UNIVERSITY OF ST. MICHAEL'S COLLEGE PRESIDENT'S REPORT - SPRING 2021 STMIKES.UTORONTO.CA @USTMIKES
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SPRING 2021 stmikes.utoronto.ca • @uStMikes UNIVERSIT Y OF ST. MICHAEL’S COLLEGE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
The University of St. Michael’s College
President’s Report
A Special Edition of
St. Michael’s Alumni Magazine
Spring 2021 • Volume 60 • Number 3
MAN AGI NG EDIT OR
Catherine Mulroney
Editorial Manager
AR T DI RECTION A ND DESIGN FROM FOUND ER S HOUSE
Sheila Eaton
Digital and Graphic Design Manager Reclaiming Our Role in Society 3
CONTRIBUT ORS COMMUNIT Y
Kathryn Elton Welcome Equals Wellbeing and Happiness 4
Catherine Mulroney
(SMC 1982, USMC 2010) A World of New Opportunities, Experiences 6
Adrian Ross Helping Students Flourish at St. Mike’s 10
David Sylvester
Ministry Embracing Gift of Diversity 14
PROOFREADING Each and Every Gift Makes a Difference 16
Emma Hambly St. Michael’s Stands Up to Protect LGBT Youth 20
Communications Coordinator
St. Michael’s Signs ACCUC Call for Kamloops Action 21
DIS T RIBUT ION
Office of University Advancement ED UCAT IO N
Publication Mail Agreement Hi-Tech Meets Heart in Serving Students 22
No: 40068944
Alumni, friends, and students of the Faculty of Theology Looks to Future 28
University of St. Michael’s College CSR Students Aid African Water Project 32
receive this magazine free of charge.
Library is Students’ Home Away from Home 34
CONTACT
Please send comments, SUSTAINABILIT Y
corrections, and inquiries to the
Office of the President Smart Practices, Long-Term Gains 38
University of St. Michael’s College
81 St. Mary St., Toronto, ON M5S 1J4 T HE D ONOVAN COL LECT ION
Email: Monarchs: The Value of Working Together 42
usmc.presidentsoffice@utoronto.ca
Visit our website:
ST. MIKE’ S 1 80 ROOT ED IN T HE FUT URE
stmikes.utoronto.ca
@uStMikes Foundational Statements 44
Next Steps 46
2 The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021
FROM FOUNDERS HOUSE
Reclaiming Our Role in Society
O
ur roots run very deep. For over a century and a half, St. Mike’s has defined itself as an
educational community committed to exploring the truth in all things, and to helping young
people find themselves and their way in the world. We take great pride in this place and its
people, a community that has nourished and inspired generations of students who, in turn,
have gone on to serve the broader community and shaped the very fabric of Canadian society.
Now we look to the future. St. Mike’s 180 affirms things: how we teach and
that we will remain committed to our history, learn and how we put that
our eyes clearly focused on the challenges ahead. knowledge in the service of the
Our three-fold efforts begin with a commitment common good.
to building up all aspects of St. Mike’s, our people I learned long ago that a
and our campus. Our goal is to become a space president’s role is really quite
within the University of Toronto that embraces simple: to support good
and celebrates our diversity and allows our students, people with good ideas, and
staff and faculty every opportunity to flourish, then to get out of the way.
academically, of course, but in all aspects of their At St. Mike’s, we are blessed David Sylvester, PhD
humanity. Our teaching and research will continue with remarkable faculty, staff, President and
Vice-Chancellor
to focus, in proven and new ways, on exploring the trustees, and alumni. Our
challenges of our day and convening important students are, quite rightly, at
conversations that befit a Catholic university the centre of everything we do, and are inspiring
called to build up the Church and society. Finally, agents of innovation and change. They love this
we will look at everything we do through a lens place, they are smart and creative, they seek justice,
of sustainability, yes to protect the environment, and they are not afraid to serve. So, this is really
but also to renew our historic partnerships and what St. Mike’s 180, our new strategic plan, is all
to explore new relationships within the many about, unleashing the power of our community for
communities to which we belong. the good of St. Mike’s, the good of all of U of T, and
As Sr. Nuala Kenny states so eloquently, for the world. And, in this President’s Report,
“St. Michael’s can help reclaim the role of the I would like you to meet just a few of the many
university in the building of society.” We aspire good people in our community, and to learn about
to nothing less. To do so, we must understand our hopes for the future and a few of the initiatives
that the term Catholic in a university setting like we have begun together to renew our university
St. Michael’s needs to be a verb and not an adjective; and reclaim the role of St. Michael’s in the building
not simply a body of knowledge, but a way of doing of society.
The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021 3
COMMUNITY
DEAN O F S T UDEN T S
Welcome Equals
Wellbeing and Happiness
D
ean of Students Duane Rendle has three key goals as he
works daily with students. He focuses on building a welcoming
community, promoting student wellness and respecting diversity.
“We want St. Mike’s “We want St. Mike’s to be a welcoming place to live, work and
to be a welcoming place study,” says Rendle, who cites ongoing plans to renovate dorm rooms as one of
to live, work and study.” the many ways the university is trying to fulfill these goals. Recent renovations
Duane Rendle in Elmsley Hall, which still had its original 1950s built-in furniture and green
Dean of Students linoleum flooring, transformed those rooms to spaces that are especially
popular with students.
A committee is currently examining “You want to learn from your
how best to renovate the Queen’s Park mistakes while you’re at university, not
building, to provide students with when you’re at your first job,” he says.
dorm rooms and classrooms that have “This is a safe, supportive community
modern amenities and a refreshed where people look out for each other.”
aesthetic. Being welcoming at St. Mike’s
But a welcoming environment at also means truly caring for students’
St. Mike’s is much more than just wellbeing and happiness and finding
bricks and mortar. For example, ways to support it.
