King's Herald - Spring 2009 by King's University College

king’s herald Spring 2009

A magazine for alumni and friends of King’s University College at The University of Western Ontario

The Cement that Binds – A tribute to Principal Gerry Killan www.uwo.ca/kings

Remember when raising a family was the last thing on your mind? Now it’s the first! How quickly things change from those carefree days at King’s University College. You still have the same spirit, but there’s a whole lot more to think about. Having enough life insurance to protect the lifestyle you’re providing for your family is one of these essential responsibilities. Whatever your class year, the King’s Alumni Term Life Insurance Plan provides outstanding coverage and some of the most affordable rates you will find anywhere. Alumni members and their spouses, ages 18 to 60, are eligible to apply for up to $250,000 in coverage, usually with no medical exam required! And there is a risk-free 30 day inspection period to ensure that you are completely satisfied. Call Canada LifeTM today to see just how affordable financial protection really is.

1 800 387-0649

king’s herald King’s University College Office of Alumni Affairs London, Ontario, Canada The King’s Herald is published semi-annually by the King’s University College Office of Alumni Affairs. We welcome your letters, suggestions or comments about the Association and the College. Please contact the Office of Alumni Affairs: London: (519) 433-3491 Long distance: 1-800-265-4406 ext. 4565 Fax: (519) 963-1334 E-mail: kcalumni@uwo.ca Mail: King’s University College Office of Alumni Affairs 266 Epworth Avenue, London, ON N6A 2M3

14 “The Cement that Binds” A reflection of Dr. Gerry Killan’s 36 years at King’s

18 Tell us about Dr. Gerry Killan Thoughts and comments from Dr. Killan’s friends and colleagues 22 The Student Life Campaign –

At the Centre of It All An introduction to the College’s $6.9 million campaign

24 Thank you Student Life Campaign donor listing

King’sConnect:

For additional information about the Alumni Association, please visit our website: www.uwo.ca/kings/alumni Parents: If you are receiving mail for your son or daughter, we would appreciate his or her current address. Please contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at one of the numbers above. Opinions expressed in the Herald do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the University’s administration. To contact the editor, phone (519) 433-3491 or 1-800-265-4406 Ext. 4500. E-mail: kcalumni@uwo.ca Editor: Erin Lawson, Executive Director of Development & Alumni Affairs

Upcoming Events

From the Principal’s Desk

Messages from the founding Board Chairs and Alumni Association President

12 Alumni Award of Distinction Call for Nominations 26

Writers: David Estok ’79, Carrie Gubesch Designer: Hill Street Ad & Design

king’s herald Spring 2009

A magazine for alumni and friends of King’s University College at The University of Western Ontario

Front cover photo: John Tamblyn

Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No. 40019616. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Kings University College, Office of Alumni Affairs, 266 Epworth Avenue, London ON N6A 2M3

Executive Director’s Column

10 Alumni event recap

Associate Editor: Kelly Schaus, Manager, Annual Giving & Stewardship

Editorial Advisory Committee: Tania Testa ’98 Francis Doyle ’07 David Elias ’90 Jim Zucchero ’82

The Cement that Binds – A tribute to Principal Gerry Killan www.uwo.ca/kings

On the cover

Milestones

Linda Killan Marilyn Mason Dr. Dante Lenardon Dr. Gerry Killan Mavis Killan Dr. Tozun Bahcheli Dr. Des Dutrizac ’69 Barbara Belbeck Anne Marie Peirce ’84 Dr. Nicholas Skinner Penny Arvai Dr. Paul Werstine ’70 Henry Thuss Tania Testa ’98 Betty Miszczyk Michael Tattersall Claire Callaghan ’71 Mary Carol Watters Brent Shea ’80 Johnny Fansher ’90 Ronald J. Logan Dr. Barbara DeckerPierce David Nash Leanne Perreault ’82 Sandy Anderson

Father Jim Mockler Sister Susan Glaab ’87 Professor John Orange Erma Jacob ’94 Lydia Li Stacey Pitcher Sandy Swartz Dr. Sally McNamee Dr. Lesley Harmon Dr. Allan Irving Dr. Sid Noel Professor Laura Melnyk Claire Mortera Erin Lawson Bennett Brown Sam Pearson ’07 Jane Borecky ’97 Dr. Paul Webb ’66 Tony Vergilio Dr. Glen Copplestone Shirley Bratscher Janet Menard Teresa Ferreira Debbie Gibson Kevin Collins Kate Stephenson

Dr. Ruth Compton Brouwer Susan Evans Dr. Siu-ming Kwok Chris Bishop Brent Niculovic Professor Dermot Hurley Doug Thompson Susan Ackland Lynn Burke Sarah Lucas Meaghan Shannon Ewa Czachorowski Jamy Brodt Dr. Jim Zucchero ’82 Veronika Elsie David Thuss ’05 Tim Bugler Pat O’Connor Russell Braley Craig Mitchell Martha Gordon Kelly Schaus Francis Doyle ’07 Father Michael Bechard ’91

King’sConnect

elcome to this special edition of the Herald. I joined King’s during the final eighteen months of Gerry Killan’s thirty-six year career and, during my short time as Executive Director, I have come to appreciate how much King’s reflects his great vision and dreams for this place. I invited two of my predecessors to join me in this editorial column about Gerry and share their thoughts. Perhaps you can tell from the photo – we have all had a lot of fun working with Gerry! First, we will hear from Barbara Belbeck, 1998 to 2001. Prior to becoming Principal at King’s College, Gerry Killan had little experience in the fundraising field. What a pleasure to work with a principal who was actively willing to listen, learn, discuss and then implement the fundraising strategies and activities recommended by both the Foundation Board and me. Gerry enjoyed working with the Campaign volunteers, travelling to meet alumni and potential donors, and never shied away from making the ‘ask.’ And he writes a great, personally scripted thank you note – a touch that friends and donors appreciated. With Gerry’s commitment and determination, the “Building Faith, Building Futures” Campaign was a success, laying a foundation of King’s College friends and paving the way for successful fundraising in the future. In my 20+ years in the fundraising field, Gerry was the best fundraising partner with whom I had the pleasure of working. King’s University College is the fortunate beneficiary of Gerry’s dedicated work and drive. Enjoy your retirement, Gerry. You’ve earned it in spades. And, finally, Anne Marie Peirce, BA History ’84, 2003 to 2007, writes: It was easy to engage alumni and friends in activities and support for King’s – Gerry is King’s biggest booster, and his enthusiasm knows no bounds. Unabashedly proud of the institution that has grown from a small men’s college to the current King’s University College we know, Gerry never had to work too hard at convincing friends of the vision and needs. His passion is infectious. His history with King’s is long. His reach into the alumni and donor community is vast. His determination to advance King’s growth and development is steadfast. Gerry recognizes that it is not enough to make King’s one of the best Catholic liberal arts institutions in Canada – you need to share that news. Gerry’s willingness to attend any gathering, meet with any donor and visit any city on behalf of King’s helped to build an understanding of its current successes amongst our broader community. This translates into incredible awareness and financial support from so many generous alumni and friends. Over the 50 year history of King’s University College, many people have contributed to its growth and success. Gerry Killan is a giant among them.

Barbara Belbeck, Gerry Killan, Erin Lawson and Anne Marie Peirce

The King’s Herald | page

Gerry – the three of us really represent the thoughts of your colleagues, friends, and King’s Alumni around the world – thank you for everything!

Sylvester to take helm at King’s July 2009 On January 19, 2009, the Board of Directors of King’s University College announced the appointment of Dr. David Sylvester as the new Principal of King’s effective July 2009. The appointment of Dr. Sylvester by the Board follows an intense national search and a broad consultative process within the King’s community. Dr. Sylvester, who was born in British Columbia, is currently President of Corpus Christi College and Principal pro tem and Vice-Chancellor of St. Mark’s Theological College affiliated with the University of British Columbia. He is Vice-Chair of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities of Canada (ACCUC) and founder of the consortium of Theological Colleges. Dr. David Sylvester, an historian, received his B.A. from Niagara University (NY); his M.A. from Fordham University (NY) and his Ph.D. from Fordham University (NY). “In my opinion, King’s has emerged as the flagship of Catholic higher education in the country and I am very excited about contributing to its continuing development,” said Dr. Sylvester. “I know that King’s is a community of excellence that puts students first while involving all of its people in fulfilling its mission.” David, his wife Allyson, and their four children look forward to joining the London community.

