2023 Gratitude Report

CELEBRATING YOU,

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY

A Message from our Head of School

NJC has had a lot to celebrate in 2023 and so the theme of “Celebrate” is apt for our 2023 NJC Gratitude Report, beginning with our most recent graduates, the Class of 2023, who crossed the stage last June in a celebration at Temple du Bas in Neuchâtel. Our graduates become members of the growing NJC alumni, a family that continues to return to campus for visits each year in celebration of their time at school.

Of course, the NJC Gratitude Report honours so many in our community in addition to our students, recognizing the contributions of alumni, friends, faculty and staff, and volunteers who give so much of themselves to help improve life at the College.

I am pleased to say that in 2023, we have moved our new Neuchâtel Junior College Strategic Plan 2023-2028 from the development phase to implementation and are motivated to achieve our strategic objectives. We also saw the launch of the Leonard Wilde Society recognizing the philanthropic efforts of so many community members helping to create more reasons for students to celebrate.

I wish to thank all of you for your support of NJC through the years and decades. I am heartened by such a caring community that is heavily invested in the school’s success. My conversations with alumni, students, parents, board members, staff members, and friends are thoughtful, fruitful, and enriching. Yet another reason to celebrate life at NJC.

Thank you so much and I hope to see you soon.

Andrew J. Keleher

Kelley

McKinnon P ’18, ’19

Chair, Canadian Advisory Committee (Left)

Bryn McCrossan-Maire ‘92

Présidente, Le Conseil de Fondation (Right)

Sarah Morgenstern ‘85 Chair, Advancement and Alumni Committee

Katie Reese ‘08 Chair, Neuchâtel Junior College Fund

A Message from NJC

Governance Leaders

For almost seven decades, Neuchâtel Junior College has provided the opportunity for over 5,000 students to step outside and experience a truly unique transformational year of learning, personal growth, and new insights into the world.

As members of our governing boards, we are honoured to support this exceptional school. It has allowed us to witness first-hand the vital importance of strong philanthropic support for our school. Some might be surprised to learn that tuition covers only the school’s operating costs; it is our legion of loyal donors — alumni, parents, staff and friends — who power this incredible immersive learning experience.

The impact you have made over the last year is incredible! Thank you to each person listed in this report — it is your generosity that makes all the difference.

The NJC community inspires us with their passion for the school, and willingness to contribute to making our school even better. Together, we can continue to support the development of the next generation of NJC graduates.

Please accept our sincere thanks for all that you do for NJC.

Kelley McKinnon Bryn McCr san-Maire Sarah M genstern Katie Reese

Thank you for your contributions in 2023 totalling: $277,141

CELEBRATING YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS What our donors supported

in 2023:

TUITION BURSARIES

$133,600

Includes: SavMar Award, Jeanneret Scholarship, Leonard Wilde Bursary and General Tuition Bursary Donations

Your donations to NJC are not just a gift, they are investments in the growth and development of NJC students. Your generosity will have a lasting impact on the lives of many, and is greatly appreciated.

57 NEW DONORS GIFTS

190 1975 125

MOST ACTIVE CLASS TOTAL VOLUNTEERS

142

CAMPUS LONGEVITY & IMPROVEMENTS

$50,453

Includes: Campus Improvements, Endowment and General Donations

LEARNING ENHANCEMENTS

$39,864

Includes: Dare to Dream, Dare to Lead Class of 1975 Grant

TRAVEL BURSARIES

$27,876

FUTURE FUND

$25,345

DONORS

CELEBRATING STUDENTS

Leonard T. Wilde Award

Arun

Awarded to the student who best represents the spirit of NJC and reflects the academic and international objectives set down by the College’s founder.

Class of 2023 Award Highlights

Juliana Valedictorian Award

Awarded to the student considered to best represent the ideals of the graduating class.

Governor General’s Academic Medal

Breanna

Awarded annually to the student who graduates with the highest academic average in recognition of outstanding scholastic achievement.

President’s Award

Breanna Arnaud

Awarded to students who have contributed to, and embraced, the school mission at an exceptional level.

Jack Françoise Du Pasquier Award

Awarded to the student who strives to learn the French language and makes great progress, in honour of M Albert DuPasquier.