Rendle sees one of his team’s roles, Rendle offers particular praise for
which includes both residence SMCSU, the St. Mike’s student union,
and commuter dons, as educating for reaching out to Interim Principal
students on issues of importance to Mark McGowan and President
the university community. He cites David Sylvester on the important
the online harm reduction course his issue of student mental health. The
office created a few years ago, Alcohol students respectfully advocated for
ABCs (Always Be in Control), as a increased access to counselling as
way to provide students with strategies well as expanded training for student
on how to consume alcohol safely. leaders, so they can correctly recognize
He is also an advocate for modelling the signs of mental distress and refer
responsible behaviour. students to appropriate resources.
4 The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021
Learning from each other is a key aspect of life at St. Michael’s.
“There is a maturity about these students that is (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity) training and
really impressive. When they identify issues that making it available to more and more of our student
are adversely affecting students’ mental health, they leaders.”
offer thoughtful and creative recommendations on While he doesn’t list it as a fourth goal, Rendle
how they can be addressed,” he says. also says he wants to see graduates share the talents
As for Rendle’s third pillar, respecting diversity, he that were fostered and nurtured while on campus
says: “We function in one of the most cosmopolitan with the rest of the world.
cities in the world, which is a tremendous asset “My own experience living at St. Mike’s was
in our increasingly interconnected existence. We transformational. Yes, I learned a lot in my
want our students to learn from each other, to classes, but it was the experiences I participated in
support each other and to celebrate what makes outside of the classroom that made me the person
them unique. That’s why we are expanding our EDI I am today.”
The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021 5
S T. MIC H AEL’S C O L L EGE S T UDEN T S
A World of New
Opportunities, Experiences
C
ianna Choo attended her St. Mike’s orientation in the
fall of 2018 and never looked back. “I fell in love with St. Mike’s
instantly. The pride you feel walking along Bloor St. screaming
“Try as many things as you cheers,” she recalls. “I knew I wanted to be involved.”
can. Explore and be open to
opportunities you might not
Soon she found herself immersed is seeking that collaboration is at the
have considered before. in activities and has done everything St. George Round Table (SGRT), a
Each experience is a chance to from sitting on a search committee student union comprised of divisional
learn more about yourself. ” to serving as one of two orientation student society heads at U of T.
Cianna Choo coordinators for incoming students “I feel I’m being heard at St. Mike’s,”
Former President this past fall. Choo says, but with so many students
of SMCSU Today, the 3rd-year Neuroscience, studying across U of T, it is important
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology that she, as a student spokesperson,
student has just finished her term as raise St. Mike’s students’ ideas and
president of the St. Michael’s College concerns to U of T’s community
Student Union (SMCSU). as well.
“Whether during COVID or At St. Mike’s, SMCSU continues
during regular, on-campus times to brainstorm and talk to President
people are looking for a place to fit Sylvester on important issues such
in while also looking for people who as increasing health and wellness
challenge them to think differently,” supports for students.
Choo says in explaining the attraction “When you’re struggling
of St. Mike’s for students. SMCSU academically or personally, it is really
wants to engage St. Mike’s students important that wellness services are
no matter where they are studying on accessible and that St. Mike’s can
campus, and we have a goal of seeking respond immediately,” she says.
collaboration. We have around SMCSU’s eye on collaboration also
5,000 students and not all are on the means being conscious of the balance
same path.” of caring for both residence and
One of the places where SMCSU commuter students.
6 The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021
“St. Mike’s is unique in that it
continually strives for engagement
amongst its students. The SMC
community can be felt on every
corner of campus, and there are
always lots of opportunities for
students to get involved. Through
the challenging and unique times of
the pandemic, I take pride in how
the SMC community has ensured
that its students are connected
even through online means. I find
that I can always rely on the SMC
community, and there is never a
shortage of friendly faces every time
I visit the SMC campus.”
Athalia Shah, Third Year Canadian
and European Studies Double Major,
French Language Minor
together at St. Mike’s, the student leadership team
is also focused on issues such as carving out more
support for international students.
“International students pay high fees and are often
far from home. They are our students and we need
to help them feel welcome, feel at home.”
“We are passionate about ensuring that what we Whether speaking with commuter students or
give to residence students we give to commuter residence students, those from across the globe or
students too. We are hoping to balance these plans from suburban Toronto, Choo says her advice to
by increasing gathering spaces for commuters, such new students is the same: “Try as many things as
as creating a larger commuter lounge.” you can. Explore and be open to opportunities you
While attentive to traditional student activities might not have considered before. Each experience
such as Friday night socials to bring students is a chance to learn more about yourself.”
The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021 7
and engaging support of the Principal’s Zoom, sadly), our dynamic
in deep (or Office, students were student leaders have
not-so-deep) granted funds to kept the C&CC alive and
conversation purchase snacks, on kicking. It brings me joy
over food condition we did not invite and great satisfaction to
and coffee. mice. We’ve been tidy see our initiative take on
From early and I’m happy to report a life of its own, becoming
on, it also no complaints so far! a site of recruitment.
turned into an Since COVID, the Indeed, for students who
opportunity for group has transitioned chance upon Christianity
the program’s online. Parlour games and Culture courses, our
Christianity and faculty to get have replaced the weekly meetings become
Culture Club: to know their students chessboards, breakout gateways into our tightly
“Tightly Knit and better. Theology graduate room, and the little couch- knit and supportive
Supportive” students, alumni, and islands of the lounge. community. I look forward
administrative staff While we are eager to to the day when we can
By Dr. J.O. Richard look back and call it a
sometimes attend too. resume our meetings in
The Christianity and This all coincided with person (no chessboard on tradition.
