T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F K I N G ’ S CO L L E G E A LU M N I M AG A Z I N E | S U M M E R 2 0 07
SUCCESS! K I N G ’ S A LU M N I W E I G H I N O N TH E M E A N I N G O F TH E WO R D PLUS : Po l i t i c s B e h i n d t h e S c e n e s a n d A l u m n i P r o f i l e s o f E T C a n a d a’s K i m D ’ E o n a n d G o o g l e ’s D o n H a r r i s o n
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SPECIAL PULL - OUT SECTION: 2007 STEWARDSHIP REPORT * * * *
TIDINGS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Summer 2007 Letters from the Alumni Association President & Editor
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Letter to the Editor & Award Winners
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EDITORIA L COM M I T T EE
Classic King’s Photos
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Sherri Aikenhead (BJH ’85) Tim Currie (BJ ’92) Greg Guy (BJH ’87) Kyle Shaw (BSc ’91, BJ ’92) Kara Holm
Degrees of Influence Five Recent Grads Discuss What They've Done With Their Degrees
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Alumni Profile: Kim D’Eon From Halifax to Hollywood North
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Music I’m Listening To Dr. Christopher Elson
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Behind the Scenes in Canadian Politics The Various Roles Played by King's Alumni
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News Briefs
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EDI TOR
Jonathan Bruhm (BJ ’04)
DESI G N
Morgan Rogers Kate Sinclair www.coandco.ca POSTAL ADDRESS
Tidings c/o Alumni Association University of King’s College 6350 Coburg Road Halifax, NS B3H 2A1 (902) 422-1271
Cover Stories The Road to Success & What Is Success?
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2007 Honorary Degrees
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2006/2007 Stewardship Report A Special Pull-Out Section
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The King's Seminar & Trust in Science Series
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Photo Gallery
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The King’s College Chapel A Grammy Winner Finds His Way to Halifax
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The Ambrae Dialogue at King’s
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Campus Life—Quad Hockey & Recap: Series on Popular Aesthetics
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A Postcard from Spain A Word from a King’s Grad Working Abroad
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Alumni Profile: Don Harrison He's Feeling Lucky
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Books I’m Reading Neil Hooper
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Hudson Award Recipient Named
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FYP Texts Column “London Bridge is Falling Down... ”
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King’s Alumni Association 2007—2008 Executive Report
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Branch Briefs
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Alumnotes, In Memoriam & Lost Sheep
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KING’S WEBSI T ES
www.ukings.ca and www.ukcalumni.com EM A I L
tidings@ukings.ns.ca * * * * Stories in this issue of Tidings were written by students and alumni of the School of Journalism. Submissions were also provided by faculty members. Tidings is produced on behalf of the University of King’s College Alumni Association. We welcome and encourage your feedback on each issue. Letters to the Editor should be signed. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. The views expressed in Tidings are those of the individual contributors or sources. Mailed under Publications Mail Sales Agreement # 40062749 ON THE COV ER
Illustration by Kate O'Connor
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT My Fellow Alumni: You have had a busy year. Since our last General Meeting in September 2006, there have been around 12 alumni events across the globe and that is just the formal gatherings we know about. Word on the street from the alumni who are organizing in cities across Canada and locations around the world is that you are really enjoying the opportunity to reconnect with one another. You have also supported the College in a variety of ways. Your involvement in recruiting has helped King’s to build a strong pool of prospective students for the coming year. Your support of the Annual Fund has contributed over $120,000 to the College, mostly for scholarships and bursaries, but also for other purposes including campus renewal. You have greeted traveling students in your homes and hosted alumni in your
city. You have talked to people about what you can do with a liberal arts degree. You have supported one another through the difficult and happy experiences that make up life. This issue of Tidings is about success. We will hear many of you muse about the meaning of success in your own lives. In the Alumni Association context, I have to evaluate this past year as a tremendous success. It has been full of ideas, achievements and good fellowship. I hope you are finding success in your own life and that you can look back and find that King’s and your fellow alumni have provided support and inspiration along the way.
Steven K. Wilson (BA’87) President University of King’s College Alumni Association
L E T T E R F R O M T H E E D I TO R What is Success? It’s the million dollar question. Do you really need a million dollars to answer it? Some think so, although financial riches are not a driving consideration for many of our alumni. Others find that the answer is raising a family to preserve a legacy or to carry on a bloodline; another common belief is that ‘success’ can be achieved simply by reaching the finish line in one piece; and then, there’s knowing yourself and what makes you happy. There really is no wrong answer—‘success’ is in the eye of the beholder, and its meaning can easily change throughout the course of your life. Within the pages of this issue of Tidings (our biggest ever!), you will find a wide variety of opinions on the nature of ‘success.’ You will be introduced (or, re-introduced) to a handful of alumni who have found ‘success’ by working for business, media and political powerhouses, along with others who have taken
different paths—going out on a limb to secure the perfect job, finding happiness in what they have, and some who are doing well but are still looking for something more. I still can’t tell you what ‘success’ means to me. However, after a quarter of a century’s worth of schooling, a series of jobs that just weren’t right, a trip that (literally) took me across the globe, and a series of chance meetings with a slew of newfound friends, I feel that I’m a few steps closer to finding it. Please let us know where you are on the highway to ‘success’—we welcome your comments! Happy reading,
Jonathan Bruhm, BJ ‘04 jonathan.bruhm@ukings.ns.ca
TIDINGS | SUMMER 2007
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Letter to the Editor
Corrections
I lived in Alex Hall in 1976, 2-East, for the second half of my FYP first year and loved it. Think that co-ed is a fine idea. That being said, and having read the article, the cover photo is a bit misleading. The article states that only the basement rooms alternate male/female, but the photo is definitely first floor from the size of the windows and the view beyond. A rather confusing message! —Moira (MacDonald) Conway (BA ’78)
In our Winter 2006/2007 issue, we stated that the late George Bain (DCL ’86) was the first Director of the School of Journalism. He was actually the second—David Oancia was the director when the school was founded in 1978.
Good eye! The narrow hallways and lack of natural light hindered our photo shoot in the basement, so we took it in front of Orion Keresztesi’s 1-West room instead, alongside 1-East’s Denise Gow. The shot was intended to depict that, despite the change, the male and female residents of Alex Hall are getting along just fine. —Ed.
We also listed Vancouver Branch member Kathy Wood’s graduation year as 1994. Kathy completed her BAH in 1991.
AWA R D W I N N E R S Congratulations to the recipients of the 2007 Alumni Awards! Students were invited to apply for these awards in March and the winners were selected based on merit by a committee comprised of faculty, staff and alumni. The Michael Elliott Memorial Awards are presented to returning students in good academic standing, who, as Michael did, display integrity of character, a spirited concern for the lives of others and have made an all-around contribution to university life. This year’s recipients are Michael DaSilva and Marnie Chown. The Beaver Club Award is presented to a returning King’s student who, like members of the Beaver Club, has achieved above average academic standing and has made a significant contribution to extracurricular activities which enhances the
quality of life at King’s. This year’s recipient is Yolana Wassersug.
year. This year’s recipient is Katherine Lewis.
The Sandra MacLeod Memorial Awards are presented to students in any year of his or her degree with a good scholastic record, who by the fullest use of her or his qualities of character and mind makes a contribution to the University of King’s College. One award is given on an annual basis while the other is renewable up to three years. This year’s recipients are Carol Ross (renewable) and Coren Pulleyblank.
The Michael Saunders Award is presented to a returning student from New Brunswick with a satisfactory academic standing, who shows financial need and who has made a positive commitment and contribution to University of King’s College life. If there are a number of qualified applicants, preference may be given to a student entering Holy Orders of the Anglican Church of Canada. This year’s recipient is Katherine Lewis.
The New Brunswick Award is presented to a student from New Brunswick in good academic standing and who has contributed to university life. Preference will be given to students entering second
The John F. Godfrey Journalism Book Award is presented to a journalism student who has made a significant contribution to the King’s School of Journalism. This year’s recipient is Gillian Cormier.
IN THE NEXT ISSUE
35 Years Of FYP In Dante’s 35th year, he had a vision that changed the world. In 2007-2008, the Foundation Year Programme at King’s will mark its 35th anniversary. Stay tuned to www.ukings.ca for details about a series of special lectures to commemorate this milestone, and look for a feature story in the next issue of Tidings.
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Alumni Annual Dinner The King’s Alumni Association gratefully acknowledges the corporate sponsorship of TD Meloche Monnex for the Alumni Annual Dinner. For photos from the event, please visit www.ukings.ca or look in the next issue of Tidings.
YO U ’ V E I D E N T I F I E D YO U R S E LV E S … King’s Co-Eds, 1946 Left to right: Back Row: Anne (Thexton) Esslinger (’49), Margaret (Morgan) MacDonald (DSW ’55), Mary Lou (MacLeod) Clarke (’49), Vera Hackenley (Dean of Women), Frances Beth Tilley (BA ’50), Muriel Smyth (BSc ’49), Hope (Bridgeford) Simmons (BA ’48) Middle Row: Anne (Harrington) Disher (BA ’50), Joan (McCurdy) Clayton (BA ’50, DCL ’04), Mary (Burchill) Kelley (BA ’50), Elizabeth Laurie Brown (’46), Anne (McCurdy) Porter (’47), Connie (DeMille) Corkum (BA ’47) Front Row: Carolyn Marshall (BA ’48), Barbara (Smith) Fergusson (BA ’48), Aleah (Palmer) Lomas Anderson (BA ’48), Alberta (Bryant) Boswall (BSc ’48), Margaret (Hatt) Armstrong (BA ’50)
Flip to page 36 for some of our “Lost Sheep” from this era.
Thanks to Peggy Armstrong (BA ’50), Alberta Boswall (BSc ’48), Anne Disher (BA ’50) Barbara Fergusson (BA ’48), Aleah Lomas Anderson (BA ’48), Gordon Read (BA ’50), Hope Simmons (BA ’48) and Constance (Conrad) Wenaus (’46) for their assistance.
…C A N YO U I D E N T I F Y T H E S E A L U M N I ?
If you know who these alumni are, please contact us at alumni@ukcalumni.com. Thanks to David Morris (’57–’64) for submitting this photo.
Do you have photographs from your time at King’s that you would like us to have? Please send them to the Advancement Office at King’s, 6350 Coburg Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 2A1. We’ll appreciate your contribution. TIDINGS | SUMMER 2007
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DEGREES OF INFLUENCE Four Graduates from 2006 Explain What They’re Doing With Their Degrees and Offer Suggestions to the Class of 2007 by Robyn Young (BJ ’07)
Amy Blanding
Emily Claydon
AMY BLANDING (BAH ’06)
One of the most important things that Amy Blanding learned while earning her degree at King’s was not only to think outside the box, but that there actually is no box. “The nature of a King’s education is so unique, you can’t help but come away with a different perspective on everything,” she says. Over the next year, she will be looking at the world from myriad perspectives. Since graduating last spring, Blanding has been involved in a youth leadership, non-profit organization called the Pole To Pole Leadership Institute (www.poletopoleleadership.com). Its goal is to empower youth to confront critical issues such as climate change and poverty. While one of the teams will travel by human-power from the South Pole to the North Pole, proving the potential of teamwork, Blanding is just as excited to be part of an education team that will travel throughout Europe and North America, teaching students how to get involved in world issues. “Youth can do anything,” she says. “They just need the awareness, the education that provides them with leadership skills and the attitude that they can do anything.” As for advice to the Class of 2007, she says: “Don’t take what we have been given for granted.” EMILY CLAYDON (BSCH ’06)
The biggest difference between undergraduate and medical school for Emily Claydon has been the sheer volume of information to cover. While she’s enjoying her new course load, she has 4
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Elling Lien
been very busy over the past year as a first-year medical student at the University of Western Ontario. Still, she says her degree from King’s prepared her for the challenges she’s faced. “Doing a Combined Honours in Arts and Science was really useful,” she says. “It gave me a lot of background in things like writing, analysis and communicating with people.” As much as she enjoyed her first year of medicine, Claydon says she often thinks back to her time at King’s, where she played on the soccer team and was involved in the Intramural program. She also participated in the King’s Theatrical Society, the Early Modern Studies Programme Society, and she ran a Science Buddies Mentorship Program, where first-year students were paired with senior students for guidance. Claydon first came to King’s for the Foundation Year Programme, and says she’s glad to have made that choice. “It just sounded so interesting,” she recalls. “It was really good for me because it was a fantastic way to do Science and Arts.” Claydon’s advice to Class of 2007 is to find out what you’re really interested in and pursue it, “because a King’s degree will help you with anything.” ELLING LIEN (BJ ’06)
Elling Lien is living the dream. After graduating from the OneYear Bachelor of Journalism Programme at King’s last year, he went on to start up his own arts and entertainment newspaper in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Taking inspiration from Kyle Shaw (BSc ’91, BJ ’92) and
Christine Oreskovich (BA ’95) of The Coast, Lien and his girlfriend, Bryhanna Greenough, invested their time and money into The Scope. A year later, the paper is produced on a bi-weekly basis and has a circulation of about 7,000 across Newfoundland. After her father passed away, Greenough had some extra money available. She and Lien toyed with the idea of travelling
“A LOT OF LIFE IS LUCK: PEOPLE YOU KNOW AND FALLING INTO THE RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCES.” Elling Lien or buying a home, but they wanted to do something special and Greenough suggested starting a newspaper. “It seemed like a really nice thing to do for the city that I really love and people love so much already, just to help them enjoy it even more,” says Lien, who grew up in the nearby town of Portugal Cove. When asked about his secret to success, he says: “It’s no secret, really. We had an opportunity and we found enough people with the right skills to make it a reality. A lot of life is luck: people you know and falling into the right circumstances.” In terms of advice for the Class of 2007, Lien says: “The power is in you—you can be anything you want.”
getting to work on time and working productively.” Working for a year made her realize she’s ready to dive back into school again. She credits her King’s background with teaching her how to read and think critically. Although she focused on science after completing the Foundation Year Programme, she says the combination of arts and sciences helped keep the left side of her brain alive. She also took advantage of the intimacy of the King’s community and became involved in a variety of campus activities, such as directing and acting in several shows for the KTS, helping to organize the school’s first Fringe Festival, and she was the president of the Good Humour Society. “Don’t tell my profs, but you forget stuff [you learned],” she says. “You don’t forget the people or the fun experiences you had.” Schlosser will soon find out whether or not she has been accepted to medical school for the 2007/2008 academic year. In the meantime, she’ll be packing her bags to prepare for a two-month stint in Morogoro, Tanzania, where she’ll work with Youth Challenge International on AIDS-related education and relief work. Schlosser’s advice to the Class of 2007 is to remember that things will work out in the end, try to stay optimistic, and finally: “Don’t cheat yourself.” ∂
MARY-PAT SCHLOSSER (BSCH ’06)
When Mary-Pat Schlosser didn’t get into medical school after graduating from King’s, she was quite disappointed. Now, a year later, she realizes that everything happens for a reason. Since graduating with a combined Arts and Science degree in Immunology and Microbiology, Schlosser has been working as a lab technician at Dalhousie University, researching Kaposi Sarcoma, a virus associated with AIDS that causes cancerous lesions. She says she wouldn’t trade her experiences this year for anything. “I’ve really valued this time off before going to school because it makes me reassess what I want to be doing,” she says, acknowledging a whole new set of challenges. “You don’t have the guilt of not doing your homework or not doing reading – it’s Mary-Pat Schlosser
Where Are They Now? In the Summer 2006 issue of Tidings, we profiled five graduates from 2005. Here’s what they’re doing now: Colin Burn (BAH) Colin has completed the first year of his joint MBA/Law degree at McGill University—a bilingual program, combining MBA, BCL and LLB. Mary Coll-Black (BScH) Mary is currently enrolled in the School of Medicine at McMaster University and is hoping to spend part of the summer on a clinical placement in Kenya.
Joanna Grossman (BAH) Joanna has completed the second year of law school at McGill. She’ll be spending her summer as an associate with Torys LLP in Toronto and Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP in New York.
Chris Shepherd (BJ) Chris is now the Sports Editor with the Prince George Free Press in British Columbia. He was also a finalist for the Community Service Award at the 2007 BC and Yukon Community Newspaper Association Awards.
Shannon Hines (BJH) Shannon recently completed her MA in International Journalism with Distinction from Cardiff University. She is now living in Halifax. TIDINGS | SUMMER 2007
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ALUMNI PROFILE
Kim D’Eon
From Halifax to Hollywood North by Caley Baker (BJ ’07)
“I laugh a lot in my interviews, and people know that it’s not fake because I actually enjoy
photo: Barbara Co e Photography
talking to them.”
