King's Herald - Spring 2024

KING’S HERALD

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FOUNDATION, ALUMNI & DEVELOPMENT

Terra Ahrens

EDITOR

Jennifer Jones

CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS

Brock Eldon ’14

John Milner

Melissa Zuleta Jimenez

King’s Communications & Media Relations

DESIGN

Jason Recker

carve brand + design

COVER IMAGE:

Students from the fourth year Human Resources Administration for HR students course. Pictured L-R: Assil Miri, Tan Han Luong (Danny), Sahar Pournabi (seated) and Isaiah Collins

PARENTS:

If you are receiving mail for your child, we would appreciate their current email address. Please contact Alumni and Development at alumni@kings.uwo.ca

King’s Herald will be published online as of fall 2024. To ensure you continue receiving the alumni magazine, please update your email address at www.kings.uwo.ca/alumni/ address-update. If you require a print copy, please contact Alumni and Development.

The King’s Herald is published semiannually by King’s University College Alumni and Development.

We welcome your letters, suggestions, or comments about the Association and the University. Opinions expressed in the King’s Herald do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or the University’s administration. Contact the Editor or Alumni and Development at:

King’s University College Alumni and Development

266 Epworth Avenue London, ON N6A 2M3

519.433.3491 / 800.265.4406 x4522 alumni@kings.uwo.ca kings.uwo.ca/alumni

Some articles may have been reformatted to fit the style of the King’s Herald.

We are taking a bold step towards sustainability by transitioning to electronic distribution of the alumni magazine. The next issue of the King’s Herald will be delivered electronically unless a print copy is specifically requested.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

I’m pleased to share some exciting updates about our King’s Herald alumni magazine. We are taking a bold step towards sustainability by transitioning to electronic distribution of the alumni magazine. The next issue of the King’s Herald will be delivered electronically unless a print copy is specifically requested. This decision was made with careful consideration for the environment and our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint. By going green, we not only contribute to a healthier planet but also streamline our operations and reduce costs, allowing us to allocate more resources towards enriching alumni experiences. To ensure you don’t miss the fall 2024 issue of the King’s Herald, update your alumni record www.kings.uwo.ca/alumni/address-update/. We understand that some of you may prefer the experience of reading a physical copy, which is why print copies will still be available upon request only. To continue receiving a print copy, please contact alumni@kings.uwo.ca

Your feedback is important to us, and we’d like to learn more about you and your interests. You may have already received a short survey by email, which will provide invaluable insights that will inform our future communications and programming. The survey takes only a few minutes to complete and will help us better meet your needs and preferences. If you missed the email, you can complete the survey by scanning the QR code below or contacting alumni@kings.uwo.ca. Those who complete the survey will have a chance to win a $200 Visa gift card. The survey will close on Sunday, June 23, at 11:59 pm EST.

Speaking of alumni programming, we hosted a new event in May that brought alumni, King’s faculty, and employees together at Malaparte in Toronto. King’s Connector was a fantastic evening with great food and even better conversations and connections! Highlights from the King’s Connector event are included on pages 12-13, and there is a photo album on the KUCAlumni Facebook page – check it out and see if you recognize some familiar faces!

Mark your calendars for an event you won’t want to miss: Homecoming 2024 will be held from September 26-29! This year’s festivities promise to be memorable, featuring an alumni panel highlighting Women in Law & Public Policy, the prestigious Alumni Awards Ceremony, our Homecoming Dinner with anniversary pin presentations, and the always exciting Mustangs football game. Homecoming is a great opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni, celebrate our achievements, and create new connections. Our annual Stratford Festival event takes place on Sunday, September 29, with a matinee performance of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and a lecture by King’s Professor Dr. Paul Werstine ’70. This event always sells out, so don’t wait to get your tickets.

If you’re not already, be sure to follow @KUCAlumni on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Together, let’s embark on a vibrant and sustainable future.

Warm regards,

Colin Whitehead ’06 president king’s university college alumni association

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

King’s is recognized as an outstanding Canadian liberal arts university known for its excellence in undergraduate teaching and unique programs. This is something we quietly acknowledge, though it should be widely acclaimed. Equally, the University is quietly recognized for our research enterprise and the unique blend of research and teaching we integrate into our student experience. I believe it is time to become bolder in telling our community and the world about our teaching expertise, impactful research, and demonstrated ability to bring these essential pillars together in the classroom.

Throughout my 35-year career as an academic, I’ve been passionate about teaching, mentoring, and being a catalyst for undergraduate and graduate students to be curious and creative. I have taught over 5,000 students, exposing them to new research and methodologies, involving many in my research endeavours. Thirty percent of my publications are co-authored with undergraduate or graduate students. Teaching and research is not an “either/or” proposition but a “both/and” commitment to students and to one’s discipline.

