The Andrean Spring 2017

TheAndrean Spring 2017, VOLUME 61 NUMBER 1

The Spirit of Giving Back Student philanthropy and the complete man

Contents Features 4 Schooled in Giving Student philanthropy is alive and well at SAC

14 J.A.D. McCurdy Commemorated Grandson shares memories of Canada’s first aviator

16 A New Path to a Bright Future St. Andrew’s launches a new Strategic Plan

18 Old Boy Lunch and Learns New peer-to-peer networking seminars

19 The Tragedy that Brought Me to St. Andrew’s Schoolmates became an extension of family for Bill Holmes ’56

20 Robertson Laidlaw SAC’s longest-serving teacher had famous connections

22 The Million-Dollar Legacy The Towers’ estate remains our largest legacy…ever

23 Heartfelt Gift Connects Families The Tingling-Diakuns and the Elliotts share a SAC bond

24 Infographic SAC by the numbers

Columns 2 View from the Top 26 Sports News 30 Community News & Retirements 34 Old Boys News 50 Obituaries 52 Editorial: From the Head of Geography, David Joiner

St. Andrew’s College is a member of these associations:

TheAndrean Spring 2017 Volume 61 Number 1 Published by St. Andrew’s College for Old Boys, parents, and friends of the School Editor Cindy Veitch Assistant Editor Nicolette Fleming SENIOR WRITER Jim McGillivray Old Boy Correspondent Nicholas Weedon ‘02 Editorial Committee Edna Collins Scott Hayter Sue Hayter Contributors Len Gurr Gerald Haddon Sue Hayter Bill Holmes ’56 David Joiner Julie Wilson Art Direction and Design Fresh Art & Design Inc. PHOTOGRAPHY Paul Mosey Telephone 905.727.3178 ext. 237 Email admission@sac.on.ca oldboys@sac.on.ca theandrean@sac.on.ca Website www.sac.on.ca Front cover: 84 shrubs were planted on the lower fields by grade 5s in conjunction with Ontario Streams. Arthur Wang (left) and Jared Reinemo in foreground, Matthew Virgillio (left) and Michael Wang in background

EST. 1899

The Andrean magazine supports the St. Andrew’s College mission to “…develop the complete man, the well-rounded citizen,” connects Old Boys and parents to the School, and is a reflection of St. Andrew’s College’s enduring value to the constituents it serves.

A few grade 10 art students took the opportunity to paint outside on a surprisingly warm and sunny late-winter day.

After visiting the AGO’s Mystical Landscapes exhibition, the students were asked to produce their own Mystical Landscapes, with the SAC campus as their subject. Inspiration from master painters such as van Gogh, Harris, and Monet, is evident in their work. (l-r) Jacky Guo, Daniel Park, and Harry Zhao

Letter to the Editor

Editor’s Note

Mystery Solved!

My classmate Jeff Long ’81 was visiting last weekend and we were trying to remember who were house captains in our year. I couldn’t put my hands on my yearbook, so we went to the School’s website. What a pleasant surprise to find our yearbooks so easily accessible and readable. Fantastic! Thanks for doing that.

George Jackson ’81

Thanks to Dr. Sue Hayter, Librarian and Archivist, who has made The Review and The Andrean available online. As well, the SAC photograph collection is constantly being updated and many photographs are currently available for viewing. To visit the Online Archives, go to http://archives.sac.on.ca.

Cindy Veitch, Editor

The whereabouts of the Christmas edition of the 1954 Review was a mystery. Now, thanks to some serious sleuthing by Old Boys Michael Wood ‘56, Jim Wyse ‘57, and John Swinden ‘56, the mystery has been solved.

There was no Christmas 1954 edition! Instead of having three editions a year, a decision was made to move to a bi-annual publication.

Therefore, the Christmas 1954 edition was delayed to become the Winter 1955 edition.

Sue Hayter, Librarian & Archivist www.sac.on.ca 1

View from the Top

&

Strategic Plan 2017-2022

Innovative Interactive

St.

Andrew’s College has launched its new Strategic Plan—and in a first-ever twist—an interactive website to go with it.

I couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome, which is founded on innovation, creativity, and forward-thinking, and took 21 months to complete. Our new Strategic Plan will help guide the School over the next five years, through to 2022.

I invite you to take a closer look at the ambitious plans we have in place. On page 16 you can read an overview of its four pillars: Academic Innovation, Wellness, Connected Community, and Positioned for the Future. There is also a 2 SPRING 2017

paper copy of the Strategic Plan for your reference.

Our boldest step was the creation of an interactive website to complement it.

Visit the website at sac.on.ca/interactivestratplan17 and take a journey through the campus at our proposed improvements and changes. Each pin is colour-coded to represent one of the four pillars. Click on a pin to learn more about each area of focus and the specific tactics that fall within it.

Each pin also contains a description of the tactic along with a picture, video, and/or article explaining why we think it is important to implement this task.

Illustration: Steven McDonald ‘88

“ … we reminded ourselves that our purpose is the education and development of young men—they are our why.”

At the start of the strategic-planning process, we asked ourselves the all-important question: what is our purpose?

From this, we reminded ourselves that our purpose is the education and development of young men—they are our why.

This theme carried into our interactive platform in a section titled, “This is our why.” Here you can read profiles on current students and Old Boys from various generations. You will learn why St. Andrew’s is important to them, where their careers have led them, and/or how St. Andrew’s has helped them to achieve their goals.

First, watch my introductory video to the School’s Strategic Plan, and then take some time to learn about all the amazing things we have planned for the next five years. I am truly excited about what the future holds, and I think you will be too.

KEVIN R. McHENRY, HEADMASTER www.sac.on.ca 3

Student Philanthropy Grade 7 classmates stock shelves at the Aurora Food Pantry (l-r) Jason Qian, Henry Paluch, Ethan Yen, Blake Iezzi

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Schooled in Giving Student philanthropy is alive and well at SAC

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eeping homeless kids safe on the street and protecting rhinos in South Africa are two of the charitable efforts SAC students championed this year.

“We want to change attitudes and have students become more empathetic to the world around them,” says Melissa Tackaberry, faculty advisor to the Student Outreach Council (SOC), which is responsible for choosing the two charities SAC will support each year.

It seems to be working.

Over the 15 years that Melissa has led the Council, she has witnessed an evolution in student philanthropy that reflects not only what is going on at home but also what is happening globally. This year’s chosen charities are perfect examples. Protrack, an anti-poaching unit in South Africa, is dedicated to stopping the slaughter of rhinos, elephants, and other wildlife, while 360° kids provides care to children and youth in crisis in our community. www.sac.on.ca 5

Student Philanthropy “Your situation in life is often happenstance, depending on the family you were born into or where you live,” Melissa reasons. Still, she realizes that everyone has a different level of ability to give back. “Time or money are both equally worthy,” says Melissa. “The key is instilling the responsibility to give what you can.”

The SOC’s mandate is to lead students in raising money for outside charities in an organized and focused manner. Its 15 members help centralize student fundraising to make the greatest impact on their two chosen charities.

Before deciding which charities to support, the Council leaders evaluate a charity’s cause, legitimacy, and administrative costs thoroughly. Over the years, the group has lent a hand to a wide variety of non-profits such as World Wildlife Fund, Canadian Hero Fund, Save the Children, and World Food Programme.

Throughout the year, Council members host several events such as casual-dress days, for which students, faculty, and staff pay $3 for the privilege of dressing down, as well as the alwayspopular brownie sundae sales. They also organize loose-change and clothing drives, a coffee drive-thru outside Rogers Hall, and a 30-Hour Famine. This spring, students had the chance to bid for their own personal assistant for the day from a selection of faculty up for the challenge. The caveat is that winning bids be paid in cash only—no charging to accounts—putting the onus on the student to come up with the money from his own pocket.

“Small amounts can and do make a real difference,” Melissa says.

Having students’ eyes open to the need that exists around them inspired some students to become change-makers themselves. Parth Agarwal ’14 founded iParth.org Charity Foundation while in grade 11 to help combat the cycle of child poverty around the world. “I want people to realize that what seems like a small amount of money to us can literally mean the difference of life and death for some people,” he remarked at the time, when asked what had motivated him.

With similar altruistic intent, William Deo ’17 started iWillSwim.org in partnership with the York Region Children’s Aid Society (CAS) to help promote safety and swimming among Canadians, particularly those with limited resources and new to the country.

This past summer, his organization raised $3,000, enough for swimming lessons, equipment, and transportation for 24 children in the community.

Some may be surprised to learn that the four boarding residences and the four day residences quietly sponsor one child each year through World Vision Canada. This organization replaced SAC’s Child Fund started by former chaplain, the Rev. Robert Arril, through sponsorship of Dr. Graham’s Homes. SAC’s World Vision sponsorship amounts to $3,750 annually to support eight children.

Members of the Outreach Committee play an important supportive role in two charities supported by the wider Andrean community, Holiday Hero and SpringSmash.

Through the School’s partnership with the York Region CAS, more than $1.25 million has been raised to help needy families and children over the past decade. This year, the focus shifted to local youth-atWilliam Deo ‘17 risk. Advisory groups chose one or two youth from started an organization profiles provided by the York Region CAS, purchasing to help children learn and wrapping gifts specifically for them. to be water safe SpringSmash is an annual event held each spring that is led entirely by grade 12 students in the

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Grade 12 classmates joined two York Regional Police officers and teacher Melissa Tackaberry for an evening of Holiday Hero shopping. From l-r, Harrison Liu, Eric Asgari, Trew Morris, William Deo, Randy Lee, Trevor Chao, Mihai Ciuciureanu, and Justun Lynn

“ Inculcating this spirit of giving back in students is critical to the well-being of our society and helps establish a foundation for them as they become adults and Old Boys, passionate not only about their school, but also about the world around them.”

McEwen Leadership program. The School participates in a half-day of organized sport and festival activities to raise awareness and support for underprivileged kids and provide them the opportunity to participate in sport. Last year $31,555 was raised for the charity Jumpstart—the highest amount of any school in Canada!

All of which points to the fact that the spirt of philanthropy is alive and well at St. Andrew’s. Providing students with the opportunity to help others, deciding where to invest time and effort, and potentially raising funds to help make life better for

others are all part of the larger experiential learning experience.

“Inculcating this spirit of giving back in students is critical to the well-being of our society and helps establish a foundation for them as they become adults and Old Boys, passionate not only about their school, but also about the world around them,” says Scott Hayter, Executive Director of Advancement.

It’s a spirit that has been well-received by the impressionable young minds at SAC.

Promoting Need Awareness Middle School program fills need, develops character

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omething extraordinary has been taking place in the Middle School, and it’s sending ripples out into the community.

Introduced two years ago, the Middle School Community Giving Project sends students in grades 5 to 8 out into the community to make an impact, acquire new skills, achieve personal growth, and learn about the world around them.

The other important piece of the Community Giving Project is that it affords our boys an opportunity to practice the www.sac.on.ca 7

Student Philanthropy Connor Luciani, grade 8, joined in the Mardi Gras fun at Mackenzie Place, serving punch, decorating cupcakes, and making masks with the seniors, including Elsie Osmond, who turns 85 in November

“ Instilling kindness, respect, and empathy has become part of our culture and is a priority in fulfilling the School’s mission to develop the complete man— which includes becoming empathetic and caring young individuals.” human qualities of empathy and compassion. “As a school, we are continually striving to provide our students with strong ideals set in character education,” says Sabrina D’Angelo, Director of the Middle School.

“Instilling kindness, respect, and empathy has become part of our culture and is a priority in fulfilling the School’s mission to develop the complete man—which includes becoming empathetic and caring young individuals,” she says.

This unique community-service program is now entrenched in the Middle School curriculum. Six afternoons a year, between September and April, students devote their time in a variety 8 SPRING 2017

of ways, doing everything from stocking shelves at food banks and making snacks at shelters to cleaning parks and playing bingo with seniors.

Unaware of other schools doing anything like this, program coordinator Randi Berman says, “we’ve been learning as we go.”

It took a lot of “door-knocking” to get the program up and running once it received the green light from leadership. In the summer of 2015, she spent hours reaching out to organizations that might be willing and interested in taking on the boys. The program launched that fall with 10 organizations and has grown to 20 this year. Reassuringly, the original 10 organizations all recommitted.

Each grade has its own theme and focus, which helps ease the coordination and logistics of the 176 student participants and 20 staff who accompany them. The grade 8s visit senior centres, with groups returning to the same home or centre each time to encourage the development of relationships. At the February visit to Mackenzie Place in Newmarket, Melissa Ramon’s advisees participated in a Mardi Gras Festival organized by Shannon Campbell, program aide. The boys interacted with seniors as they decorated cupcakes, handed out punch, decorated face masks, and competed in a SAC versus Mackenzie Place game quiz.

“We are so lucky to have the partnership with SAC that we do,” says Shannon, observing that the residents enjoy the boys’ conversations and liveliness. One of the residents asked a taller boy if he was a teacher. “No, just a slow learner,” he jokingly replied. “They get such a kick out of each other,” laughs Shannon.

One partner organization is applying for funds to purchase iPads and iPods, with the idea of students teaching seniors to upload music, play games, reminisce with family and friends, and access social media. “It is a perfect fit and an excellent

way to integrate the generations,” says Sabrina.

The grade 7s rotate their visits through six different community organizations including food banks, DeafBlind Ontario, and the Wishing Well Sanctuary, which promotes emotional well-being through the interconnectedness of all life— including the care of animals, which the boys love. The tasks are planned in advance, so the students and organization know what to expect each time. On a visit to the Aurora Food Pantry, Randi’s advisees helped to paint a colourful mural. At DeafBlind Ontario, students cleaned windows and took care of other spring-cleaning tasks. They also observed a resident in his own apartment, amazed that he could move so freely and find objects with ease despite his disabilities.

The Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness in Aurora, a facility that helps resettle women facing abuse, “has really helped our boys realize how lucky they are,” says Randi. “You can hear a pin drop when a sad situation or dire circumstance is described.” Many times she and the boys have struggled to fight back tears. “It’s a big eye-opener to many boys.”

Since the grade 5 and 6s are younger, accommodations must sometimes be made. Their visits can be less service-oriented and more educational in nature, as is the case with trips to Elman Campbell Museum and the Aurora Historical Society.

Sleeves must be rolled up, however, when the boys attend the Aurora Community Arboretum and the Town of Aurora, where

“ The boys see firsthand the effects of giving back and feel empowered.” mulching trees and park cleanup is on the agenda. Through Ontario Stream’s adopt-a-stream program, SAC has taken on environmental stewardship for a section of Tannery Creek running through the School’s campus, cleaning away garbage, and building and maintaining birdhouses.

