Founder's Day / 2021 Speirs Medalist

 SPEIRS MEDALIST VINCENZO GUZZO ’86

Vincenzo Guzzo ’86 was awarded the Speirs Medal, the school’s highest honour during a virtual event held on the evening of Founder’s Day, November 25, 2021.

Vince’s former teacher and mentor, Roger Nincheri, was honoured to introduce Vince to the audience. Vince joined the school in Grade 9 and would do his homework in his father’s office at the family-run movie theatre. He graduated from Selwyn House in 1986 and went on to study business at Western University and law at the Université de Montréal. He joined the family business in 1996. The Cinémas Guzzo chain expanded in the late 1990s and new locations were established.

Vince was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, he was knighted by the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, and he is a member of the Order of Malta. “Mr. Sunshine,” as he is called, joined Season 13 as an investor on the popular CBC television show Dragon’s Den.

Vince has five children, four sons and a daughter: Angelo ’15, Vittorio ’17, Vito ’22, Delano ’26 and Rossella. Vince's wife Maria heads the Guzzo Family Foundation which raises money for a variety of charities.

Over the years, Selwyn House has been one of many beneficiaries of the Guzzo family’s philanthropic spirit. Notable gifts to the school include the Veritas sculpture, the school’s two playgrounds, one of them renamed in his family’s honour, and the re-furbishment of the school bus. During the pandemic, Cinémas Guzzo hosted the Class of 2021 for the presentations of awards and diplomas, allowing for a COVID-safe environment to recognize our graduates and their families.

Passionate about fundraising, Vince has served on several fundraising teams in various capacities. With other volunteers he has helped to raise over 12 million dollars for the school. He is currently Chair of the school’s Fundraising Committee as well as Co-Chair of the Path Forward Campaign. He has also been on the Selwyn House Association Board for many years, contributing his experience and expertise.

‘‘Giving back to our school is giving back to the future of our kids. I give back to Selwyn House because it has influenced me in many ways. It’s influenced me in standing up for myself and in making sure that the bond of loyalty and friendship with my graduating class is still very tight.’’

SHS COMMUNITY HONOURS

Four other members of our community were also honoured on Founder’s Day. Current Parent Laura Osborne1 received the Nancy Pitfield Volunteer Award. Laura became a Selwyn parent in 2018 when her son Andrew joined the school, followed by Henry in 2020. Her husband is Old Boy William Carsley ’89. This annual award comes with a $5,000 gift for the school which Laura directed to the school’s new Department of Student Wellness. Peter Govan2, the late Cindy Morton3, and Richard Wills4 were all named Honorary Old Boys for their outstanding contributions to the school and to the Old Boys’ Association.

Peter Govan has been teaching at Selwyn House since 1972, and celebrates his 50th year of teaching, all at Selwyn House. Cindy Morton was a beloved member of the Advancement Office. She was a welcoming figure at Old Boy events. For just over two decades, Richard Wills has worked behind the scenes to capture the memories of Selwyn House as a writer and as a photojournalist. He published over 21 Veritas magazines.

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