Tiger Magazine - Winter 2024

WINTER 2024

Celebrating 50 Years of Women at Ridley Dean's House 1973/74

writing

Tyler Adair

Ed Kidd

Susan Hazell

Lauren Moriarty ’25

Chantal Ramsay ’74

editing

Tyler Adair

Melissa Stephens

design

Anna Cobian

photography

John Burns

Andrea Chan

Danny Custodio

printing

Andora Graphics Inc.

COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

Tyler Adair

Content Writer

Rachel Bessette Strategic Marketing Specialist

John Burns Digital Communications Specialist

Andrea Chan Senior Designer & Media Specialist

Danny Custodio Communications

Design & Project Coordinator

Melissa Stephens Director, Strategic Communications & Marketing

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Top Row (L to R): Chantal Ramsay ’74, Michelle Reive ’74, Debbie Campbell ’74, Beth Ralph ’75, Corien des Tombe ’75

Bottom Row (L to R): The Rev Jack Rose, Housemaster, Dean’s House (Chaplain 1970–80), Barb Ambrose ’74, Heather Graves ’74, Abbey Newman ’75, Robin Huxtable ’75, Marianne Long ’75, Jane Rose, Richard Bradley

“Behind every great woman...is another great woman.” –Kate Hodges

Headmaster’s Headlines

Greetings from Ridley, and welcome to this winter edition of the Tiger, which is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of co-education at Ridley College. Our “Women of Ridley” issue, and indeed our yearlong celebration, shines a special light on decades of great alumnae — lined up one behind the next — who have entered the Marriott Gates starting in September 1973.

With a wonderful complement of guest writers and articles, this special edition pays tribute to great women in several categories, including inspiring features of service and impact. From the story of sisters Emma ’24 and Olivia Massis ’22 and their Shoebox Project (p. 23) to the transformative impact of the non-profit STEP Empowerment Centre, which was founded and supported by Suzanne Court ’86, it is easy to trace the threads of Terar Dum Prosim across the generations. A 50th anniversary is an opportune time for historic reflection. Readers can enjoy many poignant memories and reflections from the mother-daughter duo of Charlene ’83 and Julia ’16 Hutton, from past Ridley College Board Chair, Georgina Black ’85, artist Diana Bentley ’03 and educator and social activist Michele-Elise Burnett ’86. And for a real taste of history, a beautiful reflection on the transition to co-education from Ridley trailblazer, Chantal Ramsay ’74.

Since our last publication, we launched the 134th school year in September, and welcomed a record enrolment of 797 students to the College. This year’s theme is “Engage,” a concept (and a challenge) we have taken to heart as evidenced by the photos and stories in this issue. Ridley’s first annual TEDx event, welcoming our “Global Leader in Residence,” Dr. Greg Wells and hosting the CAIS boys’ national soccer tournament are just a few of the engaging events you can read about in this edition.

While we remember the passing of Darcy McKeough ’51 (p. 53), the spirit of Ridley prevails as we anticipate upcoming events like several “Women of Ridley” celebrations, the unveiling of our new state-of-the-art facilities, and the Legacy Gala — an occasion not to be missed (back cover).

This edition captures the essence of engagement at Ridley and weaves together aspects of our past, present and future. I hope that readers embrace the stories, relive the memories and join us in the anticipation of what lies ahead.

Terar Dum Prosim

J.Edward Kidd Headmaster

22

ALUMNI STORIES

Inspiring Change: Emma ’24 & Olivia Massis ’22

Building Strong Communities: Suzanne Court ’86

50 Years of Women at Ridley: Chantal Ramsay ’74

Women’s 50th Year at Ridley College: Lauren Moriarty ’25

23

30

36

ALUMNI PROFILES

Diana Bentley ’03

Michele-Elise Burnett ’86

Celebrating Female Authors

Georgina Black ’85

33

37

50

ALUMNI ANNOUNCEMENTS

Class Notes

Births & Marriages

Faculty & Staff Notes

Retirements

Obituaries

42

53

54

ARCHIVES CORNER

Legacy of Service: Honouring the Pioneering Women of Ridley College

54

LIFE ON campus

This year marks a celebration of our enduring bonds, cherished traditions and the vibrant culture of belonging we cultivate. As we honour 50 years of women at Ridley, our commitment to meaningful connections and engagement resonates through every facet of our community, enriching academic pursuits, artistic endeavours, athletic achievements and service initiatives with boundless energy and purpose.

Embracing CONNECTIONS

Embers of TRADITION

HONOURING the fallen

LEADING with heart

academics

1. Academic Tie Dinner

In early October, Academic Ties were distributed to Upper School students in Grades 9–11 who achieved a high academic standing by virtue of their 2022/23 results.

2. Destiny Copper in Grade 4 Class

TEDx

Our first-ever TEDx event was led by Prefect, Yiran (Raina) Wang ’24 and organized by several student volunteers as part of a prefect initiative. Together, they gathered an impressive lineup of students, alumni and leaders passionate about the theme of rejuvenation, high performance and connection. The event featured presentations on various topics, including time management, diversity and inclusion, climate change, biophilic urban design and AI, among others.

Our Grade 4 students were visited by Ridley parent Greg Hanna and his colleagues from Destiny Copper. They shared how his company makes copper using chemistry and other components to create a sustainable source of this mineral we use daily.

3. Middle School Exploratory Programme

The Exploratory Programme is a holistic learning experience where students can discover their passions and strengths outside the standard academic classroom. A few offerings include; Debating, Printmaking, Outdoor Education, Robotics, Cubing, Music Production, Wellness, Health Care, Publication, Life Skills, Investor’s Club and Esports.

4. Public Speaking Trip to Vancouver

Ridley’s three intrepid public speakers (Gioia Bonifacio-Proietto ’25, Quinn Kraus ’24, and Jocelyn Wang ’24) made their way to Vancouver, BC in October to compete in the International Independent Schools' Public Speaking Competition.

5. Math Workshop with UW Professor

In November, Ian VanderBurgh, University of Waterloo (UW) professor and director of CEMC (Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing), hosted a mathematics workshop for Upper School students. They were introduced to engaging challenges to enhance their problem-solving abilities within and beyond the regular curriculum.

6. Grade 5 Health Fair

Grade 5 students heard from a few of their parents at the Health Fair, who shared insights from their diverse roles within the industry. Guests included a child psychologist, family doctor, psychiatrist and Nurse Rob from our Schmon Health Centre.

7. Vex Robotics Tournament

Ridley’s Vex Robotics team, Rmageddon, participated in its first tournament of the season at Holy Cross Secondary School in St. Catharines. With a deeper understanding of how Vex robotics tournaments work, the team is even more motivated to continually tweak and test their designs and code until they can compete again.

8. THRIVE Student Leaders Conference

Upper School students attended the CIS THRIVE Student Leaders Conference at Lakefield College School. Students immersed themselves in workshops led by their peers, encouraging active participation and leadership development. Participants gained valuable insights into fostering a sense of belonging, cultivating positivity and enhancing engagement within their school communities.

We kicked off the Crawford Gordon ’56 Speaker Series with Marie Da Silva on October 24th. Marie is a Malawian AIDS activist, Top 10 CNN Hero and the founder of Jacaranda School for Orphans, a school that has grown to over 400 students, providing children with the gift of education and a nurturing environment where they can flourish.

On November 29th, we welcomed esteemed playwright, novelist, pianist and songwriter, Tomson Highway. Highway, one of the most prominent and influential Indigenous Canadian artists, shared his insights about the oral traditions and storytelling that shaped his creative identity. He serenaded the audience on piano and inspired everyone through his powerful life story.

To kick off the 2023/24 school year, faculty and staff participated in a day of learning and building relationships with each other, centring around our theme of “engage.” Keynote speaker and professional development partner, Dr. Greg Wells shared the importance of prioritizing health and wellbeing so our staff can perform at its best.

Dr. Wells is working with students and faculty throughout the school year and was our Crawford Gordon ’56 Speaker Series presenter on January 17th. This partnership, which will further Ridley's Positive Education work in the area of vitality, was generously supported by our donors through the 2022/23 Ridleian Fund.

Crawford Gordon ’56 Speaker Series

Global Leader in Residence, Dr. Greg Wells

arts

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

Nine Lessons and Carols is a festive and reflective event that combines readings and music to capture the spirit of the holiday season. The community gathered to take in the majesty of the Memorial Chapel while listening to sweet melodies from the Ridley College choir.

1. Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival has a history of more than three thousand years in China. On October 2nd, Forest Li '24 and friends brought the celebration to Ridley. Our community experienced Chinese culture through on-stage performances, eating authentic Chinese food and even making moon cakes.

2. Ridley Theatre Presents: The 39 Steps

Ridley Theatre returned to the Mandeville stage in November for the performance of The 39 Steps: A Live Radio Play. Inspired by Hitchcock’s classic tale and performed as a live period radio play, this romantic thriller was a fast-paced ride through the signature world of the "Master of Suspense."

3. Cappies Niagara Student Critic Training Day

Bonded by their love for high school theatre, 92 students from across the region met for Cappies Niagara student theatre critic training to hone their writing skills. Student reviews will appear in the Niagara daily papers throughout the year.

4. Story to Stage

Our Grade 6 classes took to the Mandeville stage with Story to Stage. Students worked in groups to write scripts and produce six original episodes of Robin Hood. The unit was transdisciplinary, connecting with music, art and language.

5. Interpretive Reading

Lower and Middle School students presented the art of interpretive reading, bringing their chosen books to life with passion and enthusiasm.

6. The Legend of Pepita

Students in Grades 4 and 5 brought the story of Pepita and the poinsettia flower to life on the Mandeville stage. An original musical produced, composed and directed by our very own Music teacher Eugenie Wiley, with set design by Art teacher Ariadni Harper.

7. Goodnight Moon

Our JK-Grade 3 students put their own musical spin on the story Goodnight Moon for this year's winter production. A full theatre of family, friends and faculty enjoyed the famous storybook retold through adorable musical performances by our youngest Tigers.

