Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, ank you so much for honouring Sr. Frances in the last edition of the Blue Banner which arrived today. It was a lovely format and I know that her former students would be interested in reading this tribute.

Best Wishes, Mary Jane

Irving

Ed’s Reply: Thank you Mrs. Irving. Sr. Frances was a wonderful educator and person, and a special part of our community. She will be missed.

coach under the guidance of Mr. Tony Adams and Fr. Neil Hibberd, CSB. Sidebar story: this 1983 win was on the very day I found out I was going to be a father for the rst time. Going full circle my oldest child, Ashley Masterson (teacher/coach at Neil McNeil) is now the TDCAA Track and Field Convenor. I hope there is some possibility of these two milestones being presented in a future publication. I have thoroughly over the years enjoyed reading the many accomplishments of my alma mater. ank you for your time and consideration.

Steve Masterson ’76.

Ed’s Reply: Thanks Steve! We will most certainly look to highlight these important milestones in the next edition of the Banner!

Dear Editor,

I enjoyed Volume 32, Winter 2022-23 from cover to cover, especially the Joe Vernon ’98 article and the In Memoriam section, especially my friend George Olah ’60 e Blue Banner of today is so wonderfully comprehensive. Keep adding.

Tom O’Hara ‘59

Ed’s Reply: Tom, we appreciate your kind words and support. Happy reading.

Good a ernoon, editors of the Blue Banner,

I just wanted to bring to your a ention that 2023 will mark the 50th anniversary of St. Mike’s rst TDCAA Senior Boys Football Championship and the 40th Anniversary of St. Mike’s rst TDCAA Overall Track and Field Championship. I was a proud member of that 1973 football team which ba led Michael Power for a 26-25 Victory. e team was also able to defend the title in 1974 with a 13-6 win over rival Michael Power. For the 40th anniversary of the track title, I was honoured to be an assistant

Man of St. Michael’s: Flavio Volpe ’94 Driven to be the best for the world!

“With the support of family, iends, and teachers, and the examples set by my peers, I know that one day, when I return to this school, assembled perhaps with this, my graduating class, I will nd evidence that what I see as a esh-faced eighteen year old will be true: speci cally, that there is no man more willing, more determined, no man with more grit, no man whose pride wears the suit of humility like a St. Michael's man, the men of the Double Blue.” – excerpt om Flavio Volpe’s ’94 valedictorian address.

Inspired by almost any challenge, driven to push the limits, and motivated to make those around him be er.

Flavio Volpe ’94 is a gentleman of in uence in many walks of life, an internationally recognized champion of Canada’s automotive industry, and the proud leader of the APMA (Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association), which represents over 200 suppliers to the worldwide automotive industry.

A er graduating from SMCS, Volpe a ended the University of Toronto, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations, followed by a master’s degree in business administration from the Schulich School of Business at York University.

In the initial stages of his career, he spent time working in real estate. Focused on the marketing end of the business, he was responsible for the rebranding of two of Canada’s largest residential and commercial asset portfolios - SmartCentres and

“I have had a good career, and most of what I have accomplished has some roots in my formative years at SMCS. Anything with a leadership perspective was learned at St. Mike’s and at home watching my parents.”

However, the work is almost second to the process with Volpe, who wholeheartedly embraces the grind of a day’s work. Without question, he is motivated by change and inspired by doubters who indirectly o er respect through the abundance of media a ention he garners on everything from the auto industry to international trade and politics.

At the end of the day, Volpe has a keen eye on building relationships as the key to a successful life. “ e only thing that ma ers is how we treat each other,” he adds, re ecting on what inspires him daily.

Long a well-respected voice in the auto industry, Volpe became a regular face in mainstream media news during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2020, Canada, like many other countries, was devastated by a dangerous medical equipment shortage. In response to federal and provincial government pleas for industry support and collaboration, Volpe launched the largest peacetime mobilization of Canada's industrial capacity in its history.

A passionate technology leader, Volpe’s response to the prime minister’s challenge for a net-zero economy by 2050 was to launch an all-Canadian, zero-emissions, autonomous concept prototype, ‘Project Arrow’. e Globe and Mail described it as “an audacious play to build an all-Canadian electric car.” Project Arrow was revealed at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to global coverage and serves as a premier showcase of Canada’s automotive technology cluster.