Principal’s Academic Award

Arun Isaac

Awarded to the student with the highest academic standing in the full-year pre-university program.

Class of 2020 Award

Awarded to three students who demonstrate resilience, camaraderie, and optimism during their academic year.

Cole Madeleine Jonah

CELEBRATING YOUR IMPACT

$133,600

DONATED TO TUITION BURSARIES

Transformation Through Education –Thank You For Bridging the Financial Gap

Donors who support tuition make a real difference in the life and future of NJC students. They are making a lasting impact on their future. These gifts help provide exceptional students with “the best year of their lives.”

“The bursary I received has meant the world to me. I’ve done many great things in my time at NJC; travel across Europe, make lifelong friends and develop a sense of independence. All things I would otherwise not have been able to do without the graciousness and generosity of donors.”

Saba ‘23

“Without this bursary, I would not have had the best year of my life. This experience has been nothing short of life-altering. It instilled in me a profound sense of gratitude for those who believed in my dreams, reminding me that barriers can be overcome.”

Roberta ‘23

“I have nothing but whole-hearted gratitude for all those involved in making my year at NJC the most incredible year of my life. My experience was unique and personal, and the bursary given made the year possible for me. I will be grateful for years to come. Thank you for making another curious young adult’s dreams a reality. My life will forever be changed and fueled by this incredible experience.”

Willa ‘23

“NJC is a school that once you go, it is with you forever. The bursary I received to attend NJC changed the course of my life: I was accepted into my first-choice program and university during my time at NJC. A thousand thank you’s—you have no idea what you have done for me.”

Catherine ‘23

Transformation Through Travel –Thank You for Providing Experiential Travel

NJC presents travel opportunities that foster cultural and personal growth in our students. Students experience new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes, which broadens horizons, builds global citizenship perspective, and independence, and instills responsibility. Thanks to the generosity of our donors supporting our travel bursary fund, every student at NJC can take classroom learning into the world. Here are just a few of the incredible places where learning took place in 2023.

Italy

$27,876

DONATED TO TRAVEL BURSARIES

“NJC gave me unique opportunities not found anywhere else! I was able to see 11 new countries in the span of ten months. One of my most cherished memories was visiting my grandma’s home country, Malta where I saw her childhood home and birthplace. I feel more connected to a special part of my heritage. Without your generosity, experiences as special as this would not have been possible for me.” Juliana ‘23

Jim has a lifetime of memories from his time at NJC. Most of which centre around the friends he made – some of whom he remains close to this day – his travel adventures, and the exuberant founder of our School, Mr. Leonard Wilde himself.

Jim recalls his travels throughout his time at NJC with fondness. World-class skiing in the Swiss Alps is undoubtedly at the top of his list. He enjoyed car trips to France, and spent a portion of the summer travelling through Africa with Mr. Wilde. On this trip, Jim saw many beautiful vistas and had an opportunity to learn more about NJC’s founder.

The experience has stayed with him and remains one of the best years of his life. In honour of his time at NJC and to preserve the memory of our founder, Jim created the Leonard Wilde Bursary. “It is the least I can do for a school and a man that gave so much to me.” Jim chose to have his funds endowed, allowing the school to hold and invest in perpetuity. In the 2024/2025 academic year, this prestigious bursary will be available to a deserving student for the first time.

James Carr ‘62

Greece Geneva

CELEBRATING DONORS

We are honoured to feature a few of our donors carrying on their NJC legacy and supporting our students through their generosity.

It seemed as if it was just yesterday that Elizabeth was at Neuchâtel. She was one of 83 students who started their journey across the ocean on the R.M.S Iverni in 1960. That is when the real adventure began. She fondly remembers flying from London to Geneva, Marrakech over the winter break, Pompeii, and Paris. Delicious jam and the best fries at Mme Desaules, her mother for the year, and all the lifelong friends from across Canada.

It was her parents who instilled the sense of responsibility to support the institutions that have played a pivotal role in her life. Now, Elizabeth gives back to what gave so much to her. “The personal growth and experiences from my time at NJC are things I will always carry with me. It provided me with the opportunity to be more aware of my role as a person and a citizen. If my contributions to the NJC bursary fund can help enrich the lives of other students, and provide the same experiences, I am honoured to give.”