8. Seasonal Sounds Concert

200 students from Grades 7–12 performed in the Seasonal Sounds Music Concert. This annual concert displays the incredible musical achievements of our students while celebrating the holiday season.

athletics

1. Learning the Fundamentals of Cricket

Thanks to an essay written by Jack Tredway ’27 about the history of cricket at Ridley, the Ontario Schools Cricket Association offered a one-day workshop introducing the fundamentals of cricket to interested Grade 9 students, bringing the sport back to the Ridley fields!

2. Ridley Rowing

Ridley Rowing participated in three major regattas during the fall season, which included the Head of the Charles in Boston, MA, the Head of the Fish in Saratoga, NY and the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta in Philadelphia, PA. Additionally, six rowers travelled to Duncan, BC to participate in the National Rowing Championships. Athletes also toured the University of Victoria (UVic) with Ridley alumna Sascha Rudan ’22 (current coxie for UVic).

3. Intro to Lacrosse

Lower School students had an exciting introduction to lacrosse during physical education class by professional players Dan Dawson and Tyler Hendrycks of the Toronto Rock. While learning to play the sport, they also learned about lacrosse's rich history and its deep ancestral ties to Indigenous communities — the inventors of the game.

4. World Premiere: Heart and Sole – The Dylan Kalambay Story

Jay Tredway ’96 and Michael Bett had the privilege of attending the world premiere of Heart and Sole – the Dylan Kalambay Story, a documentary about the Ridley graduate who returned from a life-saving heart transplant to play elite basketball again. Dylan ’22 is using this platform to amplify his story, becoming a spokesperson and inspiration for donors and transplant recipients nationwide.

CAIS Senior Boys Soccer Championships

After a four-year hiatus, Ridley Athletics hosted the 2023 CAIS Senior Boys' Soccer Championship. The event welcomed 19 schools from across Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, New Brunswick and Bermuda to campus in early October. Ridley’s First Boys’ Soccer team claimed the Division II Championship over Trinity College School.

5. Prep Girls Hockey Capture Bronze at USA/Canada Cup

Prep Girls Hockey travelled to Detroit, MI, to compete in the 2023 USA/Canada Cup Showcase. With a 4-1 record against top North American competition, the Tigers claimed this tournament’s Bronze Championship!

5. Ridley Represents on Team Atlantic

Prep Girls’ Hockey student-athletes Jessica MacKinnon ’24 and Maria Shea ’24 competed for Team Atlantic at the Women’s U18 Nationals in Dawson, BC. Both were named team captains!

6. Cross-Country Run

At our annual cross-country run, every single student from JK to Grade 12, along with several members of our staff and faculty, participated in this long-standing tradition. Records were broken, fun was had and school spirit was at the heart of it all!

7. Harriers

After a successful CISAA Championship, First Harriers sent six students to OFSAA Cross Country, which took place at Centennial Park in Etobicoke, ON: Joe Zhou ’27 – Senior Boys, Eva Atkins ’24 – Senior Girls, Lauren Cressman ’26 – Junior Girls, Isadora Drynan ’26 – Junior Girls, Iryna Syahrizal ’26 – Junior Girls, Tessa Berry ’26 – Junior Girls.

service

Remembrance Day

Members of the community and all Ridley students gathered to honour those who bravely gave their lives for our freedom, during two moving Remembrance Day ceremonies held at the Memorial Chapel.

1. Lower School Grandparents Day

Our youngest Tigers invited some special friends to campus for Grandparents Day. JK to Grade 3 students shared the afternoon with their loved ones, making crafts, playing games and touring our Lower School.

2. Terry Fox Walk

This Fall our Lower School students learned about Terry Fox and his message of hope. These young Tigers joined together to practise their own grit and perseverance during the Terry Fox Walk and raised over $1,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation.

3.

Walk a Mile in HER Shoes

The Beasts of Arthur Bishop East put on their heels and "Walked a Mile in HER shoes" supporting their house charity, Gillian's Place. Not only did they walk the walk, but every member of the house signed a pledge to do his part to end the cycle of violence.

4. CIBC Run for the Cure

The girls of Gooderham West organized their very own “Run for the Cure” in support of their house charity, the Canadian Cancer Society and CIBC Run for the Cure. In addition to the run, they also hosted a bake sale in front of the Great Hall at dinner, with proceeds going to this cause.

5. Jacaranda School Celebration Fundraising Dinner

In October, Ridley hosted a fundraising dinner dedicated to supporting the Jacaranda School for Orphans in Malawi. Joining us for the evening was our special guest, the founder of the Jacaranda School, Marie Da Silva. Born and raised in Malawi, Da Silva founded the Jacaranda School for Orphans in 2002.

6. Charity Superhero Run

The girls of Leonard House hosted a charity superhero walk/run for their house charity, the Niagara Children’s Centre. Proceeds raised went directly to help families whose children live with physical, developmental or communication-related disabilities.

7.

RWIL Club Shoebox Project

From October to December, the Ridley Women in Leadership (RWIL) club were fundraising and collecting donations for the Shoebox Project for Women to fill boxes for women experiencing or at-risk-of homelessness in Niagara. The club assembled 120 boxes to donate to the Shoebox Project Niagara.

8.

Grade 5 Gives Back

Throughout the month of November, a group of students in Grade 5 organized fundraisers in support of local charities and Ridley initiatives. These students truly embraced our school motto Terar Dum Prosim: (L to R) Jackson White ’31, Jonah Tredway ’31, Winter Smajda ’31, Faith Kennedy ’31, Sophia Osborne ’31, Kate Yang ’31 and Claire Martin ’31.

9. Build-a-Hand Saturday Programming

In December, 100 Upper School students worked together to build 20 prosthetic hands with Odyssey Teams Build-aHand program. These hands go to help children in need who may have lost theirs due to land mines or an accident.

ALUMNI stories

Inspiring Change: EMMA ’24 & OLIVIA MASSIS ’22

Emma ’24 and Olivia Massis ’22 are two remarkable sisters. As advocates for women's empowerment and social change, the pair have impacted the lives of many homeless women in the Niagara Region and inspired members of our community to be consumed in service, both at Ridley and beyond. As they enter their fourth season as leaders of Ridley’s Shoebox Project initiative, they reflect on their experience at the school, the genesis of the project and the importance of female empowerment.

Emma and Olivia started their Ridley journey in 2012, with Emma in Grade 1 and Olivia in Grade 3. Throughout their time at Ridley, they have actively participated in various sports and co-curricular activities, including field hockey and soccer, showcasing their shared passion for sports and community involvement.

“We were always eager to get involved, and Ridley has allowed us to do so from a young age,” says Emma. “Ridley has instilled this value in us, Terar Dum Prosim. We are consuming ourselves in service,” she continues.

“I came to appreciate the unique opportunities that brought our community together, making Ridley feel like a second family,” says Olivia.

In 2019, the pair became involved in The Shoebox Project, a charity that supports women impacted by homelessness across North America and the UK, after hearing about the initiative on television. The organization makes a difference in the lives of many by compiling personally crafted shoeboxes that contain a mix of essential everyday items and small luxuries.

Their involvement began when Olivia incorporated the Shoebox Project initiative into her IB Middle Years Programme Personal Project. The pair founded the Shoebox Project Club shortly after, which gained 30 members in its first year.

“We were eager to get involved in this initiative because we were interested in supporting local women in need. We are two sisters, and we love the idea of women supporting women and lifting each other up,” Emma explains.

Their shared eagerness led to the successful initiation of their first project, organized in conjunction with the Family Guild, which collected nearly 80 shoeboxes for the organization.

While the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to adapt to challenges, they became resourceful, pairing with a local boutique, Citrus, which pledged to donate 10 per cent of its profits for one week to the organization. All proceeds went to gift cards for women in need in the community.

Each year, the success of each campaign has steadily risen, with more and more Ridleians lending their support. As the project continues to evolve, Olivia and Emma have solicited feedback to make the project more inclusive. Rather than imposing a fixed price tag, the pair have creatively discovered ways to inspire their housemates and advisory groups to contribute.

“We would meet once a week at lunchtime to write inspirational cards together,” Emma explains.

Building on the success of the Shoebox Project Club, Emma has since transformed the initiative into the Ridley Women in Leadership Club last year, which continues to support the Shoebox Project while also organizing workshops and speakers’ series to inspire young women at the school to confidently assert themselves and pursue leadership roles.

“I was shocked to discover that all of our volunteers were so willing to help but never saw themselves as their own leaders,”

Emma explains. “I wanted to strengthen that. We have around 50 members now, and so far, we have assembled around 150 shoeboxes for the year,” she asserts proudly.

“My goal is to inspire our members and leave a legacy at Ridley,” she continues.

Adding another layer to their impactful journey, the pair have collaborated on a business venture, LivEm Jewelry, which both caters to their passion for jewelry but also serves as a vehicle for giving back. “We donate 10 per cent of our profits to the Shoebox Project,” says Emma.

This year, Ridley celebrates 50 years of co-education, and the two share their immense pride in being part of Ridley's legacy. Emma and Olivia credit their mother, in particular, as a crucial source of inspiration, and acknowledge her unwavering support and her involvement in fundraising efforts in support of their grandmother who battled ovarian cancer.

“We have always been really close growing up as sisters, and our mom has been an inspiration. We see the power of women bonding together, and it really makes us reflect on how thankful we are to be living in this time and for the first women at Ridley who paved the way for us,” Olivia explains.

Last year, the Women in Leadership Club organized a panel for International Women’s Day, which featured two prominent alumnae, Georgina Black ’85 and Alison Loat ’94.

“We had a great turnout,” Emma reflects. “It was really inspiring for youth to hear how these two women who both went to Ridley have been successful, and they were able to reflect upon their time and give our club members feedback and advice,” she continues.

When asked what advice the sisters have for young Ridleians, they emphasize the importance of getting involved early, actively listening and being aware of one’s surroundings.

“Leverage your resources. Ridley offers valuable opportunities to be actively involved in your community. As I currently attend Queen’s University, I am confident to say that Ridley taught me the significance of networking and building relationships,” says Olivia.

Emma and Olivia's journey from Ridley students to passionate advocates for women's empowerment exemplifies the transformative power of service and dedication. Their commitment to the Shoebox Project, the Women in Leadership Club, and the creation of LivEm Jewelry all reflect a deep-rooted passion for making a positive impact. As these inspiring sisters continue to lead by example, their story serves as a testament to the enduring impact of youth-driven initiatives and the potential for positive change when fueled by passion and dedication.