The effects of the interactions with the community have been “interesting and heartwarming,” says Randi. Feedback from both sides has been positive, with “polite and helpful” being the two words heard from organizations about students over and over again. Both the teachers and the boys say they enjoy these afternoons.

“The boys see firsthand the effects of giving back and feel empowered,” says Randi. It is the program’s goal to instil an enduring sense of engagement, which will at best spill over for life, or at least carry forward to Upper School when 40 hours of community service is a Ministry-mandated pre-requisite for graduation.

By Upper School, participants in the Giving Project will have visited a significant number of organizations and have

Left: Ashton Hunter, grade 7, checks out the fresh produce and bread supply at Aurora Food Pantry. Right: Grade 5 classmates (l-r) Joey Panovski, James Coppola, and Arthur Wang get busy moving mulch at the Aurora Community Arboretum www.sac.on.ca 9

Photo: Randi Berman

Student Philanthropy

Middle Schoolers (front, l-r) Claudio Ardellini, Ethan Mitchell, Marcus Jenko; (back) Jason Qian, Kyle Murphy, and Albert Ma

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(l-r) Steven Du ‘18, Tony Sul ‘17, Jacob Brayford ‘17, Brandon St. Pierre ‘17, and Dane Muspratt ‘17 are among those students with the most community service hours

“ The off-campus hours really show commitment. These boys are often superstars academically as well.” a good idea about where they want to go to fulfill their hours.

“It really is an extraordinary program that’s continuing to grow,” says Randi. The Giving Project has a small operating budget for supplies, busing, and gift certificates. And like all good guests, they never show up empty handed to a food bank, and they take gift cards to help buy supplies. At Christmas each organization is sent a basket of goodies, and in April a bouquet of flowers, as a way of saying thank you for allowing our boys into their world and opening their eyes to the needs that exist in their own backyard.

“The gains that our boys, and our community as a whole, make through the Community Giving Project journey are truly amazing,” says Sabrina.“It has completely exceeded

my expectations and vision for this program; our boys are developing into model citizens and this program plays a significant role in this development.”

Altruistic Overachievers

Making time to volunteer is routine for some students

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here are volunteers, and then there are super volunteers.

Jacob Brayford ’17 definitely qualifies as the latter. He has amassed 400 off-campus community service hours—ten times the number required by the province to graduate from high school.

As is the case with many of our Upper School students, Jacob does the bulk of his volunteering during the summer www.sac.on.ca 11

Student Philanthropy Jacob Brayford ‘17 is a regular volunteer at Wishing Well Sanctuary, an organization that promotes the well-being of all life, including the care of animals

months or at breaks. He has devoted hours to helping at children’s sports camps, shovelling snow and raking leaves for countless seniors in his hometown of Alliston, and used his muscle to set up and tear down booths at a community home show. His favourite job, though, is the 40 hours spent at the Wishing Well Sanctuary caring for rescued farm animals.

“The off-campus hours really show commitment. These boys are often superstars academically as well,” says Bruce Roffey, who logs and verifies students’ community service hours in Edsby. The expectation, of course, is that the experience of giving back will turn these teens into life-long volunteers.

Well over half of SAC students exceed the 40-hour minimum, some by hundreds of hours. The School recognizes these Community Service leaders in Upper School with pins and ties once they have achieved 100, 200, 300, and 350-plus hours.

The old adage that it is better to give than to receive may help to explain why many Andreans embrace volunteerism so eagerly.

“It’s satisfying to know you are doing good work for others,” explains Steven Du, grade 11. He’s come to realize that “even the smallest acts of giving can have profound effects on the receiver.”

“I have been extremely fortunate and had so much support…

I thought it only right to give back and help others,” says Brandon St. Pierre ’17, an exemplary volunteer with over 300 hours of service, a substantial number of which were earned in Japan during the summer. He says his volunteer experiences helped him to reflect on his life and created awareness of the bigger world around him.

There are many positives for volunteers, including the development of leadership skills and the camaraderie developed through a shared experience. “Originally, I did 12 SPRING 2017

“ I have been extremely fortunate and had so much support … I thought it only right to give back and help others.” community service only to surpass the required number,” admits grade 10 student Arya Mizrahi. “But as I got more hours, I realized that it was kind of fun as well as a good thing to do in my spare time.”

Wendy Pries is the faculty advisor for the Community Service Council, which this year has 11 members. Together they help students find placements, advertise positions, and arrange community service outings.

Left: Jin Woo Yu ‘17 enjoyed helping school children as part of the community service portion of his SASSAW trip to Borneo last summer Right: (l-r) Grade 10s Daniel Park, Willem Grier, and Alexander Smith, as well as Eric Asgari ‘17 (not shown), bond while raising awareness and funds for 360° kids

“There is no lack of opportunity,” says Wendy, acknowledging that since our boys are busy, possessing good time management is important, especially when committing to short-term assignments. Surprisingly, finding a steady volunteer job can be competitive, especially for students wanting to work at a specific organization. “They need to dig in and make contact as soon as possible, as there are often waiting lists,” she says.

Eric Asgari ’17 landed a coveted position at Southlake Hospital in Newmarket by applying early. He volunteers regularly in the cardiology and diagnostic imaging departments, helping patients with non-medical needs. It helps him gain better insight into the field, one he wants to pursue in a career as a doctor.

As well, Eric also volunteers with 360° kids, a local non-profit that helps at-risk and homeless youth. He feels compelled to spread the word about those who struggle with homelessness on a daily basis. As co-chair of the 360° Experience Youth Leaders, Eric thinks this issue should be of primary concern in our local community of privileged youth—including those at St. Andrew’s.

“After all, what’s the point of volunteering if you’re not trying to make the world a better place?” he asks. “If you go in looking to simply get community service (CS) hours, you

won’t get much in return.”

Jin Woo Yu ’17 shares a similar mindset. Last summer, he went to Guatemala with friends to help build self-sustainable water filters. “Providing villagers with clean drinking water not only made a big impact, but it was also the most humbling experience I’ve ever had,” he says. Later that summer, he went on the School’s SASSAW trip to Borneo and felt just as good about building a much-needed bridge and working with local schoolchildren, even though community service was a requirement for the trip.

Owen Laffey may be only in grade 10, but he has already clocked enough community service hours to put him among the top volunteers at the School. He worked track meets for special needs children and helps teach children to skate. “I like this because I love hockey and I love helping children, so it’s the perfect match for me,” says Owen, a triple-A hockey player who made a commitment to fit CS into his busy schedule.

As is true with many life decisions, being a community service super achiever is about making a commitment. “It definitely can get quite hectic,” adds Jin Woo, “but it’s all about consistency and resolve.” Cindy Veitch www.sac.on.ca 13

J.A.D. McCurdy Commemorated Grandson shares memories of Canada’s first aviator

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was invited to the Alexander Graham Bell National while staying at my grandparents’ beautiful summer house.

Historic Site and Museum in Baddeck, Nova Scotia, to Because of Dr. Bell’s worldwide reputation, many famous speak about my grandfather, J.A.D. McCurdy, Class of scientists and inventors were drawn to this small hamlet of 100 1903, whom I had known for the first 19 years of my life. people, and the young McCurdy met many of them. Having lost On February 23, 1909 from Baddeck, my grandfather made two sons in infancy, Bell wanted to adopt my grandfather, such the first flight in the British Empire in the Silver Dart, an was the bond that developed between the two. aeroplane he designed and built.

There were four children born to Arthur and Lucy McCurdy: McCurdy was one of “Bell’s boys,” a gifted group of engiSusan, George, J.A.D., and Lucien; all were separated by neers and students of aeronautics, who in approximately two years. Lucy died giving October 1907 had formed the Experiment birth to Lucien. Aunt Georgina, Arthur’s Association and were determined to sister, stepped in and assumed the role of master the art of flying an aeroplane and the children’s mother. Had it not been for get a man into the air. this strong-minded maiden aunt, J.A.D. Born and raised in Baddeck, young would undoubtedly have become the Bell’s McCurdy could be found at Beinn legal son. “J.A.D. McCurdy was born a Bhreagh, Alexander Graham Bell’s McCurdy, and by God, he will die a 37-room home, helping the famous McCurdy,” Aunt Georgina firmly stated. inventor with his glider and kite experiBell did become McCurdy’s godfather, ments. McCurdy often played with Elsie however, and in 1893, Dr. and Mrs. Bell A bust of J.A.D. McCurdy was unveiled at and Daisy, Bell’s daughters, with whom Government House, Halifax, in August 2016. took my grandfather, aged seven, to he remained lifelong friends.

Washington, D.C., where he spent a very Amanda and Gerald Haddon, his grandson, were there Navigating Bras d’Or Lake as a young happy year as part of their family. boy with his two brothers, McCurdy became aware of the power Later, recognizing my grandfather to be a brilliant student, of the wind and what it could do. From those early days, a Dr. Bell helped sponsor his education to St. Andrew’s College. lifelong curiosity was born, one that would lead him to become He also encouraged him to attend the University of Toronto’s an extraordinary engineer and a pilot with a list of aviation firsts.

School of Mechanical Engineering, where McCurdy was the Years later, “Gampy” taught me to sail on this same lake youngest student admitted.

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Left: McCurdy, in stocking cap, at the controls of the Silver Dart minutes before his historic flight, February 23, 1909 in Baddeck, Nova Scotia.

Note the tricycle landing gear and the large push-type propellor. With fuel and McCurdy, the Silver Dart weighed 860 pounds. Top right: J.A.D. McCurdy, in his Montreal apartment, holding a model of the Silver Dart made by Frank Ellis in 1959 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of McCurdy’s historic flight. Bottom right: The Silver Dart positioned on the ice with McCurdy at the controls in preparation for making the first flight in the British Empire

After the unforgettable experience of speaking at the Bell Museum, I travelled to Government House in Halifax for the unveiling of a portrait bust of J.A.D. McCurdy, a magnificent piece commissioned in tribute by the Nova Scotian government.

During my grandfather’s tenure as the 20th Lt.-Gov. of Nova Scotia, I stayed at Government House numerous times. It was wonderful to revisit many of the magnificent rooms I had explored as a 10-year-old boy. I remember zooming down the long banister with wild abandon, much to the great amusement of my grandfather!

At the unveiling, I was breathless at first, vainly searching for words to describe what my eyes were attempting to absorb.

The portrait is so lifelike, I felt my grandfather would speak at any moment. The bust sits in the state dining room, opposite a beautiful portrait of the Queen.

I recall many discussions with Gampy and the lessons he passed on to me. He spoke of the endearing and durable qualities that make Nova Scotians such special people. He never forgot his roots. When Prime Minister MacKenzie King appointed him Lt.-Gov., my grandfather said he would perform his duties “as well as a country boy from Cape Breton could.”

In spite of the many honours earned during his lifetime, he remained a modest man. He met people from every station in

“ … recognizing my grandfather to be a brilliant student, Alexander Graham Bell helped sponsor his education to St. Andrew’s College.” life, and it was his talent for maintaining the common touch that endeared him to the thousands who came to know him.

And, to a young boy such as myself, he was a magnificent figure in his official uniform. He truly was my hero.

By believing in his dream to put a man into the air, my grandfather changed the world of his time forever. He served his province and his nation with excellence and with pride. I am honoured beyond words to be his grandson. I am delighted we paid homage in Government House and in Baddeck to the man whom many consider to be the Father of Canadian Aviation.

Honorary Colonel Gerald Haddon * This article has been condensed for space. The full account appears on Vintagewings at http://tinyurl.com/zam5g7p www.sac.on.ca 15

A New Path to a Bright Future St. Andrew’s launches a new Strategic Plan “In early 2017, the Board of Governors approved a new five-year Strategic Plan for St. Andrew’s College. This is a bold plan that requires the input and action of all members of the St. Andrew’s community. I truly believe that at the completion of this plan, we will be positioned as one of, if not the most, forward-thinking independent schools in the country.”

— Kevin R. McHenry, Headmaster

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he goal of the St. Andrew’s College Strategic Plan is to seek excellence as well as to propel the School toward becoming the most forward-thinking independent school in Canada. The College is committed to its mission, vision, values, and foundational principles; it also intends to push into new areas of evidence-based innovation that will prepare and support students in their quest to become remarkable young men.

After two years of consideration, SAC’s 2017-2022 Strategic Plan is ready. With the input of all constituent groups, from Old Boys and parents to faculty and the School’s Strategic Planning Committee, four key areas were identified as foci: Academic Innovation, Wellness, Connected Community, and Facilities and Financial Sustainability. The following is a brief outline of the four pillars; for more detail, refer to the interactive website at www.sac.on.ca/interactivestratplan17 16 SPRING 2017

Authentic learning

Strategic vision

We continue to affirm the primacy of teaching and learning at St. Andrew’s College, with a focus on pursuing a more constructivist pedagogy and developing an innovative curriculum that reflects the specific needs of boys today and in the future.

Goals

Our goal is to ensure our instructional practice provides our boys with authentic learning opportunities that will help them connect with others and pursue their passions. Further, we believe curricular orientations at St. Andrew’s College are both transactional and transformational.

Our position is that while there will always be a place for

traditional models of teaching and learning, we will seek to create more opportunities for teachers to develop experiential, interdisciplinary, and inquiry-based approaches within the context of best practices identified in the educational literature.

Constructivist approaches such as these provide our boys with opportunities to connect with each other, gain a greater contextual understanding of their place in the world, and grow their vision of themselves. We seek to find a balance between helping boys increase their knowledge and developing in them competencies and skills that are transferable in any context.

Finally, we believe that education is as much about character as it is about content. It is our belief that a holistic approach to teaching and learning will lead our boys to an understanding of the interconnectivity of all things, thereby ensuring compassion and empathy are the long-term underlying motivators in their life choices.

A holistic approach

Strategic vision

St. Andrew’s is committed to supporting wellness for all students and ensuring proactive education on mental, physical, emotional, and social health. We will continue to create global citizens focused on 21st century skills and community service. A culture of happiness, support, and positivity is critical to school and life success.

We encourage healthy living habits through a focus on physical health and wellness, and the discovery of personal values and meaning through connections to self and others.

Goals

Our objective is to integrate all wellness services and develop the School’s “circle of care” further in order to serve our students’ best in all their needs.

Whether within or beyond our gates, we will continue to instil in our students the value of our own community and develop an appreciation and sense of personal responsibility to communities around the world. As part of that process, we look to re-conceptualize our Chapel program in order to create a greater awareness of spirituality and broader societal responsibility in our students.

We will develop and deliver a “life skills” curriculum that represents those elements of a well-rounded education we believe are critical for students and their future. Furthermore, we want to ensure that the experiences of all our students, both day and boarding, are valued and treated equally.