Dr. Gerry Killan receives honorary degree Dr. Gerry Killan, leader in Catholic higher education in Canada, received an honorary degree at the Summer Convocation at St. Thomas University in New Brunswick on July 16, 2008. The university celebrated Dr. Killan’s commitment to “the creation of an academic community animated by a Christian love of learning and pursuit of truth” and his accomplishments as a leader and builder.

(L-R): Philip Riteman, Gerry Killan, Gloria Paul and Michael Higgins

Faculty News Milestone reached for Thanatology program at King’s King’s University College recently received approval to offer a Major in Thanatology. This is the first undergraduate degree program in Thanatology available in all of North America. The program is also available completely online for distance learners. Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Conferences The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies will be hosting two conferences at King’s. First, New Perspectives in Jewish Thought will be held on April 22, 2009. Leading international and Canadian scholars and philosophers will discuss new developments and research in Jewish thought. Second, the Canadian Society for Continental Philosophy will meet

at King’s from October 15-17, 2009. This is an international gathering of philosophers and scholars. Two key addresses will be given by leading and renowned philosophers, Professor Linda Martin-Alcoff and Professor Ugo Perone. Dr. Alcoff is a leading thinker on questions of race, feminism and social and political philosophy. Ugo Perone specialises in the intersection between politics and religion. Both events will bring to campus scholars from around the globe. These events will certainly contribute to King’s national and international profile. Dr. Nicolas Skinner, Department of Psychology, presented two papers in July 2008: “Academic Folk Wisdom: Fact, Fiction and Falderal,” Invited Address at the Conference on Psychology Teaching and Learning, Bath, England, July 2, 2008; and “Teaching Psychology and Teaching Academic Psychologists:

A Canadian Perspective,” Invited Address at the Third International Conference on the Teaching of Psychology, St. Petersburg, Russia, July 16, 2008. Dr. Rachel Birnbaum, School of Social Work, and her colleagues have just published another book with Thomson Carswell Publishing. Fidler, B., Bala, N., Birnbaum, R. & Kavassalis, K. (2008). Challenging issues in child custody disputes: A guide for legal and mental health professionals. This text is the second book on child custody disputes and focuses specifically on interventions with high conflict families involved in domestic violence, child alienation, relocation, and sexual abuse allegations before the court. Dr. Birnbaum also recently obtained her Master of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School.

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King’sConnect London First Program a Success Eight senior students from King’s University College have just had their study experience enriched by joining in a pilot program designed to give them meaningful work experience and to increase their exposure to the London job market. London First was developed in response to London’s Creative City initiative to position London as an attractive employment location for students studying in London and to provide an opportunity for King’s students to demonstrate the strength of their liberal arts academic skills in the London workplace. The program was designed by King’s in partnership with the City of London, Pillar Nonprofit Network, The Chamber of Commerce and TechAlliance. Students were matched with public and private sector employers as well as not-for-profit organizations. Work activities in each placement have shown students how their academic skills are transferrable to the workplace and also given them a strong link to the community. Employer feedback about the students has been extremely positive throughout the placement experience. Employers have cited the high quality of the “competent and committed” students as crucial to the success of the program, to the benefits gained both by the student and by the community partners with which they are matched.

The King’s Herald | page

Student News

‘You belong at King’s’ Ad Campaign Last September, King’s ads were featured in all of the GO trains and subway cars on the Bloor/Union line in an effort to heighten our “profile” at the annual GTA University Fair at the Metro Convention Centre. Most recently, the ad reappeared in the London insert in The Globe and Mail. Many positive comments have been received from alumni as well as current and prospective students and their families. When Samantha ChangGardner (Year II Honors Sociology) participated in a student photo-shoot last spring, she did not envision seeing herself (and that lovely smile) across her hometown and in many other locations! The ad’s tagline “You Belong at King’s” tries to captures the friendly, warm community feeling that so many of our alumni and students say is central to the King’s experience. Any comments or suggestions are most welcome and can be directed to Marilyn Mason, Registrar, mmason@uwo.ca.

Upcoming Alumni Events

April: May: June:

London Chapter Event - Theatre Performance and Reception April 2nd, 2009 – 8:00pm. King’s graduate Sandy White ’91 presents a political dramedy: SANDBOX, a cleverly written play about life at Silly Hall at the Grand Theatre’s McManus Studio Theatre. Showtime is 8:00pm, with an exclusive King’s Alumni reception to follow. Special King’s alumni price $15 available in advance. Alumni Event - Toronto Chapter Gathering April 16th, 2009 – 6:00pm. Meet and mingle with former classmates and other familiar King’s faces at the Toronto Chapter’s favourite hangout, Fionn MacCool’s. Appetizers and a cash bar will be provided. Fionn MacCool’s, 70 The Esplanade, Toronto. Music Reigns, The Gala “007 A View to a Thrill” Saturday April 25th, 2009, The London Convention Centre. Cost: $150/person. The funds raised through Music Reigns benefit the community through two of London’s prized institutions, King’s University College and Orchestra London. This year’s Honorary Patrons are Gerry and Linda Killan. The evening includes a delectable dinner, lively dancing and the most incredible live and silent auction in town. To order tickets, please call (519) 679-8778. Alumni Event - Ottawa Chapter Gathering May 21st, 2009 – doors open at 5pm. Please join the Ottawa Chapter in saying farewell to Principal Gerry Killan in this stop on his farewell tour. A special invite goes out to all the new graduates in the Ottawa area. Light refreshments and a cash bar will be provided. The Ottawa Army Officers Mess, 149 Somerset Street West, Ottawa. Alumni Event – Calgary Alumni Gathering June 11th, 2009 – 7:30am. Please join fellow King’s graduates in the Calgary area and Gerry Killan as he makes a final visit out west as Principal of King’s. A breakfast gathering at the exclusive Petroleum Club will be the setting to recall stories and memories from King’s past, and to give Dr. Killan a warm Calgary farewell. Viking Room - Calgary Petroleum Club, 319 5 Avenue South West, Calgary. Alumni Event – Vancouver Alumni Gathering June 14th, 2009 – 10:00 am. Sunday Brunch. Please join fellow King’s graduates and Gerry Killan as he makes a final visit to Vancouver. Dockside Restaurant at the Granville Island Hotel, 1253 Johnston Street, Vancouver www.docksidebrewing.com. Alumni Event – Hamilton Chapter Gathering The Hamilton Chapter will host a get-together in Spring 2009, with the exact date and format of the event to be announced.

Fall:

Stratford Shakespeare Festival with Dr. Paul Werstine September 13th, 2009. Join us at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival for lunch in the Eaton Lounge with a lecture by Professor Paul Werstine on Shakespeare’s great tragedy Macbeth with A+ seats at the 2:00pm performance featuring actor Colm Feore as Macbeth. The 14th Annual King’s Golf Classic: Tuesday, September 15th, 2009, Forest City National Homecoming: October 1-4, 2009

For further details please visit the King’s University College Alumni Events page www.uwo.ca/kings/alumni/events/ or contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at kcalumni@uwo.ca or Francis Doyle at (519) 433-3491 x4502 to RSVP. Spring 2009 | page

