HERALD
CELEBRATING
DR. PAUL WERSTINE
A Legacy of Scholarship, Service, and Shakespeare
Recognize outstanding King’s alumni by nominating graduates for the:
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FOUNDATION, ALUMNI & DEVELOPMENT
Terra Ahrens
EDITOR
Jennifer Jones
CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS
Hannah Brown
John Milner
Melissa Zuleta Jimenez King’s Communications & Media Relations
Veronica Miranda / GAZETTE Western Communications
DESIGN
Jason Recker carve brand + design
COVER IMAGE:
Distinguished University Professor Dr. Paul Werstine, celebrating Shakespeare on the 400th anniversary of his death.
Photo courtesy of Western Communications.
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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 alumni@kings.uwo.ca kings.uwo.ca/alumni
Some articles may have been reformatted to fit the style of the King’s Herald
A MESSAGE FROM OUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
One of the best parts of being your Alumni Association President is having the chance to meet so many fellow graduates, and this spring’s King’s Connector event in Toronto was a shining example of what makes our community special. It was fantastic to reconnect with alumni from across the decades, share stories, and hear about the meaningful ways King’s continues to shape our lives. If you haven’t already seen it, check out the photo album on the King’s alumni Facebook page and see how many faces you recognize.
Mark your calendars for Homecoming 2025, taking place September 25–27! We have an exciting lineup of events planned, including the Alumni Awards Ceremony, where we’ll celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of King’s graduates.
If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry—another great opportunity to come together is just around the corner. Mark your calendars for Homecoming 2025, taking place September 25–27! We have an exciting lineup of events planned, including the Alumni Awards Ceremony, where we’ll celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of King’s graduates. This year, we’re proud to introduce the Alumni Ambassador Award, which recognizes recent grads (within the past five years) whose dedication and enthusiasm have enriched the King’s community. We know there are so many inspiring alumni out there—so if someone comes to mind, consider nominating them for next year’s awards!
We’re always looking for ways to highlight alumni success stories. Whether you’ve launched a new venture, made an impact in your profession or community, or achieved a meaningful personal milestone, we’d love to celebrate you. Sharing these stories not only fosters connection—it also inspires current students and fellow grads alike.
One of the most rewarding ways to stay involved with King’s is by supporting students. Many alumni have already stepped up to offer mentorship, job shadowing, or career advice—and I want to thank you. Your small acts have a big impact. If you’ve ever wondered how to give back to King’s, consider connecting with students. You could be the person who gives someone the confidence, guidance, or encouragement they need to take the next step. Contact the Alumni Office for more information at alumni@kings.uwo.ca
As always, I encourage you to stay connected. Follow @KUCAlumni on Instagram and Facebook, update your contact information, and join us at upcoming events. Together, we will continue building a strong, supportive alumni network that reflects the values and spirit of King’s.
I look forward to seeing many of you at Homecoming this fall!
Warm regards,
Amelia Holden, BSW ‘00, MSW ‘07
alumni association president king ’ s university college
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT (INTERIM)
Welcome to the spring 2025 issue of the King’s Herald. From the moment I joined the King’s community, first as a student and then as an alumnus (Class of 1993), faculty member, and now in the capacity of President (Interim), I have always enjoyed reading the stories presented in these pages. Each issue offers something familiar and something inspiring.
There’s a joy in recognizing a name and reliving a shared memory, a sense of pride when a former classmate overcomes obstacles and reaches a remarkable achievement. Sometimes, there’s sadness, too, as we remember those we’ve lost — classmates, colleagues, or faculty who helped shape us.
What ties it all together is the ongoing impact of our King’s community. Each story in this magazine is a testament to the difference our alumni, students, faculty, and staff make in the world, inspired by the education, experience, mentorship, and friendships they found here.
Over the past few months, the achievements of our alumni have been celebrated. King’s alumnae Zahra Khawaja, BA’22, and Kinga Lamphier, BA’16, have led a campaign to tackle hate and discrimination in London. Isaiah Johns, BA’20, became a coaching assistant for the CFL’s Ottawa Redblacks. Melissa Page Nichols, BA’00, BSW’02, MSW’07, Personal & Accessibility Counsellor at King’s, has worked with Heart-Links (Lazos De Corazon), a small London-based, nongovernmental organization working to advance community development in northern Peru.
