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DR. ROBERT VENTRESCA, BA’93 10th President of King’s University College
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FOUNDATION, ALUMNI & DEVELOPMENT Terra Ahrens EDITOR Jennifer Jones CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS King’s Communications & Media Relations DESIGN Jason Recker Art & Design
COVER IMAGE: Dr. Robert Ventresca, BA’93, at St. Peter’s Seminary chapel for his installation as 10th President of King’s University College. As of fall 2024, King’s Herald is published online semi-annually by King’s University College Foundation, Alumni and Development. To ensure you continue receiving the alumni magazine, please update your email address at: kings.uwo.ca/alumni/address-update.
We welcome your letters, suggestions, or comments about the Alumni 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 Foundation, Alumni and Development at: King’s University College Foundation 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.
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President’s Message Installation of King’s 10th President Alumni President’s Message Student Leaders Alumni Women’s Leadership CIRCLE 50th Anniversary of Death Education King’s Connector The King’s Pub Celebrate Homecoming Equity Pathway A Century of Vision Milestones & In Memoriam
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT As we look back on another academic year at King’s, I am reminded that this community is shaped not only by what happens on campus, but by the people who carry King’s forward long after they leave.
As we look ahead, my commitment is to ensure that this experience remains strong and accessible for the next generation of students.
This has been a meaningful time in the life of King’s. In March, I had the privilege of being installed as the 10th President of King’s University College. It was an occasion filled with gratitude, reflection, and a deep sense of responsibility for the work ahead. More than anything, it was a reminder that King’s has never been defined by one person or one moment. It has been built, sustained, and carried forward by generations of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends who believe in the promise of this place. In recent months, I have had the opportunity to gather with members of our alumni community in different settings, including in Niagara and Toronto. Each gathering has affirmed something fundamental about King’s: our community extends well beyond graduation. In my many conversations with alumni, what always moves me most is the depth and sincerity of the attachment to King’s. You speak about the campus and the people who animate it with real affection, as a learning community where you experienced genuine belonging, and to which you remain connected and rooted. This tells us that our community lives on in the relationships built here, the values carried forward, and the meaningful ways our alumni contribute to their professions, families, neighbourhoods, and communities. At King’s, we have been reflecting on the “crowning moments” that shape a student’s experience: the defining moments that may seem small at the time but stay with us. For students, those moments may come when a professor helps them see what they are capable of, when they step into a leadership role they had not imagined for themselves, or when they begin to understand the difference they can make in the lives of others. For many of you, those moments will feel familiar. You may not have named them that way at the time, but you know the feeling: a moment when King’s helped you see yourself, your purpose, or your place in the world differently. That is the enduring strength of a King’s education: it shapes not only what students learn, but also who they become. King’s has long been a place where students are known, challenged, and supported in their growth as whole persons. They leave not only with knowledge, but with a stronger sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of their responsibility to others. What makes King’s distinctive comes down to three things. First, we are missiondriven. Our values are lived and shape a genuinely person-centred culture, one where students have frequent, direct interaction with their professors, where feedback is real and meaningful, and where support reaches a student quickly. I like to say we are built at human scale. Second, we offer comprehensive, interdisciplinary programs that allow students to explore connections across fields, preparing them to tackle complex, real-world problems. Third — and this matters deeply — we cultivate ethical concern. Our graduates don’t just ask “can I do this?” They ask “should I do this? What is my responsibility to others and to society?”
