collaboration between Canadian and Mexican artists to thank healthcare workers. Photos courtesy of Embassy of Canada in Mexico.
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Canada’s relative worth in Mexico, or its count as Clark says, is due in part to the significant relationship the two countries share. Canada is the third largest investor in Mexico, 2.5 million Canadians travel to Mexico each year, and half a million Mexicans travel to Canada. Over 27,000 Mexican students, including some at Ashbury, learn in Canada every year as well. “Part of what I do is to try to encourage the dynamic that exists between the two countries and forge a deeper reciprocal relationship,” he says. Of course, located in the middle of the two countries lies the U.S., with its own unique set of international relations. In some ways, says Clark, Canada is dwarfed by the U.S., but adds that the tri-lateral angle infuses the importance of his work. “Mexico are our neighbours, they are part of North America,” he says. “Thirty to 40 years ago, Mexico was just a beach destination, but that’s no longer the case. It has become a significant place for us.” Prior to his appointment to Mexico in 2019, Clark served as Minister, Deputy Head of Mission in France, as Ambassador to the Organization of American States, and as Ambassador to Peru and Bolivia. His first international posting was as Second Secretary and Vice-Consul in San José, Costa Rica. Before joining the Foreign Service, Clark spent some time teaching, worked as a parliamentary intern on the Hill, and even dabbled in journalism, reporting for Radio Canada. It was his strong interest in international affairs
ASHBURY ALUMNI
location to location every four years, Clark says he is still energized by the work, though continues to find being uprooted a challenge.
“There seemed to be a confidence in me as a student and I was selected as a guinea pig for this new International Baccalaureate program,” he says. “Looking back now, I see how fortunate I was to have such devoted teachers guide me through it. It was a great experience and I can’t speak highly enough of the program.” “You spend time somewhere and you get to know it, but then you have to move, and that part doesn’t get any easier as your career progresses,” he says. “The smell of cardboard boxes and the sound of tape shutting away cherished belongings will stay with me forever.” Luckily still in the early stages of his Mexico experience, Clark says he enjoys exploring and is hopeful that when travel opens back up again, Canadians will again return to Mexico to relax, but also to be inspired by the country he calls “a cultural superpower.” “Having Mexico in our backyard is such a luxury, and its real joy is not the beaches, but its cultural offerings,” he says. “My advice to Canadians coming here would be to make a point of seeing beyond the all-inclusive resorts, learning some Spanish and engaging with people here. It will all pay dividends in terms of personal enrichment.”
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that compelled him to join what was then called the Department of External Affairs, in 1989. What followed was a succession of portfolios at the department headquarters, and positions serving as legislative assistant to two Ministers of Foreign Affairs and then for Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. “That was the political aspect of public service,” he says of the experience. Clark credits an Ashbury teacher for sparking his interest in public affairs and diplomacy. As a teenager in Hugh Robertson’s history and politics classes, a lifelong passion was piqued. “He had a curious eye and was incredibly inspiring to me,” Clark says of Robertson’s lessons. Other teachers who left their mark on young Clark included Ken Niles, “I thank him for awakening in me a love of writing and English” and Rev. E.E. Green, who instilled the importance of public speaking. “That is an incredibly useful skill to have, especially when I spend half my time giving interviews and speeches.” Outside of the classroom, Clark was part of the inaugural session of the Forum for Young Canadians, hosted at Ashbury, and he served as Head Boy in his final year, both experiences he says helped fight the “boredom” he often felt as a teenager. “I was one of those kids who was not particularly interested in my cohort and I spent my time talking to adults, who were kind enough to engage me,” he says. But what Clark considers his “key takeaway” of his Ashbury experience was the International Baccalaureate. Clark was Ashbury’s very first graduate to receive the IB diploma in 1978. After graduation, Clark attended the University of Toronto, where he studied English and Literature. A brief relocation to Paris followed, and then it was on to Oxford to pursue post-graduate work in what his father called “advanced unemployment” (in reality, a master’s degree in literature). The move back to Canada was the first of many to come. After so many years in public life abroad, moving from
At the Cervantino Cultural Festival, Guanajuato, where Canada was the country of honour, October 2019.