Culture Club is an the reopening of the
informal, student-run Basilian Fathers Common
weekly gathering during Room, a lounge officially
the Fall and Winter reserved for faculty and
semesters. What special events, but not
prompted Dr. Tardif and used to full capacity.
me to set it up in 2018 With the support of the
was the realization that President’s Office, we
our students lacked were granted access, on
a comfortable space the condition we did not
dedicated to unwinding make a mess; with the
The Christianity and Culture Club is just one of many
clubs and associations St. Mike’s offers, with a clubs fair
held every fall for students to become acquainted with
ways they can become involved. (Some events have been
delayed or moved online during the pandemic.) Here are
some examples.
The Book and Media Build SMC is a student-run The Celtic Studies Clean SMC promotes
Studies Student club that hosts Minecraft Student Union offers clean initiatives to support
Association represents events and provides an lectures, workshops, Irish sustainable development
students in the two online space to come cultural events, and an across the college,
streams of the program, together in creativity. annual Academic Journal, focusing on three main
hosting workshops, social the Garm Lu. goals: building awareness,
events, and lectures. increasing community
involvement in sustainable
activities, and developing
environmentally friendly
projects.
8 The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021
conference, and people who identify as events that discuss
other events. queer or transgender Catholic Social Teaching
Pair-A-Dice is a board (LGBTQ+), encouraging the and especially the dignity
game club designed to help queer and trans community of the human person.
students meet their peers and playing an active role
and create friendships. in fighting discrimination
The Italian Undergraduate through both education
Student Cultural and social means.
Association (IUSCA) works
to establish, maintain
and further ties with
Italian culture among USMC Wellness hosts
undergraduate students de-stressing, community-
via academic, cultural and Rosa Sanctissimi is a driven and community-
social events. weekly ecumenical prayer building events, providing
group that uses scripture The St. Michael’s College spaces, resources, and a
and Divine Liturgy to Troubadours, St. Mike’s community for students to
guide discussion and drama society, has a take care of their wellness
community prayer. goal of putting on a full in all forms, whether
season of productions physical, mental, emotional
(about four shows or spiritual.
throughout academic year),
The Medieval Studies showcasing voices and
Undergraduate Society stories of U of T.
offers lectures, workshops, University of Toronto
an annual Medieval Students for Life offers
Studies Undergraduate SMC Inclusive’s primary
workshops, talks, and
purpose is to represent
Promoting has contributed to
Wellness via Tips, reduced physical activity,
Social Supports increased social isolation,
heightened stress and
By Sabrina Quartarone
deterioration of mental
Vice-President, St. Mike’s
health for many. Students
Wellness Council
have the additional
The St. Mike’s Wellness challenge of adapting to
Council is a student-run online education and a
initiative promoting declining job market.
health and wellness
The Wellness Council
on campus. The seven
has acknowledged these
executive council
concerns and responded
members collaborate
with an enhanced online
with volunteers and
presence and virtual
other St. Michael’s
events to highlight the
student groups to plan
positive aspects of this
community-building
Movie Night, Basil’s available on campus situation. The council
events that enhance the
Café, Games Day, Arts and in the community. members are dedicated
physical, mental, social
Night, Wellness Brunch Fostering an accessible to providing students
and spiritual well-being
and Multicultural Week. and inclusive environment with helpful tips, social
of students.
The council also focuses to support all forms of support and resources as
Signature events on health advocacy and wellness is especially we navigate these unique
include Nutrition and improving access to important for today’s times together.
Physio Day, Study Space, the wellness resources students. The pandemic
The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021 9
O FFI C E O F T H E RE GI S T RAR
Helping Students
Flourish at St. Mike’s
G
iancarlo Mazzanti was sitting in a town square in
Germany when he was tapped on the shoulder by a passerby. The
man had seen Mazzanti’s St. Mike’s jacket and, as a fellow alumnus,
97
wanted to make the connection. The anecdote, Mazzanti says,
In the 2020–2021 academic
year, St. Michael’s students reflects the significance of profile the University of St. Michael’s College has not
came from 97 countries only locally but also worldwide.
around the globe—from
Afghanistan to Zimbabwe
“We have a great reputation around Students are drawn by a reputation
the world,” he says, noting it’s not for strong academics, including the
5078 unusual for him to hear from potential SMC One programs for first-year
Total undergraduate student students in Switzerland, Hong Kong students, which promise unique
enrolment at the University and New Jersey all in the same week. course offerings and, in healthy times,
of St. Michael’s College, with “We have a wonderful history, but we international travel. Another draw is
3523 domestic students and are also creating history, both with the recent increase in the number of
1555 international students
stellar students and with members full-time faculty members, all with
150 of our alumni who are leaders in the exceptional profiles.
Students studied in more
public eye, whether in politics, health “These are the type of professors
than 150 subject areas, a care, education, business or any of the who appeal to high-flying students,”
range that includes Biology, endless places St. Michael’s alumni he says. “We are part of current
Caribbean Studies and Drama find themselves.” conversations and our courses speak
to Mathematics, Portuguese,
Statistics and Religion
Mazzanti, the university’s Registrar to that.”
and Director of Student Services, says The John M. Kelly Library, one of
$851,877 there are many reasons why St. Mike’s the U of T’s largest, offers plenty of
The amount St. Michael’s is such a draw for students, from its study space and a ground-floor café.
offered in undergraduate reputation as Canada’s top Catholic Students like to know they are just
scholarships in the university to its convenient location steps from the library, he says.
2020–2021 academic year
in the centre of Toronto and its But Mazzanti thinks another crucial
status as a federated college within reason students are drawn to study
$14,185,609
the University of Toronto, which is and live at St. Mike’s is a reputation
Total OSAP funding for the
2020–2021 fall and winter
consistently ranked among the top for a caring, welcoming environment
semesters schools in the world. that helps them achieve their best
10 The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021We look forward to the
day when we can welcome
students back to campus
and resume not only classes
but social activities.
The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021 11Left: Students appreciate
the John M. Kelly Library’s
many roles.