Finding meaning through relationships Strategic vision

St. Andrew’s will develop and enhance networking and mentoring opportunities for all Andreans within and beyond the gates to increase the number of Andreans with lifelong connections to the College. We will continue to promote the Andrean spirit and nurture a culture of philanthropy to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of SAC. Goals

In order to foster the mentality of being an “Andrean for Life,” we will develop, emphasize, and expand our lifelong relationships with all Andreans around the world.

Through our philanthropic efforts, we will ensure the School has the best facilities and programs that support the mission.

We will endeavour to grow endowed funds to provide financial aid to help admit mission-appropriate students to the College and to provide unrestricted support to school operations.

Facilities and financial sustainability Strategic vision

The School will examine its priorities with regard to new facilities and renovations and develop a long-term strategy to address the highest priorities. The School endeavours to ensure that its financial management processes and protocols are among the most advanced in the country and that cash reserves are maintained at a level to ensure that a short-term challenge can be managed effectively.

Goals

We will facilitate the long-term financial stability of the School by maintaining cash reserves and building unrestricted endowment funds as a fundamental principle of our fiduciary responsibilities.

We endeavour to dutifully prioritize facilities’ improvements and identify other operational cost requirements that emerge from the implementation of the Strategic Plan and incorporate approved projects into the operational and capital budgets of the School.

Consideration will be given to the long-term purpose and value of facilities, space, both renovations and re-organization, keeping in mind the principles of “long life, loose fit, and low energy.” www.sac.on.ca 17

Old Boy Lunch and Learns New peer-to-peer networking seminars

T

he first in a series of Lunch and Learn seminars took place at Toronto’s Scotia Bank Plaza earlier this year. It was a networking opportunity exclusive to Old Boys and hosted by Stu Smith ’92, an 18-year veteran in the wealth management industry.

Over lunch, Stu spoke about the particulars of his industry and fielded questions from the 15 participants.

Stu spoke very candidly, something the group really appreciated. His session resonated with those in attendance, and I was approached afterward by others willing to host similar ones at their place of business.

Professionals from many different industries and ages helped make for stimulating conversation. “It was an eclectic group of Old Boys, but I was happy to see, as in most gatherings of St. Andrew’s ‘boys,’ that everyone was friendly and appreciated meeting other Andreans,” noted Jim Herder ’64.

“The bond, the brotherhood, is alive and well.”

The invitation went out to those within the GTA. It was encouraging to see how well the format was received. As Geoff Campbell ’03 stated, “The concept of Old Boys networking in a way that creates business and learning opportunities is a great initiative. I’m in going forward.”

I hope these sessions will catch on and be replicated in other cities with high concentrations of Old Boys. The next one is scheduled for Wednesday, June 14 and will feature Jake Bullen ’89, a lawyer with Cassels Brock in Toronto (see Jake’s profile on page 47). In the fall, sessions are in the works with an estate planner, a sports broadcaster, and a medical doctor.

Watch the Old Boys e-Newsletter for dates and locations.

We expect to feature speakers from myriad professions.

There are many benefits to being an Old Boy, and this is one of them.

Attendees from Stu’s Lunch and Learn agree: “It was a useful and good old-fashioned networking event,” said Ted Mercer ’96.

“Keep them coming.” NICHOLAS WEEDON ’02

18 SPRING 2017

ST. Andrew’s College

Social media is the fastest way to get information from any source, and St. Andrew’s is proud to be constantly growing its network. Over the past three years, SAC has worked hard to inform our global constituents with timely and stimulating content. New posts appear most days on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and most recently, Snapchat. This opens a window into daily life at St. Andrew’s, as well as being a great way to stay in touch with your school, learn about upcoming events, and connect with Old Boys, current parents, staff, and students.

If you aren’t following us, you’re missing out.

connected

Are you Following us? twitter.com/StAndrews1899 facebook.com/StAndrewsCollege youtube.com/StAndrews1899 Instagram @StAndrewsCollege1899 Snapchat @StAndrews1899

The Tragedy that Brought Me Here Bill Holmes ’56 wrote in after reading “Eyes on The Road,” an article appearing on the SAC website last fall. The article was about a grassroots movement begun by Darren Mason ’86, and others after losing a friend to distracted driving. Bill says the article evoked a powerful reaction in him because of a life-altering event he experienced years ago. Here, in his own words, is his story.

A

round 10 p.m. on August 20, 1950, I was asleep When my mother was discharged from the convalescent in the back seat of my parents’ car driving on hospital, she came to live with my aunt and uncle, who in later the QEW from a visit to Niagara Falls back to years moved off campus to Newmarket. She eventually moved our home in Hamilton. We were rear-ended by to Toronto and I lived in her apartment while I attended the a drunk driver, bounced into the meridian, and University of Toronto. went end-over-end three times.

Although I had lost my father at a very critical age in my My father, the driver, was killed instantly. My mother, in the young life, I was fortunate to have two things to support me: a front seat, and I survived. We were taken to hospital in nearby strong and loving family network and the excellent educational Grimsby. My mother suffered a opportunities that St. Andrew’s broken neck. In addition, afforded me. My schoolmates because the battery broke in the became extensions to my family crash, she was badly burned on and although we have since the neck and chest by the acid. widely dispersed, I still maintain The hospital nurses wheeled a connection with many. me, age 13 and an only child, into Darren Mason’s story prompts her room in the middle of the me to add another perspective on night because she insisted on the consequences of distracted being the one to tell me about my driving. Hopefully, current father, whom I’d been asking for. I Andreans are exposed to the didn’t see her again for several responsibilities that go along with weeks. She spent the better part driving a car. I urge all Old Boys of two years in hospital and in to take the opportunity to impress rehabilitation facilities. I suffered this on their children, their a broken nose, a few lost teeth, grandchildren, and with whomand a fractured skull. ever else their opinion may hold Fearing my mother might die, weight. (I used to tell my daughI was made a ward of my father’s ter’s boyfriends my story and ask younger brother, James Aubrey them to call me, no matter what Holmes, and was discharged time of day, if they’d had too from hospital to live with him and much to drink, and I would come his wife, Youla, and their two and pick them up, no questions young children, ages 5 and 3. asked. And, yes, I did get a few Bill Holmes with a photo of himself taken during his final year at SAC Uncle Aub had recently been calls.) hired as Director of the Athletics and Cadet programs at St. Probably the only thing that comes close to what the victims Andrew’s College and lived on Masters’ Row. Because of that of a “self-distracted driving” incident experience, would be the connection, I was able to attend St. Andrew’s, first as a day boy life-long burden that the perpetrators, those who engage in this in Upper Second and thereafter as a boarder, through to avoidable habit, must experience for the rest of their lives.

BILL HOLMES ’56 graduation in 1956. www.sac.on.ca 19

Robertson Laidlaw

SAC’s longest-serving teacher had connections to two prime ministers and a famous author

In

December, I received an email asking for information about St. Andrew’s College’s longestserving faculty member, Robertson Laidlaw. The sender, Kathleen Laidlaw Pitruniak, is Laidlaw’s great niece, and she was interested in finding out more about her relative. Kathleen and her husband, Bob, visited the School to look through Laidlaw’s papers. What they found helped them add to their genealogical records, and in return, they were kind enough to provide documents from the Laidlaw family.

Robertson (Bob) Laidlaw was born in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1884, the youngest child of the Rev. Robert J. Laidlaw and Margaret McColl Laidlaw. His parents had both died by the time he was 11, and his mother’s family raised him. He had three older siblings, two brothers and a sister. His brother, Campbell Laidlaw, was Kathleen Pitruniak’s grandfather.

Laidlaw attended Queen’s University, followed by Harvard, and then the University of Toronto,

Left: Jim Dunn ’59, shown here in his graduating year, remembers Mr. Laidlaw explaining the battle of Thermopylae in ancient history. “It didn’t seem like a typical lecture, rather more like a description by one of the participants. I still remember it 50 years later!” Right: Master Laidlaw with his students, circa 1910 20 SPRING 2017

where he gained his teaching certificate. He started at SAC in 1909 as a history and geography teacher, and remained at the School until his retirement in 1961. In 1916, he was commissioned lieutenant in the 48th Highlanders.

Bob was a favourite among faculty and students, who nicknamed him Pitt. He was also a man who remained humble despite his many accomplishments: keen angler, skillful violinist, keen rugby coach, scholar, and poet. Alf Wirth, Class of 1958, recalls: “…he spent a lot of time in the library and kept us quiet when we wanted to talk...”

From 1926 to 1941, Laidlaw was Housemaster of Flavelle House. After his retirement, he continued to live at the College, ultimately ending his days in a local nursing home, where he died in 1970. His name, however, lives on at SAC. In his retirement

Roberston Laidlaw with fellow masters circa 1928

“He remained humble despite his many accomplishments: keen angler, skillful violinist, keen rugby coach, scholar, and poet.” year, the SAC Association donated the newly-minted Laidlaw Trophy to be awarded to the boy who earned the highest number of clan points during his last two years at SAC. The following year, Laidlaw’s cousin, Walter, donated a classroom in what is now Coulter Hall in his honour. Still later, in 1983, Laidlaw House was established in his memory.

His family history is fascinating. His great grandfather, James Laidlaw Sr., came to Canada in 1819 and was an acquaintance of William Lyon Mackenzie. There is evidence of letters written between the two, including one published without Laidlaw Sr.’s permission, leading to an angry communication berating Mackenzie. In a twist of fate, Robertson Laidlaw’s older brother, Campbell, was physician to Prime Minister Mackenzie King.

Intriguingly, acclaimed writer, Alice Munro, was also a Laidlaw. In 2005, she wrote an account of the Laidlaw family’s coming to Canada, called The View from Castle Rock.

James Laidlaw Sr. was Robertson Laidlaw’s great grandfather and Alice Munro’s great-great-great grandfather. Robertson Laidlaw and Alice Munro are therefore cousins, several times removed!

The Pitruniaks were delighted to explore Laidlaw’s papers, spending a morning in the library poring over documents.

Kathleen was happy to see her uncle’s name on the Faculty Long-Service Board and his photo on the mural in Dunlap Hall. We, at SAC, are fortunate to have had such an iconic teacher for over 50 years! SUE HAYTER www.sac.on.ca 21

The Million-Dollar Legacy of Graham & Mary Towers Their estate was an unexpected windfall for the School and remains the largest legacy ever received

G

raham F. Towers, board of directors for many prestiClass of 1913, and his gious organizations. Throughout his wife, Mary, rubbed life, he maintained ties to St. shoulders with heads of Andrew’s, serving on its Board from government and leaders 1932-1959. In the same Star article, of industry during his 21 years at the Headmaster Dr. D. Bruce Macdonald helm of the Central Bank of Canada. described his former student as When appointed to the newly-created unassuming and serious-minded, position in 1934, he left behind a brilliant in languages, and good in 14-year career with the Royal Bank mathematics but no marvel: “A very and arrived in Ottawa like a breath fine boy all the way round.” of fresh air.

It therefore came as no huge “Young, a bare 37, slim, natty in surprise that upon Mr. Towers’ death face and figure, Mr. Towers is far in 1975 at the age of 78, his estate removed from the conventional stodgy willed a sum of money to SAC “for old banker of tradition,” stated an uses and purposes of the College as article in The Star. His first official duty its Board of Governors may deterwas an eight-week tour of the central mine.” The $25,000 he left—which banks of Europe. would equal close to $100,000 Mary (who also went by Molly) and Graham Towers Mr. Towers was well-travelled for today—was used to establish The aboard the Empress of Britain in the fall of 1934. one so young. He had dropped out Graham F. Towers Bursaries. Money Credit: E. H. Buckley, Southampton England. Bank of Canada Archives (PC100.1-30) of McGill University at 16 to join the from this fund is awarded annually to Canadian Army, where he was stationed in England and an Upper School student who shows proficiency in subjects France. Upon his return to the university in 1919, he studied close to its benefactor’s heart—commerce, business, or finance. law for six months, then in an abrupt about face, accepted a Eighteen years later, when Mary died, School administrators banking position and took a different career altogether. Posted were stunned to learn the majority of the Towers estate, in excess to the foreign trade department, he lived for a year in Havana of $1 million, was left to the St. Andrew’s College Foundation. and travelled on business to South America, the West Indies, It was an unexpected and unprecedented windfall. Never and Europe. before, nor ever since, had a legacy gift this size been received.

When the couple returned from their eight-week tour in Over the years, these funds have helped countless students Europe, they took up residence in Ottawa’s tony Rockcliffe Park. afford a St. Andrew’s education. The Graham F. Towers Bursaries At this time, they had been married for 10 years, and although currently award $15,600 per year, while The Towers Endowment they never had children, they shared a deep affection for their Bursary, now standing at $2 million, disperses $90,000 in Airedale terrier, Teddy. Large parts of each summer were spent scholarship money, all of it merit-based. in idyllic Murray Bay, Que. In recognition of the Towers’ generosity, the SAC library was Graham and Mary enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle and a renamed Towers Library in 1985. A portrait of Mr. Towers was high-rolling circle of friends. Mr. Towers’ position placed him in commissioned, and the painting, by Old Boy Paul Mantrop ’87, the top strata of commerce and business, where he served on the hangs on the wall outside the library. Cindy Veitch 22 SPRING 2017

Heartfelt Gift Connects Families

P

ast parent, Helen-Claire Tingling, was gifted a beautifully-framed traditional native beading, hand-sewn by the great aunt of Neebeesh Elliott ’20. The stunning embroidery took 1,000 hours to complete. The beading of the SAC logo is surrounded with traditional potawotomi flowers worn on family regalia for powows to honour the family’s name.

Neebeesh and his parents, Heidi and Geewaden Elliott, met Helen-Claire for the first time over lunch in Cole Hall, where they exchanged heartfelt stories and encouraging words.

Neebeesh is the first recipient of the Tingling-Diakun Family Bursary. The endowed fund was established in 2004

by Helen-Claire and her son, Aladdin Diakun ’02, through a life insurance gift. Their wish for the bursary was for it to award a deserving student who has demonstrated excellence in academics or the arts, and a student who has made a contribution to his community. When it eventually came time to award this bursary, Neebeesh fit perfectly.

Helen-Claire was truly touched by this meaningful gift given to her in gratitude by the Elliott family. “Now it’s our time to give back,” Helen-Claire said, when speaking about her son Aladdin, who also received a scholarship while attending St. Andrew’s College. Both families are deeply grateful for the support. JULIE WILSON

A traditional native hand-beading by Neebeesh Elliott’s aunt was presented in gratitude to the Tingling-Diakun family. (l-r) Heidi Elliott, Neebeesh Elliott, Geewaden Elliott, and Helen-Claire Tingling www.sac.on.ca 23

SAC by the numbers

630 students

260

boarders

150 domestic

6,000+

Alumni worldwide

83 Faculty

40% OF faculty/staff live on campus

59%

41%

370

day students

100% University placement

students from

more than

30

around the world

countries

represented each year

32ties school

24 SPRING 2017

each boy has an average of 6 ties

for a total of

3,798 ties

laid end to end, the sac campus could almost be circled twice with ties. (that’s a lot of ties!)

