Crescent School Past & Present – Summer 2023

THE REAL WORLD OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

The future is here, and so are Remi Ojo ’08 (left) and his AI doppelgänger—courtesy of a 15-word prompt on Midjourney. Remi and his fellow alumni are designing, programming, and working with AI as it evolves at lightning speed.

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A Magazine for the Alumni of Crescent School

Summer 2023

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Rohan Jain ’18 has worked to enrich the lives of people with disabilities. His passion started at home

Inspired by Love

William Chyr ’05 has had an unpredictable career as an artist, finding his niche in video game design

Impossible Worlds

Words from the Alumni Chair

As AI emerges, our alumni are on the cutting edge

This message was written by ChatGPT, a large language model trained by OpenAI based on the GPT-3.5 architecture, using content provided by Andrew Norris ’03. It has been edited for length.

Dear Crescent Alumni,

It’s my pleasure to welcome you to this edition of Past & Present, where we explore the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and its impact on our alumni. AI isn’t just a buzzword or a futuristic concept but rather a significant and growing part of our everyday lives. From the virtual assistants on our phones and home devices to the personalized recommendations we receive from online platforms, AI is transforming the way we live, work, and communicate.

Many alumni are leading the charge in the AI space, working in cutting-edge research labs, developing innovative start-ups, and contributing to the development of new AI-driven technologies that are revolutionizing industries across the globe.

In this issue, we showcase some of the fascinating ways our alumni are working with AI, including in healthcare, finance, education, and more. We also take a closer look at some of the ethical considerations and challenges associated with the rapid advancement of AI.

As always, we are committed to fostering meaningful connections and relationships among our alumni. Whether it’s through attending a branch reception, nominating a fellow alumnus for an award, or sharing your expertise with current students, there are many ways to get involved and give back to the Crescent community.

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to Crescent. We look forward to continuing to grow and learn with you, and to the exciting possibilities that AI will bring to our alumni community.

Warm regards,

Andrew Norris ’03 Chair, Crescent Alumni Executive

Past & Present is published twice a year by Crescent School’s Advancement Department to help all alumni stay connected with the Crescent community.

Cover: Carlos Osorio + Midjourney

Editor: Kristin Foster Editorial

Committee: Kristin Foster, Leslie Pringle, Lynda Torneck, Claire van Nostrand

Editorial Board: Spencer Belyea ’13, David Bruser ’95, Bert Fielding ’13, Philip Lloyd ’09, Myles Slocombe ’92

Design Agency: Aegis Design Inc.

Senior Designer: Sabrina Xiang Writers: Rob Csernyik, Kristin Foster, Pat Morden, Lynda Torneck Photographers: Karenna Boychuk, Lyndon French, Carlos Osorio, Nation Wong Illustrator: Kara Pyle

Comments and suggestions about Past & Present are always welcome. Reach us at: Alumni Relations Office, Crescent School 2365 Bayview Avenue, Toronto ON M2L 1A2

e: alumni@crescentschool.org

t: 416.449.2556 ext. 204

Intersession Week Delivers Signature Experiences

Experiential learning is central to a boy’s character journey

Developing new skills and character traits is the goal of Intersession Week, a new initiative introduced alongside the Crescent Diploma. “Intersession Week allows us to press pause on our conventional academic program and offer a very different, but no less important or impactful, learning environment,” says Deputy Headmaster Nick Kovacs. The inaugural Intersession Week took place March 6 to 9, 2023. Read more about Intersession Week on page 7.

01 Grade 3 students acquired outdoor survival skills such as shelter building, snowshoeing, and fire making

02 Grade 6 students took first aid training with partner organization

Vital CPR

03 Grade 8 students deepened their understanding of leadership practice during a field trip to the Ontario Legislature

04 Grade 9 students participated in community outreach with partner organizations Out of the Cold, Feed Scarborough, and Global Medic

05 Grade 11 students used a design thinking process to solve real-life challenges for partner organizations such as New Circles

Past / 2013

Crescent boys are joined by Mr. Don Haag ’86 (left) and Ms. Harriet Wynne-Jones (right) at the Maundi crater rim on Mount Kilimanjaro during their Outreach trip in 2013.

top row: Mr. Haag ’86, Jack Hayward ’13, Carter Smith ’13, Alex Gerlings ’13, Ms. Wynne-Jones middle row: Alex Mayne ’14, James Osborne ’14, Chester Davidson ’13, Ian Ko ’13 front row: Robbie Freund ’14, Philip Winterton ’13

Upfront / Alumni on Campus

Journey to Medical School

Ronald Chow ’16 shared his advice with Crescent’s HOSA students in the auditorium during a talk in February. HOSA is a global student-led organization for aspiring healthcare professionals.

After graduating from Crescent, Chow did a four-year degree in medical science at Western University, earned a Master of Public Health at Yale, and just completed his second year of medical school at the University of Toronto. He visited Crescent’s HOSA team to impart his advice to students interested in the medical field.

“A lot of people have different journeys to medical school. They take different routes, they learn different skills, and that’s okay because it doesn’t matter how you get there.”—Ronald Chow ’16

Ronald Chow ’16 during his talk in February

Ronald Chow ’16 with the group of HOSA Crescent students

Upfront / Alumni on Campus

Students Get the Inside Edge on DECA

Former Head Boy Kyle Chang ’19 was a guest speaker at a January Crescent DECA meeting and passed along his advice to successfully compete in DECA. Chang just completed his fourth year at the University of Waterloo in their Business Administration and Math program, which is partnered with Wilfrid Laurier University. He competes on the Laurier Case Team and has also been coaching other Case competitors.

Experience Pays Off

Steven Pulver ’03 is co-founder of MinuteBox, an end-to-end and cloud-based technology service for law firms and their clients, combining physical minute book scanning, artificial intelligence based parsing, document automation and government filing. In April, he shared his career journey with two Grade 10 Careers classes. Pulver said that he’d learned how to evaluate a problem and approach it from numerous angles, informed by his entrepreneurial and law experiences, which has been especially helpful at MinuteBox.

“I can evaluate problems and say, ‘There’s a marketing need here,’ or I can put my lawyer hat on and approach it with a critical eye.”

Special Guest Visits Film Club

Ben Sokolowski ’02 met with members of Crescent’s Film Club in February, many of whom aspire to be directors and screenwriters. Sokolowski gave his rapt audience tips on how students could pursue writing and directing, and shared what he learned at the screenwriting program at the University of Southern California. He has worked on shows like What About Brian , CTV’s The Listener, NBC’s Fear Itself, and spinoffs of the popular zombie drama series The Walking Dead

Read Sokolowski’s Expert Advice on How to Pitch Persuasively, page 32.

An FNL to Remember

Innes Field was buzzing on May 5 as spectators from across the Crescent community enjoyed a BBQ followed by a varsity rugby match against St. Andrew’s College. Many alumni were in attendance, making it feel like an unofficial reunion. Crescent dominated in a powerful display of athleticism and teamwork, with a final score of 43–12.