“Neuchâtel is a series of experiences over a year. The travel, culture, and freedom provide an opportunity to blossom and grow. I remember it as one of the best years of my life.”

Sarah sees her year at NJC as a gift from her mother who wanted her to see more of the world beyond the province of Alberta. “Living and learning in a different culture at that age broadens one’s horizons. NJC gave me the freedom to discover and explore that I didn’t have before going. I saw the world differently after my year at Neuchâtel. I had more confidence to try new things.” Sarah then gave that same gift to her three children.

Over four decades later, Sarah remains connected to NJC. Her experience lives on through her annual contributions; she ensures no student is left behind. Travel has given so much to her and her family, and supporting the NJC travel bursary fund means more students can enjoy travel and grow from the experience. “Through living in a different country and travelling, I hope my support empowers students to engage with others and see themselves as citizens of the world.”

Amy gives back for a very simple reason: “NJC was a life changing year that informed so many of my decisions and led me to where I am today. If I can be a part of that for any other student, then I feel I’ve made a difference.”

As she sets to celebrate her 25th anniversary, she fondly looks back at her year. She can still describe the journey up the hill to her pension family’s home, walking past the vineyards and arriving home to the view of Lac Neuchâtel. Or her first independent trip to Venice “the images of the canals, the freedom, and the warm yellows of Venice will always be one of my most vivid memories.”

Amy and her family foundation give back to honour her NJC experience and to ensure future students can have it too.

“My year at NJC was the best year of my life, and it was something I didn’t want to let go of. To me, giving back seemed to be the best way to stay connected, and help other students have a similar experience.”

John is a proud parent to two alumni, Jaime ‘12 and Jennifer ‘16, and a threetime staff member. John believes that NJC is an investment in education that pays off in lifelong dividends. He has witnessed the tremendous impact NJC had had on both his daughters and first hand on the students he worked with as a member of staff.

As a teacher and former school principal, John has always believed in the power of education. He also understands the shortcomings of set budgets. “By supporting the Future Fund, I can provide flexibility to the Head of School for things that are needed but might not fit into the budget. Knowing that I can give, and it allows the school to respond quickly to needs and opportunities, is key to ensuring NJC can meet the unique needs of each class.”

Both of his daughters were fortunate enough to attend NJC with financial assistance. “I feel compelled to give back to the school that gave so much to both my daughters.”

Elizabeth Hamacher ‘61

Sarah MacDonald ‘80

John Phillips

Amy Bourne ‘00

CELEBRATING 2023 $118,000

DONATED

Celebrating Success – 2023 Grad Class Gift

Thanks to the incredible work of our committee, led by Chair Max Thompson ‘88, and members Shanti DeFehr, Trish Del Sorbo ‘90, Honor Ireland, Kelly Maddox, Dan Nussbaum, and Danielle Sinclair ‘88, the Grad Class Campaign raised an incredible $118,000 supporting tuition bursaries, travel bursaries and campus improvements.

To celebrate the Class of 2023 a portion of funds raised were used to purchase two guitars and a foosball table.

Celebrating History –Happy Anniversary to the Foyer

In 2023 we celebrated the Foyer turning 120 years old. In 1960 the first act of the Conseil de Fondation was to buy the Foyer, a villa near the train station. Translated as hearth or home, it became students’ “home away from home.” Open during the week for study only, the Foyer was used on weekends for dances, visiting speakers, chess, and ping-pong tournaments.

Sixty-four years later, the Foyer is still a gathering place for students to enjoy, whether it be to play music, or to use as a quiet place to relax and study. The space remains special to our students and holds special memories for all our alumni.

Celebrating Donors –Leonard Wilde Society Plaque Unveiling

On May 2, 2023, we honoured donors from across the country who have contributed to the growth and development of our school and students through philanthropic support.

To recognize and celebrate this extraordinary group of individuals, The Leonard Wilde Society plaque was unveiled to commemorate donors who have generously supported NJC through a lifetime contribution of $20,000 or more.

This plaque now hangs on the walls of our school as a reminder of those who continue to do the work that Mr. Wilde started all those years ago.

Celebrating Community - Always Neuch! Alumni Gathering

On October 15, 2023, over 100 NJC alumni gathered and took a walk down memory lane. The afternoon brought classmates together, honoured the Class of 2014, 1999, and 1974 with their anniversary pins, and presented the inaugural Neuchâtel Junior College Community Awards.