Kim D’Eon
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WILLINGNESS TO TAKE risks, combined with a little luck and a lot of personality, are the keys to success for Kim D’Eon (BJH ’98). An important piece of advice also helped her to make the tough decision to leap into the forefront of the fast-paced world of entertainment journalism. “There’s a really smart woman who told me, ‘If you haven’t done it already, you should definitely try,’” says the Halifax native. With that in mind, she accepted another high-profile challenge as Senior Entertainment Reporter on Global Television’s Entertainment Tonight Canada —a position that she’s held since the show first aired in September 2005. As a student at King’s, D’Eon knew that broadcast journalism was her calling, but she says she couldn’t have imagined being where she is now. “I’m really lucky,” she says. “When I’m going out to a big party or an event or a fashion show, or talking to a musician or an actor that I’ve loved, I just kind of sit back and go, ‘yeah, I can’t believe I get paid for this!’” Her first big break came shortly after graduating from King’s, when she was
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“thrilled, thrilled, thrilled” to land a job as a researcher at CBC Television’s youthconsumer show, Street Cents. “Out of all of the jobs I had applied for, [it] was more up my alley than any of them,” she says. “They called me back as soon as they received my package—that’s what I mean when I say I’m lucky.” While she became one of the program’s hosts a year later, she says her work on the show helped her to realize that there are many different kinds of journalism, and that she “wasn’t really built to be a news reporter.” “I do like being creative,” she says. “I don’t think I’d be satisfied just going in and reading the news everyday.” After leaving Street Cents, D’Eon moved to Toronto and continued to work for several other CBC programs, including Marketplace and The Hour. During a labour dispute at the network, a friend encouraged her to apply for a position with a new entertainment program. Though she wasn’t entirely sure it was the right move, she decided to contact the executive producer of ET Canada, and was offered the job a few days later. Unlike reporters who feel more comfortable developing serious, on-air personas that differ from their more relaxed off-camera selves, D’Eon prefers to let her own personality show in her work and takes pride in the compliments that she often receives for her ability to make people feel comfortable and at ease during interviews. “It’s so easy for me to just be myself,” she says. “I’ve been so lucky that all of my
jobs so far have nurtured that. I laugh a lot in my interviews, and people know that it’s not fake because I actually enjoy talking to them.” D’Eon says she still uses the skills that she developed during her time at the King’s School of Journalism—from how to ask a great open-ended question to how to write as clearly and concisely as possible. Now, she not only conducts interviews, but also writes her own stories and chooses all of the clips and shots that she wants used in her pieces. “It’s nice to put together a story from start to finish, then sit back and watch it and be, like, ‘I did the whole thing—it’s my project and I did it.’” Even with her current success, D’Eon hasn’t forgotten that broadcast journalism is a tough industry, with short contracts and plenty of competition. She says she’s met many people who want her job, and that they are a great reminder of how fortunate she is to have a position that she really enjoys. Although she’s hesitant to guess what she’ll be doing in five years, D’Eon thinks that if she’s presented with an opportunity to try something new, the advice that led her to ET Canada may be put to use again. “I don’t think at this point, I’d say no to anything,” she says. “I think if someone called from LA or New York, which is always a possibility, I’d be scared and nervous and unsure of myself, but I don’t see how I could say no to a different, new opportunity.” ∂
MUSIC I’M LISTENING TO
Dr. Christopher Elson, Vice-President of the University of King’s College
“You’re My Favorite Waste of Time,” pops up first. A small masterpiece from the little-known Marshall Crenshaw whose sensibility blends rockabilly, early Motown and The Beatles. He consistently orchestrates perfect three minute moments of rhythmic exuberance, melodic inventiveness and witty, provocative verbal hooks, many of them almost as good as this title.
Dr. Christopher Elson (BAH ’86) What I’m listening to depends a lot upon where and how I’m listening. In my car, I have a two disc redux of a vastly more comprehensive box-set of Stax recordings—fundamental R&B. Attending live performances regularly is central to my sense of happiness—this week was Amelia Chester and Amelia Curran at Ginger’s with Angus Johnston. On my reactivated turntable, “True Lives of The Young Pioneers” by forgotten ‘80s Queen St. scenester Johnny MacLeod—a CanRock heritage moment! My CD player holds The Tokyo Concert, by pianist Brad Mehldau; it opens with a profound and heart-wrenching re-reading of the Nick Drake song, “Things Beyond the Sun.” But I really want to talk about my iPod and how it conditions ways and meanings of listening. It makes concrete and audible certain principles borrowed from modern poetics: rapprochement, juxtaposition and generalized metonymy. Much about iPod is dubious, from the ‘i’ to the ‘Pod,’ but something I love about it is the Shuffle function. The shorter pieces—pop to chamber to jazz to world—which I put on the iPod fall together according to some secret sorting mechanism (the unconscious of the machine?) building up associational resonances, sounding out dissonant inter-generic harmonies, conjuring up autobiographical images of circumstance. Here is a random cut into 9.2 days worth of music on the iPod. These eight notes briefly describe eight of the first pieces from a single Shuffle. This must be what I’m listening to…
“Kneeling Down” by the Tord Gustavsen trio is a yearning piece of ‘Nordic-Caribbean-Gospel-Blues’ (as they describe their own music). Scandinavian jazz in the ECM vein, driven by the exquisitely nuanced textures and elaborately defined lines of the leader, pianist Gustavsen. The kneeling makes sense in the final few cadences. “Thalassa” by Alain Lefèvre appears in the shuffle. Lefèvre is a romantic pianist for today, notable for leading the rediscovery and reevaluation of the work of tragic French-Canadian boy-genius, André Mathieu. “Thalassa,” very much in the style of the Russians, is one of his own short pieces, composed on tour, inspired by place. His two albums “Carnet de Notes” and “Fidèles insomnies” are full of muted passion and melancholy reflection. “Intimate Letters, part 2” from Janacek’s String Quartet, performed by the Julliard String Quartet is next. Janacek’s string quartets have become regular references in my listening, along with other work by this Czech composer. This section sets out a range of difficult-to-identify moods against a ground of intertwined agitation. One needs agile ears to follow these complex evolutions. “Likambo” by Kékélé from the album Rumba Congo finds its way into the unpatterned pattern. World Music has gradually found an increasing place in my musical preferences since some early, decisive experiences, most memorably hearing Youssou N’Dour at the Rebecca Cohn in 1988 or so. This track cannot help
but evoke memories of a beautiful night at the Atlantic Jazz Festival in 2004, hundreds dancing under the big tent at the corner of Queen and Spring Garden. “La Bonne Etoile” is a brilliant piece of rock arranging and a lovely mouthful of French prosody. Matthieu Chedid is Franco-Egyptian poet Andrée Chedid’s grandson and his self-creation, ‘M.,’ is a French pop culture persona owing something to The Cure, something to French crooners like Aznavour, something to surrealism and something to Guignol, etc. A singular blend and a delightful one. So, why is French pop so hard to stomach in the anglosphere? This sound of soaring strings, dry funky guitar and retro-dreamy Fender Rhodes piano just has to translate. Or does it? “Lonely Song” by Ron Hynes. I don’t have a lot of folk in my collection but there are a couple of albums by Ron Hynes there. Anyone who saw him perform “Bone Dry” at the ECMA ceremony this year can have no doubt that he is a writer and performer who is entirely present in what he sings. A national poet, whatever that might mean today. “When your world is filled with wondrous things/But life’s been just one lonely song…” he sings with a hard-earned confidence. “Eight Lines” by Steve Reich comes strangely in, just about as different from Ron as it is possible to be. Minimalism has a limited but special place in my listening habits, there are moments when the patiently unfolding dramas of repetition and differentiation seem like the only music. On an autobiographical note, I once performed Reich’s “Clapping Music” at the Tchaikowsky Conservatory in Moscow. Improbable but true. Dr. Elson was a founding editor of The Paris New Music Review, now an online review of new music, dance and art at, www.paristransatlantic.com. His reviews of Canadian Jazz CDs are regularly found in JazzEast Rising magazine. TIDINGS | SUMMER 2007
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BEHIND THE SCENES IN CANADIAN POLITICS The Various Roles Played by King's Alumni by Jessica McDiarmid (BJH ’07)
PHOTO REMOVED DUE TO COPYRIGHT RESTRICTIONS
John MacDonell
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Jamie Carroll
F SOMEONE HAD TOLD John MacDonell (BA ’88) in January 2006 that he’d be in a flak jacket stepping off a C-130 Hercules aircraft in Kandahar four months later, he would have called them crazy. The next month, however, the partner at Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales law firm in Halifax received a call that drastically changed his plans. Freshly minted Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay asked MacDonell to take a leave of absence from his job and become the minister’s chief of staff in Ottawa. By April, MacDonell was in Afghanistan with his new boss and Maritime musicians George Canyon and Lennie Gallant. Since then, he’s voyaged to Brazil, Mexico, Europe and the Middle East. When he’s not travelling, MacDonell oversees MacKay’s eight offices and advises staff. He coordinates briefings for the minister, fields media interview requests and ensures that MacKay is prepared for questions from parliamentary committees, among many other tasks. “I sometimes joke with Peter that I don’t actually do anything, I just get other people to do things,” he laughs. The Canadian political scene is peppered with the familiar faces of King’s grads, such as Nova Scotia’s New Democratic Party leader Darrell Dexter (BA ’79, BJ ‘83) and former premiers John Hamm (BSc ’58) and Russell MacLellan (BA ’62, DCL ’03). But there are plenty of others who play pivotal roles behind the scenes, shaping the direction of politicians and their parties. MacDonell began his political career blowing up balloons for the Progressive Conservative campaign in Antigonish in 1981. Since then, he’s served in a number of positions and has worked with MacKay on various campaigns and committees. But
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he never planned on working as a political staffer, and credits his success to being in the right place at the right time. “We happened to win an election,” he says. “[MacKay] happened to be appointed minister, he happened to be looking for a chief of staff, I happened to have law partners who were generous enough to let me take a leave of absence to do this, so it’s a confluence of really lucky circumstances for me.” Down the street from Parliament Hill at the federal Liberal party headquarters, Jamie Carroll (BA ’00) was recently appointed national director of the party. He had served as deputy director on Stephane Dion’s leadership campaign, and helped to set up the Opposition Leader’s office before taking on the position at party headquarters. Like MacDonell, Carroll says there’s never a dull day. He runs the day-to-day administration of the Liberal Party, prepares for a potential election and acts as an advisor to Dion.
I’M SURROUNDED ON A DAILY BASIS BY PEOPLE WHO GENUINELY WANT TO MAKE CANADA A BETTER PLACE, AND THAT’S ON ALL SIDES OF THE AISLE.” Jamie Carroll “It’s not like The West Wing as much as some of us wish it was,” he says. “But, it’s also not like the filth-filled cesspool that some of our colleagues in the media like to paint it as, either. I’m surrounded on a daily basis by people who genuinely want to make Canada a better place, and that’s on all sides of the aisle.”
While people in geographical areas often dwell on their differences from the rest of the country, Carroll says he’s fascinated by the similarities. “The more people you meet, the more you find the commonalities between them,” says Carroll, whose work with Dion took him to five continents in less than a year. “At its most basic, that’s what anything in politics is about—it’s about people.” Further left on the spectrum, Ron Sherrard (BJH ’85) manages communications for Dexter’s New Democratic Party. Like Carroll and MacDonell, he laughs when asked what a typical day is like. Depends on the day, he says. He’s been with the party for close to 10 years, following a long career as a journalist with CBC. As acting communications manager and outreach manager, he monitors media coverage, prepares the caucus for Question Period, writes speeches and press releases and updates special interest groups. “For the most part, the goal is to try to stay in the news,” he says. Sherrard says he was surprised how well his journalistic skills translated to public relations work—something he’d never planned to do. “You take opportunities when they come up,” he says. “I always thought I’d Ron Sherrard stay in journalism, and in some ways, I still am. Sometimes, I think the only difference between me and some reporters is that my biases are out on the table.” Upon his graduation from King’s seven years ago, Carroll says he wasn’t planning for a career in politics either. But he was interested and went to ex-premier MacLellan for advice. “He said ‘pick one thing you’re good at and go do it,’” recalls Carroll. “I tried this and ended up being fairly good at it,
so I’ve stuck around for a while. But it’s not something you can do forever.” MacDonell agrees that politics are about knowing your strengths. He loves his job, but would never consider running for office. “Politics is about knowing what your skills are and knowing what you’re best at,” he says. “I’m much better at working for politicians than being one.” Sherrard says the NDP best matches his own political lean-
ings, but he does the job more for the people he works with. Though politics often seem natural to the public, a huge amount of teamwork goes into it. “Politics is such a team sport,” he says. “Because of the way there are people who speak for a party, you don’t really get the sense of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. It’s more complicated than it looks.” ∂
NEWS BRIEFS Some big things have happened on campus since the last issue of Tidings arrived at your door. For more information on any of the following, please visit our King’s News Page at http://www.ukings. ca/kings 3672.html MARCH 6 The Halifax Branch of the King’s Alumni Association was officially formed. Mark DeWolf (BAH ‘68) will serve as President and is joined on the executive by Mary Barker (BA ‘67), Eric Bednarski (BA ‘99), Rae Brown (BA ‘99), Peter Dawson (BAH ‘85) and Kathleen Soares (BA ‘74). For more on this, please flip to page 33. MARCH 8 The King’s Board of Governors unanimous-
ly and enthusiastically approved the recommendation of the Presidential Search Committee that President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. William Barker be renewed for a second term, ending July 2012.
cil of Canada. The project relates to the study of the history and philosophy of science, a burgeoning field of academic research that links humanities, social sciences and sciences.
MARCH 8 Acclaimed Canadian author Dr. Alistair MacLeod (DCL ‘00) became the 29th Honorary member of the Haliburton Club, the literary society at King’s and the longest-standing collegial literary society in North America.
MARCH 30 The 7th Annual Athletic Awards Banquet recognized some of our finest student athletes. 4th year Science students Alexandra Akers (soccer) and Mike Smith (badminton, soccer, volleyball) each earned five distinctions, including Female and Male Athlete of the Year, respectively. Katie Gleason-Mercier (soccer) also joined Andrew Battison, Sean Farmer and Kyle Murphy of the ACAA champion volleyball team as Academic All-Canadians.
MARCH 22 King’s received the news that it was chosen to administer a $2.1 million Strategic Knowledge Cluster Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Coun-
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I N O U R COV E R S TO R I E S , A PA I R O F FR E S H LY M I NTE D G R A DS M A D E CO NTAC T W ITH A H A N D FU L O F TH E I R FE LLOW A LU M N I TO D I SCU S S TH E I R E XPE R I E N C E S A N D W H AT ' S U CC E S S ' M E A N S TO TH E M . TH E R E S U LTS O F TH E I R A SS I G N M E NTS A R E V E RY D I FFE R E NT, B UT S O M E O F TH E S TO R I E S TH AT TH E Y ' V E U N COV E R E D M AY H E LP YO U TO A N S W E R TH E Q U E S TI O N FO R YO U R S E LF.
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A ESTION OF SUCCESS
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1 Alastair Jarvis (BAH ‘99) and Juno 2 Catherine Elgie Novis (BAH ‘93) 3 David Jones (BA ‘68, HF ‘98) 4 Peter Jelley (BAH ‘94) 5 Marli MacNeil (BJH ‘82) 6 Mike Nichol (BComm Dal ‘70) 7 Dr. Daniel Brandes (FYP ‘90) 8 Duncan McCue (BA ‘92) 9 Angela Hill (BJH ‘97) 10 Gordon Cooper (BAH ‘94) and son Will 11 Matt Aronson (BAH ‘01) 12 Alan Hall (BAH ‘99) 13 Bill Bryant Sr. (BA ‘67)
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THE ROAD TO ‘SUCCESS’ by Arwen Kidd (BJH ’07)
Based on her belief that life is a journey, defined largely by the people that you meet along the way, Arwen Kidd turned her series of ‘success’ interviews with King’s alumni into a travel narrative.
I stare at the empty bag open on my bed. For the past two hours, I’ve been trying to figure out what I could possibly pack to help me on my journey. Where exactly am I going? ‘Success’ is a place that most people seem to want to go. Like a city of bright lights, or a nation of mouth-watering tastes, its draw is obvious. Whether we view it as a distinct destination or an overall satisfaction with our choices along the way, it’s the type of thing we all mark down on ‘to do’ lists. So, following in the footsteps of so many before me, I’m looking for ‘success’—I just need to figure out how to get there. “The road is circuitous, at best,” Matt Aronson (BAH ’01) warns me. After graduating from King’s, he attended McGill law school and is now studying to pass the bar. He says that achieving ‘success’ is comparable to hiking. “Looking at the map, you think the straight line is the best way to go,” he says. “But that’s because you don’t know how to read the map. Sometimes the ‘straight line’ is the worst possible way to go—you miss scenery, or there are obstacles, or you miss the shortcuts along the way.” Aronson has wanted to practice law for a long time. But rather than going straight for it, he took some time to gain life experience. Instead of looking at maps, Aronson advises me to listen to gut feelings and intuitions—he says this is how the universe and its ‘random chaos’ gives directions. Even failure, he assures me, is just its way of letting you know you need to self-correct your course.