Paul Joliat ’94, P’24, ’26, wife Amy, Jamie Lougheed ’87, P’18

Jack Zechner '16, Neal Ganguli ’16, Conor Lynch ’16, Andy Binns ’16

Andy Mavroudis ’18, Christian Gnam ’18, Ari Hunter

Joe Johnson, Ian McBurney ’20

Stephen Woollcombe ’21, Katherine Hancock, Michael Mackie ’21, Will Matthews ’21, Lukas Swales ’21, Sean Wiggan ’21, Charlie Knapp Dick ’19

Alumni Share Wisdom During Intersession Week

Students Hear from Crescent Brothers

Crescent students in the Middle and Upper Schools got the chance to learn from their alumni brothers during the inaugural Intersession Week from March 6 to 9, 2023. They covered topics such as leadership development, identifying the core values that guide them, and what they learned from challenging situations.

Matthew Corolis ’13 gave a talk on “your personal brand” to Grade 12 students

Remi Ojo ’08 presented “Engineering Chaos” about his journey through university

Nick de Villa-Choi ’21 spoke to Grade 12 students about what to expect in their first year at university

Jamie Lougheed ’87 P’18 shared his thoughts on the importance of the alumni brotherhood

Nicholas Morris ’14 presented his perspective as a student athlete to Grade 12 students

Thomas Ellinidis ’22 told Grade 12 students about Frosh Week

Philip Lloyd ’09, Scott Moore ’99, and Nick Studley ’08 spoke to Grade 8 students about defining their leadership style

Upfront / Crescent News

Class of ’23 Grads Connect and Unwind

With university acceptances coming in and graduation around the corner, Grade 12 students headed to Elite Camps North from May 17 to 19 for an experiential trip and an opportunity to leave their responsibilities behind for a few days.

The boys had free rein across the campgrounds and access to a variety of sports. On Thursday, they sat at the fire pit for reflection and discussion. “We talked about life’s journeys, beginnings, and ends,” says Assistant Head of Upper School Ari Hunter. The boys were invited to write a letter to their future selves, which will be given back to them at their five-year reunion.

That evening, they were joined by alumnus Remi Ojo ’08. He counselled the boys to manage their expectations and introduced the concept of “falling forward,” the idea that journeys involve setbacks and there is a lot to learn from them.

CRESCENT THEN

Jamie Lougheed ’87, P’18 (front, right) sits in the Manor Drawing Room with the Prefect team, fellow graduates of the Class of 1987.

CRESCENT NOW

Jamie Lougheed ’87, P’18 (front, right), who was recently appointed as Chief Advancement Officer, sits with the Advancement team in the Manor Drawing Room.

Upfront / Crescent News

Dr. Sandra Boyes Promoted to Executive Director of CCBE

Discovering how boys learn best is the goal of the Crescent Centre for Boys’ Education (CCBE). Founded in 2020, the Centre’s vision is to be the beacon for boys’ education in Canada and to increase Crescent’s global position as a leading school for boys. Beginning July 1, Dr. Sandra Boyes assumes the role of Executive Director of the CCBE on a full-time basis.

In her role, Dr. Boyes will lead new research about the teaching and learning of boys through global collaboratives and local initiatives. She will oversee all faculty professional learning activities, supporting teachers’ onboarding, mentoring, coaching, and development. Finally, she will design and implement mission-aligned parent education for those inside and outside the school community.

“Dr. Boyes is eminently qualified for this position,” says Headmaster Michael Fellin. “I eagerly anticipate the impact that she and the CCBE will have on Crescent School and boys’ education worldwide.”

Inspiration and Advocacy to Honour Black History Month

“I can. I will. I believe!” Middle and Upper School students shouted these words passionately at a special presentation in the Lower Gym earlier in February. Their inspiration: artist Wayne Moore.

In 2021, Moore made the pivot to art after a car accident left him unable to continue his career as a football player in the CFL. Art had always been a part of his life, his “hidden peace of mind and balance.” Moore told students why he believes in progression over perfection, the importance of self-discipline, and how he manifested a career in art.

Akim Aliu also spoke to Middle and Upper School students. Aliu’s book Dreamer tells his incredible story, from being the only Black child in his Ukrainian community, to his family struggling to make ends meet while living in Toronto, to confronting the racist violence he experienced on and off the ice as he ascended the ranks of professional hockey to join the Calgary Flames in 2011. Today, Aliu is Chair of the Hockey Diversity Alliance, which addresses intolerance and racism in hockey.

Both speakers were part of Crescent’s Black History Month programming.

Akim Aliu

Wayne Moore

Nick Kovacs Honoured for Holocaust Education Initiatives

Deputy Headmaster Nick Kovacs was recently honoured with an Excellence in Holocaust Education award from the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC). Mr. Kovacs was one of four educators who received the award for implementing outstanding Holocaust education programs and curricula.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Kovacs alluded to the final words spoken to Holocaust survivor and educator Max Eisen by his father while at Auschwitz-Birkenau: “If you survive, tell the world what happened here.”

“I have heeded those words when working with the amazing team of educators at Crescent School to teach our students about the Holocaust,” Mr. Kovacs said. “They remind us of the importance of taking up the mantle from survivors like Max who are no longer with us to tell their story; and of committing and recommitting to educating one another, especially our youth, about the Holocaust and about the dangers of hate and discrimination in all of its forms.”

Mieczyslaw Romaniec Retires After 33 Years of Service

Mieczyslaw “Mietek” Romaniec, an evening caretaker who has been a vital part of Crescent School's Facilities team since 1990, retired in February after 33 years of dedicated service.

Mietek's exceptional work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to assist others made him an invaluable asset to the team. A man of few words, he always greeted people with a smile and a friendly demeanor, which made him a beloved figure in the Crescent community.

We express our gratitude to Mietek for his remarkable contributions to Crescent School over the years and wish him the very best in his retirement.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

Crescent recently released its Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging 2023–2024 Action Plan.

The plan highlights many existing part-

nerships, alliances and initiatives that make Crescent a more diverse and inclusive community. It also includes new and ongoing efforts through 2024. “Crescent strives to be representative of Toronto today,” says Headmaster Fellin. “We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment where every boy belongs.”

You can read more about the School’s diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives at crescentschool.org.

John Lynch P’16, ’18 Leaves a Lasting Legacy

Crescent bid a fond farewell earlier this year to former External Relations Executive Director John Lynch P’16, ’18 as he entered retirement.

During his over 16 years at Crescent, Lynch made an enormous contribution to the School's advancement efforts, raising more than $80 million towards the School’s capital projects, programmatic development, and financial assistance programs.

Lynch takes particular pride in the legacy he leaves through Crescent’s endowment fund, which has grown sevenfold during his tenure and currently sits at an impressive $20.3 million. This fund ensures that boys of promise will have access to a Crescent education for years to come.

Along with his wife, Cathy Yanosik, Lynch remains a vital member of the Crescent community as a past parent of sons Conor ’16 and Liam ’18.