King’sConnect Thanks for the Memories This is my last Principal’s message for the Herald. I struggled to write this piece. The experience became a From the Principal’s Desk By Dr. Gerry Killan difficult and bittersweet one as I recollected the many good memories of my 36 years at King’s. It has been a privilege to have served as Principal for twelve years, Academic Dean for the five years before that, and as a faculty member from 1973 to 1992. An entire career spent at one institution, and connections with so many fine people along the way—what good fortune. Personally, I’m leaving King’s on a very positive note. It appears that my reservoir of good-will at King’s has not been entirely depleted (unless I’m deluding myself and all those warm and fuzzy statements I’m hearing actually reflect jubilation over my impending administrative demise). Assuming the positive interpretation, I must give credit to the influence of my predecessor, Phil Mueller. I learned so much from Phil about the principles and practices of collegial leadership. That most gentle man was my mentor as both Academic Dean and Principal. My gratitude to him for what he taught me by precept and example is boundless. My years as an administrative leader at King’s have never been boring. I began as Principal in what was a financial “slough of despond”–the College was reeling from the effects of five years of austerity occasioned first by the “Social Contract” and then the “Common Sense Revolution.” Government grants for universities and financial support to students had been dramatically cut. In 1995 alone, we suffered a 19% The King’s Herald | page

cut in our provincial operating grant. Over the course of the nineties, King’s evolved from the status of a publiclyfunded university college to a publiclysupported one. By 2001, 57% of our revenues came from tuition fees, and a mere 26% from grants—the reverse of the funding breakdown in 1991. In these circumstances, fund-raising became an imperative. Accordingly, the King’s University College Foundation was incorporated as our fund-raising arm in 1997, the year I became Principal. The Foundation soon launched the very successful Building Faith, Building Futures campaign resulting in the construction of Bessie Labatt Hall and the doubling of our endowment for scholarships and bursaries. A second campaign—The Student Life Campaign—is well launched. I have nothing but good memories of my interactions with the Foundation and its board and volunteers, and all the alumni and friends of the College that I connected with along the way.

crave all the details of our collective accomplishments, peruse the Principal’s Annual Reports for the past decade, posted on the College website. The College moved forward because of the leadership of many people— boards (College and Foundation), administrative colleagues and staff, faculty, student leaders, alumni and volunteers. All these people came together in common cause, inspired by the core values of our common mission and vision. To all of you, I am enormously grateful, and cannot thank you sufficiently.

There are too many memorable moments to narrate in this last message. But among my fondest recollections are the encounters with students and parents at graduation as they extolled the virtues of King’s and its people. Similarly, I delighted in the meetings with alumni/ae all over the country who praise the College for the influence it had on their lives. The annual student award ceremonies held on the Feast of Luck was on my side as Principal. An Christpg the10King Sunday never failed 08 Homecoming historic opportunity to effect major to amaze me as I recounted the stories change presented itself early in mynames of people: of our brightest and best students. tenure—the termination of Grade 13 Observing the positive impact of our and the arrival of the double cohort in internationalization efforts also gives me 2003. The government of the day had great pride. King’s has been transformed to fund this enrollment tsunami. After into a multicultural, more inclusive 08 Homecoming2 page10 careful deliberation and planning, the institution. I value the memories of College embraced enrollment growth. all the interactions with the College In our strategic plan, Vision, Values and network of supporters and volunteers Learning, we identified and built on our that I experienced daily as Principal. core values, and prescribed the terms by Reconnecting with students I taught which we intended to grow the College in the 70’s and 80’s, and their children, from 2,185 full/part-time students in who chose to follow in their parents’ 1997 to 3,733 in 2008. That growth footsteps and study at King’s has been had to occur, and it has, in a way that: very gratifying. And finally, my heart improved the academic quality of the soars like the eagle as I remember the student body; enhanced our faculty and myriad acts of kindness and support staff; enhanced the Catholic mission given to students over the decades by and profile of the College; benefited our faculty, administration and staff in every academic programming; contributed area, acts which I know often influenced to the improvement of our buildings, the academic success and personal wellclassrooms, offices and communal being of those students. spaces; developed our information I am thankful for the great privilege of technology services; and built on our working at King’s as professor, Dean and commitment to social justice, service Principal. Where did those 36 years go? to the broader community, and social work teaching and practice. If you

King’sConnect – Reflections on Dr. Killan From the founding Board Chairs and Presidents

ne paragraph, one word to encapsulate what I value in Dr. Gerald Killan? I am sure other past chairs will capture well his many strengths so let me just pick my “word.” Gerry Killan has and has always had great “presence.” He knew what he wanted King’s to be, he knew what the Board wanted King’s to be and he took that message to everyone – to the larger community, to the faculty, to the staff and to the students. Then he made it happen. Thank you, Gerry Joan Smith was the first King’s University College Board Chair

Dr.

Gerald Killan served King’s University College as its Principal from 1997 until 2009. He inspired others to serve King’s through his boundless energy and contagious enthusiasm. Gerry led by example. He asked nothing of others that he would not be prepared to do himself. Gerry’s leadership created a culture of inclusiveness while adhering to the core Catholic values and principles that the College was founded upon.

Peter van der Westen, Joan Smith and Gerry Killan

He guided King’s through a period of unprecedented growth in expanded facilities, student enrolment and the stature of the College in the community, the province and beyond. Gerry always reminded members of the King’s boards that our work and our decisions must be for the benefit of the students. Dr. Killan’s tenure as Principal, his vision and his leadership will benefit future generations of students at King’s University College. That will be Dr. Killan’s legacy. Peter van der Westen was the first Chair of the King’s College Foundation Board

any will write of Gerry’s numerous accomplishments as an established scholar, an energetic Dean, and, that hardest of all roles, a popular and respected Principal. But what about the “lost episodes?” Where did it all start? Well, picture this: the summer of 1972, a meeting of the King’s College Department of History. Perhaps “meeting” is a bit grandiose, as Jacques Goutor was the only other one. Our third member, the late Father Crunican, had taken a new post as Chaplain on the UWO campus, leaving us to seek a replacement in Canadian History. The ads were published, with not a little trepidation. We were a small college and little known; our salary levels were at the low end of embarrassing; and a little research would reveal we had nearly been shut down as a dead loss barely two years before. Would anyone apply, let alone solid and reputable

scholars? To our delight we received several promising applications, and three interviews were set up, one being a fresh PhD from McMaster, Paul Webb Gerald Killan. The others have faded from memory, but I recall Jacques and I being impressed with the Killan energy, seeming self confidence (never in short supply as we were to learn), and his scholarly ambitions. We made the offer to him, and to our delight, and even a little surprise, he accepted. We learned subsequently that he had never heard of us before a friend showed him the ad, had a hard time finding us, and was first elated and almost immediately bitterly disappointed that the splendid gothic St. Peter’s was not us. Those first years are now a bit of a blur: new courses, sudden hordes of fresh students, children, apartments then houses, mastering the arcane art of the lecture hall. I do recall Gerry brought high standards in expectations: many a grade of C and D appeared on the essays of surprised students, and soon the nickname “Killer Killan” was established. Naturally we were all nudged a bit to re-evaluate our standards, and not surprisingly, they went up to keep pace. This might have been one of the first of Gerry’s many subtle contributions to King’s. Upon reflection, it was almost serendipitous that Gerry discovered us, and that he accepted our offer instead of another. Seeing the way it turned out, I can say it was one of the more shrewd decisions I was ever involved in. Dr. Paul Webb ’66, Department of History Paul was the first President of the King’s University College Alumni Association

Spring 2009 | page

King’sConnect

Event

Recap Homecoming 2008

Rick McGhie continues to entertain King’s alumni from all decades and the Friday Night Homecoming Bash brought alumni spanning 5 decades as well as faculty, staff and friends to the Student Lounge in the Wemple building for some catchup time!

(L-R): Tom Peirce ’82, Mascot ‘J.W.’, Anne Marie Peirce ’84, Linda Killan, Gerry Killan and Erin Lawson

On Saturday morning a delicious brunch took place where the 2008 Alumni Award recipient; Debbie Comuzzi ’78, was recognized for her incredible contribution to the welfare of children. Dr. David McGregor from the Department of Sociology was also recognized for 30 years of service to King’s. More social time followed with champagne and orange juice and musical entertainment by Ted Johnson ’69 and John Regan ’84. Finally, 50 alumni and friends, adorned in King’s ball caps, jumped on a bus to the Homecoming football game – the Mustangs vs. Windsor Lancers. King’s has 24 students on the team – a team that would go on to win the Mitchell Bowl, the Yates Cup and play for the Vanier Cup – and in that Homecoming game one of those King’s students scored 3 touchdowns! King’s had an alumni tent in the end zone which was conducive to more catching-up and reminiscing. We had even more King’s entertainment during the half time show – when 4 of our younger King’s alumni rose to the challenge of successfully competing in an on-field bed race. The final score was 58-5 for the Mustangs! Thanks to all who participated in this year’s Homecoming activities, as well as to our Homecoming committee for all of their hard work in preparation.