At the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, North America.
ASHBURY ALUMNI
Networking November
Alumni engagement goes online offering the chance for grads to connect on careers
Marketing and Communications Panelists • Sean McDonald ’99: Managing Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at Rethink Communications • James Kenny ’02: Marketing and Communications Manager at Ferguslea Properties Ltd • Emily Shore ’03: Communications and Public Affairs Director, McGill University, McGill Office for Science and Society • Hakim Garuba ’06: Performance Marketing Manager at Square • Annie Bergeron-Oliver ’07: Reporter at CTV National News
Medicine Panelists • Daniel Baxter ’97: Montfort Hospital Chief Radiologist and Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa • Erica Weinstein ’07: Infectious Disease fellow at the University of Pennsylvania • Maria Fam ’10: Family Medicine Resident at University Hospitals • Sepand Alavifard ’12: Resident Physician, Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Toronto
Each session provided alumni the chance to share their experiences and answer career-related questions. Thank you to all our panelists for sharing their time and expertise, and to our alumni audiences for connecting and engaging with us online.
Law Panelists • James Nabwangu ’95: Sr. Director, Regulatory Relations at PayPal, Inc. • Patrick Welsh ’02: Partner (Environmental) at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP • Stefano Taucer ’02: Chief Counsel, R&D at Huawei Technologies • Rebeka Lauks ’05: Associate at Battista Smith Migration Law Group • Dana Achtemichuk ’08: Associate Lawyer at Kapoor Barristers
Finance Panelists • Patrick Bartlett ’91: Vice President and Market Leader, BMO Private Wealth – GTA West • Aimy Bryden ’98, CFP: Associate Consultant at IG Private Wealth Management • Adam Leslie ’08: Principal at Blackstone Real Estate • Nikola Ruddy ’09: Assistant Vice President, Investments at Trinity Development Group • Sascha Jammes ’15: Banking Advisor at RBC
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ith in-person events cancelled, Ashbury’s traditional alumni receptions took a back seat to virtual offerings. Through the month of November, we hosted a series of alumni guest speaker and panel sessions featuring industry experts.
xceptional e achievement A life of
Remembering John Tuner ’47
“Indeed, is not faith in one’s fellow man the very basis of democracy?” JOHN TURNER
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John Tuner waits for Paul Martin to speak at the Empire Club in Toronto, 2004. (Photo: Getty Images)
he Right Honourable John Napier Wyndham Turner ’47 passed away on September 19, 2020 at the age of 91. Mr. Turner maintained strong ties with Ashbury College, speaking at alumni luncheon talks and regularly attending alumni receptions in Toronto. He was the inaugural winner of the Woods Shield in 1941, an award of merit presented to a Grade 8 student for exceptional academic achievement, outstanding character and significant extra-curricular achievements. After leaving Ashbury, Turner graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1949 with an Honours BA in economics and political science. Alongside academics, he excelled in swimming and track, qualifying for the 1948 Canadian Olympic team (a knee injury prevented him from
competing at the London Olympics). He attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, receiving BAs in jurisprudence and civil law, and a Master of Arts. He also engaged in graduate studies in French Civil Law at the Sorbonne in Paris. On returning to Canada, he launched a law career that saw him called to the bar in Ontario and Quebec, where he was named Queen's Counsel in both provinces. He was also called to the bar in British Columbia, Yukon and the Northwest Territories, as well as in Barbados and Trinidad. In June 1962, Turner was elected to the House of Commons as the Member of Parliament for St. Lawrence-St. George, in Montreal, and was re-elected in the general elections of 1963 and 1965. He served in several portfolios, including Solicitor General of Canada. He was re-elected
ASHBURY ALUMNI
Prime Minister Trudeau and members of the RCMP surround the flag-draped casket at the state funeral for John Turner, October 6, 2020. (Photo: Adam Scotti ’07, official photographer to Justin Trudeau.)