Awards / Alumni Recognition

Recognizing Extraordinary Alumni

Congratulations to this year’s Alumni Recognition Award recipients. These awards shine the spotlight on Men of Character for their exceptional achievements and service to the community.

ments, showing commitment and making contributions to their communities.”

Alumni Excellence Award

Hessam Ghadaki ’99 is the general counsel at Times Group and Life Construction Inc., a family-owned development and construction company in the GTA. In 2018, Times Group partnered with the City of Toronto to convert a 90,000 sq. ft. former Toronto Hydro facility into a 400-bed refugee resettlement center —the largest of its kind in Canada. Later in 2020, Times Group converted a 130-unit apartment building in midtown Toronto into a temporary shelter to combat increased homelessness during the pandemic under the City of Toronto Streets to Homes program. Hessam has been recognized for his local volunteer efforts by the University of Toronto (Arbour Award) and by the Building Industry and Land Development Organization (BILD) where he acts as a director and treasurer.

The Alumni Excellence Award honours Crescent alumni who distinguish themselves in their professional careers, personal endeavours and community service.

Young Alumni Excellence Award

Matthew Corolis ’13 is a documentary filmmaker and screenwriter. In 2017, he created his first documentary film, Alicia, which profiles Canadian Olympic track and field athlete Alicia Brown’s fight to prove her innocence, after testing positive for a banned substance. He took his desire to tell social impact stories to Tanzania, where he directed the film Cancer Divided with fellow alumnus Carter Smith ’13. The film earned them an Honorary Distinction from the World Health Organization. His 2023 animated documentary, The Reconnaissance Painter, is about WWII RCAF photographer and painter John Fleetwood-Morrow. As a screenwriter, he co-wrote a feature film script with actress-director Catherine Mary Stewart, which is in development with producer Michael Nolin.

The Young Alumni Excellence Award honours Crescent alumni who have graduated in the past 15 years and who have already distinguished themselves in their careers, personal endeavours and community service.

Alumni Community Leadership Award

Jamie Coulter ’87, P’21 has spent the last 35 years giving back to the Crescent community. He is currently Chair of Crescent’s Board of Governors, a role he assumed in 2019. Prior to this, Jamie sat on the Alumni Executive, serving as Alumni Executive Chair from 2016–2019. He co-chaired the Alumni Internship Program from 2013–2016, and has provided internships and full-time employment opportunities for many of his fellow Crescent alumni at Raymond James Ltd., where he is CEO. Through his leadership as Class Co-Chair, the Pat Mills Family Class of ’87 Bursary has raised more money than any other graduating class, topping $1 million to date. Jamie continues to have a profound impact on the Crescent community, leaving a lasting legacy that will benefit students and alumni for years to come.

The Alumni Community Leadership Award honours Crescent alumni whose tireless commitment has enhanced the overall Crescent experience for students and other alumni.

“It is our privilege to recognize these outstanding Men of Character from our exceptional alumni. They have all achieved significant professional accomplish-

—Tom Dobson ’98, Chair of the Alumni Recognition Program

Honouring Men of Character

The Wall of Honour is Crescent’s highest recognition. It celebrates outstanding alumni who represent all that Crescent endeavours to foster in its students. Wall of Honour inductees exemplify the qualities of outstanding leadership, courage, innovation, community service, and generosity.

William “Bill” Greer ’37 was an accomplished Toronto architect who attended Crescent School from 1932 to 1937. Bill studied architecture at the University of Toronto and earned a Master of Science in Product Design at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. Bill was a partner at Shore & Moffat for 22 years, focusing on architectural academic institutional work. He served as Chief Architect of the Heritage Preservation Division of the Toronto Historical Board. Over his career, Bill received many awards, including the Special Achievement Award from Heritage Toronto (now renamed the William Greer Built Heritage Award), an Honorary Doctorate of Sacred Letters from Trinity College, and the Order of Da Vinci from the Ontario Association of Architects. Bill was a proud member of the Crescent Dentonia Class of 1937 and faithfully attended the annual Dentonia luncheons hosted on campus until his passing in 2023.

Kevin Abrams ’89 is the Senior VP of Football Operations and Strategy of the New York Giants, where he has worked since 1999. During his leadership, the Giants have won the Super Bowl twice—in 2007 and 2011. Kevin also served as Interim General Manager in 2017. After completing his undergrad at Western University, Kevin pursued his Master of Sports Administration from Ohio University. He interned with the Buffalo Bills, the Ohio football program, the London Monarchs in England, the Washington Commanders, and the NFL Management Council. These experiences led him to the role of Assistant General Manager for the New York Giants. Kevin has remained engaged in the Crescent community, particularly with the Alumni Mentorship Program, where he has supported young alumni interested in pursuing sports administration.

Dr. Niteesh Choudhry ’90, MD, Ph.D., is professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and Executive Director for the Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where he is also a practicing doctor. Niteesh’s research has been widely published in leading medical and policy journals. He attended McGill University, received his MD and completed his residency training in Internal Medicine at the University of Toronto, and then served as Chief Medical Resident for the Toronto General and Toronto Western Hospitals. He earned his Ph.D. in Health Policy from Harvard University with a concentration in Statistics and the Evaluative Sciences. His work draws inspiration from a broad range of fields including clinical medicine, economics, cognitive psychology, epidemiology, and biostatistics.

Dr. Gabriel Leung ’90 is the Executive Director, Charities and Community, of the Hong Kong Jockey Club overseeing its Charities Trust, while serving as a Governor of the Wellcome Trust. Among his many accomplishments, he was the longest serving Dean of Medicine and inaugural Helen and Francis Zimmern Professor in Population Health at the University of Hong Kong. He was Hong Kong’s first Under Secretary for Food and Health and fifth Director of the Chief Executive’s Office in government. Gabriel’s research defined the epidemiology of three novel viral epidemics, most recently COVID-19. He was founding co-director of HKU’s World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control and founded the Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park. Gabriel won the Crescent Alumni Excellence Award in 2022, has been featured in our Alumni Speaker Series, and has remained connected to Crescent School since graduating in 1990.

Present / March 2023

Upper School boys are joined by Havergal students at the Great Buddha Dordenma statue in the mountains of the Kingdom of Bhutan on their Outreach trip in March 2023.

Perspective from the Headmaster

Careers of the Future

Crescent’s alumni are leading in professions that didn’t exist 20, 10 and even five years ago. The world is increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. As a school, it is our job to predict what the future holds and prepare our boys for work and life accordingly. Our focus on 12 essential character qualities, such as collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, is one way we do this; offering a future-ready curriculum is another.

In this issue, we highlight alumni working in artificial intelligence (AI). Until recently, AI was a concept more likely associated with sci-fi movies than a career direction. And yet, we use it when unlocking our phones with our faces, helping us decide what to watch or listen to on streaming services, and interacting with merchant websites. And while these applications make our lives easier, AI is not without challenges. Schools are wrestling with processing tools like ChatGPT, while big tech and governments are worried about video and audio “deepfakes.” Our feature article profiles five Crescent alum who are revolutionizing their industries— and our world—with the assistance of AI while navigating some of the ethical issues that abound.

