SPRING/SUMMER 2024
CONTRIBUTORS
writing
Tyler
Brian
Ed
editing
Tyler
Melissa
design
Andrea
John
Andrea
Danny Custodio
John
Andrea
Danny
Melissa
P.O.
P.O.
Headmaster’s Headlines
Greetings from Ridley! Welcome to the Spring/Summer 2024 edition of the Tiger. In recent years, we have framed each school year with a one-word theme. This year, we focused on the promising verb 'engage.'
Engagement is the investment of one’s attention, energy and enthusiasm into activities that bring fulfillment and purpose to life. It is a central plank in the foundation we are providing our students as we inspire them to lead 'flourishing lives.' As I reflect on this past year at Ridley College, I remain inspired by the remarkable engagement demonstrated by our school community. From their enthusiastic participation in the search for wisdom and being of service to others to the dedication shown in vibrant arts and athletic achievements, Ridley's commitment to active involvement shines brightly.
In these pages, you will journey alongside our students on transformative service trips at the Jacaranda School in Malawi, DIG in Guatemala and our newest endeavour in Thailand. We also commemorate a celestial milestone with our eclipse feature, highlighting not just the astronomical event itself but also the dedication of our science educators who bring such learning moments to life for our students.
This edition also pays tribute to the life and legacy of Darcy McKeough ’51, a pillar of service and leadership whose impact resonates profoundly at Ridley. Darcy was among the most loyal and generous Ridleians. He served on the Board from 1978 until 1993, was Chair of the Board from 1986 until 1991,
Canadian Foundation Chair, Second Century Campaign Chair, alumni parent and alumnus. He attended the school from 1945 until 1951, where he was a School Prefect, Acta Editorin-Chief and decorated public speaker and debater. Through heartfelt reflections by Brian Iggulden ’67, we honour his enduring influence on our community.
I invite you to delve into Director of Development Kory Lippert’s reflections about alumni engagement and volunteer opportunities. From mentoring programmes to reunion events, Ridley alumni continue to play a pivotal role in shaping our community's future. Finally, we consider the meticulous journey behind the 100 Years, 100 Objects book, created in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Memorial Chapel.
Indeed, engagement is a defining characteristic of the Ridley experience and I suspect it always will be. As with all characteristics, it is important to reflect on its impact on the way we lead our lives. Flourishing individuals and communities are engaged, and this edition is a celebration of all that.
Terar Dum Prosim
Ed Kidd Headmaster
24
ENGAGED AT RIDLEY
W. Darcy McKeough ’51: A Life of Service
Journeys of Service: On Ridley’s Transformative Service Trips
The Power of Engagement: Celebrating Ridley's Alumni Network
Embracing the Eclipse: A Journey of Unity and Discovery
Journeys of Engagement: Ridley's Legacy of Flourishing Lives
Crawford Gordon ’56
Speaker Series: 50 Years of Women at Ridley
25
32
35
46
ALUMNI ANNOUNCEMENTS
Class Notes
Births & Marriages
Faculty & Staff Notes
Retirements
Obituaries
38
42
50 ARCHIVES CORNER
Tales of Faith and Sacrifice: The Making of 100 Years, 100 Objects
LIFE ON campus
This year, we celebrated the spirit of connection that reverberates through every facet of our community, infusing academic pursuits, artistic endeavours, athletic achievements and service initiatives with boundless energy and purpose. Our dedication to fostering engagement enriches every experience, strengthening the ties that unite us.
Strength and UNITY
Shining STARS
Driven to SUCCEED
Colourful MEMORIES
Moments of TRIUMPH
academics
Prize Day 2024
This year’s graduation celebrations took place in late May, marking the start of a new chapter for the Class of 2024. Congratulations to all our graduates! A very special thank you to this year's Distinguished Alumni Speaker, Georgina Black ’85.
1. Ridley Dominates the International Math Stage
Our student mathematicians excelled in competition, with five students earning perfect scores at the American Mathematics Olympiad (AMO), propelling Ridley to the top position in Canada. Students also performed exceptionally at the UC Berkeley Math Competition, the University of Waterloo’s CEMC contests and the Stanford Math Tournament, and won the Outstanding Canadian Paper Award at Canada's 2024 International Mathematical Modeling Challenge.
2. DECA Provincials
Upper School students Rawnie Sun ’25 and Rebecca Liu ’25 placed in the top three at the DECA Provincial Championships in Toronto in February.
3. Valentine’s Debate Returns
The long-standing Ridley tradition of the Valentine's Debate returned. The topic for debate: Should we know our expiration date at birth? The judges commended both teams but found in favour of the government side while awarding Jazim Farhaj ’27 with the trophy as the top debater.
4. Grade 7 Science Fair
Grade 7 students designed, tested and analyzed their own science projects to showcase at the Middle School Science Fair in February. Their projects were presented to group judges from Ridley and Brock University faculty. David Hanna ’29, Erik Marshall ’29, Max Tsuji ’29 and Jessica Jennings ’29 were selected to represent Ridley at the Niagara Regional Science and Engineering Fair in March.
5. Crawford Gordon ’56 Speaker Series
We proudly welcomed Dr. Greg Wells to the Mandeville stage in January as part of our Crawford Gordon ’56 Speaker Series.
Dr. Wells shared valuable tips to help our students rest, refocus and recharge. In April, we hosted the final instalment of the series, which featured five distinguished alumnae: Georgina Black ’85, Chantal Ramsay ’74, Amber Kanwar ’04, Margaret Coons ’08 and Vida Han ’19, in celebration of 50 Years of Women at Ridley.
6. Literary Dinner
In May, we hosted our annual Literary Dinner in Williams Hall, where Upper School students and faculty enjoyed a fantastic dinner and awards ceremony to celebrate the wonderful written and spoken work of our Ridleians. Special thanks to our guest of honour, Colin Brezicki, novelist, short story writer and retired Ridley faculty member, who gave an inspiring speech at the event.
7. PYP Exhibition
After months of hard work and collaborative learning, our Grade 6 students presented their culminating projects at the Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition.
8. CAIS Middle School Leadership Conference
Middle School student leaders Luca Parlatore ’28, Alayah Osborne ’28, Sophia Liu ’28 and Sherry Zheng ’28 attended the CAIS Middle School Student Leadership Conference from May 7th to 10th in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
9. Middle School Exploratory Programme
Students in the Middle School have been engaging in a new aspect of the curriculum in the form of the Exploratory Programme. This allows students to dig deeper into their passions and strengths outside the standard academic classroom.
arts
Degrassi Stars Host Ridley Independent Film Festival (RIFF)
In April, we had the privilege of hosting esteemed Canadian actors Pat Mastroianni (Joey Jeremiah) and Stacie Mistysyn (Caitlin Ryan) from the hit TV series Degrassi Junior High. They shared their advice on pursuing careers in acting and production with IB1 and IB2 Film students and recreated two scenes from The Breakfast Club during a masterclass. Later that month, they returned to host the Ridley Independent Film Festival (RIFF).
1. Arts in April
Arts in April is an annual celebration of the artistic achievements of our students. The celebrations kicked off with the Ridley Independent Film Festival, followed by the CIS Music Festival, the IB Visual Arts Exhibition and concluded with the Arts Awards and Arts Assembly.
2. Chicago Dazzles Audiences
Our Upper School students truly outdid themselves with their spectacular rendition of Chicago in February. From the mesmerizing choreography to the flawless execution of iconic songs, their dedication and talent shone brightly on stage, leaving the audience spellbound and craving an encore.
3. Ridley Theatre takes the stage at Regional Theatre Awards
Ridley’s Upper School thespians were recognized at the regional secondary school theatre awards known as the Cappies. During the awards gala, our students performed a segment from both their fall theatrical production The 39 Steps and their winter hit musical Chicago. Our students received awards for Best Special Effects, Best Lighting, Best Orchestra, Best Song, Best Supporting Actor in a Female Role in a Play and Best Lead Actor in a Male Role in a Musical.
4. Ridley Symphony Orchestra takes Gold at Nationals
The Ridley College Symphony Orchestra travelled to Toronto for the MusicFest National competition, where they competed alongside the best high school music ensembles from across Canada and won gold for their performance.
5. Music for a Winter Evening
In February, members of the Ridley community gathered in the Memorial Chapel to witness and celebrate our Upper School music students performing a selection of solo and ensemble chamber works for the Music for a Winter Evening concert.
6. International Music Presentation
Renowned erthuist Snow Bai visited Ridley on January 29th to present the unique qualities of this traditional Chinese instrument to Ridley’s Upper School music students. Students had the opportunity to witness Ms. Bai playing both Western and Chinese musical styles on the erhu. Ridley musicians studying other traditional Chinese instruments also had the opportunity to perform for Ms. Bai and their peers.