in the riding of Ottawa-Carleton in 1968 and appointed Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada in July 1968 and Minister of Finance in January 1972, serving under Lester B. Pearson and Pierre Trudeau. He left politics in February 1976 to join the law firm of McMillan, Binch in Toronto. In June 1984, he returned to political life and was elected leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and became Canada’s 17th Prime Minister. Though he lost the ensuing election in September 1984, he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra and carried on as Leader of the Opposition until 1990 and as a Member of Parliament until 1993. Tuner served in the House of Commons for almost 25 years and is the only person in Canadian history to have represented three
provinces as a Member of Parliament: Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. Turner stayed on as Leader of the Opposition until 1990 and retired from politics in 1993. Throughout his political career, he was recognized for his hard work and professionalism, as well as his genuine respect for his parliamentary colleagues across all parties. His numerous accomplishments in politics and law were recognized by his appointment as a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1994. After his political career ended, Turner joined the legal firm of Miller Thomson, where he practised until 2013. His state funeral was held on October 6, at St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica in Toronto.
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John Turner at the Toronto alumni reception in 2016 celebrating Ashbury’s 125th anniversary.
Difference
Making a
Alumni stepped up to help during the pandemic
It’s easy to feel powerless in a pandemic, but many in the Ashbury community demonstrated resolve and innovation as COVID hit, offering assistance in their communities to help the most vulnerable. If you know of other examples of true Ashburian spirit in this time of crisis, drop us a line at alumni@ashbury.ca
Darcy Walsh, centre, holds one of the face shields he helped produce for Ottawa hospitals.
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Darcy Walsh ’95, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Edelman Canada’s Ottawa office, joined forces with friend Dr. Anna Theresa Lobos, Program Director for Critical Care at CHEO, who expressed concern that local hospitals would likely run out of personal protective equipment if they didn’t receive support early on. Darcy partnered with his friend Brendan Bell, the Sens Foundation, and HP Canada to develop a solution that would supply CHEO and the Ottawa hospitals with 3,500 face shields per week (for 12 weeks), using HP’s industrial 3-D printer. The shield received Health Canada approval.
Jordan, left, with Chris Peng, PhysioQ co-founder. Jordan Masys ’08, co-founder of non-profit organization PhysioQ, launched a free platform that allows families to proactively monitor their health together using affordable wearable devices. In tandem, PhysioQ also launched one of the largest COVID-19 data banks in the world, open to all health researchers to accelerate research into COVID-19. Researchers from across North America, from Harvard to UC Berkeley, have already committed to joining the efforts.
ASHBURY ALUMNI
Sam Buchanan ’13, a medical student at the University of Ottawa, helps coordinate the Ottawa chapter of Bag Half Full, an organization dedicated to getting groceries and pharmaceuticals to those who are unable to due to COVID-19 concerns. Bag Half Full provides 100% contactless delivery to its users. (Note, the photo was staged while maintaining a safe physical distance.)
Andrew Cameron ’07, Emergency Medicine Resident, co-founded the startup company Pandemos, a platform where doctors can share information to help fight worldwide health crises, like COVID-19, together. Pandemos is a resource for physicians to share with each other through the COVID-19 crisis.
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Raphael Lessard ’15, together with over 100 medical s tudents at the University of Ottawa, started a personal protective equipment sourcing initiative to support frontline healthcare workers.
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van Gill ’51 and Alan Gill ’62 enjoyed a visit to Ashbury College in December 2019.
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ohn Rogan ’59 caught up with former staff, Ray Anderson, at the golf course this past summer. Photographed from left to right are Bob McCullock, Mike Hudson, Ray Anderson and John Rogan.
