Ashbury News
Spring Summer 2024
Ashbury News is published twice a year and sent to over 4,000 alumni, parents, and friends worldwide.
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Photography by: Wendy Hough, Chris Miedema, Justin Routhier, and Brian Storosko Design
Ashbury College acknowledges that its campus is located on the traditional, unceded territory of the Anishinàbe Omàmìwininì Algonquin Nation, whose presence here dates back to time immemorial.
Nous reconnaissons les membres de la Nation Algonquine Anishinàbe Omàmìwininì comme gardiens et défenseurs traditionnels du bassin hydrographique de la rivière des Outaouais et de ses affluents. Nous rendons hommage à leur longue tradition et à leur constante protection de cette terre, ainsi qu’à leur rôle dans la sauvegarde de ce beau territoire.
Nigìkenindànànàn kìbi ànimiziwàdj kaye kì mino pagidinigewàdj ogog kakina Màyàmindji Nitam Pemàdizidjig, Àbitawizìg, kaye Àshkìmeg eyediwehì enigokwàg iyo Mikinàk Minitig. Niga pàjigwàdizimin kidji kikenindamokìyàng kàbi Awakàzodjig ogog kà abidjig kikinàmàdinànikàng, ashidj niga mino wìdjikiwemànànig ogog Màyàmindji Nitam Pemàdizidjig ondaje wàkàhì.
s we celebrate the experiences of our students and alumni, this edition of the Ashbury News, a year on, is also a time to reflect. Over the past 18 months we have been singularly focussed on ensuring that the full Ashbury experience is captured after the tumult of global disruption. With any weekly check-in on school life one can see engaged students being challenged and inspired by outstanding teachers in classes, sport, art, and music. Ashbury is alive with learning and as a community of learners we grow together as students, colleagues, and alumni.
Having the opportunity to meet with Ashburians from around the world at alumni events over the past year, I am always proud to report on our students’ successes and any school updates. For many, Ashbury has evolved into a larger school, yet one that has not lost its character and still promotes a sense of belonging in the community. The usual questions quickly emerge: How many students complete the IB diploma? How did the (insert sport here) team do this year? Are students singing in chapel and how are our bands doing? And frequently, which teachers are still teaching at Ashbury? With 133 years of history, every generation of students has lived something different, yet with the essential ingredients remaining the same. Our values, mission, and motto remain our touchstones, and as our diversity has evolved, we continue to explore our pluralistic outlook and how this enriches our community.
Currently one-third of our students are international, often from diplomatic families and the boarding community; but also the rich heritage of our growing National Capital reflects strongly on our community. As home to the Global Centre for Pluralism, Centre mondial du pluralisme, Ottawa captures not only our sense of place in Canada, but also the world. Every one of you has a story on how you came to be at Ashbury—and what you have done since to further your own goals and strengthen the communities in which you live. The alumni profiles and chatter herein are for all to share and enjoy and I look forward to hearing more from you soon — à bientôt!
Probitas, Virtus, Comitas,
Norman Southward Head of School — Directeur
The Ashbury College Hockey program is steeped in over 100 years of history, with decades of legendary games against long-standing rivals Trinity College School and Lower Canada College back in the day. For many years, Ashbury competed in the National Capital Secondary School Athletic Association’s (NCSSAA) non-contact league that ran during the fall term. In 1998, the program moved to the winter term to play in the contact league—this allowed us to play at a higher level and not compete with football for players. Ashbury continued to play in that league until 2017. We were always competitive, and for a few years, around 2010-2011, we were amongst the best teams in the city, winning tier-1 championships in both seasons. In 2010, we represented the NCSSAA at the OFSAA provincial championships and managed to win a game in our pool—the NCSSAA typically does not fare very well at OFSAA hockey.
A significant challenge in recent years has been securing a schedule to attract competitive players. Further, as hockey has evolved in the National Capital Region, so too has the expectation on our students to commit to their outside teams/programs, limiting their opportunity to put on the Ashbury College jersey. Ashbury eventually left the league in Winter 2017.
Under the leadership of Coach Andy Moore, the 2023-24 version of the program has changed focus, allowing the school to assess the level of interest in hockey across all grades and genders while supporting these student-athletes with a customized skills/ training program led by former NHL player, Grant Clitsome. One of the many benefits of this skills-focused program is the opportunity for it to challenge any player, from a first-timer to a competitive player who is looking to pursue hockey post-Ashbury College.
The history of sports at Ashbury literally lives in our walls. This fall, a member of Ashbury’s Operations team discovered a small pair of boxing gloves inside a wall when working on school renovations. The gloves were junior-sized Everlast 505 “Jack Dempsey” boxing gloves. The company was not able to help us date the gloves, but Jack Dempsey reigned as the world heavyweight champion from 1919 to 1926, with a career spanning from 1914–1927. The gloves were found in the section of the school that was the former headmaster’s residence, which later was a boys’ residence.
C A M P U S H A P P E N I N G S
BY ALEXIS TAYLOR
IN THE FALL OF 2020, I APPLIED TO BE the junior editor of creative nonfiction for Ashbury’s Blazer magazine. I was in grade 9 and desperately seeking a community amidst the isolation and unpredictability brought on by the global pandemic. My first experience of Ashbury was not what I had been expecting it to be: four days of learning virtually from my bedroom and four days of sitting behind plexiglass shields in classes full of my peers whose faces I had never before seen unmasked. I, alongside many of my classmates, was eager to be a part of something but lost as to where to look. When I heard that Ashbury had its own student-run literary magazine, I knew it was something I was interested in contributing to. However, I don’t think I ever anticipated becoming so enamored not just with the process of creating a publication but with the community of writers, artists, and editors I would meet over the next four years.
Many of the students who join the magazine come to realize that they have already practiced the art of putting a publication together unknowingly: by writing, editing, creating artwork, or designing layouts. The creation of a magazine is just a matter of combining all these individual student talents and transforming them into something bigger, something that you can hold and know you helped breathe life into. While Blazer is a student-run magazine, it would not be possible without the guidance of our teacher advisors, Ms. Grady and Ms. Larock. When speaking to Ms. Larock about the magazine’s collaborative publication process, she reaffirmed that “when we call it a student-run literary magazine, that idea that it’s student-run is completely accurate.”
The first step in the creation process is choosing a theme for the year; usually, the theme will reflect the social atmosphere of Ashbury’s student body. For example, in October of
2020, in my first year with the magazine, the editorial team chose the theme Expect the Unexpected. Given the global pandemic that had just fundamentally changed the ways we were able to live our lives, Expect the Unexpected felt assuredly accurate. That year’s magazine was a testament to the adaptability and resilience of our student body. It contained multilingual pieces such as “Nouvelle Norme” by Miriam Tadros, which translates to “New Standard,” and delved into the impacts of the coronavirus on mental health and daily life. It also contained more nuanced interpretations of the theme, such as Armita Dabirzadeh’s “Humans of Ashbury,” a fashion collage composed of photographs of her modeling interesting and unexpected outfit combinations.
After the theme of the year is established, contributors start writing their first drafts, a process guided by the editorial board from each department. After all the writing is completed,
This just goes to show the wide range of talent held by Ashbury students, boiling beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered. ”
This year’s theme is centered around the concepts of balance, transformation, and inevitability.”
it is sent off to the art and design team, who create specialized artwork and layouts for every piece.
In my second year with the magazine, in 2021-2022, I moved on to the position of senior editor of creative nonfiction. That year’s theme was Ignite, a reminder to all of us to keep fueling the passions and desires within us when faced with challenging circumstances. The theme’s description illustrated that “over the past two and a half years, our lives have changed and grown and restarted so many times; this issue of Blazer is meant to be a place where stories of change, growth, and new beginnings can be shared.” The editorial board and art and design team were also kindling their own fire, learning how to work together and collaborate again in person after COVID-19 had
moved everything online for two and a half years. On top of that, in 2021, almost the entire editorial board and the art and design team were composed of graduating grade 12 students—the rest of us would have to take in as much as we could before forging our own path the next year.
In 2022, my third year with the magazine, grade 11 student Emile Hamzo was selected as editor-in-chief with his theme of Unravel. The core idea of Unravel was letting go; in the words of Emile, “It’s seeking to undo life’s sometimes chaotic, cluttered threads to see all the snarled bits, knots, and ends laid flat, bare and digestible for oneself.” After two years of constantly adapting and pushing through the difficult times of the pandemic, it was finally time to take
a deep breath. Every branch of the magazine worked diligently to see this edition come to fruition. The magazine’s cover was designed by grade 10 student Amy Geng and was originally created for the grade 10 English graphic novel project. This just goes to show the wide range of talent held by Ashbury students, boiling beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered. She has recreated the artwork from our Unravel edition for this article in the Ashbury News
By the end of 2023, all our hard work had blossomed into something better than we could have hoped for. Every year, Ms. Larock and Ms. Grady submit Blazer to the NCTE Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) program to compete and be graded against other
high school literary magazines. Blazer’s 2022-2023 magazine, our 10th edition, received the rank of REALM First Class, the highest honour in the program. I asked Ms. Larock what she thought set last year’s Blazer magazine apart from past editions, and she highlighted the consistent team that Blazer had been building over the past four years as having pioneered the 10th edition. She asserted that “there was a core group within those four years that remained dedicated to the publication.” This core group consisted of my peers, who I have learned from, collaborated with, and admired since I joined the magazine in grade 9. It was so rewarding to know that all the
passion, resilience, and perseverance we had infused into the magazine had been recognized.