7. Middle School Production: The Yeldir Chronicles
Our Middle School thespians brought the mythical world of Yeldir Hall (Ridley spelled backwards) to life in an exciting and entertaining way with the production of The Yeldir Chronicles
8. Lower School Art Exhibition
Parents and students witnessed a stunning showcase of creativity at the Lower School Art Exhibition. From beautiful paintings to captivating mixed media and sculpture works, the incredible artistic talents of our students were on full display.
athletics
New Athletic Facilities
In February, we opened the doors to our new athletic facilities. These new spaces were the first part to be completed in our $51 million construction project — the largest in Ridley's history — and have fundamentally elevated our student experience. Ahead of the opening of the new facilities, members of the Prep Boys Basketball team invited former Head Coach, Dave Whitty, to sink the first basket in the newly renovated Griffith Gymnasium.
1. CSSRA Championships 2024
Our Tigers excelled at the 2024 CSSRA Championships, with several athletes taking home gold and silver at the event. Congratulations to Charlotte Langlois ’24, Sydney Swick ’25, Jade Postma ’25, Charlotte Pieckenhagen ’24, T.J. Goertz ’24, Andrew Schrompf ‘24, Elliott Leal ’25, Caillen Pieckenhagen ’24, Ashton Kidd ’26, Anika Dandamudi ’26, Naomi Cousins ’27, Hope Tsuji ’26, Olivia Alexander ’26, Calla Thai ’26, Rachel Mason ’26 and Luke Winterbottom ’26. A huge thank you to all members of the Ridley Rowing community who generously supported our Road to the CSSRA fundraising initiative.
2. Boys Rugby Wins at CISAA Championship
Ridley hosted the CISAA Rugby Championships in May, where our U16 Boys captured gold and our First Boys captured silver on home turf.
3. Canada Basketball Visits Ridley and Canada Basketball Coaching Clinic
The Canadian Senior Men’s Basketball Team took advantage of our new, state-of-the-art facilities to prepare for the FIBA Men’s AmeriCup 2025 Qualifiers before facing off against Nicaragua at the Meridian Centre on Friday, February 23rd. During the visit, Canada Basketball and Toronto Raptors Assistant Coach Jon Goodwillie hosted an on-court coaching development session with our Prep Boys basketball team as on-court demonstrators.
4. Tigers Capture Bronze at World Championships Student-athletes Jessica MacKinnon ’24 and Charlotte Pieckenhagen ’24 captured bronze with Team Canada at this year’s U18 World Hockey Championships in Switzerland.
5. CPSHA Championships at Ridley
Our Prep Boys hockey team played host to six hockey clubs for the Canadian Prep Hockey Alliance Championship in March. The dedication and hard work put forth by everyone involved in organizing the event truly shone through, creating an atmosphere of excitement and sportsmanship.
6. Nancy Storrs Ontario Indoor Rowing Championships
The rowing community was out in full force at the Nancy Storrs Ontario Indoor Rowing Championships, hosted by Ridley in February. This year, our Tigers claimed ten top 10 finishes in the Upper School and 18 top 10 finishes in our Middle School U13/U15 categories.
7. U14 Hockey Claims CISAA Silver
Congratulations to our U14 Co-Ed hockey team on capturing silver in a nail-biting overtime finish at the CISAA Championships. The entire Lower School was there to witness the exciting comeback to force the overtime period!
8. Prep Girls Hockey: OWHL Champions
Congratulations to our Prep Girls hockey team on winning the OWHL U22 Elite League Bronze Division!
9. NPA National Championships at Ridley
In March, Ridley hosted the National Preparatory Association (NPA) Championships. Our Prep Boys basketball team faced off against Rothesay Netherwood School, coming out on top but losing to the eventual champions in the quarter finals. Congratulations to Caleb Roberts ’25 for winning the NPA Underclassmen of the Year Award.
service
1. 115th Annual Cadet Parade and Inspection
The Ridley College Cadet Corps No. 162 RCACC participated in the 115th annual Cadet Parade and Inspection on April 21st. This year’s inspecting officer was Deputy Headmaster Mrs. Michele Bett.
2. Terar Dum Prosim Celebration Dinner
International Food Festival
To kick off the new year, we came together as a school to celebrate all the diverse cultures that make up the Ridley community at our International Food Festival. Through song, dance, dress and delicious food, everyone had the opportunity to experience the rich layers of the many nationalities represented.
In April, we hosted our second annual Terar Dum Prosim dinner and awards. This evening was dedicated to recognizing students, faculty, staff and alumni who have made significant contributions through service, not only within our own community but also internationally. This year's keynote speaker, alumna Suzanne Court ’86, spoke about her service to the Niagara community and how Ridley inspired her to be consumed in service.
3. Cadet Mess Dinner
In February, students, faculty and distinguished guests gathered in the Great Hall for the Cadet Mess Dinner. It was a wonderful night to celebrate the history and achievements of Ridley's Cadet programme.
4. Lower School Visits Edith Cavell
In February, the entire Lower School travelled around the corner to Edith Cavell School and donated over 500 books collected by the Page Turners Club. Ridley students paired up with reading buddies from Edith Cavell for interactive activities and enjoyed their new books together.
5. Skate for the Homeless
In February, Okey Okafo ’25 and friends hosted the Skate for the Homeless event at Tiger Arena. The event featured a family skate, a faculty vs. students' hockey game and a figure skating performance, which raised over $1,500 for Start Me Up Niagara.
6. Student Book Drive
Clare Pawsey ’25 and Anisha Ghosh ’25 ran a successful book drive in the spring with the help of Jonah Tredway ’31 and the Page Turners Club. These students collected books to donate to the Birchway Women's Centre in Niagara, exceeding their goal and collecting a total of 200 books, surpassing last year's total of 130.
7. Grade 6 Food Drive
As part of their PYP Exhibition action component, Mollie McCandless ’30, Royce Morgan ’30, Liam Siao ’30 and Aiden Lachapelle ’30 organized a food drive for Pelham Cares. They delivered their donations to the food bank and even had a chance to interview the volunteers.
8. Marathon of Sport
In May, we were joined by our friends at Motionball and Special Olympics Ontario for the Marathon of Sport, hosted by Dean's House. Grouped into teams by House, Upper School students and our celebrity guests participated in several sporting events for an afternoon full of fun, inclusivity and celebration for Special Olympic athletes.
9. Nancy Storrs Memorial 24 Hour Erg-a-thon
The inaugural Nancy Storrs Memorial 24-Hour Erg-a-thon took place in February. For a full 24 hours, members of the Ridley rowing team each completed a one-hour erg session to raise funds and awareness for the Walker Family Cancer Centre in Nancy's memory. The group raised just over $2,000 through their GoFundMe page and cash donations, doubling their goal of $1,000.
ENGAGED at Ridley
W. Darcy McKeough ’51:
A LIFE OF SERVICE
BY: B. A. IGGULDEN ’67
I am humbled and honoured to have been asked to pen a few thoughts in memory of W. Darcy McKeough ’51. My personal memories and reflections will be augmented by borrowing from the excellent pieces written by Headmaster J. Edward Kidd in his email to alumni about Darcy’s passing, and by Bob Stanley ’47, an iconic Ridleian, who wrote about Darcy, The Dual Chairman, following the Second Century Campaign of the late ‘80s and his Board Chairmanship.
My introduction to the McKeough family occurred in 1980 after I was hired by Headmaster Richard Bradley and Board Chair Mac Irwin ’46 to found Ridley’s summer programme, Sports Ridley. Early in the fall of that year, a certain Lower School master and alumnus shattered his leg in a glorious attempt to score a goal in the alumni vs. First Team soccer game on Old Boy’s weekend. While recovering from his injury, I was asked to cover said master’s history classes, which were in a second-floor classroom. As I took roll call to familiarize myself with the lads, I called out, “Stewart Mac-key-oh,” only to be corrected by Stew, “Sir, that is McKeough as in Mc-Q.” An ominous beginning, to be sure!
My career at Ridley progressed as I moved from Sports Ridley to the Admissions Office and to the Development Office, where I joined the team of Bob Stanley and Derek Fraser ’79. Ridley was beginning the historic Second Century Campaign led by Headmaster Jere Packard and Chair Darcy McKeough. So began my affiliation with one of Ridley’s titans of leadership, which was, for me, a life-defining opportunity. Darcy’s association with Ridley began in September 1945 when he entered the Lower School. During his career, Darcy was active in many areas of Ridley life, including being President of the Speakers’ Club for three years and the
winner of the Dr. W. H. Merritt Prize for Public Speaking. In recognition of his prowess as a public speaker, the Class of 1968 undertook a project to endow the Darcy McKeough Fund for public speaking to encourage students to become proficient in this important life skill. That fund is now capitalized at $510,000, a fitting tribute to Darcy.
After Ridley, Darcy attended the University of Western Ontario and graduated with a B.A. in 1954. He entered the business world and the political arena. Darcy served as Chief Executive Officer of Union Gas, Union Energy and Redpath Industries and, at one time, held 12 directorships in Canada and the United States. His political career began with his election to the Chatham City Council, followed by being elected to the Ontario legislature, holding numerous positions including Treasurer and Minister of Economics and Intergovernmental Affairs. In 1987, he was appointed Chair of the Canadian Development’s Investment Corp.