As you enjoy this issue of Past & Present, another school year has come to a successful close. The 2022–2023 school year was gloriously “normal” after three years of upheaval brought on by the pandemic. In-person instruction, co-curricular activities, international travel, and more returned with much excitement. The campus has never felt more vibrant.

Our alumni engagement also experienced a return to normalcy. Numerous alumni made special classroom appearances to share their journeys and expertise. We reconnected with alum at branch receptions across the globe and welcomed hundreds back on campus in June for the reunions. You don’t need artificial intelligence to know that the Crescent Brotherhood is alive and well. Enjoy your summer.

Michael Fellin P’24 Headmaster

/THE REAL WORLD OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

WRITTEN BY ROB CSERNYIK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLOS OSORIO

Imagine working in an industry advancing so quickly that even some of its biggest boosters want it to slow down. That’s the reality for Remi Ojo ’08, who chose a career in artificial intelligence (AI), where machines perform intelligent tasks similar to humans.

While working in field operations at Bell Canada, Ojo wanted to incorporate more advanced analytics into his work. After developing a taste for the subject in night school courses, he later earned an MBA, a Master of Management Analytics and a Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence from Queen’s University.

He believes a lot of “archaic industries” can use AI to revolutionize their efficiency and productivity. As VP in Data Operations at AVO Inc., Ojo does innovative work within the mining industry, helping firms save millions of dollars on construction projects.

Ojo helps develop software solutions that use camera-recorded data to break down the steps in building mine shafts for firms, helping reduce costs. “We can see how long that task actually should take, and where there is some room for

efficiencies,” he says. “I think that we’ve only scratched the surface in terms of harnessing AI.”

But earlier this year an open letter called for AI labs to pause training AI systems more powerful than the GPT-4 language model for at least six months. Tech leaders like Elon Musk and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak signed it, though some have walked back support and critics disagree with the letter’s premise.

“I don’t believe that there needs to be a delay,” Ojo says. “But I think with the rate that these large language models and AI tools have permeated everyday life, there should be greater urgency on transparency and explainability.”

While there is much discussion about how AI might affect the job market— whether an AI ChatGPT bot might one day write articles like this, for instance— expectations are high. A global survey of CEOs from professional services firm PwC found 63 percent believe AI will have a larger impact on the world than the internet did. As new AI roles and technologies proliferate, this is playing out in real time and these careers are taking on a variety of forms. →

For some, like Ojo, it means taking an active role in building AI technology as data scientists or machine learning engineers or researchers. But there are also non-technical roles like consulting or sales. “I think it’s doable to get into the AI space or work in an AI company, but not necessarily get in the weeds of doing AI work,” he says. According to Crescent alumni working in the field, there’s room for talents of all kinds as the industry scales up. Yet for all the recent developments designed to make life easier— facial recognition or content generation —new challenges are being created and fresh questions need to be answered.

One overlooked issue, says Ojo, is the potential for bias, which requires a look at how AI models get applied and how they may negatively impact certain groups. For example, he suggests, Amazon’s AI recruitment tool showed a bias against female applicants.

To many, AI feels like a far-off future; for Crescent alumni like Ojo, it’s all in a day’s work.

/THE FUTURE OF WORK

As an undergraduate at the University of Waterloo, David Ferris ’14 created an online bail financing platform called Better Bail for America, and noticed bias issues firsthand based on ZIP codes. “Even if you don’t actually have race as a signal in your dataset, just by having some location signal, you’ve actually snuck race into your dataset.”

As the founder of an AI software company, Ferris has dealt with the ethical challenges of AI more directly than most.

In 2020, Ferris founded Phonic, a market research company that used AI to draw research data from voice and video surveys and through analyzing conversations. For example, when conducting a taste survey on a new product for a food brand, Phonic picked up that users had mentioned having trouble using the packaging, a detail that might otherwise go unnoticed. While market research can be expensive and time consuming, the company allowed even smaller firms or individuals to mine conversations using AI for data that may be useful to their business. (Advertising technology company Infillion acquired Phonic in 2022.)

But though the company attracted big clients including academic institutions and

“I don’t believe that there needs to be a delay. But I think with the rate that these large language models and AI tools have permeated everyday life, there should be greater urgency on transparency and explainability.”

—Remi Ojo ’08

Fortune 500 firms, it also inspired critics.

“We got a lot of criticism when we were building Phonic that we were putting market researchers out of business,” he says. In an industry with a traditional reputation, some believed Phonic was taking jobs away. Ferris instead sees it as offering smaller firms and academics access to tools they might not otherwise have.

Ferris sees this as part of the tradeoff with the innovation and productivity growth AI is ushering in: the potential loss of some jobs and ways of doing business.

“I think AI is such a force multiplier for humanity,” he says. Though he admits his experience as a start-up founder might make him “a bit more fearless” about applying AI and “sprinting as fast as we can” as opposed to someone who may find their long-term career disrupted. That latter number could be staggering: investment bank Goldman Sachs suggested AI might replace the equivalent of 300 million full-time jobs.

But Ferris, who presently works with AI start-up Playground, feels companies looking to use the tools simply to cut employees might be on a fool’s errand. “I would probably say that’s very short-sighted, cost-cutting thinking,” he says, as opposed to long-term investment. Though he also notes that being serious about changing the way people work is uncomfortable.

“Everyone says that they want disruption, but nobody actually does,” he adds. “People are very comfortable with the status quo, and they really don’t want that to change. I think a lot of the discomfort originates from that.” →

GETTING A HEAD START ON AI

Former Head Boys Cooper Midroni ’16 and Max Bennett ’18 share a keen interest in artificial intelligence and the requisite leadership skills that led Midroni to start the AI club QMIND at Queen’s University, with Bennett joining in 2018.

QMIND is Canada’s largest undergraduate data science and machine learning group. “It came from this understanding that machine learning was an emerging trend in the technology space,” says Midroni, “but big institutions, like major companies and universities, hadn’t yet picked up on it.”

Connected through the Crescent Alumni University Mentorship Program, the two young men organized QMIND projects ranging from simple (identifying a person’s accent) to complex (autonomous driving).

“The mentorship was a great way to formalize a regular point of contact between us,” says Bennett. “That’s what helped me get interested in QMIND.”

In his third year, Bennett became co-chair of the Canadian Undergraduate Conference on Artificial Intelligence (CUCAI) with delegates from universities across Canada and industry representatives from various technology and business firms. CUCAI is organized and funded by QMIND and has experienced remarkable growth since it was founded in 2018.

Despite Midroni and Bennett having long careers ahead of them, they have already created rich legacies for curious people to learn about AI and connect with like-minded individuals.