My primary role at King’s is to serve the community as President. As such, I am responsible for providing oversight for the internal and external support needed for students, staff, and faculty to flourish. My role demands that I lead by example, and, where possible, this includes the research enterprise. In order to ‘walk the walk and talk the talk,’ I have intentionally continued my research at King’s through grant applications, publications, presentations, and graduate and post-doctorate student supervision.

I am fortunate to have a fabulous research team made up of King’s alumna Sierra Crocker ’22, three Western PhD students, two Western postdoctoral researchers, as well as colleagues from the University of Alberta, University of Regina, Thompson River University, and Wilfred Laurier University. Our work has been funded by Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), the Government of Alberta, and, most recently, the Atlas Foundation.

Our research focuses on the concept of Moral Injury (MI), primarily among first responders and military families. Moral injury “…describes the psychological, emotional, social, and/or spiritual harm or impairment that results from exposure to one or more events that involve the transgression or violation of deeply held morals, ethics, or values” (Litz et al, 2009 & Shay, 2014). The notion of moral injury has its modern roots in the Vietnam War, where military personnel reported symptoms that were different from those typically presenting from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Arguably, MI has been a phenomenon ever since humans became self-aware and reflected on ‘how we should live.’ We have published several peer-reviewed papers, made numerous conference presentations and, most recently, presented our Moral Injury Guide for Public Safety Personnel to the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research & Treatment (CIPSRT).

This is relatively untapped work that explores the importance and awareness of our value structures and their powerful impact on individuals when their moral frameworks are shattered. It is also an example of interdisciplinary research (philosophy and psychology) being used effectively to solve real-world problems.

I am honoured to serve King’s as its President and equally honoured to represent King’s as a scholar who endeavours to make an impact on society through research and mentoring.

David C. Malloy, PhD president & professor

1 Litz BT, Stein N, Delaney E, et al. Moral injury and moral repair in war veterans: A preliminary model and intervention strategy. Clin Psychol Rev. 2009;29(8):695-706. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2009.07.003

2 Shay J. Moral injury. Psychoanal Psychol. 2014;31(2):182-191. doi:10.1037/a0036090

I believe it is time to become bolder in telling our community and the world about our teaching expertise, impactful research, and demonstrated ability to bring these essential pillars together in the classroom.

Renée Soulodre-La France Excellence in Research Award (Early Career)

The Early Career Excellence in Research Award, established in 2019, has been renamed in honour of History Professor Emerita Dr. Renée Soulodre-La France. Now known as the Renée Soulodre-La France Excellence in Research Award (Early Career), this award recognizes a faculty member in the early stages of their professional life who has earned distinction for themselves and King’s as a result of the outstanding characteristics and significance of their research.

Dr. Soulodre-La France says she is very moved by the honour, especially as she believes it “signals that the critical importance of recognizing the extraordinary research capacity at King’s continues to be advanced.”

“My goal as a faculty member and administrator at King’s was to facilitate our colleagues’ pursuit of their farreaching knowledge production. Their excellence in research, even from very early in their careers, has and continues to enrich their fields of study, and many of them are acknowledged nationally and internationally. I hope this award encourages and stimulates King’s faculty

to continue this pursuit of excellence throughout their careers,” she says.

Dr. Erin Hannah, Associate Dean of Research and Professor of Politics and International Relations, brought the motion from the Research Activity Committee forward to Faculty Council for approval on February 7. Dr. Hannah said Dr. Soulodre-La France’s career “epitomized an unwavering commitment to fostering research excellence.”

Dr. Hannah noted that Dr. Renée Soulodre-La France was widely regarded as a visionary Associate Dean who exhibited an impassioned dedication to advancing and supporting research throughout her tenure.

“Her pivotal advocacy and relentless support for scholarly pursuits left an indelible mark on the institution and the broader academic landscape. Renaming the award in her honour is a fitting tribute, symbolizing recognition for the profound and enduring impact she wielded in championing research at King’s,” said Dr. Hannah.

Dr. Loretta Norton, Assistant Professor of Psychology, was announced the inaugural recipient of the award at the King’s Research Week Knowledge Exchange and Impact Awards Gala in March. Dr. Norton is one of the first researchers in the world to measure brain activity in intensive

care unit (ICU) patients. Through her research, she aims to create a better prediction tool for patient recovery and have a meaningful impact on families and healthcare professionals tasked with making difficult life and death decisions.