(L-R): Jen MacRae ’96, Ferris, Matthew Hoy

Heather Bell, David Elias ’90, Jim Hardy ’61 and Marjorie Hardy

Members of the Class of 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999 and 2004. Come home to King’s and celebrate your reunion at Homecoming 2009! October 2-4, 2009 We are seeking volunteers to assist us in planning reunion activities at Homecoming 2009. If you are interested in helping to organize a special get-together for your class, please contact the Office of Alumni Affairs. (519) 433-3491 x4502 or (800) 265-4406 x4502 or kcalumni@uwo.ca

The King’s Herald | page 10

Brent Shea ’80 and Dr. Bernie Hammond

Vanier Cup

The Western Mustangs football team took the school and the city for a wonderful ride this season, and King’s alumni were there every step of the way to cheer them on. From their impressive regular season home games, to Yates Cup and Mitchell Bowl victories, the support was loud and proud coming from the exclusive King’s alumni tent next to the end zone at TD Waterhouse Stadium. When Western made it all the way to the Vanier Cup at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton, the support from King’s continued. A packed bus full of enthusiastic supporters in purple Western toques braved the cold to cheer Western through a hard-fought loss at the hands of Laval. Congratulations on a wonderful season is in order to the Western Mustangs – King’s alumni are anxiously waiting for the start of the upcoming season.

Ottawa Alumni Reception

On October 22nd, the Ottawa Chapter and a group of Ottawa area alumni had the honour of hearing Col. Omer Lavoie, MSC, MSM (NATO,) CD, Commander, Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (IED) task force. Col. Lavoie, a distinguished member of the Canadian Forces, addressed the Ottawa Chapter on “Leadership in Combat,” as he shared many experiences from his role in the Afghanistan conflict. The Ottawa Chapter would like to extend a sincere thank you to Col. Lavoie for sharing his time and thoughts with the group.

David Johnson (wine maker), Francis Doyle ’07, James McDermott and Sarah Donahue ’06

Hamilton Alumni Wine Tour

Patrick McCloskey ’69, Kathleen Mahoney ’83 and Fred Ranacher ’64

On November 15th, the Hamilton Chapter gathered together an eager group of wine enthusiasts for a wonderful day of tours and tastings at some of the Niagara wine region’s most prestigious and interesting wineries. The group visited Peninsula Ridge, Cave Springs and Featherstone Estates, and left not only with some fantastic wine, but with an increased knowledge and a deepened appreciation for what goes in to making a truly fine wine.

Toronto Alumni Event

Richard Dixon ’78 and Gerry Killan

On the evening of November 20th, a determined group of Toronto area alumni braved some wintery conditions for a casual evening of re-acquainting and reminiscing at Fionn MacCool’s. Many laughs were shared over some food and a few drinks, and the Toronto Chapter is hopeful to see a further increase in attendance at upcoming events.

Spring 2009 | page 11

King’sConnect Who is the greatest King’s alumnus you know?

King’s University College Alumni Award of Distinction Call for Nominat

2009

Share Your News in the Herald!

ions

The King’s University College Alumni Award of Distinction celebrates achievement, commitment and service to the community. There are many talented King’s alumni who deserve to be recognized for their outstanding achievements. If you know a King’s graduate whose contributions enhance his or her community and who is an inspiration to those who know them, please take a few minutes to submit a nomination. Past Recipients: n 2008: Deb Comuzzi, ’78 n 2007: Stephen Dunn ’81 n 2006: Robert Paterson ’72 n 2005: Sheila Copps ’74 and Sally VandeSompel ’97 n 2004: James Scarfone ’70 n 2003: Barbara Tiessen ’86 n 2002: Gary Comerford ’73 n 2001: John J. Callaghan ’67 n 2000: John (Jack) Petch, Q.C. ’60 For detailed information on the nomination and the selection process, please visit our website kings.uwo.ca/alumni, or call the Office of Alumni Affairs at (519) 433-3491 x4502 or (800) 265-4406 x4502.

To share your news and achievements with your fellow grads, please fill out the on-line form on our website at: www.uwo.ca/kings/alumni/ update.html. Email a colour photo (a minimum of 300 dpi) to kcalumni@uwo.ca and we’ll try to include it too! Update your address on-line to continue receiving the Herald.

The students at King’s University College thank you! A special thanks to alumni, parents and friends of King’s for supporting the 2008 annual fundraising campaign. We are grateful for the funds you donated to support the King’s Fund, the Student Life Centre and the student awards program. Your generous support raised over $55,000 to benefit King’s students. If you did not make your gift to the 2008 Annual Fund and would like to, please visit www.kings.uwo.ca/foundation/donate/ The King’s Herald | page 12

King’s Receives War Medals Across the country Canadians are paying renewed attention to the sacrifices and struggles of those who defended the country in the great wars of the twentieth century. Here at King’s, this trend saw expression with a ceremony hosted by the Cardinal Carter Library to commemorate the donation of war medals from the late Theresa and Elwood Ainsworth and their late son Shayne. The Ainsworth’s were long and devoted supporters of King’s and these medals marked Elwood’s military service and his trials as a war prisoner taken in the liberation of Italy. On May 22, Chief Librarian Claire Callaghan and Principal Gerry Killan welcomed friends of the Ainsworth family, including Dr. Dante Lenardon, Carmen Sprovieri and Dr. Hugh Mellon, and accepted the donation of the framed medals with an extended written description prepared by noted historian Dr. Peter Neary.

Letter to the Editor Dear Erin: a quick note to say how moved I was to see Dr. Lenardon on the cover of your wonderful publication. I attended King’s College (’80-’83) and had Dr. Lenardon as my professor as I studied French. He was by FAR the best educator in my life. Full of stories, passion and knowledge - that’s what I remember most about King’s. It was an absolute pleasure when I got home from work tonight and saw his photo on the cover. With true excitement, I announced to my husband and children, “Look, Dr. Lenardon was my most inspiring teacher!” I am pleased to say I, too, taught French for 15 years and now I oversee the Admissions Office (and use my French language skills whenever I can!) With very fond memories of Dr. Lenardon.

(L-R): Dr. Peter Neary, Dr. Gerry Killan, Dr. Dante Lenardon, Carmen Sprovieri and Dr. Hugh Mellon

Warm regards, Chantal Kenny ’83 (nee Lacourciere) Executive Director of Admission Upper Canada College

OTHER EXCITING NEWS!

Discounted event tickets now available on-line for King’s alumni

The volunteers and staff of the Alumni Association and Office of Alumni Affairs would like to announce an agreement with Concierge Connection, soon to be re-branded as Perkopolis. Through this arrangement, every King’s alumnus can become a valid member of Concierge Connection and have access to discounted tickets for a variety of shows, events and attractions, many of which would be quite difficult to get at full price anywhere else. To access this exclusive service, simply visit www.conciergeconnection.com and sign up using KINGSALUM as your member ID code. Then create an account, and you’re on your way to unbelievable discounts to some unbeatable shows and attractions. For more information, please visit the ‘Services’ section of the Alumni Affairs website. Spring 2009 | page 13

The lecture was called

“thecement thatbinds” It was a story about nation building, Canadian style. Railways, bridges, tunnels and trains, running from sea to sea, all to create one country. And in a classroom off the main hall of Kings College in 1977 Professor Gerry Killan was in full flight.