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This is what I have come to think of as the King’s Promise. It is grounded in our mission and carried forward through our strategic plan, Renewing the Promise: King’s 2030. It reflects our commitment to academic excellence, open dialogue, dignity, compassion, and the common good. It also reflects the kind of community King’s has always aspired to be: one where people are welcomed, supported, and invited to contribute to something larger than themselves. As we look ahead, my commitment is to ensure that this experience remains strong and accessible for the next generation of students. That means continuing to create the conditions for those defining moments to happen. It also means strengthening the connections among those who already call King’s part of their story. To our alumni, thank you for the many ways you continue to carry King’s forward. You are not only part of our history — you carry King’s into the world as living evidence of the promise of a King’s education. Warm regards, Robert A. Ventresca, PhD president & professor
PRESIDENT’S CELEBRATION IN VINELAND Alumni and friends came together for a memorable evening at Megalomaniac Winery, owned by alumnus John Howard, BA’71, to celebrate an exciting new chapter for King’s. The beautiful setting provided the perfect backdrop for sharing memories and reflecting on the “crowning moments” that shape who we are and continue to connect the King’s community long after graduation.
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THE INSTALLATION OF KING’S 10TH PRESIDENT The installation of Dr. Robert Ventresca as the 10th President of King’s University College on March 19, 2026, marked a significant moment in the university’s history and a celebration of the community that continues to shape King’s across generations.
Throughout his career, Dr. Ventresca has become known not only as a respected scholar and educator, but also as a leader deeply committed to fostering a learning environment rooted in connection, compassion and student success.
The ceremony was held in the chapel at St. Peter’s Seminary and brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni, benefactors and community partners, alongside university presidents, faith leaders, government representatives and civic leaders from across the region and beyond. More than a formal installation, the event reflected the strength of the relationships and shared sense of purpose that define the King’s experience.
“It is with great pride that we welcome Dr. Ventresca as President,” said Paul Tufts, Chair of the King’s Board of Directors. “A respected scholar, thoughtful leader and dedicated member of the King’s community, he brings wisdom, compassion and a compelling vision for the future.”
For many in attendance, the occasion carried a strong sense of continuity as Dr. Ventresca’s connection to King’s spans decades. A proud King’s alumnus and firstgeneration university student, he began his studies at King’s in 1989 and later earned his PhD in History from the University of Toronto. He joined the King’s faculty in 2000 and later served in several senior leadership roles, including Interim Academic Dean and Vice President and Academic Dean. 6
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The ceremony coincided with the feast day of St. Joseph, whose example of humility, integrity and care for community carries special meaning within the Catholic tradition. The symbolism reflected values that continue to guide life at King’s: service to others, human dignity and a commitment to supporting future generations. As the community gathered to mark the occasion, the installation served as both a celebration of the university’s history and a hopeful look toward its future, shaped by the people, relationships and shared values that continue to define King’s.
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT This spring has been a meaningful time of connection and celebration across the King’s community, marked by both new beginnings and opportunities to come together as alumni. We were proud to celebrate the appointment of Dr. Robert Ventresca, BA’93, as King’s 10th President. An accomplished scholar, leader, and fellow alumnus, Dr. Ventresca’s appointment represents an exciting new chapter for King’s. It is also a powerful reminder of the role our graduates continue to play within and beyond our community. At a special gathering held in his honour at Megalomaniac Wines in Vineland (owned by alumnus John Howard, BA’71), alumni and friends came together for an evening of reminiscing and looking forward as Dr. Ventresca shared his vision for the future of King’s.
We are also proud to share the formation of the King’s Alumni Women’s Leadership CIRCLE, a new initiative that brings together alumnae to strengthen connections and support the next generation of female leaders.