“As an academic scholar at King’s, I value my role as a researcher and my obligation to advance and disseminate knowledge, foster innovation, and address societal challenges,” says Dr. Norton. “I accept this award with deep gratitude and acknowledgment of the continuous support and encouragement of my colleagues. Dr. Soulodre-La France, a beloved colleague, was a champion for research excellence, and her legacy is an inspiration to early career researchers such as myself. Naming the award after her is a fitting tribute, and I am honoured to receive it at its inaugural presentation.”

Dr. Loretta Norton, Assistant Professor of Psychology

Building Better Futures

The Research Institute with Children at King’s

Childhood should be a time to laugh, learn, dream, play, and wonder - a time when children are surrounded by love and the resources they need to reach their full potential. However, many Canadian children do not experience childhood this way. According to UNICEF, Canada ranks 30 th among 38 rich countries in the well-being of children and youth.

Now, King’s has the opportunity to be at the forefront of children’s participatory rights and advancing children’s wellbeing thanks to a Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) Innovation Fund Award. This funding will allow for the development of the Research Institute with Children (RIC), one of the first of its kind in Canada, which will be built specifically to accommodate innovative child-centred approaches to research with children.

Dr. Cathy Chovaz, Professor of Psychology at Kings, Adjunct Research Professor with the Western University’s Department of Psychiatry, Director of the King’s Centre of Deaf Education & Accessibility Forum (CDEAF) and Associate Scientist at the Lawson Health Research Institute, and Dr. Rachel Birnbaum, Distinguished University Professor Emerita in Social Work and Child and Youth Studies, are the project leaders, and they will work with an interdisciplinary team of scholars, clinicians, academics, and practitioners.

“Each of the researchers in our group has specific, diverse research agendas that will be supported in the RIC,” says Dr. Chovaz. The team will be involved with children and their families, conducting research that will improve socio-economic and psychological outcomes and benefits for children across Canada. “This will be a unique opportunity to engage with children about their needs,” says Dr. Birnbaum.

The RIC will be a purpose-built space designed to help children feel safe, respected, and heard. It will be home to a range of innovative interdisciplinary research projects conducted by a team of scholars in partnership with organizations and institutions worldwide, using a variety of research methods designed

to include children. The research will be shared widely with practitioners and policymakers, helping to transform policy and practice that will improve the lives of children and their families and build better support systems and institutions.

In March, the RIC received an additional boost thanks to the Ontario Research Fund – Large Infrastructure Fund (ORFLIF). Along with the CFI Innovation Fund and a contribution from King’s, the total funding to date for the RIC is $1,054,264.

“This important and invaluable funding opportunity provides children and youth with a voice that allows them to share their stories in an environment that is inclusive and respectful of their needs and wishes,” says Dr. Birnbaum. “Rarely does research focus on, and bring together, the views and experiences of children. We want to change that to ensure that children feel very much involved and are collaborating with researchers.”

Dr. Chovaz adds, “We, along with our colleagues, are very excited and honoured to share our collaboration with and for children.”

“This important and invaluable funding opportunity provides children and youth with a voice that allows them to share their stories in an environment that is inclusive and respectful of their needs and wishes,” says Dr. Birnbaum.

Psychology for the Common Good

From crafting educational programs on healthy relationship behaviours to addressing mental health concerns among those experiencing food insecurity, students in the senior capstone course “Psychology for the Common Good,” under the guidance of Dr. Marcie Penner, Associate Professor of Psychology, demonstrated their commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others at a community panel event during King’s Research Week.

The “Psychology for the Common Good” course was inspired by Dr. Penner’s paternal grandmother, Agnes Penner, who firmly believed that knowledge and skills should be used to benefit the community. The guiding framework for the course is George Miller’s call to “give psychology away to the people who can use it.”

To that end, Dr. Penner challenges her students to use the knowledge and skills they’ve gained in psychology to benefit others. “Each team selects a broad, realworld issue they want to address - one they are passionate about - and spends the academic year developing a broad and deep research base, collaborating directly with a community partner or experts to develop a research-based and implementable application.”

This year, two teams, “Breaking the Cycle” and “Brain Food,” went head-to-

head vying for the Agnes Penner Prize, presenting their innovative solutions to a panel of community members. This year’s panelists were:

• Mojdeh Cox, associate alumna, community builder and CEO & Principal Consultant at Cox & Co.

• Lori Runciman, Director of Grants, London Community Foundation

• Brandon Vecchiola ’21, Manager of Business Development, CMHA Thames Valley

Breaking the Cycle is an educational program for youth that teaches healthy relationship behaviours and raises awareness about intimate partner violence. The team, composed of students Lucy Fisher, Sofi Kotilehti, and Jessica Mitchell, chose the project because they believe everyone has a right to feel safe and supported, and they saw the need

to educate youth on the importance of preventing intimate partner violence.