In recognition of the dedicated service and accomplishments of our community members, Neuchâtel Junior College is honouring members of the school community with three prestigious Community Awards. NJC Young Alumni of Distinction Award (2013 to present) and the Alumni of Distinction Award (before 2013) recognize NJC graduates or individuals who attended NJC and have made an impact on their local community since graduating NJC. They are excellent role models and have made a difference in the lives of others. NJC Distinguished Service Award recognizes a member of the NJC community (does not need to be an alumni) who has contributed outstanding volunteer service to NJC over several years.

Kienan Holash ‘15

Young Alumni of Distinction for 2023

“My year at NJC was perhaps the most formative of my life. Dropped into a new country, in a new continent, with new people, NJC instilled in me a curiosity, sense of adventure, and a sense of belonging that transcended my hometown. The community at NJC, my teachers, the staff, my pension family, and my new lifelong friends allowed me to explore my place in a vibrant world, armed with an openness to new experiences, relationships, and lifelong learning. It was my experience at NJC that lead me to pursue a career in education, shaping my own pedagogy to instil adventure, curiosity of a broader world, service, and belonging, or the Neuch experience, into the learning journey of the youth in my community.”

Linley McLean ‘02 Alumni of Distinction for 2023

“NJC provided me with an opportunity to explore my individuality and connect with others. I made some of my closest friends at NJC, and met my husband there. These relationships have deeply impacted my life and it was because of two of my NJC friends that I ended up living in, and loving, Golden, BC - a community that I call home and that I have worked hard, alongside others, to build towards safety, accessibility, and empowerment for the people living here.”

Max Thompson ‘88 Distinguished Service Award 2023

“In retrospect, my time at NJC provided me an opportunity to focus on important aspects of life in parallel with my traditional education. I learned how to face adversity, manage change and pivot when necessary. NJC also helped fuel my passion for travel and appreciation of different cultures. Upon graduation, I was a more well-rounded and confident person. My time on the CAC and the Fund helped me gain a better understanding of NJC. As the co-chair of the 60th Anniversary and chair of the 2023 Grad Class Gift Campaign, I had the opportunity to connect with the community and share the impact that philanthropy has on our school. It has been an honour to give back to NJC in so many ways.”

CELEBRATING YOUR SUPPORT

NJC is honoured to acknowledge our generous donors whose gifts in 2023 made a considerable difference to our students and School. We are grateful for your continued support of our incredible school. We also thank those who choose to remain anonymous.

