King's Herald - Spring 2008

www.uwo.ca/kings

Meet three media-savvy grads, an award-winning professor, and a student with a passion for microcredit

King’s students reduce footprint

Spring 2008 A magazine for alumni and friends of King’s University College at The University of Western Ontario

king’s herald

Patrick Teskey ’99 reports the news in Hay River, NWT

king’s heraldKing’s University College Office of Alumni Affairs London, Ontario, Canada

The King’s Herald is published semi-annually by the King’s University College Office of Alumni Affairs. We welcome your letters, suggestions or comments about the Association and the College. Please contact the Office of Alumni Affairs: London: (519) 433-3491 Long distance: 1-800-265-4406 ext. 4565 Fax: (519) 963-1334 E-mail: [email protected] Mail: King’s University College Office of Alumni Affairs 266 Epworth Avenue, London, ON N6A 2M3

For additional information about the Alumni Association, please visit our website: www.uwo.ca/kings/alumni

Parents: If you are receiving mail for your son or daughter, we would appreciate his or her current address. Please contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at one of the numbers above.

Opinions expressed in the Herald do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the University’s administration. To contact the editor, phone (519) 433-3491 or 1-800-265-4406 Ext. 4500. E-mail: [email protected]

Editor: Erin Lawson, Executive Director of Development & Alumni Affairs

Associate Editor: Amanda Cameron, Manager, Annual Giving & Stewardship

Editorial Consultant: Morden Communications

Designer: Hill Street Ad & Design

Editorial Advisory Committee: Julie Deery ’97, Chair Sarah Corrigan ’00 Calum Cunningham ’97 Sophia Katsios ’94 Stephen Mussart ’91 Kelly Schaus Jim Zucchero ’82

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King’sConnect:4 MeetyournewExecutiveDirector

6 FromthePrincipal’sDesk

7 UpcomingEvents

8 MessagefromtheAlumniAssociationPresident

10 2008King’sUniversityCollegeAlumniAwardofDistinction

21 Milestones

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ThegiftofserviceAQ&AwithJohnNash

MediasavvyMeetthreegradswhoaremakingamarkintheworldofmedia

Smallchanges,bigimpactKing’sstudentsarehelpingto“green”theplanet

ApassionforteachingDr.NickSkinnerconnectswithhisstudentsthroughhumourandstories

DoorsopeningGraceFlesher’08isabankerwhohelpstheworld’spoor

Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No. 40019616. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Kings University College, Office of Alumni Affairs, 266 Epworth Avenue, London ON N6A 2M3

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Front cover photo: Scott Clouthier, Hub Publications Inc.

King’s celebrates $1,200,000 student pledge toward the new Student Life Centre

(L-R: Bennett Brown (Incoming King’s University College Student Council President), Ryan Gauss (Current King’s University College Student Council President), Dr. Gerry Killan (Principal), Henry Thuss (Chair, King’s University College Board of Directors), John Callaghan (Chair, King’s College Foundation).

See Principal’s message on page sixPHOT

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King’sConnect

The King’s Herald | page 4

A perfect fitThroughoutherlife,ErinLawsonhasbeenattractedtopeopleandorganizationswithbigdreams.That’swhy

she’sveryexcitedabouthernewjobasExecutiveDirectorofDevelopment&AlumniAffairs.“King’shasaveryclearvisionofwhoitisandwhereitisgoing,”shesays.“IreallyfeelthatthisistheplacewhereI’mmeanttobe.”

Erin’sfirstlovewashorses,alife-longpassionthatbeganingradesixandfueledtheearlypartofhercareer.WhenshegraduatedfromUWO,shebecamethefirstmanagerofSARI,aninnovativeridingschoolforthedisabled,forwhichshecontinuestovolunteer.

Whenhertwochildrenwereborn,sheleftworktospendanumberofyearsathome.OnedayshecalledMarthaBlackburn,theownerofKilbyrneFarmnearLondon,toseeifsheneededanyhelpwithahorseshow.Thecallcameataperfecttime.BlackburnwasthinkingaboutspendingmoretimeinLondontoconcentrateonhermediainterests,andsheofferedErinajobasManager

oftheFarm.ErinmovedwithherfamilyintoBlackburn’shouseandtookovermanagementoftheday-to-dayoperations.KilbyrneFarmwasoneofthepremierequestrianfacilitiesinNorthAmerica,housingOlympicleveldressagehorses,andhostingtrialsfortheOlympicsandWorldCup.“Itwastheperfectequestrianjob,”shesays.

Livingonthefarmwasalsoawonderfulexperienceforherfamily,saysErin,becausetheylearnedhowimportantitwastosupporteachother.“EvenonChristmasdaywehadtofeedthehorsesbeforeanythingelse,”shesays.HerhusbandTedworksat3M.Kyle,now25,isdoinghisMastersinphysicsatUBC,andKate,now23,hasjustfinishedthreeyearsstudyingactinginNewYork.

Throughoutherearlycareer,ErinalwayskeptintouchwithwhatwashappeningatWestern.WhenBlackburndiedandthefarmwassold,ErinacceptedapositionasAlumniRelationsandDevelopmentOfficeratWestern’sFacultyofHealthSciences.Duringtheuniversity’scapitalcampaign,sheraisedmorethan$14million,andhelpedcreatetheNationalCenterforAudiology.RecentlyshemovedintotheMustangSportsportfolio,leadingthecampaignthatcreatedtheMichaelKirkleyMustangTrainingCentre.

AlthoughsheknewlittleabouttheworldofdevelopmentbeforeshecametoWestern,shefounditwasanenvironmentshethrivedin.“Ireallyenjoyworkingwithpeoplewhoarepassionateaboutwhattheyaredoing,”saysErin,whoseportfolioatKing’ssupportsbothAlumniAffairsandtheKing’sCollegeFoundation.“Thesearecausesthatreallychangelives.”Shealsolovesbeingaroundstudents,andtriestogotoasmanyMustangsgamesasshecan.

ErinfullyexpectedtospendtherestofhercareeratWestern,butwhenthepositioncameupatKing’sitpiquedherinterest.“IhadheardsomanypositivethingsaboutKing’s,”shesays.“AndIhaveastrongpersonalbeliefinthevalueoftheliberalartstraining.”

ThemoreshelearnsaboutKing’s,themoreshe’simpressedbyitsuniqueenvironment.“It’sanincrediblywarm,friendly,andrespectfulatmosphere,”shesays.“Theadministrationhascreatedfabulousteams,andcollegialityrunsacrosseverything.Everyvoiceisheard.”

ErinisparticularlylookingforwardtomeetingKing’salumni.“IwanttoinvitealumnitocomebacktotheCollege,”shesays.“Wewantthemtolearnabouttheincrediblestudentswehavehere,andjoininthemanyeventsandcelebrations.WhentheycomebacktoKing’sthey’reinforapleasantsurprise.”

ErinLawsonisKing’snewExecutiveDirectorofDevelopmentandAlumniAffairs

Spring 2008 | page 5

Alumni survey completedMore than 1000 alumni completed the alumni survey either on-line or over the telephone. To all those who completed the survey, thank you very much for taking the time to share your thoughts. We are happy to announce that the winner of the draw for a $200 hotel voucher is Salvatore Caputo ’92.

Faculty NewsDr. Patrick Ryan of the Childhood and Social Institutions department had two articles published recently: “How New is the ‘New’ Social Studies of Childhood? The Myth of a Paradigm Shift,” Journal of Interdisciplinary History, v 38 no. 4 (Feb-Mar 2008), and “Six Blacks from Home: Childhood, Motherhood, and Eugenics in America,” The Journal of Policy History vol. 19 no. 3 (Spring 2008): 253-281.