“Dr. Penner provided invaluable support throughout our project, from offering guidance and resources to encouraging us every step of the way, and her support has played a crucial role in the success of our project,” says Fisher. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to highlight an important topic that resonates with us and share our efforts aimed at breaking the cycle of intimate partner violence in youth.”

Brain Food is an educational resource and service toolbox designed to help address the mental health concerns of people experiencing food insecurity in the London community. Team members were Jeremias Campos, Jack de Jeu, and Emelia White.

The Brain Food team said they were very excited to share the project, a collaboration with the Glen Cairn Community Resource Centre, which addresses mental health issues amongst those experiencing food insecurity. The event allowed the team to highlight the topic’s importance and its potential impact on the Glen Cairn community.

“The encouragement and support we received from the faculty helped us along this journey. We want to thank Dr. Penner for her guidance throughout this year and for going above and beyond in assisting us.”

“These student projects will directly improve the lives of Londoners as one in six households in our community face food insecurity and the city of London recently declared intimate-partner violence an epidemic,” says Dr. Penner.

After careful deliberations, the community panel selected Breaking the Cycle as the 2024 winner of the Agnes Penner Prize.

“It is such a validation of all the hard work and dedication we have put into our project over the past year,” says Fisher, speaking on behalf of the Breaking the Cycle team.

This year marks the ninth year of the Psychology for the Common Good course, and many past projects have been implemented in schools, universities, hospitals, community groups, camps, and corporate settings. Past projects have also gone on to receive external awards, including the Canadian Mental Health Association Champion of Mental Health Award.

Congratulations to this year’s teams on their exceptional projects and to Breaking the Cycle for winning the Agnes Penner Prize.

“It is such a validation of all the hard work and dedication we have put into our project over the past year,” says Fisher, speaking on behalf of the Breaking the Cycle team.

The “Psychology for the Common Good” course was inspired by Dr. Penner’s paternal grandmother, Agnes Penner, who firmly believed that knowledge and skills should be used to benefit the community.

The Transformative Impact of Experiential Learning

impact of international experiential learning opportunities at the Experiential Learning Showcase held in March. The panel included Kaygen Dache, student; Kristen Jeanveau ’21; Gillian LaBelle, student; Natan Penner Andrade ’22; Mackenzie White ’21; Dr. Graham Broad, Associate Professor of History, and Dr. Thomas Tieku, Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations.

Panelists spoke about their field courses in Ghana, Ethiopia, Italy, Belgium and France, reflecting on how these experiences transform lives, foster leadership, and empower changemakers.

“There is a power of place that allows our students to engage with contested landscapes of history and memory,” says Dr. Broad, whose World Wars in History, Memory, and Reconciliation class travelled to Belgium and France in 2022 to visit historic sites, including Dieppe, Juno Beach and Flanders Fields. Student research conducted in the course was displayed at the Juno Beach Centre in France in 2023 in an exhibit entitled “From Dieppe to Juno: Exceptional Destinies.” Copies of panels from the Juno Beach Centre exhibit were on display during the event.

“The experiences you gain on an experiential

Echoing her sentiments, Penner Andrade adds, “Learning comes alive when you’re in the field. My trip changed the trajectory of my life. I’m pursuing opportunities I never could have imagined.”

Third-year student Kaygen Dache shared a highlight of his trip to Ghana was meeting with Ghana’s Chief of Staff, which provided invaluable insights into the country’s policy-making processes. “The trip allowed me to experience the theoretical concepts we discussed in the classroom in a real-world context while learning about diverse cultures and gaining new perspectives,” says Dache. “For students considering an experiential learning trip, my advice is ‘embrace the challenge!’”

The event also included poster presentations of research conducted from the 2020 Ethiopia Field School and the release of a new video featuring research-facing international experiential learning opportunities at King’s, which can be viewed on the King’s YouTube channel or by scanning the QR code.

My trip changed the trajectory of my life. I’m pursuing opportunities I never could have

MacKenzie White ’21 at the African Union during the Ethiopia 2020 experiential learning trip.

Ethiopia 2020 Students and faculty conducting field research

History Projects

From left to right: Kristen Jeanveau ’21, Dr. Graham Broad, Gillian LaBelle, student, Christian Haworth ’23, Natan Penner Andrade ’22, and Iliana Moronta Napoles ’22, display copies of their research panels at the Experiential Learning Showcase

Belgium 2022 Students and faculty from the World Wars in History, Memory, and Reconciliation course at the St. Julien Memorial, also known as The Brooding Soldier, a Canadian war memorial

Ghana 2022 Students and faculty touring a cocoa farm

History students preparing to tour historic sites by bicycle in 2022

King’s Connector

(L-R) Ashleigh Malcolm, student, Terra Ahrens ’94, Executive Director, Foundation, Alumni & Development, and Fiona Bousada, student.