Written by: David Estok ’79, Editor, Hamilton Spectator

ressed in a characteristic, brown corduroy suit, blue button-down shirt, college tie and a silver cross pencil peeking out of his breast pocket, the newly minted PhD from McMaster University had about 40 students spellbound as he recited the facts and the figures, the people and the personalities, which built Canada. If the truth be told, he wasn’t that much older than the students he was teaching. He had graduated from the University of Toronto in 1968 with an honors BA in history and continued his studies in Hamilton, first obtaining his M.A. in history and then

The King’s Herald | page 14

completing his Ph.D. in 1973. His special area of study was Ontario history but his real talent was making history seem bigger than life and helping enlarge the world viewpoint of the students he would teach. Killan was hired right out of graduate school by a small, liberal arts college once called Christ the King, but then known as King’s College. It was affiliated with the gigantic and growing University of Western Ontario, and the young, ambitious scholar thought he might stay for a few years before moving on to bigger places. Fast forward more than 30 years and Gerry Killan is only now ready to leave. King’s today is a much bigger and better place

than it was in 1973. Gerry Killan’s lifetime dedication and commitment to the organization has changed it forever. And in the process he has improved the lives of thousands of people including me. “Dr. Killan” – a name I can’t find myself not saying despite all the times he says “call me Gerry” – along with a team of dedicated colleagues not only sustained King’s high standards of teaching and research but expanded the college and oversaw its phenomenal growth from 1,196 students and 38 full-time/14 parttime faculty in 1977 to the 3,733 (including 64 social work graduate) students and 91 full-time/108 parttime faculty. More importantly, under Killan’s leadership, King’s University College never strayed far from the original principles and values Killan held from the first day he arrived. Many of those fundamental ideas were captured on paper when the first mission statement was written as Killan’s first year as Principal began. “King’s is a Catholic College committed to the ongoing creation of a vital academic community animated by a Christian love of learning and the pursuit of Truth,” the statement read. “The College strives to foster an environment based on open inquiry, Christian values and service to the larger community.” It was impossible to be subjected to Killan’s teaching without developing a “love of learning and the pursuit of truth.” And it lasts a lifetime. Those of us lucky enough to be in his Ontario third-year seminar class experienced it first hand. History 364E: Topics in Ontario History was the first of its kind when introduced at King’s in 1974 and by the time I was lucky enough to join it in 1978, it marked the most spirited, interesting, provocative and thought provoking class I have ever taken. A small group of eight or so of us would meet in a room off the hallway down from

Dr. Ken Bowlby and Dr. Gerry Killan

Spring 2009 | page 15

the Chapel and not far from what would be his office once he became Principal, for a spirited and lively debate about the issues of Ontario history. Killan would sit at the head of the table, provoking and complimenting, questioning and probing. If there ever was “an environment based on open inquiry, Christian values and service to the larger community” as he would later call it in the drafting of the College’s first mission statement, this was it. Right from the start, Killan understood great teaching is at the heart of what King’s College is all about. Years later, in one of his regular communications to Alumni and in speaking about several colleagues who were about to retire, Killan captured the essence of his own contribution at King’s when he wrote about others. “Teaching is at the heart of the academic endeavors at King’s,” he said. “King’s works to instill in its students a lifelong passion for learning. It teaches them to think critically without prejudice, to be open to a wide diversity of ideas, and to express themselves well orally and through the written word.” Killan was there for the creation of the J.M.S. Careless History Club, for visits from outstanding leaders in Canadian history and as a voice of kindness and wisdom for his students. And also the occasional late afternoon King’s pub calls. But he was much more than a great teacher. He was a great scholar. His first book, Preserving Ontario’s Heritage: A History of the Ontario Historical Society (1976), was already a “must read” in universities across the province by his third year of teaching. It was followed by another, David Boyle: From Artisan to Archaeologist, published by The University of Toronto press in 1983. It won critical approval in the academic world and also won the The King’s Herald | page 16

City of Toronto Book Award and the first Floyd S. Chalmers Award for best book published in Ontario history in 1984. Killan published Protected Places: A History of Ontario’s Provincial Parks in 1993, a tribute to his lifelong love of nature. Although he was moving up and taking on greater administrative duties at the College, Killan remained an innovative and inspiring teacher throughout most of the 1980s and introduced the first undergraduate course in North America in environmental history at King’s in 1990. By 1983, he was chairing the History and Political Science Department, moving into the details of class scheduling, course evaluation and working with colleagues on administrative and academic matters. He became Academic Dean of King’s in 1992, serving five years before being named Principal in 1997. It was a crucial time to be in administration. The college had just weathered four tough years of the Social Contract

and the Common Sense Revolution where deep cuts to education had strained the system to the limit. The provincial grant had declined to the point of where it covered less than one third of King’s annual operating budget and the challenges were daunting. Besides the budget pressures, students were demanding new and expensive technology as the digital revolution was taking hold and in the era of globalization, King’s seemed quaintly isolated having only eight international students on campus. Killan rose to the challenge calling on the College in 1997 to improve its academic quality, enhance its faculty, build better classrooms,

introduce new technology, launch new programs in Social Justice and Peace Studies, Childhood and Social Institutions, Management and Organizational Studies (Global Commercial Enterprise) and the Masters in Social Work, but never abandon the commitment to “social justice, service to the broader community and social work teaching and practice.”

an aggressive fundraising program, Killan would take King’s into the 21st century. At a presentation of his awarding of an honorary degree at St. Thomas University in July 2008, the presenter noted that Killan did all of this with “his customary candor, good humor, and visionary boldness.” The presenter went on to note Killan was “a shamelessly self-promoting golfer

of rare gift and tenacity,” a nationally respected academic and a “model leader.” Energy, passion, vision, character and determination, a thoughtful, dynamic but principled leader who practiced a bit of nation building of his own with cement that binds Killan and King’s forever. n

King’s, under Killan’s leadership, was on the verge of great change. Consider, n The College grew from 2,185 fulland part-time students in 1997 to 3,733 in 2008. n In seven years, (2001 to 2008) the number of full-time staff increased by 40 per cent and the number of professional officers increased by 83 per cent. n Faculty grew from 58 in 1997 to 91 by 2008. n The number of course sections King’s offered jumped from 196 to 334. n And the number of international students jumped from 8 in 1997 to 380 in 2008. All this growth led to physical change at the College as well. The Elizabeth A. “Bessie” Labatt Hall was opened in 2003 thanks in part to a generous donation by Arthur Labatt. A new wing was built between Dante Lenardon Hall and the Annex, which houses an expanded Academic Dean and Counseling area, a new Faculty Building behind Dante Lenardon Hall creating Abraham’s courtyard, the refurbishing inside and outside of the Townhouse Residences, and the acquisition and refurbishing of Broughdale Hall. By expanding King’s academic offerings, increasing its enrolment and the quality of the student body, enhancing its facilities, renewing its faculty and staff and spearheading

Spring 2009 | page 17

t u o b a s u Tell n a l l i K y r r Dr. Ge Dr.

Joe McInnis, the Canadian modern day scientist/ explorer once stated, “build your resume on your convictions and take risks to be a leader.” Now, it was once asked of a Bishop: “what is it like to be a leader in your position?” “Oh”, he said, “it’s like a pack mule, with a great heavy load going up the side of a steep mountain. There are two targets attached to either side of my body and people are shooting at them.” Now I don’t think it got that rough for Gerry; however, the buck did stop with him, and difficult decisions had to be made many times over the last dozen years. In the end, it was Gerry who faced the cameras and reporters alone. And most of us were glad we didn’t have that job. John Henry Newman, a brilliant professor at Oxford University, in the mid-1800’s, who later converted from Anglicanism to Catholicism and was eventually made a British Cardinal of the Catholic Church, stated in his classic book The Idea of a University, “The Medieval sciences, great as is their dignity and utility, were never The King’s Herald | page 18

intended to supersede that more real and proper cultivation of the mind which is effected by the study of the liberal Arts”. Page 5 (Christianity & Letters) So Gerry, your British brother would be pleased with the efforts you made to defend liberal arts and encourage their growth here at King’s University College over 12 years of leadership. All the best, Boss. P.S. On the other hand, your ‘Dream Team’s’ domination of the John Snyder Golf Classic is another story altogether. We won’t go there today. Pat O’Connor, Boiler Room Staff, King’s University College

erry is one of those rare individuals who can explain his vision for the growth and development of King’s, seek your support for his plans and at the same time make you feel very comfortable about helping him to achieve his objectives. He is a consummate professional with a warm heart and a

winning disposition. It has been my honour to know Gerry and consider him a friend. Terry Leon ’72

ears before I joined King’s, I had heard of “Killer Killan (KK)” from my grad school friends at Mac. My first report at College Council prompted a tricky question from KK. I was both intimidated and slightly

irritated by the question and decided to just “let go.” I felt very unsure about the first impression I left with my new colleagues. Kindly, Gerry came to me after the meeting and said that my answer was a “home run.” I hadn’t expected KK to be thoughtful, generous and funny. That first impression was confirmed again and again in the years that we have worked closely together. Unfailingly, Gerry has been an encouraging, supportive and appreciative boss. Although one is always aware of his keen intelligence and razor wit, Gerry also radiates optimism, enthusiasm and energy. Despite being one of the most accomplished people I know, Gerry is modest and unassuming. Our strong wills have clashed (just like that first encounter) but the “battles” have always been “win-win”– marked by mutual respect and affection. Gerry has been a terrific colleague and King’s has flourished under his leadership. Marilyn Mason, Registrar, King’s University College

erry Killan has been a very successful administrator at the College for a long time, becoming Dean in 1992, and then Principal five years later. He has been seemingly so comfortable, generally affable, and always enthusiastic in filling these positions and in his advocacy for the faculty and then the College that it might be hard to believe he was once impossible to persuade to be an administrator at all. But when Dante Lenardon and I, among others, approached Gerry to offer himself as a candidate for the deanship in 1987, he agonized over the decision for a weekend and then declined. So Gerry shares one feature, and maybe more, with the ideal Philosopher-King of Plato’s Republic—no initial ambition or desire for the top spot. Dr. Paul Werstine ’70, Department of Modern Languages, King’s University College

feel very fortunate to know Gerry Killan as a teacher, a mentor and a friend. And while there are many anecdotes that I could share, I feel