Right: School and social
life go hand in hand at
St. Mike’s—from study
time to selfies.
academically and socially. The result is that students course and program selection and scheduling.
graduate having developed skills that serve them— And there is plenty of help for students who are
and their neighbours—throughout their lives. finding the adjustment to university expectations
“The richness of our community offers a diversity challenging. St. Mike’s provides access to academic
of debate, a chance to learn about other people’s learning strategists and wellness counsellors, who
lives and experiences, whether you’re sitting in the can all help students discover their own most
dorm common room or stretched out on the grass in successful ways of learning, how to adapt to
the quad. This kind of knowledge is essential to our university expectations, and how to get the most out
students’ futures.” of their academic life.
Students are also able to access a strong range of Similarly, the writing centre offers one-on-one
supports at St. Mike’s. appointments for students looking for guidance on
“Consider our First Year Check-in Program, all aspects of the writing process, from researching
which pairs incoming students with professors. and outlining to drafting and editing. There are also
Students have the opportunity to reach out to the supports in place for math and computer science
professor assigned them for an informal chat or two,” students.
he says. “It’s not specifically about academics, but it’s And while not all students applying to—or
a great way for students to get used to speaking with attending—St. Mike’s are Catholic, Mazzanti says
professors, and for them to know they have someone there is a deep appreciation for the school’s roots,
they can go to if they are finding it hard to navigate and an awareness among those of other religions
university.” that St. Mike’s is a school that understands the
But the first-year program is just one of many importance of faith and respects those who practise,
supports the school offers students. As demonstrated regardless of background.
so well during the pandemic, when they quickly “We invite conversations with people of all faiths.
adjusted to the new normal of connecting with We are a microcosm of the world as it could be,” says
students all over the world, St. Mike’s academic Mazzanti. “That’s who we are, and it is a privilege to
advisors are dedicated to helping students with be of service to others.”
12 The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021 13
CAMPUS MI N I S T RY
Ministry Embracing
Gift of Diversity
C
ampus ministry is at the heart of a strong Catholic university.
To ensure we are able to offer spiritual resources and support to all on
campus regardless of spiritual tradition or background, the university
While campus ministry recently conducted a review of our services, planning a revitalization
will still organize liturgies of campus ministry and the appointment of a new Director.
and support the prayer life
of Catholics on campus,
Theology professor Dr. Jean-Pierre questionnaire was sent out this past
there will also be an Fortin; St. Basil’s Pastor Fr. Morgan December to more than 5,000 people
enhanced effort to answer Rice, CSB; theology student Ann to discover the current make-up of the
others’ spiritual needs. Sairah Mathew; Greg Rupik who St. Michael’s community and to hear
is executive assistant to President how they envision Campus Ministry
Sylvester; and Emily Van Berkum, at St. Mike’s.
Dean of Loretto College, made “Certain themes were quite
up the committee that created, common. There is a huge concern
with the help of expertise from the about mental health, for example,
University of Toronto, a campus and a desire that we as a community
ministry revitalization survey. The be more inclusive,” says Fortin, who
14 The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021“We need to build on
our mission and values
and ensure our
ministerial approach is grounded
in Catholic Social Teaching. We
want to be examples of what it
means to be Catholic.”
Jean-Pierre Fortin, PhD
Associate Professor of Practical Theology,
Fr. Morgan Rice, CSB, pastor at St. Basil’s
Faculty of Theology
Church, seen here with St. Mike’s students.
notes that St. Michael’s has a significant Muslim ministry will still organize liturgies and support the
population, as well as of Christians from traditions prayer life of Catholics on campus, there will also
other than Roman Catholic. be an enhanced effort to answer others’ spiritual
To talk about building a more inclusive needs—for example, working with members
community “is not about losing our identity but of various traditions who want to arrange their
about embracing the gift of diversity,” he says. own events.
“We have to be Catholic in a way that speaks to Survey results will help tailor the job description
the community. We need to build on our mission that will be posted later this spring for the hiring
and values and ensure our ministerial approach is of a new Director of Campus Ministry. Long-term
grounded in Catholic Social Teaching. We want to goals for the revised office include an assistant to the
be examples of what it means to be Catholic.” director, as well as new space to call home.
That means, for example, that while campus
campus ministry review families who need help, as the team received
committee. whether it’s immediate survey answers from
Mathew, now working worship space or a various communities.
on a Master of community to belong “I get why people get
Divinity degree at the to,” she says. turned off by religion
Faculty of Theology, Ann was able to bring when people say ‘I’d
says her exposure to the knowledge and rather do my own thing,’”
the discussions the experience gained at she says. “We need
committee had, as well as weekly meetings with her to be open to others
Be Open to Others meetings with her peers peers at the Multi-Faith without denying our own
A work-study placement at the Multi-Faith Centre, Centre to the committee traditions. When you say
with U of T’s Multi-Faith have strengthened her discussions at St. Mike’s, no to some things and yes
Centre led Christianity desire to work in the area an experience she says to only certain others you
and Culture grad, of multi-faith dialogue. has helped her become shut yourself off. Leaning
Ann Sairah Mathew, “It’s always been a more creative in thinking. to one side
to serve as the student topic close to my heart, She felt the conversations isn’t helpful.”
representative on the thinking of immigrant were particularly helpful
The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021 15A DVA N C EMEN T AN D ALUMN I PRO GRAM S
Each and Every Gift
Makes a Difference
S
t. Michael’s alumni and friends are a vitally important part
of St. Michael’s past, present, and future. Your loyalty and generosity
help St. Michael’s provide students with personal, academic, and spiritual
$1 million tools to help them succeed on and beyond campus, graduating with
compassion, courage and a deeper understanding of the world and themselves.