We stand at a point in history that is a time of great change. One only needs to watch or read the news to understand that the norms and constants that were seemingly set in place are no longer there. King’s has not been immune to that time of change. However, change is not always something to be feared. Often, change is an opportunity, a chance to look at things differently, try new things, discover new directions, and achieve new successes.
In January, we welcomed back Karen Thomson as our new Chief Operating Officer, and in March, Carri Rodgers-Rowley joined us as Director of Institutional Planning & Finance. Their leadership and ideas will help shape King’s as we look ahead to a new chapter.
And while some changes are celebrated, others are bittersweet. A number of our faculty are retiring, including Claudia Clausius, Associate Professor of English; Rick Csiernik, Professor in the School of Social Work; Darcy Harris, Professor of Thanatology, and Paul Werstine, Distinguished University Professor of English. We will miss their collaborations and camaraderie, but wish them well in their future endeavours.
No matter what path we take, we will continue to work towards the best version of King’s in the way we always have, by recognizing the accomplishments of our alumni, faculty and staff, and students. At the same time, we will all work together to provide the support needed for our community members to succeed in their fields while enhancing the world around them.
We can all look forward to reading about those accomplishments and achievements in future issues of the King’s Herald.
Robert A. Ventresca, PhD president (interim) & professor
No matter what path we take, we will continue to work towards the best version of King’s in the way we always have, by recognizing the accomplishments of our alumni, faculty and staff, and students.
GLOBALLY-RECOGNIZED LEADERS
Dr. Thomas Tieku
A testament to his commitment to advancing the field of International Relations (IR), Dr. Thomas Tieku, Professor of Politics and International Relations, was elected Vice President of the International Studies Association (ISA). Founded in 1959, the ISA has more than 7,000 members representing over 100 countries. It is the most respected and widely known scholarly association in the field and endeavours to create communities of scholars dedicated to international studies.
Dr. Tieku expressed gratitude upon receiving the news. “It is both humbling and an honour to have the opportunity to lead over 7,000 international relations scholars,” said Dr. Tieku.
Dr. Mark Yenson
On December 9, 2024, Dr. Mark Yenson, Interim Vice President and Academic Dean, addressed the plenary session of the International Congress on the Future of Theology, organized by the Vatican Office for Culture and Education and held at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome.
The event brought together 450 theologians from around the globe to explore the evolving role of theology within society, the Church, and the world.
The Congress, titled “The Future of Theology: Legacy and Envisioning,” explored themes such as the geographical and cultural diversity of theology, the integration of
Reflecting on what this recognition means for King’s, he noted, “This election is a clear indication that King’s punches above its weight and has an outstanding reputation not only in Canada but globally. It reflects the high regard for the quality of research, scholarship, and publications produced at King’s and in Canada. It also demonstrates that, despite the relatively small size of the Canadian IR community, we have the ability to make a significant impact in the field of International Relations and remain highly competitive at the global level.”
As Vice President, Dr. Tieku will collaborate with the ISA President and Executive Committee to oversee the organization’s activities, supporting a diverse membership of academics, policy experts, practitioners, and independent researchers who focus on international, transnational, and global affairs.
Dr. Tieku’s nomination for the ISA Vice Presidency was spearheaded by Dr. Andrew Grant of Queen’s University and evaluated by a 10-member nominating committee, which reviewed submissions from across the world. The Nominating Committee presented six candidates for the position of Vice President of the Association, and he was elected as the top choice among the six scholars by the ISA membership.
“Being chosen from such a distinguished group of scholars is a meaningful validation of the work I’ve done in International Relations,” Dr. Tieku said.
interdisciplinary perspectives, and theology’s critical role within society.
One of three North American presenters, Dr. Yenson was invited to offer his insights as part of the third session: Theology Within and for Society, the Church and the World – Part I. He represented North and Central America and joined esteemed theologians from Africa, Asia, Oceania, Europe, South America, and Eastern Churches in offering diverse perspectives on global theological challenges.