(L-R): Shelagh Rogers, Gerry Killan, Jim Etherington

the best summation of what Gerry means to me came from the Parents’ Weekend mass yesterday (November 16) at my parish (St. Mary Student Parish at the University of Michigan) in the prayers of the faithful: “For our parents and mentors who have worked with love to provide for our growth, well being and education; that their support be recognized and their kindness honored all the days of our life.” As I now have the opportunity to mentor students and young colleagues I appreciate more and more the example Gerry sets and I will honour it all the days of my life. Jen Read Donahue, BA (Hon) King’s ’91; PhD UWO ’99

erry isn’t just a student of history. He’s a maker of it. His legacy as a professor extraordinaire at King’s University College will live on for years to come through the minds he opened and the new perspectives he engendered. Always engaging, always ready to give selflessly of his time, Gerry simply made the campus a better place. As a graduate of King’s University College and the father of a graduate, I can say Gerry is leaving our College better than he found it because of his passion and commitment. Congratulations on your retirement Gerry and keep making new history.

Joe MacDonald ’80

erry started as Principal at the time when the King’s College Foundation was incorporated and launched in 1997. He immediately grasped the importance of fundraising for King’s and the requirement to support the newly formed Foundation within the King’s community. He has opened King’s to the Foundation directors and made us feel an important part of the King’s community. He immediately learned and promoted the essential keys to fundraising – cultivation, stewardship, communication and continually giving thanks. Of course, he learned how to ask for money and support, quite successfully. His sparkling eyes and wide smile are infectious. He is certainly our Spring 2009 | page 19

best fundraiser. He promotes King’s history, vision, financial requirements and student needs with unabashed enthusiasm. He faced our adversities with calm determination, while curtailing his great passion. Without exception, he shares King’s successes with those with whom he works, staff and volunteers. We now have Bessie Labatt Hall, growing bursary funds and the financial foundation for the new Student Life Centre. This Student Life Centre will be a great and fitting testament to Gerry’s vision for King’s students. The others are already in his record book. Thank you Gerry. John J. Callaghan ’67, CA, CMC Chair, King’s College Foundation

ue to Dr. Killan’s remarkable vision and leadership, King’s University College has transformed from a small obscure affiliate college to one of top post-secondary Catholic institutions in Canada. Dr. Killan is a remarkable leader, academic and friend. His “never say die” attitude and his ability to find the positive out of every situation is inspiring, and has motivated many working beside him to give their time and resources to King’s. I am personally indebted to Dr. Killan for all the time he spent helping me help students when I was the KUCSC President. His desire to make sure that anyone and everyone knew about King’s made him the ideal spokesperson for the institution, and upon his retirement after 36 years of service, King’s University College will not be quite the same!

Ryan Gauss ’08 King’s University College Student Council President 2007-2008

Ryan Gauss & John J. Callaghan

The King’s Herald | page 20

(L-R): John Topic, Dr. Theresa Topic, Dr. Gerry Killan, Linda Killan, William Blackburn and Dr. Ramona Lumpkin

n a student’s lifetime, there are a few educators that make a profound difference; Gerry Killan was one of those mentors for me. While I always had a passion for history, it was “Killer” Killan that made the historian’s craft come alive for me through his love of teaching, his enthusiasm for the past and his expectation of excellence. In later years when I called on him, Gerry was always willing to give of his time and “treat” for lunch. This speaks as much to his continuing concern for his former students as it does to his role as an ambassador for King’s. It would be no exaggeration to say that I call King’s my alma mater because of Gerry. Enjoy retirement, Gerry. You’ve earned it but you will be missed! Dr. Peter Nunoda ’83 Dean of Health, University College of the North

y experience of Gerry is that he is willing to knock at the door of the impossible in an attempt to help a project. When a group I was part of was using the space at King’s for a conference, I spoke with Gerry about the possibility of webcasting from the site to out of town sites. While it had not been done before, he enthusiastically undertook to find out what was possible. What struck me was the willingness not to assume that something was impossible. Rather than see it as one more problem, he himself got a little curious about whether King’s had that capacity. Being curious about what is possible is an important

attitude to bring to leadership and shows up in so many areas of decision-making. In any collaboration we have had, Gerry always brought his humour and his sense of being partners. The Sisters of St. Joseph are grateful for our collaboration with King’s and in particular with Gerry over the years. Sister Margo Ritchie, Sisters of St. Joseph

t has been one of the great pleasures of my life to work very closely with Gerry over the last nine years. During that period, the College has grown in terms of its enrolment, faculty complement, support staff and the size of the physical plant. Of greater significance, the College has matured tremendously. Our community has grown in collective self-confidence and Gerry has been the driving force behind this attitudinal shift. He has guided us to a better understanding of ourselves as a community of committed teacher scholars, as a leading centre of Catholic higher education in the country, and finally as a distinctive and complementary affiliated university college within the framework of The University of Western Ontario. It is difficult to imagine a greater contribution! Dr. Des Dutrizac, ’69 Academic Dean, King’s University College

mong its strengths, one of the great things about King’s College back in the early 1980’s was that a student was likely to have certain instructors more than once during

the course of earning a degree. I had the good fortune of experiencing Dr. Gerald Killan in Canadian History 233 and again in the Ontario History 364 seminar course. While his nickname, “Killer,” preceded him around the small campus, his manner belied the name. In class, students were met by a forthright, compassionate mentor who took teaching seriously. Gerry’s passion for his work and commitment to King’s were evident to his students back then. To most, it was no surprise that he would later become Principal and lead King’s through the greatest growth and challenges in its history. To students, he appeared tireless and positive. While alumni from my era are pleased to offer congratulations to Gerry upon his retirement, we can’t help but think that another link to the “King’s that was” is being broken and that the College will suffer for the loss. But a visit to King’s will quickly dispel the notion that the small college community has disappeared. Gerry has spent his entire professorial and professional life at King’s. Particularly since becoming Principal in 1997 he has emphasized that King’s must remain true to those elements of the College that graduates hold so dear: a student-centered environment where intensive student-faculty interaction combine with a sense of community and teaching excellence to provide the best opportunities for

students. That is King’s today. That is what it was for the likes of me in the early 1980’s. Dr. Killan, on behalf of the Class of ’84, a grand thank you! John Regan ’84 Alumni Association President 1988-2000

erry has made an unmistakable impact on academics, quality and growth of all kinds at King’s. Gerry is reknowned for his intuitive and natural leadership, his great intellect and teachings, and his unfaltering guidance and support. These (along with a whitty charm) are simple characteristics but are all powerful things that anyone from King’s during his tenure were positively impacted by. I wish him all the best in transition and on the Links in ’09 (and hope I get an invite).” M. Jamie Algate ’00 King’s University College Students’ Council President 1999-2000

ommon cause. Those words evoke for me the pleasure of having Gerry Killan as a colleague over the past eight years. Not only does Gerry believe passionately in the mission of King’s University College, but he has also been a faithful advocate for the value of all three university colleges affiliated with The University of Western Ontario. When I arrived at Huron, Gerry was the veteran among the three principals in our troika. He understood the history, knew the ropes, and gave unstintingly of his wisdom as we negotiated to find common ground with Western and maintain the vibrancy of our common cause. I treasure all that he has contributed to our work and will miss his presence deeply. Dr. Ramona Lumpkin, PhD Principal, Huron University College at The University of Western Ontario

ince my arrival in the diocese over six

Dr. Paul Davenport and Dr. Gerry Killan

years ago, I have often had occasion to meet with Gerry Killan about King’s University College. It has been a pleasure for me to get to know him. Gerry has shown vision and foresight in the steps he has taken to strengthen King’s in its Catholic mission. Through his efforts to build up campus ministry, for example, students who come to King’s will find a strong worshipping community to support them in pursuing a university education. Across Canada, King’s has a reputation for excellence in Catholic higher education. It is well deserved. I commend Gerry for the outstanding leadership he has given King’s and thank him for his generous service to the college. May God bless him abundantly in the years ahead. Most Rev. Ronald Fabbro, C.S.B. Bishop of London

erry Killan leaves a very strong legacy at King’s University College. His integrity, collegiality, and commitment to high academic standards have moved King’s forward in ways that all of us on campus can celebrate. His has always been a voice of intelligence, creativity, and fairness. Gerry has been my good friend and colleague for most of my time at Western, and I will miss him as we both step down from office. I join all his friends at Western in wishing Linda and Gerry every happiness in the years ahead.