That same spirit of connection carried into this year’s King’s Connector event in Toronto, where alumni from across generations gathered to reconnect and build new relationships. What stood out most was the energy in the room. It served as a reflection of a community that continues to grow and evolve while remaining grounded in the values that define a King’s education. This year also offered a new way for alumni to connect through our European History Tour with Dr. Graham Broad. Travellers experienced an unforgettable journey through Belgium and France, where history, culture, and discovery came to life in meaningful ways. Due to the success of this inaugural experience, we are exploring future alumni travel opportunities. If you have ideas or would like to be notified about upcoming trips, I encourage you to connect with the Alumni Office at alumni@kings.uwo.ca. Moments like these reflect something deeper: the lasting impact of King’s and the many ways that experience continues to shape your paths. In your careers, your communities, and your commitments to service and leadership, you continue to demonstrate what it means to be part of King’s. We are also proud to share the formation of the King’s Alumni Women’s Leadership CIRCLE, a new initiative that brings together alumnae to strengthen connections and support the next generation of female leaders. Grounded in mentorship and shared experience, The CIRCLE reflects the strength and leadership of women across the King’s community. It is an exciting step forward in creating meaningful opportunities for alumnae and students alike. As we look ahead, we’re excited about the opportunities to continue strengthening these connections. Homecoming will return this fall with a refreshed approach, offering new ways for alumni to gather, reconnect, and celebrate all that it means to be part of this community. I encourage you to stay connected so you don’t miss any updates about this year’s gathering. In the meantime, there are many ways to remain engaged. Whether you share your story, connect with fellow alumni, or offer guidance and encouragement to current students, these moments of connection, both big and small, are what continue to define the strength of our alumni network. Thank you for being part of this community and for the many ways you contribute to its continued growth and impact. I look forward to seeing how we will continue to come together in the months ahead. Warm regards, Amelia Holden, BSW ‘00, MSW ‘07 alumni association president king’s university college
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STUDENT LEADERS
Elisha Joseph
Breandén Dunn
FOUNDER, KING’S AI & POLICY SOCIETY
PRESIDENT, KING’S UNIVERSITY COLLEGE STUDENTS COUNCIL 2026-27
About Me I’m a second-year psychology student, which may not seem like the most obvious fit for someone who spends a lot of time thinking about AI and public policy. I’ve always been interested in cognitive science, UI/UX, and the ways people make decisions. This curiosity has taken me from housing advocacy and a law firm internship to competing in the BMO Private Wealth National Case Competition, where my team placed in the top 24 in the country. Creating Change + Proud Moment What drew me to AI conversations was how many perspectives they require. The question is not only how AI will affect us, but also how we should use it at all. An amazing thing about King’s is the willingness of professors to discuss questions and ideas with you. Dr. Imants Baruss, Dr. Felipe Rodrigues, and Dr. Sergio Janczak encouraged conversations and made me feel my questions about AI were worth exploring. With encouragement from Mauricio Trejo, Residence Manager, I founded the King’s AI & Policy Society (KAPS). This spring, I created and led a panel event in partnership with Microsoft Canada and Ivey Business School. KAPS hosted John Weigelt, Microsoft Canada’s National Technology Officer, for a student roundtable. Standing on the steps of Ivey, welcoming Mr. Weigelt to the event, was the moment I realized my ideas had become a real conversation with mentors, peers, and friends, many of whom I met through King’s, and I hope to continue growing with them throughout my career. What’s Next? Outside the classroom, I serve as a Resident Assistant and Peer Guide, experiences that keep me grounded in student life. I also hold an Advanced Entry Opportunity to Ivey Business School and hope to pursue both an HBA and a JD through Western Law. Also, I want to continue the conversations I’ve made space for through KAPS and carry forward the encouragement I’ve found at King’s.
About Me I am from Forest, Ontario, and am entering my fifth year as an honours specialization student in English language and literature, with a major in criminology. What stood out to me early at King’s was how quickly it became a community where I felt recognized and challenged, not just academically, but personally. Beyond King’s, I’m involved with my hometown rugby club, the Sarnia Saints, where I support youth development, coach, and play for the men’s team. Creating Change + Proud Moment I ran for KUCSC President because I kept noticing moments where students felt unheard or overlooked. Eventually, it stopped feeling like enough to simply recognize those gaps. I wanted to take responsibility for improving them. My goal is to make student representation feel real through transparency, accountability, and follow-through. If student government is going to matter, students need to see themselves in it, not just during elections, but every day. One of my proudest moments at King’s was choosing to run for Students’ Council President. It pushed me to be honest about what I cared about and be willing to take a risk on it. It was the moment I stopped waiting to feel ready and decided to show up anyway. My professors, peers, and mentors all helped shape the confidence and perspective that motivated me to this moment. What’s Next? Right now, my focus is on doing this role well and leaving it stronger than I found it. I’m also preparing to apply to Teachers College, where I hope to continue building spaces rooted in communication, growth, and support. Teaching feels like a natural extension of the work I value most: helping people feel heard, capable, and confident.