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I take Aronson’s advice and start off without a map, trying to hear my gut. As the road leads on, I pass signposts for ‘starvation’ and ‘failure’ (both fears Aronson warned me about) and exit ramps directing me to ‘quit now’ or ‘procrastinate.’ For some reason, no matter how far I go or which direction I take, they’re always there, just off the side of the road. Nevertheless, I keep a positive attitude, because I’ve been told there are a couple of tricks to this journey: luck and networking. This insight came from Angela Hill (BJH ’97). She says that a number of her jobs since graduation, including stints at TV Guide magazine and freelance writing, have come largely from knowing the right people, at least as far as getting her foot in the door. She’s also had some luck along the way. “[Once,] I saw an ad in the paper and got an interview from it,” she says. “I know, nobody’s supposed to get jobs from the newspaper. But that’s what happened.” For almost seven years now, Hill has worked various proofreading, management, and marketing jobs at Harlequin (yes, the romance books). She says that ever since she got her ‘start,’ she’s been incredibly picky, never taking a job for a job’s sake, and has been happy as a result. “Doing something I really enjoy and making enough money so that I’m not starving,” she says. “Those are my keys to success. And not piling on more debt every month.” Hill says that even though it was sometimes hard to live between paycheques, particularly as a freelancer, it was always worth it. “I was young,” she says. “I was single. I didn’t have any kids. So, I had to pay to go to the dentist. But I liked the job—and I think I’d regret it if I hadn’t done these things. I’ve moved from a full-time job with benefits to two month [jobs] with no benefits, no security. I’ve worked two years on a week-to-week contract, renewable every Thursday—I was prepared to give it all up for the job I wanted.” Hill says that people question her about some of her choices, but she doesn’t care. “I think a lot of people think that I’ve ‘sold out,’” she says. “One, I’m in marketing, not journalism. And two, I work for a well-known publishing house. But I don’t think I have. Selling out yourself is going against what you believe in. I didn’t do that.” As I finally pass the gates to ‘success,’ I take a moment to think about Hill’s words. The problem is, now that I’ve managed to find ‘success,’ I’m not exactly sure what I’m supposed to do. I look around, searching for some sign, and hear a public service announcement: “Success is the right people doing the right thing.” That’s nice, I think, but what is this ‘right’ thing? To find out, I go to the source of the words—David Jones (BA ’68, HF ’98). For the past eight years, Jones has been working on a book about achieving results without conflict. He says there’s a lot of energy wasted on conflict and competition, often resulting in
the quest for ‘success’ overshadowing the far more important achievement of ‘excellence.’ Even very successful people, he adds, sometimes make the mistake of constantly moving ahead rather than trying to better manage what they have. “I’ve worked for a couple of millionaires in my life,” he says. “I was curious as to what it takes to be a millionaire, so one day I asked one of them—who was in the process of buying up yet another apartment—‘Why don’t you just take a break?’ ‘Because there’s always another deal to be done,’ he said.” That really got to Jones, who warns people to be wary of letting their jobs take control of them. Over the years, he has accumulated experience in the areas of social work, city management and knowledge management. He says the value of work, including its span and impact, should always be taken into account. “The more significant the issues, the more significant the price,” he explains, adding that things should be considered accordingly. For example, when he first became interested in urban issues, he remembers looking around and asking himself: “Why are the litter containers on the streets always overflowing?” To him, considering why these things don’t work allows you to make them work. The problem is that people often just don’t know what they’re capable of. “Regret,” he says, “means to me the frequency that people don’t realize what their powers and opportunities are.” This statement makes me wonder whether I have undervalued myself. As I sit down to contemplate my worth (and try to decide what ‘success’ is worth to me), I start to think about the prices that other people pay to get here.
“SELLING OUT YOURSELF IS GOING AGAINST WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN. I DIDN’T DO THAT.” – Angela Hill Duncan McCue (BA ’92), for example, is very clear about what he is and isn’t willing to give. Since leaving King’s, he has gone on to study law at UBC and now films documentary programs for CBC. “I’m not willing to concede too much,” he says. “Whether it’s from my employer or otherwise, if it means I’m not happy, it’s not worth it.” McCue took a year off to be at home when each of his children were born, “to be successful as a dad.” However, he realizes that these decisions have consequences. “This, predictably, has put limitations on my career,” he says. “For instance, I work a four-day week. This impacts my salary, but it also means I have a more enjoyable family life.” Now, at 35, McCue says he’s reached an interesting period in his life. “In my career, I’m a TV reporter that files items for The National at CBC,” he explains. “And, in my life, I have a wife,
two kids and a house. Those are goals I had as well. So, I’m at a curious point, because I’ve reached my old goals, but I haven’t yet decided what my new goals will be. It’s not a mid-life crisis, but I’m trying to figure things out; to re-jig my goals. It’s a weird place.” I suddenly realize that ‘success’ is a weird place. Now that I’ve arrived, where am I supposed to go? I remember one of McCue’s last statements:“They say hindsight is 20/20, right?” Yes, I think, a time machine to ‘hindsight’ would be perfect right about now. Instead, I’m tossed a ball. “General rule,” says Gordon Cooper (BAH ’94), “the ball’s in your court. Don’t wait for somebody to serve up your next greatest opportunity on a silver platter, because it doesn’t work that way. You’ve gotta make it happen yourself.” Cooper has lived in a dozen homes over the past 12 years. From teaching in Japan to an IMBA program at York, to bouncing around between London, Tokyo, Vietnam and now Singapore, he and wife Chere (Chapman, BSc ‘94) have spent a lot of time packing and unpacking boxes. But he says that he wouldn’t change one bit of it. Not even the ‘wild rides,’ such as his time in London with a start-up company working in e-commerce space. “When it became clear that venture funding had dried up, I completed my first experience on the front lines of a tech start-up by watching the liquidators carry out the last tables and chairs,” he says. “Like many others [with] the company, I had worked for many months without salary up until that point, warding off creditors in a bid to keep the lights on.” He says that although the job only lasted a year, the learning experience was invaluable. The other type of invaluable he mentions are the moments you won’t give up—for him, those with his family. “I guess every new parent says it, but that’s because it’s true,” he admits. “Kids grow up too fast. Saturday mornings are sacred family time for us. The weekend ritual begins with three year-old Will saying, ‘let’s go for kaya toast!’—his call for us to head down to the local Singaporean coffee house, where they serve local coffees and teas with a special coconut jam toast, dipped into boiled eggs.” So, like the sappy TV credit card ads say, I guess there are things that are priceless. Is ‘success’ priceless? I suppose it just depends what you view it to be. According to Cooper, who is currently VISA’s Country Manager for Singapore and Brunei, it all comes down to passion. “You’ve gotta love what you do,” he says. “Nothing brings out mediocrity like indifference. So, do the things that put a fire in your belly and skip the rest.” ∂
Arwen will be taking an important road trip of her own in August —as the winner of the King’s School of Journalism’s David Cadogan Travel Bursary, she will travel to Western Africa to make a television documentary about the youth in Sierra Leone.
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WHAT IS ‘SUCCESS’? by Michael Landry (BJH ’07)
Two weeks before completing his undergraduate degree, we gave Michael Landry the difficult task of contemplating the meaning of the word ‘success.’
That means making connections, looking out for what’s best for people and, most importantly, not being afraid. “You want to know why there were so many heroes at the Alamo?” he asks. “It’s because there wasn’t a back door.” Today, Nichol is an investment advisor with a major Canadian firm, and says that he found his passion by identifying a niche market in the world of finance. When he was vying for his first job, he admits that he didn’t stand a chance on paper. He wasn’t tougher or stronger than the competition, but he did have one advantage: he was passionate. “When I started, I was told I wasn’t any good all the time,” he says. “But I wanted to do this, and eventually it worked. And, I don’t mind saying it worked well.” He says there are three steps to ‘success’ after finding your passion. The first step isn’t just about doing things right, but rather doing the right things. The second is treating everyone as though they’re wearing a sign that says ‘I am important.’ Finally, he says, always remember to save your money. None of these steps are easy, but he says that anything worthwhile isn’t supposed to be easy, citing an old Buddhist prophecy: “Once you accept that it’s going to be hard, it’s going to be easy. Once you get the idea that everything’s easy, things are going to be hard.”
He caught up with a handful of alumni to help him answer this important question.
When Muhammed Ali stood tall against heavy-hitting champion George Foreman in 1974, he knew that he would win. But just because Sports Illustrated’s “Sportsman of the Century” had a clear vision of what he wanted, that didn’t mean it was easy. Whether a boxer or an investment banker, ‘success’ requires hard work, sacrifices, and risks. Peter Jelley (BAH ’94) can think of a lot of other investment bankers at the National Bank Financial Group that would make for a better interview—they’re the ones that show up early in expensive cars wearing fancy monogrammed shirts. “The profession I’m in does reward long hours,” he says. “The people who are good are particularly obsessive about it, but I don’t think I’ve allowed myself to be enamored in it.” Since graduating from the London School of Economics in 1995 and Harvard in 1998, his idea of ‘success’ has evolved: it has become more elusive. Ten years ago, he believed that ‘success’ was just as easy as crossing goals off a list. “It’s not that easy,” he says. “Your goals are always changing and you should change to balance tangible goals with personal priorities in a way to satisfy both. That’s the way I see success now.” Mike Nichol (BComm Dal ’70) says that beyond rolling with the punches, you have to hustle in order to be a ‘success.’
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There’s a certain danger that comes with the idea of ‘success’: the danger of contentment. It’s usually celebrities who get saddled with this fault, when their commercial achievements cause them to stop pushing themselves. But this can happen just as easily to anyone. That’s why when Alan Hall (BAH ’99) thinks of ‘success,’ he doesn’t think of wealth, happiness, fame, or contentment. Instead, the FYP tutor at King’s thinks of Jordan, a student in his tutorial last year, who was never afraid to ask a question.
SUCCESS IS WHEN YOU LOOK BACK OVER WHAT YOU’VE DONE AND SAY ‘WOW. THAT’S MORE THAN I COULD HAVE EXPECTED TO DO.’ – Bill Bryant Sr. “[Success] implies a sort of mastery, but I’ve come to think mastery as the enemy,” says Hall. “For that reason, I think of Jordan, because he’s so far from that delusion.” When it comes to ‘success,’ Hall is ambivalent—but he wasn’t always this way. When he graduated from King’s, he set out to succeed on his own terms. He thought that ‘success’ was just ahead of him and assumed that he would arrive at it. Years later, he has a family and a job he likes. He could be called a ‘success’—but he doesn’t think so. He doesn’t get enough sleep, read enough or spend nearly as much time with his son as he would like.
“The fact that I have to balance is kind of tragic,” he says. “I don’t get to do what I want and I have to do something else.” To him, it seems as though the only thing more difficult than searching for ‘success’ is fending off contentment once you’ve succeeded. Although it’s frustrating, he continues to resist contentment by never conceding his ‘success.’ But it isn’t easy. “I do, of course, fret endlessly about success,” he says. “It’s not like I’m a Buddhist monk. I want to be good at things and want people to notice me. I’m full of that weakness.”
French writer Marcel Proust spent the last three years of his life holed up writing in his cork-lined room. There, he completed one of the greatest books ever written, In Search of Lost Time, or, Remembrance of Things Past. His posthumous ‘success’ calls into question the relationship of ‘success’ to the individual. Perhaps it is more than personal satisfaction and fulfillment. Dr. Daniel Brandes (FYP ’90), an Assistant Professor of Humanities and Social Sciences at King’s, isn’t sure whether dedicating your life to one goal is better than balancing your life. “I would like to say balance,” he says. “But I’d have to ask Proust if it was worth it.” Siding more with Proust, Dr. Brandes says to be a ‘successful’ human is to take into account the happiness of others, and not just material happiness. Although he admits wanting ‘success’ for his own personal feeling of accomplishment, he says this doesn’t do justice to the term. That’s why he’s dedicated his life to answering and coming to terms with philosophical questions. “Very often, when people follow through with something to the end, it may not immediately affect people. But it can, in time.” Bill Bryant Sr. (BA ’67) says the greatest impact anyone can have is on their children. His two sons top his list of accomplishments—the eldest is studying Nuclear Engineering and Economics, and the youngest is heading off to university in the fall. “My success is measured, as far as I’m concerned, by my family,” he says. “It’s part of my legacy, which is my top priority.” Personal ‘success,’ he says, boils down to enjoying the trip and not waiting for the goal. “Success is when you look back over what you’ve done and say: ‘Wow, that’s more than I could have expected to do,’” he says. During his career, Bryant spent a decade as a reporter—he’s been in helicopters and hydrofoils, and he’s written about both the filthy rich and the dirt poor. But he feels that some of his greatest accomplishments came during his 20 years as the Press Secretary and Federal Projects Officer of U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell (D-RI). He helped to pass laws that will, like his family’s
legacy, outlast his memory. Proust or plebian ‘success’ is a delicate balance between personal satisfaction and what you can do to make a difference. That’s why it’s so elusive. It seems that ‘success’ means different things to different people—there’s no single definition. But for most of us, it always seems just a little bit further. Taking that next step is what makes us ‘successful.’ Whether you’re in the halls of power, making oodles of money, or just painting your bathroom, you can be ‘successful’ as long as you keep going. ‘Success’ just seems to be what you make of it, and it seems that alumni of the University King’s College can find it just about anywhere. ∂
In May 2007, Michael made a pilgrimage to Bosnia and returned to Halifax in time to graduate and to start his new job as Listings Editor with The Coast.
Thoughts on ‘success’ from other King’s alumni: “A lot of times, I think back and wonder ‘if only,’ but that doesn’t mean I’m not happy. This is where I am and I have to figure out what makes me content. It’s almost like the [Alcoholics Anonymous] model: live your life one day at a time.” —Catherine Elgie Novis’ (BAH ’93), Director of Family Ministry at St. Thomas’ Anglican Church (St. Catharines, ON), wife and mother of three “Too often, we overestimate what we can do in one year and underestimate what we can accomplish in ten years. Your first step today won’t make or break getting where you want to go. The key is not to think about each step.” —Alastair Jarvis (BAH ’99), Producer, HB Studios “A lot of people go through life not doing much, but are happy. I don’t think you can be a success without being happy.” —Marli MacNeil (BJH ’82), Chief Executive Officer of Bionova
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K ein photo courtesy of Andrew Stern
2 0 07 H O N O R A RY D E G R E E S
above, from left to right: Honorary Degree recipients The Reverend Doctor Robert Darwin Crouse (BA ’51, MTH ’57), Vice-Admiral Glenn V. Davidson (BA ’73), Professor Natalie Zemon Davis, Naomi Klein, Margo Pullen Sly.
King’s alumnus The Reverend Doctor Robert Darwin Crouse (BA ’51, MTH ’57) received an honorary Doctor of Divinity. An internationally-recognized medieval scholar who has contributed greatly to the development of modern King’s, he was one of the early contributors to the development of the Foundation Year Programme, which has spawned the development of a series of interdisciplinary program offerings at the University. He has been the Visiting Professor of Patristics at The Pontifical Patristics Institute, the Augustinianum in Rome, Italy—the first non-Catholic to do so, and has been active with the Anglican Church throughout his life. He is currently a member of the Primate’s Theological Commission and plays the organ in the Parishes of Petite Riviere and New Dublin, near his home in Crousetown. The University is pleased to recognize Dr. Crouse, who connects us back to our historic ties with the Anglican community that provided the solid foundation from which King’s has evolved. Fellow King’s alumnus Vice-Admiral Glenn V. Davidson (BA ’73) received an honorary Doctor of Civil Laws. He has served as the Canadian Military Representative to the Military Committee at NATO Headquarters in Brussels since 2004. His military career began in 1970 when he enrolled in the Naval Reserve at HMCS Scotian. He joined the Regular Force in 1974 after graduating from King’s, and specialized in navigation and air control and quickly moved through the ranks. 16
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In 1984, he attended the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College in Toronto. Since that time, he has received several more promotions and served in posts military, diplomatic and political in nature. As a distinguished alumnus, Vice-Admiral Davidson carries on the King’s tradition of service and leadership, representing values that have sustained King’s throughout its history. Professor Natalie Zemon Davis received an honorary Doctor of Civil Laws in recognition of her important work as a social historian. Her research and teaching has helped change the way in which historical research in the early modern period is conducted. Her archival research taps into unconventional sources that provide us with a window into the life experience of people of a time. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, she was educated at Smith College, Radcliffe College and the University of Michigan. She is professor emeritus of history at Princeton and is currently adjunct professor at the University of Toronto. She has published widely and is known for her insightful and accessible style. King’s is delighted to honour Dr. Davis as a fellow academic with an interest in the early modern period that works in an interdisciplinary manner, reflecting the intellectual life of the College. Author, activist and film-maker Ms. Naomi Klein received an honorary Doctor of Civil Laws. She was ranked 11th in the 2005 Global Intellectuals Poll, a list of the
world’s top public intellectuals compiled by Prospect Magazine, in conjunction with Foreign Policy Magazine. During her undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, she began writing—she has served as the editor of THIS Magazine, as a columnist with the Toronto Star, and she continues to contribute to publications such as The Globe and Mail, The Guardian, and The Nation. She has published several important books, including No Logo (2000), a rallying cry for the antiGlobalization movement, and Fences and Windows (2002), a collection of articles and speeches. Her next book, The Shock Doctrine is scheduled for release in 2007. The engagement with the broader world Ms. Klein demonstrates is reflective of a long-standing value held by King’s students. Ms. Margo Pullen Sly was made an Honorary Fellow of the College. She retired from King’s in 2006 after serving as assistant to four Presidents over a 20-year period. During this period, she provided an important point of continuity as the College went through some dramatic changes. For many visitors and friends of the College, Ms. Pullen Sly was the face of King’s. She served King’s with grace and style, and helped King’s move into the future while maintaining a strong respect for its historic past. A Nova Scotia native raised in a naval family, she has two adult children, one of whom graduated from King’s in 1999.