Building Strong Communities: SUZANNE COURT ’86

After a quarter century working for the family business, Suzanne Court ’86 needed a change. Not wanting her legacy to be defined by frequent flyer miles, Suzanne embarked on a transformative journey with a vision to reshape lives.

In 2019, Suzanne founded the STEP Youth Centre to make a meaningful impact on the community, focusing specifically on providing valuable resources, motivation and a safe space for youth in the downtown core of St. Catharines. Since then, the centre has evolved into a thriving not-for-profit which offers vital mental health services for hundreds of local youth aged 12–24.

What began as a sanctuary for downtown youth seeking solace and guidance has evolved into a beacon of hope.

As she looks back on her recent journey and the impressive milestone of 50 Years of Women at Ridley, she shares her pride in her family's legacy while emphasizing the evolution of conversations around wellness, belonging and courage.

“It was just prior to COVID. I had been travelling less and spending more time in St. Catharines, and I observed a tremendous number of kids on the streets during the day," she reflects.

Showing great determination, she went to work on researching available community supports for youth. Finding nothing substantive, Suzanne created The STEP Youth Centre, initially launched as a drop-in resource centre in the basement of St. George’s Anglican Church. It was a place where young people could get support, connect with others and look to take those necessary steps forward in a safe space.

“We used to get 30 youth a day, mainly coming in just to talk about their struggles,” says Suzanne.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centre remained open by appointment, recognizing the importance of in-person support. However, while providing immediate assistance was helpful, many youths, Suzanne noticed, lacked motivation for long-term change. To address this, the Centre adopted a more proactive approach, encouraging youth to identify and address their current challenges before setting personal goals.

The success of this approach led to the expansion of the Centre and name change to The STEP Empowerment Centre, which now offers free, no-wait-list counselling services for all youth from their new location at 58 Ontario Street. The emphasis, she explains, is on accessibility, flexibility and immediacy with no restrictions on the number of sessions and a comfortable environment to make their young clients feel at ease.

“Our focus was to eliminate as many barriers as possible to receiving care. We have qualified counsellors who offer daytime, evening and Saturday hours. We provide bus passes, and we pay for parking,” explains Suzanne.

In the first year at their new location, Suzanne estimates the Centre connected with over 900 youth from all backgrounds, and the number continues to grow.

“We want to have a diverse group of counsellors to ensure that we have someone there for everyone,” she explains.

At the forefront of STEP’s approach is education — for parents and youth alike. As such, the Centre launched a speaker series in February, beginning with teen motivational speaker Tanner Clark. The inaugural free event was held at Sir Winston Churchill High School in St. Catharines. The STEP Centre will be hosting another event later in 2024 in cooperation with youth to ensure they are meeting the needs of all youth in our community, even if they are not coming for counselling or support.

"Our focus was to eliminate as many barriers as possible to receiving care."

Suzanne has also been an active member of the Ridley College Family Guild, serving as Guild president last year. During her tenure, she emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment for parents and promoting inclusivity, student service involvement and community engagement.

“Our children have their Ridley experience, but I used to tell parents that you, as a parent, through the Guild, get to have your own Ridley experience, too,” explains Suzanne.

“The Guild has always been a wonderful place for parents to connect. I was determined to ensure parents knew about this resource and driven to engage new members, ensuring that everyone felt like they belonged,” she continues.

One of Suzanne’s focuses as president in the Guild’s 100th year, naturally, was a focus on what makes us proud to be Tigers. “We wanted to honour the past presidents to ensure that legacy and engagement continued, have them share their Tiger Proud moments with our new families and highlight the students and their passion for service and community work. I wanted the Guild to feel like family for everyone,” she explains.

On the significance of 50 Years of Women at Ridley, she expresses tremendous pride in her family's legacy at the school. “My grandmother was the Family Guild president in 1949/50, and I was the president in the hundredth year of the Guild. That was pretty incredible for me,” she confesses. Suzanne is also an active member of the Ridley Board of Governors and a member of the Governance and Nominating Committee.

“My dad loved Ridley. He was honoured that he received a scholarship to attend. My sibling, first and second cousins also attended. Ridley is the one place that we all have as a shared experience, which is rare and special,” she continues.

While she recalls some challenges she faced as a female student at Ridley, she acknowledges the positive changes and progress made over the years. “It is magnificent to see the development of the school and women at Ridley. The leadership, camaraderie and opportunities that are now here for women is incredible,” she continues.

When asked what advice she would give to young Ridleians, she encourages them to “get involved in as much as possible, be authentic, always check in with your friends and ensure you find time to look after yourself,” she concludes.

The Ridleian Fund identifies projects and areas of need which will have the largest impact on our students — today and into the future. Your generous gift ensures we can continue to provide our students with a worldclass education and facilities.

Reflecting on the Past: 50 YEARS OF WOMEN

AT RIDLEY

BY CHANTAL RAMSAY ’74

It is hard to believe that it was fifty years ago last September that 11 young women crossed through the Gates of Ridley. Time has flown by. Ridley has been through any number of changes, but perhaps none as great as the decision to go co-ed.

We were five in Grade 13 and six in Grade 12. We were not boarders, but day students. As I came to Ridley from California, I lived with a Master just off campus. We were housed in Dean’s House; our Housemaster was the Rev. Jack Rose. We had a common room that we furnished with donations from here and there. It was not grand, but it was comfortable.

In the publication 40 Years of Women at Ridley it is clear from all the early reflections that it was not an easy time. I recommend that publication to all to understand the huge impact that women have had on the school and all the firsts that were achieved. In that publication there is an excerpt from Janet Lewis, then Assistant Head, reflecting in 1992, 18 years later, that even though girls were 43% of the student body there were still inequities in the school.

We were clearly an anomaly, an experiment, and neither the school nor the boys had figured us out. There were enormously high expectations of us — both from the administration and the boys. There were no rules for the girls until second term when the demerit system was instated. It is unclear to me now whether we became 10 instead of 11 due to the demerit system or the demerit system was imposed because one of our group was asked to leave. Most of the literature refers to 10 women in that first year. It should not, however, be surprising that there would have been growing pains. It does not diminish the huge accomplishment of those of us who made it through that first year, and the following early years, to build on the success of co-education at Ridley. I had the honour and privilege of recently attending an event celebrating 50 years of Woman of Ridley at the school. It was well attended, but my favourite part of the evening was meeting the intelligent, articulate and interesting young women who are part of the Ridley Women in Leadership (RWIL) programme.

At the event there was a copy of the 1974 Acta Ridleiana featuring two letters at the front, Girls at Ridley: A view from Either Side. The first written by George Hendrie, a classmate, friend and former Board Chair at Ridley, and the second by me. The young women at the event were disheartened at what had been written about that first year of women at Ridley, particularly what I wrote.

For my part, I am always struck by how negative my letter is. I remember nothing but the mostly wonderful times during my brief one year at Ridley; time has a way of doing that. Clearly there was resentment on the part of the boys, the disruption of the “brotherhood” at Ridley, interference in the “old boy system” based on servitude of the younger grades paying homage to the senior boys. And not just from the students, but also from many of the alumni. I wrote about the “all-toofamiliar phrase ‘you don’t belong here'” and about developing a thick skin. I remember none of this!

Most of us believed the opportunity of going to an all-boys’ school would be much more interesting and challenging. This was particularly so in my case as I had spent all my high school years in an all-girls school. While we were up for the challenge, it did not come without some bumps and bruises.

It really was a boys' school in every way. Into this bastion of testosterone, the 11 girls arrived. They had to make some adjustments for us; things like converting a washroom — we still had to walk for miles. They were few and far between!

There were no real sports facilities or thoughts of girls and sports, except maybe as cheerleaders. We could dabble in tennis and running and swimming but not until 1980 were girls allowed to swim for Ridley. One of us actually made the 2nd basketball team, but she was not allowed to compete. We were not allowed to participate in cadets, a longestablished tradition. In 1980 Ridley formed the first allwoman platoon, which, incidentally, won best platoon that year.

But we did have an excellent theatre arts programme. The girls were a welcome addition to the drama club as the boys didn’t have to dress in drag anymore!

Women are and were an economic imperative for Ridley and an engine for positive social change.

We did have Reach for the Top and debating — sometimes being sent as “secret weapons” to throw off the competition at other boys’ schools. As you know, debating and public speaking are an important part of Ridley. I entered the school Public Speaking contest; it came down to George Hendrie, and me. The topic of my impromptu speech: Curiosity Killed the Cat. It was three minutes. As soon as I sat down, I realized I had forgotten to say "curiosity killed the cat, satisfaction brought it back"; George won. When I received my “second” prize it was school cufflinks!

I should point out that George and I did not have the luxury of reading each other’s letters. It turns out George was kinder about the year and the experiment than I was, and he concluded with: "Thank you for sticking it out; I know how hard it was to adjust. Remember one thing. It was also hard for us to get used to the idea too."

And stick it out, we did!

Women now make up about 45% of the student body in any given year. It has been as high as almost 49%; that is remarkable. It is what has allowed Ridley to continue to innovate and thrive, because without women, Ridley would have had difficulty continuing to provide the high-quality education and experience it does. Women are and were an economic imperative for Ridley and an engine for positive social change.

It sometimes astonishes me how much Ridley clearly has remained part of my life. The Headmaster said in his recent video on the Legacy Gala “belonging to this community is a life long pursuit," I am proof of that adage. I am still friends with many of the guys who were in my class. I spent a scant one year there, but I have been more involved with the school than any other academic institution that I have attended. I served as the Toronto Chapter Chair of the Ridley Alumni Association in 1996 and 1997. I was on the Board of the school from 2002 to 2007. I have attended countless homecoming weekends and spoken at the school on any number of occasions. The school has changed and grown and prospered in so many positive ways.

The decision to allow women attend Ridley fundamentally changed the school. The school is now ushering in a new era. This will be a different, but equally “transformational moment”; an infrastructure transformation. With the new facilities, the learning experience at Ridley will be second to none. The young women and men of Ridley are well poised to become our new global leaders.