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ALUMNAE UNITE TO SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION OF FEMALE LEADERS Community | Impact | Representation | Contribution | Leadership | Empowering Women Formally announced on International Women’s Day, an advisory group of accomplished alumnae established the King’s Alumni Women’s Leadership CIRCLE (The CIRCLE). This community fosters meaningful connection and peer learning, while supporting the next generation of women leaders through mentorship and collective giving. Bringing perspectives shaped by careers across banking, law, non-profits, entrepreneurship, and academia, the alumnae who helped guide the initiative’s early development include Jackie Foo, BA’91 (Sociology); Cigi Manning, BA’07 (History, Political Science); Erika Oakes, BA’07 (English); Helen Smith, BA’12 (Psychology); and Tabitha Wills, BA’09 (English). Each alumna credits their time at King’s as an important foundation for leadership. “My time at King’s meant I was involved in student leadership positions, like being Head Soph or participating in student government. There is a sense of inclusivity and positive energy [at King’s] that I have been chasing ever since,” shares Tabitha Wills, US Key Account Manager at Nuts for Cheese. For many involved, The CIRCLE is about creating space for honest conversations, shared learning, and meaningful mentorship. Cigi Manning, Vice President, Digital Transformation and Customer Centricity at Manulife, sees mentorship as a way to create lasting impact. “Communities like this open doors, amplify voices, and unlock potential at scale,” she explains. “We’ll create a ripple effect for future leaders coming behind us. Real progress happens when women advocate for one another, and success becomes something that we share.” That same spirit of openness extends to how alumnae speak about their own paths. “There is so much pressure to define success, and success is a lot of things,” says Jackie Foo, Chief Operating Officer and EVP at goeasy Ltd. 10
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“There is fear that you will graduate…and you’re not going to pick the right path, but the truth is, there is no ‘right path.’ Everybody’s path is the right one.” As part of their commitment to guiding and inspiring the next generation of King’s women, members of The CIRCLE have established the Women’s Alumni Impact Award, which will provide two awards of $4,000 annually during the 2026-27 and 2027-28 academic years for third and fourth-year female and female-identifying domestic students enrolled full-time in any program at King’s. The financial award reflects the group’s shared belief in investing in future leaders and creating opportunities for students to thrive. The inaugural cohort includes 30 alumnae from a range of graduating years, united by a shared interest in leadership and a desire to contribute in meaningful ways. Alumnae interested in learning more about The CIRCLE or future opportunities to get involved are encouraged to connect with the Alumni Office at alumni@kings.uwo.ca.
FIFTY YEARS OF CHANGING THE CONVERSATION AROUND DEATH AND GRIEF When Dr. Jack Morgan introduced a university course on death and dying at King’s in 1976, it was unlike anything being taught in Canada. A philosopher by training, Dr. Morgan believed conversations about death, grief, and bereavement belonged in the classroom. His course, originally called Humanities 101, explored death through philosophy, religion, psychology, and culture. Classes filled quickly, and what began as a single course grew into a groundbreaking academic program.