S T E WA R D S H I P R E P O R T 2006–2007 Fiscal Year Dear Friends: Let me start by saying a big “thank you” to each and every one of you who supported King’s in 2006-2007. This year, you made commitments of just over $600,000 to King’s—$396,000 is already at work enriching the student experience and providing the people who will benefit most with the opportunity to participate in our extraordinary community now and in the future. You have supported our Annual Fund, made special gifts and included King’s as part of your legacy. Our long-time supporters are the foundation on which King’s has been built and remain vital to King’s future. We would like to enthusiastically welcome our newest supporters.
I know the people who support King’s have some connection to the College. You are alumni, parents and friends—and, in some cases, students. The people really make King’s. Thank you so much for participating in the continued success of King’s.
Kara Holm Advancement Director NOTE: This report covers donations made between April 1, 2006 and March 31, 2007.
SUMMARY When you support King’s, you are investing in the university that has set the standard for interdisciplinary humanities education in Canada. You are supporting a unique environment that enables the students to participate fully in the academic, administrative and social life of the community. This experience is like no other and is only possible through your generosity. Thank you for helping us to stay small and intimate. Top Three Areas you have supported: Scholarships and Bursaries $173,335.00 Library $10,340.00 Unrestricted $51,255.00 (Funds received in 2006/2007— not including pledged money)
Other areas that have received support: • Academic programmes • Athletics • Speakers Series • Building • Food Services • Student activities Some interesting things your donations have funded: • A panini machine for the students to use in Prince Hall • New CDs for the Foundation Year Programme—music is played each morning as students arrive in Alumni Hall to set the tone for the classes. • An essay prize for students in the Early Modern Studies Programme—a gift certificate to the King’s Bookstore—was awarded to James Legge (BAH ’07) • A bursary for students in the History of Science and Technology Programme
King's 2006/2007 Donations
2006-07 Annual Fund $ 120,569.75 2005-06 Annual Fund Capital Campaign
$ 8,241.72 $ 18,250.00
Major Gifts (pledged)
$ 240,275.00
Major Gifts (received)
$ 27,728.00
Estates/Bequests
$ 95,154.67
Other Sources TOTAL DONATIONS
$ 120,464.66 $ 602,985.83
WORKING TOGETHER TO REMEMBER FRIENDS In 2006, Megan MacAlpine (BJH ’98) contacted the Advancement Office to find out about establishing an award in memory of her friend Shirley Miles (BAH ’98) who passed away in 1999. Megan is now fundraising to build the Shirley Miles Award Fund, which will be an endowed bursary fund. More than $2,200 has already been collected from 43 alumni and friends—who participated in a PEI event. There is a strong history of memorial awards at King’s. Many scholarships, bursaries and prizes available to our students
were established through the industry of their friends and family members. Recently, the George Earles Memorial Scholarship was established by George’s friends from the class of 1986 following his untimely death in 2003. That fund now has a value of over $12,000 and is endowed to ensure that George’s memory lives on at King’s and supports students. A bursary for a student in the School of Journalism is offered each year in memory of Denise Ouellette (BJH ‘99), thanks to the generosity of her friends and family.
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ANNUAL FUND With your support the Annual Fund has grown again. 2006/2007 total to March 31, 2007 $120,570.00 2005/2006 total to March 31, 2006 $95,381.00 2004/2005 total to March 31, 2005 $61,696.00 Thanks to you, $86,409.75 has been added to the un-named scholarships and bursary budget. This is a great help to the King’s efforts to recruit and retain the best students. Alumni Participation Rate remains around 10% (based on the alumni for whom we have accurate contact information), and we received gifts from nearly 500 alumni. This is below our goal, but we are grateful for each and every gift we have received. • Board of Governors Support 100% Average Gift $366.86
Participation by Class
The total raised by the Annual Fund has increased because the average gift size grew to $183 from $168. This generosity is wonderful. We would also like to acknowledge the many gifts of $10, $20, $50 received in this account. We know you stretched to make that commitment to King’s and our students, and it is appreciated. The more small gifts we receive, the more we are able to raise for King’s—it all adds up.
• Alumni Executive (National) Support 100% Average Gift $163.09
Support Among Alumni by Province/Country Province/Territory Participation Rate Amount Donated Average Gift Nova Scotia 10% $ 26,525.00 $ 116.00 Newfoundland and Labrador 9.3% $ 420.00 $ 35.00 Prince Edward Island 13% $ 1,590.00 $ 114.00 New Brunswick 8% $ 5,525.00 $ 134.00 Quebec 13% $ 2,085.00 $ 130.00 Ontario 8% $ 22,976.00 $ 211.00 Manitoba 10% $ 640.00 $ 160.00 Alberta 7% $ 2,135.00 $ 194.00 British Columbia 12% $ 3,250.00 $ 163.00 Nunavut 50% $ 100.00 $ 50.00 Northwest Territories 17% $ 125.00 $ 62.50 Yukon 0% 0 0 USA 12% $ 8,766.00 $ 313.06 Thanks also to our alumni in Egypt, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, and Australia who supported the Annual Fund!
1932 1937 1938 1941 1942 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974
50% 50% 50% 50% 100% 67% 33% 59% 33% 28% 53% 24% 58% 75% 55% 29% 67% 40% 22% 40% 24% 24% 35% 24% 39% 18% 19% 22% 22% 26% 14% 9% 19% 19%
1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Residents
15% 20% 15% 18% 10% 13% 9% 14% 13% 6% 19% 23% 11% 13% 4% 10% 11% 8% 13% 10% 9% 7% 11% 3% 4% 5% 4% 5% 6% 4% 3% 1% 5%
WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Lightening the Load In 2006, Tudor (Caldwell) Robins (BJ ‘96) contacted the Advancement Office. Now a mother of two and freelance journalist, Tudor and her family wanted to do something for King’s and its students. With her parents, Gregor and Beth Caldwell, Tudor has founded the Caldwell-Robins bursary. This is a needs-based award that will be given to a returning Journalism student at King’s. Providing financial support to students is a University priority as well. Tuition is high and many students find the cost difficult to support. Our thanks to Tudor and her family for recognizing and supporting this need. An Early Start Guy Quenneville (BJH ’07) popped into the office one day in the fall—he wanted to make a gift to King’s. Guy, who has been an active student on campus, indicated that it was his family tradition to make a gift to your university in the final year of 18
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study. Not many students in their final year think to make a gift to King’s. Guy’s gift was directed to bursaries to help students meet the many financial demands of their education. A Legacy Although Ms. Margaret Burns Martin had never been a student at King’s, she did remember and value her family’s association with the College. Her father, J. Burns Martin, was a professor of English and librarian at King’s. Following Ms. Martin’s death in December of 2006, King’s was notified that Ms. Martin had left a legacy to King’s in her will. We only regret that we did not know of her intentions sooner, so that we could have thanked her and celebrated her generosity during her lifetime. As the College community continues to grow and welcome people from across Canada and around the world, we never forget the people who helped build King’s in the early years and are grateful that they have not forgotten us.
A special thank you to the College and Alumni Association’s volunteer leadership!
RECOGNITION Martin Adelaar Alex & Monica Affleck George & Audrey (Smyth) Akerley David & Heather Allen Donna (Richardson) Allen Frances (Gomery) Allen Robert Allison Estate of Susanna Almon* John Alward Esther Amiro Rita Anderson Sandra & David Anderson Melissa Andrew Dennis Andrews Carol (Chase) Anningson Robert Antle Barry Arbus Chris Archibald David & Robin Archibald Gillian Archibald Margaret (Hatt) Armstrong Peter Armstrong D. Feversham Arnold Charlyne Arsenault Kenneth Askew Craig & Debra Atkinson Nathalie Atkinson Atlantic Landscape Gardeners Atlantic Publishers Marketing Association Bob Attenborough Jeffrey Baggs Jane Bailey Peter Baltzer Lachlan Barber Diane Barker Mary Barker & Ron Gilkie William Barker & Elizabeth Church Margaret Barnard Philip & Heather Barnes Keith Barrett Joshua Bates William & Cynthia Battison T. Fred Baxter Stephanie Belmer Paul Bent Oscar Bird Gerry Bishop William Bishop Val Biskupski Lisa Blackburn Anne Blakeney Mary Blanchard Robert & Linda Blanchard Leonard & Lynn Bloom BMO Financial Group Laura Boast Alberta Boswall Joyce Boudreau Margaret (Fairweather) Bourne James & Marion (Ware) Boyer Freena Bradley
Malcolm Bradshaw Jamie Briggs Lauren Brodie Stephen Brooke The Brookfield Foundation Christine Brophy Derek & Margaret (Burstall) Brown Maggie Brown Rebecca Brown Brian Brownlee Daniel Brownlow Lawrence & Jane (Reagh) Bruce-Robertson Jonathan Bruhm Peter & Patricia Bryson Mordy Bubis & Nina Stipich Basil Buckland Ronald Buckley Cyril Bugden Cindy Buim Elaine Burke Debra Burleson Colin Burn Brian Burnell Evelyn Burnett Susan Burroughs Kathryn R. Burton David Butorac Cadogan Foundation Inc. George & Sandra (Jones) Caines Robin Calder Gregor & Beth Caldwell Anne Cameron Driffield Cameron Gordon Cameron Sheila Cameron Judith Campbell Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce James Carfra Nancy Margaret Carr Helen (Pullen) Cathcart Patricia Chalmers Alfred & Elizabeth Chanadi Angela Chang Donald & Jean (Kryszek) Chard Paul Charlebois Gillian Charlton Fullilove Carolyn (Tanner) Chenhall Kathleen (Gosnell) Chidley Steve Chipman Dukhee Chon Clare Christie Fred Christie The Chronicle Herald Donald Clancy Ginny (Lewis) Clark Dolda Clarke Elsie Clarke Lorne & Mary Lou (MacLeod) Clarke Joan Clayton Clearwater Fine Foods Inc. Hope Clement
Sarah Clift Scott Clish James & Charlotte (Graven) Cochran Wayne Cochrane Susan Coen Peter Coffin Robert & Elizabeth (Parsons) Colavecchia David Coleman Jean Coléno Jennifer Collins John Conn Borden Conrad Allan Conrod John Cook Jean Cooley George & Tia Cooper Jeremy Copeland Harry Sinclair Corbin John Cordes Joanne Corkum Kathleen Cox Jack & Joan Craig Robert Craig David Creese Richard & Marilyn Cregan Susan (Tuck) Crossley Hugh Crosthwait Thomas Crowther Jeanne Cruikshank Thomas & Jane Curran Brian & Lindsay Cuthbertson Laurel Darnell Ruth Davenport Graham & Susan Davies Gwendolyn Davies Cynthia Davis Douglas Davis Wendy Davis Joan Dawson Peter & Taunya (Padley) Dawson Robert Dawson Daniel de Munnik & Tasya Tymczyszyn Ian Deakin Kenneth Dekker Lisa Dennis Ramsay Derry & Trisha Jackson Douglas Deruchie Janice Desmond John Desrosier Jeanne Desveaux Mary (Coffill) Deveau Kenneth Dewar J. Mark & Rachel (Swetnam) DeWolf Mark DeWolf Darrell Dexter & Kelly Wilson Frances Dibblee Andrew Dick Carol (Coles) Dicks Ian Dickson
Ian Digby Sarah Dingle Diocesan Synod of Nova Scotia Anne C. Disher Susan Dodd Michael Dunn Kristen Dunsford Robert Dunsmore Corinne Earle Gordon Earle Lynda Mavis Earle Ken Easterbrook Jonathan & Beth (Tuck) Eayrs Maureen Eberts Roger & Lynn Edmonds Edmonds Landscape and Construction Services Ltd. Elizabeth Edwards C. William Eliot C. Russell Elliott Peter Ellis Christopher Elson Edward & Karen English Eyton Family John Farmer Jeff Farquhar Alexander Farrell Monica Farrell Olivia Faulds Daniel & Brenda Fay Mark Feldbauer Ricky-Allan Fenske Fergus & Barbara (Smith) Fergusson Peter Fillmore Leah Fitzgerald Mark Fleming & Rachel Renton Christopher Flerlage Phillip Fleury Ian Folkins Daniel Ford Robert Ford Gisele (LeBlanc) Forsey Jacob Fortier Kelly (Goodyear) Foss John Fowke Lillian (Taylor) Fowler R. Luke Franklin Jean Fraser J. Roderick Fraser Rowland Frazee Paul Friedland Marion Fry Richard Gallagher Karen (Berberich) Gallant Alan Gandy Sharon (Flemming) Ganong Jim & Sally Garner J. Fraser Gartside Brigid Garvey Laura (Auchincloss) Gatensby Michael Gaudet &
Faye Pound Lloyd Gesner Jack Gibbons & Mary Lovett Kevin Gibson Marie Gibson Ed Gigg Joan Gilroy Victoria Goldring Peter & Sheila Gorman Kevin Gormely & Mary Abbott Bruce Gorrie John Gorrill William Graham Harry Grant Roselle Green Bev Greenlaw & Sylvia Hamilton Anne Gregory Laura Griffiths Emanuella Grinberg Catherine Gross Nancy Guptill Barb Gutstein Gregory Guy Neal Guyer Douglas Hadley Mike Hadley Elizabeth Haigh G. Brenton Haliburton Donald & Shirley Hambrick Heather & Oli Hamilton Geraldine Hamm John & Genesta Hamm Bruce Hancock Wayne Hankey Elizabeth Hanton Rashida Haq Jim Harbell & Pat McQuaid Anthony Harding Andrew & Anne (Dorey) Hare George & Mary Hare Frank Harrington Frederick Harris Mary Beth Harris Peter Harris Walter Harris Harrison McCain Foundation Bernard Hart David S. Hart Mike Hasiuk Faith Hatcher G.Keith Hatfield John Hatfield Nicholas Hatt Michael Hawkins Marnie Hay E.Kitchener Hayman C.William Hayward Pearl Hazen Mark & Shirley (Wall) Hazen Ross Hebb Ian Henderson
Mary (Rettie) Henderson Paul & Penelope Henry Wendy Hepburn William & Anne Hepburn Oliver Herbst H. Douglas Hergett Peter Herrndorf & Eva Czigler Richard Heystee Bernard Hibbitts John Hibbitts Angela Hill Diana Himmelman Michael Hoare John Hobday Barbara Hodkin Lois Hoegg Kara Holm Larry & Joan (Sellick) Holman Janice Holmes Megan Holsapple Neil Hooper Elizabeth Horlock James Houston John & Heather Houston E. Ian Howard Richard Howard Bruce Howe Robert Howe Scott Howe Michaela Huard Sarah Hubbard Estate of M. Ruth Hudson* Ian & Catherine Hugill Jean Humphreys Holly Hunter Norman & Laura Hunter Lois (MacKinley) Hurst Diane & Paul Hurwitz Robert Hyslop Jim & Nancy (Hyndman) Ibbott Heather (Martin) Inglis Robert Inglis Eric Ingraham David Ingram James Irvine Pam Irvine Linda Irving David W. Jackson Robert Jackson Leslie Jaeger Meghan Jamieson Linda Javorksi Philip Jefferson Peter Jelley David Jerome Dean Jobb Alison Johnson Paula Johnson David & Ena Gwen Jones Nicholas Jones Genevieve Keen Danford & Mary (Burchill) Kelley Edward Kelly
Mary Kennedy Kim Kierans Andrew Killawee Darlene Killen Burns & Sarah (Teed) Kimball Stephen Kimber Barry & Mary Ellen King John Kinley W. J. Tory & Margaret (von Maltzahn) Kirby Mary Beth Knight Stephen Knowles Jeff & Sarah Koopus Frances (Kuret) Krusekopf Robert & Carolyn Kunz Eric Kushner Marguerite & Peter Kussmaul Jeannette Laba Susan Ladner Andrew Laing Peter J. Landry Mary (Hunt) Lane Jack & Ferne Langer Patricia Langmaid Peter Lannan Peter & Mia Lanyon Robert & Lois LaRoche Caleb Lawrence Sean Lawrence Amanda Le Rougetel Ann Leamon Patsy LeBlanc Susan LeBlanc Claire LeBlanc-Spence Thomas Ledwell John & Nancy Leefe Sandi Leibovici Derek Lemire & Susan Ayles George Lemmon Dave Leslie Laurelle LeVert Crystal Levy-Bueno Susan Lewin Catherine Lipa Raymond Litkenhaus F. Daniel Logan Aleah Lomas Anderson Ruth Loomer Bill & Stella Lord Lezlie Lowe Stephen Lownie Joan Luiken Iain Ronald Luke Hilkka Luus Mary Lynk Joan MacAlpine-Stiles Alexander MacDonald Lesa MacDonald Ronald MacDonald Ronald MacDonald Kevin MacDonell Elaine MacInnis Ken MacInnis David MacKay
Eric MacKay Ian & Helen (Grant) MacKenzie John MacKenzie Mark MacKenzie Norman MacKenzie Gregory MacKinnon Lina MacKinnon W.Roy MacLaren George MacLean Neil & Jean (Bird) MacLean George MacLennan Rod MacLennan Catherine MacLeod Jennifer (Bassett) MacLeod Lorne MacLeod Michael & Cynthia (Edwards) MacMillan Christina MacNaughton Heather MacQuarrie Donald Maillet Jennifer Smiley Mallory Adrienne Malloy Peggy Mann Robert Mann Estate of F.C. Manning* Ronald Marks Rowland Marshall William Marshall Anne Martell Mary Martin Rene & Carmen Martin Keith Mason Robi Matthews* Barbara (Neish) McArthur Andrea (Ross) McAuliffe G.Wallace McCain Gillian McCain Kim McCallum John McCamus Duncan Scott McCann Murray & Norma McColeman Frances (Smith) McConnell Jeff & Grace McCourt Duncan McCue Francis Wooby and Katherine McDonald Natalie McDonald Anne (Wainwright) McGaughey Graham M. McGillivray Geoff McIver Celeste McKay Iris McKay Monique McKay David McKinnon Ian McKinnon Andrew McLaren Cal McMillan Janet McMillan Dempsey Christopher McNeely Barb McNeil Judith McPhee Stuart McPhee Todd Meaker Will & Sheryl Meens