King’s Connector - Toronto / May 8

King’s Connector cocktail reception, held on May 8 at Malaparte in downtown Toronto, brought together alumni, students, faculty, and employees for an evening of reconnecting, reminiscing and networking.

Attendees were treated to delicious hors d’oeuvres and received an update from King’s President Dave Malloy and remarks from Alumni Association President Colin Whitehead ’06 and Fiona Bousada, third-year Social Work and Childhood & Youth Studies student and head soph for the 2024-25 academic year.

(L-R) Michelle Eaton ’05, Justin Landry ’99, Krystal Romlewski ’01, and Federico Gonzalez ’13

Alumni, faculty, and employees from the School of Management, Economics and Mathematics

(L-R) Jon Kielb ’90 and Tim Wasik ’92

(L-R) Christopher Gorski ’12, Barshan Quadry ’12, Adam Postalian ’12, and Federico Gonzalez ’3

(L-R) Laura Peters, Alumni Engagement Officer, Ben Kitching ’21, Michal Kearn ’21, Colin O’Regan ’98, Nistha Chakraborty ’21, Colin Whitehead ’06, King’s Alumni Association President, and Matthew Ayearst ’96

(L-R) Dave Malloy, President, James Prince ’11, Alex Williamson ’11, Promise Holmes Skinner ’10, Thomas Brandimarte ’12, and Julian Franch ’13

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders in Human Resources

A look inside the human resources capstone course

Theory meets practice for fourth-year students in a Human Resources (HR) course spearheaded by Hina Kalyal, a seasoned instructor within the School of Management, Economics, and Mathematics (MEM). Reinforcing concepts taught in previous classes, capstone projects in the Human Resources Administration for HR Students course provides students with opportunities to turn knowledge into actionable solutions as they prepare to embark on their professional journey in HR.

Kalyal is committed to creating a learning environment that is both practical and fun for her students. “I want them to feel excited and engaged with the content,” she explains. One way she achieved this during the 2023-24 academic year was by inviting alumni guest speakers into her classroom.

“I am amazed by how engaged alumni want to be and how generously they contribute their time, expertise, and words of encouragement to our students.”

Five distinguished alumni participated as guest speakers throughout the course, sharing insights from their careers.

“The guest speakers were definitely a highlight of the course,” says student Tan Han Luong. “They injected fresh perspectives and real-world insights into our classroom, bringing unique perspectives and invaluable expertise.”

Alumni also facilitated connections with some of the organizations that became clients for the students’ capstone projects. Once partnered with one of the participating companies: Toyota, K2 Services, Trillium Health Care Products, Maple Reinders, or the Town of Innisfil, student teams were tasked with tackling real-life HR challenges and preparing detailed consultancy reports that were presented to their respective organization. For fourth-year student Assil Miri, the capstone project goes beyond academic

exercise; it’s a foundation for her future endeavours. “It is an experience I can talk about during interviews or refer back to during my future job when dealing with similar challenges and solutions,” she reflects, highlighting the practical experience she gained from the course. Luong echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the transformative impact of the capstone journey. “The collaborative nature of this project has been instrumental in refining my communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.”

He adds, “[Instructor] Hina’s commitment to our education didn’t go unnoticed. We are grateful for her unwavering support and dedication throughout the course.”

Along with the practical experience gained through the capstone projects, a partnership between the School of MEM and the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA) allows students to apply this course toward their Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation.

Thank you to Mark Brennan ’96, Lana Burton ’00, Connor Couchman ’22, Annette Das Neves ’00, Axelle Flemming ’03, Ann Tavares ’91, Mardi Walker ’80 and Trevor Wiken ’11, for supporting the students and their capstone projects. Although the inaugural year of the course has concluded, it will continue again in the 2024-25 academic year.

Alumni in the HR field who are interested in supporting the next generation of HR leaders are encouraged to contact alumni@kings.uwo.ca to discuss opportunities.

Pictured L-R: Sahar Pournabi, Isaiah Collins, Tan Han Luong (Danny), and Assil Miri

Alexis Andrade and Olivia Holland

Global Undergraduate Awards

In 2023, five King’s students were named Highly Commended in the Global Undergraduate Awards, including fourth-year students Olivia Holland and Alexis Andrade. During King’s Research Week in March, Dr. Ian Rae hosted a fireside chat where both students shared their experiences with the Global Undergraduate Awards and the subsequent awards ceremony in Ireland.