This year, King’s marks 50 years of death education as the only undergraduate degree-granting Thanatology program in North America. Over five decades, the program has grown from one pioneering course into a department offering more than 30 courses, experiential learning, practicum placements, online and hybrid delivery, and interdisciplinary research through the Grief and Loss Research Lab, also known as The Loss Lab. Dr. Morgan’s influence extended far beyond the classroom. He founded the Centre for Education about Death and Bereavement, and organized the King’s International Death, Grief, and Bereavement Conference, welcoming scholars, practitioners and caregivers from around the world. “Dr. Morgan was the pioneer and visionary who began it all,” says Professor Emerita Darcy Harris. “Faculty, alumni, and students owe him a huge debt for his contributions
to the field of Thanatology.” While the program’s foundation remains strong, its focus continues to evolve alongside a changing world, with the curriculum expanding to explore topics like trauma, social justice, caregiving, ethics and collective loss. “Death, grief, and loss are universal, but we often don’t make space to talk about them,” says Dr. Lisa McLean, Director of The Loss Lab and Assistant Professor. “Thanatology equips students to better understand their own experiences and support others with compassion.” Students can now access courses on diverse and emerging topics, including palliative care, climate grief, grief activism, dark tourism, and the ethical complexities of issues like medical assistance in dying. Faculty note student interest continues to grow, particularly as younger generations navigate global instability and widespread experiences of loss.
and I knew I needed a new way to understand my grief experience.” “What I didn’t anticipate was how life-changing a single course could be,” she says. “I was looking for meaning in death, and I learned that understanding grief and death gives meaning to life.” Thanatology anniversary events will include alumni gatherings, educational workshops and a conference on November 4 titled From Freud to Neuroscience: How We Understand Loss and Grief. As the program enters its next chapter, faculty hope Thanatology continues to grow while remaining grounded in human experiences at its core. “Grief and loss are social concerns,” says Dr. McLean. “We want students to leave King’s feeling equipped to respond to grief and loss in their communities with compassion, understanding and care.”
“We are living in a time when many are carrying profound grief,” says Dr. Eunice Gorman, Program Director and Associate Professor. “Our goal is to help students engage thoughtfully with those experiences, rather than turn away from them.” The program attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines, and many are drawn to Thanatology due to personal experiences of grief and loss. For alumna Julie Maltby, BA’21, Thanatology came to her at a pivotal moment. “In my third year, my sister Laurie died in a tragic accident,” she recalls. “An academic advisor told me about the Thanatology program SPRING 2026
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KING’S CONNECTOR
King’s Connector brought together alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends for an evening of conversation and community in downtown Toronto. Throughout the evening, one message resonated deeply: the King’s community extends well beyond graduation through the relationships, memories, and shared sense of belonging that unite our community. A special thank you to our honorary hosts (pictured above L-R) Jamie Algate, BA’00, Katie Algate, BA’03, and Tim Algate, BA’99, whose family legacy at King’s beautifully reflected the spirit of the evening and the lasting bonds formed through the King’s experience.
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We are grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening so memorable. VENUE SPONSOR
REGISTRATION SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
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THE KING’S PUB When Joel Richer, BA’11, thinks back to his time at King’s, it’s not just the classes he remembers; it’s the feeling. “King’s has a personal feeling,” he says. “For me, it was a place where I had meaningful conversations with professors and built real friendships. Today, that sense of connection has come full circle with Richer returning to campus not as a student, but as an entrepreneur helping to create a new space for community to thrive. At the heart of Richer’s entrepreneurship are two ventures that blend hospitality, events, and purpose. 4EST Brewery, which he co-owns alongside Myles Rombough, BA’17, and others, is built on a simple but powerful idea: business can do more than sell a product. The London-based craft brewery donates four per cent of its profits to reforestation and community greening initiatives, while producing approachable, easy-drinking beers designed to bring people together. Bulles et Bières, French for “Bubbles and Beers,” extends that vision into the events space. The company offers mobile bar experiences for weddings, festivals, corporate gatherings, and community events across Ontario. But for Richer, it’s about more than serving drinks. “It’s a full guest experience,” he explains. “The bar becomes part of the atmosphere. It’s a place where people gather, start conversations, 14
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and feel like something special is happening.”
adds. “It’s about creating something that feels warm, social, and alive.”
That focus on connection is what inspired one of Richer’s latest ventures: The King’s Pub.