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RECOGNITION Michael & Kelly Meighen Theodore Meighen Andrea Meyer Robert & Murielle Meyer Elizabeth & Freeman Miles Gary & Bethany Miles Peggy Miles B.J. Millar F.David Millar Beverly Miller Claude Miller Lois Miller Joyce (Blanford) Millman Robert Mills & Kelly Laurence Judith Minard Joan Evans Miskelly Blair Mitchell Helen-Louise Mitchell Jone Mitchell Roderick Mitchell Adriana & Arnold Molder Terry Monaghan Lisa Monk Melinda Montgomery Betty Moore David Morris James Morris Estate of Robert Morris* Andrew Morrison & Jennifer Morawiecki David Morrison Joan Morrison Lara Morrison Nick Mount Susan Moxley Holly (Aitken) Mueller Robert Murphy David & Margaret (Harris) Myles Hilroy Nathanson
Peter Nathanson Nancy Neil Donald Neish Jane Neish Deryl & Carol Ann Newson Jonathan D. Newton Rodger & Melissa (Gillespie) Noel Elizabeth Noonan Meribeth Noonan Mike Noonan & Melanie Cole Terry Norman Nova Scotia Power Inc. Harold Nutter Peter O’Brien Commodore Bruce S. Oland Frances Ornstein Cheryl O’Shea Deborah Osmond Elizabeth Page Reg & Jane Paintin Hugh Parker Alexis Paton Jeannette Pauptit Charlotte (MacLean) Peach LeRoy Peach Anja Pearre Gary Pekeles and Jane MacDonald Barbara Perry-Marshall Arthur & Elizabeth (Baert) Peters Drake Petersen Shirley Petley-Jones Ann Phillips Heather Phillips John Phillips George Phills Irene Phinney Diane Pickard & Russell
Bamford Charles Piercey Cynthia (Smith) Pilichos Judy Pinaud Rachel Pink Brian Pitcairn Ann Pituley Frances Plaunt Beverly (Zannotti) Postl Colleen (MacCallum) Poulain Gary Powell Helen Powell Peter Power Robert Power Morton Prager Norah (Symonds) Prentice John Primrose David & Sharon Pringle Progressive Conservative Association of Nova Scotia Margo Pullen Sly Gordon Pyke Guy Quenneville Irene Randall Gordon Read Charles Reagh Elizabeth Strong Reagh Kim & Mary Jane Rector Tracey Reeves Adrian & Pauline Reid Kevin Reinhardt Dr. Peter Rendek Iris (Martell) Richards Blair Riddle James Riley Nancy (Brimicombe) Ring Lloyd Ripley Rosemary Rippon Tim Rissesco
Estate of Elizabeth Stewart Ritchie* Patrick Rivest Edward Rix Amy Rizner Neil & Patricia Robertson Ron & Sheila Robertson Tudor (Caldwell) Robins David Robinson Ted & Isabelle Robinson Marilyn (Lee) Rockwell Doris Roe Anna Ruth (Harris) Rogers Rogers Communications Inc. Suzanne Romeo Henry Roper Gillian Rose Bala Jaison & Marc Rosen James Ross Julie Ross Henri Rothschild Jonathan & Emily (Hunter) Rowe Luana (Rowlings) Royal Royal LePage Atlantic NS Halifax Michael Rudderham Celia Russell Elizabeth Ryan Christine Ryan Jyoti Melvyn Sacks Stanley & Anne Salsman Mary (Marwood) Sargeant Sadie Sassine Judy Savoy Barry Sawyer Daniel Sax Nicholas Scheib Douglas Scott John Scott Myra (Crowe) Scott
Jill Sears Peter Sears David Secord Carrie Sederiak Kyle Shaw & Christine Oreskovich Shelley Shea Bill Shead Barry W. Shears George Sheppard John Sherren Brian Sherwell Clifford Shirley Stephen Shupe Franklin Sim Douglas Simpson Paul Simpson Scott Simpson William Skinner Antonia Sly Nichols & Cluny Nichols Ben Smith Gerald Smith Joy H. Smith Douglas & Ruth Smith Terrance Smith M.Muriel Smyth Janet Snow Dwight Muschenheim & Marlene Snyder Kathleen Soares Peter & Elizabeth (Bayne) Sodero G.Hamilton Southam Andrew Sowerby Peter Stanley Colin Starnes Janice & Michael Stein Arthur Steinberg Erin Steuter Heather (Christian)
Stevenson Ronald Stevenson Sarah Stevenson Janet Stewart Thomas Stinson Kevin Stockall Mary Stokes John Stone Mary Stone Stranger Theatre Geoffrey Strople & Margaret Dechman Dorian Stuber James Surrette Steven Sutherland & Holly Conners Will Sutherland John Swain Crystal Taber Elaine Taylor John Taylor Kelley Teahen D.Lionel Teed George Teed Jerome Teitel The Pepsi Bottling Group Cory & My Linh Thomas Martell Thompson Allan Thomson Gary Thorne Roy Thorpe Harry Thurlow Shirley Tillotson Robyn Tingley Nicholas Townley Donald & Gloria (Teed) Trivett Catherine Tuck Nicholas Twyman Estate of Marguerite Vernon*
Pauline Verstraten Ive Viksne Thomas & Nora (Dauphinee) Vincent Nancy Violi Charles Wainwright Isabel Wainwright Philip Walker Lorn Curry & Joanne Wall Karen Walsh & David Roffey Kim Wanless & Trevor Bishop Anne Weaver John Weeren Marie Weeren William Wells Victoria Welstead Lilleyman Jack Wenaus Dorothy Westerman Alvin Westgate & Cathy Ramey-Westgate John Westin Chris White Emily White Jana Wieder J. Christopher Wilcox William Williams Roy Willwerth David K. Wilson Margaret Wilson Blair Wilson Steven Wilson Frank Winters J.Robert Winters Ian & Christina Wissler James Wood Kathryn Wood Stuart Wood Brenda Woods Donald Woodside Meredith Woodwark Peter & Maida Woodwark
Patricia Wren Larry & Penny Wright Des Writer Charles Wurtzburg Lewis Wynne-Jones Elizabeth Yeo Laura Young Mario & Susan Zambonin Zhimei Zhang and those donors who wish to remain anonymous *deceased in memory of George Bain J. Ewart Blanchard David Casgrain F. Robert Cunningham Lucy Cuthbertson Susan Williams Dexter George Earles John Michael William Curphey Forrestall J. Henry Fraser Desota Gilmore, Jr. Eddie Goodman John Hankey Pamela Herod Sheila Jones Dorothy Keilty Shirley Miles Andrew Pitcairn James Sharp Hinds Harry Smith Albert Snow Kenneth Thomson in recognition of John Hamm
Would you like to support King’s now? Have you remembered King’s in your will or would you like more information about legacy gifts? Is there someone you would like to honour or memorialize with a gift to King’s? Please contact Kara Holm in the Advancement Office at (902) 422-1271, ext. 129 or write to kara.holm@ukings.ns.ca Name Address City
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SUCCESS OF THE KING'S SEMINAR LEADS TO NEW OFFERINGS IN 07–08 In September 2006, the University of King’s College announced that former President and Foundation Year Programme Director Dr. Colin Starnes would lead a four-month, not-for-credit seminar course—a pilot project that’s part of a much bigger vision for the University. The King’s Seminar: The Ancient World began in January 2007 with a total of 33 students participating in Halifax, Toronto and over the Internet. Based upon the content and tutorial structure of the Foundation Year Programme, the course was aimed toward adults with an interest in ancient cultures. Participants were provided with access to ten online lectures and nine inperson tutorials featuring Dr. Starnes and other King’s faculty and friends—experts in some of The Ancient World’s primary
A King’s Seminar tutorial in Halifax
texts, key events, customs, art, and architecture. Many of the participants were parents of current and former King’s students who had been envious of the ‘FYP Experience.’ Through The King’s Seminar, they were able to read and discuss the great books with the professors and other curious-minded individuals. Plans for future installments of The King’s Seminar are currently being discussed. In the fall we plan to re-offer The Ancient World in Halifax, Toronto and Ottawa and in the winter, we will launch a course on the Medieval World in the same three cities. If you, your parents or your friends would be interested in taking part, please contact Jonathan Bruhm in the Advancement Office at jonathan. bruhm@ukings.ns.ca. Space is limited.
RECAP: THE TRUST IN SCIENCE SERIES by Amy Teitel (4th year Classics & HOST) University, who explored the trust we as consumers place in the government, asking the question of who we trust to pass knowledge down to us. The fourth event was a panel discussion which brought the previous themes head-to-head. Dalhousie’s Dr. Ford Doolittle and Dr. Francoise Baylis, Dr. Siddika Mithani from Health Canada, and Aled Edwards from the University of Toronto discussed the trust we can and should place in science from both publicly and privately funded institutions, exploring the business/science relationship. Finally, Harvard’s Dr. Sheila Jasanoff concluded the series by outlining the role we, as individuals in a society, play in determining the general trust in science as opposed to being merely ignorant consumers. Each lecture brought to light many questions and issues that affect everyone, but few are concerned with, on a daily basis. What, then, should be taken away from this series? I believe that we should not be so distrustful as to immediately assume we are being lied to, calling all science into question. Rather, we should become aware of the sources of our scientific knowledge in order to promote a public understanding of what should and should not be trusted in science.
photos: Kevin Moynihan
Throughout the 2006-2007 academic year, the University of King’s College and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Public Affairs (CCEPA) hosted the five-part Trust In Science Lecture Series, exploring the implications of how Canadians trust in science. We all place a great amount of trust in science and scientific intuitions to tell us about ourselves or our place in the world on a daily basis, be it through the foods we eat or the technologies we use. But what are we really trusting, and why do we put so much faith in this institution called ‘science’? This series sought to answer these questions. The opening lecture was, from a History of Science and Technology student’s perspective, the most exciting part of the series. Dr. Steven Shapin from Harvard University, an oft-discussed historian of science in the third year core class, came to set the scene. From the Renaissance through to the 19th century, Dr. Shapin told the story of the emergence of ‘science’ and its institutions from its predecessor, natural philosophy. This lecture was followed by his Harvard colleague, Dr. David Scadden, who turned the idea of trusting science onto itself, internalizing the question in the institution itself. The third instalment in the series featured Dr. Janice Graham from Dalhousie
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PHOTO GALLERY It’s been a great winter and spring for Alumni Events at King’s and beyond—from the Christmas parties in Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver and London (UK), the five-city Faculty Lecture Tour, the Annual Dinner, the ’80s Reunion and, of course, the founding of the new Halifax Branch of the Alumni Association! The summer season is about to get underway and we have several exciting events on the horizon, including Life After King’s in Toronto (June 13), the Mid-’90s Reunion (June 30–July 1), the 14th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament (August 16). Stay tuned to www.ukings.ca and www.ukcalumni.com for more details about these and other upcoming events at King’s, and read Branch Briefs on page 33.
Top right: The Rev. Canon Russell Elliott (BA ’37, BDiv ’52, DD ’79) and The Rev. Canon Walter Harris (BA ’38, LTh ’57, DD ’83) in the Senior Common Room (February 3, 2007). Middle left: Terry Smith (BA ‘70), Steve Wilson (BA ‘87), Will English (BAH ‘07) and Elizabeth Ryan (BA ‘69) at the Alumni Christmas Party at King’s (December 7, 2006). Middle right: Merrin Sandilands (BA ‘97), Meredith Woodwark (BAH ‘97), Barb Stegemann (BA ‘91, BJ ‘99), Thomas Edelson (BJ ‘02), Kathy Wood (BAH ‘91) at the Alumni Christmas Party in Vancouver (December 6, 2006). Bottom left: John Stiles (BA ‘89) speaks at the founding of the Haliburton London (April 16, 2007). Bottom middle right: The first heavy snowfall of the season hits the Quad (December 4, 2006). Bottom lower right: Dr. Alistair MacLeod (DCL ‘00) and Colin Webster (BAH ‘05) during a meeting of the Haliburton Club (March 8, 2007).
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Top left: Eisha Basit (BJ ‘07) and Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada (February 12, 2007). Top right: Chairman of the King’s Board of Governors George Cooper, QC and Mira Chatt (‘98) in Jerusalem (December 2006). Middle left: Victoria O’Neill (KSU FVP), Elizabeth Ryan (BA ‘69), Daniel de Munnik (BScH ‘02) and Bob Mann (BA ‘01) and at Formal Meal (March 7, 2007). Middle right: Brad Roach, Luke Acker, Ian Gray (BA ‘05), Jared Strand, Ryan Lam and Meaghan Robertson prepare for the annual Godfrey Cup road race (March 28, 2007). Bottom left: Rae Brown (BA ‘99), Kathleen Soares (BA ‘74), Mark DeWolf (BAH ‘68), Peter Dawson (BAH ‘85) and Eric Bednarski (BA ‘99) at the founding of the Halifax Branch of the King’s Alumni Association (March 6, 2007). Bottom right: King’s Vice President Dr. Christopher Elson (BA ‘86) (top right) visits King’s alumni in St. John’s, including (clockwise from Elson) Dr. Penny Moody-Corbett (BSc ‘71), Kelly (Goodyear) Foss (BJH ‘98), Beth Ryan (BJ ‘83), Kelly Davis (BJH ‘94), Vanessa Colman-Sadd (BJ ‘99) and Andrew Nussey (BA ‘04) (April 27, 2007). TIDINGS | SUMMER 2007
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THE KING'S COLLEGE CHAPEL A Grammy Winner Finds His Way To Halifax by Sarah Lilleyman (BJH ’07)
F
OUR-TIME Grammywinning composer, conductor and performer Paul Halley once had to admit that he had never heard of the University of King’s College. In the late 1970s, Halley was working as music director at the Paul Halley Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in Manhattan. He was asked by Canon Edward N. West, a Subdean of the church and a legend in the Anglican community, whether he knew of King’s. “He said I must know of it because I’m Canadian,” remembers Halley. “I said I didn’t. He replied, ‘Well, my dear, it is the finest University in the world.’” This was Halley’s introduction to King’s, and now, more than 30 years later, he will call it home—He has been appointed as the new Music Director of the King’s College Chapel. In July 2007, the recipient of four Best New Age Album Grammy Awards for his work as a principal member, featured writer and performer with The Paul Winter Consort, will take over the position from Dr. Walter Kemp, who retires this year after a 16-year involvement with the Chapel’s music program.
“I’VE STUCK MY HEAD IN THE DOOR OF A FEW UNIVERSITIES ON AND OFF IN MY CAREER AND I’VE NEVER RECEIVED THE SAME IMPRESSION ANYWHERE ELSE.” Paul Halley Father Gary Thorne, the Chaplain of King’s and Dalhousie, was concerned when Kemp announced his retirement, as he 24
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didn’t know how the Chapel would replace him. “The music program has revolved around Dr. Kemp,” says Thorne. “It has always been coherent with the College and the type of excellence it tries to embody.” In this situation, timing was everything. Two other institutions in Halifax—St. George’s Round Church and the Atlantic School of Theology—were looking for music directors, and both contacted Thorne in May 2006. “All of us were on the search for someone exceptional,” he says. “We had a common mind, and we decided to pool our interests together to attract a top rate musician.” Dr. Kemp says he has the utmost confidence in his successor. “I’m leaving the Chapel with the knowledge that a very fine church musician, who understands King’s, will take my place,” he says. “The tradition I have helped develop can now go on, with some innovations.” Halley’s first order of business will be to build up the King’s Chapel Choir into a world-class ensemble. With concerts, tours and recordings, he hopes to develop the reputation of the choir to attract talented students from around the world. “If Oxford and Cambridge each have half a dozen of these fine choirs, Halifax deserves at least one!” he says. Thorne and Kemp point out that Halley’s familiarity with King’s and Halifax will be essential to his work. Halley has lived and studied in Ottawa and currently resides in Connecticut, but his family has spent most of their summers on Nova Scotia’s South Shore for the past 25 years. As well, his two daughters, Samantha (BAH ’04) and Vanessa (FYP ’99), also attended King’s.