Dr. Paul Davenport President, The University of Western Ontario

Spring 2009 | page 21

The Student Life Campaign – At the Centre of It All Written by: Carrie Gubesch

When alumni are asked what they remember most about their experience at King’s, the top answer is the sense of community fostered by the small class sizes. King’s strives to build on this significant factor that brings the best and brightest students to campus. It is all about Student Life; staff and volunteers with the King’s University College Foundation have been working hard to make this vision a reality. The Student Life Campaign – At the Centre of It All is an ambitious undertaking with a goal of raising $6.9 million. There are two campaign priorities: The Student Life Centre and King’s bursary and awards program. The Student Life Centre is symbolically at the centre of it all – to be located between the recently renovated Townhouse Residences and the Alumni Court Residences. The Centre is a $7.4 million initiative with a private sector goal of $5.4 million. The Centre will provide a permanent on-campus gathering place to accommodate an extensive breadth of programming to support wellbalanced and engaged students. “For me, the Student Life Centre represents the finale of ten years of strategic planning dealing with the enrollment expansion occasioned by the “double cohort.” When King’s decided to expand, we committed to many things, including the enhancement of community space. After extensive consultation with our students, we identified what that space should involve and then conceptualized our Student Life Centre based on what we were told. It is a place where learning, student interaction, faculty-student interaction, and low impact recreation will take place. It fulfills the suite of promises I made ten years ago. This is very personal to me.” ~ Gerald Killan, Principal

The King’s bursary and awards program is the second priority of the Student Life Campaign and is equally as important as new community space. King’s University College is committed to accessibility and ensuring that the most deserving students will be able to attend King’s, regardless of their financial situation. Over 60 percent of our students currently require some form of financial assistance. Throughout the next five years, King’s intends to raise $1.5 million in endowed awards and bursaries. When matched by the Ontario government, our endowments will increase by $3 million and our overall endowment for student financial aid will be close to $7 million. Staff members of the King’s University College Foundation have been working for more than a year with the help of a dedicated volunteer cabinet. The cabinet is headed by Andy and Helen Spriet, Honourary Co-Chairs. Andy is head of Spriet Associates which he founded in 1961. Helen was the owner of Yorkville Interiors in London; she retired in 2007. “Andy and Helen have had a longtime connection with King’s,” says Erin Lawson, Executive Director of the Foundation and Alumni Affairs. “Andy is the Past Chair of the King’s University College Board of Directors and he and Helen support many events held by King’s, particularly Music Reigns and the Golf Classic. The Spriets are leaders in the London

The King’s Herald | page 22

building include the weight room, the fitness centre, the games room, club activities offices, the 500-seat auditorium and two meeting rooms.

community and I hope others will be inspired by their generosity to King’s.” The other members of the Campaign Cabinet include: n Penny Arvai, Karl Arvai Professional Corporation n Bill Brennan, ’74, William M. Brennan (Co) 1978 Ltd. n John Callaghan, ’67, Callaghan Consulting Group n Ryan Gauss, ’08 n Paul Hogan, Lambton Fencing Limited n Frank Jurjevich, Lighthouse Private Client Corporation n Brent Shea, ’80, London Police Services n Henry Thuss, CIBC Wood Gundy n Peter van der Westen, Vanderwesten Rutherford Mantecon

The response by the King’s community has been outstanding. Faculty and staff have so far pledged over $176,000 in donations. The King’s University College Board of Directors and the King’s University College Foundation Board of Directors, which includes the members of the Campaign Cabinet, have contributed over $450,000. There has been 100 percent participation in this campaign by the King’s Senior Administration Group. In honour of their gift to the Student Life Centre, the Student Lounge/Meeting Place will be named after Andy and Helen Spriet. Other areas to be named in the new

In addition to naming physical spaces, many donors are opting to create named awards through the King’s bursary and awards program. King’s faculty member, Dr. Joan Mason-Grant, is being honoured by her parents, Lowell B. Mason, Jr., and Elizabeth Upjohn Mason, with the Dr. Joan Mason-Grant Award for Experiential Learning in Social Justice and Peace Studies. Through an Ontario government matching program, David Convery ’73 and Patricia Convery ’75, created The David and Patricia Convery Award in Social Work, and Patrick Phelan, ’78, has created the Phelan Family Award in History. These are only a few of the more than 70 named awards available to students at King’s. More awards are needed: As the cost of a university education continues to rise, student assistance programs become increasingly important. King’s has grown to a community of more than 3,650 full- and parttime undergraduates including 300 international students from over 30 countries, and almost 50 part-time graduate students. This increase in enrolment, combined with the fact that approximately 65 percent of our students commute daily to campus, means that King’s must provide a central location for students to engage in different ways. The Student Life Campaign addresses this need – join us in realizing this dream. n

As of February 23, 2009, the Student Life Campaign has raised $2,490,000 cash and pledges of its $6.9 million goal. A major portion of the funds already raised have been pledged by the King’s University College Student Council. King’s students have dedicated $1.2 million of their discretionary student fees to the Student Life Centre; this pledge will be paid over five years. Spring 2009 | page 23

Thank you Student Life Campaign – At the Centre of it all Donor Listing

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the individuals, corporations, organizations and foundations that have made a gift to King’s University College in support of the Student Life Campaign.

($100,000+)

The Lord Family

King’s University College Students’ Council

Des Dutrizac ’69 & Martha Dutrizac

Don Smith & Joan Smith

The Jack and Barbara Hay Foundation

Andy Spriet & Helen Spriet ($50,000 - $99,999)

John Kennedy ’65 & Terri Kennedy Peter Kenny & Joanne Kenny

individuals, corporations, foundations and other

Lowell B. Mason, Jr. & Elizabeth Upjohn Mason

organizations for the period September 1, 2007 –

($25,000 - $49,999)

Donor Listing: The donor listing acknowledges contributions to King’s University College by

December 31, 2008. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this listing, errors and omissions may occur. Please accept our apologies and bring any corrections to the attention of King’s University College Foundation at (519) 433-3491 ext. 4500, or (800) 265-4406 ext. 4500, so we can correct this for our donor wall and future listings.

Karl Arvai & Penny Arvai Paul Hogan & Barbara Hogan Henry Thuss & Rosemary Thuss Vanderwesten, Rutherford, Mantecon

Mavis Killan Logikor Dedicated Logisitics Marilyn Mason & Leonard Segall Reverend Terrence McNamara John Nash ’58 & Margi Nash

($10,000 - $24,999)

Nexen Inc.

The Estate of William Francis Barnicke

Michael O’Hare ’80 & Rosemary O’Hare ’81

J. Claire Callaghan ’71

Tom Peirce ’82 & Anne Marie Peirce ’84

John Callaghan ’67 & Linda Callaghan Lynne Cram The King’s Herald | page 24

Gerry Killan & Linda Killan

John (Jack) Petch ’60 Patrick Phelan ’78 & Family

Brent Shea ’80 & Becky Shea ’79

Elizabeth Drewlo ’88

Erika Mozes ’00

Lynne Jackson

Susan Evans

Linda Neal ’99

Don Kerr

Jerry O’Brien & Maria O’Brien

Larry Langan

($5,000 - $9,999)

Daniel Ferguson & Kathleen Ferguson

Laura Béres

Paul Fox & Nancy Fox

Michael O’Neil ’86 & Jill O’Neil ’84

Bill MacKenzie & Shelley MacKenzie

Bill Brennan ’74

Frank Franciosa ’00

Christopher Makuch ’93

Cahill Financial Inc.