I am now in grade 12, in my fourth year with the magazine, and am so grateful to have assumed the role of editor-in-chief, which I couldn’t have done without the support of my peers and of Blazer’s teacher advisors, Ms. Grady and Ms. Larock. This year’s theme is At the Event Horizon. In astrophysics, the event horizon is the point at which it becomes impossible to escape a black hole. In the words of fiction editor Artem Kalinin, this edition is “a sharp call to wake up from dreaming, to take off rose glasses and start living and learning the art of bal-
ance.” This year, the class of 2024 will be graduating.
Those who entered Ashbury in 2020 in its fragmented state, over four years, laid down the red bricks to start rebuilding it into a new version of itself.
This year’s theme is centered around the concepts of balance, transformation, and inevitability. For me, it is emblematic of not just my commitment to Blazer magazine but of my journey growing as a student and into a young woman here at Ashbury. It signifies that I have finally arrived, here, at the event horizon, and it is now time to take the final leap into the unknown.
Diversity in society is a universal fact; how societies respond to diversity is a choice.
Pluralism is a positive response to diversity. Pluralism involves taking decisions and actions, as individuals and societies, which are grounded in respect for diversity
La diversité sociale est un fait universel; la façon dont les sociétés répondent à leur diversité est un choix. Le pluralisme est une réponse positive à la diversité. Il implique de prendre des décisions et d’entreprendre des actions, en tant qu’individus et en tant que sociétés, en se fondant sur le respect de la diversité.
IN THE SUMMER OF 2020, ASHBURY’S Pluralism Project was started to ensure the inclusive, safe, and respectful environment we seek for all in our community. The Project reflects our belief and understanding that individual diversity is a universal truth, and it is our choice to embrace diversity with positivity and respect. This definition of pluralism is based on the Global Centre for Pluralism (GCP) perspective. It serves as a starting point as we continue to develop the concept of pluralism for Ashbury. The initial Pluralism Project involved over 80 students, staff, alumni, parents, and board members working on five design teams focused on various aspects of school life. The design teams were organized into the following groups: People, Programs,
Education, Spaces, and Culture, and each team provided research and suggestions related to their focus area.
As a result of this work, members of the Pluralism Working Group were invited to participate in a year-long pilot project through the GCP with schools from across Canada. By then, wheels were in motion to ensure our diverse community had a sense of inclusion and belonging. But events of the day, both globally and in our community, signaled the need to commit earnestly to this project. According to the CoChair of the Pluralism Committee, Chapman Uko, in the coming together of our work with the GCP and these events, a “trinity of the good, the bad, and the ugly emerged,” and “we could no longer sit back. We could no longer
hide this discomfort.” One of the biggest challenges, according to Mr. Uko, “was convincing people that change must be had—that we could no longer think that we were immune. We could not think insularly anymore. We had to step out and lead this vision.”
According to Mr. Uko, the goal of the project “was to implement values of inclusion and accessibility and to create a dynamic, welcoming, and progressive school culture for all children and staff. We want to have a sense of belonging here—a school culture that connects us and gives us all a voice.” In the words of Co-Chair Lisa Lewicki, “We need to ensure that our students are developing multiple perspectives, that they can see these issues and see the world from
different perspectives and develop a critical understanding of them. They need to be encouraged to listen to stories that may not be their own or familiar to them, but at the end of the day, they need to find those common threads. Everyone has their own story, and our stories are all very connected…It’s about appreciating and getting to know people as individuals, not as members of a certain cultural group…We want to equip our students to ask questions, to listen and learn, and appreciate and value the experiences of others.”
When asked about their favourite accomplishment of the Pluralism Project to date, Ms. Lewicki highlighted the value of the Humans of Ashbury initiative, where students are encouraged to share their cultural and family stories with their peers.
“It asks students to be courageous, to share their personal stories. There is something so empowering for the
students to be able to share their experiences.” Students are learning that they can “have a voice, that they can have meaningful conversations about pluralism.” For Mr. Uko, his highlight was the opening of the Prayer and Reflection Room, which is accessible to students and staff.
“For our Muslim kids and others who don’t want to come to Chapel to live
It’s not easy, but it is brave.”
their faith, there is a space for you... This was an example of the importance of listening to other people in this process because what they may want may be so simple.”
Ms. Lewicki adds, “We are also very fortunate to be in a community where there has been such a positive response—parents, alumni—we put out
the call, and people were very excited to be part of this, and that has been very energizing.” In closing, Mr. Uko expressed his continued excitement about being part of this movement and expressed his gratitude to his colleagues for their support of the work and the students.
Growing out of this work is the Pluralism Circle, which acts as an advisory board to help guide the ongoing Pluralism Project. The circle meets four times a year and is comprised of parents, alumni, board members, students, faculty, and staff. Khalil Kassam joined the Pluralism Circle as a Grade 10 student. He said, “It was an honour and an eye-opening experience to see the work that was being done in the background as a student.”
According to Mr. Kassam, “The fact that this work is making its way into the classroom, and that is really touching students, especially when they see their culture in the class-
room—you feel such pride and feel so represented. Even small things like names—many teachers now do Flipgrids or videos at the start of school, so everyone knows how to say your name and knows your pronouns. Very small things like that make a huge difference.” For Khalil, the most important part of the project has been the stories. “The Humans of Ashbury stories allow us to know a whole new side of the students and a new perspective on where they are coming from and how we can learn from their experiences…this knowledge strengthens our school.”
the new Human Resources policy that will hopefully recruit and retain faculty from diverse backgrounds. “It will allow students to better relate to teachers and provide unique experiences to reinforce concepts.”
“ We want to have a sense of belonging here — a school culture that connects us and gives us all a voice.”
In terms of the work left to do, Khalil spoke of the importance of rethinking the art and the images in the school because “there’s an assumption made when you see those images, an assumption that nothing has changed.” He also spoke of the importance of
Alumna Illesha St. Helene Uko ʼ10 volunteered to participate on the Spaces design team because, to her, spaces “are nuanced and symbolic...When you look at Ashbury as a physical space, it is very colonial in many ways. The people who founded the school look a certain way, and what is visually there suggests that the people who go there also look a certain way…It’s a white space…We can’t keep going down the path of not acknowledging the folks who are continuing to shape the school.” Ms. St. Helene Uko “pushed heavily for Indigenous consultation and presence. My first thought when join-
ing Spaces was without this land, we wouldn’t have Ashbury. We shouldn’t be making any decisions with respect to building or expanding without their consultation. We need to have them at the table 100%.” Ashbury has been and continues to work in partnership with members of Kitigan Zibi to inform our pluralism work.
When asked about our next priorities from a Spaces perspective, Illesha said, “I feel the accessibility part is huge…whether we are talking about gender-neutral bathrooms or accessibility for people with physical conditions or impairments.” She captured the essence of pluralism very well, saying, “It is a state of mind and a state of being. It is a transformation, and a lot of people need to get there…they need to transform their minds into a pluralistic way of looking at the world…It’s not temporary. This is the world…One of the most important things is that Ashbury had a choice…they are taking a stance against the status quo, and that can have repercussions…It’s not easy, but it is brave.”
According to Padme Raina, Director of Partnerships and Programs, “Ashbury’s Board and Leadership team have been open and supportive of the Pluralism Project, directing resources to initiatives that help students feel welcome on campus. As an educational institution, Ashbury wants students to feel like they belong because this creates an environment that is conducive to growth and learning.”
The Project produced a series of near- and long-term suggestions that could be implemented to better encourage a welcoming and inclusive environment at the school. Some goals have been met, others are in motion, and others are yet to take shape. Since its inception, the Pluralism Project has continued to grow in momentum and urgency—it is no longer a project but a priority for Ashbury. We are proud to share some of our collective accomplishments to date.
Some goals have been met, others are in motion, and others are yet to take shape.”
In the coming months, our journey will continue focusing on spaces, including architecture, landscaping, and art, with projects such as educational gardens, a student art gallery, and Belonging@Ashbury photo gallery.