Rachel Birnbaum of the Social Work department was re-elected to the position of Chair of the Ontario Association of Social Workers and Social Service workers. This is the regulatory body for all social workers in the province – a relatively new organization. Dr. Birnbaum was the first academic in this position. She also co-authored the following: Birnbaum, R., Fidler, B.J. & Kavassalis, K. (2008), “Child Custody Assessments: A Resource Guide for Legal and Mental Health Professionals,” Carswell Publishing; Birnbaum, R., & Mosher, J.E. (2008), “Law for Social Workers, 4th Edition,” Carswell Publishing.

Building NewsThe King’s campus buzzed with construction activity this summer! As a result, we have a new building nestled behind Dante Lenardon Hall to provide much needed office space for faculty and staff, and meeting and seminar rooms.

Our townhouse residences underwent a makeover. The exterior of the townhouses were renovated with stone and stucco, false dormers, new entrances and landscaping. The interior of the townhouses will be renovated in the future.

Student NewsPart-time MSW student, Cecelia Irwin, was appointed student representative to the Ontario Association of Social Workers for the 2007 – 2009 term.

New!King’sUniversityCollegeAlumniDirectoryBeginning in the fall of 2008, King’s alumni will be able to search the King’s University College Online Directory for fellow graduates.

As a registered member, the alumni Directory will be a valuable resource tool for our network of over 10,000 alumni. You will be able to use the Directory to search for former classmates and locate fellow graduates who work in your industry, sector or region. The Directory will be secure and private, only King’s alumni will have access to the information.

To sign up to be a part of the Directory please visit our website and complete the address update form www.uwo.ca/kings/alumni/update.html

All alumni who register will be notified by e-mail when the directory is up and running.

The first 100 graduates to register will be entered into a draw to win a $200 gift certificate for the hotel of your choice.

King’sConnect

FromthePrincipal’sDesk

By Dr. Gerry Killan


Annual Career Day

Students learned from the experience of King’s economics, business and math alumni at the annual EBM Career Day on January 22, 2008. Grads who offered their advice about career opportunities and job finding included:

Sondra Stewart, EC ’92, CA, CBV, president, Steward Business Valuations Inc

Bill Sherwood, ACS ’02, CMA, Manager, Business Support, Union Gas, London/Chatham

Chris Albion, MOS ’07 Senior Financial Analyst of US and Canadian Corporate Stores and Loans for Tim Horton’s; President, Hold ‘Em Promotions; Consultant, London Health Sciences Foundation

Adam Chapman, ACS ’04 Financial Security Advisor, Freedom 55 Financial, London Life

Lindsay Rowe, EC ’02 CIBC Wood Gundy

Joe MacDonald, EC ’80 Executive Vice President of the Citadel Group of Funds

Jason Wilcox, ACS ’06 Entrepreneur, Waste Solutions Canada

Jason Peetsma, BA ’01 Director of Operations, Brendan Wood International

InarecentsurveyofouralumnibyAcademicaGroup,IwasstruckbythesimilarityofthinkingacrossallgenerationsofourgraduatesaboutthefundingprioritiesoftheCollege.Accessibilitytoppedthelist.Yourmessageisloudandclear:scholarshipsandbursariesmustalwaysbeafundraisingpriority.SincetheOntariogovernmentintroduceditsmatchinggrantprogramin1996,nowcalledOntarioTrustforStudentSupport(OTSS),ourendowedfundshavegrownfrom$400,000to$4.4million.Asweprepareforournextcapitalcampaign,theKing’sCollegeFoundationintendstoraise$300,000overeachofthenextfiveyearsundertheOTSS,addinganother$3millionofendowedfundsforstudentsinfinancialneed.

Alumnialsoputgreatimportanceonfundinglibraryresources,academicenrichmentprograms,classroomrenovationsandequipment,residenceimprovements,andathleticfacilities.TheCollegehasgivenprioritytoalloftheseareasoverthepastdecade.ThoseofyouwhohavevisitedKing’srecentlyknowthemanypositivechangesthathavebeenundertaken.King’sistheonlypost-secondaryinstitutioninLondon(andpossiblyOntario)tohaveeverysingleclassroomfullyoutfittedwithacompletecomplementofmultimediapresentationequipment.ThiscomingyearsixadditionalclassroomswillbeaddedwhentheCollegetakesoccupancyoftheoldBroughdalePublicSchoolonEpworthAvenue.

TheresourcesintheG.EmmettCardinalCarterLibraryareconstantlybeingexpandedandtheFoundationandStudents’Councilhaveregularlyprovidedfundsfornewequipmentandfurniture.Ourfull-timefacultycomplementhasgrownfrom58in1999-2000to83thisyear.Wewillbeaddingthreeadditionalfacultyinreligiousstudiesin2008-2009aswelaunchanewWorldReligionsprogram.ProgramdevelopmenthasalsobeengreatlyenhancedwiththeadditioninthepastfiveyearsofagraduateMSWprogram,SocialJusticeandPeaceStudies,ChildhoodandSocialInstitutions,Thanatology,ManagementandOrganizationalStudies,andCatholicStudies.Anewdepartmentof“InterdisciplinaryStudies,”chairedbyDr.AlanPomfret,hasalsobeencreated.

Alumniwhoresidedintheoldtownhouseswillbestunnedatthetransformationwhentheyseetherenovationstotheexteriorsofthesebuildings(see page five).Nextsummer,weplantomakesignificantimprovementstotheirinteriors.

Theworkofimprovement,ofcourse,neverends.Recentgraduatesandstudentshaveidentifiedotherareasof“greatestneed”:anew“StudentLife”buildingtohousea500seatamphitheatre,consolidateStudents’Councilofficesandfacilities,andprovidelowimpactathleticactivities,clubrooms,studentservices,aprayerroom,andspaceforstudentstointeractinformally.Planningisunderwaytomakethisbuildingoneofthecenterpiecesofourforthcomingcapitalcampaign.Ourstudentshavededicated$1.2Moftheirdiscretionarystudentfeestothisprojectoverthenextfiveyears(seephotoonpagethree).Allalumniwillhaveanopportunitytosupportthisimportantinitiative.Thecampaignforscholarships/bursariesandthe“StudentLife”buildingwillbemytoppriorityasIapproachmylastyearasprincipal.

Upcoming Alumni Events


April:London Chapter Event – Speaker Series Thursday, April 10, 2008, 6:30 p.m., Students’ Lounge, Wemple Building, King’s Dramatists ‘foul papers’ in the age of Shakespeare Dr. Paul Werstine, Department of Modern Languages, King’s University College Advance Registration Required

May: Music Reigns, The Gala “An Evening of Soul” Featuring guest artists Gavin Hope and Karen LeBlanc Saturday, May 3, 2008, The London Convention Centre. Cost: $150/person The funds raised through Music Reigns benefit the community through two of London’s prized institutions, King’s University College and Orchestra London. Guests will delight in the timeless and unforgettable sounds of Motown! The evening includes a delectable dinner, lively dancing and the most incredible live and silent auction in town. To order tickets, please call (519) 679-8778.

Hamilton Alumni Event Thursday, May 22, 2008, 5:30 p.m. The newly formed Hamilton Alumni Chapter invites you to mix, mingle and enjoy musical entertainment provided by the Dunn Brothers. This will be a wonderful opportunity to catch-up with former classmates, faculty and friends. Location to be announced. Please visit www.uwo.ca/kings/alumni for further information.