HONOURING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
It demonstrates how supportive the King’s community truly is. This scholarship motivates me to work harder and to strive for excellence.”
FRANCIS CHAN
King’s proudly celebrated the achievements of its newest exceptional students at a special luncheon hosted by Dr. Robert Ventresca, President (Interim). The event recognized the inaugural recipients of the President’s National Scholarships and highlighted the enduring impact of donor support on the next generation of scholars.
Win Ni (Childhood and Youth Studies), Francis Chan (Management and Organizational Studies), and Dylan Gray (Social Science) were awarded the President’s National Entrance Scholarship in recognition of outstanding academic performance and leadership potential. Chan reflected on the scholarship, noting, “It demonstrates how supportive the King’s community truly is. This scholarship motivates me to work harder and to strive for excellence.”
Sophie Keunecke (Arts) received the Gerald Killan Regis Entrance Scholarship, which is awarded to the full-time first-year undergraduate student with the highest admission average. She credited the close-knit environment and smaller class sizes at King’s for easing her transition to university, sharing, “The support here pushes me to fully engage and succeed.”
The President’s Regis Entrance Scholarship recipients include Himm Lai, Nora Bauer, Karleigh Bennett, and Logan Todd. Lai noted that the scholarship has fostered a sense of financial independence and a drive to achieve future goals, including attending law school.
King’s congratulates these scholarship recipients and expresses gratitude to our community for their vital role in supporting student success.
When bestselling author Heather Marshall, BA’10 (political science and history), returned to King’s for Research Week, she did more than reflect on her journey— she illuminated the critical role research has played in her career as a novelist.
Speaking to students, faculty, and fellow alumni, Marshall shared how the skills she developed at King’s formed the foundation for her award-winning work in historical fiction.
“Looking back, I realize that everything I’m doing now started right here at King’s,” Marshall said. “The ability to conduct deep, careful research, to think critically, and to synthesize information—these are tools that have made my novels possible.”
After graduating from King’s, Marshall earned master’s degrees in history and political science from the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University while building a career in politics and communications. Writing remained a passion project on the side—until it wasn’t.
Her debut novel, Looking for Jane, became an instant #1 national bestseller upon its release in 2022. It explores the fight for reproductive rights and the hidden history of Canada’s maternity homes, and was born from research she began during her master’s studies and revisited years later.
“I stumbled across the story of Canada’s maternity homes almost by accident,” Marshall said, recalling how learning about the 300,000 unmarried women forced to give up their babies from the 1940s to the 1970s floored her. “I was shocked I hadn’t known about this history — and I knew right away it was a story that needed to be told.”
HEATHER MARSHALL, BA’10
From King’s Research Papers to Bestselling Novels
Looking for Jane has since been published in 17 languages across 21 territories, was optioned for a TV series, and has earned numerous accolades, including being named one of Indigo’s Top 10 Best Books of 2022 and a finalist in the 2023 Goodreads Choice Awards.
Marshall described how her creative process is firmly rooted in research. Before writing, she immerses herself in the political, cultural, and social contexts of her novels’ settings. That often means digging through archival materials, studying old laws, interviewing key figures, and filing Freedom of Information requests — research skills she credits directly to her undergraduate education at King’s.
She shared her gratitude for professors such as Dr. Stephanie Bangarth, whose Canadian history classes fueled her passion for uncovering untold stories, and Dr. Erin Hannah, whose political science courses deepened her understanding of policy, governance, and social justice. Heather noted that these professors, among others, helped her cultivate the essential skills she now relies on every day as a historical fiction author.
“At King’s, I learned how to learn. I learned how to find not just information but accurate, useful information,” she emphasized. “In an age of rampant misinformation, these skills are more vital than ever.”
Marshall’s commitment to thorough research not only grounds her fiction in historical authenticity but also allows her to honour the real women whose lives inspire her stories. Her second novel, The Secret History of Audrey James, continues her focus on uncovering the
hidden histories of courageous women. Her upcoming third novel, Liberty Street, is set against the backdrop of Toronto’s women’s prisons and features characters shaped by extensive research into 1960s social justice movements.