• Identify areas where pluralism could be inserted into the curriculum
• Engage partners and elders to augment the student experience
• Pluralism professional development
• Anti-oppression consultant for staff
• Provide a prayer/reflection room for students and staff
• Create a team to review art, architecture, and landscaping
• Gender-inclusive restrooms and non-gendered changing spaces
• Survey of the community regarding diversity
• Create a team to review HR policies and Admissions procedures
• PVC Scholarship for Indigenous, marginalized, and socio-economically disadvantaged student
• Staff GSA Mentorship Program
• Create our Pluralism Circle to ensure continued community advice and input
• Align the school calendar to ensure important celebrations are honoured
• Construct a birch bark canoe with our partners at Kitigan Zibi as a physical land acknowledgment
• Cross-cultural training for Boarding students and staff
• Insert pluralism principles into co-curricular activities
• Increase pluralism messaging in marketing and communications
• Focus groups with students regarding pluralism principles and training
Hana Samad ’21 is the co-founder of Loiter, an East Cleveland non-profit “dedicated to reconsidering and reimagining a different future for black communities centered on spatial and economic justice.” Hana shared her story with the Ashbury News on how this strategic effort to build a future for her community grew out of injustice.
How and why did you get involved with Loiter?
It was the first couple of months of COVID, and the world was in chaos. The Black Lives Matter protests had started following the murder of George Floyd. I’m African American on my dad’s side and my mom’s Somali. I grew up in Cleveland—a predominantly African American community. The murder of George Floyd and the way that the world was interacting afterward was a huge flashpoint. With the context of George Floyd being killed essentially over $20, it shifted focus to the social ways being black in America impacts one economically and spatially.
One night, my father and uncle were on the phone. My uncle is really interested in food justice and has done a lot of work with reclaiming produce and trying to use it in
upscale and fine dining. It’s more than food; it’s community, it’s economic justice. But my uncle is the kind of person who has a lot of ideas but never acts on half of them. I was on my laptop doing schoolwork, but then I started to get really interested in what they were talking about.
George Floyd wasn’t just killed because he had the $20—he was also killed because he was seen as a threat in the space that he was in, and that shifted the conversation to spatial justice. In East Cleveland, loitering is a crime—just existing, just being with your friends chillin’, or just taking space in your environment is something that can be seen in a poor light…you don’t have to be doing anything physically aggressive or breaking any laws. Literally, your presence is criminalized. (Adding to the problem is that) there are no “third places” in East Cleveland. There are no cafés. People don’t want to invest in stores. There’s nothing; you have to go 45 minutes by bus to the nearest grocery store.
In the 20th Century, East Cleveland was the Beverly Hills of the East Coast because it had the highest number of millionaires per capita when things like Standard Oil and the
Rockefellers were there. There’s a street in East Cleveland that used to be called Millionaires Row. The wealth and oil money drained out of East Cleveland; it suddenly went from being one of the richest places in the country to being the fourth-poorest city in the country and the poorest city in Ohio.
I feel like if we’re going to start talking about justice in terms of racial justice, we also have to talk about economic justice, spatial justice, and the ability for people to feel connected to their communities—to feel that they can be productive members of their communities, that they have spaces that make them feel they belong, and that their presence is welcome and wanted. It needed to be something that wasn’t gentrifying, so it wasn’t just big companies taking these dilapidated buildings and turning them into something no longer rooted in the place it was from. That night, I went to my laptop and made a one-pager to pull together everything we’d been talking about—it started to become more than just an idea.
How did Loiter’s projects and programs evolve?
We looked at what East Cleveland did have going for it. We have a lot of land, vacated and dilapidated houses, and empty lots—things that could be turned into something useful and beautiful for the community. We also have a lot of great people. It’s a close, tightknit community, and everyone looks out for each other. So, to give people space for themselves and provide the community with accessible and nutritious food, we looked to create a café and grocery store.
to sell the land to a developer later or turn it into something productive. Another possibility was the grocery store could eventually buy produce from them if they chose to make a farm plot. The economy could become circular, creating this kind of symbiotic relationship in a community where you’re beautifying the space and giving people the opportunity to make money and grow their assets over time.
We then started thinking about spatial justice in terms of feeling like you can enjoy the green spaces in your community. Right up the street is Rockefeller Park, which used to be the backyard of the Rockefeller estate, with beautiful parks, tennis courts, and hiking trails. It’s open to the whole city to use, but nobody in East Cleveland really uses it. We wanted to make teens and kids in the community feel like this is their backyard, too, and that they are entitled to use it. We started doing tennis programs in the summer for kids to help make the space feel more their own. It’s about instilling confidence to exist spatially in the community.
We need to remember, at the end of the day, we’re a community.”
Then, we started branching off into other things. My grandparents acquired the empty plots and dilapidated houses next to them and had the houses removed. They turned the plots into a big, extended backyard with a chicken coop, beehive, and flowers; it’s beautiful, like a mini oasis in the city. The idea was that we could, through microgrants, help people in East Cleveland gain land ownership. They could also benefit economically if they wanted
Next, we started our podcast, “Loitering and Unarmed,” to talk through some of these ideas so people could engage in a dialogue within both the community and nationally, as well as other communities that are going through this kind of economic divestment. The reason we decided to name the project “Loiter” was we wanted to imbue the message that came with being comfortable in your community and reclaiming the idea of loitering, that it’s not something that should be considered criminal. If you’re sitting on a bench in your community, that’s just called “sitting on a bench in your community.”
We now have advisors, marketing, and business development people—it’s a team effort. We also have a sister organization in Boston that is like a Nubian market; it’s kind of like a national network that we’re starting to form between like-minded, community-oriented food organizations. We also have a cooperative—we have partnered with
a chocolate company that’s sourcing their beans from small farmers in South America and West Africa to try to come up with more equitable chocolate. We are trying to stretch the work beyond national borders. We’re trying to bring it everywhere, so there’s a lot of work.
What are you doing now?
I’m in my last semester at McGill. I’m doing a joint honours degree in history and political science. I’m interested in studying technology policy at grad school, but it would be nice to take a year off and travel just before life catches up with me. I went to Spain for the first time last year, and that kind of set off the travel bug. I keep up with what’s going on with Loiter, but my uncle is mainly running things. The café is set to open soon, so when I get out of school, I hope to visit.
When you think about your time at Ashbury, was there anything that prepared you to do this work?
I moved to Canada for the beginning of 9th grade, and when I started at Ashbury, it was my first look into what Canada was as a country. I was a teenager trying to get my bearings—a new country, new people, new friends, etc. I had no expectations coming to Ashbury. I’d been in public school my whole life, and so I was like, “Oh my God, I’m going to this fancy prep school. I don’t know what I’m doing here.” My blazer was too big, and I feel like it’s a really good metaphor for what I was feeling—really out of place—like I would be the only hijabi there. I felt like I was gonna stick out like a sore thumb in an environment I didn’t belong. But the longer I was at Ashbury, the more it instilled me with the type of confidence I lacked. I think feeling like everyone around me was so different from me helped me appreciate other people, but it was also a good idea for me to see myself and want to become more confident.
My teachers were really validating for me; that’s where I learned I had a gift for writing. In my history classes and my English classes, my teachers would pull me aside and say, “This is amazing; you’re really good at this.” And then I thought, “My God, I am really good at this!” I think that’s one of the things I’ve used a lot in Loiter and the work I’m trying to do with tech policy—the ability to formulate a vision and put it out in the world and have it be heard. That’s something that I really gained from Ashbury.
I was the Internationalism Prefect for 2021. I was part of that team for most of my time throughout Ashbury as
a member, and then I became Prefect. It was interesting throughout the years, going from giving myself a voice in those kinds of spaces to feeling confident enough to be that person myself. I didn’t expect to win, but Ashbury fostered an ability to feel uncomfortable and uncertain but still do it anyway. I thought, “If I failed, I was still going to be just as good as I was. There was no downside to it.”
And then there were all the people who helped foster my intellectual curiosity. I never would have thought I’d be studying history, but my history teachers made it so fascinating that I couldn’t help but pursue it. Or computer science; I took a computer science class on a whim in 9th grade, and it didn’t go so well for me. I think I was literally the worst in my class, but I continued because technology has always fascinated me. I wanted to understand, and it was really hard for me, but I just kept going on year after year. I think having teachers who would say things to me like, “You’re doing this. I know you don’t feel comfortable about it, but you’re doing this,” and “You are a programmer. You can do it!” pushed me to continue doing things that I wasn’t initially, necessarily good at. I never would have ended up doing technology and policy if I didn’t have that experience.
What do you think we can do in our communities to promote this sense of spatial and economic justice? I think we need to change the way that we think about the goals of our society. We need to shift the conversation more towards a people-centric design. That’s the thing Loiter does well—obviously, it’s a grocery store, and there’s an element of profit involved, but that’s not really the driving mechanism. There’s an effort not just to exist in the community but also to become part of it and support it and its people. If you make people feel welcome in their communities, they can rely on them and know they have their best interests at heart. It does a lot of things for our communities—it makes them more open.
It’s also about being intentional. One thing I’ve started doing in Montreal is trying to become a regular in places, whether it’s going to a café or a store regularly. Then, you connect with people naturally and start to create spaces where you can form a sense of community. I think we just need to be friendly with each other. I think we need to remember, at the end of the day, we’re a community.