Cooper Midroni ’16

Max Bennett ’18

“Everyone says that they want disruption, but nobody actually does. People are very comfortable with the status quo, and they really don’t want that to change. I think a lot of the discomfort originates from that.”

—David Ferris ’14

Jeremy Gilchrist ’11 says society has yet to encounter whether customers will still be willing to support companies that use AI to replace large numbers of human employees.

“There are loads of ethical challenges, and even some that aren’t really challenges yet, but they’re questions we’re starting to ask ourselves,” says Gilchrist, the Canadian Intelligent Automation lead for the consulting firm Avanade.

After studying environmental studies as an undergraduate he expected to go to the Alberta oil patch, but the mid-2010s was turbulent for the industry. He pivoted, first to project management and later to technology consulting with robotic process automation, an AI-like process where robots mimic human actions.

At Avanade he works on a variety of automation tool projects including building a “self-healing robot.” (Think of a software tool able to fix or update itself without human intervention.) He likens it to a car discovering it has a punctured tire, dropping its owner off at work, driving to get the tires fixed, and coming back without the owner ever noticing. He feels this automatically updating tool represents a tremendous growth opportunity, albeit one that may face fewer challenges than other areas of AI.

“When it comes to things like journalism, books, and content generation, people will accept [AI] to a point and then they will get uncomfortable and there will be resistance.” He adds this may cause greater demands from users that content is genuine or verified, and may create new risk exposures for companies using AI.

Gilchrist also sees how data gets used by AI as one of the major looming ethical challenges. When data published for

free online is drawn on, for example, it’s unsettled whether the original creators will profit when it’s used commercially by AI companies. He likens it to the debate over whether Facebook should have to pay news companies for the stories it shares on its site.

“It is something that is going to need to be answered very quickly before these tools are cleared for public use in a more broad sense.”

/PROMISE AND PERPLEXITY

While working for the consulting company Slalom, a project that used machine learning to analyze cancer cell tests for anomalies wowed Steven Curtis ’95. “It was the type of work that would normally take a human years, and it was actually a pro bono, special project we did in under three months.”

He’s bullish on the potential of new AI tools and feels like we’re in the early stages, like the internet at the millennium’s dawn. “It’s no longer in a box somewhere,” Curtis says of AI. “I think all of us can experience it firsthand.”

Denver-based Curtis currently works for Google Cloud helping companies like financial services and telecommunications providers improve telephone menus using interactive voice response technology. Curtis says the goal is to provide the type of customer experience “you would expect or hope for from a human,” while freeing workers to focus on more complex matters that virtual experiences can’t yet replicate.

But one challenge he’s noticed is a misunderstanding of the industry—for instance, the distinction between AI (a machine simulating human intelligence) and machine learning (teaching machines tasks by identifying patterns). While “most people know what the acronyms are, and even what they stand for,” he says, they don’t know what they mean in a technical context. →

“When it comes to things like journalism, books, and content generation, people will accept [AI] to a point and then they will get uncomfortable and there will be resistance.”

—Jeremy Gilchrist ’11

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLOS OSORIO

Farhad Shariff ’01 experiences this, too. When talking to different executives at a single organization, he can get varying answers on what AI is. “Because they’ll all think about it a different way.” This makes a degree of level-setting necessary before moving forward on projects to get everyone on the same page.

Shariff helps companies use the data they have to better anticipate customer needs and make company offerings more valuable to them—and, of course, more valuable to the firm.

But he notes that data security— who owns and uses data—is becoming a critical issue companies face within the AI field. “How do they use the data effectively, and ethically, in order to be able to drive the business but not cross the line?”

It’s a question that currently remains unanswered, and one that given AI’s relentless expansion, is unlikely to remain this way for long. There’s a steep learning curve not only for the machines and programs evolving to become more humanlike, but for the humans in charge of deciding how to best wield the power of these new technologies.

“There’s still a lot to be learned,” Shariff says. “It’s still very much a wild west out there.”

“How do they use the data effectively, and ethically, in order to be able to drive the business but not cross the line? There’s still a lot to be learned. It’s still very much a wild west out there.”

—Farhad Shariff ’01

CHATGPT’S IMPACT ON EDUCATION

“ChatGPT is a powerful tool, but whether it is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ for education depends on how it’s being used,” says Patricia Alviano, Assistant Head of the Middle School.

ChatGPT is a large language model developed by OpenAI that uses deep learning techniques to generate humanlike responses to natural language input. It is capable of performing a wide range of language-related tasks, including conversation, translation, summarization, and question-answering.

With its easy-to-use interface, students can use ChatGPT to generate a neat summary, but the distance between this and plagiarizing an essay is short and there is widespread concern about how to detect possible cheating. On the other hand, the same functionality can be used by teachers to create unit recaps, develop lesson plans, and simplify complex concepts.

When asked during a recent meeting how AI programs like ChatGPT might influence their pedagogy, Middle School teachers provided a wide variety of responses. One said they might shift their teaching focus to the learning process rather than the final outcome. Focus more on verbal discussions and reflections over written work, suggested another. The answer may lie somewhere in between. One teacher posited that using a blend of synthesized material and creating original products might be the sweet spot.

While educators continue to examine the benefits and drawbacks with a critical eye, Crescent is taking a broad “adaptability” approach to AI tools like ChatGPT. “It’s important that teachers understand the ways in which these tools can enhance learning,” says Alviano. “This is the world our students are graduating into and we need to teach alongside it.”

Patricia Alviano P’29, Assistant Head of the Middle School

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLOS OSORIO

Written by Pat Morden

Photography by Nation Wong

Rohan Jain ’18 has worked to enrich the lives of people with disabilities. His passion started at home. Recently he was recognized with a prestigious David C. Onley award

When Rohan Jain ’18 was young, he didn’t pay much attention to his younger brother, Niam. “Like any older brother, I just saw him as annoying and someone I could boss around!”

But gradually he began to notice that his brother’s life was very different from his own. “I had lots of great opportunities to learn, while Niam was being shuffled from class to class. I knew we weren’t starting on the same baseline, and I knew I wanted to do something about that.”

Niam has autism and is mostly nonverbal. At the age of six, Jain took training in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), the therapeutic approach often used with children with autism, so he could help his brother. As he got older, he became more involved, collecting learning materials for Niam, and eventually creating them. It started with cooking. “We wanted Niam to know how to cook safely, so we started with four basic recipes.”

Jain and his mother, Nina, began to get more and more requests from parents and educators to use Niam’s materials. Says Jain, “We thought, okay, let’s put it out there—and it just took off!” Today, Able2Learn, the website they developed, has more than 1,100 lesson plans, some 40,000 pages, and 100 videos. More than 25,000 professionals around the world use the resource. Able2Learn has become the world's largest educational platform for children with developmental disabilities with an estimated outreach of more than 500,000 students

“Early intervention makes a big difference,” says Jain, “but the costs are prohibitive and there are huge waitlists. We want everyone to have the opportunity to learn.” The Able2Learn resources are available online at no charge. Although Jain is no longer directly involved in the day-to-day operations of Able2Learn, he is helping build a strategy for the future.