The three campuses in our history

and growing yearly

$2.5M

In scholarships and bursaries

26% of students receive an award

Chestnut Park, Toronto 1899-1905 Rosedale, Toronto 1905-1926

10

3

Intramural Teams

70+

1

2

Current Campus, Aurora 1926

4 boarding houses

60

Electives

Sports Team

40 +

Clubs & Co-Curriculars

7:1

Macdonald

Flavelle

Sifton

Memorial

Student-Teacher Ratio

OVER

$60M capital improvements in 15 years

52%

academics 30%

athletics 14%

arts infrastructure

4%

N

45

min north of toronto

53,203 residents

in Aurora

125–acre campus 3.8 kilometre circumference www.sac.on.ca 25

Sports News

Varsity Hockey Program Achieving Mission NCAA D1 commitments on the rise Corey Andonovski is a Prefect, a member of the Athletic Council, a Gold Star Cadet Instructor, and a leader in his Advisory group. He shows leadership on the ice as assistant captain of 1st Hockey and plays 1st Lacrosse. Corey was ranked 195th on the NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking this winter, and his coaches look forward to following his progress.

Morgan Barron is a top student academically, playing two terms of sport—1st Hockey, for which he is captain, and 1st Soccer. He is a Silver Star Cadet Instructor.

Morgan was ranked 88th on the NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking this winter.

His coaches and teammates will have their eyes glued to the TV in June for the NHL draft.

The goal of the Varsity Hockey program is to be the number-one program in Canada to combine hockey and education. The team had more NCAA commitments than any Junior A team in Canada this year. Congratulations to these six Saints on their NCAA Division 1 commitments:

1. Corey Andonovski ’17, Princeton University 2. Morgan Barron ’17, Cornell University 3. Cameron Hillis ’18, Providence College

4. Mathew MacDougall ’18, University of Massachusetts 5. Alex Newhook ’19, Boston College 6. Ryan O’Connell ’17, Boston University

Actor Community Volunteer Macdonald House Captain

Prefect Student Athlete Scholar Council/Club Member Role Model Musician Artist 26 SPRING 2017

Proudly Carrying St. Andrew’s Football Banner

Six graduating students receive scholarships across North America

O

ne of the proudest hallmarks of our Football program is our ability, year after year, to help our top graduating players earn football scholarship opportunities at a variety of outstanding universities. This year’s graduating class is a banner group, with six boys receiving football scholarships from universities across North America.

Headlining the group is offensive lineman Gregor MacKellar.

Gregor received a full NCAA Division 1 scholarship from Rice University in Houston, Texas. Gregor will join Peter Godber ’13 on the Rice Owls offensive line. Gregor is the sixth Varsity Football Saint to receive an NCAA Division 1 scholarship since 2011. This number is nearly unrivaled in Canada.

In addition to Gregor, offensive lineman George Hutchings was one of the top recruits in the country, joining Gregor in earning First-Team All-Canadian honours from Canada Football Chat. Following a comprehensive recruiting process, which included visits from coaches coast-to-coast, George decided to commit to his hometown University of Calgary Dinos. The Dinos are a perennial national powerhouse, and George will fit in very well on what promises to be a talented team.

Linebacker Walter Karabin has been a three-year starter for our program, serving as a team captain for the past two seasons. Simply put, his impact on our team has been enormous. He has committed to the Queen’s University Gaels. Walter will join Ryan Keays ’15 in wearing the famous Queen’s tri-colour uniform.

Ben Schmidt has been our starting quarterback for the past three seasons. His natural athleticism, strong arm, and tremendous leadership skills, combined to make him a highly sought after recruiting target for all of the top programs in the OUA. Ben decided to accept a scholarship offer from his hometown Western Mustangs. Early in his Western career, Ben

(l-r) Walter Karabin, George Hutchings, Hamza Kabir, Gregor MacKellar, Ben Schmidt, and Cayne Lander

will back-up another former Saints QB, Chris Merchant ’14.

In fact, the Mustangs roster is currently packed with SAC Old Boys, including Yannick Harou ’12, Fraser Sopik ’15, Jordan Carter ’14, and Joshua Carter ’16.

Defensive lineman Cayne Lander has been a three-year starter for our program and after weighing recruiting options from across Canada, decided to accept a scholarship from the Mount Allison University Mounties. Finally, linebacker and long snapper Hamza Kabir has accepted a scholarship offer from the McGill University Redmen. Hamza will join Andrew Biddell ’16 when he arrives in Montreal.

In addition to being exceptional football players, these tremendous young men are true Andreans who proudly wore our uniform week after week. We wish them nothing but the absolute best as they advance in their careers and continue to carry the banner of our Football program with great pride in the years ahead. LEN GURR www.sac.on.ca 27

Sports News

Three Steps to Athletic Excellence St.

Andrew’s College formally recognizes student athletic achievement at the end of each term. These award ceremonies take place in full-school assemblies and always open with a reflective and celebratory address. At the culmination of winter-term sports, David Manning, Assistant Athletic Director and Head Coach of Varsity Hockey and Soccer, shared three important elements of success.

Be accountable If you are accountable, you will thrive when challenged by coaches, teammates, teachers, and parents. It is not always going to be easy; in fact, it may be a struggle—but you will be better for it. Everything is worth earning.

Put in the work

You can feel proud of accomplishments you work hard to achieve.

Never feel entitled to anything, as nothing just happens; you make it happen or you don’t. The effort you put forth is always on you, not anyone else.

Have the right attitude Be enthusiastic, energetic, and passionate in everything you do and you will earn the respect of your peers and superiors.

Always reach for your potential and beyond—this will help you find personal satisfaction whether you win or lose.

It is through sportsmanship, teamwork, and humility that SAC students achieve success on the courts, fields, slopes, and ice.

Fall and Winter Sports Results Alpine Senior Alpine CISAA Championship: 1 gold; OFSAA silver U14 Alpine CISAA bronze: 1 gold Basketball 1st Basketball SAC Invitational Champions cross-country Senior Cross-Country OFSAA qualification

Curling 2016-2017 28 SPRING 2017

fencing 1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze football 1st Football CISAA silver hockey 1st Hockey St. Sebastian School Tournament Champions; Armstrong Cup winner; CISAA Champions (fifth straight year); MacPherson Tournament silver Varsity B Hockey CISAA Champions

U12 Hockey Selwyn House Tournament Champions nordic ski Senior Nordic Ski CISAA Champions Junior Nordic Ski CISAA Champions: 1 gold, 1 bronze; OFSAA qualification soccer 1st Soccer CAIS National Tournament Champions

squash 1st Squash CISAA bronze JV Squash CISAA Champions U16 Squash CISAA silver U14 Squash Red team, CISAA Champions; White team, CISAA bronze swimming Senior Swim CISAA Champions: 2 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze;

Varsity B Hockey team - CISAA Champions

OFSAA qualification Junior Swim CISAA silver: 1 gold, 2 silver; OFSAA qualification Open Swim CISAA silver: 2 gold, 3 silver; OFSAA qualification volleyball U16 Volleyball CISAA silver U14 Volleyball CISAA gold

U16 Football team takes a knee

William Deo ‘17 broke a SAC record from 1999 in the 100m backstroke set by Ryan Devald ‘00 in 1999

SAC’s U12 to Varsity Squash players and coaches

1st Basketball’s Jacob Edwards ‘17 goes for the slam dunk

Michael Lakkotrypis ‘17 JV Soccer

U12 Hockey’s Fionn Keon, grade 6

Touche! SAC Fencing had a great season

1st Volleyball’s Isaac Emon ‘18 spikes the ball

Nordic skiers (l-r) Christian Wallace ‘18, Michael Bahen ‘19, Ryan Jamieson ‘18, and Oli Harris ‘17

See more spectacular sports photos taken by school photographer Paul Mosey at www.sac.on.ca/page/photos www.sac.on.ca 29

CommunityNews& Brendan Bellaire

Avery, 3, is very happy and proud to be a big sister! Sean and Whitney met at St. Andrew’s and married in Memorial Chapel in 2010. The couple has worked at St. Andrew’s for 11 years—Sean in Upper School and Whitney in Middle School.

Lori Smith gave birth to Hallie Loreta Grace on December 22, 2016. Lori and her husband, Landon, and a valuable member of the IT team over the past two years and was called upon to run the major laptop rollout this past September. He joined St. Andrew’s in November 2014.

and his partner, Carolina Pastrana, became proud parents to Isabela on January 29, a little sister for Maria Lucia and Dezso. Brendan was recently promoted to IT Services Coordinator. He has been with SAC since January 2011, where he’s done an exemplary job building the Windows 10 image, running the Help Desk, and coordinating laptop rollouts.

Chris Fortier

their son, Hunter, 1½, are thrilled with this precious gift. Lori has taught math and science in the Middle School for six years.

Barbara Chambers

became the St. Andrew’s physician in November 2016. He took over from Dr. John Fitzsimons, who had served in this role since 1999. Chris’s specialities are in sports and emergency medicine—a perfect combination for St. Andrew’s College.

Sean Ludwig & Whitney Elliott welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Caris Jordyn Elliott Ludwig, on November 1, 2016. Big sister joined SAC’s Business Office in student billing this past August. She previously worked at First Student Canada as the payroll administrator.

Barbara lives in Newmarket with her husband, Mark, and two their children.

Chun-Chow Chang was recently promoted to Laptop and Help Desk Coordinator. CC has proven himself to be 30 SPRING 2017

John Walsh was appointed to the position of Network Systems Administrator in November 2016. John has been a key member of the St. Andrew’s IT team since 2007 when he joined the School as the Middle School Help Desk Laptop Specialist, became the Laptop Coordinator, then served as IT Services Coordinator since 2014. John is a dedicated professional who takes great pride in the work he does and has proven he can master any new technology deployed at the School.

Retirements In June, the School will lose 98 years of collective institutional knowledge as four longtime employees retire. Although we will no longer see these individuals on a day-to-day basis, they will always be welcome in the Andrean community, and we wish them all the very best in retirement.

Edna Collins

Scott Hayter, the execution and success of the Not An Ordinary Place Campaign has made the last nine years challenging and fulfilling, and I leave with a sense of accomplishment for having been part of that,” says Edna. “But most importantly, the many friendships with Old Boys and parents that have developed over the past 27 years will endure and remain among my fondest memories. I will miss them all.”

Students remember: “ Old Boys, and particularly this one, were always impressed by the warm reception Edna always gave us at the School and her miraculous remembering of who we all were.“ — John Trent ’53 “ I remember Edna as being the most friendly and welcoming person, a wonderful representative of the School.“ — Walter Somerville ’54

joined St. Andrew’s College 27 years ago in 1990 as an Administrative Assistant in what was then known as the Alumni and Development Office. She recalls that at that time, the School was a very different place—only 450 students and very few women, either admin or faculty.

Director of Development, Jim Herder ’64, Sandra Scott, and Edna comprised the entire department and computers were just beginning to be used for recordkeeping. It was an exciting and sometimes hectic environment.

In 2003, Jim asked Edna to take on added responsibilities for the Annual Fund and Alumni Relations as Advancement Officer. During the Campus Master Plan Campaign Edna was named Associate Director of Advancement.

“Working closely with Executive Director,

Robert Giel joined St. Andrew’s in 1990, beginning as a teacher in the business school, and in 2011, assuming the role of Head of Business Studies.

Robert’s passion for his subject is well-known; he gains a true sense of satisfaction when a former accounting student calls to say he’s earned his professional accounting designation.

Many students will remember him as Housemaster of Macdonald House, a position he held from 1996 to 2001. During these years he lived on campus with his wife, Kathryn, as they raised their four children, in “a safe and friendly community.” Their son, Duncan ‘05, attended SAC from grades 9 through 12. Some of Robert’s fondest memories include time spent in Macdonald House, flooding the rink on the triangle after lights-out, and watching the boys play hockey after school from his office window.

Robert coached numerous sports teams over the years including hockey, volleyball, junior golf, and senior golf. He also served as a Reserve Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, acting as an

instructor with the St. Andrew’s College #142 Highland Cadet Corp. From 1996 to 2015, he acted as coordinator and mentor for many club activities including DECA competitions. Under his tutelage, the DECA students won many accolades, the highest a third-place finish at the DECA Quiz Bowl held in California, as well as an individual second-place finish in Utah.

“I never felt like I was going to work,” says Robert, of his 27-year career at St. Andrew’s. As for the future, he looks forward to spending more time with his family, finding deals to travel in the low-season, and expanding his culinary skills beyond the barbeque.

Students remember: “ I stopped in to visit Rob in his economics class.

His students asked what I remembered from the class. I, of course, said “the power of Excel.” All his students seemed shocked and replied, “He said that even back then?”

— Radissen Ramoutar ‘08 “ Mr. Giel is the reason why I work for one of the best accounting firms in the world. Best wishes to him!”

— Corey Tang ‘10 www.sac.on.ca 31

“ Mr. Giel is one of the funniest teachers at SAC. My favourite teacher in grade 11.”

— Tim Chuk ‘14 Greg Shields

Students remember: “ … I was a rambunctious, high-maintenance kid with ADHD, and Mr. Shields did a pretty good job of teaching me the science 9 curriculum as well as the basics of football, all while curbing my constant shenanigan behaviour… A few years ago, I went back to university to complete a B.Ed. During my final practicum, I personally called Greg after all these years to thank him for putting up with me…I could finally, truly appreciate everything he had to offer as a SAC master and coach.”

— Tommy Luxemburger ‘93 “ I remember playing 1st Rugby for Greg Shields in ‘02 and ‘03 and coaching the squad with him in ‘10. Great times!”

— Jarryd Stock ‘03

has played many roles in his 29-year SAC career: science and biology teacher, football and rugby coach, board member, and parent to Old Boys Joseph ‘15 and William ‘17. Some of his favourite memories as a teacher involve travelling with students and representing the School on trips to New York, Los Angeles, England, Scotland, Russia, and the Ukraine. He particularly enjoyed leading the St. Andrew’s Society for Service in Nepal (SASSIN) in 1996 and 1998. Winning the OFSSA Golden Horseshow Bowl at Skydome (now Rogers Centre) in 2001 and 2003 were coaching highlights. In 2006, Greg received the Harry J. Addison Memorial Award for outstanding contribution to football at St. Andrew’s.

Greg’s career and personal life converged soon after joining the College in 1988, when he met his future wife, Anne, at a colleague’s dinner party. The couple married on the Quad in 1990, and eventually brought both of their newborn sons home to their first house, Campbell House West. He is most proud of his sons’ development into fine Andreans, playing in the Pipes & Drums, flourishing on stage, and seeing them graduate with honours.