One critical project for the Spaces design team of the Pluralism Project was to find an appropriate space for prayer and reflection for our Muslim students. This need arose through consultation with the Pluralism Circle participants. The prayer room was opened for the 2022-23 school year and is actively used by staff and students daily.
In the words of Grade 12 student Salem Cherif, “The prayer room at our school holds immense significance for me and fellow Muslim students. It offers a safe haven where we can practice our faith freely, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity within the school community. This dedicated space allows us to perform our daily prayers comfortably without feeling isolated or misunderstood. For us, the prayer room is a place for us to reflect, take a break from academic stress, and connect with God. Beyond its functional aspect, the prayer room symbolizes respect for diversity and religious pluralism within our educational environment, reflecting the values of tolerance and understanding. Its existence acknowledges and honors the religious needs of Muslim students, promoting a holistic approach to education that embraces cultural sensitivity and accommodates the spiritual dimensions of student life. By providing a designated prayer space, the school demonstrates its commitment to fostering an environment where
all students feel valued and respected, regardless of their religious background.”
News of the project has also been well-received by alumni. Mubashir Syed ‘19 commented, “The completion and high utilization of Ashbury’s prayer room is very pleasing to hear. Offering a designated facility for Muslims to offer their daily prayers on premises, amongst other groups, is of great significance and marks a very positive step for the school in ensuring all students are well supported.”
When asked about the importance of the prayer room to him, Kaniz Williams ’18 recalled, “having to go back to my residence to pray and thinking about the day students that did not have that luxury. He added, “Over the past few years important conversations have been had, a lot of research has been done to create the most welcoming space for all faiths and beliefs. Ensuring that all individuals have a space where they can feel safe to practice their faith brings us one step closer to creating a safer space for all.”
Some of the next steps we will take will be to find spaces for Indigenous students to have “circles” to gather and meet with elders. Such a space could be available for all students to meet, discuss, and reflect on important or sensitive topics. We would also like to design an outdoor space appropriate for smudging and prayer.
Omid Razavi ’00 is the Executive Director of It Gets Better Canada (IGBC), whose mission is to “uplift, empower, and connect two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (2SLGBTQ+) youth across Canada. The It Gets Better Project envisions a world where all 2SLGBTQ+ youth are free to live equally and know their worthiness and power as individuals.”1 Ashbury News had the pleasure of speaking with Omid about his involvement in the organization and what schools and communities can do to support 2SLGBTQ+ youth. How did you get involved with IGBC? I’ve always had a passion for storytelling [especially animation]. When I was
1 https://itgetsbettercanada.org/about/
at Ashbury, I had a lot of encouragement from the creative staff, especially my art teacher, Mrs. Varley. I went the university route, but it seemed when I graduated, I realized that [animation] was still my true area of interest. I moved to Toronto to pursue animation to hopefully uplift others.
Many years later, I jumped into the marketing world but realized I was more inclined towards working on cause-related pieces. So, I moved into the non-profit world. I’ve always had an attachment to supporting youth, particularly queer youth, and I decided to release my own children’s pop-up book, which I donated copies of to the school. I wanted [the book] to connect
with a notable charity that focuses on supporting 2SLGBTQ+ youth. I met with pflag Canada, which is a national charity that works to provide peer-topeer support for families and queer youth. I asked if they could review the book and give me their feedback on it, and they invited me to join their board as their Director of Communications.
In that role, I connected with It Gets Better Canada. The It Gets Better brand started 14 years ago in the US in response to a heartbreaking series of teen suicides because of anti-2SLGBTQ+ bullying. Two husbands released a very simple message in the early days of YouTube—it gets better—and it became a viral
We all have a story to tell. We all have our own lived experiences, but there’s just such a beauty in sharing that to affirm others, uplift others, especially when it’s youth leading youth.”
movement where many people gave their own “it gets better” stories, letting people know: you deserve your place to shine, you deserve access to an authentic community, and you deserve to persevere.
It Gets Better Canada was created as an affiliate in 2016, which is when I was invited to join the board. In 2019, we became our own charitable organization, and today, we work to serve to uplift and empower 2SLGBTQ+ youth through the power of storytelling and community engagement. The more I worked with the organization, the more I realized how much I loved their mission. I had the privilege of being brought on as the Executive Director in 2020.
What about the mission of IGBC speaks to you personally?
For me, it’s the storytelling aspect. We all have a story to tell. We all have our own lived experiences, but there’s just such a beauty in sharing that to affirm others, uplift others, especially when it’s youth leading youth. That’s the beauti-
ful part. Because, you know, at the end of the day, nobody knows what youth need better than themselves.
Tell me about what programs IGBC offers. What is the work on a daily basis?
At the core of who we are is our storytelling. You will find youth-led content in the form of social media posts, educational posts, and youth sharing their stories that we post on TikTok and YouTube. It’s really all about meeting youth where they are, and because of that we’re constantly evolving our website with educational resources and toolkits. We’re storytellers with digital-first content, and it’s youth-led.
Over the past year to two years, we’ve really been expanding our programs, especially through the workshops that we offer on understanding how to advocate for yourself online—workshops such as The Power of Digital Storytelling and one that we presented at Ashbury last year, The Power of Resiliency, which is the anti-2SLGBTQ+-bullying workshop.
You really have a great opportunity to connect with youth face to face in these spaces—youth, adults, and people who’ve gone through their own experiences come and connect with us. But where we tend to find youth the most is on social channels. Youth who are advocating for themselves, beautifully creating their own content, commenting on the work that we do.
Are you doing active work to support the education space?
We receive ongoing requests for resources and support and have the opportunity to reach out to schools, especially schools with established GSA programs and pride clubs. Last year, we supported the distribution of funding for projects that youth would create themselves, and this year, we’ve launched one all about storytelling. We will be funding one 2SLGBTQ+-led storytelling initiative per province and territory, something like a podcast, a YouTube series, or a play—things that will allow us to better connect with the communities as well as the changemakers of tomorrow.
What do you enjoy most about working at IGBC?
The privilege and pleasure of working here are always those moments when I get to connect with youth and hear their stories. Whenever we do a one-on-one interview, just to see how they can support us, it is such an inspiration to see how well-versed they are and how much access they have to their own authenticity that I didn’t have at their age. That is always the best part, the absolute best part.
Nobody knows what youth need better than themselves. It’s about creating a platform for them to step up and speak out, to affirm and empower one another through storytelling.”
Looking back at your days at Ashbury, did anything prepare you for this work?
I always truly resonated with the creative classes where you could advocate for yourself. I was quiet as a student, but through art class, through English class, and especially through Writers’ Craft, I had opportunities to learn what projecting my voice in a creative manner might redeem. (These opportunities showed me) how you can showcase the different sides of you and own that space with the help of being heard. These allowed me to flourish.
Today, students have to deal with digital devices and social media platforms. It’s carried with them at home. Whereas when I was in high school, [bullying] would be a nine-tofour thing, Monday to Friday—you just had to survive the day. But even [seeing my friend experience that] was enough for me to realize that I don’t want anybody to not be their authentic selves. People didn’t have access to the language, identities, or openness back then that youth do today.
When did you become aware that it was necessary to have that language?
To give people that language? To work with people to own that language?
For me, once I moved to Toronto after university, I was able to access a more artistic, diverse network, and that’s when I also became aligned with these
different resources, terminologies, and identities. It just seems so natural once you have access to it. That’s why it’s really important for charities like ours, for content like ours to be supported by everybody, not just the queer community.
When people ask, ‘How can we support IGBC?’ it’s important to like our stuff, repost our stuff so that we can expand these narratives and this content that we’re putting out there so that we can hopefully inform others. What do we need to do more of in schools and in our communities to support 2SLGBTQ+ kids? What do youth need from us?
First and foremost, be open to listening to youth, take a step back. We’re so used to telling youth what they need and what’s best for them, but we really need to let them take a step up and create that platform for themselves. With everything happening nationally, where we have politicians putting forward policies and legislation that don’t necessarily work for the best interest of our youth and their ability to have affirming spaces, safe spaces—nobody is consulting with youth. We have a campaign launching next month called Youth Voices Will Prevail, that is focused on shining a light on youth voices and really understanding what affirming and safe spaces mean to them.
It’s a matter of working towards informing others, letting them have an understanding that language is evolving, identities are evolving, and the way that we address the 2SLGBTQ+ community is evolving. Educate yourself and take those steps. Create the resources. Ensure that your library has a pride section. Are you creating resources like Pride clubs or GSAs that really allow for those youth to shine or feel safe? These are all really important considerations, and it’s always so heartwarming to see when you walk into a school and see the Pride flag up and the Rainbow section at the library. That is stuff that I didn’t have access to, so it’s moving in the right direction. And this is so important because, in many cases, parents won’t understand, and they won’t necessarily be the safe space for youth to come out to. So, you really need to honor that space within school; that is where they’re exploring who they want to be. And they’re bouncing off their friends; they’re bouncing off safe spaces. They might be trying on a new pronoun, or they might have complete faith and understanding of who they want to be.