Olivia Holland was named Highly Commended in the Literature category (advisor: Krista Lysack) for her paper, “Dressed to Impress: The Markets of Marriage and Labour in Cicely Hamilton’s Diana of Dobson’s,” which analyzes the intersection of dress, labour, and marriage in Cicely Hamilton’s novel Diana of Dobson’s Holland explains that “ultimately, this essay strives to demonstrate how Diana, though never fully successful in breaking free from the market, begins to unravel society’s fabric, fashioning change one pulled thread at a time.”

She was also recognized as Highly Commended in the History category for her paper, “The Magdeburg Maiden: The Siege of Magdeburg as a Microcosm for the Thirty Years’ War.” Using a variety of primary and secondary sources, she analyzes the validity of Peter Wilson’s

observation that Magdeburg acts as a microcosm for the Thirty Years’ War by comparing the religious, political, and militant aspects of the war to the internal dynamics of Magdeburg.

“This accomplishment, in large part, can be attributed to the support I have received from my King’s family – both academic and otherwise.”

The paper arose from her coursework at King’s. “By discussing my ideas with my professors and friends, I was able to produce a paper of which I am proud,” she says. “This accomplishment, in large part, can be attributed to the support I have received from my King’s family – both academic and otherwise.”

Holland says she is honoured and humbled to be placed among such elite contestants. “It feels very validating to

know that all those long hours spent in the library have been recognized. Yet another memory from my time at King’s that I’ll never forget,” she says.

Alexis Andrade was named Highly Commended in the Classical Studies and Archaeology category. Her paper explores the essence and importance of the Feriale Duranum – a fragmented papyrus text that offers insight into Roman army celebrations and anniversaries. The paper questions the premise that the document is relevant to Dura-Europos as a whole, arguing that it serves exclusively military reasons rather than reflecting the site’s local norms.

“Connecting with fellow scholars worldwide who share my passions has been incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about the recognition; it’s about the sense of belonging to a global community of young academics making their mark,” she says.

The Global Undergraduate Awards is an international academic awards program that recognizes creativity, excellence, and innovative thinking within student coursework. Entrants whose paper or project ranked in the top 10% of submissions in their category are shortlisted as Highly Commended Entrants. The 2023 Global Undergraduate Awards received 2808 submissions from 409 institutions worldwide.

There is no hazy afterglow of my departure from King’s University College: its memory lingers with an unexpected persistence, weaving itself through my thoughts.

By twenty-eight, I found myself settled into the role of English Language Educator and then as a lecturer in Foundations in Literature at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology’s campus in Hanoi. The effort I put into my work at RMIT University between 2018-2024 is a testament to the spirit of respect for my obligation King’s had taught me. It propelled me towards a tenure in teaching that continuously circles me back to those formative years at King’s. Indeed, I visit those years often in my memory.

For four years, King’s became my sanctuary: a quaint microcosm where the sublime beauty of academia was mine –and ours – to claim. I studied and taught at larger universities after, with large auditoriums. In my own teaching at RMIT, each lecture was an attempt to recapture that initial magic of King’s University College. Of course, I was doomed to fall short. A flame was kindled in me at King’s:

From King’s to Vietnam

By Brock Eldon ’14

The

journey from King’s, where I graduated with my BA in English Language and Literature, to the vibrant classrooms across South Korea, China, and Vietnam

I’ve

taught in for the last ten years has been nothing short of a miracle.

a fervent inspiration that has guided me ever since. My bond with King’s, forged through intimate associations, continues to shape my narrative.

As a graduate of the Humanities, the experience at King’s served as a beacon that guided me back to the Canadian shores for further study at Queen’s University in Kingston, where I secured my MA in English between 2016-17. This positive predominant ethos of King’s, I believe, is not confined to my discipline alone but is a hallmark of its longestablished academic environment of respect and collegiality. My professors worked to unlock my utmost potential. These mentors taught me to discern, offering me a lens (or rather multiple lenses) through which to view the world constantly anew.

There were profound encounters with professors and their subject matter at King’s: a single lecture on Kafka’s The Metamorphosis and I was ensnared, in love with this work of the intellect. I encountered the works of Chaucer and Shakespeare in contact with Dr. Paul Werstine; I studied the birth of the English novel under

Dr. Coby Dowdell and the Modernism of T.S. Eliot with Dr. Brian Patton.