Terar Dum Prosim was not just Darcy’s Ridley motto.
It defined his life.
And always in the midst of these commitments to the Canadian economy and the provincial government was an equal devotion to Ridley. In 1978, he joined the board, and in 1983, he accepted the challenge of chairing the Second Century Campaign. For the next six years, Darcy made thousands of phone calls and personal visits, hosted breakfasts, lunches and dinners with donor prospects, attended 35 receptions from Bermuda to Florida and from coast to coast in Canada and never missed a monthly committee breakfast meeting. It was, at the time, the most ambitious and successful campaign undertaken by a Canadian independent school, raising over $15 million for the Second Century Building and endowment for bursaries and academics.
In November 1986, just as the campaign was moving into high gear, Darcy was appointed Chairman of the Board of Governors. In that position, he was always available to the Board and Administration. Together with Jere Packard, they were a formidable team. For me, during the campaign and for years after until my retirement, he never ended a conversation without asking, “Is there anything else I can help you with?”
Post-campaign, Darcy remained very active, presiding over an extensive building and campus renovation programme which saw Kenyon Lett House built as the new Headmaster’s residence; the former Head’s house named for former Head Dr. Hamilton became the Gooderham West Housemaster’s house; School House ceased to be a residence and became home for the academics, admissions, development and business departments. Plaques were erected to acknowledge leaders and benefactors — Miller House for founding Headmaster Dr. Miller; the Matthews Library for the benefactors Wilmot ’23 and Janet Matthews; Burgoyne House for generations of support from the Burgoyne family; and the McLaughlin Classroom Wing to acknowledge the generosity of Col. R. S. McLaughlin. Mindful of historical contributions by former masters, chairs were engraved for Sidney Bett, Gwyn Morris and Terry Cronyn OR ’20 in the Mandeville Theatre, acknowledging their contributions to the school’s musical and theatrical traditions. So, too, was the Iggulden Gymnasium
named to recognize “Cap” and the Colonel.
Terar Dum Prosim was not just Darcy’s Ridley motto. It defined his life. He was consumed in service to his country, his province, his community, his alma maters, Western and Ridley, his church and, of course, his lovely wife Joyce and their two sons, Stewart ’85 and Jamie ’87. After a reception at the York Club where Darcy stood down as Chair of the Order of 1889, which recognizes Ridleians who have named Ridley with planned bequests, he hosted a small gathering of mostly Ridley faculty and spouses. As the dinner wound down, there was a spontaneous outpouring of toasts to our host, toasts of affection, appreciation and acknowledgment of his influence and importance to our lives. In general, we thanked him for his example of how to live a life of purpose, devotion and generosity of spirit.
Thank you, Darcy. God bless you. Terar Dum Prosim.
Journeys of Service:
ON RIDLEY’S TRANSFORMATIVE SERVICE TRIPS
Terar Dum Prosim.
May I be consumed in service.
For more than a century, Ridleians have been guided by our school’s inspirational motto. This commitment to making the world a kinder, more compassionate and more equitable human community is as present — and urgent — now as it was in 1900, with the world yearning for globally minded leaders who live the spirit of these words.
The spirit of service drives our student experience from JK to Grade 12, with service initiatives embedded into the classroom experience and co-curricular activities. Positive psychology research links service to human flourishing, meaning those who contribute to the lives of others feel a deeper sense
of fulfillment and meaning in life. As such, opportunities are plentiful for those eager to live these values and make meaningful contributions to our community — both locally and globally.
This guiding principle manifests profoundly in our annual service trips, where students venture beyond their classrooms and comfort zones to make a tangible impact on communities worldwide. Among these remarkable journeys, trips to Malawi and Guatemala — and, for the first time ever, Thailand — each offering unique opportunities for growth, empathy and cultural exchange.
Over the March break, a group of students and chaperones travelled over 13,000km to Malawi, Africa, where they spent a week with students at the Jacaranda School. The trip was part of our long-standing partnership with the institution, which supports orphans impacted by HIV/AIDS to come to realize a better life through access to education, nutrition and medical care.
Founded by Marie Da Silva in 2002, the Jacaranda School for Orphans has changed the lives of thousands of children. They provide comprehensive, free education and care to orphans and vulnerable children in Malawi through their preschool, primary and secondary school programmes. Many of their students have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS and are being raised by single parents or grandparents. Guided by the knowledge that strong families and the community are the best support for orphans and vulnerable children, the school runs initiatives to strengthen its students’ families and the surrounding communities.
Nantume Masturah ’25, a Grade 11 student from nearby Uganda, explains that her decision to go on the trip was motivated by Ms. Da Silva’s compelling speech last October as part of this year’s Crawford Gordon ’56 Speaker Series, which she says inspired her to reflect on her own journey.
“After hearing the story of the Jacaranda School, I reflected on how I transitioned from a girl from a village, where period poverty was a common struggle, to someone who can speak out and help others,” she explains. “I was so happy that I could encourage the Malawian students to believe in themselves and to know that they can make their own privilege, achieve their dreams and help others in the process.”
While there, our community members engaged in classes and activities, experiencing culture, supporting our partners doing amazing work in the community and most importantly, creating forever friendships with the inspiring children of Malawi. In addition to this work, Nantume and Mr. Rob Burke, one of the faculty chaperones on the trip, were featured on Malawi Breakfast TV, where they spoke about our partnership with the school and a workshop led by Mr. Burke that had Ridley and Jacaranda students team up to assemble prosthetic hands for those in need.
Meanwhile, in the heart of Central America, a group of Ridleians had all hands on deck in Guatemala, lending a helping hand to Dream Invest Grow (DIG), with whom Ridley has shared a long-standing partnership.
DIG (formerly The Doppenbergs in Guatemala) is an organization led by the Doppenbergs, a local Niagara family who packed up their lives and followed their hearts to Central America after witnessing the conditions of those living there.
Rita and Geoff Doppenberg and their three children now live in Jutiapa, where they work tirelessly with the indigenous Mayan people to abolish malnourishment through education and empowerment. Every year, Ridley sends service teams to support the organization, which has become a vital part of their work in Guatemala, and the organization continues to work alongside students when they return to develop next steps.
While in Guatemala, our student volunteers spent the week in remote Mayan villages assisting the locals with various tasks and installing smokeless stoves in over 40 homes, making a direct and long-lasting impact in their communities.
Through these transformative experiences, we continue to embody and live our motto, Terar Dum Prosim.
Finally, this break also saw the first-ever Ridley service trip to Thailand, which was a great success. During the trip, our team of student and faculty volunteers had the opportunity to participate in global service while experiencing the rich history and culture of this beautiful country.
Service activities included cooking meals for underprivileged communities, assisting at the Banteng Conservation Centre, forest restoration and reseeding in Chiang Mai, cleaning sea turtles and their homes as part of habitat restoration and visiting an elephant sanctuary to learn more about their animal rescue projects.
Through these transformative experiences, we continue to embody and live our motto, Terar Dum Prosim. Each trip is a journey of self-discovery, compassion and global citizenship, reflecting our school's unwavering dedication to being consumed in service for the greater good. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Butterfield Global Service Fund for its generous support, which makes our service trips accessible and transformative for students, fostering global citizenship and inspiring a culture of compassion and solidarity.
The Power of Engagement: CELEBRATING RIDLEY'S ALUMNI NETWORK
BY: KORY LIPPERT, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
In recent months, Ridley College has witnessed the power of its alumni network come to life in cities across the globe. From bustling receptions in Los Angeles and San Francisco to gatherings in Hong Kong, London and beyond, Ridleians have demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to our school community.
Through your steadfast support and generous contributions, you breathe life into our shared mission of excellence and innovation. Your dedication enriches the academic journey for our current students and fosters enduring relationships across generations. As the Director of Development, I am continually inspired by the engagement and generosity of our alumni. Our community thrives because of alumni who champion our initiatives, generously dedicate their time and resources to nurturing flourishing lives and act as influential ambassadors for our school.
Engagement at Ridley College is more than just a connection; it's a lifelong commitment to a shared legacy and community. At Ridley, engagement means fostering meaningful relationships that extend beyond the campus and into the global alumni network. To strengthen engagement and maintain connections with alumni, Ridley College has implemented several initiatives. One of our recent efforts is the establishment of the GOLD (Graduates of the Last
Decade) Committee, which focuses on engaging younger alumni through events, networking opportunities and volunteer activities. These initiatives not only help maintain the bond between the school and its graduates but also reinforce the values of leadership, service and community that are at the heart of the Ridley experience.
In May, we hosted receptions in Los Angeles and in San Francisco. We have clusters of alumni in these cities, but small contingents, to be sure. We had 25 people register for the event in Los Angeles and 30 register for the event in San Francisco. To be able to bring this many Ridleians together more than 4,000 kilometres from the school is remarkable. This is not unique to California; over the past year, we had over 100 Ridleians gather last summer in Muskoka, 25 in London, England, 60 in Hong Kong and many more at local events. I regularly reflect on how amazing the Ridley network is, but these recent receptions entail additional reflection. Although independent schools are all special, what we have at
Ridley is truly unique. When I talk to my colleagues who work in the development offices at other schools, I learn that they do not have gatherings of fifty people in New York City, Hong Kong, London or California, and their communities are not as strong as Ridley’s community. As members of the Ridley family, I want you to be proud of this.