“We’re having a big impact, and we want to keep growing.”

Jain worked on Able2Learn while he was at Crescent, but also found time for choir, band, robotics, Model UN, and much more. “I tried to do as much stuff as I could so I could get a grasp on what I wanted to do,” he says. He took many important lessons with him from his 10 years at Crescent. “I learned the value of community and building relationships, and the importance of doing the right thing, even when it’s hard to do.”

In addition to Able2Learn, Jain is giving back as a committed advocate for climate action. He developed draft legislation on single-use plastics, which he presented to Prime Minister Trudeau in 2019, and a comprehensive plan for a green economy in Canada. He is also leading efforts to retrofit buildings in his family business to be more climate-friendly. Now a student at Osgoode Hall, he is committed to using his legal skills to fight for climate justice and equity for people with disabilities. “Social movements drive change,” he says. “They give fuel to the legal, regulatory, and financial sectors to make the change.”

In December 2022, Jain received the David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility, named for Ontario’s former Lieutenant Governor, in recognition of his work with Able2Learn. “It was surreal,” he says. “I felt very humbled and privileged, not only to receive the award but also to meet Mr. Onley.” Onley died in January 2023.

In the end, though, it all comes back to Niam. He has become a celebrated abstract artist, with a style compared to Riopelle and Pollock. He is also a musician and athlete. “Niam was the inspiration behind the whole Able2Learn project,” says Jain. “Seeing my brother grow into the person he has become today means everything.”

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Jain was presented with the David C. Onley Award by the late David C. Onley, Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, and Honourable Raymond Sung Joon Cho

02 & 03

Images from Able2Learn’s How to Order from a Coffee Shop program

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Examples of visual recipes that are designed in accordance with research regarding autism and similar neurotypes

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Rohan Jain ’18 standing in front of his brother Niam’s painting

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Niam working on an abstract painting in his studio

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Jain presenting a draft legislation banning single-use plastics to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

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Jain with his mother and Able2Learn co-founder Nina Jain as she is presented with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2013 by former Premier Kathleen Wynne

“Niam was the inspiration behind the whole Able2Learn project. Seeing my brother grow into the person he has become today means everything.”

—Rohan Jain ’18

“Early intervention makes a big difference, but the costs are prohibitive and there are huge waitlists. We want everyone to have the opportunity to learn. We’re having a big impact, and we want to keep growing.”

—Rohan Jain ’18

WRITTEN BY PAT PHOTOGRAPHYMORDEN BY LYNDON FRENCH

It’s odd, the small things that can change a life trajectory.

For William Chyr ’05, it was a moment in the final year of his degree in physics and economics at the University of Chicago. He noticed his roommate sitting on his bed reading a math textbook. Chyr asked which course the text was for, and his friend said it wasn’t for any course. “I realized that he was reading a math textbook for fun,” says Chyr. “I knew I’d never read a physics textbook for fun.”

Tellingly, the book that Chyr was reading at the time was about Cirque de Soleil. It was a hint of his future career in visual arts, one that led to the creation of his acclaimed computer game and William Chyr Studio.

Chyr attended Crescent for Grades 11 and 12. As valedictorian, he reflected that going to Crescent was like being presented with an empty canvas and learning to create his own painting. “My classmates really helped me find out who I was.”

Still, he envisioned a fairly conventional academic career for himself. Fascinated by physics as a way of understanding how the world fundamentally works, he was encouraged to attend the University of Chicago, known for the excellence of its physics program. The natural assumption was that he’d continue to a Ph.D.

During the summer after his first year, he learned to juggle and then joined the student circus. He earned money through university by making balloon animals at birthday parties. After third year, he considered joining a circus for the summer but decided instead to take a research position in Italy. During his final year, he applied for a small grant from the university and created a large science-inspired sculpture made of balloons on campus.

That summer he was commissioned by the Museum of Science and Industry to make a massive balloon sculpture at Millennium Park in downtown Chicago, part of a summer-long travelling museum project. His work began to attract notice.

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William

02 & 03

In

04

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Chyr in his studio in Hyde Park, Chicago

a nod to the game’s architectural focus, the studio released detailed 3-D inserts for Manifold Garden’s physical editions and soundtrack LP

Playtesting the studio’s upcoming game

One of Chyr’s balloon art forms, titled “As Luck Would Have It”

“What’s exciting about gaming is that the industry is always changing. I feel like I’ve just cracked the surface.”

—William Chyr ’05

While his career as an artist gathered steam, he worked for the international advertising firm Leo Burnett in Chicago. Although he wasn’t in the creative department, he made ads in his spare time. One, a daring ad for feminine hygiene products that used the color red instead of the usual pale blue, was actually used by a client. He also spent six months helping create science museum exhibits with a small company in Toronto.

His big break came when an ad agency selected an image of one of his balloon art forms to be featured on bottles of Beck’s beer destined for the U.S. market. He soon had commissions for one balloon installation after another across North America. Although the work was steady and well received, it was physically demanding, involving long days, and Chyr began to develop a latex allergy. “I was getting typecast as the balloon artist, and the novelty of the medium overshadowed anything I wanted to say.”

In search of a new medium, Chyr decided to give digital art a whirl. He gave himself three months to develop a computer game. Three months became seven years, but the result was extraordinary. Manifold Garden , a first-person puzzle game, was inspired by the movie Inception and the art of M.C. Escher. Chyr describes it as a “counter-factual physics game where you explore a unique world in which the rules of physics and architecture are different.”

Released in 2019, the game is available on a variety of platforms, including PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox. Reviewers have commented on the “brilliant puzzles with stunning graphics,” and called the game “mind-blowing,” “incredibly satisfying,” and “absolutely gorgeous.” Manifold Garden has been nominated for several awards and was selected as one of the New Yorker ’s best games of 2019.

Although he considered other artistic mediums once Manifold Garden was released, Chyr realized that he wasn’t ready to move on. He started developing a new game, this time using VR technology to create an even more immersive experience. “What’s exciting about gaming is that the industry is always changing,” he says. “I feel like I’ve just cracked the surface.”

Chyr is also taking time to build his studio and develop a company structure and culture. He and his team have settled on three pillars to guide future projects: games will have a 3-D architecture focus, use striking visuals, and open the door to experiences that are impossible in real life. Chyr is also teaching at Columbia College and the University of Chicago, in part as an opportunity to mentor younger developers and honour those who helped him early in his career.

So, is it art? Chyr admits his ideas about that have changed. “We’re mindful of the commercial context and industry forces, of course. But I see it as art because, at the end of the day, it’s still a vehicle of self-expression.”

“We’re mindful of the commercial context and industry forces, of course. But I see it as art because, at the end of the day, it’s still a vehicle of self-expression.”

—William Chyr ’05

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LYNDON FRENCH

Ben Sokolowski ’02

is a screenwriter and television producer splitting his time between Los Angeles and Toronto. He has written for Arrow, The Flash, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, and Tales of The Walking Dead while also developing projects for Warner Bros., MGM, Fox, Netflix, and Disney. He probably won’t ever win an Oscar but has come to peace with that. Sort of.