King’s instilled in me a belief in the power of words to alter the fabric of reality. Now, entrenched in the world of journalism, the foundational skills honed at King’s have been instrumental in realizing my aspirations as a writer.

I continue to live in Hanoi, Vietnam, where I work remotely as Associate Editor of Canada’s C2C Journal. I live surrounded by books, my days dedicated to my craft –a daily devotion...

For the unwavering support and nurturing received during the pivotal transition into university life, my gratitude towards the King’s community knows no bounds. They welcomed me, guided me, and bestowed upon me the liberty to explore the boundless skies of possibility. King’s University College remains a touchstone that lights my way through life.

Alumni Profile Erica Timmerman ’06

Meet Erica Timmerman ’06

While visiting with alumni in British Columbia, we had the opportunity to catch up with Erica Timmerman, Founder and President of picnic social strategies. Read about her career path, changes in her field, and advice for those pursuing similar opportunities.

How did your career path lead you to open a full-service marketing agency?

I always enjoyed writing, which is why I decided to take my BA in English at King’s. Once I graduated, I decided to further my studies in Journalism and Public Relations (PR) from Humber College and Simon Fraser University. It helped me enjoy some interesting roles at Flare Magazine, AM 680, National Kids Cancer Ride, and Squamish Chief. Eventually, I met Geraldine Vance, who was the Communications Director of Doctors of BC (or British Columbia Medical Association, as it was previously known). She became my mentor and hired me to work as her communications coordinator.

There, I learned so much! I supported the media relations manager in writing press releases, speaking notes, web articles and editorials. I also managed events and participated in committee meetings. It was a very well-rounded role that taught me a lot about media, organizational hierarchy, speaking and presenting your brand. I am grateful that I got to be part of it for five years. They even paid for my Masters in Communications!

From 2015 onward, I worked in contract positions as a communications specialist with Vancouver Coastal Health, HSBC and UBC. Each provided experience working in change management positions, and I

learned the value of direct communication in times of change. During this time, I also began freelancing and providing support in PR and copywriting. Over time, my client base grew so much that I realized I needed help. There just wasn’t enough time in the day.

Immediately, I understood that if I was going to have a team to work with me, I should have an agency name that is more inclusive than just Erica Timmerman PR. From there, picnic social was born! We’ve

“Be authentic and honest, and be prepared to show your portfolio online.”

been operating for six years and have pivoted services based on the changing times. Today, we provide marketing strategy, campaign management and brand design. The road I took was varied, but each job enhanced my writing, brand and PR skills. They taught me to always be learning and be flexible with change.

What trends, developments or potential threats do you see in your field in the coming years?

For marketing, it is undoubtedly AI. Whether it will be a threat or a boost to performance is debatable, but I’ve been excited by the opportunity to use it in streamlining content production. I think it’s important to review and revise AI content to provide your own finishing touches, but

when handled correctly, it can actually be quite helpful!

Can you offer advice to students and recent grads about building a strong personal brand online?

Be authentic and honest, and be prepared to show your portfolio online. There is a lot of mimicking and copying online and often your audience will see it a mile away. I hire people based on a strong portfolio, and whether I see a spark I want to help fan.

What are some of your favourite websites or social media accounts?

I really enjoy reddit.com/marketing for the random posts, and I’m a mother to a small boy, so I watch mommy accounts all the time, like @modernmixvan, but if you’re looking for wisdom and advice? I’m more of a podcast gal.

What’s on my Spotify right now:

Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway

Networking is No Joke with Jenni Butz and Steve Tannuzzo

The Power of One podcast

Today, Explained podcast

Dark Poutine podcast (for some delicious Canadian true crime)

Foundation News

The Philip Aziz Foundation of Art donated an art collection by renowned Canadian artist Philip Aziz to King’s in December 2023. The collection of 80 paintings, numerous sketches, and sculptures includes a 24-carat gold leaf work titled the “Tree of Lebanon,” which is mounted on a panel of Lebanese cedar.

Upon receiving the art, the King’s Foundation hired a PhD student from the Art History program at Western

University to inventory the collection.

A few art pieces have been hung on campus, including three paintings in the president’s office in Dante Lenardon Hall. The remaining artwork will be offered to organizations or individuals interested in owning a piece of this historic collection.

Philip Aziz was a lifelong Londoner and internationally acclaimed artist. His works can be found in public and private collections around the world, including

galleries, universities and churches in Canada, the United States, Japan, Australia, France, Italy, and even the Vatican. He passed away on September 13, 2009, at the age of 89, after a decadelong battle with cancer.

King’s University College Foundation is grateful to the Philip Aziz Foundation of Art for entrusting the University with this substantial art collection.

King's students share how donor support profoundly impacts their lives, fostering academic success and personal growth.