I am grateful to this community for showing up, for being active participants in these events, for engaging with each other and for being so willing to help out a fellow Ridleian. I often hear stories of businesses that were started as a result of a meeting at a branch reception, friendships that are formed between two people thousands of miles from home or new romantic relationships that have blossomed.
So many of you are also willing to aid the efforts of the Development Office in keeping our community engaged and contributing to the strength of the Ridley network. Over the last ten years, I have reached out to many of you asking for a favour, which ultimately contributes to the health of the Ridley network. Every time I pick up the phone or send an email to ask you to be a guest speaker, to connect with a student, to meet with a younger alumnus, to help find a venue for a branch reception, the list goes on, you willingly step up and say yes to the task. You are what makes my work so fulfilling, and you are truly the glue that holds the Ridley network together. Thank you for your contributions — no matter how big or small.
When I was reviewing the invitation list for our annual volunteer reception this year and saw nearly 600 names of active volunteers on the list, I was floored. That is what it takes to make Ridley the special place that it is. So many of you support the ecosystem of Ridley and do everything from volunteering as class agents, speaking and mentoring students, sitting on the Board or a subcommittee or one of the Foundations, organizing branch receptions in your city — the list goes on! We would not be the community we are today if not for this support.
This issue of the Tiger is just a snapshot of a few members of our community who are “engaged” with Ridley. I hope that you will enjoy reading these stories and I encourage you to consider your engagement with the school as you read this. Engagement means different things for different people at different times of their lives. This could mean taking on an active volunteer role, speaking to our students, attending an event at the school or in your city or even just speaking highly of the school and telling your stories to friends. All of this goes a long way in growing Ridley’s reputation, which is amplified by the day. If you are looking to get more engaged with Ridley, I invite you to reach out to me, and we can start that conversation.
I would also like to invite you to come home and visit the campus. No matter when you were last on campus, there have been monumental changes. We have constructed new buildings, expanded our programme offerings and fostered world-class academics, athletes and artists whose talents shine in our diverse array of athletic events, competitions,
theatre productions, art exhibitions, and beyond. The Ridley that you know and love remains fundamentally unchanged. We are still providing a quintessential Ridley experience, and we are still educating today’s students and inspiring them to become the next global leaders. We are still inspiring students to give back and live out our school motto. The landscape of campus may have changed, but the Ridley you know and love has not. I invite you to come back to campus to see that for yourself. The door is always open, and you are always welcome to come home — we just ask that you call first! Please reach out to development@ridleycollege.com or call 905-684-1889 x2244 to set up a formal tour, or just let us know you would like to stop by and relive your time at the school by wandering the grounds.
I am grateful to each and every one of you and I am grateful to be part of such an engaged community. Thank you for your contributions to Ridley, for being engaged with the school, for keeping Ridley a tight-knit family and for everything that you do for our school.
Terar Dum Prosim.
UPCOMING EVENTS
HOMECOMING WEEKEND | September 27th–29th
Ridley College: Celebrating our First Golden Tigresses
LEGACY GALA | September 28th
Ridley College
GRAND RE-OPENING OF NEW ATHLETIC CENTRE & IGGULDEN BUILDING | September 28th
Ridley College
DARCY MCKEOUGH '51 MEMORIAL SERVICE
September 28th
Ridley College
BOSTON BRANCH RECEPTION | October 19th
Boston, MA
RIDLEY COLLEGE FAMILY GUILD DESIGNER PURSE BINGO | October 19th
Ridley College
HALIFAX BRANCH RECEPTION | October 26th Halifax, NS
WASHINGTON BRANCH RECEPTION | October 30th Washington, DC
ORDER OF 1889 | November 1st
Ridley College
UK BRANCH RECEPTION | November 6th London, England
NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS | December 14th & 15th
Ridley College
WINTER HOMECOMING | February 1st
Ridley College
FLORIDA BRANCH RECEPTIONS | February 4th–6th Naples, Miami and Palm Beach Gardens
Embracing the Eclipse: A JOURNEY OF UNITY AND DISCOVERY
On April 8th, 2024, residents and visitors gathered to witness a celestial spectacle of rare magnitude as the Niagara Region found itself in the direct path of totality during a total eclipse of the sun. This historic event was experienced as a community at Ridley College as members of our faculty, staff and students converged on A-Squad, equipped with premium solar glasses from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, to catch a glimpse of the extraordinary occurrence.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. While solar and lunar eclipses occur regularly, the quality of one’s experience of this celestial curiosity varies depending on the type of eclipse and the specific circumstances surrounding the event. On average, a total solar eclipse happens once every 375 years for any given spot on Earth, and to have a premium
view of the action is exceptionally rare. Those fortunate enough to find themselves within the narrow corridor of the Earth’s surface where the Moon's shadow completely covers the Sun — known as the path of totality — experience a total solar eclipse, meaning the sky darkens as if it were dawn or dusk and the Sun’s corona or outer atmosphere, usually obscured by the bright face of the star, becomes visible.
By embracing the eclipse as more than just a fleeting event but as an opportunity for growth, Ridley restated its commitment to fostering curiosity, community and the pursuit of knowledge.
While the Great American Eclipse of 2017 was visible to tens of thousands of observers in the continental United States, the path of totality of the 2024 eclipse cut across several major North American cities and towns, including the Niagara Region, providing us with an extremely rare point of view. Such a perspective, according to Upper School science teacher Mr. Dave Bowen, will not be available again for over a century — weather permitting.
“The next time an eclipse comes anywhere close to the region is in 2093, and it’s not a total eclipse, it’s an annular one,” explains Mr. Bowen. “The next total eclipse that comes close to the region but we’re not in the path of totality for, is in 2099.”
Recognizing the extraordinary learning potential in the rare cosmic event, school leaders opted to transform the impending darkness into an opportunity for enlightenment and community building, a decision that Deputy Headmaster Mrs. Michele Bett suggests was an easy one from the perspective of a passionate educator, albeit one not made lightly.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime event — an event of great celestial importance,” explains Mrs. Bett. “It doesn’t happen every day that you find yourselves in the path of totality.”
“We decided early on that the bigger risk would be doing nothing,” she continues. “Unfortunately, as a society, we have become so risk averse. We are born curious, wanting to understand the how and the why of the universe, and as educators, we are obliged to keep that curiosity burning.”
In the weeks leading up to the event, school administrators, along with members of the school’s science departments, began cementing plans and programming, along with safety measures that would ensure that all Ridleians — both young and old — would be protected. On April 3rd, alumnus Malcolm Park ’81 was invited to return to campus to share his expertise and enthusiasm about the upcoming astronomical phenomenon with our students. Setting the stage for what was to come, Malcolm, who formerly served as president and currently serves as vice president of the North York Astronomical Association (NYAA) and co-head of Starfest, Canada’s largest annual amateur astronomy conference and star party, informed students of what they could expect during the eclipse — a 360-degree sunset, a drop in temperature and the Sun’s corona, which would be visible at totality — and shared his experience as an “eclipse chaser” — someone who travels, sometimes great distances, to witness these extraordinary events.
With the anticipation building and students well-prepared by Malcolm's visit, the day of the event saw students proceed in their Advisory groups to various workshops led by faculty and fellow students, aiming to deepen their understanding of the phenomena taking place during the eclipse.
Emphasizing the importance of making the experience meaningful for the students, Mr. Bowen explains, “The students do a lot better if they know why they are doing what they are doing or what the significance is to them. One of our main motivations was to get the students to care and to understand how special it was that it was happening. It’s hard to fully grasp such once-in-a-lifetime opportunities when you are a teenager.”
Workshop topics ranged from a presentation on animal behaviour, led by Mr. Ben Smith, pinhole cameras, led by student volunteers, shadow bands, led by Ms. Olga Smakhtina, the effect of the eclipse on wind and temperature, led by Mr. Nicholas Ronald and Mr. Adam Masterton, and the Purkinje
effect, led by Ms. Saralyn Covent and members of the art department. Special thanks to Mrs. Lisa Dumont and Ms. Wendy Pak for coordinating much of the logistics of the event.
“The whole day was sort of an experiment, and the school was open-minded enough to approach it that way,” adds Mr. Smith. “Even if it didn’t fit exactly into the curriculum, it fit the idea of inquiry, which is what the IB is all about — asking questions, observing and paying attention to the world and universe around you.”
At around 2:00p.m., students gathered in the Mandeville Theatre for a safety presentation led by Mr. Bowen before making their way through the various workshops. “I felt very responsible to make the messaging as clear as possible, using a lot of animation to keep their attention,” he explains.