During her talk, Marshall encouraged students to embrace research as a dynamic, creative process, not just an academic task.
As a proud King’s alumna, Marshall’s message was clear: the investment she made in her education continues to yield remarkable returns, not just for her career but for readers around the world.”
“Research isn’t just about gathering facts,” she said. “It’s about finding the heart of a story, understanding experiences different from your own, and building something meaningful from what you uncover. It’s about respect. Respect for truth, history, and the people whose stories we tell.”
As a proud King’s alumna, Marshall’s message was clear: the investment she made in her education continues to yield remarkable returns, not just for her career but for readers around the world.
“I’m deeply grateful to King’s for giving me the tools to chase a dream I almost didn’t let myself believe in,” she said. “Sometimes, what seems like a small step—like learning how to navigate a library or critically analyze a historical document—becomes the foundation for something life-changing.”
Heather Marshall, BA’10, with Dr. Erin Hannah, Associate Dean of Research and Professor of Politics and International Relations (left), and Dr. Stephanie Bangarth, BA’95, Professor of History (right).
For nearly five decades, Dr. Paul Werstine, BA’70, has been synonymous with academic excellence, inspired teaching, and world-class Shakespearean scholarship. As he now enters retirement, the King’s community celebrates an extraordinary career that began on this very campus and grew to shape the global understanding of one of literature’s most enduring figures: William Shakespeare.
Dr. Werstine’s journey with King’s began in 1966, when he arrived from Galt (now Cambridge), Ontario, on a full scholarship, having earned the highest overall average in his high school. Initially intent on studying economics and math, his academic path pivoted when he discovered he couldn’t study economics at King’s. To retain his scholarship, he quickly adapted and chose English and philosophy as his majors. That twist of fate launched a lifelong vocation in literature.
After completing his undergraduate degree, Werstine pursued a master’s degree in English at Western and later earned his PhD from the University of South Carolina. His doctorate explored the 1598 printing of Love’s Labour’s Lost. It took him to libraries across the United States and the United Kingdom, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in textual scholarship.
In 1977, he returned to King’s to fill in for a professor on leave—and never left. Over nearly 50 years of teaching Shakespeare and Medieval and Renaissance English
CELEBRATING DR. PAUL WERSTINE
A
Legacy of Scholarship, Service, and Shakespeare at King’s
Literature, he inspired countless students with his deep knowledge, quick wit, and unflagging enthusiasm. Known for closing his eyes in moments of thought-provoking reflection—a habit that earned both affectionate curiosity and admiration—his lectures were anything but sleepy. As Principal Gerry Killan once noted, “Woe to anyone who might confuse this behavioural trait with the dozing of an absent-minded professor!”
In 2003, Dr. Werstine received the King’s College Award of Excellence in Teaching. He also earned graduating class awards in 2003, 2007, and 2009, a testament to his lasting impact on generations of students. One such student, Olivia Holland, BA’24, reflected: “His expertise, wit, and kindness created an engaging learning environment. That Shakespeare course changed my perspective.”
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Werstine is one of the world’s foremost scholars in English Literature and Shakespeare Studies. He has served as the co-editor of the Folger Library edition of Shakespeare’s plays and poems (19922010) and the co-general editor of the Modern Language Association’s New Variorum Shakespeare edition. He has written widely about the early printings of Shakespeare, the Shakespeare editorial tradition, and dramatic manuscripts, especially in Early Modern Playhouse Manuscripts and the Editing of Shakespeare (Cambridge University Press, 2012). A review of this monograph noted that Werstine “changed a fundamental part of the way (current thought about Shakespearean texts) …will be developed in the future.”
Paul Werstine
- Western Occidentalia 1970
His dedication to research earned him numerous accolades, including the inaugural Hugh Mellon Excellence in Research Award in 2015 and election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2010, one of the highest honours for a Canadian academic.
But Dr. Werstine’s impact extended far beyond accolades. He was a tireless contributor to the life of the King’s. Whether chairing the English department, serving on committees, mentoring junior colleagues, or guiding graduate students through complex research, he gave generously of his time and wisdom.