Tree of Lebanon Life Cycle of Dandelion #13

Oil painting on canvas Charcoal drawing of Pope John Paul II

Milestones

Share your milestones (job, marriage, birth announcements, etc.) in the next issue of the King’s Herald by emailing your news to alumni@kings.uwo.ca or by completing the online form kings.uwo.ca/alumni/address-update. Photos are welcome, space permitting.

Stephen Bottaro ’77 retired as Director with Hamilton Police Service. He earned is Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto in 1978.

Ian Scott ’82 relocated from Ontario to New Brunswick for a new job.

Nahid Mazaheri ’89 is happily retired in British Columbia.

Michael Lacy ’92 launched a new Law Firm, Lacy Naster LLP, on December 1, 2023.

Douglas Fry ’98 was named President of North America with Subway® Restaurants, effective September 5, 2023. He has over 20 years of experience in restaurant and consumer packaged goods, previously holding senior leadership roles at Subway Canada, McDonald’s, Recipe Brands and Kraft Heinz.

Phyllis Fidler ’04, Manager of General Accounting & Financial Information Systems, retired from King’s in December 2023 after 30 years of service that spanned numerous departments and roles.

Michelle (Bakos) Eaton ’05 joined the OLG’s Executive

Leadership Team as Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs. She has two decades of experience shaping communications and public affairs strategies across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Evan Krofchick ’05 received the Petro-Canada Coaching Excellence Award from the Coaching Association of Canada in November 2023. This award was given in recognition of Evan’s coaching his athletes in medal-winning swimming performances at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany.

Maija (Chalut) Wilson ’08, ’23 was the recipient of the King’s Culture Award, which recognizes an individual who exemplifies honesty, integrity, compassion and collaboration and demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the welfare of the King’s community. She has worked at King’s since

In Memoriam

John Kennedy ’65, who passed away on December 27, 2023.

Frederick Mielko ’67, who passed away on November 11, 2023.

James (Jamie) Howe ’71 who passed away on April 26, 2024.

Gerard “Ged” Tillmann ’71, who passed away on April 27, 2024.

2010 in the role of Campus Minister - Youth with King’s Campus Ministry.

Moses Latigo Odida ’09 wrote and directed an eightpart web series that tells stories of Black caregivers in Canada, bringing up important conversations in the Black community about mental illness and disability. Down debuted on the Stories For Caregivers YouTube channel on January 22.

Chanelle Robinson ’15 successfully defended her doctoral dissertation at Boston College, one of the preeminent Catholic theological schools in North America. Her dissertation was entitled “Entangled Poetics: Decolonial and Womanist Expansions of the Imago Dei [Image of God].”

Ciara Boyd ’18 and Dr. Jordan Fairbairn, King’s program coordinator/associate professor of sociology, authored a chapter published in “The Routledge International Handbook on Femicide and Feminicide,” which features over 120 contributors from more than 30 countries.

We extend our condolences to the family and friends of:

Patrick Kenney ’75, who passed away on December 4, 2023.

James “Jim” Overboe ’91, who passed away on January 7, 2024.

Omar Barzak ’21, who passed away on April 26, 2024.

John Campbell, professor emeritus, who passed away on February 12, 2024. Dr. Campbell worked as a professor and registrar at King’s from 19691994. Throughout his lifetime, he volunteered his time and energy to numerous organizations, including London’s Co-op Housing and the London InterCommunity Health Centre.

Brandon Vecchiola ’21 was appointed Business Development Manager for the CMHA Thames Valley Addiction & Mental Health Services, effective January 2024.

Justin Mulder ’22 presented his thesis work at The 3rd Annual Canadian Children, Youth and Communities (CCYC) Equity Conference at the University of Toronto on October 21, 2023. Justin and Professor Cathy Chovaz, psychology, presented a workshop called “Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children in Canada.” Justin is a graduate student at the University of Ottawa.

Yawen Zhou ’22 graduated with an MSc in Business Analytics from University College London (UCL) School of Management and works in EY consulting.

Ibrahem Saadi, student, is the first Western Mustang drafted by the Canadian Premier League. He was selected in the second round, 14th overall, by the B.C.-based Pacific FC. Ibrahem plays centre-back for the Western Mustangs men’s soccer team and started in 11 matches for the Mustangs in 2023. He was recognized as the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) West Rookie of the Year and was named to the OUA West All-Star First Team.

Judith Dunlop, professor emerita, who passed away on December 28, 2023. Dr. Dunlop was committed to social justice. She was engaged in research that brought different disciplines together to respond to community challenges and focused on the use of technology to support social work practice.