“There’s a level of collegiality that was stunning to me,” he says. “I’ve stuck my head in the door of a few universities on and off in my career and I’ve never received the same impression anywhere else.” Outgoing Chapel Choir President Myra Bloom (BAH ’07) says the school is losing a venerable institution in Dr. Kemp, but adds that the school will benefit from a new perspective. “I’m sure Paul Halley will take things in a new direction which will be really interesting to see,” Bloom says. “I hope he’ll be able to combine his own musical sensibilities with our traditions.” King’s President Dr. William Barker, too, is enthusiastic about Halley’s vision. “He is academic in his approach, so he won’t be uncomfortable here,” says Dr. Barker. “The Chapel is a place where energy can be generated, where there is a connection to action in the
community. I hope he can help us get that energy focused, as a way of getting people out there.” One of Halley’s long-term goals is to establish a School of Sacred Music in Halifax, an institution he believes is sorely needed in North America. “I would love to see a program coming out of the partnership between King’s and the Atlantic School of Theology that would train the next generation of church musicians,” he says. “Perhaps we’ll find traces of Mediterranean water in Halifax Harbour, or hear the strains of a Cape Breton fiddle behind a Qawwali singer.” He adds that such things are possible at King’s and in Halifax because of the ‘thoughtfulness’ that these communities generate. “Father Thorne speaks of the King’s Chapel as a place ‘where the head and heart come together.’ Whatever kind of impact I end up making, that is a place where I would like to be.” ∂
King’s College Chapel Bids Farewell to Dr. Kemp The patrons at the King’s College Chapel seem bright and happy, considering it’s approaching 1:30 am on Easter Saturday. All eyes and ears are focused on the Chapel Choir, as Dr. Walter Kemp conducts them in his hymn “Queen of Bliss” for the last time. Father Gary Thorne speaks a few words to the congregation about the retirement of Dr. Kemp, a beloved figure at King’s who has left a rich legacy. “‘Queen of Bliss’ has become a staple at Chapel services,” says Thorne. “I notice many of the congregation are able to sing along to this beautiful hymn, which is quite an accomplishment.” Thorne praises Kemp’s philosophical approach to music, claiming: “His vision was consistent with the College and the type of excellence it embodies. We will be sorry to see him go.” But after 16 years of service as Music Director of the Chapel, Kemp is taking
Dr. Walter Kemp
some time for himself. Kemp founded the Aquinas Choir at the Chapel in 1991, and his attachment to it encouraged him to stay on for two more years after he retired as professor of music at King’s. “It was good for me to de-escalate and not drop everything at once,” he says. “It helped for me to stay on during the transition between Father Friesen and Father Thorne, to offer some support.” Kemp says that this year seemed a good time to retire. He was worried about leaving last year, as it was difficult to find an ideal candidate to take his place at the time. Now he plans to relax and work on writing and composing. Even though it was a good time to go, Kemp says there’s one aspect of his work he’s sad to leave behind: “I’ll certainly miss the students the most,” he says. “They keep me young.”
RECAP: THE ARMBRAE DIALOGUE AT KING'S On February 21–22, 2007 the University of King’s College and Armbrae Academy co-hosted the inaugural Armbrae Dialogue at King’s—a social justice symposium for local high school students encompassing the theme of the nature and role of consequence in human affairs. The mandate of the session was to engage upper level high school students and to provide them with the opportunity to informatively participate with peers
and guests in thoughtful, animated and purposeful discussion. Featured speakers included acclaimed Canadian children’s advocate Peter Dalglish, Tom Walsh from the Coady International Institute at St. Francis Xavier University and Sudanese refugee Jacob Deng. For more information on The Armbrae Dialogue at King’s, please visit www.armbrae.ns.ca. Thanks to John Stone (BAH ’65) for all of his hard work
Jacob Deng TIDINGS | SUMMER 2007
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CAMPUS LIFE—QUAD HOCKEY
During the evening of Thursday, February 15, 2007, a handful of FYP students took a study break and used plastic trash buckets from their residence rooms to carry warm water from the basement of Alex Hall to the patch of grass in front of the residence. A couple of hours later, they completed their flood of the lawn and put up warning signs to protect people (and the smoothness of the ice), and let it freeze overnight. The next day, after the second FYP midterm, they laced up their skates and hit the ice! Thanks to Dave Jerome for the details and to John Packman for the photos.
RECAP: SERIES ON POPULAR AESTHETICS
Following a successful 2005-2006 schedule, which featured academic spins on The Da Vinci Code and Harry Potter, The University of King’s College presented the second season of the Series on Popular Aesthetics (formerly known as the Pop Culture Series) throughout the
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past academic year. Lecturers from King’s, Dalhousie and Ryerson University appeared at four events, and spoke on topics ranging from Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials and Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose to Dracula and Peter Pan.
For more information on the Series on Popular Aesthetics, including podcast interviews with Dr. Jure Gantar and series coordinator Dr. Thomas Curran, please visit the King’s Events Page at www.ukings.ca/kings 3900.html
POSTCARD FROM SPAIN A Word from a King’s Grad Working Abroad by Brendan Morrison (BAH ’06)
A
FTER GRADUATING from King’s last Spring, my girlfriend (Victoria Mohr-Blakeney, BAH ’06) and I were given an opportunity to live and work for a year in Sevilla, Spain. Until moving to Sevilla, I had always held a mild distaste for pigs. Like many Canucks, I enjoyed a Saturday morning back-bacon on a bun – beyond that, I was rather indifferent toward the animal and its culinary treats. I soon discovered that this lukewarm attitude is impossible in Spain’s southern province of Andalucía. Here, the pig is king. Treated with respect and displayed hanging from the ceilings in bars and cafés, it is cherished and feasted upon as a staple of every meal. Every part of the pig is consumed and savoured, from its loin to its intestines, snout, ears and all other parts that we would consider unmentionable. The linguistic nuances tell the tale. Like Inuktitut’s numerous variations on the English word “snow,” what we would consider merely “ham” or “pork” encompasses a vast menu of different items in Spanish. The species here aren’t the pink little tots that I was used to either. They are massive grey beasts, more reminiscent of beached whales than the soft-spoken Piglet I cuddled up to in my Winnie-the-Pooh youth. Aracena, a town outside of Sevilla, is home to the Ham Museum. The director of the museum guided us through all the proper ways one cuts, cures, preserves, slices, and savours a pig. The term “guided” doesn’t capture the passion with which he led the tour. It was a serenade. He danced us through what he refers to as the “gastronomic ecosystem” that is Andalucía: the finest pigs feed on a diet solely of acorns—acorns which fall from Cork Oaks, the bark of which corks the wine from the neighbouring vines, and only with that wine can one properly
savour the ham. And so, I should not have been surprised when I was brought my staff Christmas gift one day at work. A grinning colleague of mine trudged into the office and plunked down on my keyboard what—to a North American city boy like me—was nothing more than a severed leg with a bow on it. He smiled proudly. “You like ham?” he asked. “Uhhhhh,” was the only response I mustered. The walk home that day was one of the more bizarre experiences of my life. I felt sheepish carrying over my shoulder what seemed like evidence that I had been involved in a massacre of sorts. And yet everyone I passed smiled affectionately at me as though I was a lucky little boy with a bag full of candy. I felt a primitive, primordial sensation when greeting Victoria that evening. “I got dinner,” I exclaimed, walking through the door, chin held high, feeling for the first time in my life like a hunter-gatherer. We shared a chuckle, affectionately giggling at the charming old-world traditions of southern Spain, and feeling sorry for vegetarian travellers. Brendan Morrison and Victoria Mohr-Blakeney live in Sevilla, Spain. Brendan works at the Confederation of Andalusian Businesses on a work grant from the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, while Victoria teaches English and dances Flamenco. In the fall, they will each be returning to academic life to pursue Master’s degrees. Victoria will be studying Hispanic Literature at the University of Toronto and Brendan will pursue a MSc Philsophy and Public Policy at the London School of Economics. In the meantime, they’re enjoying the music and orange trees while struggling to dissect their ham.
Morrison and friends with their prized pig TIDINGS | SUMMER 2007
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ALUMNI PROFILE
Don Harrison
He’s Feeling Lucky by Roszan Holmen (BJ ’07)
“People tend to work here late, mainly because they’re excited about what they do.” Don Harrison and daughter Kieran
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MASSIVE TYRANNOSAURUS Rex greets Don Harrison (BAH ‘95) every day at work. The replica, which sits in his building’s main atrium, was a gift from Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin to thank employees for their hard work during the company’s initial public offering. While the dinosaur might look out of place in most engineering firms, Page and Brin run a company like no other. From 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, 35 year-old Harrison and his colleagues can eat at one of several Google cafés run by top chefs, compliments of the company. Exercise balls sit in every office and employees ride scooters between buildings on the Google campus in California’s Silicon Valley. Harrison says that the perks are all about recognizing and rewarding phenomenally hard-working employees. “Providing dinner makes it easier for me to stay here and work a few more hours,” he says. “There’s no expectation of staying late, but it’s a young, vibrant place that has a very good work ethic. People tend to work here late, mainly because they’re excited about what they do.” Six years ago, Google provided its employees with pianos, in-house masseuses and roller-hockey tournaments in the parking lot. As the company expanded, it lost some of this constructive playfulness, but Harrison says that it has managed to maintain what makes it such a great place to work: great people. “Most of the people I work closely with are smart bright people that I enjoy working with,” he says. “That makes work fun, in and of itself.” Harrison grew up in Wolfville, Nova Scotia and began his post-secondary aca-
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demic career at King’s, attracted by the Foundation Year Programme. “I loved [King’s],” he says. “My only regret is that I didn’t do the Foundation Year Programme now as opposed to back then, when my priorities weren’t so much school. I was 18—I played on the rugby team and spent a lot of time in The Wardroom.” Despite these ‘distractions,’ the ideas Harrison encountered at King’s propelled him into a political science and philosophy degree at Dalhousie. After graduating in 1995, he started law school at the University of Toronto. Originally interested in constitutional law, he had the opportunity to work on some mergers and acquisitions during a summer placement, which made him realize that he liked working on large, complicated deals. The focus of his studies then shifted to corporate law. After completing his law degree, Harrison started articling for Davies Ward & Beck in Toronto. But by the end of the 1990s, he was ready for an adventure—a friend from law school convinced him to head down to the Silicon Valley, where the Internet bubble was bursting. Harrison took the chance with his girlfriend, now wife, Yvonne Valiquette, who is also a lawyer. The two found jobs, and he started working for Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, one of the leading firms representing technology companies. Soon after settling in, however, the stock market crashed and the bubble shattered. “It wasn’t an easy time,” says Harrison. “I had a lot of friends who were laid off.” Fortunately, he had already been introduced to Google, a new client who would keep him busy during these slow times. They were already well known as Internet search technology developers at the time,
but they weren’t making much money. The company’s prospects quickly changed, however, when they realized they could match text-based ads with their search results. With that discovery, Google invented a whole new market of relevant, useful advertising that’s now worth more than $20 billion. While he was still with his firm, Harrison became enamoured with Google— both its mission to organize the world’s information, and its culture, and he did what he could to work more closely with the company. “I would make sure that if there was a new Google assignment that came in that I was involved,” he says. “Everyone I worked with, almost without exception, was a combination of bright and friendly. Eager to problem-solve and to embrace new ways to do things. It wasn’t bureaucratic—it was very free-flowing and fun.” By late 2003, Google started gearing up to go public and Harrison spent the next year devoted to that process, working 80- to 100-hour weeks. As the initial public offering geared down, he started re-evaluating his goal to be a senior associate at his firm. In September 2004, his first child was born and he needed a lifestyle more conducive to raising children. And so, Harrison joined the Google team in 2005 as its Securities and Mergers & Acquisitions counsel. He now helps to buy new start-ups, such as Youtube, and advises the company about its disclosure obligations as a public entity. He also says that his work and family life are more balanced and he’s flourishing in what he calls Google’s “70 – 20 – 10 culture”: the company’s engineers are encouraged to spend 70 per cent of their time on core
search and advertising projects, 20 per cent of their time is spent on related projects, such as Gmail, Picassa and Google Maps. Their remaining time is devoted to their private passions. “Our engineers are happy because they get to explore projects on their own,” he says. “At the same time, they’re minding
the shop.” Harrison admits that as a lawyer, it’s a little harder to follow the 70 – 20 - 10 rule, but he can take time to work on Google’s philanthropic foundations. “The one thing that coming to Google has made me realize is how important that cultural element is—to enjoy what you’re
doing,” he says. “Work can be fun if you surround yourself with people that are commonly motivated.” As for advice for King’s students, Harrison says: “critically examine where it is you are working and ask yourself if it is worth changing. [If so,] don’t be afraid to take chances.” ∂
BOOKS I’M READING
Neil Hooper, Director of Athletics
Neil Hooper Trying to live one of my dreams, I recently bought a set of golf clubs and started to read about the game—starting with Golf Fundamentals by Denise St. Pierre. In it, she quotes American sports writer Grantland Rice, who said: “Golf is 20 per cent mechanics and technique. The other 80 per cent is philosophy, humor, tragedy, romance, melodrama, companionship, camaraderie, cussedness, and
conversation.” I’m more worried about the 20 per cent! According to St. Pierre, golf originated in Scotland and was played by shepherds who passed their time hitting rocks around fields with sticks. Apparently, King James II of Scotland banned the game in 1457 because “people were spending too much time playing the game and not enough time working on their archery skills.” The modern version could also be blamed for similar procrastination! Most of my life has been spent playing contact sports, so the refined skills of golf certainly are a break from my usual pursuits. Still, I think I can do this. The old coach in me insists that I should know what I’m doing first, so I continue to read and realize that everything, from knowing your clubs and which ones to use for which shots along with the mechanics and techniques of each shot, are quite daunting. Nonetheless, my ultimate goals are to have fun and to be able to go to a golf course to enjoy the fresh air and hit the ball reasonably straight. One of the things I am enjoying the
most is the lighter side of golf and the stories that have come out of the game. One of its most colorful and controversial characters is John Daly—his book with Glen Wagoner, My Life In & Out of the Rough, gives an account of his turbulent life mixed in with hilarious anecdotes. Despite his well-documented problems and antics, he comments on what playing the game means to him, stating: “...being on the golf course, inside those ropes at a tournament, clearing my head and focusing on one thing and one thing only—the shot I want to hit—that’s about the only time and place I feel at peace from all the stuff that’s rained down on my head for the last 20 years.” I hope that I’m able to get even ten percent of the enjoyment out of the game that he speaks about. Speaking of golf, the 14th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, August 16 at the Ken-Wo Golf and Country Club in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Visit http://www.ukings.ca/kings 3438 9606.html or call (902) 422-1271 ext. 128 for details.
FRAZEE NAMED HUDSON AWARD RECIPIENT At the Alumni Annual Dinner on May 12, 2007, The University of King’s College Alumni Association named Mr. Rowland C. Frazee, CC (DCL ’75) as the recipient of the 2007 Judge J. Elliott Hudson Distinguished Alumnus/a Award. Dalhousie student Laura Frazee accepted the award on behalf of her grandfather. The Judge J. Elliott Hudson Distinguished Alumnus/a Award was created in 1994 by the Alumni Association to recognize a King’s alumnus/a who, like Judge Hudson (BA ’24), has made in-
valuable contributions to his or her community or profession through charitable or volunteer work. Mr. Frazee first attended the University of King’s College in 1938 and returned to his studies a decade later, after serving in WWII. A Companion of the Order of Canada, Mr. Frazee went on to become the Chairman of the Royal Bank of Canada. He served on the King’s Board of Governors from 1968-1970 and is a member of the Beaver Club, whose members founded and continue to support the
school’s annual Beaver Club Award.
