A Message of Thanks
Upper Canada College has been at the forefront of boys’ education for almost 200 years, in no small part thanks to our generous community. From our early years at Russell Square to our 1891 move to Deer Park, our campus has grown and evolved in response to the educational demands of the day, preparing students to lead lives of impact. And at every critical juncture, Old Boys, parents, faculty, staff and friends of the College have answered the call to support our school. We are profoundly grateful.
This past year, our community has shown us incredible support. Donors and volunteers are our partners in helping us to create the best spaces for teaching, learning, collaboration and wellbeing, along with an incredible range of co-curriculars that reflect the diverse interests of our students, and financial assistance that aspires to ensure every student has access to the complete academic and co-curricular experience.
In this report, you’ll find stories of impact and generosity from the 2024–25 academic year, alongside archival material that captures the legacy of philanthropy that has helped UCC remain a leader in independent-school education. Your gifts are helping to educate the next generation of leaders and innovators, and we thank you for all that you do.
With gratitude,
Sam McKinney Principal
Blake Hutcheson ’80 Chair, Board of Governors
Ken Tanenbaum and Julie Tanenbaum-Albert
Solving RealWorld Problems
UCC’s new IB Diploma Programme Systems
Transformation Graduation Pathway challenges students to engage with pressing issues and design impactful solutions
Fall 2025 marked the launch of the new IB Diploma Programme Systems Transformation Graduation Pathway. UCC is one of only four schools worldwide to offer this new course. Thanks to visionary donor support from the Brian and Joannah Lawson Family Foundation, Justin Madhany and Robert D’Andrea, the Larry and Judy Tanenbaum Family Foundation and the Wright Foundation, it has developed into something unquestionably unique to UCC.
Developed at the College by a multidisciplinary group of educators working closely with the IB, the course embeds systems and design thinking into learning that confronts real social, political and environmental challenges. A nine-member advisory committee of industry leaders and subject experts helped guide the program’s development. Many were inspired to donate before its official launch, thanks to the promise that they saw in its early stages.
When Julie Tanenbaum-Albert, parent of Benjy ’19 and president of lead donor the Larry and Judy Tanenbaum Family Foundation, first learned about the course, she saw potential in expanding its teachings across all ages and stages. She worked with UCC’s leadership to establish the Tanenbaum Inspire Fund and the Tanenbaum Director of Partnerships and Social Impact role, designed to integrate systems thinking, design thinking, and technology skills across the curriculum in age-appropriate ways.
School students in 1958
“I’m honoured to join the College as the inaugural Tanenbaum Director of Partnerships and Social Impact, helping to reimagine K–12 education. By connecting the classroom to the real world, we’ll inspire students to become empathetic changemakers. I’m grateful for visionary philanthropists like the Tanenbaums, who are our partners in this journey.”
Tanenbaum-Albert says, “We’re thrilled to partner with UCC on this initiative, one that will provide students with a practical, emotional and social education. At every year level, these future leaders will be challenged to think about community issues, helping to build engagement, foster social conscience, and tap into their creativity.”
Justin Madhany and Robert D’Andrea, founding partners of the Prodigy Group, were early supporters. Madhany, parent of Julien from the Class of 2030, believes that “students who complete this course will undoubtedly arrive better prepared for postsecondary opportunities, having gained the knowledge and understanding of complex universal issues — all before leaving high school.”
Fellow supporter, advisory committee member and parent of Tristan ’17 and Alexander ’19 Joannah Lawson adds that this course offers “a unique opportunity to innovate and pursue solutions to real-world problems that can make a meaningful impact on our world. It allows students to move beyond theoretical knowledge to practical application, which motivates and empowers them to believe they can create positive change.”
These donors exemplify the transformational power of philanthropy — bringing this innovative new program to our students and helping them develop the skills necessary to confront global challenges.
JONATHAN KWAN ’96 Tanenbaum Director of Partnerships and Social Impact
Tristan ’17, Joannah, Brian ’78, Alexander ’19 and Gillian Lawson
“We are thrilled to be involved as supporters of the new Systems Transformation Pathway. This program represents the kind of curriculum innovation that will keep UCC on the leading edge and prepare students to be future Canadian leaders in the rapidly changing global economy.”