32 SPRING 2017

“ Mr. Shields was an excellent teacher; he taught me grade 11 biology and I really liked his passion and his teaching. I remember dissecting a pig and learning its anatomy and physiology.”

— Chee Sung (Justin) Oh ‘07 Bruce Roffey

calm demeanour and spiritual fortitude has helped to guide, inspire, and unite our community.

By his own estimate, Bruce has performed 48 marriages, 33 baptisms, and 23 funeral and memorial services, mostly in our Chapel but offcampus as well. This is in addition to his daily responsibilities at Chapel and time spent planning and coordinating the many special school services such as Thanksgiving Prayer Circle, Remembrance Day, and the Cadet Church Parade. He was a sought-after liturgical resource for special assemblies, regular Monday assemblies, and Parents Guild events. He composed carefullycrafted introductions to dinners and celebrations, always offering a prayer of thanks that encapsulated the event’s significance.

His compassion for others was evident, whether in his role as faculty rep for Jack.org, at a residential Circle of Care meeting, or in time devoted to students, staff, or faculty members seeking counsel.

It is hard to remember Carol Service without picturing Bruce presiding at the altar, or more recently, overseeing the Benediction for An Andrean Christmas at Roy Thomson Hall. His office in University Counselling was always open, and he’s helped countless students with university and scholarship applications. He has taught courses for grade 10 Careers and grade 11 World Religions. And his meticulous management of the community service database on Edsby has ensured each student receives credit for every hour of service worked.

Students remember: “ I was blessed in countless ways by the Rev. Roffey: when I listened to him speak in the Chapel or teach in the classroom; ironically, some of the most profound times I’ve had with him were in the hallways when he would ask how my day was really going, or when he would offer me a timely word of encouragement.”

— Scott Elliott ’14

The Reverend Bruce Roffey’s role as School Chaplain placed him at the very heart of Andrean life. Over the past 15 years, his quiet,

“ Mr. Roffey is a huge reason why I am who I am today.”

— Andrew Keenleyside ’13

OldBoysNews 1942

1906

Credit: Heffel Gallery Ltd.

Lawren Harris

painted Mountain Forms in 1926 at Alberta’s Mount Ishbel in the Sawback Range of the Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park. This mountainscape painting by the Group of Seven founder was in the news this past November when it sold for $11.21M U.S., becoming the most expensive artwork ever to sell at a Canadian auction.

The buyer remains anonymous.

George Brickenden attended An Andrean Christmas at Roy Thomson Hall (version 2.0) on January 20. He and son-in-law, David Dunlap ‘56, took to the stage with the other Old Boys present for the singing of Amazing Grace and Dorset Carol. At age 94, George was the most senior—and quite possibly the proudest—Old Boy to lend his voice.

1951 Credit: Tim Finlan, Toronto Star

Chris Smith

holds dozens of Canadian and Ontario swimming records, and at almost 85 years of age, has his sights set on earning a few more. In February, Chris broke four Ontario records at a swim meet in Buffalo: the 200-yard fly, the 400-yard IM, and the 50-yard and 100-yard free. Chris had already broken eight other Ontario records earlier in the year at a swim meet in Etobicoke, Ont. He is in his seventh age group as a masters swimmer, having re-entered the sport at 58 years old. Since then, he has broken over 80 Ontario records and over 30 Canadian ones. This is an incredible feat for a man who just two years ago survived quintuple bypass surgery.

1966

Richard Weston

(l-r) Richard Weston, George Dangerfield, Don Weston

34 SPRING 2017

celebrated his 70th birthday in Toronto with classmate, George Dangerfield, and brother, Don ‘63. Richard teaches labour-management relations at the University of Guelph and lives in London, Ont.

1955

Steve Newroth and classmate, Richard Webb, met in New York City last August for brunch. Richard’s wife, Pepita, along with two of his children, were with him. Steve also met with some of his classmates and members of the Class of 1954 back on campus a month later when they gathered for a combined 61st and 62nd reunion. The group of 34 toured the School, enjoyed brunch in Cole Hall, then reconvened for dinner in Toronto.

Steve lives in Gravenhurst, Ont., with his wife, Ann.

1960 George Brickenden (left) and David Dunlap

1942 Bredin Stapells is now 91 years old but still remembers his days at St. Andrew’s, especially playing the bagpipes.

After retiring from his Toronto law practice, he and his wife, Beverley, lived for a time in Bermuda and England. Toronto, however, was always in his heart, so he returned to the city where he was born. Now a widower, he moved to Hazelton Retirement Home in 2011, but this past Christmas, Bredin moved to Port Hope, Ont., to be close to his youngest daughter.

Kirk Gardner retired from Scripps Institution of Oceanography a few years back but continues as a volunteer leading tours. Located in the University of California in San Diego, the institution is one of the oldest and largest centres for ocean and earth science research, public service, and undergraduate and graduate training in the world. Kirk points

Kirk Gardner at Montpelier, Vt., where he and his wife, Carole, live from late May to midNovember. He volunteers at the Vermont State House and invites Andreans to stop by for a tour if in the area

1976

Robert Kitchen

1969

Rob McEwen

1973 Ian Tait was offered a three-year assignment to lead a practice team with Deloitte Australia in Sydney following a very successful run with Deloitte Consulting in Canada. The professional challenge was interesting: build and grow the team.

It was matched with a personal benefit of being significantly closer to his daughter, who recently married and lives in Melbourne, a one-hour plane ride away. Ian and his wife, Cathy, are enjoying the great opportunity and adventure of living in Sydney and find it a great launching point to visit destinations such as New Zealand and South East Asia.

1974

was elected as Member of Parliament for Souris–Moose Mountain, Sask., in the October 2015 federal election. This past year-and-a-half has been a huge learning curve, says Robert. Aside from being the voice for his constituents in Ottawa, he serves as an Official Opposition Critic for Sport, as well as the vicechair of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs. “To this day, I have not forgotten my early years of education at St. Andrew’s College.

It afforded me a strong foundation of knowledge, as well as instilling my continued thirst to learn more,” says Robert. He and his wife, Donna, live in Estevan, Sask., and have three grown children.

Jamie McTavish retired from ScotiaMcLeod in 2011 and now sits on the Province of Anniversary Reunion British Columbia’s Risk Alex Robertson Class of 1977 Management Commitand his wife, Ann, Friday, Sept. 29 tee Board, determining visited campus for the scope of the province’s the first time in over borrowing needs on an ongoing 15 years in December. basis. He says it is enjoyable, as the They enjoyed many of the new committee has dealt with a numadditions to the School, as well ber of first-time borrowing issues as its architecture, a passion of for B.C. as they relate to China and Alex’s. They planned on attendIndia. Jamie and his wife, Karen, ing An Andrean Christmas at live in Vancouver.

Roy Thomson Hall; however, due

40th 1980

was inducted into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame during the 29th Annual Dinner and Induction Ceremonies in January at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Scott Hayter, Executive Director of Advancement, Sean Ludwig, Course Director of the McEwen Leadership program, and Old Boy Officer, Nick Weedon ‘02, attended the dinner.

Credit: Keith Houghton Photography

out that global warming was discovered by Scripps scientists and invites Andreans visiting the city to come by for a tour of the facility and its pier.

Rob McEwen (left) with Pierre Lassonde, chairman of Franco-Nevada Corporation

1975

Stephen Peter

1972

Robin Wilkie

is now retired and, along with his wife, Ruth, spends most of his time between his homes in Florida and Scotland, where they enjoy camping, hunting, and gardening. Stephen and Ruth have been blessed with five grandsons and one granddaughter.

45th

Anniversary Reunion Class of 1972 Friday, Sept. 29

was a minister at Marshall Memorial United Church in Ancaster, Ont., for 20 years before retiring in May 2016. In retirement, he has enjoyed wine, golf, and travel; however, he will be returning to work part-time for another church until it is able to find a new minister.

Robin continues to raise funds and support causes near and dear to his heart, including L’Arche Hamilton and Wesley Urban Ministries, both of which help those less fortunate in the Hamilton area. All in all, Robin says life is good!

www.sac.on.ca 35

Old Boys News years working with ScotiaMcleod.

Jon and his wife, Pam, have two teenage daughters and live in Jon’s hometown of Brampton. He still plays hockey twice a week, and he recently caught up for dinner in Toronto with ‘83 classmates Stew Kiff, Scott Nirenberski, and Geoff Hutchinson. Jon still sees old SAC friends Peter Callahan ’83 and Geoff Crawford ’83 regularly.

1987

Chris Roberts Alex Robertson and his wife, Ann

to the event being rescheduled they were unable to attend. Alex continues to work as manager, operations, at Comox Valley Airport on Vancouver Island, not far from where he Anniversary Reunion and Ann live.

35th 1986

was a guest at Arts Week in February. He has worked as a professional artist for 22 years and has been part of the group of artists called Drawnonward, which includes a few Old Boys (Robert Saley ‘89, Gord Kemp ’88, Steve McDonald ’88, Paul Mantrop ‘87). During Arts Week, Chris worked on a portrait of his daughter, and students witnessed his unique action-painting technique, which he now uses to create stunning portraits. During his three days at SAC, Chris visited Upper School art classes for presentations, critiqued some grade 10 and 12 paintings in progress, did a Q&A and painting demos with Middle School classes, and entertained any and all visitors in his temporary studio in Staunton Gallery. He says art was always one of his favourite subjects while at SAC, but he obtained a degree in geography and philosophy from Queen’s Anniversary Reunion “for insurance” while continuing to paint. Today, Class of 1987 Chris works from his studio in Nottawa, Ont., Friday, Sept. 29 where he lives with wife, Shanan, and two children, Theodora and Rhys. Chris always welcomes commissioned work.

30th

1990

Ryan Austin

36 SPRING 2017

and his wife, Tiffany, incorporated their 10-year-old company, Advanced Rider Training Inc., in 2016. The company provides advanced motorcycle training to police departments and civilians across Canada and the United States. Ryan is a recognized expert in collision reconstruction and motorcycle training/dynamics. The advanced riding program was designed to provide vital advanced skills found lacking in the collisions he has investigated over the past 23 years. Ryan and Tiffany live in London, Ont., where he is also police sergeant for Western University’s Campus Police Service.

1982

Class of 1982 Friday, Sept. 29

Adam Moreland and his daughter, Marina, loaded up their mountain bikes with camping gear and followed the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route from Banff to Jackson, Wyo. The two rode for more than four weeks over 1,500-kms of forestry roads, trails, and back roads that included steady climbs of up to 20-kms long. In addition to the endless, wonderful, and stunning landscapes, Adam and Marina also encountered the best in people along their route. One lady lent them her car so they could get to the hospital following an accident.

They have already started planning their next adventure. Adam is the owner of Moreland Forest Products in Christopher Lake, Sask.

Darren Mason addressed the students at SAC in October 2016 about a grassroots organization he and his friends started following the loss of their good friend in a car accident.

The Eyes on the Road Campaign is a wrist-band project they initiated to remind everyone not to be distracted while driving. Darren lives in Toronto with his family.

1991 Kelvin Tantuco is export manager for Tantuco Enterprises Inc., one of the Philippines’ leading manufacturers of high-quality refined, bleached, and deodorized coconut oil, coconut fatty acid, distillate vegetable shortening, margarine, copra cake, coco methyl ester, and crude glycerine.

He lives in San Juan with his wife, Chastity, and their two children, Danella, 20, and Yeshua, 7.

1983

1992

Jon Tyner is now working as an investment advisor at RBC Dominion Securities in Mississauga, after many

Carl Milroy launched his micro brewery, Red Thread Brewing Co., in January.

He says the company believes

in brewing quality, flavourful beers, without preservatives and is focused on using local ingredients. Carl and his family live in Newmarket.

25th 1996

Kam Chan Anniversary Reunion worked on the Class of 1992 Highway 407 East Friday, Sept. 29 Phase 2 project in Ontario as an environmental specialist for 18 months, then in July 2016 returned to the environmental consulting industry when he joined Matrix Solutions Ronald Chu Inc. Matrix is a Canadian and is sales director for Gemalto’s employee-owned environmental Security Business Unit, Asia. He and engineering consulting comis leading the sales team for the pany providing integrated services Asian market with specific focus and innovative solutions to clients on government projects. Gemalto across Canada and internationally. is an international digital security Kam works in the Mississauga office and is involved with business company providing software apdevelopment and technical work. plications, secure personal devices such as smart cards and tokens, and managed services. It is the world’s largest manufacturer of SIM cards. Ronald and his wife, Justin Lindquist Sandy, live in Singapore. stopped by the School for a tour this past December while in town for his grandfather’s funeral. Justin is a neurologist in Orlando, Fla. Jed Dadson He also collects Andrean military has been working in the medical history, and in the past few years devices industry for the past 15 has donated medals, plaques, and years, most recently as head of paperwork for Robert Lawrence Canadian sales and marketing Junkin, Class of 1907 and for for Bellco, a manufacturer of Lt. John Walter Ings, devices for the treatment Class of 1914. of kidney failure. Bellco Anniversary Reunion was recently acquired by Class of 1997 Medtronic, the world’s Friday, Sept. 29 largest manufacturer of Tomas Hirmer medical devices, to create a completed an electrinew renal-care-solutions business cal engineering degree and unit. Jed continues to oversee an M.Sc. in space sciences at the Canadian sales and marketing in International Space University in addition to several global initiatives France. He has worked for several for this high-growth unit. When not years in the aerospace industry travelling, he resides in Mississauga (MDA Space Missions, German with his longtime partner, Rachel.

Aerospace Center) and in the

1990

Blair Leggett

1995

1996

1995

20th

and his wife, Jeana, continue to develop their game-writing engine StoryStylus, aimed at helping writers create and publish narrative-based video games through their company, One More Story Games. In 2016, they released four games, two of which took top spot for Game of the Year by Toronto GameDevs. In March 2017, the couple taught their software at Microsoft’s Vancouver studio as part of a Girls in Tech initiative. They are currently developing a game adaptation of author Charlaine Harris’ Lily Bard series for release in late 2017.

1998

Travis Beatty

married Jackie Smith on November 19, 2016 in Toronto. A reception for family and friends was held at Factory Girl Gastropub on the Danforth. Old Boys in attendance included classmates Andrew Malloy, Jason Perrier, Andrew Weedon, and Nick Weedon ‘02.

1998

(l-r) Nick Weedon, Andrew Weedon, Jackie and Travis Beatty, Andrew Malloy, and Jason Perrier www.sac.on.ca 37

Old Boys News

1998

Mark Landry

was recently promoted to managing director at CIBC Capital Markets, where he helps lead the retail and consumer products investment banking practice.