For more information on It Gets Better Canada, visit https://itgetsbettercanada.org/.
This long-standing Ashbury tradition is a perennial favourite with students and staff. It is a privileged opportunity to learn about the cultures represented in the community. Twenty percent of Ashbury’s student population is international; this year, 66 countries are represented on campus.
IN A HEARTWARMING DISPLAY OF UNITY AND GENEROSITY, the Ashbury community came together to make 1891 Day, Ashbury’s annual day of giving, an overwhelming sucess. With immense gratitude, we extend our deepest thanks to everyone who played a role in surpassing our original fundraising goal, resulting in a remarkable total of over $140,000! Over the past four years, 1891 Day has generated over half a million dollars, predominantly directed towards needs-based assistance.
In a testament to the diverse and widespread support, 1891 Day received contributions from far and wide.
From the youngest donor, a sixth grader demonstrating a remarkable commitment to philanthropy, to the oldest donor, Evan Gill 51’, at the impressive age of 91, each contribution represents a shared belief in the power of education. Thanks to every donor, this success reflects the impact of community collaboration. Your support shapes a brighter future for Ashbury students and represents the strength and unity of the local and global communites. Together, we continue to build a foundation of support that empowers our students to flourish and embrace the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
Born to a Canadian Air Force family that moved a great deal, Jeffrey Rockburn and his sisters, Jill and Bonnie, attended five or six elementary schools as children. Although Jeff did complete the entirety of high school in Ottawa, according to his sister, Jill Black, “he thought that was staying in one place too long!”
Jeff’s world travels began soon after high school, first to Europe and on to Africa, solo. His family thought he was going to a kibbutz in Israel until a family friend reported that they had run into him on a street in Cairo. He traveled the Nile on barges and the top of trains across the Sudan. Even his post-secondary studies, spanning Native Studies, Video Arts, and Environmental Studies programs, were augmented by travel and work experiences in between and saw him attend three different universities to earn his bachelor’s degree. His adventures took him from the Yukon, where he worked for Fisheries and Oceans Canada, to work on oil rigs in Alberta, to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, and many places in between.
As time and opportunity permitted, Jeff’s travels continued throughout his lifetime, with cycling trips through the Andes in Chile and Peru, trips to Uganda and Namibia, and a 2000-kilometer literary odyssey by road to Archer City, Texas. As a researcher and writer for corporate clients, he also worked extensively in Japan.
“Jeffrey was born reading, he was a writer professionally, and wrote poetry from a young age. He had an enormous curiosity for life and traveled widely. He went places and did things not everyone could do, to understand more,” says his wife, Jill Sobcov.
Becoming a father to Jasper ’23 was acknowledged as Jeff’s greatest calling and the adventure he loved the most.
In July 2022, Jeff passed away suddenly, leaving a huge gap in the lives of his loving family and a multitude of friends and colleagues, many of whom have contributed to a stirring collection of stories about their relationships with him.
At his celebration of life, Jeff’s dear friend and colleague, Brian Blair, spoke of the heights of Jeff’s creativity
and how the product of one of their early corporate campaigns became a slogan for their work together and impetus for their lives—”The Peak Beyond, meaning, to always look beyond your current challenges to the next set of goals on the horizon.”
To celebrate the life and legacy of this extraordinary individual, Jeff’s wife, Jill and his sister, Jill, established The Road Less Traveled, The Jeffrey Rockburn Bursary. The bursary has also been supported by lifelong family friends and Ashbury faculty.
The name of the scholarship comes from the final lines of one of Jeff’s favourite poems, “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost— “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
Very fittingly, this bursary is awarded to students with demonstrated financial need to support experiential learning opportunities such as attending conferences, service
trips, or co-curricular activities. “We hope this will be tangible for Jasper—this legacy of his father’s life experiences melding with his own experiences as a student at Ashbury.”
Jasper, who attended Ashbury College Grades 9 through 12, graduating in 2023, began his own journeys on roads less traveled early in life, including joining his mother in 2017 to volunteer on a medical mission in rural Uganda with the Canada-Africa Community Health Alliance. Now a first-year student at Dalhousie University in Halifax, he is looking towards his own expedition to Kilimanjaro, a trip first planned with his dad.
Jeff’s family has expressed the immense comfort provided by establishing this bursary at Ashbury College, with his spirit firmly in heart and mind.
Jeffrey’s legacy of travel, to gain greater appreciation of the world near and far, continues with his son and what his family hopes will provide broadened horizons for every recipient of The Road Less Traveled Bursary.
“ Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
– by Robert Frost
On October 20th, Ashbury sparkled with gratitude at the return of its Donor Appreciation Event. The evening, dedicated to expressing thanks to Ashbury’s steadfast supporters, brought together donors, alumni, faculty, staff, and students. The atmosphere was charged with positive energy as attendees celebrated the accomplishments and vibrant student life at Ashbury College.
The event’s focal point was the students, who took centre stage with displays of artwork and live music. The newly updated Molson Library and Resource Centre (thanks to the generosity of the Ashbury Guild and lead
donors) was transformed into a gallery of creativity, featuring stunning pieces of student art and thought-provoking IB extended essay material, alongside the unforgettable student string ensemble. Students also shared personal stories and spoke passionately about the opportunities made possible by the generosity of donors.
The heartfelt speeches emphasized that this event is about far more than acknowledging financial support; it is about recognizing the profound impact of that support on the lives of students. The night left a lasting impression, fostering a sense of unity and shared dedication to the future.
With planned giving options, you can ensure that your gift continues to make an impact for generations to come. Planned gifts offer a way to leave a lasting legacy while potentially providing tax benefits. Depending on the type of planned gift, it can be relatively straightforward to set up with the assistance of legal and financial advisors.
For more information, please contact Stephanie Young, Director of Development, at stephanie.young@ashbury.ca
ASHBURY GIVES
Thanks to a remarkable summer 2023 transformation that encompassed updated furnishings and lighting, tech-adapted study carrels, and opened sightlines to program offices, the Molson Library and Resource Centre has emerged as a cutting-edge hub for academic excellence. This ambitious project has been made possible by the generous contributions of philanthropic supporters — with leadership support from the 2022-23 Ashbury Guild, led by Gen Chanteloup — who shared the vision of creating a contemporary and comfortable learning environment.
The heart of the library now boasts a fresh and inviting ambiance, not only enhancing the visual appeal but also prioritizing functionality, making the library a versatile space for a variety of academic activities. As the Molson Library and Resource Centre stands poised to usher in a new era of academic excellence, it remains a testament to the power of community and philanthropy in shaping the educational landscape.
“The newly refreshed library is so much brighter! Previously obstructed by tall bookshelves, windows now allow sunshine in the entire length of the west wall. Lower and light-coloured bookcases add to the open, welcoming feel. Study carrels are now all wired for power and are frequently used by students looking to focus.”
– Ms. Beverly Plitnikas, Head of Library
IN A TRIBUTE TO GERI-LEE AND GARY Godkin, the Head of Business Studies and Head of Senior School, respectively, the Fox-Goldberg family made a generous contribution in 2023 to create a state-of-the-art student lounge space within the business studies wing. This act of philanthropy not only honours
the Godkins’ combined 24 years of service to Ashbury but enhances the learning environment for future generations of aspiring business leaders.
The lounge, which was dedicated in June 2023 at the time of Jack’s graduation, pays tribute to the Godkins, who, as educators, leaders,
coaches, and mentors, have left an indelible mark on countless students throughout the years. Equipped with comfortable seating, collaborative workspaces, and cutting-edge technology, the lounge provides students with a dynamic environment conducive to individual study and group projects. The space is beneath a strikingly beautiful pyramidic skylight, which provides natural light and is nestled in the heart of where business studies students meet, collaborate, innovate, and connect.
The donors, Dan Goldberg and Whitney Fox emphasized the importance of investing in educational facilities beyond traditional classrooms, stating, “Education is not just about textbooks and exams; it’s about fostering a sense of community, encouraging creativity, and preparing students for the real world. This lounge is a small way to honour the Godkins, remarkable teachers and leaders, while providing a space that supports the growth and development of future business leaders.”
Students and faculty alike have expressed their gratitude for the thoughtful donation. The Fox-Goldberg Lounge has quickly become a hub of activity, where students gather to study and exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and build lasting connections.
This act of philanthropy stands as a living tribute to the Godkins’ legacy and a testament to the power of generosity in shaping the educational experience for generations.
Dress Down for Charity, or DD4C as it is now known on campus, is a monthly giving program that started as Out of Uniform Day in Junior School more than a decade ago under the leadership of Brian Storosko and Mike King. It was run by house captains at Home Form, and points were given to the house with the top donations for the month. A few years later, the Senior School joined the program.