As the clock struck three, the entire Ridley community converged on A-Squad, armed with their glasses and hungry for the main event. At that moment, there was a profound sense of unity and a spirit of discovery that enveloped the school grounds. Looking around, students and faculty alike gazed up at the sky with child-like wonder, revelling at nature’s grandeur and the awe-inspiring spectacle set before their eyes. You could hear the collective cheer of the crowd as the Sun would peak through a small opening in the clouds and within moments, disappear. During the three minutes of totality, from roughly 3:18 to 3:21p.m., students safely removed their glasses to get a direct view of the action. And then, as swiftly as it arrived, the planets continued along their respective paths, illuminating the grounds once more, leaving behind memories etched in the hearts and minds of all who bore witness to this extraordinary event.
“When the campus went dark that afternoon, there was total silence. What other opportunities can mobilize and galvanize a community into silence like that?” reflected Mrs. Bett.
By embracing the eclipse as more than just a fleeting event but as an opportunity for growth, Ridley restated its commitment to fostering curiosity, community and the pursuit of knowledge. As the school returned to its routines, capped off with delicious cupcakes served in front of School House and in Lower School, our community carries with it for all time not just the memory of an eclipse but the living spirit of unity and discovery that defined the day, demonstrating that even in darkness, there is light to be found.
RIDLEY'S LEGACY OF FLOURISHING LIVES
This year's theme at Ridley College, echoed throughout these pages, is engagement. But what does it mean to lead an engaged life? It transcends mere involvement; rather, it embodies dedication, enthusiasm, passion and a profound sense of purpose.
Ridley instills a deep-rooted commitment to service and community that extends far beyond graduation. This commitment shines brightly in the stories of the eight alumni featured below, who exemplify an enduring dedication to engagement and service integral to the Ridley experience.
From their formative years at Ridley to their impactful contributions across various fields, these alumni's stories serve as powerful examples. They inspire current students and young alumni to embrace Ridley’s motto — Terar Dum Prosim — by forging their own paths of engagement and wellbeing. Their journeys vividly illustrate how service and community engagement are not only essential components of a fulfilling life but also integral to the enduring legacy of our school.
Alana (Tervo) Tart ’96 came to Ridley in 1991 and graduated with a strong belief that the school is a special place that values its community members for who they are. During her time at Ridley, Alana was deeply involved in various co-curricular activities. She participated in harriers, badminton and Debate Club, ran the Environmental and Humanitarian Club and was honoured to serve as a school prefect. After Ridley, Alana pursued further education at several prestigious institutions. She earned an MA (Cantab) in Social and Political Sciences from Emmanuel College, Cambridge University and an MA in History from Birkbeck College, University of London. She studied law at City University and BPP and has also completed a course in cybersecurity at Harvard University.
Professionally, Alana works both as General Counsel for a cybersecurity consultancy and as an executive coach and mindfulness teacher. Outside of work, she volunteers as a crisis hotline worker for Shout!, a UK-based text hotline. This role allows her to provide support to people in their darkest moments, addressing the disparity in access to quality support and coaching.
“I am at the end of the line when people are feeling at their lowest,” she explains. “My goal is to help connect others to their inherent worth through compassion and a nonjudgmental safe space. When you do this, there is a ripple
effect — it spreads to others around them, and the world is better for all.”
For Alana, a fulfilled life means self-acceptance and living in alignment with oneself, which is challenging but vital. “This is the hardest work,” she continues.
Her advice to current students and young alumni is to give back to the community in ways that truly resonate with them rather than pursuing activities for external validation or success. “Give to what really speaks to you, not what you think you should give to.”
Jordan Mitchell ’19 came to Ridley at age 13 — which appeared to him like Hogwarts — and discovered his passion for all things creative. During his time at Ridley, Jordan played on the First Boys soccer and basketball teams and had brief stints on the golf and tennis teams. In his senior year, he was a prefect, co-founded the Digital Media Club (with Vincent Kenn de Balinthazy ’19 and Jaden Kidd ’19) and was also a member of DECA, which later evolved into a real company called Quality Clothing. After Ridley, Jordan studied Social Entrepreneurship at the Watson Institute at Lynn University in Florida for two years.
Professionally, Jordan runs a videography boutique serving startups and companies targeting engineering and technical audiences. Outside of his primary work, he helps to run an organization called Verci, an NYC-based community of founders and artists that supports lifelong learning and community engagement by providing the infrastructure for people to pursue their creative dreams.
“We host events that include weekly writing clubs, experimental dinner series, and panels with experts and entrepreneurs from various creative industries,” he explains.
For Jordan, engagement means giving more to a community than you take. “I think the first step to engagement is to find a community of folks you feel connected to, whether it’s a club, a church or a company. The second step is to find ways to be helpful, whether it's moving boxes or leading initiatives,” he continues. This philosophy drives his involvement in Verci and
other organizations, which is further motivated by personal connections and the desire to help his friends achieve their dreams.
For current students and young alumni, his advice is simple: the most respected individuals in any community are those who give the most. Being helpful not only fosters a sense of belonging but also earns the respect of those around you. “It’s just a great way to feel good about yourself and less lonely in this large and terrifying world.”
Tim Griffin ’68 arrived at Ridley in 1962. As the youngest of five from an activity-driven and athletic family, it didn’t take long for him to take advantage of everything the school had to offer. During his time at Ridley, sports played a vital role, and he excelled particularly in squash, cricket and tennis. He also participated annually in school plays, contributed to Acta and served as a prefect. After Ridley, he studied English and Philosophy at Bishop’s University, pursued his near obsession with mountain climbing and worked in an eclectic variety of sectors, from sheep farming to book publishing, before finally ending up, by chance and unlikely circumstance, in the financial sector.
Tim’s interest in philanthropy was initially stimulated by engaging in the “old school” Ridley telethon in the 1970s. Perhaps it was the competitive atmosphere of sitting on the trading desk at Dominion Securities in the evening, calling his classmates every year, that started a lifetime of fundraising. Apparently, he couldn’t get enough of it!
Following in the footsteps of his father at St. Michael’s Hospital, he served on the Foundation Board of Directors for 30 years, including six years as chair and another five co-chairing a major capital campaign. He has been a board member of the Bishop’s University Foundation for 23 years, where he led another capital campaign and currently chairs the Investment Committee. He continues to raise funds for Sanctuary Toronto, a shelter and outreach group for the homeless and also chairs the Art Canada Institute, an organization focused on promoting Canadian art, primarily through digital means. Recently, he played a pivotal role in raising the funds to build Ridley’s new Jack Aylott Squash Centre.
For decades, Tim has leveraged his strengths to inspire positive change and build meaningful connections. “Engagement is the key thing if you want to make a contribution and feel alive,” he says, not to mention the timeworn phrase, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” That, too, is a key driver.
On top of that, “It is great fun when you work in such a positive environment with people who are trying to improve the lives of others, whether assisting someone struggling with addiction or providing aid to a student striving to take advantage of a top-notch education or indeed an athlete aspiring to become a squash champion!”
His advice to current students and young alumni is to “get involved in a socially redeeming cause and don’t wait — because it will turn out to be the most rewarding thing you ever do.”
Jim Butterfield ’70 arrived at Ridley in 1962 at age 12, following his brother George ’57. Initially homesick, he soon adapted through classes, dorm life and sports. Jim played soccer and ice hockey, ran cross country and rowed under coach Neil Campbell ’51. He sang in the choir, played drums and trumpet in the Cadet Band, served as a prefect in Grade 13 and was part of the first crew to participate in the Royal Henley Regatta in the UK — a “life-changing experience.” In 1972, he represented Bermuda at the Munich Olympic Games as a single oarsman. After Ridley, he attended Northeastern University, graduating with a BSc in Business Administration in 1975.
Upon returning to Bermuda, Jim joined the family food importing and distribution business, which he and his brother George rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1982. By 1984, they opened a new, modern facility that is now operated by his oldest son, Spencer. Outside of his primary work, Jim and his wife, Debbie, have travelled to Mali with World Vision to learn about the importance of fresh water. Using this knowledge, they invested in a deep freshwater well at a Haitian orphanage and school 15 years ago, which is still in use today.
Today, the pair are helping to build a school near Kampala, Uganda, which will accommodate more than 400 students. “Knowing what to do for the greatest impact keeps us engaged in projects that help impoverished communities grow and thrive,” he explains. “It is rewarding to give time and financial support to charities and individual students who want to gain a better education and may be financially restricted.”
For Jim, recognizing his privileged life at Ridley and drawing inspiration from the school’s trailblazers has inspired him to create similar experiences for children in impoverished communities.
To students and young alumni, he says to look to the school motto — Terar Dum Prosim — may I be consumed in service.
“Find your passion and give it your all!”
Jason Dorland ’83 was born on Ridley’s campus in 1964 and began attending the school in Grade 7. He cherished his upbringing at Ridley, reminiscing, “All the other staff brats and I played tirelessly on the fields, in the surrounding woods, in the gym and in the rink every day. We were so fortunate.” As a student, Jason played snare drum in the Cadet Band and served as Band Captain in his Grade 13 year. He also developed a passion for rowing during his youth. After graduating, he pursued further studies at Syracuse University, the University of Victoria, the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design and the University of British Columbia.