Steven Stone and Laura Frazee TIDINGS | SUMMER 2007
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FYP TEXTS COLUMN
“London Bridge is falling down…”
“A P H E N O M E N O N W H I C H I H AV E O F T E N N OT I C E D ” —T. S . E L I OT
By Dr. Thomas Curran, Ph.D., Senior Fellow, Foundation year Programme
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T
HE FOUNDATION YEAR Programme began in September 1972, exactly 50 years after T.S. Eliot’s first publication of his epic poem The Waste Land. However, the poem itself did not land in our FYP reading list until the Spring of 1978; it has now had 30 consecutive lectures devoted to its interpretation, by at least 12 different lecturers. I do believe that this poem of 433 numbered lines has earned its place in “the modern canon,” and I note, by the way, that we can expect the poem to continue being read at least until it reaches its centenary year. At a decisive moment in the recent movie “Children of Men,” Michael Caine chants the concluding line of Eliot’s poem: “Shantih shantih shantih.” Since the action is apparently occurring in the year 2027, we may fully expect FYP lecturers to continue their interpretation of this masterpiece for at least another 20 years! What can we say about The Waste Land’s obvious staying power? It is not just that Eliot’s tour de force is “the longest poem in the English langwidge” as his ruthless editor, Ezra Pound (to whom it is dedicated), declared: Pound cut the published poem down to half its manuscript length. Nor shall we accept at face value Eliot’s famous later assertion that the work was little more than an “insignificant grouse against life,” which took hold of him in the form of “rhythmical grumbling.” The secret of the poem’s afterlife must be the way in which it actually succeeded in taking hold of the Zeitgeist, the way in which it spoke to, and for, a generation of those still shell-shocked by the Great War of 1914-1918. Eliot’s countrymen, from both sides of the Atlantic, were the brutalized witnesses to that no-man’s land between the trenches, a muddy, inhospitable, barren patch of ground, littered with abandoned munitions, military gear, and leftover bits of the human sacrifices who were sent “over the top” to be mown down by the machine guns firing from the opposing trenches. Another remarkable way in which Eliot’s verses are aligned to the age is in the “family resemblance” to the contemTIDINGS | SUMMER 2007
porary visual arts, particularly the work of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braques: these, even before the First World War, were pioneers of both the artistic movement called Cubism and the visual technique we know as collage. In Cubism, a painting is able to present the viewer with a variety of perspectives simultaneously, and so manages to convey the artifice of “shifting viewpoints” [see The Dictionary of Art, 1996, Vol. 8] within the restrictions of a two-dimensional surface. In “collage” (derived from the French word meaning “to stick” or “to glue” [see ibid, Vol. 7]), this same avant-garde duo created a new way of representing the world by gluing bits and pieces, shards and potsherds, onto a painted canvas. It would be difficult to find a better way of representing The Waste Land to a first-time reader than as a literary work that both revels in “shifting” perspectives, and one that appears to pick up fragments of conversation and snatches of tunes right off the street and then proceeds to stick them into the literary “scrapbook” that we have come to know as Eliot’s The Waste Land. Eliot has here managed to turn highbrow bric-à-brac into one of the supreme achievements of English literature. Incidentally, Eliot has also given us reason to believe that the themes of his poem are not all that far removed from Stravinsky’s infamous ballet of 1913, The Rite of Spring, which Eliot himself celebrated as “Ulysses with illustrations.” But what really endears The Waste Land to an academic audience is Eliot’s addition in the first monograph publication of the extensive appended notes, which reveal some, but certainly not all, of the erudite literary allusions. These poetic footnotes belong in some peculiar way to the thrill we acquire in reading the poem. Others have pointed out that these notes are surely the most arch, esoteric, “selective and evasive” [Harriet Davidson], and in my opinion, also the most downright misleading annotations that have ever been made part of a literary work. (Eliot seems to target the same “gullible” readers as Jonathan Swift before him.) Again, later in life, Eliot apologized
for sending so many readers “on a wild goose chase after Tarot cards and the Holy Grail.” Personally, I must confess, I have no regrets: I have enjoyed this “quest” more than anything else in FYP. But it is an interesting question, why these notes are so ambiguous: why they conceal so much more than they reveal? An explanation that is “prêt-à-porter” offers itself in Eliot’s later conversion to English Christianity, for one can come to read these notes as a true masterpiece of “Anglican reserve”, suggesting a devotional attitude in Eliot, which does not regard our deepest spiritual concerns as suitable fodder either for agony columns or Reality TV. The issues that The Waste Land raises are, in a sense, intensely personal and private, and therefore they are only, in the notes, to be addressed by way of circumlocution, which is to say, the notes obliquely talk “all around the issue.” Now I am going to say the same thing, but this time in much more high-falutin language. Here I appeal to Eliot’s great German contemporary, the philosopher, Martin Heidegger; they are almost exact contemporaries. From Heidegger’s philosophy we learn that every revealing is also a concealing, and that, in a way, the allusions that are neglected are more interesting than the ones that are explored. The whole effect, like that of the poem itself, is rather fragmentary. While some allusions are explored in exceptional detail, others are passed over in complete silence. A revealing which becomes a concealing is the masterstroke that makes these notes one of endless fascination. I have to restrict myself to one simple, but incredibly potent example. Eliot concludes a description of the “Unreal City,” with a portrayal of the living dead, aka big city commuters, who pour across London Bridge (which we are reminded later is “falling down”); when they make their way down “King William Street,” as Eliot himself did, they pass the church of Saint Mary Woolnoth, whose chimes announce the hours “with a dead sound on the final stroke of nine.” To this line 68
Photo: Corbis
T.S. Eliot, ca. 1925-1935
BAUDELAIRE (1821-1867) is a definite cartographer of The Waste Land: in 1930, T.S. Eliot acknowledged his use of Baudelaire’s guidebook to “the sordid life of a great metropolis.” Indeed, Baudelaire’s Les Fleurs du Mal is given two explicit nods in Eliot’s notes to the poem, but it never hurts to look further afield. So I report in passing that Baudelaire’s poem, “Le Vampire,” perfectly anticipates Eliot’s own concerns with “the undead” London commuters. More importantly, in Baudelaire’s “The Taste for Nothingness,” we are informed that Spring, formerly “adorable,” has lost its pleasing fragrance! This is almost a literal anticipation of Eliot’s opening lines in The Waste Land. In the conclusion of the 1861 edition, Baudelaire informs Death, our Captain, that “this country bores us” and that it’s time to set sail. This is not only pertinent for the epigram that serves as a preface to Eliot’s poem, but indeed is a theme in all its sections from “The Burial of the Dead” onwards. Perhaps of even greater interest is Baudelaire’s reputation as “the painter of modern life.” In an essay of that title (1863), Baudelaire emphasizes “le transit-
of the poem, Eliot appends the following masterpiece of legerdemain: “A phenomenon which I have often noticed.” This deception is the theme of Christopher Priest’s novel The Prestige, also recently turned into a film. As the diary of Priest’s magician explains, the major moment in any conjuring trick is the misdirection of the audience; while the illusionist is directing your gaze in one direction, the real action is taking place elsewhere on the stage. Having been distracted, you are made to search “in the wrong direction.” Eliot’s note to line 68 suggests that he is once again reporting a sound he has recorded in passing, and glued into the scrapbook that is his poem. Nothing unusual there, we are supposed to think. And my interpretation of this stanza in terms of zombie-like commuters is fully warranted by the attributed quotation to Dante’s Inferno at line 63, and the wholly unattributed reference to Bram Stoker’s Dracula at line 381, which is also “lifted” directly from the novel. But now let’s put all this “audience misdirection” aside: an attentive reader
may catch another shape emerging here from the shadows. Think of the Mediterranean world, and more specifically of the Levant and the sacred places of the Holy Land. Here the days are more uniform than they are in our more northern latitudes, nothing like our seasonal extremes, and so traditionally the day was divided into twelve day-light hours. Consequently, the 3rd hour would be our 9am, the 6th hour our Noonday, and so on. If one has this Biblical information rattling around in one’s head —and that is exactly how Eliot’s allusions all work: they are scraps of information of things we vaguely remember—then our hypothetical attentive reader will recall that Christ was crucified at the sixth hour, and at the ninth hour “yielded up the ghost.” This is why I admire this poem so much: in the midst of the scene of the most profane human activity, there is inserted a reference to the greatest spiritual reality… but it is only for those who can see past this literary genius’ masterpiece of misdirection, that is to say, for those able to feel their way past the notes and into the heart of Eliot’s monumental The Waste Land. ∂
oire, le fugitif, le contingent,” and defines modernity as “the passing, fleeting beauty of present-day life.” From suggestions such as these, perhaps, one of our former FYP lecturers on The Waste Land (Stephen Brooke) summarized Baudelaire’s definition of modernity as “the experience of life lived in fragments.”
epic “Odyssey” the governing narrative technique of his own sprawling novel. Eliot has exploited Joyce’s archetype in two ways: first, by choosing the epic quest for the Holy Grail as his shaping narrative. The poem makes the quest for the redemptive power of that sacred vessel the stabilizing backbone of Eliot’s bleak vision of urban alienation and decay: the river Thames has become a repository of stinking, floating rubbish, and London Bridge is “falling down.” But secondly, Eliot is equally a master with Joyce in collapsing the monumental with the ordinary, the heroic with the banal, the sublime with the ridiculous (even with the vulgar and lewd); the novelist brings the epic journey of Odysseus to the urban meanderings of Dublin’s Leopold Bloom. Eliot, for his part, makes the quest for Christ’s healing chalice, the sacred relic in the keeping of the Fisher King, the constitutive ground for his enervating daily commute to his London office. This is almost enough to make us believe that Eliot’s morning passage “down King William Street” has as its journey’s goal a sacred encounter, in the basement vault of Lloyd’s Bank, with the legendary Fisher King.
JAMES JOYCE is the other literary giant, whose influence upon Eliot in the composition of The Waste Land is explicitly acknowledged. After the Paris publication of Joyce’s notorious Ulysses in 1922 (the very same year as the first publication of Eliot’s poem), Eliot gave this account of Joyce’s “mythic method”: Joyce’s novel, we are told in 1923, had manipulated “a continuous parallel between contemporaneity and antiquity.” By this means, the author had a way of “controlling, of ordering, of giving a shape and a significance to the immense panorama of futility and anarchy which is contemporary history.” Remember how Joyce himself calls the tale of “brave” Ulysses, “the most beautiful, all-embracing theme” in the whole history of our literature, and makes that hero’s
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UNIVERSITY OF KING’S COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 2007-2008
Your Executive at Work As many of you know, the Alumni Association has been undergoing a renewal. Since the last issue of Tidings we have been talking about: • Governance and the role of branches in our structure. • Building profile for the awards offered by the Alumni Association for students and alumni. • How to most effectively enable connections between alumni for social, mentoring and other purposes. • Increasing our leadership in the nomination of candidates to receive Honorary
Degrees from the College. • Participation in College governance through our four official seats on the Board of Governors. • Involvement in University committees such as the Honorary Degrees Committee, Property Grounds and Safety and the Presidential Search Committee. In terms of action: we have revisited our committee structure. Another extremely significant milestone was reached when the membership in Halifax opted for form a local branch this March, effectively making the official function of your As-
sociation Executive is more international and strategic. The Branches are naturally taking a more local focus. Branches organize social events and speakers independently and in conjunction with the Advancement Office at King’s. New ideas and approaches are always welcome. No doubt about it, Canada’s oldest Alumni Association is bigger, more diverse and more international. If you would like to contr bute to the Association at the Executive or local level, please contact Alumni Officer Rachel Pink at rachel.pink@ukings. ns.ca and she will direct you appropriately.
Executive Members President Vice-President
Steven Wilson (BA ’87) David Jones (BA ’68)
2006–2008 2006–2008
Treasurer Past President
Andy Hare (BA ’70) Doug Hadley (BA ’92)
2006–2008
Secretary Board of Governor Representative
Harry Thurlow (BA ’95) Daniel Logan (BA ’88)
2005–2007 2005–2007
Board of Governor Representative Board of Governor Representative
John Stone (BAH ’65) Daniel de Munnik (BScH ’02)
2005–2007 2006–2008
Committee Member Committee Member
Lara Morrison (BAH ’95) Elizabeth Ryan (BA ’69)
2005–2007 2005–2007
Committee Member Committee Member
Kyle Shaw (BSc ’91, BJ ’92) Des Writer (BJ ’02)
2005–2007 2006–2008
Committee Member Committee Member
Gregory Guy (BJH ’87) Sarah Hubbard (BA ‘86, BJ ’91)
2006–2008 2006–2008
Committee Member University President (Ex-Officio)
Robert Mann (BA ’01) William Barker
2006–2008
Advancement Director (Ex-Officio) Alumni Officer (Ex-Officio)
Kara Holm Rachel Pink
Student Union President (Ex-Officio)
Coren Pulleyblank
FORMAL BRANCH LEADERS
Branch Leaders
Halifax Montréal
Mark DeWolf (BAH ’68) Amanda Margison (BJH ’01)
mark@jmdewolf.com kingsalumnimontreal@yahoo.ca
Toronto Europe
Daniel Logan (BAH ’88) Chris MacNeil (BA ’94)
dlogan@osler.com chris@ebooster.co.uk
Fredericton Ottawa
Kathryn Collet (BSc ’87) Wendy Hepburn (BA ’05)
kathryn.collet@gnb.ca hepburn.wendy@tbs-sct.gc.ca
Vancouver Boston
Kathy Wood (BAH ’94) Mark Fleming (BAH ’94)
kathywood@shaw.ca fleming@post.harvard.edu
New York Australia
Emanuella Grinberg (BJH ’04) Johanna MacMinn (BA ’89)
e grinberg@hotmail.com jomacminn@optusnet.com.au
REGIONAL CONTACTS
Interested in starting up a branch in your area? We’d love to hear from you—please contact Alumni Officer Rachel Pink at rachel.pink@ukings.ns.ca. You can also sign up for our e-newsletter by e-mailing us at alumni@ukcalumni.com. 32
TIDINGS | SUMMER 2007
BRANCH BRIEFS HALIFAX
TORONTO
The Halifax Branch of the King’s Alumni Association was formally established on March 6, 2007. The Home Branch (or, “The Homies”) held a convivial meeting in The Wardroom, with local musician Al Tuck (BA ‘88) providing musical accompaniment. In late March, the branch invited local alumni to attend a King’s Theatrical Society performance of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, a production that wowed everyone who was lucky enough to see it. A social gathering in the recently refurbished Manning Room in Alex Hall rounded off the evening, and was made even more enjoyable by the occasional King’s students drifting into the crowd —perhaps attracted by the wine and cheese that was on offer. Upcoming Home Branch events include a social mixer in June and the annual Golf Tournament on August 16. As the purpose of establishing a Halifax branch was to better serve of alumni living in the Halifax area, “The Homies” will be working hard to arrange events and provide services that strengthen existing ties to the University—and to solidify ties with more recent graduates.
In February, King’s professor Dr. Gordon McOuat visited the Toronto Branch during the 2007 Faculty Lecture Series. The turnout was very good with approximately 100 people on hand, and the lecture was extremely well received. The next event in Toronto will be held on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 as the second annual “Life After King’s” initiative will run from 6:00 pm onwards at the University of Toronto’s Hart House. King’s alumni will discuss what they studied at King’s, how they started their respective careers and the lessons learned at King’s which influenced them. Alumni, current students, prospective students and their parents are all welcome to attend the event—please RSVP to rachel.pink@ukings.ns.ca if you would like to attend. Many more ideas are planned for the summer, including a send off for new students. Stay tuned to your King’s Alumni e-Newsletters for more details.
OTTAWA King’s Alumni in Ottawa will be participating in a pub night on June 7 at Pier 21 in the Byward Market, in conjunction with other Ottawa Branches of Atlantic Universities. Halifax band Clam Chowder will take the stage at 9:00 pm. The Ottawa gang is in the midst of identifying enthusiastic alumni who are interested in welcoming new King’s students and visiting with other King’s grads. In the year to come, they have plans to host a pub night, a BBQ off of the Rideau River, and end of summer BBQ for new students and recent grads, and several other activities. If you would like to help out, please contact Wendy Hepburn (BA ’05) at Hepburn.wendy@tbs-sct. gc.ca or David Jones (BA ’68, HF ’98) at commadore@sympatico.ca.
CALGARY King’s Alumni in Calgary held their first meeting in April 2007 to organize a first branch event. Nick Twyman (BA ’87), Dorothy Wong (BAH ’02) and Lew Turnquist (BSc ’90) were present and several other interested parties will take part in future meetings. The first event will be held at Nick’s house during the Calgary Stampede on July 7, 2007, and it is being billed as an East-meets-West Reef and Beef party. Two bands have been lined up—Sweet Potato, for Stampede tunes, and Fraid Knot, a local Maritime band. They are hoping that this event will kick start the local association and lay a foundation for future events. They are currently looking for sponsorships to help cover some of the food and beverages, and Dorothy is working on organizing a Calgary alumni list. Please contact them at dkwong@ukcalumni.com if you would like to help.
VANCOUVER The Vancouver Branch hosted a couple of gatherings over the winter, as a handful of King’s alumni met for a Christmas gathering in December, and King’s professor Dr. Elizabeth Edwards delivered a
lecture entitled “Seneca on the Gift” for alumni and prospective students as part of the 2007 Faculty Lecture Series in midFebruary. The Branch is sad to say goodbye to one of its most active members, Barb Stegemann (BA ’91, BJ ’99), but the new Halifax branch will benefit from her move back East. A big thank you to Barb for all her hard work on the West Coast and her ongoing encouragement and support of all King’s events!
NEW YORK Hoping to build on the success of its last event, there will be another get-together for King’s alumni and friends in New York in the summer. Please contact Emanuella Grinberg (BJH ’04) at e_ grinberg@hotmail.com.
EUROPE Following another successful Christmas party, the European Chapter has hit the ground running in 2007, as John Stiles (BA ’89) and Alison Carruthers (BA ’92) have joined the Executive team. King’s Alumni attended a Canadian Media Night in London on March 14, and at the Network Canada Literary Night on April 16, John brought some of his published works to life. We also announced, through Alison’s eloquent introduction, the founding of the European chapter of the Haliburton Club—potential members and/or volunteers should contact Chris MacNeil (BA ’94) at chris@ebooster.co.uk for more information. As well, Canada Day in London happens in Trafalgar Square on June 29.
AUST RALIA Johanna MacMinn (BA ’89) made an attempt to host a gathering for King’s Alumni in Sydney on February 1, 2007. The venue of choice was a beautiful old pub that would make any Maritimer a little homesick. Unfortunately, she only had a handful of e-mail address of King’s alumni who might be living in Australia, and turnout was low—just her, actually! If there are other King’s alumni and friends living in or visiting Australia, please contact Johanna at jomacminn@optusnet.com. au—she’d love to hear from you! TIDINGS | SUMMER 2007
33
A L U M N OT E S / I N M E M O R I A M THE ’50S Anne (Hill) Hart (BA ’56) was awarded an honorary D.Lit from Memorial University in October 2006 for her contributions to Newfoundland Studies.