$10,000 or more

David Binet ‘76

Amy Bourne ‘00 & The Sherry & Sean Bourne

Family Charitable Foundation

James Carr ‘62

Bill Martin ‘61

Bruce Mitchell ‘64

Dan Nussbaum & Shanti DeFehr

Jennifer & Greg Williams

$5,000 - $9,999

Deborah Babiuk-Gibson & Peter Gibson

Michelle & Adam Bain

William Burnfield & Harry Wiebe

Trish (Schaper) ‘90 & Nick ‘90 Del Sorbo

Elizabeth Evans & Ron Millos

Brian A. Henley ‘75

Susan & Patrick Maloney

Jenifer & Steve McDonald

Helen & Ayaz Ramji

Grant Skelly ‘78

Thompson Family Class of ‘88 & ‘23

Sasha & Gene Woodbridge

$1,000 - $4,999

R. Jamie Anderson ‘72

Marsha ‘64 & Aubrey Baillie

Sarah & Todd Barclay

Berton McKinnon Family

Michelle & Greg Bosey

Dave Conway ‘92

Wendy Cook & Michael Koehle

Jeff Craig ‘78

Nancy Darling ‘75

Rae ‘91 & Shael Dolman

Alan Drake ‘63

Andrew & Janet Durnford

Andrea Flaman & Bruce Dawson-Scully

Caroline & Mark Fletcher

Laurey Gillies ‘75

Barbara Hatch ‘67

Michael Hobart

Dee Iezzi & Cathy Loblaw

Glenn & Hatice Jenkins

Maia Kauffeldt & Steven Terwindt

William & Candace Knowlton

Sarah MacDonald ‘80

Murray ‘65 & Marilyn ‘65 MacKenzie

Bryan McKenzie ‘91

Anya & Bill Mitchell

Robyn & Robert Morris

Lisa Ossowski & Paul Norris

Sarah Pepall ‘70

Liz (English) Racine ‘75

Michael Robins ‘75

Adam & Catherine Turner

Philippa Aird & Rob Vrijmoeth

$500 - $999

Greg Dart ‘85

Michael & Nancy Florian

Gillian Gerhard & Aaron Davis

Nigel Gumley

John Hepburn ‘67

Jennifer (Klinkenberg) MacAulay ‘75

Kelly Maddox & Steve Kuhn

Bill Meade ‘85

Sarah Morgenstern ‘85

Jocelyn (Button) Paul ‘61

Alexandra Peschlow ‘89

James Pratt ‘84

Shannon Pritchard & Paul Greenhow

Katherine Reese ‘08

Donna Scully

Doris & Malcolm Stark

David Tait ‘71

Judy (Lafferty) Thompson ‘75

Janice (Nightingale) Tobin ’75

Friends of NJC UP TO $499

Stephen N. Adams ‘61

Hafiz Ali ‘96

Thomas Arnould ‘75

Davison Balfour ‘66

Christy (Grant) Barber ‘67

Kathleen Bedrosian & Philip Thomson

Ann Blair ‘61

Teri (Zeldin) Brown ‘65

Lembi Buchanan

Kelly & John Campbell

Janis (Campbell) Chodas ‘74

Jessica & William Church

Class of 1973

Mary Dianne Delva ‘71

Robert Diez d’Aux ‘65

Anne Dubas ‘64

David Elliott ‘87

Cindy Farmer ‘71

Judy Forsyth ‘68

Rami Garg & Sameer Kumar

Marie-Christine Godbout & Benoit Russell

John Grant ‘79

Julia Grant ‘72

Charles Greene ‘63

David Gurd ‘58

Erica & Eli Halliwell

Elizabeth Hamacher ‘61

Sharlene & Joseph Harding

Sue (McElhanney) Hunt ‘73

Nancy (Cavanagh) Hushion ‘59

Dayle & Michael Leishman

Sarah MacKay Marton ‘14

Jessica ‘07 & Sohail Mall

Natalia & Robert Maxwell

Elizabeth McCallum ‘70

Leanne McClay & Richard Lancaster

Shannon (Harper) McJannet ‘62

Gloria & James McSherry

Brian Merriam

Peter Mitchelson ‘60

Karen Noble ‘74

Gordon Piercey & Barbara Fairbanks

Bryan Richardson ‘68

Arthur Rosen ‘72

Otto Schuemer ‘93

Suzanne Schurmann

Judith Schwartz ‘61

John Michael Scott-Harston ‘73

Susan Sheen ‘65

Elspeth Sinclair

Leslie Smyth ‘71

Mary Wemp ‘64

Anna Whitley ‘61

Richard Woods ‘72

Jeff Young ‘87

Zima Family

NJC STAFF & FACULTY

Robyne Balanuik

Bonnie Barran

Andrew & Larissa Keleher

John & Laura Phillips

Dorit Tepperman

Terry Reynolds

Megan Watt

GOLF SPONSORS

Caledon Travel Insurance Group

Conway Brothers

Clearly Canadian

Direct Travel

Fallen Oak Furniture

Georgia Hardy Tours

NJC 2021

Ross & McBride LLP

THE LEONARD

WILDE SOCIETY

NJC gratefully recognizes our Leonard Wilde Society donors who have cumulatively contributed $10,000 or more. It is these gifts that play a crucial role in keeping Neuchâtel Junior College at the forefront of experiential education and in shaping the learning and development of all students.