Ottawa Alumni Event The Ottawa Chapter will host a get-together in May 2008. The venue and nature of the event remain to be determined. If you have any suggestions or would like to get involved with the Ottawa Chapter please contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at (800) 265-4406 x4502 [email protected] or Geoff Hutton at (613) 825-2247.

June:

Fall:

The 13th Annual King’s Golf Classic Tuesday, September 16, 2008. Forest City National

Homecoming October 3-5, 2008

Calgary Alumni Event Tuesday, June 3, 2008, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Special Guests: Dr. Gerry Killan, Principal and Erin Lawson, Executive Director, Development & Alumni Affairs. Location to be announced. Please visit www.uwo.ca/kings/alumni for further information.

Vancouver Alumni Event Thursday, June 5, 2008, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Special Guests: Dr. Gerry Killan, Principal and Erin Lawson, Executive Director, Development & Alumni Affairs. Location to be announced. Please visit www.uwo.ca/kings/alumni for further information.

For further details please visit the King’s University College Alumni Events page www.uwo.ca/kings/alumni or contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at [email protected] or (519) 433-3491 x4502

King’sConnect

President’sMessage

AsyournewlyappointedPresident,IwouldliketothankSophiaKatsios’94andtherestoftheKing’sAlumniBoardfortheirpasteffortsandcontributionstotheAlumniAssociationandtheKing’sCommunity.Overthepastfewyears,theireffortsbroughtKing’sAlumniclosertogetherthroughvariouseventsandactivities.

King’shasevolvedoverthepreviousfivedecadesbutitspositionasaleaderinliberalartseducationremains.Beyondacademia,King’sisaplacewherefriendshipsaredevelopedandfosteredbetweenfellowstudents,facultyandstaff.

Aboveall,King’sisacommunity.Aspartofthiscommunity,weallshareasimilarbondandfondmemoriesofourdaysatKing’s.WhetheritwasthemanypubssuchasWelcomeBackHoursorsimplythememorablelecturesinDr.JohnSnyder’sTheologyofMarriagecourse,weallsharedintheKing’sexperience.

Lastyearmarkedabreakthroughinthevariousprofessionalandsocialnetworkingwebsitessuchaslinkedin.comandfacebook.com.Underlyingthepopularityofthesewebportalsisthedesireofpeopletostayconnectedwithothersandtomeetorre-acquaintwiththosewithsimilarbackgrounds.

IinviteyoutogetmoreinvolvedinAlumnieventsandre-connectwithsomeofthosefriendlyfaces.Youcan…

AttendAlumniandchaptereventsheldinvariouscitiesthroughoutCanada;

VolunteerwiththeAlumniAssociationthroughBoardorChapterCommittees;

JointhevariousnetworkinggroupsonFacebook.

Keeptrackofthevariousevents–checkoutwww.uwo.ca/kings/

Considermakingaroadtripto266EpworthAvenueduringHomecomingweekend.Forsomeofyou,thebuildingswillnotberecognizable–butthefriendlyfacesofthecommunitywillquicklybringbackthememoriesofthegoodtimes.

Pleasestayintouch–provideyouremailaddressandcontactinformationtotheAlumniOfficesothatwecankeepyouinformedofupcomingevents.

Ilookforwardtoseeingyouthroughouttheyear.

Event Recap


Hamilton Alumni ReceptionOn October 30, 2007, alumni from the Hamilton area gathered at The Hamilton Club for an event sponsored by Roger Yachetti ‘61, Jim Scarfone ‘70 and Frank DeSantis ‘72. Principal Dr. Gerry Killan, Academic Dean Dr. Des Dutrizac, Dr. Dante Lenardon, Prof. Paul Webb and Alumni and Development Officer Kelly Schaus travelled to Hamilton to catch up with graduates who live and work in the area. Dr. Lenardon gave a wonderful presentation and guests had the opportunity to reconnect with former classmates, faculty and meet new acquaintances.

A group of King’s alumni have come together and a new Chapter has formed in Hamilton. The group is excited to organize events for graduates in the area.

Sarnia Alumni ReceptionOn August 29, 2007 alumni from the Sarnia area got together at On the Front Restaurant and Bar for an evening of good food and fun. Principal Gerry Killan, his wife Linda Killan, Registrar Marilyn Mason, Dr. Nick Skinner and Alumni & Development Officer Kelly Schaus travelled to Sarnia to meet with King’s alumni, share stories and catch up. With over 300 alumni in the area there are sure to be more exciting events in the future.

David Elias ’90 President, King’s University College Alumni Association


Toronto Young Alumni Event On November 24th, 2007, the King’s Young Alumni Council held their inaugural event in Toronto at West Lounge Bar. The King’s Young Alumni Council is affiliated with the King’s Alumni Association but has a strict focus on events, both networking and social, for King’s grads of the past five years. This event was a great success with a large turnout of King’s grads from 2002-2007. There was plenty of reminiscing and story telling as we were able to recall our days at King’s not so long ago. Please keep your eye on the King’s website, the Herald, or the King’s Young Alumni facebook group for future events.

HomecomingHomecoming 2007 was a huge success! Over 100 King’s alum dropped by the Friday Night Bash which took place in the Student Lounge of the Monsignor Wemple Building at King’s University College. Rick McGhie entertained the crowd and many sang along to their favourite tunes! In addition, Stephen Dunn ’81 and his sister Colleen Gamble ’84 paid tribute to Bernie Hammond as they sang a special song in celebration of Bernie’s 65th birthday. All who attended had the opportunity to catch up with former classmates, faculty and friends. It was a wonderful evening.

Members of the Class of 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998 and 2003 …

Come home to King’s and celebrate your reunion at Homecoming 2008! October 3-5, 2008We are seeking volunteers to assist us in planning your reunion celebration at Homecoming 2008. If you are interested in helping to organize a special get-together for your class, please contact the Office of Alumni Affairs.

(519) 433-3491 x4502 | (800) 265-4406 x4502 | [email protected]

2008

King’sConnect

The King’s University College Alumni Award of Distinction celebrates talent, achievement, commitment and community.

There are many very talented and deserving King’s alumni who deserve to be recognized for their outstanding achievements. If you know a King’s graduate whose contributions enhance his or her community and who is an inspiration to those who know them please take the time to put forward a nomination.

Past Recipients:2007 Stephen Dunn ‘812006: Robert Paterson ‘722005: Sheila Copps ’74 and Sally VandeSompel ‘972004: James Scarfone ‘702003: Barbara Tiessen ‘862002: Gary Comerford ‘732001: John J. Callaghan ‘672000: John (Jack) Petch, Q.C. ‘60

To download a nomination form, please visit our website www.uwo.ca/kings/alumni. For further information, please call the Office of Alumni Affairs at (519) 433-3491 x4502 or (800) 265-4406 x4502

Nomination Deadline: May 1, 2008

Making a Donation is Easy On-lineCan’t decide what to give for a graduation/birthday/anniversary/wedding? Consider making a gift to King’s!

You can make a donation any time to support King’s and our students by visiting www.uwo.ca/kings/foundation/index.html and using your Visa or MasterCard.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

King’s University College Alumni Award of Distinction

Annual fundraising campaign a success!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our annual fundraising appeal in the fall. Many grads took some

time to respond to our letter or to speak with our student callers on the phone. To all those who

contributed, we are grateful for the funds you donated to support scholarships and bursaries for students in financial

need and the new Centre for Catholic-Jewish Learning. Your generous support raised over $51,000 to benefit our students!



TheKing’s University College owes much to the support and

counsel of a group of committed and dedicated senior

volunteers. The Herald talked to John Nash about why he

commits his time and talent to the College.