SUSAN AND ANDREW ’81 WRIGHT
Robert D’Andrea and Justin Madhany
Unlocking Potential
Donors ensure the spirit and values of their parents live on by making a UCC education possible for deserving students
Martha Wilder
UCC’s financial assistance (FA) program leads the way among Canadian independent schools, with $6.6 million awarded to deserving students this academic year. In recent years, the College has seen an increased need for financial assistance, and thanks to community support, we’ve been able to respond to the demand.
Belief in financial assistance has a long history at UCC. The first recorded scholarships were established under Principal George Parkin in 1901, and FA continued to grow under his guidance. His vision was to bring boys of promise, regardless of financial circumstance, to study at UCC. But it was UCC’s groundbreaking Think Ahead Campaign, completed in 2015, that established our sector-leading program. The enthusiastic support of Old Boys, parents and friends of the College enabled us to increase the percentage of students receiving needs-based financial assistance from six per cent to 20 per cent.
In 2024–25, four donors with long-standing personal ties to the College chose to establish or increase their contributions to endowed funds in support of FA in their parents’ names.
Martha Wilder, daughter of Bill Wilder ’40, recently created the Bill ’40 and Billie Wilder Memorial Scholarship Fund in honour of her parents. Bill and Billie had a significant impact on UCC during their lifetimes — the William P. Wilder ’40 Arena & Sports Complex and the Prep’s Wilder Library are named in honour of their incredible philanthropic commitments. Martha shares their generous philosophy, saying, “My parents left a wonderful legacy of philanthropy for me to follow.”
Bill Wilder ’40
Billie and Bill ’40 Wilder
While both her parents lent their support to UCC, her father’s journey from student to Old Boy, volunteer and donor was a particularly remarkable one. “Given my dad’s strong relationship to the school,” Martha says, “I believe he would have appreciated the idea of offering exceptional educational opportunities to deserving young people.”
Guy Coltman ’87 says he chose to establish the Margaret Coltman (1987) Fund in honour of his mother, “who enrolled me at UCC and pushed me to succeed at school and afterwards.” His time at UCC was foundational: “As a boarder,” he says, “UCC was more than a school — it was my home, where my ambition, drive and academic ability flourished. I’ve created this scholarship fund in my mother’s name so that other boys will have the benefits of a UCC education.”
Duncan and Joyce Phillips
Richard Phillips ʼ85
Richard Phillips ’85 established a scholarship fund in honour of his parents, Duncan and Joyce Phillips, in 2009 and increased his support for financial assistance this year. He says, “Naming a fund for financial assistance after my parents felt natural. They’ve always believed in supporting educational opportunities for those who deserve them, and they’ve been a tremendous inspiration to me.”
Family legacy often plays a role in establishing a scholarship fund. When siblings Peter ’82, Timothy ’88 and Sheila Wilson wanted to make a gift in honour of their father’s 75th birthday, they created the
George Arthur Wilson ’56 Scholarship Fund. Of the scholarship, Peter says, “The recipients all share some characteristics of our dad — they’re active in both sports and theatre, have strong academic records and are leaders across the school. My siblings and I all contributed, and over time, the fund has grown. The next time the fund is awarded, it will cover the recipient’s full tuition. The whole family is proud of what we’ve done.”
We’re incredibly grateful to these donors for choosing to honour their family members in this way, and for strengthening the support that UCC is able to offer students.
“UCC is still very much part of who I am. It was my mother who enrolled me at UCC and pushed me to succeed at school and afterwards.”
GUY COLTMAN ’87
George Wilson ’56
Timothy ’88, Peter ’82, Sheila and George ’56 Wilson
Collaboration and Discovery
The Prep’s upcoming Math and Science Learning Community creates a dynamic hub for students to pursue interdisciplinary learning
Bin Wang, Cola Xia, Kinmon Low, Jin Dai, Sisi Liu and Michelle Swiatek in the Math and Science Learning Community
When the Prep’s Math and Science Learning Community opens later this year, there will be considerable enthusiasm among Prep parents, teachers and students. “UCC surveyed 132 Year 7 students,” says Riyaz Ismail, mathematics department head at the Prep, “and 84 per cent of them said they either ‘like’ or ‘really like’ math and they’re eager to do more.” This flexible and interdisciplinary space is designed to support diverse pedagogical approaches and accommodate different learning styles. “We know based on research that kids learn better in math when they’re working on standing white boards, when they’re working in randomly assigned groups, and this space will support that and more,” Ismail says.