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harles Flam ’58 and his three brothers, David ’58, Donald ’61 and Harold ’62 attended Ashbury as boarding students and they all currently live in Montreal. Charles is an attorney and has been the CEO of a Montreal law firm, Robinson Sheppard Shapiro, for several decades. He retired from the position at the end of 2019, but is still semi-active in the law firm. David is a retired orthodontist. Donald was a sales executive in the shoe manufacturing industry for many years and recently retired. Harold has been a teacher throughout his adult life. He taught at a high school in Cole Harbor, Nova Scotia before he moved to Montreal to teach. David has two children and four grandchildren, Charles has two children and two grandchildren. Donald has three children and three grandchildren.
atrick Berends ’66 currently lives in Darwin, Australia where he is semi-retired, working part-time as the complaints investigator for the Law Society Northern Territory. For nearly 50 years Patrick worked mainly for agencies of the Australian government, including an intelligence officer with the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and later a detective with the Australian Federal Police (like the RCMP). He has five children ranging in age from 13 to 35.
Adrian Harewood ’89 won the best local anchor award at the 2020 Canadian Screen Awards for his co-hosting on CBC Ottawa News. Adrian also recently launched a new course at Carleton University in the School of Journalism and Communication titled: Journalism, Race & Diversity. He is also a member of the Carleton journalism program’s Permanent Working Group on Anti-Racism and Inclusion.
Dharini Woollcombe ’93 is currently growing her psychotherapy practice online and by phone, creating and directing two short films, and workshopping her new theatre piece about racial identity with the support of two Ontario Arts Council grants. Her husband, Chris Tolley, can be heard on a number of CBC podcasts, most notably PlayME (Canada’s Digital Theatre), and is writing a pilot for his new CBC TV-series, Burusera, based on a published short play he co-wrote, and he is producing Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre’s entire season online. But it is their two children, Olive and Linden (photo), that keep their parents very busy.
ASHBURY ALUMNI
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arcy Walsh ’95 met up with his alumni friends, Pat Bartlett ’95 and Andrew Nichols ’91, at the Ashbury football game at McMaster University in November 2019. Darcy, Pat and Andrew played football together at Ashbury. Currently, Darcy is the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Edelman’s Ottawa office. He is still involved with the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, running their annual ski-a-thon at Camp Fortune. He will be entering his final year as a board member for the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest after nine great years.
Alexander Noonan ’02 married Kate Flower on August 17, 2019 in Devon, England. The couple honeymooned in Zanzibar and currently reside in Doha, Qatar.
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essica Greenberg ’02 was named to Ottawa’s Forty under Forty list in 2020. Jessica is currently the Vice President of Asset Management at Osgoode Properties.
lex Patrick ’03, Executive Producer at Cameron Pictures Inc., and James Patrick ’05, Picture Editor, are excited to share that Cameron Pictures Inc.’s new show, Lady Dicks, has resumed production after a brief shutdown due to COVID-19. The show is a buddy-cop comedy starring Meredith MacNeill (Baroness von Sketch Show) and Adrienne C. Moore (Orange Is the New Black). Lady Dicks is a CBC Original Series, in association with CBC and NBC Universal International Studios.
Emily (Mawhinney) Swanson ’99 married Craig Swanson on February 1 in Lubbock, Texas. Wedding festivities included West Texas wine tastings, and a Super Bowl victory for a graduate of Texas Tech (the local college, and Craig’s alma mater). Fortunately, Emily’s father was able to travel to West Texas from Nanaimo, B.C. before international travel was restricted. The couple currently lives and works in San Antonio, Texas.
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avid Matyas ’04 was offered a Gates Scholarship for a PhD in Law at the University of Cambridge. David was previously living in Ottawa with his wife and child while doing a clerkship at the Supreme Court of Canada. As part of his PhD, David seeks to explore the legal regimes that facilitate and constrain access for humanitarian relief.