More than 1,200 alumni,
friends, and families Donations to St. Michael’s Annual Each and every gift makes a
donate a total of $1 million Fund meet immediate and ongoing difference. Annual Fund gifts ranging
to St. Michael’s Annual
Fund each year needs by supporting scholarships and from recurring gifts of $10 per month
bursaries, teaching excellence in our or one-time donations of $50, to
100% undergraduate and graduate programs, five-year pledges of up to $25,000
of gifts designated to learning and wellness services, and the add up to a million dollars per year.
St. Michael’s reach their maintenance and enhancement All these gifts support the mission of
designated purpose of our residences, library and St. Michael’s and advance the strategic
classroom facilities. vision of St. Mike’s 180.
89%
of all donors to
St. Michael’s
Transformational Investments in Teaching Excellence
are alumni
The Comper Professorship in Mediaeval Studies, Sutton Family Chair
71% in Science, Christianity and Cultures, William J. Bennett Family Professorship
in Christianity and Culture, Basilan Fathers of USMC Early Latin Theology
of St. Michael’s donors Professorship, and Faculty of Theology Diploma in Interfaith Dialogue
renew their support have been established through the incredible generosity of St. Michael’s
Alumni and Friends.
We are filled with gratitude for
the loyalty and generosity of
St. Michael’s alumni and friends.
To learn more about giving to
St. Mike’s please visit:
stmikes.utoronto.ca/giving
16 The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021Top: Andrew Krupowicz, Class of 2004, (bottom centre)
met with students at the Alumni Workshop on March 2,
which focused on entrepreneurship.
Right: The Tony J. Desanti Lobby in the renovated
Brennan Hall is named in Tony’s memory, and in grateful
acknowledgement of his wife Mary Ponikvar-Desanti’s
generous gift, made in honour of Tony’s enduring
gratitude to St. Michael’s.
Major Gifts and Pledges
Major Gifts and Pledges of $25,000 and more
are directed to projects and programs that
“Students’ enthusiasm is infectious. advance strategic priorities. In recent years,
gifts and pledges at this level have endowed
Their curiosity and questions – teaching positions, launched a new diploma
program, established named scholarships
‘what is it like in the real world?’ – and bursaries and helped fund the renovation
of student residences and meeting spaces.
are always welcomed. For me, they Bequests in wills and other planned gifts have
are an opportunity for personal also played a vital role in our ability to develop
programs, facilities and services to meet the
reflection. This was certainly needs of today’s and tomorrow’s students.
Bequests received in recent years have
the case in February when I was endowed the head Librarian position, funded
the creation of the Conservation Studio in
invited to participate in a virtual the John M. Kelly Library and established
meeting with future grads as part of a $500,000 endowment designated to
student aid.
St. Mike’s Mentorship Series.”
To learn more about getting involved
Nick Pantaleo, Class of 1980, retired executive please email smc.alumniaffairs@utoronto.ca
of Rogers Communications Inc., former partner
at PriceWaterhouseCoopers and participant in
the student mentorship workshops
The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021 17Alumni Leadership
St. Michael’s is blessed to
be supported by a dedicated
community of Alumni and Friends
who volunteer their time, talent and
expertise as Advisors, Advocates,
Organizers, Coordinators, Hosts
and Sponsors.
Class Representatives facilitate
communication with and among
classmates, help to plan and
promote events and engage
their peers in their alma mater.
Contributing writers to St. Michael’s
Magazine and the InsightOut blog
share memories, perspectives and
wisdom. Mentors share insights,
career advice and encouragement
with students through workshops,
panels and roundtables.
Alumni Service The annual Golf Classic,
co-chaired in recent years
Alumni serve on Governing Bodies
by David Scandiffio,
and Committees
Barry McInerney and
• Collegium and its committees James McGovern brings
(Finance, Investment, alumni together to raise
Governance) funds for student-focused
• Senate initiatives.
• Governing Council of the
University of Toronto
• St. Mike’s Alumni
Association Board
• Young Alumni Committee
• Friends of the
John M. Kelly Library
• Friends’ Annual Book Sale
Committee
• Alumni and Friends Twilight
Retreat Planning Committee
• St. Mike’s Golf Classic
Committee
18 The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021St. Mike’s 180 consultations began at the 2019 Alumni Association AGM when
President David Sylvester hosted a Q&A with alumni.
“Alumni welcomed the opportunity “In this challenging year, the
to help shape the St. Mike’s 180 increase in virtual programming
plan through their participation offers opportunities to expand
in consultations, conversations, outreach and alumni engagement.
and the all-alumni survey. Now, The Young Alumni Committee
the Alumni Association Board looks forward to continuing
looks forward to playing its part in to focus on how to best create
advancing the plans and priorities valuable programming for young
that have emerged from this alumni, whether that be through
consultative process.” workshops and events, mentorship,
Andy Lubinsky, Class of 1979, or networking opportunities.”
President, Alumni Association Board
Cesare Plastina, Class of 2009,
Member, Young Alumni Committee
All St. Michael’s volunteer leaders
are deeply appreciated and new
volunteers are warmly welcomed.
To learn more about getting
involved please email:
smc.alumniaffairs@utoronto.ca
The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021 19St. Michael’s Stands Up
to Protect LGBT Youth
Tyler Clementi Foundation Statement, May 12, 2021
T
he University of St. Michael’s College is the first Catholic
university in Canada to offer support for a statement from American
Catholic Bishops calling for protection of at-risk LGBT youth.
St. Michael’s signed the document—God Is On Your Side: A
Statement from Catholic Bishops on Protecting LGBT, released by the Bishops
in partnership with the Tyler Clementi Foundation, with unanimous support
from the Executive Committee of St. Michael’s Board Collegium.
