Valerie Story Vic 7T0: Heritage Society Member and Vic Volunteer Extraordinaire!

Valerie Story Vic 7T0: Heritage Society Member and Vic Volunteer Extraordinaire!

By Sharon Gregory

In the fall of 1966, Valerie Story enrolled at Victoria College because she was drawn to the English Language and Literature program, had heard good things about Vic and liked the look of the place. From this rather modest beginning, her relationship with Victoria University has broadened and deepened over the ensuing five decades.

Valerie loved the program and the small class sizes and cherished the lifelong bonds formed with many of her Vic 7T0 classmates. She counted herself fortunate to have taken two courses—one in her first year and the other in her fourth—taught by Northrop Frye Vic 3T3, Emm 3T6. She graduated with a deep appreciation for the education she had received at Victoria. “I was unsure where life would lead me, but I hoped that some day I would be part of the Vic community again. Thirty years later, when I was in a position to give back, I decided to volunteer at Vic,” recalls Valerie.

And volunteer she did: 10 years on the Alumni of Victoria College (including three years as its president); eight years on the Board of Regents; as well as terms on Victoria University’s Senate, the Emmanuel College Advisory Committee and representing Victoria College on U of T’s College of Electors. Valerie also masterfully chaired the committee charged with planning Victoria University’s 175th Anniversary celebration held in 2011. In recent years, she has answered the call to serve on academic and administrative search committees, as well as the selection committee for the Victoria College Distinguished Alumni Award.

Over the years, Valerie says, she has witnessed the collaboration among the University’s leadership that has resulted in “remarkable initiatives that put students first such as Vic One, Vic Ready, Scholars-inResidence and the new Opportunity Awards program.” Her volunteerism has only deepened her commitment to support the University. “I have donated to Vic since I graduated and a few years ago established a scholarship,” explains Valerie.

“I know that there will be many more exciting initiatives in the future that will need funding. For that reason, I have included a bequest in my Will to Victoria University.”

No doubt Valerie’s extraordinary dedication will be her lasting legacy at Victoria.