Elaine Richardson ’05, and her husband Patrick Brisbois, welcomed their son Charles Joseph Brian Richardson to the world on March 20. The three of them have been enjoying lots of family time together and are looking forward to when their extended family and friends are able to meet Charles closer than from 2 metres away!
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rista Zeidan ’05 received a Doctor of Optometry from the New England College of Optometry in Boston. Following Ashbury College, Krista received her Bachelor of Science, with a major in Biology, at St. Mary’s University. She then received her Master of Surgical Science from the School of Medicine at McGill University.
orth de Pencier ’07 received the Dr Benjamin Goldberg Research Award for her project, Environmentally-induced retardation: Intellectual Testing and Overdiagnosis of Developmental Disabilities at the Sioux Lookout Zone Hospital, 1969 – 1996. The project analyzes archival documents and hospital records to track health changes within various Indigenous communities in Northwestern Ontario during the period from 1969 to 1996.
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ric Plaskacz ’06 and his wife, Samantha Katz, welcomed their daughter on March 3. Beatrice Dakota Plaskacz is a happy, social baby. They are all living in Toronto and enjoying their new house.
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Andrew Clark ’06 and Ashley McKenzie are proud parents of James William Clark, born on February 8 in Toronto. Andrew and Ashley are both lawyers in Toronto.
Joey Manley ’06 and his spouse, Danielle Manley, welcomed their daughter on April 9. Eva Grace Manley was born right in the middle of the COVID-19 shutdown. Big brother Jack loves his new sister.
Victoria Shore ’07 married Spencer Friedman in New York City on June 6. After having to cancel their original wedding plan of getting married in Canada due to COVID-19 restrictions and border closures, they did not want to wait any longer to tie the knot, so they hired an officiant, found an ally in Tribeca, set up Zoom for their family to watch and invited close friends to socially distance and observe their marriage. Despite having to change the time and location a few times because of protests and a city-wide curfew, the day turned out pretty perfect.
ASHBURY ALUMNI
Dr. Carson Becke ’07 performed at the funeral of Sir Michael Marshall ’50 in London, England. Sir Michael supported Carson while he was studying and working in the UK between 2005 and 2019. Carson flew from Canada to Cambridge to pay his own tribute at the ceremony. His arrangement and interpretation of Jupiter from Holst’s The Planets echoed the reality that Sir Michael’s attitude to life was universal and the impact of his approach often stellar.
Erica Weinstein ’07 married Josh Broderson on October 26, 2019 in Ottawa. Erica and Josh currently live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where Erica works as an Infectious Disease doctor at the University of Pennsylvania. Erica is also completing a Master’s of Science in Clinical Epidemiology. (photo credit: Union Eleven).
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Natasha Turner ’07, right, recently completed the once-in-a-lifetime journey to walk from Mexico to Canada along the Pacific Crest Trail. It took her and her friend 158 days to walk 2650 miles, averaging about 25 miles per day excluding rest days. The trail runs through the Sierra Nevada mountain chain covering the vertical length of California, Oregon and Washington. For the duration of their journey lasting five and a half months, they carried backpacks that contained food, water, shelter and clothing.
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hilippe Sly ’07, bass-baritone, performed at this year’s Chamberfest in Ottawa in January, 2020. Philippe and his klezmer ensemble brilliantly reimagined and staged Schubert’s genre-defining song cycle Winterreise. Photographed at Philipe’s performance are, left to right, Matthias Mark-George ’19, Kevin Reeves ’76, Phillipe Sly ’07, Mathieu Sly ’08 and Vicky Wilgress.
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dam Leslie ’08 married his college sweetheart, Joyce Tse, in Lake George, New York on June 1, 2019. They were elated to be surrounded by family and friends including several other Ashbury alumni. Adam was also named to Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work in the finance industry.