“Regardless of his workload, he’s the first to step up when duty calls,” said Dr. Claudia Clausius, Associate Professor in the Department of English, French, and Writing and Coordinator of Foundations/King’s Scholar.
“With his incisive logic, institutional memory, and courage to speak up, he’s helped many of us in difficult times.”
Dr. Werstine also nurtured public appreciation of Shakespeare. He shared his knowledge at alumni events, such as the annual Stratford Festival trips, and even reached international audiences with lectures in Beijing. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, he recorded a poignant reading of Sonnet 116 and a scene from Romeo and Juliet—a gift to the King’s community on Shakespeare’s birthday.
Dr. Ian Rae, Department Chair and Associate Professor of
English, captured the sentiment of many: “Dr. Werstine’s legacy at King’s has no equal. He was the first to prove that King’s grads and professors could reach the pinnacle of their chosen professions.”
In recognition of his outstanding service, Dr. Werstine was named one of King’s inaugural Distinguished University Professors in 2023, an honour that aptly crowns his illustrious career.
While Dr. Werstine’s daily presence at King’s will be missed, his influence on students, colleagues, and Shakespeare scholarship will endure.
As Dr. Brian Patton, Associate Professor of English, summed it up: “He represents the very best of us.”
A LASTING TRIBUTE
To honour his legacy and support future generations of students, King’s has launched a campaign to create the Paul Werstine Student Award. This award will provide lasting financial support for King’s students and carry forward Dr. Werstine’s passion for teaching and literature.
Please scan the QR code to donate today.
Photo credit: Veronica Miranda / Gazette
Dr. Paul Werstine (centre) with former principals Dr. Gerry Killan (left) and Dr. Phil Mueller (right) at the Shakespeare After Werstine: Editing Shakespeare Now conference in May 2025.
It is not every day that a policymaker steps into a classroom where they once sat as a student. In February, Mr. Stephen de Boer, then Deputy Minister and Foreign and Defence Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada, joined Dr. Erin Hannah’s Contemporary Issues in Global Political Economy seminar as a guest speaker. His visit offered us, as students, a valuable opportunity to engage directly with someone working at the highest level of Canadian foreign policy. Mr. de Boer came to discuss Canada’s evolving position in an increasingly complex political climate. What immediately stood out was the breadth and range of his knowledge; he was like a walking encyclopedia of any topic you asked about. He spoke effortlessly about issues ranging from the CanadaUnited States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) to Artificial Intelligence. He was sharp, articulate, direct, and grounded in real-world experience. He did not sugarcoat the challenges, and that honesty was something many of us in the room deeply appreciated.
While it is always a privilege to learn from great minds, what made it even more memorable was that Mr. de Boer was once in the same position as we are now: a student at King’s.
LEARNING FROM THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE
Written by Hannah Brown
Hearing from someone who not only built a successful and impactful career but also started that journey in the same classrooms we sit in today made the idea of working in government and international
Hannah Brown offers a student’s perspective on alumnus Stephen de Boer’s return to King’s, where the Deputy Minister and Foreign and Defence Policy Advisor to then Prime Minister of Canada joined a global political economy class for a candid and inspiring roundtable discussion.
the one willing to work hard and put in that extra time and effort to stand out from the crowd. It was a simple message but a powerful reminder. The visit from Mr. de Boer was not only an insightful guest lecture
affairs feel less daunting and more attainable. As a fourth-year politics and international relations student, I often hear about the various career paths that our degree can lead to. But seeing someone who once walked around the same campus go on to such a high-level position grounded these possibilities into something that felt within reach. During his time as a guest speaker, we were able to hear about his career from his early days with Global Affairs Canada to his current role advising the Prime Minister. What has stayed with me months later is the advice he gave us at the end of his session: to succeed in whatever career path you choose, be
that allowed us to learn, but also a moment of connection between past and present students sharing a common interest. It reminded me of the value of a King’s education and the many doors it can open. As I prepare to graduate in June, I carry with me the impact of Mr. de Boer’s words and example, and I hope that one day, I will be able to return and offer the same inspiration to future King’s students.
Hannah graduates in June 2025 with a BA in politics and international relations and a certificate in the study of law and public policy.