I concluded my letter with: “The ground has now been turned and the new seed planted: its growth now depends upon future girls. I wish them all possible success."

In every way, the school’s success has been bolstered by the social, artistic, academic and economic contributions of the women who came after us. Ridley elected its first female Chair of the Board of Governors in 2014. I wonder when we will have our first female Headmaster?

It gives me great pleasure to know that I was there at the beginning and that I am now officially an Old Tigress.

Terar Dum Prosim

A Community of Women at Ridley: WOMEN'S 50TH YEAR AT RIDLEY COLLEGE

BY LAUREN MORIARTY ’25

Ridley first opened its doors in 1889, welcoming boys from Canada and across the United States. Since then, the school has earned its reputation as an internationally recognized leader in independent education. While staff and faculty have long been comprised of both men and women, it wasn’t until 1973, just 50 years ago, that Ridley first opened its gates and classrooms to girls.

Since Ridley became co-educational, so too has progress in gender equality in society advanced over the past five decades. Still, in today’s social, economic and political landscape, women continue to face additional challenges that their male counterparts do not, as evidenced by gender wage gaps where women are paid less for performing the same work, the underrepresentation of women in fields and occupations including the political arena, several STEM fields, and CEO positions; the uneven distribution of domestic labour, and so on. Considering this context, Ridley College offers women

more than just a rigorous education — they provide the opportunity to tap into a community through one of their four boarding houses for girls and offer access to a network of female role models, arming young women with the knowledge and tools needed to confront the challenges they will inevitably encounter. Women fulfill many intrinsic roles on the Ridley campus and are uniquely positioned to support students as mentors through their positions as advisors, administrators, learning strategists, teachers, and nurses.

always had a lot of fun before we went to bed. We'd have air guitar moments and sing songs in our pajamas.”

Ridley helps women thrive by fostering community and family at a global level for decades to come.

Two such mentors currently supporting students are a motherdaughter duo, both of whom attended Ridley as students and would later return as faculty and staff: Charlene (Ebert) Hutton ’83, Ridley College Registrar, and her daughter, Julia Hutton ’16, Assistant Head of House for Gooderham East. Reflecting on their time at Ridley, both cite community as one of the fondest features of their student experience.

When asked about her defining memories as a student at Ridley, Charlene had trouble choosing any one memory, instead identifying the overall sense of community and family provided by Ridley. In reminiscing about her time in Dean’s House (formerly a female house), Charlene recalled, “We

Her daughter, Julia shared a similar sentiment about community, referencing time spent with friends, participating in Snake Dance and spirit nights, and attending camp. She would also warmly recollect the role played by her Head of House: “She was strict, but she always led with love and looked after you like you were her own child. She managed a whole house of kids with grace.” Julia would also cite community as her reason for later returning to Ridley as a staff member: “I didn't think I was going to become a teacher originally, so jumping back into education was a surprise. I came back to Ridley because it was a place I loved, a place that I felt comfortable with, and a place I knew really well. For the most part, I think coming back was just all about being surrounded by the place and people I love.”

Certainly, mentorship plays an integral role in this community, and in transitioning from mentees to mentors since becoming staff, it’s clear that the Hutton’s experiences as students shapes how they approach their roles as advisors. As Charlene reflects, “I hope that students feel comfortable with me. I'm hoping I can make it a happier place for them. I don't like to play a disciplinary role and I try to make any interactions with me positive even if it doesn't start out that way.” Likewise, Julia reveals that she aims to positively impact the lives of students by supporting them in pursuing their goals: “I hope I support the girls in the house and the girls on the teams just by being there while they discover what they want to do and where they want to go, and giving them the encouragement to make them

feel valued.” The unique insight and compassion provided by Julia's previous experiences as a student helps to create a safe and comforting faculty-student-community dynamic unlikely to be found elsewhere.

Charlene and Julia's experiences as students at Ridley aren’t unique, but rather a defining characteristic of the Ridley experience. Indeed, Ridley as an institution provides the blueprint for community via its boarding school experience, but it’s really the Ridleans themselves — both staff and students alike — who relationally build the foundation of love and support that allows for the community’s success. Indeed, Julia refers specifically to the sense of community that cuts across staff and faculty lines: “As a student, you feel like you have peers who care about you and are looking out for you on a constant basis. You have your circle of care, consisting of your Head of House, your advisor and your teachers who are always looking out for you. As faculty, you still feel all those things because again the faculty community, the faculty team, does the same thing.”

Building a successful community requires that members feel safe, supported and unified, a particularly crucial requirement for women wanting to navigate a complex world largely built by, and for, men. Community can be found in every nook and cranny at Ridley: teammates supporting one another during a game; friends helping each other out with night work; a faculty member helping a student get through a difficult time; and the list goes on. But especially for women Ridleians, a sense of belonging to a woman-centric community in which the

unique challenges they face can be discussed, prepares them to embark on their own journeys in the future. Having strong women mentors woven into the tight-knit Ridley community helps our female students to thrive whether that’s on the field, rink or within the classroom.

More recently, Ridley has strived to explicitly meet the needs of female students, as evidenced by The Ridley Women in Leadership Club, which has quickly become a favourite cocurricular. The club aims to inspire women, while also teaching entrepreneurship, advocacy, volunteerism and personal development. This is just one way that girls at Ridley experience a sense of commonality and can connect on shared interests. With most girls in the club having shared experiences and will, unfortunately, face the same barriers, we have noticed women Ridleians quickly feeling empowered by sharing and learning from each other’s experiences, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and support they wouldn’t otherwise have access to. Many of our female faculty are also involved in the club, aiming to support students by teaching from a place of personal experiences and encounters as women.

As we reflect on 50 years of Woman at Ridley we can acknowledge how Ridley has created a much-needed community for women internationally. Ridley helps women thrive by fostering community and family at a global level for decades to come.

ALUMNI profiles

From Ridley to the Spotlight: DIANA BENTLEY ’03

In the heart of Toronto's vibrant theatre scene, Diana Bentley ’03 stands as a beacon of creativity, skillfully weaving her talents across various disciplines. As a multi-talented artist, she has not only made a mark as an accomplished actor but has also left an indelible imprint as a producer, writer and trailblazing force behind the Coal Mine Theatre.

Beyond the stage, Diana has left an indelible mark on the screen with recurring roles in popular television series such as Hudson and Rex, Frontier, Channel Zero and The Expanse Her versatility as an actor is further highlighted by her upcoming appearances in Season 2 of the British-Canadian suspense drama Departure and Netflix's highly anticipated Locke and Key

Diana's journey from Ridley to the spotlight is not just a tale of personal growth and professional success — it's a testament to the strength found in vulnerability, a narrative she imparts to young Ridleians. As she continues to shape the landscape of the Canadian stage with her collective courage and unwavering dedication, she urges students to ask for help, embrace vulnerability and take the time needed for self-discovery.

Diana Bentley in photoshoot for Hedda Gabler opening this May at Coal Mine Theatre.

Photo by Tim Leyes.

Diana’s Ridley journey began at the age of fourteen. She attended the school from 1998 to 2003, graduating in the final year of a provincially mandated OAC year. Her memories of Ridley include not just academic pursuits but a rich engagement in co-curricular activities that left an indelible mark on her teenage years, including sport, choir and several school plays and musicals.

“From the very start, I threw myself into lots of extracurriculars to keep myself busy and occupied,” she reflects. “I won the Prefects' Award in Grade 9 because I was so involved.”

Her initial days at Ridley, she reflects, were marred by homesickness and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. In hindsight, she reflects on the challenges she faced and the importance of ongoing conversations about mental health and other social pressures.

“I’m glad that we are now having more conversations about mental health, addiction and sexual health,” she explains. “We need to be talking with youth constantly about these themes.”

As time pressed on, Diana found a place in the school’s drama programme. Her involvement in school plays and musicals not only shaped her high school experience but also laid the foundation for a future that embraced artistic expression and creativity.

“The wonderful thing about Ridley for me was the access I had to the theatre. I had the most wonderful drama teacher, Mr. Sweeney. I didn’t realize until I left how lucky I was to have the theatre to perform in and to have Mr. Sweeney’s encouragement. Those gifts and that support gave me permission to become an artist,” she reflects.

After graduating from Ridley in 2003, she went on to study English Literature and History at the University of Toronto. During her tenure, she found herself in and out of the Victoria College theatre and began to consider pursuing a career as an actor seriously.

“I started my acting journey by studying voice with Rae-Ellen Bodie at the Professional Actors Lab, and after about a year of beginner classes, I applied to theatre schools in the UK. I got accepted to a few and chose to study classical acting at LAMDA in London, England,” she continues.

Frustrated by the challenges of breaking into the industry post-theatre school, Diana carved a place for herself and her kindred spirits within Toronto’s thriving theatre scene by founding the Coal Mine Theatre, along with her partner, Ted Dykstra, in 2015.

“I started to produce plays with my friends because we all just wanted to work. We scraped dollars together and took over empty storefront spaces and galleries and collaborated and got awesome productions up—and people came!” she says excitedly.

Despite challenges, including limited grant support and the absence of operating funding, the theatre has flourished, earning over 40 Dora Maver Moore Award nominations and fostering a dedicated audience. The emphasis on valuing both artists and spectators has been a guiding principle in overcoming obstacles.

“The wonderful thing about Ridley for me was the access I had to the theatre."

From its early stages, Diana has recognized the reciprocal relationship and bond between artist and audience. “We care deeply for our artists and their experience of working at the Coal Mine, and similarly, we care about our audience,” she explains. “We thrive on their feedback and their love of the plays we produce, and I think they feel valued as an audience.”

“Theatre is people. That is what I’ve learned. And people need to be loved and seen and valued as well as challenged and pushed,” she continues.

Now in its ninth season, the Coal Mine Theatre has graduated from its initial location under the Magic Oven pizza restaurant to one of the city’s most successful small theatres and continues to thrive in its new location at Woodbine and Danforth in the city’s east end.

This season, Diana will step into the role of Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler in a new production translated by Liisa Repo-Martel and directed by Moya O’Connell. She is also producing a rock opera called Dion by Steven Mayoff and Dykstra that has been in development for the last three years, opening in February. These upcoming projects epitomize the essence of intimate, visceral and immediate theatre experiences that she believes are essential in our present moment.