Currently, Jason works as a high-performance coach, helping individuals maximize their potential and achieve exceptional results.
For Jason, personal fulfillment and being “on course” in life is more of a felt experience. “It doesn’t begin with thoughts that tell me as such — it’s the other way around,” he explains.
Rob Black ’99 arrived at Ridley in September 1999 for Grade 13 as part of the English Speaking Union Secondary School Exchange programme. Initially homesick, he eventually felt fully integrated and at home by late October, enjoying the community and school environment.
During his time at Ridley, Rob participated in numerous activities, joining the First Boys soccer team, assisting the girls hockey team and playing cricket until he broke his jaw. He also engaged in Model United Nations, School Reach and various other clubs, fully embracing the school’s motto, Terar Dum Prosim
“The feeling I get when I’m living a life where I’m fulfilled informs my thinking self that I’m on track. It’s like an internal barometer we’re all born with. The key is trusting it.”
Reflecting on the school's motto, Jason realized that upon graduation, his focus was on personal ambition rather than service, and he felt encouraged to chase success, wealth and prestige. It was only after that he came to truly understand the meaning of Terar Dum Prosim
“Growing up, I heard my dad imbue the value of being “consumed in service” — maybe a little too much,” he continues. “What I didn’t appreciate at the time was the paradox embedded within the school’s motto — it’s in the service of others that we serve ourselves. I wish I had understood that sooner.”
Weary of offering advice, as “we humans tend to ignore it,” he encourages students to follow their own path and get clear on the motivations behind their aspirations. “The fuel that drives you will not only determine your success but, ultimately, your happiness as well.”
After graduating, Rob pursued law at King’s College London, followed by an MA in International Peace and Security. His career path led him to roles such as Strategy Analyst for the British Ministry of Defense, where he contributed significantly to operations combating piracy in Somalia, enhancing security for the 2012 London Olympics and improving defences against roadside bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as helping run cyber operations for the UK government and her allies. He later transitioned to educating British military officials on cyber operations as a university lecturer. In recent years, Rob has shifted towards hosting events for organizations like the Foreign Office and facilitating international conferences on a range of interesting topics, like cyber security or chemical weapons.
Outside of his primary work, Rob has been secretary to the UK Branch of the Ridley College Association for over 20 years, organizing annual events and connecting with Ridley students visiting the UK. He serves on the Advancement Committee and Board of Governors and runs a nationwide UK university cyber security competition.
For Rob, engagement is about connecting with and contributing to the community, which brings joy and a sense of reward. “Often, it feels instinctive and just the right thing to be doing,” he explains. Furthermore, he cherishes the ability to help and inspire others to find work that is interesting, enjoyable and beneficial for them.
“As someone who was quite lost and unsure as to what career I should pursue, I know I would have found initiatives [like the cyber security competition] most useful to allow me to try, experience and test my competencies as well as pick up invaluable experience and networking opportunities,” he continues.
To students and young alumni, he encourages them to seize opportunities for self-discovery by forging relationships and appreciating diverse perspectives. “As social beings, we thrive through connection and community involvement. Use this opportunity to discover what causes are important to you, see the world from others’ perspectives and appreciate differences without judgment.”
Caroline Sherk ’12 came to Ridley in Grade 6, joining her siblings, and fondly recalls the school’s welcoming atmosphere and strong community focus, which she believes played a pivotal role in her academic and personal development. During her time at Ridley, she played soccer and field hockey, rowed and played ice hockey in her Grade 12 year. “It was probably the most fun I’ve ever had with Ms. Pak,” she reflects. After graduating, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree at Brock University, setting the stage for her current role as Managing Partner at Verge Insurance Group, a family business specializing in comprehensive insurance solutions.
Outside of work, Caroline is actively engaged with United Way Niagara in various capacities and she and her family prioritize giving back through initiatives like community barbecues, employee payroll deductions and supporting Habitat for Humanity’s initiatives to build affordable homes in our community. “As a family and a business, giving back to the community is a major pillar of success for us,” she explains.
Beyond her professional and community commitments, Caroline finds joy in sports like golf and pickleball, embodying a balanced approach to life.
For Caroline, engagement means being active and present in her community, underscoring the values instilled by her parents and further reinforced by Ridley's ethos of service.
“One of my first memories of getting involved was participating in Operation Christmas Child at Ridley. We raised money and filled shoeboxes with gifts and supplies so that no child would go without something to open over the holidays,” she continues.
Reflecting on her experiences, Caroline advises current students and young alumni on the profound rewards of community involvement.
Stewart McKeough ’85 came to Ridley in 1980. On his first day, he had the honour of meeting Terence Cronyn OR ’20, a highly respected figure who lived in a flat on the first floor of the Lower School. Stewart fondly recalls watching the news with Terry, a moment that left a lasting impression on him. During his time at Ridley, Stewart immersed himself in a variety of activities. He served as the Head Chorister in Lower School and passionately participated in the drama programme.
Memorable roles included Pontius Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar and Tony in West Side Story, both produced and directed by the talented Jim McLaughlin and David Cosgrove, whom he greatly admired. Additionally, Stewart was a Duty Boy in Lower School and a Prefect in AB West.
After graduating from Ridley, Stewart studied at York University and City College of San Francisco. He has since built a distinguished career, currently serving as the Senior Advisor to the CEO of the Lustgarten Foundation, the largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research in the world. In this role, he leads patient-facing initiatives at cancer centers across the United States, translating how research impacts treatment and care.
Outside of his professional life, Stewart is deeply committed to community service. He has served as Chair of the Development Committee for the Magic Johnson Foundation, volunteered at the Saban Free Clinic in Los Angeles and Telegraph Hill Neighborhood Center in San Francisco and currently sits on his local community board in New York City.
For Stewart, giving back is one of life's greatest rewards. “I enjoy meeting people who prioritize the success of others over themselves. Put others first, and your life will always be a rich and rewarding one,” he says.
“Volunteering is a powerful way to make a positive impact and grow personally. It has taught me incredible life lessons and highlights the true needs our community is facing.”
He advises current students and young alumni on the value of community involvement. “As Ridleians, we are blessed with a world-class education and are provided with opportunities that most people will never have. What we learn from this experience is important to pay forward.”
Crawford Gordon ’56 Speaker Series: 50 YEARS OF WOMEN AT RIDLEY
On April 18th, we hosted the final instalment of this school year's Crawford Gordon ’56 Speaker Series, featuring the theme of "50 Years of Women at Ridley."
Co-sponsored by the Gordon Speakers Series Committee and Ridley Women in Leadership Club, the evening featured a moderated panel discussion featuring five distinguished alumnae, Georgina Black ’85, Chantal Ramsay ’74, Amber Kanwar ’04, Margaret Coons ’08, and Vida Han ’19 who shared their academic and professional journeys, embodying leadership across various fields.
The event instilled a sense of possibility, resilience and community spirit in our students and parents, empowering them to pursue their goals and diverse paths with confidence and purpose, and advocated for women's advancement in various fields, sharing practical advice for navigating leadership roles and corporate environments. The panel concluded with reflections on Ridley's impact and the ongoing journey towards gender equality in all spheres of life.
We thank our alumnae for graciously sharing their personal stories and providing invaluable insights with our community while commemorating the significant milestone of 50 Years of Women at Ridley.
“I think I was pretty average. I wasn't a prefect. I wasn't a legacy. I don't think I was any teacher's particular favourite or a star. But even if you don’t feel like you’re the cream of the crop, the lessons you’re taking away, they’re going to carry with you. You don’t have to blossom now. You don’t have to know what you’re going to do and change the world.”
– Amber Kanwar ’04
GEORGINA BLACK ’85
Chantal Ramsay is among the five female alumnae who were members of Ridley’s first co-ed graduating class in 1974. A loyal Ridleian, she has served as past President of the Toronto Chapter of the Alumni Association, a member of the Board from 2002–2007, a member of the Women of Ridley committee, and is presently working with classmates on what promises to be a successful 50th reunion. She is currently retired, but she sometimes dabbles as a self-employed Trade and Investment Specialist. Chantal was with the Ontario government for over 30 years, finishing her career first as Ontario’s representative in California and subsequently in Mexico. She was primarily responsible for Ontario’s trade and investment portfolios in those markets, working to attract investment to Ontario and helping Ontario companies do business in those markets. Chantal holds an Honours BScL from Laurentian University in Translation and Interpretation with a minor in Economics. She speaks Spanish, French and Italian. Chantal and her husband, John Parkes, love being grandparents and are avid golfers. She is currently Secretary to the Board of her local golf course at the cottage.
Proudly from St. Catharines, Georgina earned her B.A. in Political Science at McGill University, the Certified Management Consultant designation and completed the Directors’ programme at the Rotman Institute of Corporate Directors. She is the Chief Growth & Client Officer at Deloitte, where she works with a team of professionals who are committed to preparing Canada for a prosperous and sustainable future. Georgina is a fierce advocate for women in business and has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women. She served on the Ridley College Board of Governors for 18 years and on several committees, including as Chair of Governance. She served as Chair of the Board from 2014 to 2018 and was Co-Chair of The Campaign for Ridley — the largest capital campaign in the school’s history. She currently serves on the Board of the Special Olympics. Georgina and her husband, Bill Watson, are the parents of Ridleians Andrew ’14 and Jack Watson ’17. They are avid golfers and travellers and treasure family time at the cottage.