Research Week is a celebration of the transformative power of research and its role in shaping a more just, compassionate, and informed world. It’s a time to honour the extraordinary contributions of faculty, students, alumni, and community partners whose work drives meaningful change. This year’s Knowledge Exchange and Impact Celebration highlighted how King’s research fuels innovative teaching and contributes to the common good.
Mark Garron, BA’84, Director of the Garron Foundation, delivered the keynote address at this year’s event. A distinguished alumnus and philanthropist, Garron holds a master’s degree in philosophy from McMaster University and is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Kent, where he explores the nature of time—its flow, direction, and ordering in relation to the past, present, and future. His keynote offered a reflection on the concept of time and the value of research, offering unique insights and a thought-provoking perspective that inspired and engaged the audience. The event also recognized the outstanding achievements of
King’s faculty whose research is shaping public discourse, informing pedagogy, and advancing social change:
Renée Soulodre-La France Excellence in Research Award (Early Career)
• Dr. Lucy Hinton, Assistant Professor of Politics and International Relations
King’s Research Excellence Chair – Established
• Dr. Graham Broad, Associate Professor of History
King’s Research Excellence Scholar Grants
• Dr. Tom Malleson, Associate Professor of Social Justice and Peace Studies
• Dr. Natalia Bezmaternykh, Assistant Professor of Economics, School of Management, Economics, and Mathematics (MEM)
King’s SIG Explore and Exchange Grants
• Dr. Jacquetta Newman, Professor of Politics and International Relations, and Professor Shawna Lewkowitz, Lecturer and Community-Based Learning Coordinator in Social Justice and Peace Studies
• Dr. Rosemary Vito, Associate Professor, School of Social Work
These awards celebrate both individual achievement and the collective spirit of inquiry that defines King’s. They remind us that research is not only about discovery—it’s about impact. Through their work, these scholars are transforming tomorrow today.
• Dr. Dustin Ciufo, Assistant Professor of Childhood and Youth Studies
(L-R) Dr. Natalia Bezmaternykh, Professor Shawna Lewkowitz, Dr. Jacquetta Newman, Dr. Graham Broad, Dr. Rosemary Vito and Dr. Dustin Ciufo
Mark Garron, BA’84 (right), with his partner Laurie and son James, BA’16, at the Knowledge Exchange and Impact Celebration
KING’S CONNECTOR
King’s Connector cocktail reception, with honorary host James Prince, BA’11, took place on May 7 at Malaparte in downtown Toronto.
The evening brought together King’s alumni from the Class of 1967 to 2024, along with students, friends and employees.
Guests enjoyed an evening of conversation, connection, and celebration. Whether reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting fellow alumni for the first time, attendees left feeling inspired and proud to be part of a network that spans generations and continues to grow.
Thank you to everyone who joined us — your presence made the evening unforgettable.
REGISTRATION SPONSOR
PREMIER SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
SHUTTLE SPONSOR
Mark your calendar for the next King’s Connector Wednesday, May 13, 2026
(L-R) Alumni Association President Amelia Holden, BSW ‘00, MSW ‘07, Honorary Host James Prince, BA’11, Alexandra Williamson, BA’11, and Laura Peters, King’s Alumni Engagement Officer
CELEBRATE HOMECOMING AT KING’S!
Plan to come home to King’s this fall! We’re putting together a weekend filled with meaningful connections, spirited celebrations, and cherished memories. Full event details are coming soon, but here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store:
Law & Public Policy Symposium
Thursday, September 25 - 4:00 pm
Joanne and Peter Kenny Theatre, Darryl J. King Student Life Centre
This signature event returns for its second year and will explore the evolving dynamics of Canada-U.S. Relations. Our distinguished panel of alumni speakers will engage in a meaningful discussion on policy, diplomacy, economics, and the evolving relationship between these two nations. Moderated by Dr. Erin Hannah, Associate Dean of Research and Professor of Politics and International Relations, all alumni and friends are welcome to attend.