Diana’s journey from Ridley to the spotlight has been marked by personal growth and professional success. When asked about advice for young Ridleians, the alumna emphasizes the strength in asking for help. Reflecting on her own experiences, she encourages students to embrace vulnerability, recognizing that strength lies in seeking support and taking the time needed for self-discovery.

“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that asking for help is the greatest sign of strength. My step-kids Rosie and Theo are 20 and 22, and they constantly teach me that we can do things differently now. We can slow down, ask for what we need, breathe and take the time we need to be here and be ourselves,” she concludes.

Bridging Cultures, Empowering Communities: MICHELE-ELISE BURNETT ‘86

In the hallowed halls of Ridley, where camaraderie weaves through the fabric of each student's experience, Michele-Elise Burnett ’86 found more than an education — she discovered a lifelong kinship that transcends borders and time zones.

Stepping into Ridley in 1983, Michele-Elise, known affectionately to many as “George,” began her journey as a Grade 11 student — then the entry point for female students to the school. This moment immerses her in a tapestry of memories that still evoke fondness and affection. Journeying from the world of radio broadcasting to becoming a driving force in the Indigenous arts space, Michele-Elise has had a transformative impact, leaving an inspiring legacy that testifies to her exceptional leadership qualities and remarkable creative vision.

Reflecting on her time at Ridley, she looks back with overflowing positivity. "It truly was an exceptional experience. Ridley, to me, is not just a school. It's a tight-knit family. We all share a genuine desire to extend a helping hand to one another. It's a community where we consistently uplift, support and champion each other's endeavours,” she explains.

It is this kinship shared among alumni scattered across disparate parts of the globe that, in her view, separates Ridley from other boarding and international schools. "It's an immensely close community. Regardless of my global travels, I always seem to connect with fellow Ridleians, and it does

not matter what year they are from. We connect as if we have had the same Ridley experience. The friends I made at Ridley remain my closest friends to this day. It's truly remarkable," she reflects.

While at the school, she discovered a passion for rowing, which consumed much of her time, although she also played basketball and, briefly, hockey before the girls had a team. Reflecting on those days, she chuckles, "I was allowed to play with the guys during practices, but in the end, I became the U16 manager. Not exactly what I was hoping for, but it was a great experience. A few years later, the girls had their own team," she laughs.

After graduating from Ridley, Michele-Elise pursued a degree in Radio and Television Arts at Ryerson University. A thirdgeneration radio broadcaster born into a family deeply rooted in the industry, she recalls the beautiful experience of working alongside both her father and mother, with whom she was very close and from whom she continues to draw her strength and inspiration.

"My mother stood as a remarkably influential leader in our community," she reflects. "She encapsulated a distinctive cross combination of qualities between Joan of Arc and Sitting Bull. A genuine pioneer, she not only served as my role model but also remained my closest confidante. Together, we accomplished the groundbreaking feat of becoming the first Indigenous women in Canada to be granted two private broadcasting licenses," she continues.

In the realms of radio and the arts, Michele-Elise discovered potent communication platforms — ones that bestowed a voice upon Indigenous people and enabled herself, her family and fellow community members to be acknowledged, listened to, sensed and comprehended. “If a platform did not exist, I was determined to forge one,” she succinctly summarizes.

It is this impetus at work every day at Kakekalanicks, an Indigenous consulting firm for which she serves as President

"Ridley, to me, is not just a school. It's a tight-knit family. We all share a genuine desire to extend a helping hand to one another.”

and Artistic Director. For decades, Kakekalanicks has worked with different companies, organizations and municipalities to celebrate diverse Indigenous teaching, storytelling and traditions through arts and culture.

"In the 1980s, my mother launched it to champion Indigenous artists entering the art world. She committed herself to showcasing their work and securing the acknowledgment and compensation they merited. Following her passing, I assumed the responsibility to continue her legacy, championing our artists not just in the visual art domain but also in music and the performing arts," she explains.

Since then, the organization has further expanded into education and consulting, in particular, offering an experiential form of land-based education deeply rooted in Indigenous tradition. “It’s called land-based teaching. That’s what our people do,” she explains. “We work in unity, in circle, with our hands and through storytelling.”

"The objective is to forge a more robust, cross-cultural future for all of us, creating a safe space where we can learn together," she continues. "Additionally, it's about imparting to the next generation the knowledge that our ancestors were extraordinary individuals — far from the portrayal dictated by the colonial system."

In addition to her role at Kakekalanicks, Michele-Elise also serves as the inaugural Indigenous Producer at Artpark in Lewiston, New York. In her tenure, she has successfully revived the Indigenous programming that had fallen by the wayside over the last 40 years and built the Strawberry Moon Festival into a highly anticipated staple festival that bridges and empowers Indigenous communities in Canada and the U.S. — although she does not imagine the separation as such.

“As Indigenous Peoples, we see no borders or boundaries. The Niagara River that flows between us serves as a mere connector. State lines know no boundary, and neither do the birds, the ants and the wind, for example. Such delineations represent a Western way of thinking. From our perspective, we are all interconnected, and we each bear responsibilities to maintain balance with one another and the Natural World. It is

crucial for us to revisit the significance of these connections," she explains.

Together with fellow Ridleian Brian Iggulden ’67, they raised over $1.3 million to build the Landscape of Nations Commemorative Memorial to honour the Six Nations and their allies for their efforts and sacrifices during the War of 1812, which has since served double duty as an outdoor classroom teaching Indigenous content.

Since 2016, Michele-Elise has been the driving force behind the Celebration of Nations, an annual partnership and gathering of Indigenous arts, culture and tradition at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in downtown St. Catharines, which would also serve as the site for the powerful Red Dress Exhibit: If Only These Dresses Could Tell Their Stories, a collaboration between Michele-Elise and her son, William Reich ’19, over the last two years.

The immersive exhibit, both finished and ongoing, aims to shed light on the stories of missing or murdered Indigenous women, with dresses and other objects symbolizing those affected. The 13 dresses, inspired by the 13 Grandmother Moons, are figured as living spirits who are present to tell their stories, although there remains room to grow.

“We follow the moon cycle, so we can go up to 28 dresses,” she says.

Spatially, the exhibit is conceived as a maze to draw a parallel with the maze of colonization and emphasize the importance of reconnecting with nature and heritage. “As Indigenous people, we've been navigating a maze since colonization. I want visitors to experience the feeling of being trapped in a maze in the most respectful way, and I hope they can understand and have compassion for what has happened to our people. We are working to find our way out and forward," she explains.

So far, the duo has successfully toured the exhibit across Southern Ontario and upstate New York, but Michele-Elise hopes to engage audiences with this profound and immersive experience to create awareness across Turtle Island (North America) in the future.

Today, the pair are working on an experiential audio installation in collaboration with the Niagara Parks Commission. The project called Rekindling All Our Relations is an immersive, self-guided hiking audio tour that will be an Indigenous journey of the Niagara Glen. The aim is to bring the minds of guests together to become immersed in Indigenous teachings focused on cultivating a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the Niagara Glen through an Indigenous lens.

“We have been disconnected from our kin of the natural world. We are unfortunately unable to understand and observe our places and responsibilities within it like our ancestors once did,” she explains.

“The entire 90-minute audio trail is a very spiritual and powerful way to lead visitors through a mindful audio journey that will let them experience the landscape. It is a journey to become great ancestors today and reawaken our senses

by reconnecting with our natural world to strengthen and re-balance our innate symbiotic relations with our older and wiser relatives. We owe it to the next seven generations,” she continues.

This year, Michele-Elise is chair of the Women of Ridley committee to commemorate 50 years of co-education at our school. The initiative, she explains, aims to showcase the influence of women on Ridley's community, from students, caregivers, teachers and our Ridley matriarchs, all of whom foster compassion and well-rounded individuals.

“The compassion that these women have brought to Ridley has helped to nurture the community that we love so much. I wanted my children to have that same experience, from sports to wellness to spiritual development,” she concludes.

Michele-Elise’s commitment to fostering compassion and well-rounded individuals shines through her story from end to end. Her life stands as an inspiring testament to the Ridley community, a beacon of dedication to crosscultural understanding and unity, as she continues to bridge gaps and empower communities with each step of her remarkable journey.

Scan the QR code to experience a preview of the Indigenous Sonic Trail crafted and produced by Michele-Elise Burnett ’86 and her son William Reich ’19.

50 YEAR S

CELEBRATING FEMALE AUTHORS

JANE LEWIS ’90

Jane Lewis ’90 published six novels for young adults under the name H.J. Lewis in the 2000s. While these titles are no longer in print, they are still available in some libraries: Summer of Change (2002), Who Is Mel Randall, Anyway? (2002); The Accidental Camper (2003) and Distant Cousin (2005), written as part of the Deer Lake series; Hidden Talent (2008), part of the Bayview High series, and Hawk Medicine (2003), a standalone title

About her work, she writes: “I love writing! It’s a pursuit that was certainly honed by my time at Ridley with teachers like Richard Wright. I worked as an editor at Crabtree Publishing in Niagara before writing these six novels for young adults. Since then, I have moved over to music as a full-time career and so my writing these days comes in the form of songwriting.”

PAULA DELGADO-KLING ‘93

Paula Delgado-Kling ‘93 holds degrees in comparative literature/ French civilizations, international affairs and creative writing from Brown University, Columbia University and The New School, respectively. Leonor: The Story of a Lost Childhood (OR Books, 2024) for which she received two grants from the Canadian Council for the Arts, is her first book. Born in Bogota, Colombia and raised in Toronto, she now resides in New York City. Paula promoted the book in venues across the U.S. in January 2024.

On her time at Ridley, she writes: “Now that I am older, I realize with gratefulness that Ridley was helpful to me in becoming a writer. In Grade 13, I did an independent study project with Ms. Vickers. Basically, I went back to my room in Dean’s House, closed the door, and read uninterrupted for a period and through lunch. It was heaven to have the time to read whatever I wanted. I am grateful that Ms. Vickers saw that I needed that time to read.”