Maggie Cogger-Orr ’09 was recently promoted in the Premier Panel of the Auckland Rugby Referees Association marking the first time a woman has ever been promoted to the highest panel in the association’s 125-year history. Maggie started her rugby career in Grade 9 at Ashbury having been ‘recruited’ by then coach Jen Boyd. Maggie was a member of the girls rugby team for all four years at Ashbury and won three OFSAA gold medals and one OFSAA silver medal. After graduating, she received an athletic scholarship to attend McMaster University where she completed her Bachelor of Commerce degree, captaining the rugby team in her junior and senior years. Having finished her university degree, Maggie moved to Christchurch, New Zealand to complete Teacher’s College and then moved to Auckland, New Zealand, where she has been working as an accounting and economics teacher for the last six years. She retired from playing rugby in 2017 due to repeated knee injuries and pivoted into refereeing. Maggie has been included in the New Zealand National Squad since 2018 and has refereed 18 matches in the Farah Palmer Cup (the interprovincial women’s competition). She has now refereed eight premiere men’s club games in Auckland and hopes to be involved at the Women’s Rugby World Cup set to be played in New Zealand in 2021.
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ordan Masys ’08 spoke to Ashbury students last winter about his career. Jordan is co-founder of Kiipo, a global health-technology company aimed at leveraging technological innovations to tackle the world’s healthcare disparity. Jordan is also the co-founder of PhysioQ, a nonprofit facilitating medical and scientific breakthroughs through its real-world data collection and man agement platform. While at Ashbury Jordan caught up with Chapman Uko.
Mathieu Sly ’08 spoke to Ashbury students this winter about his career as videographer to the Prime Minister of Canada. Mat specializes in c inematography and editing and studied Medieval Art History at Queen’s University before joining Sheridan College’s Advanced Television and Film Program. Mat has worked for the Prime Minister since August 2018.
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lannah (Saikaley) Stevens ’08 and her husband, Gabriel Stevens, welcomed their first child, Alessia Randa, on February 28.
Alex Connell ’10 met up with her friends from Ashbury, Sophia Kokkinakis ’12 and Skaniehtiiohstha (Liostha) Montour ’11 to join her in a tour of Ashbury College along with the Gillin Residence. Photographed, from left to right, are Erica Mooney, Alex Connell, Liostha Montour, Sophia Kokkinakis and Liostha’s three daughters.
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ean Emmanuel Pierre-Charles ’11 signed with the Ottawa Blackjacks, a Canadian professional basketball team based in Ottawa, in February. The 6’8” Jean was the first player to sign with the new team at a press event in Ashbury’s Benloulou Gymnasium. Jean spent the previous two years playing basketball professionally in Spain and Mexico. Prior to that he played for two years at the University of Ottawa and three years at Carleton University.
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ayley (Arnold) Karklins ’09 gave birth to her beautiful baby girl, Lux Karklins, on the evening of December 5, 2019. Mom, dad and big brother could not be more in love with this sweet and smiley little one.
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acqueline Bedard ’12 published her first novel, And Hell Followed With Him, in November, 2019. The book is a crime/thriller (fiction) available on Amazon as well as in bookstores in Ottawa and Kingston.
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Jane Scholes ’09 and her husband, Andrew Hemphill, welcomed their first baby, Wesley David, on July 29 at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario. He is the bright spot in a strange 2020!
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eghan Boyd ’12 was named the 2020 valedictorian of the School of Media & Design at the first-ever virtual convocation for Algonquin College. She graduated with honours from the Public Relations program and is currently working as an Assistant Consultant at Hill+Knowlton Strategies in Ottawa.
Sascha Jammes ’15 presented virtually to an Ashbury Economics class in September. Sascha is a Banking Advisor for RBC at the University of Ottawa. During his presentation, he provided Ashbury students with information on different types of credit, discussed mortgages and shared tips on how to save money.
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ichael Cullen ’14 was named to the All- America Men’s Division III College team as goaltender. Michael is currently a Physics Academic Intern at Amherst College.