Homecoming Dinner and Awards Celebration
Friday, September 26
– Doors open at 5:00 pm
Labatt Hall
All alumni are welcome to join us for our Homecoming celebration. Reach out to your King’s friends and take advantage of our early bird ticket pricing. Celebrate the achievements, dedication, and community impact of this year’s Alumni Award recipients and toast those who are celebrating a reunion year. Reminisce with former classmates and faculty, and enjoy a nostalgic night with a harvest dinner and dessert buffet.
Football Fun
Saturday, September 27
Western Alumni Stadium
Tailgate details and tickets will be available soon. Join the King’s cheering section as the Western Mustangs take on the McMaster Marauders.
If your grad year ends in 0 or 5, you’re celebrating a milestone reunion.
We’d love to help you mark the occasion. The Alumni Team is here to get you started on planning a memorable gathering with your classmates. Contact alumni@kings.uwo.ca for more information.
We can’t wait to welcome you back to King’s!
kings.uwo.ca/homecoming
REVITALIZING RESIDENCE LIFE
Exciting changes are coming to residence life at King’s
We’re reimagining our on-campus living spaces to reflect the needs of today’s students, creating safe, inclusive, and inspiring environments where they can thrive. From refreshed single-occupancy rooms to modern study areas and vibrant community lounges, this transformation marks a new chapter in how students live, learn, and connect at King’s.
Living on campus is about more than just having a place to stay—it’s about connections. Take a look at our inspiration photos and stay tuned as we share a closer look at what’s coming, and how these new spaces will help shape the next generation of King’s students.
Alumni Court - lounge and living space concept
Townhouses - lounge area concept
Single occupancy residence room concept
Townhouses - lounge and study area concept
Wemple Hall - functional study area concept
Alumni Court - lounge and study area concept
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.
Maureen (McGarry) Spencer Golovchenko, BA’77, was named to the 2025 City of London Mayor’s Honour List in the Heritage category. Recognized as a long-time champion of local history, she was celebrated for contributing to the awareness of the City of London’s heritage assets through her work to preserve and protect Eldon House Heritage Site and Gardens. Spencer Golovchenko first became involved with Eldon House in 2008 as part of a committee organizing its 175th anniversary celebrations. She’s remained a volunteer since. She served on its inaugural board of directors for two terms and currently chairs the Eldon House strategy and innovation committee, working to create street signage linking Eldon House and other downtown landmarks together.
Lorna Rourke, BA’79, retired as University Librarian at St. Jerome’s University at the University of Waterloo after 15 years and is now Librarian Emerita. She previously worked at the University of Guelph Library for 24 years.
Rachelle (Beaudoin) Wallace, BA’79, retired from teaching nine years ago.
Brenda Watkin, BSW’81,retired in 2022.
Nathan Mackenzie, BA’11, is married and has a baby boy.
Mark Ragg, BSW’82, retired after teaching for 26 years at Eastern Michigan University and practicing social work in the Ann Arbor community. He is still helping agencies develop group programs and continues to write songs.
David MacKenzie, BA’83, MA’84, LLB’88, LLM’09, co-founded Lerner MacKenzie Mediation in January 2025, a new mediation business that handles a broad range of litigation, from personal injury and employment matters to construction and contract disputes. He also continues to run his firm Szemenyei MacKenzie Group Law Firm LLP.
Bridget Ofosu-Andam, BA’23, was named one of the Top 100 Black Women to Watch of 2024 at the Black Pearls Gala organized by CIBWE | Canada International Black Women Excellence.
Matthew Plaskett, BA’23, completed his master of education in adult education and community development at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto in January. He works as a corporate trainer at Boston Pizza International.
Carla (Van Lamoen) Matos, BA’84, welcomed her first grandchild on August 15, 2023. Logan was born prematurely by emergency Cesarean section after his mother developed HELP syndrome, a severe form of preeclampsia. Within 24 hours, Logan needed surgery because he was born with a congenital condition called TEF, trachea esophageal fistula, characterized by an abnormal connection between the esophagus and trachea. He has managed very well, thanks to his amazing medical team at the London Health Sciences Centre, specifically Victoria Hospital.
Father Alan Campeau, BA’86, MDiv’90, was named Bishop of the Diocese of Thunder Bay by His Holiness Pope Francis in January 2025. Bishopelect Campeau has served the Thunder Bay Diocese since 1995.