Amber Kanwar is a relentless digger, always seeking ways to break news and provide exclusive information and insights to BNN Bloomberg’s audience. She anchors and reports on shows like The Open and The Disruptors. Amber’s journey at BNN Bloomberg began as an intern, and she worked her way up to become an anchor. Her expertise lies in equity markets, where she uncovers stocks that might be flying under the radar and identifies emerging trends. She curates research to make it accessible to viewers, ensuring they stay informed. Amber has a knack for breaking news stories, including reporting on Canada’s booming online gaming sector, activist interest in one of Canada’s biggest pipeline companies, and being one of the most plugged-in reporters covering the turnaround efforts at BlackBerry. She has interviewed CEOs from across Canada’s C-Suite, including John Chen from BlackBerry, Don Guloien from Manulife and Jim Leech from the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. Before joining BNN Bloomberg, Amber completed her Master of Journalism at Ryerson University. Her master’s thesis was an investigative story that exposed a national scandal in the fertility industry, making headlines on the front page of the Globe and Mail. Amber is currently on the Ridley College Board of Governors.
AMBER KANWAR ’04
MARGARET COONS ’08
While working as a vegan chef, Margaret started experimenting with nuts and seeds to create creamy, plant-based cheeses. When she introduced a vegan cheese board to the restaurant menu, it quickly became a popular menu item, and Margaret knew she was on to something! Customers wanted to purchase this cashew-based cheese to enjoy at home, so Margaret started spending her evenings crafting cheese in a shared kitchen and then selling it on weekends at the local farmer’s market in London, Ontario, growing a local fan base of non-dairy and dairy cheese lovers alike. As the buzz around Nuts For Cheese™ grew, local retailers started asking Margaret to sell her cheese in their stores. Packaging up the first wedges and shipping them off to Farm Boy was a major milestone! As demand for Nuts For Cheese™ increased, it was time to open a 6,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in London, Ontario. Since then, they have expanded their footprint to 25,000 square feet to keep up with demand and give them space to create delicious new dairy-free products. To the delight of fans in the south, Nuts For Cheese™ started delivering their products to Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Market in the United States. Nuts For Cheese™ is now sold in all 50 states.
Vida Han recently joined a talented team of individuals at Ramp in partnership development. Ramp disrupts the status quo for progress, and it’s for that very reason that Vida is excited for what’s to come as they continue to drive sustainable impact across businesses while empowering accounting and finance teams to thrive. Vida also served as the Community Coordinator at Force of Nature, a youth non-profit organization dedicated to mobilizing mindsets for climate action. In her role, she collaborates with a global network of change-makers, students and youth activists, fostering community engagement and driving impactful change. Vida’s approach is rooted in a constant willingness to learn. She firmly believes that what makes an individual “different” is precisely what empowers them to become experts in their own right. With kindness and curiosity, she engages in every interaction, inspiring authenticity and empowerment. Vida’s commitment to community, climate action and lifelong learning exemplifies her dedication to making a positive impact. She continues to inspire others through her work and advocacy. Vida was valedictorian in her final year at Ridley College. She graduated with a dual BA from Columbia University and Sciences Po Paris and was honoured as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Her academic journey spans international boundaries, reflecting her passion for understanding and addressing global challenges.
VIDA HAN ’19
CLASS NOTES
1950s
Dr. Jeremy Sturgeon ’58 visited Bermuda and joined classmates Kirk Kitson ’58 and Robert Lee ’58 for lunch at the Coral Beach & Tennis Club on April 9th, 2024.
1960s
Graham Robinson ’67 enjoys a sunny afternoon stroll with his pup, Sally, near their charming home in the English countryside.
Russel "Rusty" Smart ’67 and Murray McPherson ’67 met up at Red Lake in May 2024 during Murray's annual drive from Red Deer, Alberta to Honey Harbour, Ontario.
Tim Griffin ’68 competed on the Canadian team at the ITF Masters World Tennis Team Championships in Turkey, winning gold in the M75 competition, where they defeated Italy 3-0 in the final.
1970s
Bill Verity ’71 came second for the 70 to 74 age group at the World Indoor Rowing Championships in Prague. He placed second worldwide in the men’s heavyweight 2000m erg race for that group. His time was 7:15. This was his second year competing.
Andrew Lind ’88, Ainsley Lind ’24, Geoff Lind ’71 three generations of Tigers — gathered on campus for Prize Day 2024.
Derek Fraser ’79 has been appointed Senior Consultant with Global Philanthropic in Alberta.
1980s
Graham Stanley ’85, Mike Jones ’85, Ross McLeod ’85, Pat Nield ’85 and Pete Keily ’85 came together to watch Graham's son, Hoyt Stanley (Ottawa Senators draft pick from 2023), who is a member of the Cornell Big Red Men's Hockey team play St. Lawrence and Clarkson University.
Tony Marra ’88 screened his film, Billy Runs Boston?, at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines on Monday, May 27th. The film has been praised by the running community for its depiction of the sport and has been applauded for its careful attention to complex social issues. Tony and special guest actor Joseph A. "Joey" Pingue ’91 hosted a Q&A after the film, where they provided insight into their creative process.
2000s
Jan Kwan ’15 presented his research in the clinical innovation session at the Academy of Osseointegration (AO) annual meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jan is in the first year of his PhD in Oral Health Sciences at McGill University.
Cole Cameron ’16 signed with the Toledo Walleye (ECHL) for the end of the 2023/24 season.
Preston Coffin ’16 moved back from the United Kingdom and is working for the Chicago White Sox in Player Development.
Daniela Ledesma ’17 has started a new position as Project Manager for NAST Mexico Region at C.H. Robinson.
Ryan Mashie ’17 signed a contract with the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL. Owen Cole ’18 was named a Hobey Baker Award Nominee for his 2023/24 season with the University of Massachusetts Lowell Men's Hockey Team.
The Queen's Gaels fell to Laval on Sunday, March 10th, in the U Sports men's basketball final. Cameron Bett ’18, Malcolm Bailey ’18 and Simon Bailey ’20 are all members of the Queen's University team.
Niko Schramm ’20 has been selected to the Canadian Under 23 National Rowing team.
Nuri Bokhari ’21 proudly participated in the prestigious White Coat Ceremony at The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), marking a significant milestone in her medical journey.
BIRTHS & MARRIAGES
Hadley Mitchell ’05 welcomed her first child, Levi Essex Mitchell, on September 20th, 2023.
Jason Hubbell ’06 and his wife Sarah welcomed a baby girl, Harper Rose, on February 26th, 2024.
Alice Hendrie ’07 married Brodie Buchanan on October 28th, 2023 in Calgary, Alberta.
Georgia Mitchell ’08 was married on August 26th, 2023, in Edmonton, Alberta.
Joel Whitty ’08 and Stefanie (Dollak) Whitty ’08 welcomed a baby boy, Adam, on June 22nd, 2024.
Ryan Law ’09 and his wife Keira welcomed a baby boy, Lucas, on February 23rd, 2024.
Ken Wismer ’10 and his wife Megan welcomed a baby girl, Quinn, on February 22nd, 2024.
Erin O'Rourke ’11 and her husband Kevin Berk welcomed a baby boy, Benjamin Francis Berk, on April 2nd, 2024.
Alison Whitty ’12 and Dan Gies welcomed a baby girl, Payton Gies, on April 3rd, 2024.
FACULTY & STAFF NOTES
Karlee Bell and her husband Mike welcomed their son, Jasper Davis (JD) Bell, on June 5th, 2024.
Courtney Smith ’06 and Matthew Janzen were married on Saturday, July 6th, 2024, in Beamsville, Ontario.
Joel Friesen and Sierra Lane were married on Saturday, July 6th, 2024, in Goderich, Ontario.
OBITUARIES
William “Billy” Oshei ’66 died on December 18th, 2022, at age 75.
William Chapman ’76 died on April 23rd, 2023, at age 65.
David Hastings ’67 died on December 27th, 2023, at age 75.
Alan “Bucky” Singer ’58 died on March 3rd, 2024, at age 84.
Colin Campbell ’54 died on March 12th, 2024, at age 87.
David Dueck ’82 died on April 1st, 2024, at age 59.
Ruth Lauzon, a former long-serving member of the Development Department, died on April 8th, 2024.
Thomas Munns ’56 died on May 15th, 2024, at age 87. In his obituary, Thomas requested those interested consider a memorial donation to the Ridley College Bursary Fund and the Toronto Fresh Air Fund.
James McLaughlin, former faculty member at Ridley from 1976-2006, died on May 26th, 2024, at age 80. It was Jim’s wish that any donations in memoriam be directed to student scholarships and bursaries at Ridley.
John Chapman ’78 died on June 23rd, 2024, at age 64.