ALISON LOAT ’94

Alison Loat ’94 currently leads the sustainable investing team at one of Canada's pension plans and continues to hope for better politics. Her book, Tragedy in the Commons, Former Members of Parliament Speak Out About Canada's Failing Democracy, is based on 80 interviews with former MPs from across the political spectrum and provides an unprecedented first-person perspective on the experience of Canada's public leaders, and how to reinvigorate our democracy. Since its publication, additional MP interviews were completed and put together into an award-winning podcast, Humans of the House

DR. LEAH HAMILTON ‘99

Dr. Leah Hamilton ‘99 is Vice Dean, Research and Community Relations, and Professor of Organizational Behaviour in the Faculty of Business and Communication Studies at Mount Royal University. She is a community-engaged scholar who works with newcomer communities and the settlement sector to better understand newcomers’ resettlement needs and outcomes. Her work has been featured in The Conversation Canada, academic journals, book chapters and a variety of media outlets. She has also co-authored a piece for the Royal Society of Canada.

She is co-author of A National Project: Syrian Refugee Resettlement in Canada (McGill-Queen's University Press, 2020), along with Luisa Veronis and Margaret Walton-Roberts, which was listed as one of The Hill Times’ Best Books of 2020. A National Project examines the experiences of refugees, receiving communities and a range of stakeholders who were involved in their resettlement, including sponsors, service providers and various local and municipal agencies.

BROOKE LOCKYER ‘00

Brooke Lockyer ‘00 holds a BA from Barnard College and an MA in English and Creative Writing from the University of Toronto. Born in Southwestern Ontario, she's lived in rural Japan, New York City, Bristol and the Mojave Desert. Lockyer currently resides with her family in Toronto. Her writing probes the darkness that haunts childhood, as well as captures the bits of joy and humour that light up the journey into adulthood. Her first book, Burr (Nightwood Editions, 2023) is available at independent bookstores, through the publisher, Nightwood Editions, or wherever you like to buy your books.

Photo (L to R): Paul Oabel, Sarah (Rose) Burciul ’94, Aimee (Rankin) Oabel ’94, Alison Loat ’94, Tamara Paton, Sarah Scandrett ’94 and Allison Griffiths ’95.

HILARY SMITH ‘03

Hilary Smith ‘03 has written two novels, Wild Awake (HarperCollins, 2013) and A Sense of the Infinite (HarperCollins, 2015). Both are available wherever books are sold. Since publishing her novels, Hilary has ghostwritten a dozen other books ranging from psychology to memoir, and founded her own ghostwriting agency, Smith and Solow. She continues to publish essays under her own name in magazines including Lion's Roar and Parabola

LAUREN MORIARTY ’25

Lauren Moriarty ’25 has written two books. Her first book, The Solar System (and More), which she also illustrated, was written to introduce young audiences to the solar system. Her second book, Everything You Need to Know About Black Holes, was written for older audiences to explain the basics of black holes. She wrote both books when she was in Grade 8. As an author, she is inspired by topics she is passionate about, which she says makes writing enjoyable and allows her works to be the best they can be.

BRONWYN FISCHER ’13

Bronwyn Fischer ’13 published her debut novel, The Adult, in May 2023. The Adult is a literary coming-of-age story set in Toronto. It delves into the difficulties of young adulthood, specifically, the difficulty of figuring out who you’re supposed to be. The Adult is available wherever books are sold. It was recently named one of The Globe and Mail’s top 100 books of 2023.

50 YEAR S

OF WOMEN AT RIDLEY

1973–2023

UPCOMING EVENTS

TORONTO WOR EVENT | April 4th

Sutton Place Hotel, Toronto, ON

CRAWFORD GORDON ’56 SPEAKER SERIES | April 18th

Ridley College: A Night with Georgina Black ’85 and Friends

PRIZE DAY | May 25th

Ridley College: Distinguished Alumni Speaker Georgina Black ’85

CSSRA | June 2nd

Henley Island: Boat Christening for Female Ridley Olympians

GARDEN PARTY | June 23rd

Ridley College

HOMECOMING WEEKEND | September 27th–29th

Ridley College: Celebrating our First Golden Tigresses

Visit ridleycollege.com/alumni for more information on upcoming events, or email Jen Roberge at jen_roberge@ridleycollege.com.

Leading by Example: GEORGINA BLACK ‘85

When she passed through the Marriott Gates on her first day of school in 1982, Georgina could not have imagined the impact Ridley would have on her, nor the impact she would have on Ridley.

When she passed through the Marriott Gates on her first day of school in 1982, Georgina could not have imagined the impact Ridley would have on her, nor the impact she would have on Ridley. Attending Ridley from 1982 to 1985, Georgina found Ridley to be a unique and safe environment to grow, explore and learn – to try things she would not have done elsewhere. “Ridley was truly life-changing for me,” she says. “You were encouraged to try things, some perhaps outside your comfort zone.” For Georgina, that included learning the flute, playing the cymbals, being in a school play and on the debating team, learning squash, being on the basketball team and organizing a fundraiser for the famine in Ethiopia.

Her years at Ridley have helped shape who she is today. “Ridley instilled in me habits that I carry with me,” she explains. Among the examples, she cites examples such as daily Chapel, which helped to instill the practice of mindfulness, as well as the teachers, classes and programmes, which helped to open up a sense of curiosity about the world and a passion for lifelong learning. During the summer of her Grade 12 year, Georgina participated in the French exchange programme offered by Ridley at the time. To this day, she is still connected

with her host family in France. “My exchange experience broadened my horizons and gave me the confidence to explore further. It led me to McGill, a trip to the USSR and a love of travel,” she continues.

Georgina’s commitment to lifelong learning and dedication to leadership is evident throughout her career. She graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, earned her Certified Management Consultant designation and completed the Institute of Corporate Directors Program at Rotman School of Management, and has since completed further leadership programmes at Rotman and London School of Economics.

Throughout her career, Georgina has been an entrepreneur, business builder, volunteer and industry leader. She is currently the Chief Growth Officer and Managing Partner, Clients & Industries for Deloitte Canada. In addition to these roles, Georgina serves on both Canada's executive and Deloitte's global Growth Council. Her time at Ridley instilled in her a strong commitment to purposeful work, motivating her to actively engage with teams and clients to make Canada better. A renowned thought leader, Georgina frequently

"Ridley instilled in me habits that I carry with me."

shares her insights on the future of healthcare and has a history of service on various boards, including her current position on the Board of Directors for the Special Olympics. In these endeavours, Georgina's impact is widely recognized, earning her the title of one of Canada's Most Powerful Women and establishing her as a trailblazer.

Reflecting back on her Ridley experience, Georgina highlights the power of the Ridley family and the many remarkable friendships she made while at Ridley. “To this day, I am connected to many friends that I made while attending Ridley,” she shares. “Over the years, we have celebrated milestones together, shared experiences and supported one another. As an alumna, I feel an immediate connection to other Ridley alumni across different generations and around the globe. My role as a Governor and as Chair of the Board provided countless opportunities to connect with alumni who have enriched my life.” After attending the UK Branch Reception several years ago, she remarked how it brought together recent graduates and ‘Old Boys’ who had attended Ridley during the war years. “It was fascinating, inspiring and a bit emotional to see these cross-generations gather together, connect and share their stories,” she continues.

The school’s motto, Terar Dum Prosim, has had a significant impact on who Georgina is today and how she lives her life. Be it her professional work, volunteer service, mentorship or leadership, she has fully embraced the mindset of ‘in service’ and ‘giving back.’ She recalls Jeremy Packard, Ridley’s Headmaster from 1981 to 1989, and former Board Chair and staunch Ridley supporter Darcy McKeough ’51 speaking about Ridley as a “special and beautiful place thanks to the generosity of previous generations of Ridleians.” She has personal experience with that generosity. Just prior to starting her final year at Ridley, her mother informed her that she could not afford the full tuition. Georgina was heartbroken as, by this time, she was fully engaged in the life of the school with many friends and hopes and dreams for her final year, in addition to having been invited to serve as a prefect. When she told Janet Lewis, her Housemaster, she was encouraged to be positive and that sometimes things have a way of working out. Georgina’s final year’s tuition was partially funded by a bursary.

Georgina never forgot this, and in that moment, she made it her goal to give back both financially and with her time. She joined the Board of Governors in 2003, and in 2014, she became the 19th Chair of the Board and Ridley’s first female Board Chair, a position she held until 2018. During her tenure on the Board, Georgina played a key role in facilitating and creating two of Ridley’s strategic plans, including the current Inspiring Flourishing Lives plan and vision. She is particularly proud of encouraging the Board and school to think big and to aspire to have a waiting list as an indicator of a thriving school. Her experience and expertise with governance were instrumental in modernizing Ridley’s governance structure. Her commitment to service and leading by example also saw her join as a chaperone on one of Ridley’s service-learning trips to India for Habitat for Humanity. Committing and adding further to the Ridley family, Georgina and her husband Bill’s sons, Andrew and Jack, joined Ridley and graduated in 2014 and 2018.

In 2018, Georgina became a co-chair of the Campaign for Ridley, the school’s most ambitious and largest fundraising campaign ever. “Giving back financially and being part of raising money for this legacy moment for Ridley was important to me,” she says. The Campaign for Ridley has raised more than $50M, making it the most successful campaign in the history of the school. In addition to her financial commitment to the Campaign, Georgina is also a member of the Order of 1889, Ridley’s planned giving programme.

Female students and alumnae regularly reach out to Georgina for advice or mentorship. She truly enjoys these connections with younger generations, offering them words of encouragement and advice or connecting them to other people in her network. She strongly believes that it is critical for women to help other women network, and this is part of her own mindset of giving back.

Georgina would love to see more alumnae get involved with Ridley to share their passion, skills and gifts. "Ridley is such a very special community that would benefit from having more of the remarkable female alumni from all generations engaged,” she says. “Speaking from experience, you will find getting involved and giving back fills your heart and your soul."

$100

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Memorial Chapel, we created a hardcover coffee table book featuring 100 objects from our beloved Chapel, including many you may have never seen before — or seen in this way.

1950s

CLASS NOTES

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Share a few short words with your fellow Old Ridleians about important milestones, career moves or philanthropic endeavours. Please include your full name and the year you graduated from Ridley.

High resolution images (300dpi, 2MB minimum) are welcome to accompany your Class Note.