Brittany Vandenberg ’15, Maria Golovko ’15 and Chloe Paradiso ’15 stopped by Ashbury last winter for a visit where they caught up with Michelle Holman and Shelley Gomme.
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rendan Lucas ’14 and Mattias Lightstone ’14 were part of the team selected as the only Canadian social venture to receive the 2020 Halycon Incubator fellowship in Washington, D.C. They are the founders of Good Morning Calls, an automated phone interview service, and past founders of Win Win Homesharing, an alternative housing program that paired students in need of affordable lodging with seniors who would benefit from companionship and help with household tasks.
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uzaifah (Zee) Rana ’19 recently signed with the University of Ottawa GeeGees to play football after spending a year at Saint Mary’s. Quarterback Zee was a member of Ashbury’s 2018 OFSAA championshipwinning team.
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ulat Sargaskayev ’19 spoke to a group of Ashbury parents about the IB program in January. He shared his experiences and talked about the program benefits now that he is in university.
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he Matthews family, Tam, Jan, Geoff ’04 and Alison ’06, are all happily living in Vancouver. Tam retired in June 2019 from West Point Grey Academy after spending seven years as Head of School. Tam is now doing educational consulting and chairs the board of the Independent Schools Association of B.C. Jan has been busy at York House School teaching Outdoor Ed, P.E. Learning Strategies and coaching the Alpine Ski Team. She continues to coach with Whistler Blackcomb Snow School. Geoff is working for Real Estate Development with Townline as the Manager of Site Acquisitions. Alison is following in the family tradition and is teaching Grade 3 at Crofton House School. Summers are spent in Ontario at the family cottage on Stony Lake.
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Peggy Joyce, widow of former Headmaster, Bill Joyce, enjoyed a visit with Vicky Wilgress at her residence in Oakville. Peggy is now 102 and is enjoying spending time with family. She shared many fond memories from her time at Ashbury College from 1966–1981. .
Janice McDonald, mother of Alexander ’10, Veronica ’12 and Bennett ’16 wrote a collection of inspiring true stories titled Fearless: Girls With Dreams, Women With Vision. The book brings together more than 100 extraordinary, unafraid women and asks them to look back at the moments in their youth that set them on the path to leadership. Janice was joined at her book launch by Meena Roberts, left, fellow past parents, past Board Chair, Ashbury Life Governor and who is featured in the book.
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Ayisha Lineo Gariba ’16, known professionally as Ayo Tsalithaba, was recently featured in the Converse Counter Climate campaign. The campaign highlights the diverse journeys and outlooks of seven creatives in Toronto. Ayisha is a visual artist and their primary mediums include film, photography and illustration. Their work has been featured in Huffington Post Canada, TIFF Bell Lightbox, The Fader, Flare Magazine, and more. They are currently completing a Master’s of Arts in Women and Gender Studies at the University of Toronto after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts, Honour’s, in Women and Gender Studies in 2020. (Photo by Brianna Roye and Josef Adamu).
ary Anne Varley, former staff, was invited to be a juror at The Frederic Remington Art Museum for its 2020 New York State Juried Art Exhibit. Mary Ann is an accomplished Ottawa-based artist and teacher. A highlight of her career was being a recipient of The City of Ottawa, City Builders award in May 2018 for her contribution to the arts. Her recent solo shows include The Crichton Street Gallery, The Good Eats Café, the Galerie Old Chelsea, and the Shenkman Arts Centre, Trinity Gallery.