How to pitch persuasively

By Ben Sokolowski ’02

“Pitching” an idea (in Hollywood, on Bay Street, or even at school) means baring your heart and soul in the hopes of changing the opinion of the person sitting across from you. It is human nature for the buyer to walk in with the mindset of “no.” Their time and resources are finite, after all. I’ve made hundreds of pitches to Hollywood networks and studios over the years and learned a few tricks on how to change the “no” to a “yes.”

Connection

Preparation

Half the battle is convincing the buyer to work with you. If they like the idea but you are unprepared or come across poorly, the pitch is DOA. I rehearse my pitch just to the edge of ad nauseum. Yet that is not enough. My best pitches are the ones where I am not just regurgitating the words but truly living inside them. When I say something, the buyer must believe me. They won’t do this if I don’t wholeheartedly believe in myself or the idea.

If you can connect with the buyer on a “deeper level,” success will be easier to find. I usually start my pitches with a personal anecdote that touches on the core theme of the idea. I once sold a series to Fox about ghosts and opened the pitch by detailing family members I’ve lost whom I yearn to see again, even in spectral form. This was not me being poetic but rather trying to stir a positive emotion in the buyer. Perhaps they would remember someone close who had passed and now they are thinking warm thoughts and connecting them to my pitch.

Observation

Finally, be observant and flexible. In a meeting at CBS, I noticed that the executive had many baseball bobbleheads on his desk. During the prerequisite small talk, I brought up the firstplace Dodgers. That put a smile on his face and set the tone for the rest of the meeting. Anything you can do to make that connection… do it.

Communication

You could have the best idea in the world, but it’s worthless if you can’t convince someone else of that. Your presentation must be clear and engaging. If they don’t understand you or the product then a deal will be impossible. Therefore, communication is super important, if not more important than the product itself.

Tips for staying ahead of the knowledge curve

By Steven Pulver ’03

I've navigated through a rapidly evolving world, from my formative school years and the dawn of revolutionary computing technologies to the current era of artificial intelligence and advanced web apps. These are the strategies I’ve used to cultivate innovative thinking and maintain an edge in our fast-paced world.

Embrace lifelong learning

Steven Pulver ’03 pursued technology, media, and communications at Western University’s Faculty of Information and Media Studies, and earned his Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) from the University of Waterloo before attending Western Law. After practicing corporate law in Toronto, he co-founded MinuteBox in 2017, an industry-leading Software-as-a-Service platform that has transformed corporate record management and compliance for law firms, legal departments, family offices, and more.

Invest in your knowledge and skills through continuous education, online courses, or workshops. Stay curious and open-minded.

Seek diverse perspectives

Prioritize critical thinking

Leverage your creativity

Nurture your creative thinking and apply it to problemsolving, innovation, and decision making. Imagination is a human trait that sets us apart from machines, igniting the sparks that illuminate the uncharted paths of possibility.

Surround yourself with people from different backgrounds and industries. Engage in conversations and embrace collaborative problem solving. Welcome the winds of change as they reshape the landscape of your thoughts and ideas.

Analyze information and make informed decisions based on logic and reason. Human discernment goes beyond what AI can accomplish. Trust the whispers of your intuition —they are your guide.

Cultivate emotional intelligence

Develop empathy, selfawareness, and interpersonal skills. These qualities are crucial in understanding and connecting with others, a feat AI cannot (yet) achieve.

Inspire and mentor others

Stay informed and adaptable

Keep up with industry news, trends, and emerging technologies. Be prepared to adapt and pivot when necessary to maintain a competitive edge.

Share your experiences and knowledge with others, fostering a culture of growth and innovation. Encourage students and alumni to embrace change and adapt to the evolving landscape. We can all learn from one another.

Connect with nature

Let nature’s wisdom and tranquility ground you, fostering balance amidst the challenges of personal and professional growth. Get your hands dirty. Sit around a campfire.

Social Life

Together Again

It’s always a good time when Crescent Brothers get together. For more photos and upcoming event listings, go to crescentalumni.org.

Dentonia Reunion

Alumni from the Classes of ’37 to ’75 met on campus for a special reunion luncheon on May 24. Celebrating their lasting connection to Crescent, they shared stories, enjoyed a three-course meal prepared by Chef Lawrence, and some attended the Lower School musical production of Poppins

Class Celebrations

After a long wait due to pandemic restrictions, the Classes of 2020 and 2021 were finally able to come together to celebrate their time at Crescent and their transition to post-secondary life.

Halifax Alumni Branch Reception

Retired faculty member Rob Cranston and Chief Advancement Officer Jamie Lougheed ’87 P’18 enjoyed a true down east evening at the Lower Deck on March 23.

Class of 2021 gathering in May 2023

Class of 2020 gathering in December 2022

Social Life

Hong Kong Alumni Branch Reception

Fourteen alumni met at the Bistecca Italian Steak House for a special branch reception in Hong Kong on February 2. Headmaster Michael Fellin P’24 introduced Crescent’s new Chief Advancement Officer, Jamie Lougheed ’87 P’18, and John Lynch P16, ’18, Executive Director, External Relations visited the Hong Kong alumni one final time before his retirement.

New York Alumni Branch Reception

Robbie Mitchnick ’09 hosted the New York alumni at Butter Restaurant in midtown Manhattan on May 18. In attendance were Headmaster Fellin P’24, Chief Advancement Officer Jamie Lougheed ’87 P’18 and Director of Development Kathryn Foster.

Kingston Alumni Branch Reception

The Crescent alumni in Kingston welcomed faculty member Isabelle Moore and retired teacher Kathy Porteous with open arms at the Grizzly Grill on March 9. Over 30 alumni

Alumni Reunion

Nearly 200 alumni gathered in Crescent’s CCL café to connect and celebrate milestones on June 10. The event provided a great opportunity to catch up with classmates and Crescent faculty and staff. Crescent extends best wishes and a warm welcome back to the Classes of 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018.

Life After Crescent

Milestones and Celebrations

Have family or career news to share? Send your Life After Crescent updates to alumni@crescentschool.org.

1980s

Peter Hall ’80 retired Chief Economist for Export Development Canada, was a keynote speaker at the Vancouver CAIS Conference in April. Joining him in this picture are past Executive Director of External Relations

John Lynch P’16, ’18, Chief Advancement Officer Jamie Lougheed ’87, P’18, Chief Financial Officer Arjuna Kadawathage, Chief Operating Officer Haiyan Zhao, and Director of Enrolment Richard Vissers.

Greg Wells ’89, P’32 recently published his fifth book. Powerhouse: Protect Your Energy, Optimize Your Health and Supercharge Your Performance offers easy ways to boost energy, fight inflammation and optimize health—cell by cell.

1990s

Andrew Saunders ’87 has been announced as the Globe and Mail’s next CEO. Saunders first joined the Globe in 2002 as Director of Advertising.