J o h n n A S h Q & A

photo: Jackie Noble

What did you enjoy about your time as a King’s student?IwastooyoungforuniversitywhenIwenttoKing’s.Ifounduniversityastruggle,andbarelysurvivedmyfirstyear.ThebeautyofbeingatKing’s,withitssmallclassesandprofswhoknewyou,washavingpeopletoleanon.

Why did you agree to chair the Building Faith, Building Futures Campaign?MydecisionwasinfluencedbythreepeoplewhoareextremelydedicatedtoKing’s:Dr.GerryKillan,JohnCallaghan,andDonMcDougall.OneofthereasonsIagreedtochairthelastcampaignwastostrengthenKing’stieswiththefaithcommunity.TheroleofKing’sasaCatholicinstitutionisbecomingevermoresignificant,andthatisdirectlyattributabletoworkofourprincipal,Dr.GerryKillan.ThereisaverystrongmoralfibrethatrunsthroughKing’sthatdoesn’trunthroughmanyothereducationalinstitutions.Itisevidentinallaspectsofthecampus,fromitsbuildingsandpublicationstoitsfacultyandstudents.ThisstrongsenseofvaluespervadestheCollege.

What did you enjoy about chairing the Campaign?Itwasateameffortrightfromthestart.AsanindividualIfeelIwould

JohnNashattendedKing’sforhis

firsttwoyearsofuniversity,then

completedaphysicaleducation

degreefromUWOandaPhDfrom

OhioStateUniversity.Aftersettingup

Canada’sfirstundergraduateHealth

StudiesProgramattheUniversity

ofWaterloo,hereturnedtoLondon

totakeoverNashJewellers,founded

byhisgrandfatherin1918.Nash

developedthefirstCanadianAGS

AccreditedGemologicalLaboratory

in1980.HeservedasChairmanof

theTrusteesoftheAmericanGem

Society(AGS),ahighhonourfor

aCanadian,andhasbeenrecently

electedasSeniorAdvisortoits

board.HewasinductedintoJunior

Achievement’sLondonBusiness

HallofFamelastyear.Nashand

hiswifeMargihavesixchildren,all

boys,betweentheagesof23and33,

andthreegrandchildren.Aformer

memberoftheCanadianSeniors

GolfAssociationInternationalTeam,

Nashplaysgolfandsquashregularly.

NashchairedKing’shighlysuccessful

Building Faith, Building Futures

Campaign,andisadirectorofthe

King’sCollegeFoundationBoard.

giftof service

havebeeninadequatetothetask,butasateamwehadatremendousamountofstrength.Ifoundtheexperienceverygratifying.

How did the experience change your perspective on King’s? IfeltlikeIwasre-establishinganumbilicalcord.AfterthecampaignIwassoenthusedIaskedtoserveontheboardoftheKing’sCollegeFoundation.I’veenjoyedtheboardimmensely.

Why do you feel it’s important to support King’s?Universitiesarebecomingincreasinglysecularandamoral.Ithinkitisveryimportantforstudentstohavetheopportunitytoattendastrongvalue-basededucationalinstitutionlikeKing’s.

Like everything else in the electronic age,

the world of media is changing. But its essence

– the power to communicate – remains the same.

That’s why King’s grads, with their superb liberal

arts education, move effortlessly in this world.

The Herald talked to three alumni in the media.

Media Savvy


DavidEstokhasachievedsuccessinjournalismandpublicrelations

DavidEstokremembersbeingcalledintothesameofficewherehenowsitsattheHamiltonSpectator.Itwastheearly80’s,andhehadjustcompletedasummerinternshipwithnineotherscompetingforafull-timereportingjob.Ajobwaswaitingforhim,hewastold,butnotuntiltheeconomyturnedaround.LessthanayearlaterhewasbackattheSpectatorasarookiereporter.

Nowhe’sattheSpectatoragain,thistimeasEditor-in-Chief.Estok’sreturntohishometownnewspapercapsaremarkablecareerthathasleapfroggedbetweenjournalismandpublicrelations.“IfeelveryluckythatIhavebeenabletomovebetweenthetwo,”hesays.“Thereareveryfewpeoplewhohavetheopportunitytodothat.”

Estokjoinedtheworkforcerightafterhighschool,spendingafewyearsinHamiltonasanironworker.WhenhewentontoKing’s,hewasoneofonlythreestudentsinhisyeartocompleteadoublemajorinHistoryandEnglish.HiswifeKathyKeighleywasoneoftheothertwo.

AtKing’shebecameinterestedforashorttimeinacareerinacademia,aftertakingsomecoursesfromaninspiringyounghistoryprofessor,Dr.GerryKillan.ThisgoalwasabandonedwhenDr.JacqueGoutortoldhimthatthesecrettogettingaPhDwas“sittinginahardchair.”“Thatdidn’tappealtome,”saysEstok.“Idecidedonjournalism,whichsomepeoplesayishistoryontherun.”

Hewentontocompleteaone-yearundergraduatedegreeandaMaster’sinjournalismatCarletonbeforejoiningtheHamiltonSpectator.BytheendoffiveyearswiththeSpeche

waslookingfornewchallenges.HetookajobwiththeNationalPost,aweeklyfinancialpaperthatwasre-inventingitselfasadailytabloid.Heworkedforsixmonthsasasteelandautowriter,andworkedhiswayuptoNationalEditor.

AfterfiveyearswiththeNationalPost,EstokmadehisfirstsortieintocorporatecommunicationsasDirectorofOntario’snewly-formedWorkplaceHealthandSafetyAgency.Amonghisaccomplishmentswasanaward-winningyoungworkerawarenessprogramtocommunicateworkerhealthandsafetyissues.

EstokreturnedbrieflytojournalismwithMaclean’smagazine,andthenjumpedbackintopublicrelationsin1966whenheagreedtoacceptthepositionofDirectorofCommunicationsforUWO.DuringhistenyearsatWestern,hedramaticallyincreasedtheuniversity’scommunicationpresence,expandingthedepartmentfromninepeopleto26.HisworkhelpedtobuildWestern’sreputation,leadingtohigherrankingsandenteringgrades.Helaunchedarebrandingoftheuniversity,introducedtheTowerlogo,andmanagedthecommunicationsoftheUniversity’shighlysuccessfulfundraisingcampaign.AshisjobevolvedandhewaselevatedtoAssociateVicePresidentofCommunicationsandPublicAffairs,hebecamemoreactivelyinvolvedonbehalfofWesterninthelocalcommunity.

Althoughtheworldofjournalismisdifferentfrompublicrelations,Estokbelievestheyhavemuchincommon.“Thepowerofcommunication–theneedtosimplifycomplexmessagessopeopleunderstandthem–isthesameinboth,”hesays.

AsEditor-in-ChiefoftheHamiltonSpectator,Estok

overseesanationalnewspaperwithacirculationof106,000andanewsroomstaffof110.Hehelpssetthenewsagenda,managesbusinessissues,andrepresentsthenewspaperinthecommunity.UnderhisleadershiptheSpectatoristakinganumberofnewinitiatives.ItrecentlylaunchedaseriescalledHamiltonNextthattakesalookatthechallengesandopportunitiesofthecityinawaythatengagesthecommunity.Oneinnovativeideaisaninteractivewebgamecalled“FutureCity”,whereplayerschartthenexthundredyearsofHamilton.

Estokislookingforwardtothechallengesofrunningalargedailynewspaper.“Weareworkinghardtounderstandthedifferencesamongreaders,andwhattheywantandneed.Wehavetobesmartabouthowweuseourresourcesanddevelopourstoriestoensureweareputtingoutaqualitypublication.Thenwehavetoseehowthiswholenewworldofthewebwillcontinuetogrowandchangeourbusiness.”