$250,000 or more

David Binet ‘76

McCall MacBain Foundation

$100,000 – $249,999

Daniel Andreae ‘72

Amy Bourne ‘00

Bill Martin ‘61

Warren and Debbie Kimel Family Foundation

$20,000 – $99,999

Berton McKinnon Family

Sherry Bourne

Julie & Stephen Callahan

James Carr ‘62

Duncan Colterjohn ‘12

André Couture

Jeff Craig ‘78

Greg Dart ‘85

Glen Nevis Foundation

Barry & Wendy Gordon

John Grant ‘79

Hugh Hall ‘71

Robb ‘70 & Marie ‘70 Heintzman

Toby & Tom Jenkins

Anthony Lacavera ‘93

Sarah MacDonald ‘80

Murray ‘65 & Marilyn ‘65 MacKenzie

Richard Mills ‘75

Bruce Mitchell ‘64

Peter Mitchelson ‘60

Sally and Bill Morris, Katie ‘10 and Harry ‘12

Dan Nussbaum & Shanti DeFehr

Jane Reucassel

Birgitta Sigfridsson-Harquail & David Harquail

Victoria Steele ‘75

Sherry & Sean Bourne Family Charitable Foundation

Thompson Family Class of ‘88 & ‘23

$10,000 – $19,999

R. Jamie Anderson ‘72

Marsha ‘64 & Aubrey Baillie

Brebner Family

Mary & Christian Bruckschwaiger

Martha Robinson Butterfield ‘59

Susan & John Caskey

Chandisherry Foundation

Bryan Dare ‘64

Alan Drake ‘63

Tracy & John Duffy

Hannah ‘15 & Eve ‘20 Fletcher

Catharine Furrer-Lech ‘73

Gum Products International Inc.

Ruth Hamlin ‘87

D. Jasmine Hartog

Jim & Jennifer Hubbard

Honor & Sam Ireland

Glenn & Hatice Jenkins

Moji & Kirsten Korhani

Karen (Skelly) Lang ‘75

C. Robert Lucas ‘61

Marg MacLean-McCann & David McCann

Ronald Mannix & Carol Bowker

Paula Mascioli ‘75

Gloria & James McSherry

Jane Hebb Paul ‘57

Gordon Piercey & Barbara Fairbanks

Megan & Brian Porter

John & Kimbrough Reucassel

Lisa Rose & Chuck Thompson

Lisa & Bruce Sherk

Katherine ‘72 & Joel Smith

David Tait ‘71

Janice & Boyd Taylor

Marjorie & Scott Taylor

Thompsons Limited

Beth Weingarden ‘80

Jennifer & Greg Williams

Neuchâtel Junior College gratefully acknowledges all donors whose generous and continued commitments demonstrate their support and loyalty to our school. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this report. However, if any errors or omissions have occurred, please accept our apologies, and advise the Advancement Office at advancement@neuchatel.org so that corrections can be made.

CELEBRATING VOLUNTEERS

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers who help ensure that NJC remains a school among the best and most unique in the world. Thank you for your time and expertise in support of our students and school!

A special thank you to the members of Le Conseil de Fondation, our Canadian Advisory Committee and the Neuchâtel Junior College Fund volunteers. Members for 2023 are listed below.

Le Conseil de Fondation

Bryn McCrossan-Maire ‘92, Présidente

Camille Roney, Vice-présidente

Daniel Hirschi-Duckert, Secrétaire

Marc Gaudreault, Membre

Mike Gosselin, Membre

Kelley McKinnon P ‘18, ‘19, Présidente, Comité Canadien, Membre

Andrew Keleher, Directeur

Sandra Gauchat, Comptable

Canadian Advisory Committee

Kelley McKinnon P ‘18, ‘19, Chair

Lindsay Brand ‘05

David Conway ‘92

Barry Gordon P ‘19, ‘21

Michael Hobart P ‘15

Cathy Loblaw P ‘22

Jessica Mall ‘07

Bryn McCrossan-Maire ‘92

Bryan McKenzie ‘91

Sarah Morgenstern ‘85

Katie Reese ‘08

Paul Thomson ’71

Catherine Turner P ‘18, ‘21, ‘24

“Over the years I have had the privilege of meeting incredible alumni, students, and parents. I have befriended many of them, and that in itself is a reward. There are many great volunteers in our community. I am proud to be part of this incredible family and volunteer group”

Max Thompson ‘88 P ‘23 Member, Neuchâtel Junior College Fund Board

The Neuchâtel Junior College Fund Board

Katie Reese ‘08, Chair

Leslie Brophy ‘81

Samantha Kobayashi ‘12

Max Thompson ‘88, P ‘23

“Being a volunteer with NJC helps bring back all those great memories from your time there, and helps grow the school for future generations.”

Sarah Morgenstern ’85 Chair, Advancement and Alumni Committee