Nicole Furnival & Cory Bowman

Cosmo Oppedisano & Teresa Oppedisano

Mary Carol Watters

Sauro E. Camiletti CultureWorks ESL F.K. Morrow Foundation Ryan Gauss ’08 Tom Jory ’87 & Margo Jory Erin Lawson & Ted Lawson Joseph Madill ’69 Don McDougall & Marion McDougall Mary McLaughlin Julie Michaud George Murray Bob Paterson ’72 & Angie Paterson Ken Regan ($1,000 - $4,999) Sean Adams ’00 Reverend Michael Bechard ’91 Jane Borecky ’97 Shirley Bratscher Antonio Calcagno

Suzanne Grenke ’84 & Denton Grenke Karen Holmes ’78 Allan Irving Rose Marie Jaco John Jarrell & Mary Margaret Jarrell Lindsay Kennedy Raegan Kennedy Robin Kennedy Ina Kevins ’81 Mina LaRocca Joseph Lassaline ’69

Richard Dixon ’78

Antonio Morano ’89 & Jacqueline Morano ’88

Rival Office Solutions Inc.

Robert Morris ’93

Michael Rolland ’78

Rick Naranowicz & June Naranowicz

Michelle Samways Kelly Schaus & Todd Schaus Frank Schlichtherle ’62 Nicholas F. Skinner Jeannette Staples Michael Tattersall & Carol Tattersall

Euro Narduzzi ’63 Jacquetta Newman nuskule inc. Patrick O’Bright ’87 William Payne Robert Plexman ’72

Philip Weinstein ’78 & Judy Weinstein

Frank Linsdell & Joan Linsdell

E. Paul Werstine ’70

Jeff Major

The Estate of Earl G. Williams

Dino Rocca ’83 & Mary Rocca ’84

Mark D. Browning Inc.

($500 - $999)

William Ruth & Susan Ruth

James McDonald ’66

Renato Berlingieri ’80

Reverend William McGrattan ’86

Marlon Biollo ’01

James Sbrolla ’90 & Ann Tavares ’91

William McKercher & Sue McKercher

Stephen Deighton ’91

John Regan ’84

Terry Leon ’72 & Mari Jo Leon ’72

Michael (Jim) Conroy ’67

Robert Deane

Margaret Pressey ’75

Janet McEwen

Frances Vitali ’91 & the Late John Vitali

McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP

Calum Cunningham ’97 & Tracy Cunningham ’97

James Peterson ’89

Daniel McCowell ’81

George Leon ’65

Gary Comerford ’73 & Cathy Comerford ’73

Richard Csiernik

James Pender ’81

William McCloskey ’65

Sally McNamee Fred Meek Hugh Mellon Betty Miszczyk Reverend James Mockler

Deborah Comuzzi ’78 & Gerry Bezzina ’79

Joseph Radocchia ’90 Henry Rawlinson ’90 Jennifer Regan & Gareth Davie

James Scarfone ’70 Megan Shore

Linda Cornish-Goodwin ’80

Marc Sorrenti

Francis DeSantis ’72

James Tangney ’62

Robert Gunn

Jill Thompson

John Hall ’59

Jennifer Thwaites

Mary Henri

Christopher Whelan ’82

Elizabeth Hewitt

Jill Whelan ’93

Diane Humphrey Spring 2009 | page 25

Milestones John Howard ’71, former owner of Vineland Estates Winery, launched his Meglomaniac wines portfolio in 2007 where he is implementing some of the techniques that saw Vineland Estates become a winery that produced 60,000 cases of wine and entertained 180,000 visitors per year under his leadership. More recently, John and Bordeaux winegrower Jean-Philippe Janoueix purchased Chateau Haut-Pontet in Bordeaux’s famous SaintEmilion region. Ron Liang Swee Lim ’76 is gainfully retired and actively engaged in volunteer work and projects in third world countries in Asia. Before immigrating to Canada in early 1989, Ron was employed by the Singapore government as a Senior Executive in a number of ministries such as education, air and land transportation, tourism, co-operative enterprises, trade unions and the productive movement including many years of volunteer work with charitable organizations. Karen Holmes ’78 was previously top sales representative for #Team in Canada with Re/max Aboutowne Realty Corporation in Oakville. She has since formed her own group within Remax – VHM – and maintains consistent award winning results. Tim Stainton ’79 attained a PhD from the London School of Economics in 1992 and has taught at McGill University and the University of Wales Swansea. Tim currently works at the University of British Columbia. He was appointed full professor in 2007. Dr. Peter Nunoda ’83 has been appointed Dean of Health Studies at the University College of The North in The Pas, Manitoba. Benoit Mercier ’85 was elected to a two-year term as President of the Franco-Ontarian Teacher’s Federation beginning in March 2008. Andrew Reid ’89 resides in Toronto and runs Big Fish Interactive Inc., a leadership training firm based in Toronto www. bigfishinteractive.com Dr. Jennifer Read ’91 has been named the first executive director of the Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS), a new nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Great Lakes stewardship through sound science and data management. GLOS is one of 11 regional nodes of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System, a nationwide federal initiative of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). As the only freshwater component of this nationwide system, GLOS will assume a central role in advancing science-based policy decisions and the exchange of scientific data among key agencies, organizations and academic institutions in the binational Great Lakes basin. Dr. Read will assume the GLOS leadership role while maintaining her current position as assistant director at Michigan Sea Grant.

Monica Pease ’92 owns and operates Touchstone Consulting in London, Ontario, a business focused on Career Development, Career Transition and Work/Life Balance Coaching. www. touchstone-consulting.ca Brenda Wood ’94 and husband Lauren Sheil celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in August 2008. Fun Fact: we had our wedding photos taken at what is now called Dante Lenardon Hall. When Brenda was a student it was called Silverwood House! Brenda and Lauren lived in London until the spring of 2007 when it became necessary to move to the GTA for Lauren’s job. Brenda and Lauren moved to Mississauga ON in May 2007 and are settling in well. Brenda is a certified recreational gymnastics and trampoline coach at Gymnastics Mississauga, and she is getting her Competitive Coach training through courses. Brenda can be reached at brenda-wood@hotmail.com or on facebook under Brenda Wood. The summer of 2009 will mark 15 years since graduating from Kings! Brenda received an Honours BA in Political Science with French and she treasures her time at the College. She lived on the 3rd floor as a frosh, and off campus after that. She was active in the Kings Players, and spent a little time with the debating team and also with AIESEC. She was also on the Alumni Committee around 2001-2003. Heather Paul ’96 (nee Hugill) and husband David are thrilled to announce the new addition to their family. Cassandra Amy was born July 2, 2008 and is the much loved sister to big brother, Nicholas, who is now five. Heather and David are still living in Mississauga, where they have been since 1996. Romeo M. Tolentino ’97 is an Associate Pastor at St. Leonard’s Parish, Brampton, Ontario. Jeff Hemphill ’06 found work with AV-BASE Systems Inc. following his time at King’s. AV-BASE Systems Inc. develops and supports a series of Aviation Inventory and Maintenance Software products known as the WinAir Series. WinAir is widely recognized as the easiest-to-use, most structurally integrated and most affordable systems for handling aviation maintenance and inventory control. Through AV-BASE Jeff has had the opportunity to travel all around the world to provide on-site training for clients using the software. This includes government agencies, both home and abroad, along with regional and national airlines from as far away as Australia and as close to home as the London Airport.

Should you have any Milestones to share (job announcements/changes/promotions, marriages, birth announcements etc.) please let us know and we’ll include them in The Herald. Please e-mail kcalumni@uwo.ca The King’s Herald | page 26

Music Reigns Gala Event Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the London Convention Centre Tickets: $150 per person with reservations available for tables of ten. Tax receipts are issued for a portion of the ticket price. Please contact the Orchestra London Box Office at 519.679.8778 or visit

In support of King â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University College and Orchestra London

HonEy Design www.honey.on.ca

www.musicreigns.ca

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