EstokisalsoexcitedtobebackinHamilton.“GoingbacktowhereIstartedmakesmefeeltenyearsyounger!”

Best of both worlds


OnOctober6,2007,RCMPConstableChrisWordendiedafterbeingshotinthesmallnortherncommunityofHayRiver.PatrickTeskey,areporterwiththeHayRiverHub,wasassignedtocoverthestory.Itwasachallengingassignment,withtheeyesofthenationonthetownandthenationalmediaclamouringfornews.ItwasparticularlyhardforTeskey,whohadplayedflagfootballwithWordenandriddeninhissquadcar.“Iconsideredhimafriend,”hesays.“AftertheshootingIlivedinacocoon,unabletodealwithmyemotionsuntilthingsbegantoreturntonormal.”

TeskeyarrivedinHayRivereightmonthsbeforetheshooting.Hehadneverbeeninthenorth,norhadhelivedinasmalltown.HegrewupinTorontoandthenenrolledatKing’s,wherehemajoredinphilosophyandvolunteeredfortheKing’sRegisandWesternGazette.

HewentontograduateatthetopofhisclassinthejournalismprogramatSheridanCollege.Hestartedhisowndesignandcommunicationscompany,andthenbeganlookingaroundforareportingjob.WhenhewasofferedaplaceattheHub,aweeklynewspaperinHayRiver,hehadsomedoubts.“Myeditordidagreatsellingjob,”saysTeskey.“HeaskedmeifIwantedtoworkinanenvironmentwhereIwasinterviewingamemberoftheLegislativeAssemblyoneminuteandoutonthelaketalkingwithanicefishermanthenext.

Itdidn’ttakeTeskylongtoappreciatetheadvantagesofworkinginasmall,weeklynewspaperinthenorth.

“OneofthenicethingsaboutmyjobisthatI’mexpectedtocovereverything,”hesays.

Asoneoftworeportersonstaff,Teskeywritesabout15storiesaweek.HehasinterviewedJackLayton,NWTPremierFloydRoland,andmanymembersoftheLegislativeAssembly.He’sdonefeaturestoriesontheWhiteStripesconcertinYellowknife,commercialicefishingonGreatSlaveLake,anddogsledding.Hedidaspecialonthespringicebreak-up,animportanteventinthenorth,flyinginaCessnaovernorthernAlbertawithateamofscientists.Ontopofhisdutiesasareporter,Teskeyalsotakesphotographsandlaysoutaportionofthenewspaper.

Teskeyisalsoenjoyingthelaid-backlifestyleandclimateofthenorth.“Icanhonestlysaythatminus15doesn’tsoundcoldtomeanymore,”hesays.Thelonghoursofdaylightinthesummercompensateforthedarknessofthewinter.“AttheendofJuneyoucanlieonabeachatmidnightandreadabook,”hesays.

ThesenseofcommunityinHayRiverremindshiminmanywaysofKing’sCollege.

Due northPatrickTeskey’99findstherearemanyopportunitiesworkingforalocalweeklyinthenorthwestTerritories

Patrick Teskey recently joined the Hay River volunteer fire department

photo: Scott clouthier, hub publicatioN iNc.

“It’ssoeasytogetinvolved,”hesays.“Yougettoknowpeoplereallyquickly.LikeKing’s,theatmosphereinHayRiverisveryfriendly,andIhavegrowntoenjoythat.”

Yellowknife,aboutfivehoursawaybyroad,istheclosestlargecommunity.Thefirsttimehemadethetripbycarwasanexperiencetoremember,drivingtheMcKenzieRivericecrossing,thefamedfourlanehighwayoverthefrozenwater.Springbreak-upisalsoanexcitingeventtowitness,withhugeicefloeshurtlingdowntheHayRiver.

Teskey’sfavouriteexperience,though,iswatchingtheNorthernLights.“Theyaretrulyspectacular,”hesays,“especiallyinthewinterwhenthepinksarereallyshimmering.”Whenfriendsorfamilycometovisithim,hetellsthemtheyhaveanincredibleexperienceinstore.“Ilovetotakethemoutoftownonaneveningwhenit’spitchdark.Wesetuplawnchairs,drinkhotchocolate,andjustwatchthelights.”


JohnSmeltzerisa55-yearoldmanwithDown’sSyndrome.Helovespeople,andgreetseveryonewiththewords“Where’syourhome?”He’salsoanoutstandingspoonplayer.

MichealBarrettisa37year-oldmanwithCerebralPalsy.Hecannotspeak,butuseshiseyestocommunicate.Hehaslittlecontroloverhisbody,buthesmilesbroadlyandoften.Whenhe’sexcitedhepumpshisrightarminjubilation.

ThestoriesoftheseindividualsandotherslikethemarebeingtoldbyKing’sgradDeirenMasterson.Hisaward-winningdocumentarieshaveplayedtoaudiencesallovertheworld,andcarrymessagesofhope,inspiration,andfaith.

MastersonmajoredinpoliticalscienceatKing’s,buthisrealpassionswerecreativewriting,music,andfilmmaking.Afterhisdegree,hecameacrossthewritingsofJeanVanier,thefounderofL’Arche,anorganizationthatcreatescommunitiesforpeoplewithdevelopmentaldisabilities.InspiredbyVanier’swritings,MastersonjoinedtheL’ArchecommunityinRichmondHillasa

live-inassistant.“Itwasherethatmyfaithlifehadarenaissance,”hesays.“ItwaswhatIhadbeensearchingfor.”

HestayedatL’Archeforsevenyears,andgottoknowJohnSmeltzerandMichaelBarrett.Oneweekendhedecidedtorent

acameraandmakeabiographicalvideoofSmeltzer.“Where’s your Home?”wentontocriticalacclaim,andledtotheaward-winningIn God’s Hands: Michael Barrett’s story.

MastersonhasalsocompletedadocumentaryonRebeccaBeayni,aremarkableyoungwomanwhowasbornwithsevereCerebralPalsy.Revel in the Light wasscreenedin2005ataUnitedNationssymposiumtohelppromoteinternationalhumanrightsforpeoplewithdisabilities.“Iwantedtoshinealightontheseamazinghumanbeingswhohavehugegiftstogivesociety,”saysMasterson.“Iwantedtocelebratetheirlives,andthefactthatweliveinaworldwhereweallneedeachother.”

Masterson’sfilms,producedbyhiscompanyMasterWorksProductions,bringtogetherhisstrongcreativeabilitiesanddeepsenseoffaith.HehascreatedanumberofdocumentariesforSalt+LightTelevision,anationalCatholicnetwork.ThisincludedLove is a Choice,abiographicaldocumentaryaboutSt.GiannaBerettaMolla,forwhichhealsocomposedthethemesong.

RecentlyMastersonproducedThe McLuhan Way: In search of truth,anaward-winningfilmonMarshallMcLuhan.AlthougheveryoneknowsMcLuhanastheprophetofthemediaage,fewareawarethathewasaconvertedCatholic.Masterson’sfilmexploreshisfaithandthepowerfulimpactithadonhiswork.

MastersonisnowaneditoratS-VOX,amediaproviderthatfocusesonstoriesofspiritualityandfaith.HeisalsoworkingonafeaturedocumentarywithdevelopmentfundingbytheManningCentreforBuildingDemocracythatlooksatfaithandpolitics.Hidden SteepleslooksatthestoryofCatholicisminCanadianpoliticsoverthepast40years,throughastringofCatholicprimeministersfromPierreTrudeautoPaulMartin.