Kerry Dupuis, the Prep’s science department head, shares Ismail’s excitement. “This is my twenty-fifth year at the Prep, and this is the most significant transformation we’ve had in the science department.”
Head of the Prep Sarah Fleming emphasizes that the entire design is based on principles of collaboration and student-centred learning, and that both students and teachers will benefit from the interdisciplinary work between math and science.
Fleming adds, “UCC has invested time and resources into getting this right. It was really exciting to work on a project in which we were almost always able to say ‘yes’ to design choices if they supported best practices in teaching and learning.” Donor support helped make that possible, and Fleming observed that the families who came together to support this space shared the College’s enthusiasm for teaching math and science.
She was particularly moved by donors’ commitment to ensure that all students benefit from the space. “Some of these families are parents of older kids who are moving to the Upper School soon, which shows you they believe in the value of this space for all students, not just their kids.”
A Shared Vision:
Lead supporters of the Math and Science Learning Community on why they give
COLA XIA AND BIN WANG
Parents of Winston, Class of 2033
“The Math and Science Learning Community will create more opportunities for students to explore, innovate and think critically. We believe it will benefit not only today’s students but also future generations, and we are proud to support UCC in leading such an important change.”
JIN DAI AND KINMON LOW
Parents of James, Class of 2035
“The curiosity, problem-solving, discovery and collaboration skills will set the foundation for the next generation of scientists, data-driven leaders and engineers who will shape the future. This facility will be a place for students to ignite sparks that can grow into lifelong passions in these critical fields.”
SISI LIU AND HONGKE ZHENG
Parents of Jayden, Class of 2038 and Jacob, Class of 2029
“We chose to support the Math and Science Learning Community because it helps boys develop the tools to solve real-world problems, and we are grateful to give back so that all students can benefit.”
REBECCA ZHAO AND DONG JIANG
Parents of Jayden, Class of 2034
“At the end of the day, AI runs on data and logic, and math and science are the languages of both. This space gives students the freedom to explore and experiment, and that’s why we chose to support it.”
MICHELLE SWIATEK
Parent of Max, Class of 2035
“Math and science are the bedrock of my family’s business, and we would like to share that enthusiasm and give students the chance to explore these subjects more deeply. I see this donation as an opportunity to show my children the importance of giving back and being involved in their school and broader community.”
GUOBIN XU & SHIRLEY GUAN
Parents of Weijie, Class of 2031
“We are proud to support UCC’s teachers, and believe that faculty collaboration is important to keep our students learning in new and innovative ways.”
Game Changers
A state-of-the-art scoreboard and renovated varsity locker room give the UCC Blues a tangible boost, thanks to Edward ’88 and Suzanne Rogers
For Edward ’88 and Suzanne Rogers, athletics are a core part of the UCC experience. Sons Edward ’24 and Jack ’25 were both strong athletes throughout their time at the College, and Edward and Suzanne saw the positive influence of team sports early on.
“Playing sports helped build their discipline and confidence as young men,” Edward ’88 says. While both boys came to love football and rugby, the team had outgrown the locker room and the aging scoreboard needed to be replaced. Edward and Suzanne saw an opportunity to make an immediate impact.
“We needed a digital scoreboard that was easy to read and supported all sports that take place on the field,” says Dave Brown, director of athletics at the Upper School. The Rogers Family Scoreboard was unveiled alongside the revitalized Rogers Family Football and Rugby Team Complex — a significant modernization of the varsity locker room that enables stronger team-building, strategizing and organization.
The new locker room has already made a mark on the football season, from a revamped equipment room that allows for better storage and organization to separate areas for offense and defense that help
coaches develop strategy mid-game. But one of the most significant changes, Brown says, is the way the team conducts itself in the space: “The players have been incredible at taking care of it. They know they’ve been given a privilege that not too many people in the world get — that kind of place to call their clubhouse, their locker room, and it’s been nice to see that level of ownership.”