“Offering our concern or harassment directed at
and support for the you,” the Bishops write.
wellbeing of LGBT young “All people of goodwill
“Offering our concern people, including our should help, support, and
and support for the own students, is entirely defend LGBT youth; who
wellbeing of LGBT young
in keeping with our core attempt suicide at much
people, including our own
students, is entirely in values at St. Michael’s,” higher rates than their
keeping with our core values says University President straight counterparts; who
at St. Michael’s.” David Sylvester. “As our are often homeless because
David Sylvester, PhD strategic plan notes, we affirm and of families who reject them; who are
President and respect the intrinsic value of each rejected, bullied and harassed; and
Vice-Chancellor person, and we treat everyone in a fair who are the target of violent acts at
and equitable manner. That means alarming rates.”
caring for, and safeguarding, Recent statistics from the Centre
all people.” for Suicide Prevention, a branch of the
Citing Gospel teachings on love, Canadian Mental Health Association,
mercy, and welcome for all people show that LGBT youth are seven
as their motivation, the 14 Bishops times more likely to attempt suicide
who have signed the document so far than their heterosexual peers. Figures
represent dioceses from California from Statistics Canada indicate that
and Wyoming to Mississippi and LGBT youth are “much more likely
Michigan. Other signatories include than their heterosexual counterparts
Catholic parishes, orders, and schools, to be victims of violent crime.”
as well as individuals. The Tyler Clementi Foundation
“The Catholic Church values the was established by Tyler’s family to
God-given dignity of all human life prevent bullying, emphasizing the
and we take this opportunity to say to importance of inclusion, dignity and
our LGBT friends, especially young respect. Aggressive cyber-harassment
people, that we stand with you and led the 18-year-old Rutgers freshman
oppose any form of violence, bullying to take his own life.
20 The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021St. Michael’s Signs ACCUC
Call for Kamloops Action
Statement on Residential School Discovery, June 7, 2021
T
he Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in Canada (ACCUC) is
saddened and appalled to learn of the terrible discovery of 215 children’s bodies at the former
Kamloops Residential School. We are deeply disturbed by the role our church has played in
this case and in the residential schools in general, and we understand that this discovery is likely
only the first of more to come. To the entire Tk’emlups te Secwépemc First Nation and to the Indigenous
community of Canada, we offer our deepest condolences and prayers.
As the leaders of Canada’s Catholic universities and to all of the Indigenous communities of Canada. We
colleges, we feel it is imperative that the suffering and believe that the Holy Father’s apology will be important
loss of life experienced at the residential schools are for addressing the Church’s reprehensible involvement in
never forgotten. As centres of learning, we re-commit our the federal residential school system, as well as serving
institutions to the importance of Indigenous education, as a critical start for the process of healing the multiple
and to listening and working with our Indigenous wounds of our Indigenous brothers and sisters.
communities towards the goals of conscientization, About Us
reconciliation and healing. To these ends, we also request
The Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities
that the complete records of the residential schools be
in Canada (ACCUC) is an organization of over twenty
preserved and made available to all those who seek to
postsecondary academic institutions located across
learn from this horrific chapter in history.
Canada. The ACCUC acts as the official voice for Catholic
Most urgently and with a filial heart, we join other higher learning in Canada, as it seeks to spread “the spirit
Canadian Catholic organizations in urging the Canadian of learning” throughout the country.
Conference of Catholic Bishops to request Pope Francis
Yours Sincerely,
formally apologize to the survivors, their families, and
Peter Meehan, Ed.D. Rob Harasymchuk, M.B.A. Brigitte Quintal, B.C.L. Jason West, Ph.D.
Chair, ACCUC President, Présidente/President, President, Newman
President and St. Peter’s College Collège Universitaire Theological College
Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Sami Helewa, S.J. Dominicain/Dominican Thomas Worcester, SJ
St. Jerome’s University President, University College President, Regis College
John Cappucci, Ph.D. Campion College Dawn Russell, Q.C. CC:
Vice-Chair, ACCUC Michael Higgins, Ph.D. President and Vice- The Most Reverend
Principal and President and Chancellor, Richard Gagnon,
Vice-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Corpus St. Thomas University, President, Canadian
Assumption University Christi/St. Mark’s College Fredericton, Conference of
New Brunswick Catholic Bishops
Chantal Beauvais, Ph.D. Cheryl Jensen, M.Ed.
Rectrice, Université Interim Principal, Carl Still, Ph.D. The Most Reverend
Saint Paul/Saint Paul Brescia University College President, Ivan Jurkovič,
University, University St. Thomas More College Apostolic Nuncio to Canada
David Malloy, Ph.D.
of Ottawa Principal, King’s University David Sylvester, Ph.D. His Eminence Gérald
Shawn Flynn, Ph.D. College, Western University President and Cardinal Lacroix, Primate
President, Vice-Chancellor, University of Canada and Archbishop
John Meehan, SJ
St. Joseph’s College of St. Michael’s College of Québec
President and Vice-
Andy Hakin, Ph.D. Chancellor, Université Gerry Turcotte, Ph.D.
President and de Sudbury/University President and
Vice-Chancellor, of Sudbury Vice-Chancellor,
St. Francis Xavier University St. Mary’s University
The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021 21E D U C AT I O N
3 PRI N C I PAL’S O FFIC E
Hi-Tech Meets Heart
Three SMC One Seminars
for first year students:
• The Gilson Seminar
in Faith and Ideas
• The McLuhan Seminar in
Creativity and Technology
• The Boyle Seminar
in Serving Students
F
in Scripts and Stories
or Interim Principal Mark McGowan, the purpose of a university
4 is clear: to help students—and the world—pursue the important
St. Michael’s College (SMC)
questions. “The research toolkit that is part of the humanities teaches
sponsors the following you to seek out data and weigh evidence in the pursuit of truth,”
undergraduate programs: McGowan says. “These skills are portable and can go with you throughout
• Book and Media Studies your life, whether you are presenting at a school board meeting or at the board
• Mediaeval Studies room table.”