DD4C is a fun way for students to learn the importance of philanthropy and social responsibility. Each student is asked to bring two dollars on the last Friday of each month to support a local charity. In return, the student is permitted to “dress down” but this is so much more than the chance to trade a blazer and kilt for denim and hoodies! The Community Engagement Council students are responsible for researching the charities that will be supported through DD4C, and they are typically initiatives that are important to the school, topical, and salient. This year’s charities have included the Terry Fox Foundation, The Snowsuit Fund, Start2 Finish Running & Reading program, the Black Youth
Helpline, and the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa (YSB). Students raise between $700 and $1000 each month for the chosen charity. The students endeavour to choose charities that support youth because their motto is “Youth Helping Youth.”
DD4C extends beyond monthly giving; there are many strategies to maximize student engagement. For example, as part of the Community Services Cocurricular, Ashbury students go on the “Tuesday Services Bus” to Boys and Girls Club and Robert E. Wilson Public School for the afterschool program where they do a running activity, make snacks, and read with the children. At the end of the year, Ashbury students run with their Running and Reading “buddies” during the Ottawa Race Weekend festivities.
Our May DD4C always supports Run for a Reason, which is now called Support the Ottawa Hospital, at the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. All students enrolled in a Physical Education course participate in an event, with the bulk participating in the 5 km, with some choosing 10 km. This will be our 27th year participating, with 500+
students, staff, and members of “Team Ashbury” raising funds for the cancer care programs and cancer research at the Ottawa Hospital. We also have an Ashbury water station for the marathon with 50+ student volunteers.
Our most extensive “youth helping youth” relationship is probably with the YSB. Beyond our charitable donations to the YSB, our students participate in the annual Stay Up Ottawa and the Angels with Backpacks programs, they bake cupcakes and cookies for the drop-in center, and a student representative from Ashbury sits on the YSB Youth Council. The Ashbury Board Chair also sits on the YSB Board. The YSB helps us with our Student Wellness Day and partners with our Wellness Services team. In the words of Patti Murphy, Executive Director of the YSB Foundation, “It’s inspiring to witness Ashbury students embracing social impact activities that benefit other youth whom they’re unlikely to ever meet. Instilling this capacity to understand the community and the needs of others helps young people form values that will remain with them throughout their lives and benefit them regardless of their career path. Ashbury is helping to create young leaders, and we’re deeply honoured to have these students and the school community supporting our work.”
This award was founded in 2013 in honour of Jean Teron’s dedicated and prolonged service to Ashbury College. It recognizes individuals who have provided exceptional and sustained volunteer service to the school and its community.
Awarded to:
Kathryn Tremblay
Kathryn Tremblay has been a tireless champion of Ashbury College and a lead volunteer for many years, serving as a Governor on the Ashbury College Board of Governors since 2017 and a member of the HR committee since 2020. As co-founder and CEO of national staffing firms Altis Recruitment and Altis Technology, Kathryn balances being a business leader and a mom to daughters Morgan ’14, Brooklyn, Torey ’20, and Camryn. A natural connector, career ambassador, and mentor to young professionals, Kathryn has hosted international billets, facilitated internships, and been a stalwart supporter of all things Ashbury, including community-building and fundraising events and student initiatives. She has dedicated countless hours of her time, effort, and energy to advancing the mission of Ashbury College and fervently believes in every Ashbury student’s endless possibilities and potential.
This award recognizes alumni whose dedication and willingness to contribute their time and effort has positively impacted the school, its programs, and its activities.
Awarded to:
Julie Coulson Fine ’90
Julie’s commitment to Ashbury College as a volunteer, ambassador, and supporter is steadfast and inspiring. Julie has served as a Foundation Board Director since 2016 and as a Governance and Nominating Committee member for the last two years. Further, Julie has dedicated her time over the last several years to the Pluralism Project as a committee member examining Landscape, Art, and Heritage. The mother of three, who has a background in education (and was a boarding don at Ashbury in 1996-97), is a leader among Ashbury alumni, and we are honoured to celebrate her with this award.
Jeff Mierins is a class representative for the Class of 1982, but you could just as easily honour him with the title “Ambassador of Fun and School Spirit”. The Class of 1982, famous for its grand entrances and enthusiasm, is easily one of the most engaged cohorts in the Ashbury community. Old boys (as this was the last class of graduates as an all-boys school) from the class of 1982 gather multiple times throughout the year – primarily spearheaded by Jeff – and have written the playbook for how to successfully keep one’s class connected, engaged, and supportive of the school and one another. Further, Jeff has been a leadership supporter of Ashbury College and its events for many years, supporting student programs and needs-based financial assistance. Jeff’s warmth, capacity for fun, and love of Ashbury have made him a natural connector, bringing friends together worldwide.
Described by his classmates as the quintessential Ashbury lifer, Andrew has contributed to Ashbury College in multi-faceted ways over the last three decades. Elected in 2016, Andrew generously lends his time, expertise, and leadership as a Governor on the Ashbury College Board of Governors, and former Chair of the Long-Range Planning Committee. Andrew rallied tremendous attendance among his class for their 30th reunion as part of the ‘COVID-modified’ Homecoming events in 2021 and again for full reunion activities in 2022. A loyal donor for 20 years supporting student programs and transformational student financial assistance opportunities, Andrew gives his time as a guest speaker to students, particularly those interested in business and entrepreneurship, and connects with fellow alumni navigating the waters of entrepreneurship.
This award recognizes parents whose dedication and willingness to contribute their time and effort have positively impacted the school, its programs, and its activities.
Awarded to:
Jenny Shinder
Ashbury College has been so fortunate to have Jenny in its corner through multiple major fundraising and community building events, as well as serving on the Ashbury Guild for two terms, in Executive roles as Secretary and later as Promotions Chair. Further, Jenny was the Co-Chair of the 2017 Ashbury Ball and Chair of the recent Ashbury Bash in November 2022. Jenny’s superior organizational skills, creativity, design talent, and expert productivity have helped Ashbury and the Guild achieve staggering goals when bringing the community together and advancing the mission. Jenny’s third child, Jordan, graduates this June, joining Jonah ’17 and Emily ’19 as an Ashbury alumnus.
Sarah Waters
Sarah Waters has been an Ashbury parent for a decade. In that time, she has contributed her time as a volunteer, leader, and supporter across several committees, events, and initiatives. Joining the Parents’ Committee in 2015, Sarah would later take on the role of Secretary, Vice Chair, Chair, and now Past Chair, always leading with thoughtfulness and empathy. In 2022, Sarah was elected to the Ashbury College Board of Governors and currently serves on the Finance and Audit Committee. Sarah has been involved with driving support for Ashbury as a Chair for the Parents’ and Past Parents’ annual giving campaigns, a Round Square volunteer, and a loyal ambassador and supporter. Sarah’s youngest child, Henry, graduates this June, joining William ’19 and Elizabeth ’22 as an Ashbury alumnus.
This award recognizes a member of the Ashbury Community whose dedication and willingness to contribute their time and effort have positively impacted the school and its students.
Dave Rapai
Dave Rapai has been coaching Senior Boys’ Rugby at Ashbury College since 2014. In that time, Dave coached five teams that have won city championships, three teams that have won OFSAA bronze, one that won OFSAA silver, and one that won CAIS gold. Dave toured with teams to BC and South Africa and numerous OFSAA and CAIS tournaments in Ontario. This has amounted to thousands of hours working with Ashbury student-athletes. We are grateful for Dave’s continued commitment to the rugby program.
Thank you to all the Ashbury volunteers!
Your commitment to students and community makes a difference every day at Ashbury.
Douglas Aboud
Ralph W. Babbitt
Tyler James Berringer
Roger D. Butcher
Richard Chivers
Robert Malcolm Dunn
Richard S. Freedman
Simon Gittens
Arthur MacRae
Ken Niles
Hugh Penton
Matthew Perry
Gordon H. Pimm
Victor Rivers
Hugh Robertson
Simon Rothbone
Eva (Evanthia) Tavo
Ross Tuddenham
Christopher H. West
Jodi White
Former Teacher and Father of Sarah Niles ʼ91 and Edward Niles ʼ95
Former Teacher and Father of Stephen Penton ʼ90, Chris Penton ʼ93, David Penton ʼ01, and Kee Penton ʼ88
Governor Emeritus and Father of Robert Pimm ʼ74 and Matthew Pimm ʼ77 ʼ58
Former Head of Social Sciences and Father of Mark Robertson ʼ88 and Justin Robertson ʼ91
Former Asbury Governor and Father of Shawn Tuddenham ʼ88 and Mark Tuddenham ʼ54
Former Ashbury Governor and Mother of Tyler Hargreaves ʼ96 and Blake Hargreaves ʼ98
Homecoming 2023 was an unforgettable, full-community weekend-long event celebrated September 22 & 23. Graduates from the Class of 1967 through to the Class of 2023 came together on the evening of Friday, September 22nd, in Rhodes Hall and the Wilgress Archives, where reunion classes ending in “3” and “8” reunited, reconnected, and reminisced about time gone by. Each class was awarded their reunion pin, marking milestone anniversaries. Our student jazz band entertained guests, and the warm weather allowed the group to circulate through the Fallis Family Chapel Courtyard.
