STORIES SET IN STONE

By Leslie Shepherd

The pathway between Victoria and Emmanuel Colleges has always been a place of movement — students rushing to class, alumni pausing to remember, visitors admiring the ivy on Old Vic. Now it’s also a place to honour legacies and own a small part of Victoria University.

Alumni Affairs & Advancement has launched Pave Your Way, a campaign inviting alumni and friends to buy hexagonal pavers on the walkway engraved with a name, a memory or a message.

“It’s an opportunity for everyone in the Vic U community to be a part of something very special,” said Louise Yearwood, executive director of AA&A. “The pathway is right in the heart of the campus, with old Vic on one side and Emmanuel on the other, making it a perfect place to honour a member of our Vic U community.”

For Dr. Patricia Wright, buying a paver was an opportunity to honour her late husband, Dr. William Wright Vic 6T1 Emm 6T4, whose mother and grandmother were also Vic grads.

“Through William I came to value the history of Vic and Emmanuel and appreciate the lifelong friendships and professional associations that Vic grads maintain,” Dr. Wright said.

Her husband served for 20 years as the official organist for Victoria University and taught History of Music at Emmanuel for 10 years. Vic U gave him an honorary doctor of divinity degree in 2009 for his work in church music.

“I hope that students will be inspired when they see the many names and years—current and past— of people who have meant so much to Vic,” she said.

Polina Kargapolova Vic 2T2 said that as a first-generation immigrant from Russia, her time at Vic U “truly marked the beginning of my academic and professional journey in Canada.”

Kargapolova, a new member of the alumni association of Victoria College, had her name, degree and graduation year engraved on the stone.

“It was a stepping stone—both literally and symbolically—in building the life I have today. I wanted the paver to reflect that foundation.”

For Bonette Valdez, donations and database coordinator for AA&A, “It was Victoria University itself that inspired me to purchase a paver, as this institution has been like a home to me for more than two decades.”

Her paver bears her name and those of her daughters.

“It’s a quiet yet enduring reminder that we were here, that we belonged, and that our legacy continues through our presence alone,” she said. “I think it’s important for others to take part in the paver campaign because it meaningfully marks your connection to Victoria University while linking you with the students, alumni, faculty, staff, friends and families whose names and stories are set alongside yours in the same path. Every time someone passes by, your presence is acknowledged as part of that collective story, and you, in turn, are linked with theirs.”

For a gift of $1,000, your customized paver will become a permanent part of Vic’s historic landscape. Your message will inspire countless students and alumni as they walk this historic path between Old Vic and Emmanuel College. This visible tribute becomes part of a living legacy, weaving together the stories of all who have called Vic U home—strengthening the enduring connections that span generations. To reserve your paver or learn more visit us online or contact Aimee Esparaz, associate director of philanthropy, at aimee.esparaz@utoronto.ca

Photos: Neil Gaikwad