Following the success of the pilot, the pub will return in the fall, with new opportunities to collaborate with student clubs, alumni, employees, and the broader King’s community.
“The idea came from seeing something that felt missing,” Richer says. “A casual and welcoming gathering space that brings students, employees and alumni together for connection, conversation and community.”
Launched as a pilot in January 2026, the pop-up pub transformed a lounge in Wemple Hall into a warm, welcoming social hub. The space quickly proved its value, drawing strong student interest and also bringing alumni back to campus. More than a place to grab a drink, the pub was designed to foster a sense of belonging. “It’s not about nightlife in the traditional sense,” he
Looking ahead, Richer sees even greater potential not just at King’s, but across London. “There are so many talented people here,” he says. “I want to help build a more connected, collaborative business ecosystem where people support each other and feel like they can build something meaningful.” For current students, he offers this advice: don’t wait for the perfect plan. “You don’t need to have everything figured out before you take action,” he says. “Build relationships, stay curious, and say yes to opportunities. The clarity comes after you begin.” It’s a lesson shaped, in part, by his own time at King’s and one he’s now helping a new generation experience, one connection at a time.
KING’S HOMECOMING 2026
SEPTEMBER 25-26
FRIDAY, SEPT 25
SATURDAY, SEPT 26
100 Kellogg Lane, London
Breakfast with the President
Doors Open: 5:30 pm Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection and King’s pride at one of London’s most vibrant venues. Reconnect with classmates and fellow alumni while enjoying a welcome cocktail or mocktail, a lively reception, and buffet-style dinner. Throughout the evening, we will honour this year’s Alumni Award recipients and celebrate reunion-year graduates with a special Crowning Moments Pin Ceremony. Graduates from the Classes of 2024–2026 are eligible for special pricing, and early bird rates will be available for a limited time. After dinner, continue the festivities by exploring the restaurants, bars, and attractions throughout 100 Kellogg Lane. Guests travelling from out of town can also take advantage of the King’s room block at the onsite Hard Rock Hotel.
Return to campus Saturday morning for a casual breakfast gathering with President Robert Ventresca, faculty, and fellow alumni in the new King’s Pub. Enjoy light refreshments, campus tours, and the opportunity to see exciting updates taking place across campus.
Western Mustangs Football Cheer on the Western Mustangs at Alumni Stadium from the King’s section in the stands.
Social Justice and Peace Studies Reunion SJPS alumni will reconnect with former classmates and faculty during a special afternoon reunion event in the King’s Pub.
If your grad year ends in 1 or 6, you’re celebrating a milestone reunion year. We’d love to help you reconnect with classmates and plan a memorable gathering. Contact Alumni & Development at alumni@kings.uwo.ca to get started. For event details, ticket information, and registration, visit: kings.uwo.ca/homecoming.
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EQUITY PATHWAY OPENING DOORS, UNLOCKING POTENTIAL For Robert, the path to King’s began thousands of kilometres away. His family fled Rwanda as refugees, first finding safety in Uganda before eventually settling in Canada. Along the way, he learned firsthand how opportunity can change the course of a life. With his Finance and Sociology at King’s, Robert dreams of a future in wealth management and of one day opening a school in Uganda so that other young people can access opportunities through education. For Indra, the journey to university looked different, but the obstacles were just as real. Raised in a singleparent household, she worked from the age of 15 while relying on food banks and social supports to help make ends meet. Today, she is pursuing a Master of Social Work so she can give back and help others facing similar struggles. Stories like Robert’s and Indra’s are increasingly common on university campuses across Canada. 16
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With your support, Equity Pathway will ensure that students with talent, curiosity, and ambition are not held back by circumstances beyond their control.