• Christianity and Culture
For St. Michael’s, responding to encouraging students,” he says. “This
• Celtic Studies
life’s big questions means a continued is not just in-the-moment work but
In the St. Michael’s sponsored focus on opportunities for students efforts that have long-term payoffs.
programs for the 2020–2021 and faculty to study and conduct “There are many ways and resources
academic year: research, attend major conferences, to help answer the big questions,”
SMC students were share their results, and engage with he continues, citing for example
majoring in
104: Book and Media Studies
the broader academic community. important grants that have been
22: Christianity and Culture “Faculty research and student awarded to support both faculty
8: Mediaeval Studies research energize each other,” and student research and to fund
6: Celtic Studies McGowan says, noting that attendance at major conferences,
SMC-registered students
events such as the recent research enhance classroom space for new
seeking a major, minor, or colloquium for St. Mike’s students approaches to teaching and ways for
specialist in on “Citizenship, Community, and students to connect and, of course,
136: Book and Media Studies Belonging”, as well as a university- the ongoing attention to the John M.
37: Christianity and Culture
20: Mediaeval Studies
wide colloquium on “The Role of Kelly Library, one of the University
16: Celtic Studies the Catholic University in the 21st of Toronto’s finest.
Century”, are indicative of the ways in Efforts continue to build up
The total number of students which this engagement spills out of the four undergraduate programs
in each of St. Michael’s
the classroom and into the broader life St. Michael’s sponsors—Book and
sponsored programs from
across the University of of the university. Media Studies, Mediaeval Studies,
Toronto: “It is vitally important to continue Christianity and Culture, and
483: Book and Media Studies to build a research culture on campus, Celtic Studies as well as the three
50: Christianity and Culture
engaging faculty in meaningful, first-year seminars—the Gilson
43: Mediaeval Studies
36: Celtic Studies innovative work while also Seminar in Faith and Ideas, the
22 The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021The Global Classroom offers students a virtual hands-on experience exploring the Scriptorium.
Global Classroom Dr. Tony Comper, students in Dr. More’s “Mediaeval
Book” class will have a virtual visit with an artist in
In non-pandemic times, some of the most exciting
Spain who replicates mediaeval manuscripts, allowing
moments of the St. Mike’s school year revolve around
them a close-up look at the process of working with
the trips students in the first-year Gilson, Boyle,
vellum. Because of the crossover, students in the Boyle
and McLuhan seminars take to Rome, Ireland, and
Seminar will be invited along.
California. Reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the
classes, travelling allows students in-person exposure The interactive nature of the high-tech classroom
to sites such as the Blackfriars Archeology Field School opens all sorts of possibilities, More says, including
in Ireland, Rome’s Sistine Chapel or some of the great inviting international speakers into the classroom
tech start-ups in California’s Silicon Valley. virtually, something that would be prohibitively
expensive if air travel and related expenses
When the pandemic settled in and travel was
were required.
put on hold, Interim Principal Mark McGowan,
Dr. Paolo Granata and Dr. Alison More worked quickly While the students await completion of the high-tech
to come up with a next-best approach. Out of their classroom, More has resorted to a more traditional
brainstorming came what is known as the Global method to allow her students a hands-on experience—
Classroom, retrofitted space in Teefy Hall that will allow snail mail. Each student in the Boyle Seminar was to
students a virtual hands-on experience. The high-tech receive a package with such items as a feather for a
classroom will allow students to examine artifacts from virtual session on quill making, scraps of parchment,
around the world and while it will first be put into use and images of mediaeval saints for students to
for the Boyle Seminar, Dr. More says its applications research and then talk about in class.
are limitless for students and her colleagues. “One of the goals of the program is to give students a
She envisions using the set-up to do things like access sense of what people were doing and thinking, of how
invaluable mediaeval documents from Maynooth they lived,” she says.
University in Ireland, or to create a mediaeval digital The mediaeval care package, she notes, will give
scriptorium. An added benefit, she notes, is the ability students a tactile sense of life in the Middle Ages,
for her students to build community with peers in other serving as a placeholder until the classroom opens,
locations, broadening their horizons and friendships. and students can do things like virtually examine the
And the applications are broader. Thanks to alumnus Book of Kells “without the sea of tourists.”
The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021 23Dr. Stephen Tardif,
seen here with students,
loves the notion of giving
back to a new generation.
McLuhan Seminar in
Creativity and Technology,
and the Boyle Seminar in
Scripts and Stories—which
weave themselves naturally
into St. Mike’s undergrad
programs.
McGowan notes, for
example, that an increasing
number of cross-appointments for St. Michael’s “I am thrilled to be cross-appointed
faculty members to the University of Toronto
allows them both the joys of teaching in an with the English Department at the
intimate college classroom while also the exposure University of Toronto. The cross-
of working at U of T, the top-ranked Canadian
university in the SQ World University Rankings
appointment of teaching-stream faculty
2021, with U of T ranking 25th in the world. will allow us to facilitate exciting
The resulting benefit, he notes, isn’t just for
professors. Dr. Alison More’s cross-appointment to
exchanges between the departmental
U of T’s Centre for Medieval Studies, for example, methods and structures of U of T with
means she can easily reach out to colleagues at the the collegiate approaches—and the
Faculty of Music, the Department of Art History,
or any of the divisions that might have crossover community—that make St. Mike’s so
with her own work, expanding not only her scope distinctive. Having connections with
but that of her students at St. Mike’s.
As the university looks to the future, McGowan both the program and the department
notes there will be an increased emphasis on hiring in which I majored as an undergraduate
with diversity and inclusivity in mind, building a
team reflective of the student body. is a very special thing. It represents the
This comes as the university considers and privilege—but also the responsibility
adopts ways for faculty and staff to work even
more closely together. —of delivering to another generation
“I don’t think in terms of divisions but see ‘what I also received’ (1 Cor 15:3).”
ourselves as one unit,” McGowan says, citing
professors teaching at both the undergraduate level Stephen Tardif, PhD
as well as in the Faculty of Theology. Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream
“We are blessed with a strong teaching faculty, Christianity and Culture Program
and a collection of really good people working
throughout the university. This is just the
beginning for us.”