Saturday morning kicked off the on-campus events under perfectly sunny skies with the Terry Fox Homecoming Run. Students, parents, alumni, faculty, and friends enjoyed a 2km run through Rockcliffe, returning in time for alumnistudent basketball, field hockey, soccer, and the Senior football game vs. Colonel By. Ashbury won the game, and guests enjoyed the delicious BBQ lunch and the kids’ zone. Student ambassadors led campus tours throughout the day. The Alumni Hospitality tent opened as the on-campus activities concluded.
Saturday evening, the all-alumni reception welcomed Ashburians, their guests, faculty, and staff to the Andaz Hotel for a cocktail reception where the shared bond of Ashbury was widely felt and celebrated among the group.
Ashbury is grateful to our class representatives, our event volunteers, athletes, and coaches for making Homecoming 2023 a particularly vibrant community event. We look forward to Homecoming 2024!
BY BRIAN STOROSKO
To write this article, I was asked one question: “ What amazing chance alumni encounters have you had with Ashburians around the world ?”
As an Ashburian, you have attended or have graduated from a school that has a significant international culture. Ottawa, being the nation’s capital city, draws many diplomatic and international families. Each year, our boarding community serves families who send their children to Ashbury from well over 50 different countries. Our Canadian families reflect the international cultural milieu of the country. Taken all together, our Ashbury community is truly international with roots, business, and travel that is very much worldwide!
Back to the opening question, what amazing chance alumni encounters have you had with Ashburians around the world? It seems whenever and wherever I travel, I bump into past or present students and families, and here are some fun examples.
It was my first and only time at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. I was on my way to Atlanta Georgia for an International Baccalaureate (IB) training conference. O’Hare was one busy place; planes were coming and going, announcements were constantly blaring over the speakers,
and people were strolling and dashing along every corridor of the airport. I had a relaxed connection time, and as I was strolling leisurely along to my gate, I saw a young man rushing through the parting crowd. In his late 20s or early 30s, in a suit, with carry-on luggage, and with his tie flapping in the breeze over his shoulder, he shouted a quick hello, “ Mr. Storosko, how are you? ” As he continued to dash along, his voice starting to fade, he added “ I am sorry I cannot stop, I have to make this next flight ,” and off he disappeared in the crowd. Turning I waved and said something like, “ hello and good luck .” The face, the voice, the eyes, yes, they were familiar. Seeing a former Ashbury Junior School student from so many years ago was so nice, but who was it? Well, 20 minutes later, the name “Karim” popped into my head. Another 20 minutes later, I had it—Karim Merani ‘03, who came to Ashbury in 1995 for grade 5. Amazing! They all grow up and flourish! I would not speak to Karim for another 20 years until I contacted him for this article.
Another occasion of a chance run-by meeting came this time on Canadian soil. The location was Halifax International Airport. Yes, it was a very similar scenario. “ Mr. Storosko, I would love to stop and chat, but they
are on the last call for my flight, hope to see you at some point. ” That was the line Colin Zed ‘15 offered in passing as he dashed for the gate to catch his flight back to Ottawa. There must have been hundreds of people flying out that day, but Colin picked me out of the crowd. It seems these former Junior School students do get around, albeit a little behind schedule! But I recall another instance of being in the Porter Lounge in Ottawa chatting about all things Ashbury with Colin’s dad when he was called to quickly board his flight—like parent, like child.
This next encounter was at the extremely busy and chaotic airport in Mexico City. Our group was on the Junior School trip to Discovery School in Cuernavaca. Eight students and two staff were moving through the airport after deplaning; as planned, we were all decked out in our maroon Ashbury track jackets to avoid losing anyone. Then we heard a callout, “ Hey, Ashbury! ” It was Bianca Acland ‘15, one of our first female students in the Junior School. She was en route from Vancouver to South America and was changing planes in Mexico City. Our Ashbury jackets caught her attention. This time, no one was rushing; we had a brief chat and a photo opportunity. She explained her adventures to our students, and off we all went.
The final story was not about me meeting a former Ashbury student, but it involved a recent Ashbury grad-
uate meeting my daughter in the backcountry of Vernal, Utah. Yes, even Ashbury staff children have chance encounters with alumni whom they had never met before.
Erin Storosko, my daughter, was working as a teacher at NOLS Global Leadership School Basecamp in the foothills of the Uintah Mountains near Vernal, Utah. Her group of eager students from around the world was preparing for a week of white-water paddling safety training. One of the participants from Canada was thrilled to hear there was a Canadian guide on staff. After further chatting, Ottawa was mentioned, and then schools, and then Ashbury. Well, as it happens, Eva Staples ‘23, was completing her two-month Wilderness Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) training, and Eva was being taught the river component by Erin. How wonderful for an Ashbury connection to be built on an isolated river in the middle of Utah! Coincidently, Ashbury alum, Aidan Faught ’14 also introduced himself to Erin in the backcountry, but this time near Squamish, BC as they were both paddling and guiding on the white-water rivers of that region.
Ashbury hosts wonderful receptions in many cities around the world, and we hope there is one near you that you can attend to share your stories with us. In the meantime, please share with us via alumni@ashbury. ca or bstorosko@ashbury.ca, the theme being, what amazing chance alumni encounters have you had with Ashburians around the world? We love photos, so be sure to include them if you have one (or more).
How wonderful for an Ashbury connection to be built on an isolated river in the middle of Utah!”
Ottawa Holiday Party The Metropolitain 21-Dec-23
Vancouver The Terminal City Club 17-Oct-23
Kingston The Grizzly Grill 16-Nov-23
Los Angeles The Maybourne Hotel 03-Oct-23
Toronto Hockey Hall of Fame 06-Mar-24
Montreal The Atwater Club 30-Nov-23
New York City The Cornell Club of New York 04-May-23
Boston The Union Club 16-Nov-23
London Saatchi Yates Gallery 14-Mar-24
Arthur Fogel ’71 , President of Global Touring and Chairman at Live Nation, was recently named International Promoter of the Year at the 2024 Pollstar Awards. Arthur oversees many of Live Nation’s most prominent tours, helping some of the world’s biggest artists connect with millions of their fans around the world. The past year has been extremely successful for Arthur as he’s promoted U2’s groundbreaking shows at the Sphere, Beyonce’s critically acclaimed Renaissance World Tour, Madonna’s The Celebration Tour across Europe and North America, Sting’s My Songs Tour, and more. Most recently, Arthur also booked Justin Timberlake’s The Forget Tomorrow World Tour, which kicks off this spring.
Former Board member Jeff Beedell ’76 competed at the 2023 Canadian Masters Swimming Championships in Calgary (lane 6 in photo), winning 3 medals in his age group (two silvers and one bronze in backstroke). Jeff’s classmates at Ashbury will remember him as always being “young for his age,” and at age 65, it’s finally paying off. Outside the pool, as a Partner at Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP, Jeff serves on the CBA/Supreme Court of Canada Liaison Committee and was again recognized in 2024 by Best Lawyers of Canada for his appellate practice.
Kevin Reeves ’76 became Artistic Director of Rideau Chorale—a 50-voiced choir based in Ottawa — in September of 2023. Reeves still conducts the chamber ensemble Seventeen Voyces, which he founded 27 years ago. They perform music from the Renaissance to the 21st century. He also continues to pursue his love of filmmaking and has received multiple international awards for his documentaries, dramas, and, more recently, short comedies. One of his films, ‘Sarah MacDougall Meets the Ghost of Beethoven,’ was partially shot at Elmwood and Ashbury a few years ago.
Paul Kadziora ’80 placed first in his age class (60-64) in the 2024 Muskoka Loppet 17km event and 9th overall among more than 100 participants. Paul is photographed here wearing his Ashbury toque!
Robert S. Posman ’86, whose mother and uncle both passed away at the age of 57, celebrated his 57th birthday on a wreck trek off Pompano Beach. He did a 1km drift dive, during which he penetrated three vessels ranging from 50-78 feet. His motto is from magician David Copperfield: “Live the Impossible!”
Stewart Johnston ’90 , Senior Vice-President Sales and Sports at Bell Media (TSN), was named to Hockey News’ annual Top 100 People of Power and Influence in Hockey list in 2024.
Last fall, Kate Kirkwood (nee Stuart-Bell) ’93 opened the doors to her new restaurant in Embrun, Ontario. Iron Forge Pizza Embrun is the latest location in this franchise of four stores, serving a variety of scratch-made menu items, along with its signature heirloom sourdough pizza. The grand opening was a memorable event, with several Ashbury College alumni in attendance, including Emma Simpson (daughter of Antony Simpson ’90), Nick Baker (son of Mary Young ’93), Kim Coulter, Chris Rogan ’93, Derek Adam ’93, Hamish Stuart-Bell (son of Alasdair Stuart-Bell ’90), Alasdair Stuart-Bell ’90, and Shaw Knelsen, founder of Iron Forge Pizza. The event was not only a celebration of Kate’s new business but also a reunion of sorts, offering a happy occasion for alums to reconnect.