The sense of pride is mutual for Edward. As a thirdgeneration Old Boy and parent of two alumni, he cites UCC’s “lifelong positive impact” on each generation. “The College is home for us,” he says. “We hope the impact of our gift and the great work the school does will continue to benefit future generations.”
Edward ’24, Edward ’88 and Jack ’25 Rogers
“I felt like my skills were unlocked in the classroom and beyond.”
The Long View
Adam
Freedman ’02
on leaving a legacy gift for future students
When Adam Freedman ’02 arrived at UCC in Year 7, he was determined to make the most of the opportunities available to him at the College. In his five years as a UCC student, he embraced everything the school had to offer. “I felt like my skills were unlocked in the classroom and beyond, just by having incisive teachers and access to elite facilities.”
Reflecting on a series of “amazing” teachers who challenged him to think both critically and creatively, he wants to ensure that the same experience he had is available to future students. “When I started, I knew I’d been given an opportunity to dive in and succeed,” he says. “I saw how hard my parents worked to send me, and how proud my grandparents who survived the Holocaust were to see their grandson wear the UCC uniform — even though my pants were always covered in paint and my tie was always too crooked to pass inspection.”
Freedman has chosen to leave a legacy gift too as a way of continuing to give back to the College. “Like most things in life, you get out what you put in. I put a lot into my time here and, as a result, I got a lot out of it — including life-long friendships that I cherish to this day.”
Dave Shaw, former math teacher, says “even as a student, Adam’s curiosity, thoughtfulness and cheerful personality stood out.” Now the director of UCC’s legacy giving program, Shaw views gifts like Freedman’s as game changers. “Seeing Adam make a planned gift through his estate to the school is both inspiring and deeply meaningful. Legacy gifts from young Old Boys are truly transformative — they strengthen UCC’s financial foundation and give us the confidence to pursue our long-term vision. What moves me most is Adam’s commitment to ensuring that future generations of UCC students will have the same opportunities he did.”
For Freedman, making a UCC education available to future students is a worthy investment. “If I can play a small part in that through legacy giving,” he says, “it’s my pleasure to do so.”
Everyday Possibilities
Last year, annual donations to the UCC Fund contributed $1,526,212 to priorities across UCC
Every year, gifts to the UCC Fund support our academic and co-curricular programs, helping students access innovative and engaging learning opportunities. The UCC Fund helps create a vibrant and dynamic learning environment in which students thrive, both academically and personally.
On these pages, youʼll read highlights from programs that received support from the UCC Fund. Donor support helped make these programs possible, proving that gifts of any size provide transformational learning experiences.
World Affairs Conference
This year was the 42nd annual World Affairs Conference, the largest student-run conference in North America. Attended by more than 2,000 high school students throughout the GTA, this year’s highlights included keynote speakers Bill Weir, CNN’s chief climate correspondent, Keith Pelley, CEO of MSLE, and Dr. James Orbinski, former president of Doctors Without Borders and renowned physician, humanitarian and global health advocate.
Support from our donors makes this annual conference an incredible success year after year.
“Our son has received a great deal from his UCC education. His personal values developed at the College are so strong. We’ve watched him grow and mature, and the school has played an instrumental role in his development. This is our way of saying “thank you.”
JESSIE WANG
Donor, World Affairs Conference and parent of Bob Liu, Class of 2025
WAC Sprint
Thanks to support from Jonathan Lister ’09, UCC hosted the inaugural WAC Sprint in February. Students from UCC, Branksome Hall, Crescent, Northern Secondary School and more took part in this entrepreneurship competition. Each team submitted a business plan, with a select few allowed to pitch their idea to a panel of judges made up of Old Boys and parents. The winning teams received seed funding for their proposals.
In November, this event took place under a new name — Start Tank.
“Satstreet believes it’s never too early to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. By giving students the opportunity to pitch their business ideas, think creatively, and tackle realworld challenges, we hope to spark the kind of innovative mindset that will serve them well in any future path they take.”
JONATHAN LISTER ’09
President and Co-Founder of Satstreet, which supported the WAC Sprint
Robotics
The robotics team at UCC participated in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) — a competition in which students design, build and program a robot. In 2024, the team achieved a second-place finish in the competition.