Behind every student walking into a classroom is a story often shaped by sacrifice, resilience, and determination. Yet for many talented students, the barriers to higher education remain significant, whether financial pressures, systemic inequities, disability-related challenges, or a lack of community support and guidance. In response to this challenge, King’s has launched a new initiative called Equity Pathway, designed to support students from equity-denied groups, including Indigenous students, refugees, immigrants, people of colour, students from low-income families, and students with disabilities. This thoughtful and comprehensive model combines entrance awards with wraparound supports, including mentorship, work experience, skill development and holistic support. The need for initiatives like the Equity Pathway is evident across campus, with many students balancing academics with financial stress, work responsibilities, or the realities of living with a disability. Yet despite these challenges, they continue to pursue their education with remarkable perseverance and hope.
64%
OF STUDENTS WORRY ABOUT PAYING FOR TUITION, RENT AND GROCERIES
700+
STUDENTS MANAGE THEIR STUDIES ALONGSIDE THE ADDITIONAL CHALLENGES OF A DISABILITY
A CENTURY OF VISION
In September 1926, people gathered in north London for the opening of the new St. Peter’s Seminary building, perched on a hill overlooking what was then open land on the city’s edge. The striking collegiate Gothic structure represented more than a
philosophy through affiliations with Western University and other institutions, helping to establish academic relationships that would prove foundational. Over time, Church leaders recognized a growing need for a Catholic liberal arts college for lay students in London. In the early 1950s, discussions began about creating a new college adjacent to St. Peter’s Seminary that would offer a liberal arts education rooted in Christian values to both Catholic and non-Catholic students.
new home for theological education. It reflected the expansive vision of Bishop Michael Francis Fallon, who believed deeply in the power of education, leadership formation, and service to society. Bishop Fallon imagined St. Peter’s as part of a broader educational landscape that connected faith, intellectual life, and community leadership. At a time when access to higher education remained limited for many, he championed opportunities for learning across the Diocese. The Seminary quickly became more than a place for priestly formation. Seminarians studied arts and
Under the leadership of Bishop John C. Cody and Monsignor Lester Wemple, plans moved forward quickly. Construction of what would become Christ the King College began in 1954 on land donated by St. Peter’s Seminary. From the beginning, the connection between the Seminary and King’s was both practical and philosophical. Faculty moved between the institutions, seminarians attended classes nearby, and both colleges shared a belief in educating the whole person. As St. Peter’s Seminary celebrates 100 years of its historic building, its legacy can still be seen across the King’s campus today. What began
as a bold vision for education on a hill in north London helped create institutions that continue to shape generations of students, preparing them to lead and serve in an everchanging world.
Diocese of London welcomes new Bishop In April 2026, Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Daniel J. Miehm as the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of London, succeeding Bishop Ronald P. Fabbro, C.S.B. The appointment marks both a new chapter for the Diocese and an opportunity to reflect with gratitude on Bishop Fabbro’s 24 years of faithful leadership. Throughout his episcopacy, Bishop Fabbro was a strong supporter of Catholic education and formation in the region. Bishop Miehm brings extensive pastoral, educational, and diocesan experience to his new role, having most recently served as Bishop of Peterborough. As he begins his ministry in southwestern Ontario, the King’s community joins the Diocese in welcoming him and offering prayers for his leadership in the years ahead. SPRING 2026
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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. Eric Plesman, BACS’97, HBA’99, was named President and CEO of Oxford Properties Group (Oxford), the global real estate investor, developer and manager owned by OMERS. Eric is a highly accomplished and respected global real estate executive with deep familiarity with both Oxford and the Canadian pension fund landscape.
Fr. Michael Smith, BA’80, is Vicar General of the Diocese of Pembroke and parish priest of Fort-Coulonge, Waltham, Vinton, and Otter Lake, in Quebec.
Marilyn Deery, BA’03, MTS’10, and Paddy Deery celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on August 9, 2025. Stephanie Campbell, BA’16, MSW’22, has established a career at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).