He’salsoexpandinghisfilmonJohnSmeltzerintoafeaturedocumentary,focusingonSmeltzer’sremarkabletalentatplayingthespoons.Forthefilm,Mastersonisarranging“dreamconcerts”withmusicalicons.RecentlySmeltzerappearedonstagewithfiddlingsensationsNatalieMcMasterandDonaldLeahy,andAshleyMacIsaac.HeisscheduledtoperformwithTheChieftains.

AlthoughMastersonadmitsthathehaddifficultyfindingapurposewhileatKing’s,hebelievesthattheCollege’ssenseofcommunityandCatholicrootshadagreaterimpactonhislifethanheunderstoodatthetime.HerecentlypresentedhisfilmWhere’s your Home?toKing’sstudentsoncampus.“Iamanidealistatheart,andIwaswhenIwasatKing’s,”hesays.“It’smyfaiththatgivesmevaluesthatareimportant–integrity,honesty,community.MyfaithcomesintomyfilmsinthewayIlookforstoriesthatleavepeoplewithhopeandinspiration.”

Where’s your home?DeirenMastersonproducesaward-winningdocumentariesofpeoplewhoinspireandgivehope

Deiren masterson (right) with John Smeltzer

big

JaredWilson,VPStudentIssues,wassurprisedtofindheconsumestwo“earths”.HewasjustoneofmanyKing’sstudentswhocalculatedtheirecologicalfootprint(see sidebar)duringConsumptionAwarenessWeek.

Thespecialweek-longeventwasputonbytheKing’sStudents’CouncillastfalltohelpKing’sstudentslearnmoreabouttheirimpactontheplanet.Italsogavethemlotsofideasabouthowtochangetheirhabits.“I’mnowtryingtothrowoutless,recyclemore,carryatravelmugatalltimes,driveless,andwatchsomeofthethingsIeat,”saysWilson.

WhentheKing’sStudents’CouncilfirstmetlastMarchitdecidedtomaketheenvironmentamajorfocusofitsterm.ConsumptionAwarenessWeekwastheresult.TheCouncilappointedthird-yearstudentBethPrysnukasEnvironmentalCo-ordinator,andsheplannedtheweek’sprogramwiththehelpofWilsonandMacKenzieKieran,thePresidentof

Small changes,

impactKing’sstudentsarehelpingtogreentheplanet

thenewlyformedKing’sUniversityCollegeEnvironmentalClub.

Prysnukhasbeenpassionateabouttheenvironmentaslongasshecanremember.“EveningradefiveIwasinvolvedinEarthBuddies,andalwaysmadesureIbroughtalitter-lesslunchtoschool,”shesays.She

andherplanningteamcameupwithaseriesofeventstohelpKing’sstudentsmakesmallchangesintheirlivesthathelptheenvironment.

Forexample,theCouncilsoldreusablemugsasanenvironmentallyfriendlyalternativetoTimHortoncoffeecups,whicharenon-recyclable.

Chris Buccella sold many reusable containers, mugs and water bottles to students and professors.



impact

Togivestudentsabetterideaofhowmuchwastetheycouldsave,usedTimHortoncupswerecollectedandmadeintoahugedisplay.EventorganizersalsoworkedwithAramark,King’sfoodserviceprovider,toofferabiodegradablefoodcontainerforjustafewcentsmorethanthestandardStyrofoamoption.Theyalsosoldwaterbottlesandenergyefficientlightbulbs.

EnvironmentalactivistDavidSuzukiwasoneofthehighlightsoftheweek,speakingtoapackedroomof400students.Hismessagewassimpleyetpowerful,saysWilson.“Hetoldusthatsmallchangesmakeabigimpact.Healsosaidit’simportanttofocusondoingwhatyoucan

rightinthecommunitywhereyoulive.”AfewweekslaterRalphNader,perhapsAmerica’smostwell-knownconsumeradvocate,wasoncampus.Hetoldstudentsthatitwasimportanttheygetinvolvedandshowpassionforwhattheybelievein.

InadditiontoConsumptionAwarenessWeek,theStudents’Councilorganizeda“bartermarket,”whichgavestudentsavenuetotradeuseditemsratherthanthrowthemoutorbuynewones.Thiswasfollowedbya“BuyNothingDay,”anentiredayinwhichstudentswereencouragedtogowithoutmakingapurchase.

PleasedbythepositivefeedbackandsupportfromKing’sstudents,Prysnukandherteamareplanningmoreeventsforthespring.“Ithinkourgenerationisveryawareoftheproblemsoftheenvironment,”shesays.“We’reconcernedabouttheproblems,butweneedtoknowmoreaboutwhattodoandhowtoact.”

She’salsoexcitedbytheopportunitiestocollaboratewithothergroups,suchastheenvironmentalclubsatbothKing’sandWestern.“Therearepocketsofthingshappeningeverywhere,sowecanjointogether,”shesays.

AlthougheventslikeConsumptionAwarenessWeekaretargetedtostudents,theStudentsCouncilishopingtheywillresonatewithintheentireKing’scommunity.“We’retryingtomakepeopleawareofwhereourfoodandotherthingscomefrom,andthenwheretheygowhenwe’redonewiththem,”saysPrysnuk.“It’sreallyimportantthatwerealizethatweareallverymuchconnectedtotheearth.”

AddsWilson:“Wecan’tchangeeverything,butwecanmakesmallchanges.It’seasytogetcomfortable,butthere’salwaysalittlemorethateachoneofuscando.”

David Suzuki

Your ecological footprint

measures the number

of earths it would take

to support the world’s

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of natural resources as

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Dr.nickSkinnerconnectswithhisstudentsthroughhumourandstoriesAnumberofyearsagoProfessorNickSkinnermetayoungwomanwholookedfamiliarataCanadianPsychologicalAssociationmeeting.Heaskedthewoman,whowasjustfinishingaPhDinpsychology,whethershehadtakenhisIntroductoryPsychologycourse.“Yes,”shereplied,“butmyundergraduatedegreewasineconomics.IenjoyedyourcoursesomuchthatIchangedfields.”

ThestoryisanexampleoftheimpactthatDr.Skinnerhashad

onstudentsduringhis35yearsatKing’s.Italsomirrorsthewayhe,too,cametopsychology.Bornintofourgenerationsofdoctors,heassumedhewouldfollowthesamepath.Buttwomonthsintomedicalschool,hefinallyadmitteditwasn’tforhim.Withouttellinghisfatherhisplans,heleftmedicineandsignedupforsomeliberalartscoursesattheUniversityofAlberta.Oneofthemwasintroductorypsychology.“Ilovedpsychologyfromtheveryfirstmoment,”hesays.

Afterhisintroductiontopsychology,Dr.SkinnerwentontoearnhisMastersandPhDinthefieldatUniversityofAlberta.Whileingraduateschoolhechosetofocus

whollyonresearch,givingonlyonelectureinsixyears.“Iwaspetrifiedoftheclassroom,”hesays.

WhenKing’sUniversityCollegehiredhimin1972toteachthreeundergraduatecourses,hefounditadauntingexperience.“Iwasworkingflatout,butatbestIwasabouttenminutesaheadoftheclass,”hesays.“IalwaysfeltapprehensivegoinginandneveraspreparedasIwantedtobe.”