Andrew Rathbun ’88 saxophonist, composer, and bandleader, was nominated for a Juno Award for his latest record, Semantics. His upcoming release, The Speed of Time, will be released in September.

David Notarfonzo-Sebald ’97 enjoyed an annual ski trip with friends from the Class of ’97: David Singer P’28, David Dattels, Tyler Skillen, and Sean Fleming.

Charlie Mills ’99 and his wife Meghan welcomed their first child —a wonderful and healthy baby boy—to their family. Gordon Kemper Mills was born April 8, 2023.

Brendan Lippa ’09 and Emilie Cockell celebrated their wedding on November 19, 2022 in Vaughan, Ontario. His wedding party included his brother Mario Lippa ’11 They were joined by Class of 2009 alumni Christian Nianiaris, Kalvin Hon, Derek Little, Soma Cserhati, Will Heisey, Dmitri Bourchtein, John Heisey, and Imran Punjani

2000s

Chris Galt ’09 (centre) is joined by fellow Class of 2009 alumni Philip Lloyd, Josh Su, Josh Chan, and Robert Dowler at his wedding. Chris married Annabel McKenzie on February 3, 2023 in Margaret River, Western Australia.

2010s

Joey Lindsay ’15 started a new position in January as a Senior Financial Analyst at Manulife Investment Management.

Brett Balcom ’16 recently accepted a position as a Real Estate and Corporate Banking Analyst at Raymond James Ltd.

Gorav Menon ’16 is now an Associate in Content Strategy and Analysis at Netflix.

Griffin Owen ’16 started a new job as Sales Representative at Colliers in March 2023.

Nicholas OprescuHavriliuc ’18 was awarded the 2022 Joelle Godard Prize from the University of Edinburgh Law School for the best overall performance in the joint Honours degree Law and French. He is looking forward to completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Practice before commencing at corporate law firm MBM Commercial LLP.

In Memoriam

Martin Perantinos ’76 1957–2022

2020s

Ben Cooke ’20 just completed a university exchange with Universidad Carlos III de Madrid in Spain.

Connor MacKenzie ’20 has sparked meaningful discussion and change in the hockey community by starting the Lift the Mask on Mental Health campaign. With this campaign, Connor builds awareness, particularly to young athletes, for the importance of mental health. He has already surpassed his initial goal and raised close to $35,000. Next year Connor will be playing hockey for the University of Vermont.

Late last summer, Martin Perantinos passed away, leaving behind his wife, Margey, and their three children. Martin attended Crescent School from Grade 7 and was appointed Prefect of Mackenzie House, a testament to his leadership abilities. Martin was an accomplished athlete, captaining the soccer and basketball teams and winning numerous awards, including Sportsman of the Year for the Senior school. Martin's brother, Paul Perantinos ’78, says that he lived his life with “filotimo,” a Greek word meaning “friend of honour.” He will be forever remembered by his many friends, family and the Crescent community.

William Newton Greer ’37 1925–2023

Bill died peacefully at home on February 5, 2023, surrounded by his family. He lived a life fulfilled by his passions for family, architecture, and community. To learn more about Bill’s legacy, please see his Wall of Honour tribute on page 12.

Stay Connected

Ryan Cheng ’18 started a new position as an Associate at Boston Consulting Group.

Benoit Morin ’18 started a new position as metallurgist at Woodgrove Technologies Inc.

Simon Malone ’21 participated in the Frozen Finley game in February, the second-largest hockey game in the state of North Carolina. Simon played in front of 26,000 fans and represented the University of North Carolina.

Tega Ajise ’21 was the keynote speaker at the U.S. College Fair, which took place at Roy Thompson Hall in Toronto on April 22, 2023.

Catching Up With... Mark Suckling: His Dream Job

Mark Suckling joined Crescent in 1986. He taught in the Lower and Middle Schools until his retirement in 2015.

Griffin Bush: What brought you to Crescent?

Mark Suckling: I grew up in Don Mills but started my teaching career in Fort McMurray, Alberta. I taught there for three years and, when my first daughter was born, we wanted to bring the family closer to home. I soon found myself back in Toronto working at Crescent. It was a dream job.

GB: What did you first teach when you arrived at the School?

MS: Crescent had just added a second Grade 6 class, so that was why I was hired. I taught math and science, and Dave Heaney taught English and social studies. Dave and I “team taught” the grade. He was an exceptional teacher, and I was fortunate to work with him.

GB: What were some of your fondest memories?

MS: I loved coaching. I coached basketball, cross country and track and field. The championships and athletes I had a chance to work with over the years were inspirational. The National CAIS Under 13 basketball tournament was always a focus for the year.

Teaching Grade 3 with David Graham —that was just a blast. David was such a creative guy, and he would have these fantastic ideas. For instance, we had an end-of-year sleepover in the gym for one of our Grade 3 classes. We had a campfire out back, camped overnight in the gym, and the next morning we had the kids cook breakfast. It was a fun event. Most of my best memories

of Crescent come from working with outstanding people like David.

GB: You escorted students on several international trips. What value do you see in these types of experiences?

MS: A classroom outside of school provides new opportunities. It was evident that the outreach experiences further broadened the students’ views of the world and other cultures.

The trips had another impact on the students. I was fortunate to go along when Vince (Volpe) took a group of Grade 8s to Europe on a band trip. We were unsure how that age level would handle everything involved, but they were the

By Griffin Bush ’06

best. They were given many responsibilities, and they handled them beautifully. It was a great opportunity for the boys to experience personal growth.

GB: What’s keeping you busy these days?

MS: I like activity, and that includes a bit of travel. And I like having family around—that’s been really important to me. Both our daughters live in Toronto, and we try to get together often. As grandparents, we're on call a lot, and we’re helping out. One of my daughters just bought this older cottage near Killbear Provincial Park, and I’ve become the “maintenance guy.” I do anything that needs to get done —burning brush, simple electrical or plumbing work. There’s lots of physical labour involved as long as my joints and arms hold up.

GB: I’ve seen some photos of you with other faculty members. Who do you still keep in touch with?

MS: Stu Cumner and I ski together at Blue Mountain, and we did a birding trip to Pelee Island in May. Stu, Ian Fisher and I have gone winter camping. Last summer, a group of us—Ian, Greg Michalski, Geoff Green, and Jeff Adams ’94—went sea kayaking on Georgian Bay in the Killarney area. I enjoy golf games with Dave Budden. Rob Cranston lives close by, and we get out for walks.

GB: What advice do you have for alumni?

MS: Focus on your loved ones for sure. Family is really important. Maintain your friendships; maintain connections.

“Focus on your loved ones for sure. Family is really important. Maintain your friendships; maintain connections.’”

—Mark Suckling

Mark Suckling was Home Form teacher for Griffin Bush ’06 in Grades 3 and 8. Today, Griffin is a Learning Support Specialist in the Middle School. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARENNA BOYCHUK