SEND TO: development@ridleycollege.com

Jim Gray ’51 and Derek Fraser ’79 bumped into each other at an event in Calgary on September 22nd. Gray is the founder of the Top 7 Over 70 Awards, a biennial event to celebrate innovators and leaders in the Calgary community over 70 years of age.

1960s

Rick ’60 and Woody Coy celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in August with the Hatches, Loats and Igguldens.

John McLeish ’66 was recently named the 2024 Personal Injury Litigation Lawyer of the Year in Toronto by Best Lawyers. John is the founding partner of McLeish Orlando, a firm that represents individuals and the families of loved ones who have been injured or killed by the negligence of others in Ontario and throughout Canada. John has authored or coauthored five books on personal injury, wrongful death, and trial advocacy.

Simon Bruce-Lockhart ’67 and his wife Joanne were honoured by Shawnigan Lake School for their commitment to the school. The arts centre was named the BruceLockhart Centre for Creativity.

Jamie Doolittle ‘67 received the prestigious John R. Morris Award from The PROBUS Club of Northumberland in Cobourg, Ontario. The award, given to a member who inspires a high level of commitment, sets a benchmark for others, and has made a lasting impact on the organization, is to be considered rare. Jamie is only the 12th person to receive it since the club’s inception. He and his wife, Carol, celebrated their 50th anniversary in St. Lucia with their two sons, two daughters-in-law and two grandchildren last November.

George C. Reifel ’69 was recently awarded the 'Ted Barsby Conservationist of the Year' by the British Columbia Wildlife Federation which "recognizes and honours an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to conservation in BC." Additionally, George received the 'Order of British Columbia' on November 16th, 2023 at Government House in Victoria.

1980s

12 Ridley Alumna from the ’80s gathered in Puerto Vallarta (L to R) Sue-Ann Moher ’87, Cathy Ohara, Honor McLachlin ’87, Becky Miller ’86, Paula Sherk ’85, Katy MacDonald ’87, Nadine Karachi-Estrada ’87, Sarah Eyton ’86, Robin Rankin ’87, Lucy Piper ’87, Anne Mitchell ’85, Jodi Haydon ’85 and Angie McArthur ’87

A number of Ridleians came together in Mexico City to celebrate the wedding of Dino Faes' ’81 daughter, including (L to R) Fernando Estrada, Lisanne Rogers ’85, Jim Rogers ’81, Anisa Estrada ’19, Dino Faes ’81, Karla Faes and Nadine Karachi ’87.

David Pitfield ‘81 started a new position as Chair of the Board of Directors at Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North.

Will Drope ’82 participated in the Executive Sleepout for Covenant House Toronto on November 16th and raised more than $20,000 for homelessness.

Michele-Elise Burnett ‘86 was nationally recognized by the Creative City Network of Canada (CCNC) for the Celebration of Nations, an annual gathering of Indigenous arts, culture and heritage at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines. Michele-Elise serves as the gathering’s Artistic Director, and she accepted the award in person at the 2023 Creative Cities Summit in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

1990s

Tracy Moors ’94, his daughter, Emmi, and Paul Sansone ’91 connected in Las Vegas, where Paul lives. Tracy and Emmi were in town for a prospects hockey tournament.

Heather (Rigby) Thomas ’95 has been appointed as the incoming Head of Greenwood College School in Toronto. She currently serves as VicePrincipal, Deputy Head of School at Greenwood.

Natalie (Iggulden) Burnard ‘98 is working at Lambton College as an HR Recruiter and has added teaching to her resume as a lecturer in the HR Management Department.

2000s

Mike Iggulden ’01 was inducted into the St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame in November 2023.

Colin Brezicki former head of the English department at Ridley launches his anthology of award-winning short stories Nothing to Die For. A collection of 19 short stories he has written over the years — several of which have won awards. Cover art by Duane Nickerson, Director of Arts at Ridley, and former colleague of Brezicki’s.

Tim Barton, the great grandson of Ridley’s first Headmaster, the Reverend Dr. J.O. Miller and grandson of Hamilton "Laddie" ’13 (past Board Chair 1963-1967) & Nannette "Nan" (Miller) Cassels, came to visit the Ridley Campus this past September and was joined by members of the Development Office as well as alumnus and retired staff member Mike Moulden ’70.

BIRTHS & MARRIAGES

Matthew Whitty ’06 and his wife Shawna welcomed Quinn Olivia on October 10th, 2023.

FACULTY & STAFF NOTES

Matt Bowie and his wife Caitlin welcomed their daughter Grace Quinn on October 23rd, 2023.

Erin Howard and her husband Corey Chmay welcomed their son, Nolan Arthur Chmay, on September 2nd, 2023.

Stacey Iggulden and her husband Steve welcomed their daughter, Hailey Elena Iggulden on November 23rd, 2023.

Allison Lukač and her husband Igor have welcomed their son, Nikola Theo Lukač on August 29th, 2023.

Amanda Payton and Dylan Orr welcomed their daughter, Amelia Karyn Orr, on September 12th, 2023.

Sarah Steele and her husband Tyler welcomed their son, Loyal William Robert Tyler Steele, on July 6th, 2023.

David Zanic and his wife Jess welcomed their daughter, Nikolina Ray Zanic on October 22nd, 2023.

RETIREMENTS

Best wishes and gratitude to Jeff Fee who has retired from Ridley after a long career in the Facilities Maintenance department.

Jeff joined Ridley in 1992 at a time when the school was still heated by a central steam plant, and in the intervening years he provided maintenance services on a wide variety of building equipment. Jeff took a particular and early interest in energy efficiency and worked on energy usage and reduction programmes for the school.

In his retirement, Jeff will have more time to devote to his passion which is restoring and enjoying his vintage automobiles.

OBITUARIES

William E. “Bill” Babe ’61 died October 31st, 2022, at age 80.

Charles L. “Livy” Banta ’87 died October 31st, 2023, at age 54.

Brian W. Barr ’61 died July 26th, 2023, at age 80.

Warren D. Beamish ’56 died December 15th, 2023, at age 86.

D. Strachan Bongard ’49 died December 30th, 2023, at age 93.

James F. "Jim" Bryan, former faculty, died January 25th, 2024, at age 81.

James H. “Jim” Burrows ’62 died September 9th, 2023, at age 79.

Best wishes and gratitude to Melanie Williams who retired from Ridley on October 31st, 2023, after 30 years of service.

During her career at Ridley, Melanie has taught computer science, business studies and most recently mathematics to students in the Upper School. In her early years at Ridley, she also taught Computer Studies to Grade 7 and 8 students. She served as the Head of Business and Computer Studies for 15 years, and when Ridley introduced the IB Programme, Melanie was our first IB CAS Coordinator. Over the years, Melanie also provided guidance, support, and mentorship to students in Gooderham West House, Dean’s House and Leonard House.

Terrell C. “Terry” Cook ’62 died October 9th, 2023, at age 80.

David H. Coons ’62 died October 22nd, 2023, at age 81.

Elizabeth “Betty” Cukierski, former staff, died May 9th, 2023, at age 82.

Alyxandrea A. “Alyx” Duncan ’00 died October 20th, 2023, at age 42.

David V. Geary ’45 died September 14th, 2023, at age 96.

Bryan E.W Gransden, past parent & board member 1991–2002, died July 3rd, 2023, at age 93.

Melanie Williams

Jeffery Fee

OBITUARIES

Arthur W.R. “Art” Gregg ’56 died August 10th, 2023, at age 86.

G. Peter Horne ’51 died November 4th, 2023, at age 91.

Robert W. “Robin” Korthals ’50, died October 28th, 2023, at age 90.

Philip B. “Phil” Lind ’61 died August 20th, 2023, at age 80.

W. Darcy McKeough ’51 died November 29th, 2023, at age 90.

Paul Montgomery ’54 died November 24th, 2023, at age 89.

Joan R. Randall, past parent & board member 1978-1991, died August 7th, 2023, at age 95.

Richard L. “Rick” Rasmussen, former faculty, died January 5th, 2024, at age 72.

W. Darcy McKeough ’51 died on November 29th at his home, Bally McKeough, at the age of 90.

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. Up until his death, Darcy held an ex-officio position on the Ridley College Foundation. He attended the school from 1945 until 1951, where he was a School Prefect, ACTA Editorin-Chief and decorated public speaker and debater.

Ian K. Reid ’63 died October 2023, at age 78.

H. Ian Rounthwaite ’71 died October 19th, 2023, at age 71.

Nancy Storrs, former rowing coach, died September 8th, 2023, at age 73.

Norris W. Walker ’52 died on January 27th, 2024 at age of 90.

H. Robert “Bob” Weeks ’54 died March 25th, 2023, at age 87.

J. Bruce Whiteford, former Director of Security, died August 5th, 2023, at age 88.

John T. Wilson ’62 died July 14th, 2023, at age 79.

In the 1980s, Darcy dedicated himself to Ridley, and his efforts and leadership for the school were nothing short of remarkable. Alongside his Board Chair position, Darcy chaired the fundraising campaign for the Second Century Building, visited Ridleians across the globe to raise money for what was, at the time, the school’s largest fundraising campaign.

In his political career, he was elected Member of Provincial Parliament for Chatham-Kent, Ontario, five times between 1963 and 1977. In 1967 he was mockingly dubbed the Duke of Kent by an opposition MPP, a title he wore as a badge of honour ever since.

To Ridleians, Darcy will be remembered for his leadership, spirit, philanthropy and unwavering dedication to our school. He will be dearly missed by our entire community. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Stewart ’85, Jamie ’87 and his extended family and friends. Ridley will be hosting a celebration of Darcy's life at a later date.

We will commemorate Darcy’s Ridley legacy in an upcoming issue of the Tiger

Norris Walker ’52 passed away on January 27th, 2024, at the age of 90.

Norris attended Ridley from 1948 until 1952, during which time he distinguished himself as a musician, actor, member of the rifle team, football player and cricketer. He remained deeply connected to the school throughout his life, regularly attending school events and functions and generously supporting Ridley, most recently through The Campaign for Ridley and the naming of the Norris Walker Creative Commons within the Iggulden Building.