Tohissurprise,Dr.Skinnersubsequentlydiscoveredthatteachingwassomethingheexcelledat.“Iwasdyingoutthereinfrontoftheclass,”hesays,“butapparentlytheexperienceofthestudentswasdifferent,asIfoundoutyearslaterin

A passion for teaching

PHOTO: JOHn TamBLyn


lettersfromformerstudents.”HewastherecipientoftheKing’sCollegeAwardforTeachingExcellenceinitsinauguralyear.In2000hereceivedtheDistinguishedContributionstoEducationandTraininginPsychologyAward,thehighestteachinghonouroftheCanadianPsychologicalAssociation.

Althoughhehasnevercompletelylosthistrepidationaboutstandinginfrontofaroomfullofstudents,hehasdevelopedapassionfortheclassroomthatinformsbothhisteachingandhisresearch.Hebelievesthatthebestteachingstrategyissimplytobeyourself(see sidebar).Forhim,thisinvolvestheuseofself-deprecatinghumourandpersonalstories.“Itellalotofstoriesthatgetmeoffthepedestal,andthatseemstoconnectwithstudents.”It’salsoimportant,hesays,genuinelytolikeandrespectstudents.

Dr.Skinnerdescribeshimselfasa“chalkandtalkguy”,andhesometimesworriesthathisapproachmightbetoolow-techforthestudentsoftoday.Hebelieves,though,thathisteachingmightloseitseffectivenessifstudentswerelookingatascreenratherthanhim.

OvertheyearsDr.Skinner’sresearchactivitieshavebecomeincreasinglyfocusedontheclassroom.He’sparticularlyintriguedbywhathedescribesas“studentandprofessorialfolkwisdom.”

Forexample,onecommonpieceofadvicefrombothstudentsandprofessorsis:“don’tchangeyourfirstchoiceonamultiplechoiceexaminationbecauseit’sprobablyright.”Althoughanumberofstudieshadshownthatchangingone’sfirstchoicecanoftenbeadvantageous,Dr.Skinnerwantedtoverifythisforhimself.Whenhedidareplication,hefoundthestudiestobeaccurate:25%ofchangeswentfromwrongtowrong,25%fromrighttowrong,and50%fromwrongtoright.Unlikeformerstudies,Dr.Skinnerlooked

atgenderdifferences.Hefoundthatwomenchangeabouttwiceasmanyanswersasmen,andwomenarethreetimesmorelikelytomakerighttowrongchanges.

Inanotherpieceofresearch,helookedattheeffectofcolouredpaperonexamresults.Topreventcheating,professorssometimespresentmultiplechoicequestionsindifferentorderonpapersofdifferentcolour.Dr.Skinnerfoundthatstudentstakingexamsonblue,green,red,andyellowpaperearnedroughlythesamegrade,butthoseusingwhiteperformed4to5percenthigher.

AnotherpieceofprofessorialfolkwisdomDr.Skinnertestedwasthenotioninmultiplechoiceexamsof“gettingthestudentsoffontherightfoot”bygivingthemsomeeasyquestionsfirst.Thiswasapracticehehadfollowedforyears,butwhenhetestedithefoundthatstudentsperformedthesameonthetough

Dr. Nick Skinner shares some of his secrets of success in the classroom:

“Authenticity is the key to being an effective teacher. Students are pretty shrewd, and they will see through you if you try to be something other than yourself.”

“My goal is not merely to expose students to psychology, but excite them about it. There should be no doubt in my students’ minds about my enthusiasm and fascination for psychology.”

“I believe that the process that goes on in the classroom is ultimately more important than the content that students are presented. If students sit and listen, that is what they learn to do. If they are required to do more than sit and listen, then that’s what they’ll learn to do.”

“I use humour a lot in my classes but I hope not gratuitously. There always is an academic point to my humour.”

“When I’m teaching I tell stories. A memorable story provides students with a hook to help them remember the psychology course content illustrated by the story.”

TricksTradeof the

questionsnomatterwheretheycame,butperformedsignificantlybetterontheeasyquestionswhentheywereprecededbythetoughones.

Inadditiontohisteachingandresearch,Dr.SkinnerisalsoproudofhislongassociationwithvariousprofessionalorganizationssuchastheCanadianPsychologicalAssociation,whereheisthelong-standingchairoftheSectionontheTeachingofPsychology.HerecentlyreceivedaValuedContributionsAwardfromtheNationalInstituteontheTeachingofPsychology.

Atapointinhiscareerwhenmanyprofessorsarecontemplatingretirement,Dr.Skinnerisstillhoninghisteachingskillsandpursuinginterestinglinesofresearch.“Icouldn’tspeakmorehighlyofmytimeatKing’s,”hesays.“Ihavehadawonderfulcareerhere.Iwillbesorrytostop–whenandifIeverdo!”


GraceFlesher’08isabankerwhohelpstheworld’spoorWhenGraceFlesherappliedtotheSocialJusticeandPeaceProgramatKing’s,herresumeshowedaten-yearcareerwiththeBankofAmerica.Shehadagreatjobasthebank’sVicePresidentOperations,buttherewassomethingmissing.“I’vealwaysbelievedthatmoneyisaverygoodtoolwhenitempowerspeople,”shesays.“Butconventionalbankingissetuptogiveloanstopeoplewhodon’treallyneedthem,anddenyloanstothosewhodo.”

Flesherfeltthatherfuturelayinadifferentkindofbanking–microcredit.Thisunconventionalformoflendinginvolvessmallloanstoverypoorpeoplewhohavenocollateral.Originatinginthedevelopingworld,microcredithasbecomeawidely-acceptedpractice.Thereareabout120millionmicrocreditborrowersworld-wide,andnearlyallofthemarewomen.

Whenshedecidedtoleavethebank,Flesherhadanotherdream–togotouniversity.OriginallyfromVancouver,shemovedtotheU.S.inherearly20s.ShestartedatBankofAmericaasateller,andworkedherwayuptowhereshewassupervisinguniversity-educatedemployees.“IreachedapointwhereIfeltIhadmissedanopportunity.”

Shefirstsetupherownbusinessasafundraisinganddevelopmentconsultant.Afterafewyears,shereturnedtoCanada,movingtoLondon,Ontario,withherpartner,aUnitarianUniversalistminister.HereshediscoveredKing’sUniversityCollege.“Iwasamazedtoseethisprogram,SocialJusticeandPeaceStudies,”shesays.“IthoughtifIwereevertogotouniversitythiswouldbewhatIwouldtake.”

FlesherisnowcompletingherfourthyearintheSocialJusticeandPeaceStudiesprogram,andrecentlyreceivedanawardasitstopstudent.Thankstotheprogramsheisalsolivingherdreamofmakingacareerinmicrocredit.

InNovember2006shewasinvitedbySaveaFamilyPlan,anot-for-profitwithclosetiestoKing’s,tobeadelegateattheGlobalMicro-CreditSummit.HereshemettheExecutiveDirectorofWelfareServicesErnakulam,amicrofinanceinstitutioninKerala,India.ShewasinvitedtodoaninternshipatWelfareServiceslastsummer,madepossiblethroughagrantfromtheCanadianInternationalDevelopmentAgency.

FleshersaysthatherthreemonthsinIndiawereeverythingshehadhopedfor.“Therealitywasmorefrustrating–andfarmoreexhilarating–thanI

couldhaveeverimagined,”shesays.“ThewomenIworkedwithwereamazing,andmicrocreditischangingtheirlivesindramaticandmeaningfulways.”

ThemicrocreditprogramofWelfareServicesErnakulamservesabout23,000poorwomeninsouthernIndia.Theprogramisremarkablysuccessful,withadefaultrateofonly1.3percent.“Thereisveryclearempiricalevidencethatsmallloanstopoorwomenindevelopingcountriespayagreatersocialdividendthansimilarinvestmentsinmen,”saysFlesher.“Investmentsinwomenresultinmoreimprovementsineducation,nutrition,andhealth.Womenalsotendtobearaheavierburdenofpoverty.”