RETIREMENTS
Bogna Medryk
We extend our best wishes to Bogna Medryk, who retired on June 14th, 2024, after over 26 years of exceptional service.
Bogna started working for Beaver Foods at Ridley in 1994. She first started in the kitchen of Upper School and then moved to Lower School. She eventually became a seamstress in our Sewing Room in 1997 where she has worked since. In this role, she has used her skills to help the students of Ridley look their very best. Bogna has outfitted students in Cadet uniform, altered uniform items, assisted the boarders of Burgoyne House with laundry and repaired everything from curtains to costumes.
In her retirement, Bogna is looking forward to visiting her daughter and grandkids in Texas as well as spending time with family in the Niagara Region. She is also excited to work on some personal sewing projects.
Chris Boyko
We extend our best wishes and gratitude to Chris Boyko, who retired on June 30th, 2024, after 43 years of exceptional service.
Chris joined Ridley in 1981, filling in at the reception desk and has since moved through various roles and desk locations as part of the Business Office. In 1999 she was instrumental in bringing in a new accounting system, COBA, to ensure the school’s accounting records were safe when Y2K hit. For a number of years, she completed both accounting and payroll functions, then in 2006, she focused on the payroll side and became the Payroll, Benefits and Pension Administrator. She was instrumental in the implementation of three different payroll systems and providers since 1999. Chris attained top marks when completing the Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) designation. Processing bi-weekly and semi-monthly payrolls, with strict deadlines for hundreds of employees over the years shows her strong commitment to the school and its employees. During these years, she has always been there to
assist staff and faculty with their payroll, benefits and pension questions in a caring and timely manner.
Chris was also involved in the school as one of the original members of the Support Staff Committee and continued to be part of it until 2001. More recently she has enjoyed being a member of RCER (Ridley College Employee Rowing), rowing in the tank and on Martindale Pond, since 2017.
In her retirement, Chris is looking forward to not having any deadlines, enjoying time with her grandchildren and golfing. Helen Wrighton
We extend our best wishes to Helen Wrighton, who retired in June 2024, after 15 years of exceptional service.
Helen started at Ridley College in September 2009 when she emigrated from her home of Trinidad and Tobago. Many of you know Helen from food services in the Great Hall and Williams Hall, where she greeted everyone with kind words and a big smile. Her greatest joy was coming to work each day to be surrounded by the many children and young adults she easily connected with year after year. Her fondest memories are of the caring friends that she has made here at Ridley College. She will cherish those for the rest of her life.
In her retirement, Helen plans to visit her home of origin to spend time with her family and grandbabies.
Tales of Faith and Sacrifice: THE MAKING OF 100 YEARS, 100 OBJECTS
The Ridley College Memorial Chapel is the cornerstone of the Ridley community. Since the consecration of the Chapel in June 1923, the building has been slowly furnished with a collection of images, artifacts, plaques, ceremonial tools and objects which enrich the space, endowing it with grace, character and distinction.
The many heirlooms that adorn this house of worship and community reflection, in the words of Headmaster Kidd, are “tangible remnants that bear witness to the passage of time,” with each “telling a tale of faith, sacrifice, community and the enduring connection between the divine and the human.”
In anticipation of the centenary of the Chapel, Headmaster Kidd recruited retired faculty members Trish Loat and Susan Hazell, along with Melissa Stephens, Danny Custodio and Jessica Bishop-Custodio, to create a book that would showcase 100 curated objects to memorialize this momentous occasion, one for each year that the Chapel has stood valiantly on campus.
The result is 100 Years, 100 Objects, a visually captivating hardcover coffee table book that invites you to explore a century of history through these curated objects. Each page showcases these items in stunning detail, revealing their intricate beauty and historical significance. With many never-
before-seen pieces included, the book offers a unique and compelling journey through time, making it a must-have for all members of the Ridley community.
The book's value lies in its captivating stories and the rigorous research behind them. Trish and Susan dedicated months to thoroughly and respectfully exploring each object, aided by resources, such as the booklet To the Glory of God: The Ridley College Memorial Chapel by Terry Cronyn OR ’20, which was updated in 1998 by Chaplain Gerry Shantz.
Selecting 100 historically significant objects, however, was more challenging than it seemed, requiring extensive research and deliberation. This article highlights the book's production, the team's challenges and some of their discoveries.
Managing Memorials
As one might expect, the vast majority of objects selected for the book were religious artifacts, from communion vessels
to prayer and hymn books and the many vestments and tapestries that adorned the altar and the figures surrounding it. Identifying the proper titles and functions of these objects posed somewhat of a challenge. However, the most challenging aspect of the process, according to Trish and Susan, was how to deal with the many plaques that adorn the walls of the Chapel and the tunnel leading from School House. The memorials in the tunnel honour eight young Ridley boys who died between 1899 and 1915 before the Memorial Chapel was opened in 1923, while another is in memory of the first School Matron, Miss Anna M. Cleghorn, and a student from Cuba, José Ignacio Maciá, who lost his life during the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961. Together, they stand as a tribute to early and international generations of Ridleians. Wishing to present each properly and respectfully, the pair began working on an appendix, which catalogued each plaque in intimate detail.
Of those memorializing the war dead, they only tell a part of the story, as Trish explains. “Very often, space did not allow for some pretty significant information: where the person died, what unit they were in and where they are buried.” These absences led her to the Government of Canada’s Veterans Affairs website, which provides access to military service records and attestation papers through Library and Archives Canada’s online databases. It was here that many vital details were brought into focus, including the revelation that the ashes of Donald Fielden Whitaker ’33 are interred in the Chapel.
One plaque the two identify as particularly memorable is that commemorating John "Jack" Lambert Hart and John "Jack" McLeod Wainwright — two Ridleians who, like so many other
young men, signed up to defend the empire in the First World War. Along with sharing a name, the two friends served as gunners in the same unit, in the same division, in the same battalion, and were both killed in action within one day of the other at Vimy in May 1917. They were laid to rest at La Targette British Cemetery in Neuville-Saint-Vaast in Northern France. In 2014, Ridley students, on a school trip to France, visited the cemetery and located Hart and Wainright’s headstones and paid their respects.
Remembering Terry Cronyn OR ’20
The Chapel pews are made of solid oak and were built and installed for the opening of the Chapel in 1923. Notable on the pew in the back north corner is a small plaque in memory of Terence Cronyn, identifying this spot as Terry’s “reserved” seat.
Terry was a student at Ridley from 1913–1920. He later served as a faculty member from 1927–1967, where he taught, served as a Housemaster, advised, edited publications and wrote and directed plays until 1945. He was then called upon to be the first professional secretary of the Ridley College Old Boys Association from 1945–1967.
“Terry always sat in that spot in the Chapel. Everyone knew that was his seat,” Trish and Susan recall.
Photographing the Chapel
Communications Design and Project Coordinator Danny Custodio was the lead photographer on the project, along with his wife, Jessica Bishop-Custodio, and found the project engaging as he delved into the history of the Chapel and its profound impact on members of the Ridley community.
“I met with a lot of people who remembered these small little details and the feeling of the Chapel,” he says. “It’s the place where they found a sense of community, and many described the resonance of the physical space as having an effect on their education, which was very interesting.”
His primary role involved photographing objects, often against a white background for isolation, with guidance from the team on their proper presentation. Many objects, he recalls, required multiple shots or combinations to accurately capture
their ceremonial significance, while others required creative innovation to capture due to their shape and size.
“Many objects had to be combined with other objects to make them complete. It was important to represent them as they would be viewed in the ceremony,” he continues.
One particularly anxiety-inducing moment came, he says, when photographing the Bishop’s Chair. After moving the chair into a more opportune spot to shoot it, he was interrupted by a staff member who asked if he had retrieved the organ key that was hidden under the chair on a hook, to which he replied confusedly.
“Of course, I stuck my hand under to feel it and knocked it off the hook and it fell down into the grate,” he laughs. “So, we
spent another half an hour with a metal hanger trying to hook it up and bring it out from down there.”
Uncovering A Mystery
There is one mystery still outstanding — an anonymously dedicated choir chair. The inscription on the chair reads, “Arrived at this school as an orphan and within these walls discovered peace and later spirituality. A member of the choir 1948–1956.”
Turning to school records in Beattie’s Ridley: The Story of a School and Acta Ridleianas, Trish and Susan have attempted to narrow down a shortlist of names to identify this boy. If anyone has any information about this dedication, please reach out to the development department.
The Ridley College Memorial Chapel stands as a testament to our school's rich history and enduring values. In the words of our school’s founding Headmaster, the Rev. Dr. J. O. Miller, “The Chapel compels us to be better people.” Designed as a sanctuary for reflection, unity and community gathering, it has faithfully served as a place where every member of the Ridley family feels a sense of belonging.
Over the years, the Chapel has witnessed countless moments of celebration, solace and solidarity, symbolizing our collective spirit and shared heritage. As we continue to honour its legacy, the Chapel remains a cornerstone of our campus, nurturing the bonds that unite us and inspiring future generations to uphold the traditions and values it embodies.