Francine Yolkowskie, BA’87, BEd’90, retired from a 36-year career as a teacher and school principal in 2020 and now serves her community as a firefighter. She also volunteers with several organizations. Time with her husband, children, grandchildren and border collie makes retirement especially fulfilling. Cate Murray, BA’96, President and CEO of the Stem Cell Network, received the 2026 Life Sciences Ontario Community Impact Award. Cate is an experienced not-for-profit executive with a background in government relations, public policy and communications. Alexandre Kluge, BA’97, was named to Royal LePage’s Chairman’s Club, ranked in the top 1% of Royal LePage agents across Canada.
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Kymberly Briggs, BA’05, MPEd’19, EdD’24, opened CallBox and Co, a company that supports first responder mental health across the province.
Stephanie Bangarth, BA’95, published Revisiting Human Rights in Canadian History, which came out at a conference she organized and hosted at King’s.
Sandra Kostrubiec, BMOS’11, was named one of London’s 20 Under 40 Class of 2026. A Portfolio Manager, Sandra is the only female advisor at TD Wealth in London holding a CFA designation. She is recognized for blending disciplined investment management with highly personalized financial coaching. Photo by Reid Lucier
Jacqueline Angus, BA’18, is engaged and has a two-year-old daughter.
Nour Habliza, BA’22, is attending law school.
Sarah Dennerley, BA’20, welcomed a beautiful baby girl named Aria on September 28, 2025.
Nirali Vithlani, BMOS’20, will graduate with a master of business administration in June 2026.
Sarina LeBlanc, BA’22, is getting married to Trevor on July 31, 2026.
Robert Bierbaum, BMOS’18, was named one of London’s 20 Under 40 Class of 2026. As Chief Executive Officer of Old Oak Properties, Robert represented the third generation guiding the familyowned company’s legacy of excellence in residential living and community building. He is recognized for steering transformative projects, such as the landmark Legacy Village Development, while championing philanthropy, partnerships and purposeful city-building that continues to shape London.
Kimberly Perry, BA’99, BA’23, will graduate from King’s in June 2026 with a bachelor of social work.
Heather Marshall, BA’10, released her third novel, Liberty Street, in February 2026. Inspired by true events and the real-life women’s prison that was the first of its kind in Canada, the novel is set in Toronto, Ontario.
Photo by Reid Lucier
Neisa Long, BA’22, MA’25, earned her master of arts in public history from Western University in 2025. Stephanie Hubbard, BSW’19, earned her master of social work from Waterloo University in 2021. She is a Social Worker and Play Therapist, and is working towards a play therapy certification through the Canadian Association for Play Therapy (CAPT). In 2025, she got engaged and bought a home.
Peter Markvoort, HBA’08, MPA’10, MSW’24, was named one of London’s 20 Under 40 Class of 2026. He is Owner, Lead Clinician and Indigenous Social Worker at Peter Markvoort Therapy where he integrates land-based traditional healing with therapeutic practice. Trained in Indigenous wellness by Blackfoot, Cree, Anishinaabe, and Mi’kmaq knowledge keepers, he works exclusively with Indigenous clients, many of whom have been directly impacted by colonization, the child welfare system, addiction, homelessness and involvement with the justice system. Photo by Reid Lucier Ahmed El-khatib, BA’16, and Elif Beyatli, BA’20, were married on April 29, 2023, in London. Ahmed is a Human Resource Manager at Humana Community Services, and Elif is a Secondary School Teacher with Thames Valley District School Board and a Counsellor with Positive Kids Clinic.
IN MEMORIAM We extend our condolences to the family and friends of:
• Walter Chmiel, BA’62, who passed away on October 28, 2025. • John Melady, BA’62, who passed away on November 16, 2025. • Frank Zochodne, BA’74, MA’76, BEd’77, who passed away on January 5, 2026. • James Snyder, BSW’76, who passed away on February 8, 2026. • Laura (King) Gill, BA’97, who passed away on November 6, 2025. • Colleen (Feehely) Butler, BA’98, who passed away on February 2, 2026. • Noah Marziali, Student, who passed away on October 8, 2025. • Hunter Brown, Professor Emeritus, who passed away on November 7, 2025. SPRING 2026
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