“It is a great honour to be part of the UCC community and to contribute as individuals. The robotics club offers so many opportunities for boys to explore engineering, coding and design, connecting them to the future world of technology — especially with the rapid development of AI.”
MICHELLE XIE
Robotics supporter and parent of Yiming Liu, Class of 2029
Math
For the second consecutive year, Upper School students travelled to Boston to participate in the Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament (HMMT), one of the largest and most prestigious highschool competitions in the world. Donor support helped recruit specialized coaches to help train these promising “mathletes.”
“Generous gifts to math have expanded the department’s capacity to offer enriched experiences, enabling access to prestigious contests like HMMT and creating new avenues for students to challenge themselves at an international level. It also helps us to hire specialists who can provide one-on-one support, adding a valuable human touch to math help for all learners.”
BINA EVANS
Faculty Chair,
Mathematics
Rowing
Michael Carmichael ’97 spearheaded fundraising efforts to buy an 8+ boat for UCC’s rowing program in honour of Jon Beare ’92, who passed away in 2023. Sixteen friends and family members, along with Jon’s fellow UCC rowers, joined together to purchase the boat in his memory. Jon competed for Canada in three Olympic Games, winning a bronze medal in Beijing.
“UCC rowingʼs new Hudson Eight is named in honour of Olympic medallist Jon Beare ’92. The boat made its debut at nationals, with the team finishing in sixth place. It now leads the charge toward UCC’s first Calder Cup. Thanks to all who made this incredible addition possible.”
MANNY
AZARCON
Director, Rowing and Community Programs
1829
Upper Canada College is established with an initial enrolment of 57 boys. Classes are temporarily located at the Royal Grammar School at Jarvis and Lombard, until the Russell Square Campus opens in September 1831. Russell Square is bound by King Street West, Adelaide, Simcoe and John.
1887
The Old Boys’ Association, now the UCC Association, is formally established just prior to the move to Deer Park.
1891
The official opening of the Deer Park building takes place on October 4, 1891.
A Tradition of Giving: 197 years of generosity at UCC
From humble beginnings in the Old Grammar School to our 197th academic year at Deer Park, community support and investment have made almost two centuries of tradition, excellence and innovation possible.
1900
With pressure on the school’s facilities growing, Principal George R. Parkin proposes that UCC will better serve students independent of the government. To support this, a $100,000 endowment is established — 50 per cent of which came from the community.
1901
Peacock Building at the Prep is completed.
1893
The first running track is completed.
1902
The Old Boys’ Association issues an appeal for an expendable fund in support of a gymnasium, drill shed, hockey rink and swimming bath.
1932
Extensive renovations to the Upper School and the addition of the boarding houses were supported by the Massey Foundation, the Carnegie Foundation and R.A. and Walter Laidlaw.
1947
The War Memorial Committee begins fundraising for what became the Upper School’s Memorial Wing.
Sketch of the College in 1834 by J. G. Howard
Principal George Parkin
1952
The Prep Building Fund begins a campaign to raise $400,000 for much-needed renovations.
1957
The Howard Building at the Prep opens — a gift from Old Boys, parents and friends of the College, named for faculty member and eventual headmaster Richard B. Howard ’39.
1958
The Emergency Building Fund Campaign launches with a goal of $3 million to rebuild the Upper School.
1960
The new Upper School building opens.
1989 Renaissance XXI Campaign launches, with a goal to raise $14.5 million.
2009
2001
Thanks to a landmark gift from Richard Wernham and Julia West, the Wernham West Centre for Learning opens in 2001.
Our bicentennial will celebrate 200 years of tradition, excellence and innovation and usher in our third century, made possible by the incredible support of our community.
More than $16.5 million is raised from parents and alumni to build the William P. Wilder ’40 Arena & Sports Complex.
2015
UCC’s Think Ahead Campaign wraps, having surpassed its goal of raising $100 million. From the Lang Scholar Program to the growth of our sectorleading financial assistance program, Think Ahead established many of the programs that make UCC a unique place to learn today.
2020
The board of governors approves Plan 200 — a comprehensive set of funding priorities that sets the College up for success in its third century. With that, UCC enters the quiet phase of its next campaign.