Flesherhasnowseenfirst-handthetransformativeeffectofmicrocredit.“Theseloansarehugelyimportantinhelpingwomenovercomesomeofthepatriarchalandsocialnormsthathaveoppressedthem,”shesays.“Manywomenhavebecomesuccessfulinthesmallenterprisestheyhavelaunched,andthey’renowbeginningtoorganizeandspeakoutandgetrespectintheircommunities.”

Fleshertellsthestoryofonevillagewomanwhoinsistedsheserveherteawhenevertheymet.“MyteatastesthebestbecauseIhavethebestmilk,”shetoldFlesher.“That’sbecauseIhavemyowncow.”Itturnedoutthatthewomanhadacquiredsevencowsthroughaseriesofsmallloans.EventhoughcowsareworthalotinIndia,thewomanhadfiguredoutthatitwasbetterfinanciallyforhertokeepthecowsfortheirdungandmilkratherthansellthem.“Thiswomanisnowconsideredacommunityleaderandorganizer,”saysFlesher.“Inthepastshewouldhavetobegmoneyfromherhusbandtobuyanight-dress.Nowherhusbandasksherformoney.”

WhenFleshergraduatesthisspring,shewillreturntoKeralaunderatwo-yearcontractasGeneralManagerofthemicrocreditprogramsheservedinlastsummer.SheishopingthatonedayshemightbeabletoprovideaKing’sstudentwiththesameopportunityshehad.“King’sgavemeanexperiencethatchangedmylife,”shesays.“I’mheadingbacktoIndiawithajobaftergraduationinJune.Everywheredoorsareswingingopen.”

Doors opening

Grace Flesher in Kerala, India

Milestones


Richard Vedan ’68 has worked at the University of British Columbia as an Associate Professor, School of Social Work since 1995, Director First Nations House of Learning since 2000, and was appointed as Senior Advisor to the President on Aboriginal Affairs in October 2006.

Ed Corrigan ’77 currently resides in London, Ontario and operates his own law firm. He is certified by the Law Society of Upper Canada as a Specialist in Citizenship and Immigration Law and Immigration/Refugee Protection. He was appointed Associate Editor of Immquest and Assistant Editor of Immigration Law Reports.

Alfred Aquilina ’75 published a book by Hancock House Publishers, entitled, “The Mackenzie, Yesterday and Beyond.”

Johnny Fansher ’90 received the Community Leadership Award from the Pillar Nonprofit Network at its first annual Community Innovations Awards ceremony in November 2007. Johnny is a financial advisor and owns Johnny Fansher Financial, an insurance agency in London.

Christopher Varney ’90 recently accepted the position of Vice President Operations and General Manager at HighJump Software, a 3M Company acquired by Waterloo based software provider Global Beverage Group Inc. (GBG). Chris is responsible for HighJump’s Canadian and US based Delivery Division operations. He

lives in Guelph with his wife Peggy ’90 (nee Sexton) and two sons Alex, 9 and Jack, 7.

Ron Badr ’91 and his wife, Tania, celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary in September 2007. They have two children, Genevieve, 4 and Griffin, 1.

Sonya Maloney ’91 moved back to Canada last year after 12 years in Atlanta, GA. She and her family now live in Oakville. They have three kids: Liam, 8, Nora, 6, and Claire, 3.

Teresa Drabick ’92 celebrated her 15th year in the Canadian Armed Forces in October 2007. She was posted from Victoria, BC to Barrie, ON in September 2007.

Chris Toperczer ’92 and his wife Laura are pleased to announce the birth of their twin boys Ethan and Noah born July 16, 2007. Big sister Sophia, 22 months, was delighted with the arrival of the boys. Chris has

owned a Mississauga based employment agency Toper Temps Inc. since 2000.

Andrew Thibodeau ’93 and his wife Elizabeth celebrated nine years of marriage by making a fifth visit to Scotland with their daughter Torry, born June ’05. Andrew is in his 16th year as a motivational comedian and leadership trainer specializing in schools and youth conferences. He speaks at King’s every year as part of soph training, the OC Barbeque, and the Monday opening ceremonies. He still lives in London and goes to all of the UWO football games – look for his huge football player hat in the Alumni stands!

Andrea Pape ’96 (nee Corso) and her husband Darren are pleased to announce the birth of their first child. Matthew Carter Corso Pape was born on August 2, 2006 weighing in at 9 lbs.

Diane Rondinelli ’96 married Nat Rondinelli in August 1996. A year later, the couple gave birth to their little sweetheart Samantha on August 21, 1997.

Samantha’s older sister Krystina and brother Andrew welcomed her home. After graduation, and having Samantha, Diane had a few job opportunities that led her to her destined career in the security business. She has worked at Alarmtech for six years and every day is a learning experience.

Milestones


Share Your News in the Herald!

Paul Ziriada ’00 married Christine Martineau on May 26, 2007 in Windsor, Ontario. The weather finally cleared that day for the celebration with family and friends.

Teressa Angod ’01 recently started a new marketing job as District Marketing Supervisor with the City of Mississauga. She credits her

undergraduate degree in Political Science as being instrumental in leading her to the position.

Sarah Sorbara ’01 (nee DeSalaiz) married Luigi Sorbara on July 14, 2007 at St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica in London, Ontario.

Ryan Parkington ’04 and Allison Taylor ’04 were married July 28, 2007 in London, Ontario.

In MemoriamThe King’s University College Office of Alumni Affairs and the Alumni Association extend condolences to the family and friends of Jeffrey Joseph Cormier ’90, who passed away suddenly on September 7, 2007 at the age of 40. An Assistant Professor of Sociology at King’s, Jeff was much loved and admired by students and colleagues. In the words of Karen Stanbridge, in an obituary for the Canadian Journal of Sociology

Online: “Jeff was one of the leading young scholars in Canada specializing in social movements and political sociology. He was a mainstay at Congress promoting research in contentious politics and supporting those of us who studied in this area. Jeff was theoretically and methodologically skilled, a gifted researcher, but ever and always humble, so charmingly modest, with a quiet manner that could burst into an infectious enthusiasm when he engaged in topics that excited him. His death has left a huge hole in many lives.” His colleague Peter Ibbott describes him as “a person who loved to laugh, who had a gift for making friends and a special gift for keeping them.”

Christopher Beatty ’07 passed away in January 2008 after a motorcycle accident in Chiangmai, Thailand. Christopher was a graduate in Honours Political Science and History. In words from his obituary, “Christopher’s short life was characterized by his need to love and to be loved, his independence of thought, his intense loyalty to those who mattered, and his determination to fight for what he believed was right.” His funeral was held in Ottawa on February 7, 2008 and a memorial service for Chris was held at Christ the King Chapel on February 9.

Update your address on-line to continue receiving the Herald. The deadline for the next issue is June 15, 2008. The winner of the iPod Nano in our last issue was Geordan Robertson ’02.

To share your news and achievements with your fellow grads, please fill out the on-line form on our website at: www.uwo.ca/kings/alumni/update.html. Email a colour photo (a minimum of 300 dpi) to [email protected] and we’ll try to include it too!

Jeffrey Joseph Cormier

An Evening of Soul

In support of King’s University College and Orchestra London

Saturday, May 3, 2008at the London Convention Centre

Tickets: $150 per person with reservations available for tables of eight. Tax receipts are issued for a portion of the ticket price.

Please contact the Orchestra London Box Office at 519-679-8778 or visit

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King's Herald - Spring 2008