Norris not only left an indelible mark on Ridley College but also made significant contributions to the Niagara community through service and philanthropy. He served on the Board of Trustees of various institutions and not-for-profits, and together with his late wife, Marilyn, they were generous philanthropists supporting education, healthcare and the arts.

His impact on the Niagara region is immeasurable, as he was a beacon of service, compassion and dedication. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Norris's family and friends.

Legacy of Service: HONOURING THE PIONEERING WOMEN OF RIDLEY COLLEGE

From the advent of Ridley College in 1889, the contributions of its women stand as pillars of strength, compassion and dedication. From the institution's earliest days, the women of Ridley have added a touch of home and family life, contributing immeasurably to the happiness and contentment of our school.

Their stories underscore the diverse roles that women have played at Ridley, shaping its culture and nurturing its growth. From pioneering educators to devoted caregivers, their contributions echo through the halls of Ridley, embodying the school motto, Terar Dum Prosim. As we commemorate the women of Ridley College, we honour their enduring legacy and celebrate the invaluable role they continue to play in shaping the Ridley community.

Miss Anna M. Cleghorn, the school's first Matron, came to Ridley in 1889 following a brief stint in church work in Port Hope. Anna played a pivotal role in nurturing a familial atmosphere within the school community. Her innate kindness and dedication earned her the endearing title of "Mammy Cleghorn" from the boys, symbolizing the warmth she brought to Ridley's early years.

Tragically, Ridley lost its beloved Matron in 1907 when Anna succumbed to pneumonia. Her passing deeply affected the entire Ridley community, prompting a touching, full-page tribute in that year’s Christmas issue of Acta Ridleiana in celebration of her life. It read, “For nearly nineteen years, upon her heart, upon her life, were deeply graved the words of the

College motto: Terar Dum Prosim.” Several Old Boys attended her funeral, others sent flowers and their regards, and the entire body of Ridley students mourned. Today, a bronze plaque in Ridley's Chapel tunnel immortalizes her legacy, ensuring she remains an indelible part of the school's history.

The devotion of Ridley’s nurses to the boys always went very far beyond the mere call of duty or the traditional obligation of their profession. Miss Isabel Hepworth, or “Heppie” as she was known by the Ridley community, served as the Lower School nurse from 1919 to 1938. Born in England in 1867, she is remembered by more than two decades of Old Boys for her compassion, empathy, and personalized care and by several others who remember her tending her small cottage at 13 Ridley Road.

“Heppie” had been given a life interest in the form of a small property on Ridley Road on which to erect a bungalow. The plans were approved by the board, and she left the school in June 1938 to live in her newly built house. Following her retirement, she was replaced by Miss Ann Etheridge, who served as the Lower School nurse from 1938 to 1959.

For years after her retirement, “Heppie” could be seen on her way to the school in her brown coat and Wellingtons to deliver a bunch of flowers for a table or to carry a small loaf of bread she had baked for a friend. After many years of happy retirement, she died on October 3rd, 1964, in her 97th year. Today, Ridley still owns the property at 13 Ridley Road, known for years as “Heppie’s Cottage.” Since 1954, it has been the home of many Ridley faculty members, including longserving members of the Ridley community — Hugh and Gerda Molson, Jane Morris, Frank Hollinrake, and Nicholas Ronald.

Marjory E.J. Cain came as an orphan to work at the school in 1948 when she was 16 years old and left when she retired in 1999. Formal education for Margery finished at age 16 when the then Children’s Aid ceased its support. It was Jane Nind, wife of Lower School teacher Philip Nind, who worked for the Children’s Aid Society, who arranged for Marjory to have a job at Ridley and a place to live. She began as a housekeeper cleaning the dorms, and soon, her talents as a baker were recognized. She then moved to the kitchen.

Miss Anna M. Cleghorn

During her 51 years at the school, Marjory lived in rooms above the Lower School kitchen. Ridley was her home, and the kitchen was her empire. She is remembered for her endless batches of cookies, squares and cakes. She amassed hundreds of cake pans in a multitude of shapes and sizes. One could guess that she celebrated over 4000 Lower School birthdays with her special range of cakes. Many children of Ridley staff will tell you of the special personalized cakes that Marjory made for them for their birthdays.

On her retirement in 1999 as Ridley’s longest-serving employee, Marjory bought a house three kilometres from the school – equipped with two kitchens to meet all of her cooking, baking and canning needs. She died peacefully in 2009. Her will’s generous bequest to the school was the first planned gift to Ridley by a woman.

The Lower School kitchen is named the Marjory E.J. Cain Kitchen, adorned with a plaque in her memory. In its final lines, it reads, “Marjory was an exemplary Ridleian whose modesty, loyalty, kind spirit and personal code of life embodied our motto – Terar Dum Prosim.”

Elizabeth Hunt served as school secretary from 1952 to 1992, serving six Headmasters from J.R. Hamilton to D.J. Campbell. Beginning as Dr. Hamilton’s secretary from 1952 until 1959, she did special project work in what would eventually come to be known as the Academics Office and later in the Business Office.

Between 1972 and 1980, Elizabeth served as general administrative secretary to Richard Bradley and Assistant Headmaster David Wilson and graduated to become the secretary in the newly established Admissions Office in 1980, where she served as the first contact for telephone inquiries and visitors to the school. Her tact, Scottish charm, and love of Ridley made a strong impression. Many younger staff children will remember the secret candy drawer in her desk. Elizabeth’s hard work and efficiency played a major role in the school’s growth towards 600 students in the 1980s. In 1991, her health began to deteriorate, forcing her to relinquish her duties early in 1992. Sadly, she died later that year, and her life and service were celebrated with sad gratitude. She is remembered today as a consummate professional whose organization, refinement, intelligence, and grace contributed a great deal to our vibrant school culture.

Norah Morgan, along with her husband Ted, immigrated to Canada from England and Wales, arriving at Ridley in 1958. Ted taught English, and Norah taught and tutored Mathematics in the Lower School, serving as the first female teacher at Ridley. During her tenure at the school, she spearheaded the development of the Lower School library, supported by a donation from the Toronto Branch of the Women’s Guild, while nurturing a vibrant Drama programme.

In the first two days of school each September, Norah would wear the same brightly coloured outfit – on purpose. She said that the first few days of school could be so confusing for the new boys that if she wore the same clothes, the boys would, at least, be able to recognize her, and a familiar female presence would help ease them into life in the Lower School.

Miss Isabel Hepworth

Marjory E.J. Cain

Elizabeth Hunt

Norah and Ted were at Ridley for ten years. They lived at 15 Ridley Road with their four sons: David ‘65, Charlie ‘68, Paul ’70 and Jonathan. They left Ridley in 1968 to teach at Niagara College. Norah taught Drama there and later at Brock University. She became internationally known as a drama educator and received an Honourary Doctorate from Brock in 2000. A scholarship in her name was created by The International Drama in Education Institute.

After leaving Ridley, Norah and Ted purchased a country property in Fonthill, which they named “Millstone.” She died there in 2004. In her honour, local children's theatre organization Carousel Players created the Norah Morgan Memorial Award, which is presented annually to an elementary school teacher who has made a significant contribution to the arts in a regional Niagara school.

Katharine Miller was the wife of Ridley’s first Headmaster, Dr. J.O. Miller. Born Katharine Alexander, she was the daughter of Mr. William Alexander, a distinguished Canadian financier who had relocated his wife and eight children from Toronto to Santa Barbara, California, in 1883.

Miss Alexander met the Reverend Miller at a ball in Toronto. The two fell in love almost immediately and were married in 1890. Famously, it was the striking orange gown, adorned with black netting, which inspired the future colours of the College, although it is unlikely that the Board members at the time were informed of this fact.

The Miller family eventually grew to include two daughters — Nannette (Nan) was born in 1891, and her sister, Katharine (Kitty), was born in 1906. Nan and Kitty, along with two daughters of other staff families, were, in fact, the first girls ever to attend Ridley College. The others were Gwendolen Williams, daughter of “Rep” Williams, the principal of the Lower School, and Joan Griffith, daughter of Harry Griffith, who later became Headmaster.

From their marriage until her death in 1916, Katharine played a significant role at the school, virtually becoming a member of staff. Beyond contending with the deluge of visitors to their Duke Street home, she supported dance instruction with her piano playing, presented trophies to the Sports Day winners –a task which took nearly an hour – and found herself eternally darning boys’ socks alongside Miss Cleghorn.

After a short bout with pneumonia, Katharine died three days after Christmas. A commemorative passage in the ACTA captures the integral role that Katharine played from the second year of the school’s existence, reading, “During her illness, we all thought she must recover, for we could not imagine Ridley College without her. […] We cannot reconcile ourselves to our loss, nor as yet take in its full meaning.”

Today, the communion table in the Memorial Chapel honours Katharine (Alexander) Miller, wife of the Principal Emeritus

In celebrating the Women of Ridley College, we honour not only their individual accomplishments but also the collective impact they have had on shaping the ethos of our beloved school. Their legacies serve as beacons of inspiration for generations to come. As Ridley continues to evolve and thrive, may we always remember and cherish the enduring contributions of these and other remarkable women whose unwavering commitment to service has left an indelible mark on our school community.

Beattie, Kim. Ridley: The Story of a School St. Catharines, Ont.: Ridley College, 1963

Bradley, Richard A. and Paul E. Lewis, Ridley: A Canadian School Erin, Ont.: Boston Mills Press, 2000

Katharine Miller

Norah Morgan

Celebrating 50 Years of Women at Ridley College

First Women of Ridley, 1974

Isabel Hepworth

Katharine Miller

1985

Charlene (Ebert) Hutton ’83

Chantal Ramsay ’74

Dean’s House, 1983

First Female Swim Team, 1981

Anna M. Cleghorn

You are cordially invited to

THE LEGACY GALA

Join us to commemorate the success of The Campaign for Ridley and the opening of our new facilities. The Legacy Gala will be one of the largest community celebrations in Ridley's history — a chance to reconnect and continue to strengthen our shared legacy as members of the Ridley family.

DATE Saturday, September 28th, 2024

LOCATION

Ridley College Fieldhouse

COST $200/ticket

DRESS

Black Tie

Black Tie Optional

To RSVP and for more information, visit ridleycollege.com/legacygala