In this role, Mark has worked on a wide range of transactions including the recent IPOs of Freshii and Canada Goose, and M&A transactions including Lowe’s $3.2 billion acquisition of Rona and Leon’s $809 million acquisition of The Brick. Mark and Melinda Maggisano (BSS ‘01), who recently completed her residency in general surgery at the University of Toronto, are proud parents of Spencer, 3½, and Julius, 1½.

1998

Jonathan Price

and his wife, Jennifer, welcomed their second child, McArthur Michael Price, on December 27, 2016. Older sister, Olivia, is proud as can be! Jon and his family live in Collingwood, Ont.

1999

Daniel Mok

took up running in 2012 to explore new places and connect with nature. Four years later, he is surprised he continues to run and, in fact, competes in numerous marathons. He ran his first marathon, the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, in 2014 and has participated in six more since then. Daniel tells us St. Andrew’s College has a special place in his heart; even though he never excelled in any of the sports he participated in, he believes the participation in team sports gave him the mental toughness for his education, his life, and of course, finishing a 42.195-km race. At this year’s Scotiabank marathon, Daniel wore the SAC singlet. He is registered for three more marathons happening in various parts of the world and looks forward to the challenges that lie ahead. Daniel lives in Stouffville, Ont., and runs a landscape maintenance business in the Greater Toronto Area.

38 SPRING 2017

Tomas Hirmer

as a management consultant with Deloitte and Touche. He said international experience helps to broaden horizons and add perspective, something he experienced early in his career with stints in Germany and China.

international-development field (United Nations, World Bank). He is currently finishing his doctor of medicine degree in Calgary. On a recent visit to SAC, Tomas was impressed to see the excellent new developments to the campus infrastructure, which he feels will undoubtedly continue to enrich the lives of students for years to come.

1999 Adam Newton

He advised students it’s never too early to start networking, that exploring information is critical, and to be self-motivated.

2000 and his fiancée, Lindsay Hastings (Branksome Hall ‘99), welcomed daughter, Lucy Louise, on December 12, 2016. Older sister, Gwendelyn, 8, is delighted to have a new addition to the Newton clan. Adam is a cardiac sonographer at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

Gordon Ozawa spoke at Grade 11 Career Days in February, where he shared his experiences at Queen’s University and as a nuclear engineer. He currently works at Candu Energy Inc. as a senior fitness-for-service engineer in the component integrity department, performing structural integrity assessments on nuclear reactor components.

1999

2001

Matthew Wettlaufer was at SAC in February to speak with grade11 students at Career Days. Matt has worked in the finance industry for the past four years as director of strategic initiatives with Scotiabank in Toronto.

Prior to that, he spent five years

James Allen and Laura Petit wed at the Rosewater Room in downtown Toronto on September 23, 2016. The Class of 2001 was well represented by Warren Lowe, Michael Campbell, Michael Dainard, Cameron Steed, and Eric Heizer. At present,

Profile Dr. Robert Lang ’65

Childhood dream of medicine proves the right choice

I

t’s a good thing Robert Lang ’65 likes to travel because one look at his curriculum vitae prior to 1981, and one might wonder if he ever had a fixed address.

Geography was no impediment to his parents’ military family—his father was a squadron leader in the Canadian Air Force—so, Robert became accustomed to frequent moves.

Even at age five and unable to fully enunciate the word ‘pediatrician,’ Robert knew medicine was his calling. After grade 13 at SAC, the University of Western Ontario in London became home during seven years of undergraduate studies and medical school.

After this came locums in British Columbia and Ontario, along with a year of emergency medicine near Chicago. “I was doing so much travel between hospitals,” Robert recalls, “that I took flying lessons and used a small airplane to get around.”

By the late 1970s, Robert’s focus was on neurosurgery, which he studied at Cook County Hospital in Illinois, finishing in 1981. “I knew right from first year of med school that I wanted to do surgery,” he says. “I loved anatomy and had done a year of surgical internship in Vancouver and another year back at Western. The neurosurgery interest developed while I was working as an extern [medical student or graduate in medicine who assists in patient care in the hospital but does not reside there], and I was able to make that happen at Cook County.”

Since then, Robert has settled near Seattle in Olympia, Washington. Piloting has receded into the past. “After the birth of our son, family became more important than the risky life of small planes,” he says. During a summer ski camp at Whistler, he met the love of his life. Architect Nancy Mackin had designed Nancy Greene’s Olympic Lodge and happened to be doing a site visit. They married in 1989. Nancy later completed her PhD on the architectural history of the Nisga’a, Indigenous Peoples of British Columbia. Son Robert, now 26, studies marine science at BCIT and in 2014 was aboard the Coast Guard ship Sir Wilfrid Laurier that helped discover Sir John Franklin’s Erebus.

Robert Lang and his wife, Nancy Mackin

Today, Robert’s office is across the road from St. Peter Hospital in Olympia though he doesn’t always need the hospital for surgeries. “Nancy designed an onsite ambulatory surgery centre, so I can do some surgery and spinal injections right here in the office,” he says. “Most of my work now is spine and peripheral nerve. I care for a lot of injured workers and sit on the Industrial Insurance Medical Advisory Committee, a workers’ comp organization. I treat a lot of lower back pain, which it seems almost everybody has.”

Travel has not disappeared from Dr. Lang’s life. “We have a home in West Vancouver as well, where Nancy and my son spend much of their time, so I’m back and forth between here and there.” Biking, sailing, scuba diving, and skiing are frequent pastimes in this active family.

Was the youthful drive toward medicine the right decision?

“This has been a challenging career,” says Dr. Lang, “but I love medicine. It is extremely rewarding because when you help someone, you can change their life significantly for the better.

“On top of that, we live in a beautiful place, right on the tip of a point, facing the Olympic Mountains. We have water right out front. I kayak with orcas, seals, and sea lions. It’s idyllic.”

JIM McGILLIVRAY www.sac.on.ca 39

Old Boys News in Canada. Michael and his wife, Stacey, also welcomed their second child, Lucas Alan, on January 1, the first baby born in the New Year in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Their two-year-old daughter, Chloe, is excited to have a younger brother around the house.

2001

Michael Campbell

and his wife, Stephanie, welcomed their second son, Hunter Jackson, on August 24, 2016. Older brother, Griffin, can’t wait to strap the pads on Hunter and use him for target practice. Michael continues to work at WSP International, a promotional tactics and brand-strategy firm, as vice-president.

2002

James Allen & Laura Petit

2002

Jason Bayley

and his wife, Lee-Anne, welcomed Abigail Louise on September 15, 2016. They are thrilled to be new parents and say she is truly a gift beyond measure and a wonder to behold, and they will treasure her for a lifetime. The family recently moved to the Richmond Hill area where Jason continues to work with RBC Dominion Securities as an associate advisor with a chairman’s council advisory team.

2002

D.J. Bennett

married Kate McKenna June 4, 2016 in Toronto. The ceremony took place at Little Trinity Anglican Church followed by a reception and dinner at the Thompson Hotel. Old Boys in attendance included classmates Michael Faulds, James Gideon, Jimmy Healey, Giancarlo Trimarchi, Oliver Radley-Smith, and Nick Weedon, as well as his brother, Anton ‘06. Both D.J. and Kate work in television; Sportsnet and CTV respectively.

The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon in Hawaii and now live in Toronto. D.J. spoke at SAC in February during Black History Month, when he told students how his grandparents overcame many obstacles and challenges when they immigrated to Canada from Jamaica to give their family greater opportunities.

40 SPRING 2017

Richard Goldhar and his wife, Jennifer, welcomed their second child, Samuel Joey Henry, October 29, 2016. Jennifer continues practicing personal injury law at her family firm, while Richard’s trustee in bankruptcy practice is doing well.

Anniversary Reunion

the newlyweds are hoping to experience as much global culture as possible before they contribute to the next generation of SAC soccer.

2002

15th

Michael Faulds Class of 2002 coached the Laurier Friday, Sept. 29 Golden Hawks to a Yates Cup in November.

The game was one for the John Knutton ages, as the Golden Hawks, down 40-19 in the fourth quarter, tied the game with less than two minutes to play and then won the game on a last-second field goal. For his work with the Golden Hawks football program during the regular season, Michael was named both the OUA Coach of the Year as well as the recipient of the Frank Tindall Trophy as Coach of the Year for all university football programs

2002

John, Jenny, and baby Caroline live 30-minutes north of Disney World

recently started a new job at Orlando law firm Pates Law Group, where he practices family law and criminal defence. He handles everything from divorces, alimony, child support, and adoptions to almost any kind of criminal case across the Central Florida area. John’s wife, Jenny Hinton, is an assistant

attorney general in the Orlando office’s consumer protection unit. The couple welcomed their first child, Caroline Taylor, August 24, 2016.

John says he would love to meet up with Old Boys visiting Orlando for the theme parks.

2003

Kenny Yuen

2002

Greg Heward

2002 Carlos Morodo

participated in SAC’s Remembrance Day Parade in November 2016.

Kenny is a 2nd Lieutenant with the Canadian Armed Forces posted to the Denison Armoury in Toronto. He is training to become a pilot.

and his wife, Daniela Maldonado, have two sons; 3-year-old Jeronimo and baby Federico, born November 13, 2016. He says it’s funny that both his sons are so different, one blonde and the other brunette. Carlos is CEO of tissue paper converting plant, Blue Tissue.

2003 Luc Zoratto

2002

Ryan Kelly

is currently living in Toronto, where he is completing a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery at the University Health Network’s three downtown hospitals: Toronto General, Toronto Western, and Princess Margaret. Ryan plans to move back to Nova Scotia in the spring to a general surgery practice in his area of specialty. He and his fiancée, Erin Westby, are also planning a wedding in Iceland this summer.

2002

Dominic Sacher

2003 David Banwell and his wife, Jenny, welcomed their first child, Taylor Alexandra Banwell, on December 17, 2016. Mom, dad, and daughter are all doing great.

David, who recently completed his executive MBA at Columbia, is director at IHS Markit.

and his wife, Lisa, welcomed Sloane Margaret on July 20, 2016. Older brother, Ethan, is delighted to have a younger sister around the house.

Greg is a volunteer firefighter as well as founder and CEO of WSD Labs USA Inc., manufacturing private label dental-whitening products. Greg and his family live in Tiny, Ont.

married Leesa Huynh in the Distillery District on September 2, 2016. All Luc’s groomsmen were Old Boys and included his brother and best man, Adam Zoratto ‘05, David Banwell ‘03, Matthew Posa ‘03, Daniel John ‘03, Ryan Hiscox ‘03, and Ryan Austin ‘02.

Jordan Ross ‘03 was the master of ceremonies. There were another 20 Old Boys in attendance as

married Kimberly Bourne on August 16, 2016. It was a small, intimate wedding in Tuscany, with Dominic’s 10-year-old daughter, Jolie, serving as ring bearer and “best woman.”

As a three-monthold baby, Jolie was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a cancer of the eye. Although she lost her left eye, she was able to keep her right eye through various chemo programs. She is now cancer-free and proud of it. She has a prosthetic eye, which tends to find its way into mischievous places. Dominic once found it in his soup bowl! Dominic and two others own and operate a technology company, providing software development and data-management services, with a specific focus on the gaming industry.

They have over 20 years’ experience in pari-mutuel tote integration, mostly with United Tote in the U.S., but have also worked with totes in Australia and the U.K. Dominic and his family live in Barbados. www.sac.on.ca 41

Old Boys News

2004

Charles Lai

has been working as a user-experience researcher for companies like TD Ameritrade, The College Board, and Google since he graduated from Cornell University. He lives in New York with his wife, Jovita, and their daughter, Joielle.

With their church, they also work to connect with and serve Chinese immigrant families in their neighbourhood.

2005

Adam Zoratto

and his wife, Jennifer, were married last year in Mexico with all their closest friends and family.

They have a 21-month-old daughter, Sofia, who is the first grandchild in the family. They recently moved into their new home in Etobicoke. Adam has been working in sales at Cintas Canada for the past six years, where he has been awarded the #1 Sales Consultant in Canada for the past two. He was recently promoted to sales manager for the Toronto and GTA areas. Adam still plays hockey once a week with many Old Boys.

2006

Anton Bennett

works for the Toronto Argonauts as manager, communications, and player relations. This is the sixth season he has been with the Canadian Football League, having started his career as an intern in 2012 and worked with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats from 2013-15. In his current role, he oversees all aspects of media relations and player interactions, both locally and nationally.

(l-r) Brendon McCullough ‘03, Chris McFarlane ‘03, Paul Ross ‘06, Mr. Jon Butcher, Anton Bennett ‘06, and Jordan Ross ‘03 42 SPRING 2017

well. Luc works as a senior sales manager for Dell Technologies and has been working in real estate since 2009, where he has represented dozens of Old Boys throughout the years. Luc and Leesa reside in downtown Toronto.

knot in October 2018. McKenzie lives in Toronto.

2006

2004 Brandon Hussey graduated from the bachelor of medicine/bachelor of surgery (MD) program at the University of Queensland in November 2016.

He will spend 2017 in Australia as a medical intern in Rockhampton, Queensland.

2005

Adrian Bruno graduated from the University of Toronto’s Family MedicineAnesthesia Residency program in June 2016. After graduation, he locumed throughout Ontario providing anesthesia in rural hospitals. He completed additional courses through CAMH’s Opioid Dependence Certificate program.

He has taken a full-time staff FPanesthetist position at Lakeridge Health, Port Perry, Ont. Adrian has also started a family medicine clinic in a family health team through the Medical Associates of Port Perry. He hopes to start a graduate degree in chronic pain in the near future.

Lennon Sweeting takes care of corporate clients and market commentary as head of trading and chief market strategist for HiFX. Anniversary Reunion HiFX is a sister company Andrew Baer Class of 2007 of XE.com, founded by was hired as manFriday, Sept. 29 Old Boys Beric Farmer ‘87 ager, retail operaand Steven Dengler ‘87. tions, for the Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) this past August, after five years with the Toronto Rock LaMcKenzie Willson was promoted to group manager at the Markham Small Business Credit Centre for TD in January, following a year as senior account manager at TD Commercial Bank.

He leads a team of nine smallbusiness credit analysts who adjudicate small-business credit applications. McKenzie says he is happy with the new position and Andrew Baer on the ice at Rogers Place, Edmonton, home the commute. He is engaged to of the Oilers Lisa Zhao and the two will tie the

10th 2007

2005

Profile Alfredo Solloa ’83

St. Andrew’s is formative, even for one-year Mexican students

A

lfredo Solloa ’83 was the first of his Mexico City family to attend St. Andrew’s, but he was by no means the last. Alfredo’s 1977-83 career was followed by no fewer than 13 family members, including his three sons. His older sisters began the trend by attending Branksome Hall and referred Alfredo and his brother Carlos ’85 to St. Andrew’s.