Josh Rager ’93 has been named Chair of the Department of Music at Concordia University. Rager says, “I am so looking forward to my own learning and growing in this role, continuing to share what I know about music in the classroom with our bright and enthusiastic students, and administrating the department.”
Farah Merani ’01 recently participated in the prestigious 2023 Sundance Episodic Lab for a TV series she is developing. This highly acclaimed program, which was held at Sundance Mountain in Utah, is presented by the Sundance Institute. Merani’s series, The Painted Muse, follows an Ismaili art restorer tasked with hunting down rare Mughal masterpieces, unearthing buried family secrets that force her to question her own identity. Merani’s work is characterized by her unwavering commitment to diverse storytelling and advocacy for greater representation on all sides of the camera.
Music producer, Jonathan Estabrooks ‘02 attended this year’s Grammy Awards in Los Angeles as a voting member, supporting countless musical colleagues and winners. As a co-owner of Emitha Studios, a full-service production company with two record labels, Jonathan has over 75 credits producing and mixing credits to his name. This summer, he travels to the Ukraine to record a peace anthem with the Lviv Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles for a choral album project, and Rochester for a solo vocal project.
Currently, he is producing a star-studded album for Broadway and TV star Aaron Lazar, who recently announced his ALS diagnosis. The album will be released this summer and will feature a Who’s Who of Broadway, including Neil Patrick Harris, Kelli O’Hara, Loren Allred, Kate Baldwin, Norm Lewis, the National Children’s Chorus, and many more. Proceeds will benefit a charity partner, the ALS Network. To learn more visit: https://www.aaronlazar.com/ musicalartist.
Alex Patrick ’03 is an Executive Producer of “Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent,” which premiered on February 22nd on CityTV. The series premiere is the #1 prime-time scripted telecast of 2024 and is the most-watched prime-time scripted premiere ever on CityTV.
On September 3, 2023, Amanda Shore ’03 married Tyler Babcock in an afternoon wedding in Jubilee Garden across the street from Ashbury. Amanda’s sisters, Emily ‘03 and Victoria ‘07 were among the family and friends present. It was a beautiful day.
Julianne Zussman ’04 was inducted into the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame on February 24, 2024. Julianne played on the Canadian Women’s National Rugby team from 2007-2018, representing Canada at three World Cups. This is her second entry into the Hall, entering for the first time in 2020 as a member of the 2014 Canadian Women’s team. She has continued her love of the sport over the years as a player, a coach, and now as a referee.
In 2021, Amanda Riva ’06 and Rachel Garbutt ’10 launched Dotti (www.getdotti.com), an elevated line of home cleaning tools focused on reimagining the category with a focus on beautifully engineered products that deliver both form and function. Dotti’s first two products, the Super Scrubber and Best Broom & Dustpan, are now available across North America. Dotti is also on a mission to foster a positive connection between clean homes and healthy minds. With that, they donate $1 from every order for mental health research and programming. To date, the brand and its mission have been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, Goop, Apartment Therapy, and Real Simple.
Victoria Shore ’07 and husband Spencer Friedman welcomed Bernadette Honey Willow Friedman to the world on December 28, 2023. Bernie and her parents are healthy, happy, and very grateful. Bernie is excited to join the Ashbury community and welcomes all visitors to NYC!
Rachael Stevenson (nee Rodrigues) ’07 and her husband Zachary Stevenson welcomed their second child, Charlotte (Charlie) Faye Stevenson, on March 20, 2023. Big sister Chloe is very proud and is enjoying having a new built-in best friend.
Olivia Taggart ’08 and her spouse, Arthur Manhire, welcomed their second child, Daisy, on September 27. Daisy’s big sister, Birdie, is thrilled to have a little sister.
After his years of playing basketball for “Coach Ian (MacKinnon)” at Ashbury, Matt McLean ’10 played for five years at Bishop’s University (2010-2015) and was then drafted 7th overall to the NBL (pro-Canadian league). Matt has been the Head Coach of Men’s Basketball at Bishop’s for two seasons. After an exciting season, they just wrapped up playoffs, sadly losing to the eventual RESQ Champs, the University of Quebec at Montreal, in the semi-final.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas has commissioned a work from artist Katherine Boxall ’11 . The painting MIEL CRU 2023 is featured in the hotel’s main lounge.
Jacqueline Good ’12 was selected as a Canadian Delegate for the United Nations, International Telecommunications Union, World Radio Conference (ITU WRC-23). Held every four years, for the last four weeks of 2023, 39 Canadians were selected to represent Canada in Dubai to negotiate and revise the international treaty governing the use of radio-frequency spectrum for terrestrial and space networks.
Jacqueline is the Founder & CEO of Magnestar Inc., the Canadian space company building technology to ensure satellite connectivity in contested and congested environments. In 2023, she led Magnestar to become the first Canadian company to win the SATELLITE Startup Award; she won the SelectUSA Best Startup in the Western Hemisphere award, and out of 3,000 companies, was awarded Top 6 at TechCrunch Disrupt.
Christopher Kennedy ’12 convocated with his Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Toronto on November 7th, 2023. Third-generation Dr. Kennedy is posing with his father (2nd generation Ph.D.) in academic regalia on the U of T campus. He is currently working as a post-doctorate fellow at Queens University in Kingston.
Julie Segal ’13 was named to Forbes’s first-ever 30 Under 30 Local Toronto listing that spotlights the top entrepreneurs and leaders. Julie leads a climate finance program at Environmental Defence, an advocacy organization where she works to change Canadian financial regulation to incentivize climate action.
Since winning First Prize at the International Yehudi Menuhin Violin Competition in 2010, Kerson Leong ’15 has established himself as a powerful musical force with an international performing schedule, having been described in the Toronto Sun as “not just one of Canada’s greatest violinists,
but one of the greatest violinists, period.” His most recent album, featuring violin concertos by Britten and Bruch with the Philharmonia Orchestra and Austrian conductor Patrick Hahn, was released to widespread critical acclaim and awarded Gramophone Editor’s Choice.
Cole Rechan ’15 is currently Senior Director of Digital Marketing at 300 Entertainment, a part of Warner Music Group. Since joining the label in 2021, he has been responsible for crafting powerful marketing campaigns for the label’s artists and releases. He is currently responsible for the digital presence of artists such as Gunna, Young Thug, PinkPantheress, Hunxho, and $NOT, amongst other talents.
These contributions have received coverage on Saturday Night Live, CNN, Rolling Stone, Vogue, The Atlantic, People, MTV, Complex, and Billboard, and have garnered Multi-Platinum RIAA certifications, Billboard Hot 100, Global 200 #1s, and top 3 albums. Most recently, Rechan was named a Variety Hitmaker in 2023 for his work on PinkPantheress & Ice Spice’s “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2.”
Malik Hasanain ’17 is excited to announce the release of his 3rd musical album, “Unicorn”.
Adam Douglas ’18 started a position as Account Manager, Premium & Group Sales with the Ottawa Senators. Adam interned with the Senators during the 2022-2023 NHL season while completing his Master of Human Kinetics degree at uOttawa before receiving a permanent offer with the team and beginning this exciting next chapter.
Romi Dilawri ’20 competed in the Monday Qualifier for the RBC Canadian Open, a PGA Tour event held at the Coppinwood Golf Club. Romi finished 19 out of 121 competitors, both professional and amateur.
Juliana Ye ’20 gave a gold medal performance in the Star 8/9 Pair Dance with partner Jade Paganelli for Queen’s at the Ontario University Athletics Figure Skating Championship held in Thorold, ON, contributing to a 4th place team finish for Queen’s. Juliana also placed 3rd in the Team Synchro event.
Luke Allan ’21 competed for Canada in the 2023 World Junior Nordic Ski Championships in Whistler. Luke finished 31st in the skate ski 10k and 6th in the mixed relay events.
In Grade 10, Laura Delage ’23 secured a position as a summer intern at the Canadian Museum of Nature’s National Biodiversity Cryobank of Canada, where she served as the inaugural student technician on the “Beetle Leg Project,” involving the harvesting of legs from beetle specimens and preparing the leg samples for storage in the cryobank. Over two years post-internship, the project has now concluded, with data from almost 6,000 specimens recently uploaded to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and Global Genome Biodiversity Network (GGBN) databases. This data now serves as a valuable resource for researchers worldwide. Since then, Laura worked for the Canadian Wildlife Federation on the insect collections team for “The Canadian Grasslands Project” and is currently in her first year of Molecular Biology & Genetics at the University of Guelph.
And finally, happy birthday to former Music teacher Lionel Tanod. “As I approach my 80th birthday, I look back on my years at Ashbury as perhaps the most wonderful and satisfying period in my life and realize how incredibly fortunate I was to have spent 20 years there with such exceptional staff and students.” Lionel and his wife, Anne, will celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary in July.
Ashbury News would love to share your stories with the Ashbury community. Please send your details to alumni@ashbury.ca, and remember that we love photos!