2023
2029
The Lindsay Boathouse opens in Toronto’s Outer Harbour.
Students in Laidlaw Hall, 1960
Demolition of the Upper School in 1958
Enduring Impact
The UCC Foundation has been fostering excellence for more than 60 years
Established and incorporated as a registered charity in 1962, the UCC Foundation oversees the College’s $165-million endowment.
Elliot Johnson ’94, president of the UCC Foundation, leads an 11-member board of trustees. Every year, the endowment provides a steady income in support of the College’s mission. Thanks to donor-directed funds, the endowment provided nearly 50 per cent of the $6.6 million awarded in financial assistance this year. Endowed funds also support programs and opportunities that make UCC a unique place to learn and grow, such as the Lang Scholar Program, our boarding program, and academic and co-curricular prizes and activities.
Endowed gifts are a vital source of stable revenue for the College, and it’s largely due to the strength of our endowment that UCC can continue to offer transformational learning experiences to students across the College. An endowed gift continues in perpetuity, and donors and their families will continue to see the impact of their gift for generations to come.
Total Asset Growth compared to Long-Term Benchmark
Assets Under Management ($ millions)
“Our commitment to prudent stewardship and disciplined management has delivered strong results and expanded access to the UCC experience. Guided by our long-term horizon, we’re working hard to position the portfolio to support enduring growth and impact.”
ELLIOT JOHNSON ’94 President, UCC Foundation
Inspired Service
Our dedicated volunteer groups and award winners for 2024–25
VOLUNTEERS
Thank you to our global network of volunteers who help bring the College’s vision, mission and values to life.
GOVERNANCE
Association Council and Committees
Board of Governors
Campaign Cabinet
Honorary Trustees
UCC Foundation Board of Trustees
UCEF Board of Trustees
U.K. Foundation Board of Trustees
OLD BOYS
Branch Presidents and Committees
Class Presidents
Common Ties Advisory Committee and Members
Young Alumni Network
New Grad Success Program Mentors
ADVISORY
IB DP Systems Transformation Pathway Advisory Council
Graduation Pathway Advisory Committee
Lang Scholar Advisory Committee
PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS
Arts Booster Club
Blues Booster Club
Grandparents and Special Friends’ Day Committee
Parents’ Organization
Prep Parents’ Organization
Festive Marketplace and Silent Auction Committee
WeChat Parents’ Group
COMMUNITY
Association Day Committee
Founder’s Day Committee
Lang Scholar Mentors
AWARD RECIPIENTS
The John D. Stevenson Award
Established in 1993, the John D. Stevenson Award recognizes an individual’s outstanding volunteer service to the College over many years. The award is presented annually at Founder’s Dinner.
The 2025 John D. Stevenson Award recipient was Ken Tanenbaum. Ken and his wife, Jennifer, are parents of Jack ’18, Ethan ’20, Dylan ’22 and Maddie. As a UCC parent, Ken served two terms as a member of the Board of Governors and generously donated his time and expertise to several Board committees. He’s also a member of the UCC Campaign Cabinet Executive and was appointed as an honorary trustee of the UCC Foundation in 2013. Ken was a member of the Think Ahead Campaign Cabinet and has given generously to support the College.
Said one nominator:
“Highly intelligent and business-minded combined with elevated strategic perspective and insight, and all informed by deep social consciousness and mission, as well as personal integrity and courtesy. UCC is so very fortunate to continue to have Ken’s attention and contributions in many roles over many years.”
Principal Sam McKinney, Ken Tanenbaum and Association Council Vice-President Ira Nishisato ’87 at Founder's Dinner 2025
John D. Stevenson ’47
Awarded annually in recognition of exceptional service by members of the UCC Association, this honour is named for Harold A.D. Roberts, a member of the Class of 1915, who was known as “Mr. UCC.” Roberts’ record of service lasted more than eight decades, including serving on the Board of Governors for 18 years. A UCC ambassador-atlarge, he helped to place some 2,000 alumni in jobs, a task he began during the Depression.
Michael Carmichael ’97, Mary-Lea Ruscetta, Rodger Wright ’70, Ann Katrusiak and Matthew Casey ’83
Harold A.D. Roberts Circle 2025 Inductees
Harold A.D. Roberts, Class of 1915