Today, Alfredo is managing partner in the accounting firm Solloa-Nexia, a company founded by his uncle in the 1960s, specializing in tax and financial advisory services. After SAC, Alfredo received acceptances from McGill and Western universities for economics, but instead he decided to return home and attend Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM), a private research university in Mexico City, highly regarded for business, accounting, and economics.

“I loved economics,” Alfredo recalls. “That love was instilled in me at St. Andrew’s but at ITAM I grew away from it and toward business administration and accounting. The first two years of math were a breeze for me because of the math I’d taken at SAC.” At his father’s prompting, Alfredo began working in the family business during his third year of university. “I began with the company in bookkeeping and then in tax services,” he notes. “But today much of my work is day-to-day management.

As you gain experience in the profession and develop long relationships with clients, they look to you as a general business counsellor, so I also do a lot of work as an advisor.”

Alfredo and his brother are rare among Mexican St. Andrew’s students in that they attended the School for six and seven years respectively, rather than the usual one. Two of Alfredo’s sons, Eduardo ’16 and Jorge ’19, attended for one year, while Alfredo ’15, attended for two (grades 7 and 11).

“There is a perception that Mexican boys attend St. Andrew’s for a year to be immersed in English,” Alfredo says. “But it is much more than that. Even one year makes them much more mature and responsible. They return home appreciating what they have. Our three boys were always good about keeping up

(l-r) Eduardo Solloa Cámara, Alfredo Solloa García, Alfredo Solloa Cámara, Ivette Cámara de Solloa, Jorge Carlos Solloa Cámara

with school work, but after they returned from St. Andrew’s their discipline was stronger than ever.

“The overall experience of both academics and sports at St. Andrew’s can be formative, even during a short stay. It’s about the all-round man that the School works to develop.

After a year or two there, the boys return as better people, not just in education, but in their values and respect and the tools needed to grow up.”

During his grade 11 year at SAC, Alfredo participated in a memorable exchange program to the Breton region of France.

Travel remains a major part of the Solloa family’s tradition.

Alfredo and Ivette, his wife, take an eight-day European biking trip with other couples each September. And each July, the family undertakes a major excursion to exotic locales that have included China, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, most of South America, India, and different African countries. This July will see them visit the Canadian Maritimes and then embark on a cruise to Greenland and Iceland.

Alfredo’s ties with St. Andrew’s remain strong. He has been president of the SAC.MEX group in Mexico City for over 15 years, helping to maintain bonds with and between Mexican Old Boys. JIM McGILLIVRAY www.sac.on.ca 43

Old Boys News

2007

Tyson Geick

has worked in TV/radio/digital media in one capacity or another over the past eight years and is proud to announce he has landed his first full-time gig in the industry. Tyson started as host, reporter, and producer with the National Lacrosse League in October. He says the team has a lot of great things in store, and he looks forward to helping the league get the recognition it deserves. As well, Tyson is working with the Mississauga Steelheads of the Ontario Hockey League as host on their broadcasts.

2007

Greg Van De Mark

has worked at Oracle for two and a half years with fellow Old Boys, Anthony D’Antonio ‘07 and Stewart Powell ‘07. Last fall, Greg drove across Canada to move to Vancouver to live in his new West Coast sales territory. His beekeeping side-hobby produced over 30kg of local Toronto unpasteurized honey last year. He recently ran into fellow Andreans Drewe MacIver ‘03 and Hamad Mirza ‘08 since living in Vancouver.

2009

Sean Ennis

completed his master’s of arts degree in history at the University of Toronto in November 2016.

His area of specialization is the history of AngloGerman diplomatic negotiations regarding the construction and financing of the Berlin-Baghdad Railway in the years leading up to the outbreak of the First World War. Sean is applying for PhD programs at Oxford, University of Toronto, University of East Anglia, and Trinity College Dublin. He is waiting to hear back from the others but has been accepted to the University of East Anglia to study under the supervision of Prof. Thomas G. Otte, one of the world’s leading experts on 19th and 20th century European diplomatic history. Sean says his experiences at U of T have been unforgettable, and he is extremely proud of the institution and its reputation. He believes his time at St. Andrew’s, specifically under the tutelage of Dave Stewart, was equally important in preparing him for the rigours of post-secondary academic life.

44 SPRING 2017

crosse Club. The new gig involves managing the retail operations for Rogers Place (concerts), Edmonton Oilers (NHL), and Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL). “That makes another Old Boy who has made it to the NHL,” jokes Andrew, admitting Michael Del Zotto ‘08 still wins for actually playing in the NHL.

2007 David Miklas completed his MBA in December 2015, then travelled for five weeks with his girlfriend, Kate, to Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, and Myanmar. While Kate continued to travel for another five weeks, he made his way home to start a job at Stewart Financial, a boutique financial planning and investment firm in Oakville, Ont. After a full year with the firm, he couldn’t be happier in his role, one that allows him to combine his strong analytical skillset with a passion for helping others. David’s expertise at Stewart Financial is on the life insurance side of financial planning. What he likes about life insurance is that it is an extremely versatile tool in tax,

estate, and legacy planning. St. Andrew’s College has played an important part in David’s family, as his father, Gregory ‘76, and his uncles Brian Miklas ‘78 and Paul Miklas ‘80, are also Old Boys. David credits the College for developing both his scholastic and professional life, and as a way of saying thank you and utilizing some of the strategies he uses with clients, he recently donated a life insurance policy of his own to the School. “This,” says David, “has allowed me to leave a much larger gift than I otherwise could, in a tax advantaged manner.”

2007 Michael Nowicki

graduated with honours in sciences and computers from the University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, in June 2016.

Michael began work as a software engineer at MDA Corporation, which specializes in the development, delivery, and automation of space-based robotics, space exploration, on-orbit servicing missions, and surveillance and intelligence systems. Michael lives in the Vancouver area.

2007

Stewart Powell is team lead and principal system administrator at Oracle. He leads a team supporting one of the largest marketing cloud computing platforms in the world. In addition to his work at Oracle, Stewart has also started a securityconsulting firm that focuses on digital and physical security and provides policy-compliance frameworks for professional corporations such as legal firms.

2007 Jon Tozzi is director of digital development at J. Walter Thompson in Sydney, an advertisement company with over 150 years of experience and offices all over the world. Jon has been involved in award-winning work for brands like Tesla, McDonald’s, General Mills, and RBC. Jon moved to Australia in 2016 and joined J. Walter Thompson after deciding to see some of the world and work/live abroad (“before it’s too late”). He currently lives in Bondi Beach with his girlfriend, Hilary, and spends his free time learning to surf with fellow Old Boy, Campbell Mauchan ‘07.

2008 Connor Houston is general manager of Houston Ford in Stouffville, Ont. His responsibilities include overseeing the entire dealership’s operations, which he describes as exciting and fast-paced with new challenges every day. Connor lives in Toronto.

2008

Barney Tong graduated from UBC in 2012 with a bachelor of commerce degree. He recently relocated back to Hong Kong where he is establishing his own e-commerce agency, Cosa Consulting.

2010 Joshua Irwandi had a photographic article of his work in Asmat, New Guinea, published in The Guardian in February. Joshua’s photos of the Asmat people is his direct observation of how things change in Asmat with the progression in West Papua, Indonesia. Joshua is now home in Jakarta and is looking to start his own business. He says it was an adjustment going home after spending so much off-civilization time in Asmat. Joshua admits that getting his mindset back to city life has been quite a struggle. He is looking forward to sharing some of his more recent photographic work in the coming months on his website (found by searching his name).

2010 Kent Leslie completed a master’s in biotechnology in May 2015 at Brown University, then moved to Boston to join Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical start-up focused on the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Since joining the company, he has been fortunate to be part of a rapid progression from the lab bench to clinical trials. Amylyx has advanced from a preclinical pharmaceutical company to its first-in-human trial in patients suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Currently, Kent serves as chief scientific officer at Amylyx, leading research efforts while evaluating therapeutics in multiple neurodegenerative disease indications.

One Andrean, One experience Amin Nikbin ’12

School continues to be the centre of my life. I started as an undergrad at Cornell University, where I graduated with a BA in linguistics and philosophy, and a minor in math. I was awarded summa cum laude (highest honours) for both of my theses— one in linguistics and the other in philosophy.

I was also inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, the honour society.

Philosophy is my passion, so I applied to graduate schools and was admitted to both Harvard and UCLA. I am in my first year of a combined master’s and PhD program.

At St. Andrew’s College, I learned most of all to explore and take advantage of various opportunities to learn, instead of fencing myself into a single field of study. This helped me in university when I switched my major twice— first studying math, and then studying physics.

I also learned the importance of collaborative work. Academic progress is best made in cooperation, and my experiences working with others at high school definitely prepared me for more of the same in university.

SAVE THE DATE

Reunion Dinner & Homecoming 2017

Andreans are invited to come back to SAC for Homecoming.

Festivities kick off Friday, Sept. 29 with Reunion Dinners for the classes of 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012.

Homecoming begins Saturday morning, September 30 with sports games that continue throughout the day, a Parents Guild Marketplace, complimentary lunch, children’s games, and so much more. www.sac.on.ca 45

Old Boys News

2010

Kris Mackowiak

2010 received his master’s of applied science in mining engineering from Queen’s University in November and began his PhD in mechanical engineering at the University of British Columbia in January.

Kris became a piper while at St. Andrew’s and also played bass drum for two years with the Senior Pipes & Drums. In his fourth year, he was elected Pipe Major of the Queen’s pipe band. Kris continues to pipe while he works and studies on the West Coast.

Kris Mackowiak with Jim McGillivray, Director of Piping

46 SPRING 2017

Jorge Saldana is in his fourth year with WYN de Mexico, a 50-year-old family business that produces polymers used mainly in the coatings and adhesives’ markets. Jorge works in strategic planning, helping to direct the company’s long-term goals and objectives, as well as analyzing the external market Theo Sotiropoulosto identify opportunities and Michalakakos threats that may affect business graduated from the University of operations or plans. As part of the Toronto in June 2016 and is curmanaging team, he is responsible rently enrolled in the master’s of for making decisions in the highphilosophy program in engineering est value-added activities such as for sustainable development at the purchasing, production, and University of Cambridge. sales. Jorge adds that his company actively seeks new trends Anniversary Reunion Class of 2012 in polymers, new Colin Glen Friday, Sept. 29 financial products, deferred his university and the development plans after graduating of strategic suppliers and from St. Andrew’s and customers. moved out west for a gap year.

The gap year extended a few years and ended in August 2016, when he returned to Ontario. While out Andrew Kerr west, Colin briefly worked in hotels until he took up carpentry and built custom homes in the Rockies.

When he returned to Ontario, he started his own business, focusing mainly on the construction of structural framing, timber framing, and wood-siding dwellings. is a sales representative for Colliers International with a focus on office leasing in the financial core of Toronto. He specializes in providing exceptional service and strategic real estate solutions for his clients. Prior to joining Colliers he worked for the largest pharmaceutical company in Canada,

2011

5th

2011

Jordan Palmieri

where he specialized in market analysis and data research.

Andrew says he is an Andrean at heart and gives great credit to friendships, sports teams, and Cadet leadership for giving him the foundation to thrive in the business world.

spent part of 2016 touring Western Canada with HarleyDavidson, launching the company’s new line of motorcycles for the 2017 model year.

Jordan is currently seeking marketingrelated employment opportunities.

2011

2012

Profile Jake Bullen ’89

Driving innovation in Canada: the common denominator for rising star in corporate law

J

ake Bullen ’89 looks back on his grade 13 year at St. Andrew’s as a watershed time in his development.

“I was from Bradford, 25-minutes away, but my parents felt the boarding experience would be important for my year at St. Andrew’s,” Jake recalls. “It was the launch-pad for the rest of my life.”

After graduation, Jake joined classmates at McGill in Montreal. “I studied economics following the enthusiasm Mr. Myrans instilled in me for the subject,” Jake recalls. “After my boarding year, it was a natural transition to university life.”

His interest in law came later. “As a student, I enjoyed reading, writing, and negotiating most,” he says. “After earning a degree in economics, corporate law felt like the right next step.”

Before law school, Jake spent a gap year in Europe and worked for a Bay Street investment firm. “Working before going back to school helps you experience how different the real world is from academic life,” he recalls. “When it came time to hit the books again, Western Law was a good fit for an Andrean; through study, sport, and extracurricular, I made friendships that I will carry in my personal and professional network for life.”

Jake is now partner at Cassels Brock law firm in Toronto where he chairs the private-equity group and is a member of the tech and business law groups. Recently named an IFLR 1000 Rising Star, Jake now works mostly as a strategic advisor, quarterbacking transactions, negotiating complex agreements, and unearthing growth opportunities for Canadian companies.

“When I started practicing law, Canada experienced its first real tech boom,” says Jake. “This led to a demand from companies in legacy industries, like manufacturing, retail, food

and beverage, and finance, to navigate the law to adapt to technology to stay competitive.

“Innovation and creativity are core strengths in business today, which means leaders need to pay more attention to protecting and leveraging intellectual property, acquiring attractive targets, and navigating regulatory hurdles globally,” says Jake. “Whether working on my own or with a team, my role is to bring everything together, ensure the client is protected, and make sure the deal gets done.”

After a 2002 secondment to Rogers Communication, Jake returned to Cassels Brock to work on the Ottawa Senators acquisition. “It was a significant undertaking,” he says. “Our client bought the team and arena, and we dealt with the NHL, the NHLPA, the City of Ottawa, the province, and creditors to make it happen.”

Ranked at the time as one of Canada’s top sports lawyers by Who’s Who Legal, Jake had acted for professional athletes, leading him some years later into pro bono work with Special Olympics Canada, where he currently serves on the board of directors.

In the midst of a successful career and his charity work, Jake founded a band for charity called “The Right Honourable Jake and the High Court of Soul.” He says, “We have great musicians, mostly lawyers, and we find a reason to play—including performing O Canada at a Raptors game. Like the band name, it’s all about having fun.”

Jake and his wife, Kyla McNutt, live in Mineola, Ont., with their three pre-teen children. He remains close with many of his St. Andrew’s classmates. JIM McGILLIVRAY www.sac.on.ca 47

Old Boys News

2013

2013

Peter Godber

William White and his partner, Taylor Griffin, became parents to daughter Reghan Daune Marie White on September 17, 2016. William recently finished playing D1 soccer with the University of Alabama Birmingham and in January played against the Canadian senior men’s national team. He is currently perusing options to continue his playing career with a professional soccer team.

plays offensive line for the Rice University Owls football team and in March received a Scholar Athlete award for having one of the highest overall GPAs on the team of approximatley 100 players. Peter played in 36 games in his first three years, the last 23 as a starter.