24 The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021New Role for Book to the program of study. the largest programs in Internet publishing, book
and Media Studies This will allow students FAS. The program offers illustrations, advertising,
to gain practical work an interdisciplinary, censorship, reading and
The Book and Media
experience and career historical investigation entertainment alongside
Studies program
skills while building of the role of printing, the development of mass
has been selected by
professional networks as books, reading, and media—the advent of
the Faculty of Arts and
part of their degree. Book electronic and digital radio and the emergence
Science as the first
and Media Studies is one media in cultures past of television, global
humanities program
of the four undergraduate and present. Its topics telecommunications,
to participate in the
programs sponsored by include manuscript social media, and the
new Arts and Science
the College and is among and book production, Internet.
Internship Program
(ASIP). Launching in Fall
2021, ASIP will combine
12–20 months of paid
work experience with
specialized professional
training in fields relevant
Applying
Lessons Learned
at St. Mike’s
By Daniel Seljak,
SMC 2014
Numbers in the
Humanities was a
mandatory course
requirement for Book
and Media studies
back when I graduated
in 2014. While I was
looking forward to taking
a course with Professor
McGowan, I resented
the mandatory nature of
the course and dreaded
the idea of having to
do any kind of applied
assignment was on a firm, where the lessons sorting through boxes
work with numbers;
small stretch of Toronto’s I learned in navigating and records left by my
there was a reason I’d
original Chinatown and Toronto’s archives grandparents in an
chosen the humanities.
how its demographics and applying the data effort to create an online
But I was surprised at
shifted in a couple discovered have made communal archive of the
how much I enjoyed it;
decades. I still reference me a useful internal early Slovene diaspora
the hands-on project
it today. resource when it comes in Toronto.
work directly applying
I now work in marketing to describing how a new Do I still resent that the
the concepts in class to
and business project incorporates or is course was mandatory?
historic neighbourhoods
development at Gensler, sensitive to local context. Sure. But I would
in Toronto was
immediately compelling the world’s largest I’ve also started applying definitely recommend
and interesting. My final architecture and design those same lessons to taking it.
The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021 25Office of the Principal and Vice-President Report
January 2020 to February 2021
Highlighting Faculty Service to the Academy and the Community
Faculty and Staff Emilie Nicolas. Tanenhaus to develop a “Global Outbound Mobility (Global
taught “Trump and the Classroom.” Please Classroom Project for
New Faculty Election” and a seminar in see sidebar. St. Michael’s College)
literary journalism. Nicolas Special Award, Ontario
Adam Hincks, SJ taught “#BlackLives and Conferences, Catholic School Trustees
Sutton Family Chair in the Media”. Lectures and Events Association, for significant
Science, Christianity contributions to Catholic
Thomas D’Arcy McGee
and Cultures
Christianity and Culture Beacon Lecture, Education in Ontario.
“The Bible and the Big October 2020. Paolo Granata
Post-Doctoral Fellows
Bang” (course approved; America Votes Outreach and Education
Bernadette Guthrie scheduled for 2021–2022) 2020—Election Night, Grant, “Advancing SDGs
Étienne Gilson “Vatican II: Then and November 2020. at U of T”, School of Cities.
Post-Doctoral Fellow Now,” a seminar taught The aim is to grow on
Nathan Pinkoski by Fr. Dan Donovan in his Celtic Studies existing initiatives, form
Étienne Gilson 50th year of teaching at Speaker Series new partnerships, and
Post-Doctoral Fellow St. Michael’s College. produce a blueprint for
Ambassador Eamonn advancing the UN Global
McKee, February 2021.
Status Appointments Mediaeval Studies Goals at U of T in areas
USMC Research ranging from integrated
Status appointments were A number of new courses Colloquium, March 2021. learning to open research,
secured for: were developed by program
Thomas D’Arcy McGee and civic engagement.
Iris Gildea (Women and coordinator Alison More,
Gender Studies), Beacon Fellowship, March– Reid Locklin
including courses on
Stephen Tardif (English), April 2021. American Academy
gender and sexuality,
Alison More (History) women’s lives, barbarians, of Religion, 2021,
Faculty Members Collaborative International
and Vikings. Professional and
Selected Research Grant
New Courses Academic Activity
First Year Foundations “Lonergan in the Post-
and Program Colony,” Project Director.
Developments This year, Professor Reid Publications
Locklin proposed a new Alison More
Journal Articles 11 SSHRC Insight
First Year Foundation
Book and Media Studies Book Chapters 9 Development Grant,
course, “Christianity, Truth,
The program underwent and Reconciliation” to be 2020–23 (with Isabelle
a complete renewal. Book offered in 2021–2022. Grants and Awards Cochelin, CMS)
and Media Studies was This course has also Alexander Andrée Felan Parker
also selected by the Faculty been approved, with SSHRC Institutional SSHRC Insight Grant
of Arts and Science to some differences, as an Grant (U of T). Currently (co-investigator with
be the humanities pilot SMC One seminar and holding multi-year SSHRC Benjamin Woo), “Swarming
for the Arts and Science will be offered as such in Insight Grant San Diego-Comic Con”
Internship Program (ASIP). the future. 2020–2023
Mark G. McGowan
Learn more: www.artsci.
Research Fellowship,
utoronto.ca/current/ SMC One Seminars Service and Leadership
Library and Archives,
academics/asip
The Boyle Seminar in Maynooth University, Alexander Andrée
The program welcomed Scripts and Stories was Ireland, Humanities Associate Director, Centre
guest lecturers: awarded a major grant Research Institute (2020) for Medieval Studies
Sam Tanenhaus and from Universities Canada Universities Canada, General Editor, Toronto
26 The University of St. Michael’s College | President’s Report | Spring 2021You can also read