“Flavio is an embodiment of the vision of SMCS. is is evident through his work with the APMA toward be ering the lives of Ontarians by helping build a strong economy and preserving the environment,” says Dr. Phil Gerretsen ’94. “Project Arrow is emblematic of this. Personally, I know him to be a good man. He is a devoted father and a loyal and dependable friend. Like most of us graduates of SMCS, he would a est to his character being shaped by the Basilian mission to instill ‘goodness, discipline, and knowledge’ in the men of St. Mike’s.”

Dubbed a “manufacturing hero” by the Toronto Star, under Volpe’s leadership, the auto manufacturing industry was, in short order, retooled to support the production of PPE (personal protective equipment), including masks, ventilators, respirators, and other vital resources. During this time, Volpe’s leadership and faith in humankind were on full display as he criss-crossed the province to help rms retool to build vital gear to help those in need.

“It was the most ful lling thing I’ve ever been a part of, and I carry the implicit trust that people put in me then, everywhere,” adds Volpe.

When the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor was blockaded in 2022 at a cost to the automotive industry of $1 billion, he led the APMA to secure an injunction in the Ontario Superior Court to force the reopening of Canada’s most critical international border crossing. Later that year, Volpe was named to the Ontario Premier’s Council on U.S. Trade and Industry Competitiveness.

His career in Canada’s automotive industry has included advising many top-tier government o cials in O awa, Washington, and Mexico City during the 2017-2019 NAFTA renegotiations. Volpe has also led the e ort to secure an unprecedented increase in Regional Value Content (RVC) for suppliers in the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), requiring motor vehicles to meet a de ned threshold of North American content to be considered as ‘originating’ and receive the duty-free bene ts. Much of his formation can be linked to his time at SMCS, where he was active in every facet of school life, from athletics and clubs to service, o en in a leadership capacity.

“I fondly recall my time at St. Michael’s as a young man who played baseball, ran for student government a few times, and was an active member of the Out of the Cold and Meals on Foot programmes. I loved wearing the double blue, and the great pep rallies around hockey and football, hosting the St. Mike’s basketball tournament, and spending time in the weight room.

“St. Mike’s taught me the hard work and discipline necessary to prepare for university and life in general, along with the strong undercurrent of the value of service,” says Volpe.

Some of his more recent accolades include:

• Top 100 Most In uential People in Government and Politics, e Hill Times, 2023; Top 50 People In uencing Canadian Foreign Policy, e Hill Times, 2021, 2022, 2023;

• Industry Leader of the Year, Canada Newsmakers, Automotive News Canada, 2017;

• Impact Award, Champion for Diverse Talent, Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion & Advancement, 2021;

• Industry All-Star, Automotive News Canada, 2018, 2019, 2020; and

• Top 100 Lobbyists in Canada, e Hill Times, 2022, 2023.

“Sr. Susan was a dedicated and compassionate educator that I respected a lot. Mr. McCann was my English teacher with a keen sense of the real world. Mr. Quinn was a thoughtful and gentle soul. Mr. Chi le and Mr. Ribarich were normal, smart human beings with great senses of honour that knew how to teach young men about what ma ers in life. Mr. Narducci and Mr. Tessaro were great guys that I would have loved to stay in touch with and learn more from a er graduation.”

Volpe feels that St. Michael’s is special for its complex and rich history of training young men to lead by serving. Its pursuit of excellence in the classroom and in athletics is a great way to develop the leaders of tomorrow.

“Flavio was an exceptional student known for his brilliance and compassionate nature, always more than happy to help anyone in need. His sel ess acts of kindness enabled many individuals and families to lead be er lives,” says Rocco Piccininno ’94. “He truly inspires those around him with his contagious passion, unwavering commitment to his beliefs, and ability to listen and o er guidance.”

All of which can be seen demonstrated daily by Volpe in his career.

“I have been named to various awards and lists, but those that come from inclusion and compassion are probably most closely related to the lessons I learned at the school,” states Volpe.

“I really enjoyed my time at the school and the dozens of active relationships that continue today. I am very proud to be an alumnus,” adds Volpe, who prioritizes his relationships with his three children, o en travelling the province to support their academic and athletic pursuits.

When asked what life message he might o er our newest graduating class and recent graduates, he says, “Always be the lion.”