2015 Peter Godber receiving an award with two of his teammates

2013

Jay Mackie

will work at the Time Warner Center in New York City this summer in the corporate tax division. The division is responsible for all aspects of the federal, state, and foreign income taxes for Time Warner and the businesses it holds, such as HBO, Warner Bros., Turner Broadcasting (CNN, TBS, etc.), Time Magazine, and Sports Illustrated, to name a few. Jay completed his sophomore year at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. He is in the midst of completing a double major in mathematics and economics while also playing on the men’s hockey team. He was a member of the Atlantic Hockey All-Academic team for 2016.

48 SPRING 2017

Saad Siddiqui and Kunal Khemani ‘15 have both taken a departure from their education to launch Bonsai, a men’s content-driven retail app. Bonsai algorithmically curates individual user experiences using over 150+ high-end brands like Bang & Olufsen and Canada Goose, paired with daily editorial content.

The first social commerce app of its kind, Bonsai has raised nearly $6M in venture fundraising and employs 30 people at its headquarters in Toronto.

Among the growing team are recent SAC graduates and classmates Andrew Ladouceur, Krisztian Fockter, Liam Smith, and Jacob La Brier.

Bonsai’s international expansion to China was also the subject of a recent Globe and Mail Report on Business entitled “Drake-type Toronto cool may be key to China for this company.” Saad and Kunal’s five-day December launch welcomed over 50,000 people per day to a pop-up located at Dundas Square.

Saad Siddiqui (right) and Kunal Khemani

Profile Andrew Cronin ’02

From appliance salesman to Republican political operative in 10 years

A

ndrew Cronin ’02 readily admits he did not take the academic world by storm. “I applied to 30 U.S. colleges after SAC, and then went to the only one that accepted me,” he recounts.

That was Colorado College, where he studied history and political science. He came out knowing he had a flare for sales, which became his direction, first in construction product sales then managing appliance sales with General Electric. Later, he worked for the PGA Tour and managed sales with the WGC Accenture World Golf Championships the year Tiger Woods’ wife put a golf club through her husband’s car window.

“We had so much money riding on Tiger’s presence at the tournament,” he recalls. “When he crashed and burned and withdrew, well, that’s when I developed my crisis-management skills. I had to deal with reporters who were camping on my front lawn!”

Through it all, Andrew had an idea that consumed him. It blossomed and consumes him still. “I was intrigued by how passionately people discuss politics. I thought I would head in that direction,” he recalls. “So in 2013, I started a political advocacy company.”

American Liberty Group is based in Washington, DC. It began with Andrew working as a jack-of-all-trades. “I had no investors, no partners, no backing, no employees,” he says. “But I raised money. I made some good decisions and some bad decisions, but I learned from them all and got my start. Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment. I got a lot of experience running a business!”

Today, American Liberty Group still raises money, but boasts more than 100 employees in four U.S. offices. “We’re guns for hire,” he explains. “We’re hired by campaigns, Super PACs, or senators and the like to do what they want to do. I have to admit, not long after I started we got lucky and caught

the Trump train very early in the election cycle.”

“Most of what we do is for the Republican party. We’d do work for any party, but unfortunately the nature of the business is that you have to pick a side,” he explains.

And did the Trump train stop when he was elected? “It may sound cliché, but the day after the election is the first day of the re-election campaign,” he says. “In our business there is always an election, always a crisis, always a reason to raise money.”

One odd quirk Andrew never expected: as president and owner of the company, he makes a daily point of watching ESPN and following sports closely. “One of my goals in the business is to shake hands with every employee every week,” he says. But we rarely talk business. Ninety percent of the time we talk sports. So ESPN is critical to running my business.”

Andrew looks back on his years in Aurora fondly and with a unique take. Asked where he was raised, he says St. Andrew’s.

“My family was in Oakville, and I was a boarder from 19962002. I left for the U.S. immediately after St. Andrew’s. I still say that my home in Canada was St. Andrew’s College.”

Today, Andrew lives in Denver, Co., though, he says, “with twice-weekly trips to our other offices, sometimes I feel like I live in airports!” JIM McGILLIVRAY www.sac.on.ca 49

Obituaries

1944 John Lowndes

John Montgomery Lowndes passed away February 24 in Toronto. He attended St. Andrew’s from 1939-44, where he was a Prefect, captain of 1st Rugby, and a member of the Swim team and the Athletic Association. John was also Cadet Commanding Officer and earned the Best Cadet Award. After graduating SAC, John joined the army and had a long-standing career in military service as Commanding Officer of the 48th Highlanders of Canada (1964-67); H/ADC to the Governors General, 1967-76; Commander of the Toronto Militia District from 1974-76; “Geriatric Jumper” in 1975; and a Honorary Colonel from 1988-92. John earned his law degree from Osgoode Hall and spent 53 years practicing, first with Ricketts, Farly and Lowndes for 31 years, and later retiring from his own firm of Lowndes & Harrison in 2006. John is survived by his wife, Marilyn; children, Parry, Susan (Alan), Jennifer, Margo 50 SPRING 2017

(Michael), and Jock (Anne); sister, Ann (J.D.); 12 grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents Roy, Class of 1912, and Marjorie; and his grandson, Christopher.

1946 John L. Shortly John Lavelle Shortly passed away December 7, 2016 in Sarasota, Fla. He attended St. Andrew’s from 1944-46, where he was a member of 1st Hockey, 1st Cricket, and 1st Football. He was also secretary of the Athletic Association and a Corporal in the Cadet Corps. After graduation, he attended Trinity College at the University of Toronto.

He spent 40 years as a chartered accountant with posts in Toronto and Vancouver, and later in the venture capital business. John was a member of the SAC Board of Governors from 1969-84. He is survived by his wife, Sheila; children, Tim ’72 (Tara), Ian ’75 (Violet), and Susan (Peter); and eight grandchildren. He is predeceased by his father, Orville, Class of 1925.

1948 Donald Ashdown

Donald Edward Ashdown passed away November 26, 2016 in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. He attended St. Andrew’s from 1944-48, where he was a member of the Rifle Team and a Corporal in the Cadet Corps. After graduation, Donald attended Queen’s University earning a bachelor of arts degree with an emphasis on accounting, economics, and industrial relations. Donald spent the majority of his career as human resources manager for the Lincoln County Board of Education (now the District School Board of Niagara). He was a longtime Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow.

He is survived by his children, Robin and Karen (Graeme); and his grandchildren, Hannah and Samantha. He is predeceased by his wife, Anne, and his son, Brien.

1948 William Triest William (Bill) Adrien Triest passed

away November 20, 2016 in Peru.

He attended St. Andrew’s from 1944-48, where he was a Chapel Boy and member of The Review staff, 1st Basketball, Track and Field, and Swimming. After graduation, Bill attended McGill University and later joined the U.S. Marine Corps fighting in the Korean War. During his service, he was awarded the National Defence Silver Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Medal. Once discharged, he founded an oil-well drilling and production company. In the late 80s, Bill sold his company and decided to move to his ranch where he and his wife, Marie Claire, bred jumping horses and chased after cattle, Corriedale sheep, and Labrador dogs. Most recently, Bill and Marie Claire were helping to bring music to rural school children in Uruguay. They had performed 16 free concerts and provided more than 30 musical workshops to culturally disadvantaged youth. More than 25 years ago, Bill founded the T.B.D. Tudball Endowment Fund in memory of his former teacher.

Over the years, the fund has helped many deserving boys attend SAC. He is survived by his wife, Marie Claire; and his daughters, Barbara, Isabelle, and Malou.

1954 Albert Matthews

Albert (Al) Edward Matthews passed away January 8 in Venice, Fla. He attended St. Andrew’s from 1951-54, where he was a scholar, librarian, Chapel boy, and corporal in the band. He played 1st Football and 1st Basketball and was a member of the Debate team and literary assistant editor of The Review. Al won the Old Boys Medal in Mathematics and the Ladies Guild Essay Prize. After graduation, Al earned his degree in business engineering from the University of Toronto and the London School of Economics. He spent 35 years with Ford Motor Company, which included assignments in Canada, Michigan, and England. He spent the last 10 years of his career as chief financial officer of Ford of Canada and sat on the executive

committee of Ford’s board of directors. He also served 18 years (1988-2006) on SAC’s Board of Governors. Al is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Tim (Anna), Debbie (Mike), Andrea (Chris), and Brenda (James); sisters, Wynn and Pam; nephews Albert Harding ’81, David Harding ’83, and Matt McPherson ’89; and 11 grandchildren. He is predeceased by his first wife, Di. 1956 Kirk Thomson William Kirkwood (Kirk) Thomson III passed away December 8, 2016 in Ottawa, Ont. He attended St. Andrew’s from 1954-56, where he was assistant photography editor of The Review, a sergeant in the Cadet Corps, and a member of 1st Swimming and the Rifle team. Kirk also won The Hulbig Medal (for greatest improvement in mathematics). After graduation, Kirk earned his engineering degree at the University of Toronto and his MBA from McGill University. Kirk combined his education and love of travel to build a career as a management consultant, which took him to over 100 countries.

He is survived by his wife, Jane; children, William Kirkwood IV (Taylor) and Stephanie (Dave); sister, Martha; and three grandchildren.

1962 Kenneth E. Jefferson Kenneth Edward Jefferson passed away December 6, 2016 in Barrie, Ont. He attended St. Andrew’s from 1957-62 where he played

1st Football and Cricket. Ken was also Cadet Sergeant and a member of drama. After graduation, Ken attended Queen’s University for pre-medicine. He became a dentist, running his own practice until his retirement in December 2015. He is survived by his wife, Mary; sister, Carol (Gerry); and many nieces and nephews.

1970 L. Cameron Williams Lloyd Cameron (Cam) Williams passed away December 13, 2016 in Niagara Falls, Ont. He attended St. Andrew’s from 1965-70, where he was president of the Debating Society, advertising and sports editor for The Review, Chapel boy, and librarian. He was a member of 1st Cricket, 1st Swim, and the Drama Club. Cam won the Isabelle Cockshutt Prize in History and the Andrew Armstrong Prize. After graduation, Cam attended Trent University earning his degree in political science and history. He was a partner at the law firm Ruch and Williams until his retirement in 2012. He is survived by his wife, Susan, and children, Catherine (Matty) and Blake (Nicole). He is predeceased by his brother, Malcolm ’60.

1977 ALBERT LU Albert Nim Kwok Lu passed away November 3, 2016 in Hong Kong.

He attended St. Andrew’s from 1976-77 where he won the Brooks Cup (senior student most proficient in debating), the H.E. Goodman

Prize for chemistry, and the Governor General’s Medal (attaining the highest academic standing).

After graduation, Albert attended the University of Toronto, earning his degree in commerce and finance and later his MBA. At U of T, he was president of the Chinese Students Association and volunteered in the Chinese program at CHIN Radio.

Aside from being a scholar, he was also a talented singer, having won the inaugural Toronto Chinatown Singing Competition in 1982. In 1987, Albert returned to Hong Kong where he worked for some of the largest broadcasting companies until his retirement in 2003. Albert is survived by his parents, James and Nora; and brothers, Joel ’76 and Kenneth.

1999 Russell Fraser Russell James Fraser passed away January 9. He attended St. Andrew’s from 1992-99 where he was Head of Sifton House, a Macdonald House Captain, and President of the Debating Society. Russell was also Master Warrant Officer and CSM of Sifton House. He was a member of the Track and Field and U16 Football teams. During his tenure, Russell received the Brooks Cup for being the most proficient senior student in debating, and the Charles Ashton Medal for English. After graduation, he attended Queen’s University. He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth; step-father, Ian Smart; siblings, Leslie, Jeremy, and Monique; and girlfriend, Kathleen. He is predeceased by his father, Russell Sr. www.sac.on.ca 51

Editorial: From the Head of Geography

What is Where?

Why There? Why Care?

C

harles F. Gritzner, past president of the National Council for Geographic Education in the U.S., once condensed the unique methodology of geography with three key questions: “What is where? Why there? and Why care?”

Although these questions reflect what has always been my personal understanding of geography and the paradigm from which I view the world, it is satisfying to see them now as the descriptive and conceptual basis for the courses that my department colleagues and I love to teach. They also now introduce the Canadian and World Studies curriculum guidelines for geography from the Ontario Ministry of Education.

When we ask these questions about a particular topic or issue, we also promote four important geographic concepts: interrelationships, spatial significance, patterns and trends, and geographic perspective. Together, these questions and ways of thinking frame geographic studies at St. Andrew’s.

What an exciting time to practice geographic thinking!

Consider the number of applications on our electronic devices that have location capabilities. Answering ‘what is where?’ in a connected world can be done in many ways on our smartphones and computers. Google Street View allows us not only to walk the roads and halls of our campus but also to explore the trails of national parks. Online databases like the CIA World Factbook provide a wealth of current information that was only imagined a generation ago.

The role of geography teachers in providing coordinates and figures has lessened, but our guidance in helping students discern ‘why there?’ among myriad facts has never been more important. For example, patterns and trends at one level of scale may be very different from those at another level of scale. GIS (geographic information systems) installed on all school-leased tablet computers allow us to discuss with students the factors

52 SPRING 2017

behind people migrating at the provincial level from rural to urban areas while at the regional level families depart city cores for the suburbs.

Similar online tools expand what is possible when analyzing interrelationships or investigating trends over time. Students can use GIS to explain the reasons for moving St. Andrew’s College from Toronto to (at the time!) an isolated location outside Aurora and then highlight the site’s current prime GTA location today.

‘Why care?’ is the final question that underpins the importance of geographic inquiry and the need for a geographic perspective in our lives. This query was paramount during a Global Nomads partnership between one of our grade 9 geography classes and students attending the American International School in Gaza.

Over the course of three months, our young Andreans shared collaborative maps, discussed timelines of global and local events, traded short movies of their daily activities both at school and at home, and created personal video questions that could be viewed at any time regardless of time zones. Even simple topics like the amount of campus green space become more complex when learning together with children whose home school had been bombed during Middle Eastern conflicts.

Students also learn to understand and care about other cultures through the redeveloped SASSAW program that now combines international travel, community service, and a grade 11 geography course credit. Caring as a global community remains a positive vision for our world, and geographic ways of thinking help us get there.

Repeated often, both by myself or parroted by friends and students, is my favourite phrase, “Geography is everything!”

By asking three simple questions, we will all understand why that phrase is true. DAVID JOINER

David Lawrence ‘81 and his son, Cameron Lawrence ‘16

15800 Yonge Street Aurora, Ontario Canada L4G 3H7 www.sac.on.ca

MISSION STATEMENT Dedicated to the development of the complete man, the well-rounded citizen Luca Zadra ‘17