Rosina (Casasanta) Fernandes, BA’90, works as a Grade 3 teacher with the London District Catholic School Board.
Robert Frost, BA’02, was inducted into the Men’s Hockey Wall of Honour in recognition of his contributions to Mustangs hockey from 1998-2002.
Laura Fishwick, BA’06, had a son, Elija, on October 9, 2019.
Matt Wilson, BA’06, was appointed a partner with Siskinds LLP in March 2025. He is a real estate lawyer and the head of the Siskinds real estate department, with a practice focusing on residential, commercial and complex real estate transactions, land development, and mortgage financing
Mary Kay Arundel, BSW’07, MSW’08, received the 2024 King’s Service Excellence Award in recognition of her exceptional service to students, staff, faculty and other stakeholders. She began working at King’s in 2014 and is the Professional Practicum Education Manager in the School of Social Work.
Steven Benedetti, BA’07, was inducted into the Men’s Hockey Wall of Honour in recognition of his contributions to Mustangs hockey from 2002-2007.
Kevin Baker, BMOS’12, was inducted into the Men’s Hockey Wall of Honour in recognition of his contributions to Mustangs hockey from 2008-2012.
Helen (Abbas) Smith, BA’12, founder and CEO of Roo & You, received the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2024 Ontario Emerging Entrepreneur Special Citation. Special citations celebrate the outstanding achievements of entrepreneurs who’ve made a unique mark on the entrepreneurial landscape.
Isaiah Johns, BMOS’20, was named a coaching assistant for the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) Ottawa Redblacks. Johns assists the team’s offensive staff and special teams coordinator with their day-to-day operations. He also works closely with Bob Dyce, the team’s head coach, helping prepare the coaching staff for practices and refining the team’s strategy.
Mohamed Rahme, BA’22, is a Mental Health and Addictions Worker at CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services.
Isaiah Collins, BMOS’24, is the first King’s student to receive the prestigious Fulbright Killam Fellowship. The Killam Fellowships Program provides an opportunity for exceptional undergraduate students from universities in Canada and the United States to spend a semester as exchange students. He will spend a semester at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Plattsburgh.
Anthony Gatt, BA’14, became the new building manager for Residence A, Saugeen-Maitland Hall in 2024, and 2025 marks his 25th year of marriage to his wife Michelle.
Emily (Castillo) Hutchison, BA’19, welcomed her baby boy, Maverick Hutchison, on August 13, 2024, and got married on December 21, 2024.
Three King’s student-athletes who played football for the Western Mustangs were selected in the Canadian Football League (CFL) Draft on April 29, 2025. Congratulations to Erik Andersen, fourth-year criminology student, who was drafted in the 2nd round, 13th overall, by the Saskatchewan Roughriders; Keanu Yazbeck, fourth-year BMOS student, who was drafted in the fourth round, 35th overall, by Montreal Alouettes; and Max Von Muehldorfer, fourth-year Sociology and Criminology student, who was drafted in the 7th round, 61st overall, by his hometown Calgary Stampeders.
As You Like It at Stratford Festival
September 21 - 11:30 am
Enjoy Shakespeare’s As You Like It with premium seating, a three-course lunch, and a talk by Dr. Paul Werstine BA’70. Tickets are limited. Reserve now: kings.uwo.ca/stratford-festival.
PHOTO: TED BELTON
IN MEMORIAM
We extend our condolences to the family and friends of:
• John Cummins, BA’66, who passed away on March 2, 2025.
• Silvio Valeriote, BA’67, who passed away on November 27, 2024.
Kendra (Haskell) Everest, BA’17, and Tuan Everest, BA’17, first met at King’s and were married on October 6, 2023.
Emma Fritz, BSW’19, got married in August 2021.
• Wayne Beedle, BA’80, who passed away on February 20, 2025.
• Kelly Hartley-Stevens, BA’96, who passed away on January 30, 2025.
• Shelby (Sandford) Moran, BA’21, who passed away on January 18, 2025.
• Sergiy Kuzmin, former mathematics professor, passed away on Oct 4, 2024.