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Russell Bailey ’54 Claude Bennett, Life Governor of Ashbury College, past parent (Natalie ’97 and Winston ’99)
Gordon McLean ’79 Arnis Mierins, past parent (Arnie ’78 and Lisa’ 84, grandparent to Philippe ’10) Rodney Moore ’44
James Berry ’59
Alice Murray, past parent (Fiona, Patrick ’84, Brian ’88 and Chris ’89, grandparent to James ’15, Eoin ’17 and Fiona ’19)
Craig Kamcke ’55
Chris Nowakowski ’55
Keldine FitzGerald, former Guild member, past parent (Robert ’00 and William ’95)
William (Bill) Andrew Price ’76
June Gensey, former staff
Rt. Hon. John Turner ’47
John Gill ’52, former Foundation Board member
Michael Valiquette, past parent (Mike ’92 and Ben ’93)
Michael Hurley, past parent (James ’19)
Frank Vetter, former staff
Dan MacKinnon ’58 Michael MacNeil ’56, brother of Robert ’49 and Hugh ’53
Caroline Purkhart ’85
Rodney Windsor ’44 39 39 | Ashbury | AshburyNews News
George Aliferis, past parent (Peter ’75 and Aik ’79, grandparent to Liberty ’17, Xristopher ’21 and Giorgios ’24)
Finding the right fit Christine Tordon ‘graduates’ alongside the Class of 2020
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hristine Tordon could never have imagined how her final Closing ceremony would play out. The unique year for Ashbury’s Class of 2020 was the last one for Tordon, who retired in June after 21 years of exceptional service as Ashbury’s Director of University Admissions. Throughout her career, Ms. Tordon provided outstanding personalized support and guidance to more than 2,800 Ashbury alumni and their families. She ensured that her knowledge and expertise was always expanding and reflected Ashbury’s unique demographic, and she gained the respect of her fellow colleagues and counsellors around the world. Beyond the strong applicant base to Ontario, Quebec and West Coast universities, Ms. Tordon worked closely with universities and students applying throughout the United States, the U.K., mainland Europe, Asia and Australia. Her focus has always confirmed the right fit of university or college destination for each and every student. Ashbury News caught up with Ms. Tordon to ask what she would miss most about her work, which has been so central to Ashbury’s mission as a university preparatory school.
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Q: What have you enjoyed most about working students these past 20 years? A: Watching them through the final year and seeing how they change their plans, goals and ideas about the next stage in their lives. It really was a pivotal year, in so many ways, and it was special to be a small part of it. Q: Briefly, what is the biggest change you’ve seen in university admissions over the course of your career? A: Canadian universities requiring supplemental essays and videos as a result of the increase in applications and competition for limited places. Q: What has been your favourite part/aspect of the job or your experience at Ashbury? A: Closing has always been my favorite part. It really is the culmination of the year and it is so rewarding to be a part of the process from ordering the diplomas, proofing them when they arrive, stuffing the diploma folders, preparing the prizes and trophies, and ensuring all the little things behind the scenes are set for the perfect day. This June’s Closing was actually my favourite one. I had the opportunity to see each graduate and chat with them as they picked up their diploma. Everyone was so happy to be outside again and together, despite the social distancing. Q: What would be the one piece of advice you would leave for future Grade 12 students? A: Trust your instincts.
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Q: If you could do anything differently with respect to your job, what would it be and why? A: I wish I could have cloned myself, so I could have spent more time with the students and participated in more of their extracurricular activities. 2 1
One-on-one counselling was central to Ms. Tordon’s success in university admissions.
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Handing out diplomas to the Class of 2020 graduates in June.
Q: What will you miss most? A: The people, the energy of Ashbury and the morning light shining through the stained-glass windows in the Chapel.
To an historic graduating class You have faced this unique time with resilience, flexibility and understanding. Now, you become the first class in Ashbury’s 128-year-old history to complete its year virtually. While this finale is unusual, its significance is distinct. We’re proud of you, proud of your achievements and proud to call you Ashburians. Here’s to the history you’ll continue to make with your contributions to our capital region, our country and the world.
FÉLICITATIONS | CONGRATULATIONS to the 149 members of our 128th graduating class, and to the global universities that will welcome them this fall.
Class of 2020
Ashbury College 362 Mariposa Avenue Ottawa, ON K1M 0T3 ashbury.ca Address errors and corrections can be forwarded to alumni@ashbury.ca Returns requested Address Correction Required