THE ’60S The Rev. Canon Jim Irvine (BA ’69, BST ’71) has recently begun serving parttime at St Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fredericton. He can be found online at www.msgr.ca
THE ’70S The Rev. Canon G. Richmond Bridge (Chaplain ’77-’98) has retired from Saint Paul’s Church, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and from full-time ministry. In “semiretirement,” he is the Founder and Rector of the Church of Our Lady of the Angels. Brian Pitcairn (BA ’73) is working with the Alberta government to promote dialogue and meaningful contact between the provincial resource industry and First Nations community in Alberta. Emmitt Kelly (BComm ’79) was recently elected president of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Atlantic for a two-year term and sits on the Board of BOMA Canada. Emmitt is the Manager of Accommodations for the Province of Nova Scotia, a Class B member of the Canadian Olympic Committee and a member of King’s Property, Grounds and Safety Committee. Julie Morris (BA ’77) retired in March 2007 after 28 years in archives and records management with the Province of Nova Scotia. She will be continuing to work as a consultant and as an archives and records management specialist.
THE ’80S Larry Burke (’81) and his company, Burke & Burke Designs, were featured twice recently in New York’s Retail Ad World Magazine, making them the first Atlantic Canadian ad firm to be recognized by the magazine in its 70-year history. Wendy Coomber (BJ ’85) is the editor of the Ashcroft Journal. She lives in Cache Creek, BC with her partner of 20 years and their four cats. 34
TIDINGS | SUMMER 2007
Annemieke Holthuis (’82), her husband, David and their four girls (ranging in age from 3-11) have moved from Ottawa to Victoria, BC for a few years while David is on a secondment with the provincial Ministry of the Attorney General. Annemieke continues to work for the Department of Justice in its Criminal Law Policy Section on projects, including law reform work with the International Centre for Criminal Law Reform. Thomas Kilgour (BA ’80) earned his B.Ed from Dalhousie after his time at King’s, followed by teaching stints in Nova Scotia and Ontario. After completing his M.Ed at St.FX and M.Sc. in the Governance of Education at the University of Oxford, he moved on to Headmaster and Directorships at private schools in the Middle East and Switzerland. The Rev. Dr. Iain Luke (BA ’85) and his wife Victoria are pleased to announce the birth of their second child, Catherine, on July 1, 2006—a sister for Elizabeth, born in 2003. Iain has been appointed as dean of the Anglican diocese of Athabasca, and rector of the Cathedral Church of St James in Peace River, Alberta. Major Stephen Murray (BA ’85, HC ’87) has been the Deputy Commanding Officer of the Canadian Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Kandahar, Afghanistan since August 2006. John Scott (FYP ’86) has completed a documentary about a book of poetry, titled Scouts are Cancelled (Insomniac Press, 2002) The film features poems and performances of poems about the Annapolis Valley by John Stiles (BA ‘89), with whom John played soccer on the King’s team. Fellow King’s alumnus Charles Austin (BAH ’93) provided the film’s score. Brian Seaman (BJ ’84) has been living in Calgary since October of 2000 and has been employed as a research associate at the University of Calgary’s Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre. He is currently writing a book addressing topical legal and ethical issues attendant to genetic research. He would like to hear from anyone with a professional interest in these areas—please contact him at bseaman@ucalgary.ca.
THE ’90S John Beale (BA ’90) performs in an annual one-man show in Peggy’s Cove from July 1–August 31 called The Peggy Show (thepeggyshow.net). He is also a film and television actor, and recently appeared as a Viking in a film called Outlander. Genevieve Bedard (BSc ’96) was married to Andrew Dunkley in 2004, and the couple is pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Olivia Dunkley, on March 7, 2006. Josette Byrne-Specht (BJ ’96) was married to Jeff Specht in 2002, and the couple have two children—Malia Haley, born June 22, 2004 and Jonas Francis, born September 15, 2006. Fellow alumni can reach her at jobyrnespecht@yahoo.ca. She’s especially looking to get in touch with Mike MacInnis (BJ ’96). Lyssa (McKee) Clack (BA ’91) is working in the Human Resources field as a Classification & Labour Relations Advisor for Health Canada. She lives in Halifax with her husband, Murray, and daughters, Amanda and Jessica. Fellow alumni can contact Lyssa at clack@hfx.eastlink.ca. Kirk Graham (BA ’99) is currently engaged to be married to Thalia McRae (’98). Kirk and Thalia first met and began dating while attending King’s in September of 1997. Christopher Graves (FYP ’93) is working as the University Records Management Coordinator at the University of Guelph. Fellow alumni can reach him at cgnet@gravesnet.com. Troy Jollymore (BAH ’93) was recently selected as the winner of the National Book Critics Circle’s 2006 Robert E. Lee and Ruth I. Wilson Poetry Book Award for his debut book of poems Tom Thomson in Purgatory. Troy is currently a professor at the California State University at Chico. Heather (Carmichael) Kearney (BJH ’92) and her husband Sandy are pleased to announce the birth of their third son, Nicholas Alexander, on October 12, 2006. Nicholas is the youngest brother of MacKenzie, 4, and Ben, 18 months. Heather is currently on maternity leave from teaching at Breton Education Centre in New
Waterford, Cape Breton. Fellow alumni can contact Heather at heather.sandy@ns. sympatico.ca Kelly (Gooding) Kearns (BA ’90) was married to Jason Kearns on May 5th, 2005. The following December, their daughter Avery was born 10 weeks early, weighing only 1.27kg—smaller than a bag of sugar. All three are faring well and living in the Yukon Territory. Andrea (Ross) McAuliffe (BJH ’97) is pleased to announce the birth of her daughter, Madeline, on May 16, 2006. Alexandra MacFarlane (BA ’99) is currently engaged to be married to Robert Dudley (BA ’00). They are living in Nelson, BC, where they own a house. Christian Macfarlane (FYP ’96) was married to Katharine Sidenius on February 28th, 2007 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Chris MacNeil (BA ’94) is the President of Network Canada, the hub of social and business networking for Canadians in London, England. In March, he ran the first ever Canadian Media Networking Night in London—promoted by King’s journalism alumni around the world. Chris can be contacted at cmacneil@networkcanada.org. Eshun Mott (BAH ’96) had her book, Whining & Dining—Mealtime survival for picky eaters and the families who love them published in April 2007 by Random House. Catherine (Hunter) O’Toole (’92) is currently the Acting Director of Finance for the Halifax Regional Municipality. Heather (Norman) Opseth (BJH ’96) and husband Lyle are pleased to announce the birth of their second son, Ethan Curtis, on September 28, 2006. Heather is enjoying her maternity leave spending time with her two boys and taking a break from her work in communication consulting. Old friends can contact Heather at hopseth@telus.net. Capt. Mark Peebles (BJ ’98) recently returned from a tour of duty with the Multinational Brigade HQ in Afghanistan. He was posted as a Public Affairs Officer with the 1st Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. He and wife Kimberly were married in 2004, and they have two sons —Thomas, born June 25, 2005 and Luke, born October 6, 2006.
Colin Pye (BJH ’97) is an associate with Boddy Ryerson LLP in Brantford, Ontario, practicing in civil litigation and family law.
working as a Communications Consultant with Hunt Communication in Toronto, a boutique consulting firm specializing in Spoken Communications.
Jessica Radke (FYP ’93) and husband Geoffrey are pleased to announce the birth of their second daughter, Iris Lorraine, on December 5, 2006 in Amman, Jordan. Fellow alumni can contact Jessica at jessicaradke@gmail.com.
Barbara Ann (Robbins) Stegemann (BA ’91, BJ ’99) has returned to Halifax after seven years in British Columbia and is now working as the new communications manager for Trade Centre Limited in Halifax. She has earned five national marketing awards for her tourism marketing campaigns from the Economic Developers Association of Canada.
Chantal (LaRocque) Richard (BJH ’98), husband Chris and daughter Dylann are happy to introduce the birth of the newest addition to their family—Ryan Richard was born on October 29, 2006 in Brampton, Ontario. Chantal is taking a year off from her position as Director of Communications for Truestar Health in Toronto. Fellow alumni can contact Chantal at chantalmrichard@sympatico.ca. Timothy Rissesco (BA ’93) and Genevieve Harvey are pleased to announce the birth of their second child, Neil Patrick Rissesco, on February 1, 2007. Neil and his older brother Owen (born December 2004) and their parents live in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and they can be reached at timothyrissesco@ns.sympatico.ca. Suzanne (Wheeler) Romeo (BA ’93) and her husband David are pleased to announce the birth of their second child, Michael Anthony, on March 6, 2007. Michael is a little brother to Peter Joseph, now 2. The Romeo family is living in Quincy, Massachusetts. David Salter (BJ ’95) recently became the Director of Communications for Newfoundland’s Department of Transportation. He and his wife, Lynn, are expecting their second child in August. Mark Sampson (BJH ’97) will be publishing his first novel, Off Book, with Halifax’s Norwood Publishing in October 2007. Mark recently moved home to Canada after several years abroad and currently lives and writes in Guelph, Ontario. He would love to hear from alumni at sampson_mark@hotmail.com. Monica Schael (BJH ’97) and Brett Isenor are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Gabriel Royce Isenor, on August 29, 2006. Fellow alumni can reach her at monicaschael@yahoo.ca. Cynthia Snell Smith (BAH ’97) was married to Tim Smith on August 28, 2004 and is
Christopher White (BAH ’94, BJ ’96) and wife Janine are pleased to announce the birth of their second daughter, Jane Victoria, on March 15 in Toronto. Their other daughter, Kathleen, now almost 2 1/2, loves being a big sister.
THE ’00S Owen Averill (BAH ’04) is currently completing his first year at the University of Ottawa Medical School. He lives in Ottawa with fellow King’s alumna Heidi Laing (BAH ’04). Fellow alumni can reach him at owenaverill@hotmail.com. Lachlan Barber (BAH ’04) graduated with a Masters in Human Geography from the University of British Columbia in 2006, and is considering pursuing a Ph.D in the same field. He is currently working as a Community Researcher at the Atlantic Metropolis Centre in Halifax, and is teaching part-time in the Department of Geography at Saint Mary’s University. Michael Fenrick (BA ’03) will be Law Clerk to The Honourable Mr. Justice Marshall Rothstein of the Supreme Court of Canada from September 2008—September 2009. Michael has completed his second year of Law School at Dalhousie and is a summer student at Paliare Roland Barristers in Toronto. Andrea Fox (BAH ’01) worked with the UN in Europe following her graduation from King’s before returning to Montreal, where she worked in the pharmaceutical industry for four years. In 2006, she completed her MSc in Health Economics at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy and is currently the Global Manager of Sales Excellence at GSK Biologicals in Brussels, Belgium. Jennifer Fox (BJH ’01) has joined Key Porter Books in Toronto as Publicist. She
TIDINGS | SUMMER 2007
35
was previously the Marketing Coordinator for James Lorimer & Company Ltd., Publishers.
David Harrison (BJH ’04) and Janet (Dyson) Harrison (BJH ’04) were married November 25, 2006 in Hackett’s Cove, Nova Scotia. David is a Sports writer at Chalk Gaming and Janet is a freelance writer. They are currently residing in Upper Tantallon. Fellow alumni can reach them at janetsdyson@yahoo.ca. Adam Horodnyk (’05) just returned to Canada following a year of working for the National Rifle Association of America as a policy advisor and militia leader in training. Jordy Koffman (BSc ’01) obtained a Masters in Philosophy at Dalhousie University, and is currently writing his Ph.D dissertation on Platonism in 17th Century England at Queen’s University. He and his wife, Rae (Brager) Koffman (BSc ’01), live in Toronto, where she is a resident in Pediatrics at the Hospital for Sick Children. Donna Lee (BJ ’03) moved to Yellowknife in March 2007 to take on a job as the CBC’s northern online journalist. She covers news from the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon for www.cbc.ca/north. Donna was previously based in Winnipeg, where she worked at CBC Radio and the Winnipeg Free Press. Fellow alumni can reach her at donna. lee@ukcalumni.com. Sarah MacLean (BA ’03) completed her Masters in Library and Information Science at Dalhousie in 2005 and became the Children’s Librarian at Pickering Public Library in Pickering, Ontario in May 2006. Edward Mishaud (BJ ’02) is enrolled at the London School of Economics, and is in the midst of obtaining his Masters in Political Science and Communications. Prior to this, he worked as a Communications Officer for the United Nations in Bonn, Germany. Sara Nics (BJH ’02) accompanied a group of ten high school students from Rumford, Maine as they traveled to New Orleans to 36
TIDINGS | SUMMER 2007
build houses as part of the Habitat for Humanity program. She covered the trip for the Maine Public Broadcasting Network, where she works as News producer. For more details, visit http://mpbn.net/neworleans/index.html Katie (Woodside) Puxley (BAH ’03) and Dave Puxley (BAH ’02) were married on March 3, 2007 in the King’s College Chapel by Gary Thorne (DD ’04). Katie is doing her Masters in Library Science at Dalhousie and is a teaching assistant in the HOST programme at King’s, where Dave is also a FYP tutor. Michael Smiley (BA ’01) is an English and Geography teacher at Charles P. Allen High School in Bedford, Nova Scotia, and he taught previously at Lockview High School in Fall River. He’s also a local historian with the Sackville Heritage Society and the Fultz Corner Restoration Society. Fellow alumni can reach him at smileymi@staff.ednet.ns.ca. Devin Stevens (BJH ‘06) of the Courier Weekend (St. Stephen, NB) was the recipient of the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association Trophy for Best Feature Series at the Canadian Community Newspapers Association’s 2007 Better Newspapers Competition. Jon Riley (BJ ’05) of The Digby Courier also placed second in the category of Best Feature Photo. Sarah Thornton (BAH ’01) is getting married this summer. Fellow alumni can reach her at sarah.thornton@greenwood college.com. Colin (’02) and Christine (Nichol) Walker (BSc ’03) are pleased to announce the birth of their son Robert on May 4, 2006. Fellow alumni can contact them at misschrissie@hotmail.com. Ben Welsh (BJ ’04) coached the King’s Men’s Volleyball team to a perfect 14-0 record during the regular season, then on to their first ACAA Championship since the 2001-2002 season. Ben was also named ACAA Coach of the Year. Did we miss you? Please send your AlumNotes to alumni@ukcalumni.com!
IN MEMORIAM Muriel Christiansen, former secretary of the Alexandra Society, passed away on January 12, 2007 in Saint John, New Brunswick.
Dr. J. Henry Fraser (’46) passed away on March 22, 2006. Catherine (Hiltz) LeMoine (BA ’41) passed away on December 25, 2006 in Amherst, Nova Scotia. Anne Delores Maltby-Boudreau (BJH ’81) passed away on February 3, 2007 in Pondville, Nova Scotia. Roberta Matthews passed away on April 19, 2007 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Dr. Ransom Myers passed away on March 27, 2007 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Rev. C. Blaine Smith (BA ’52) passed away on February 19, 2007 in Windsor, Nova Scotia. Jean (Macdonald) Morse (MSW ’67) passed away on April 14, 2007 in Yellowknife, North West Territories.
LOST SHEEP We’ve lost touch with some of our alumni, which means that they may not be up-to-date on the latest King’s alumni news and events. Here’s a look at some of the graduates from the mid-‘40s and ‘50s with whom we’ve lost contact. If you have any information regarding these, or any of the “Lost Sheep” listed on http://ukcalumni.com/lostsheep.php, please send us an e-mail at alumni@ukcalumni.com John Bate (‘55)
Earl Smith (‘51)
Ronald Henley (‘55)
Gordon Trivett (‘51)
William Hill (BA ‘55)
Frances Beth Tilley (BA ’50)
Margaret (Morgan) MacDonald
George Tracy (BA ‘50)
(DSW ‘55)
Barbara (Thorne) Corning (‘49)
Arthur Thorburn (‘55)
Frances (Twohig) Hansen (‘49)
Roy Wollaston (BA ‘55)
Judith (MacKeen) Moreira (‘49)
Harry Wrathall (‘55)
Harry Ross (‘49)
Richard Ferguson (‘54)
Jack Wilcox (‘49)
Gordon Tidman (‘54)
George Yates (‘49)
Richard Boyce (BA ‘53)
James Henderson (‘48)
Ann Marshall-Levine (BA ‘53)
Angus MacKillop (‘48)
June (Conway) Beeby (‘52)
Ann (Duffy) Campbell (BA ‘47)
Jacqueline (Leinster Denham) Dale
Constance (DeMille) Corkum
(BSc ‘52)
(BA ‘47)
Donald MacDonald (‘52)
Cecil Moore (‘47)
Eleanor (Bailey) McCarthy (BA ‘52)
William Wilson (STh ‘47)
James Nesbitt (‘52)
Elizabeth Laurie Brown (’46)
Leveson Roberts (BSc ‘52)
Charlotte Page (BA ‘46)
John Holmes (‘51)
Marjorie (Archibald) Wilson (‘46)
Jane (Kennedy) Pruyn (‘51)
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Alumni, Guess What! King’s has a bookstore; now that’s a clear and distinct idea! 902-422-1271 ext 261 kingsbookstore.ca
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