Alumni CONNECTION
Dear friends in Christ,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to this year’s edition of the Alumni Connection Newsletter . As President of the Alumni Association Executive Committee, I am grateful for the privilege to serve the growing community of Wycliffe alumni.
Each year, this newsletter offers a glimpse of how God is at work through the lives of our alumni. Across the church and the world, Wycliffe graduates continue to serve in impactful and powerful ways.
This is also a year of transition for Wycliffe College. We give thanks for the faithful and gracious leadership of Principal Bishop Stephen Andrews, whose reflections appear in this issue. And we look forward to the leadership of incoming Principal Dr. Kristen Deede Johnson, who you will hear from as well. I invite your prayers for both of them as well as for the College during this season of change.
Throughout the year, you are remembered in prayer by the Wycliffe community, especially during Chapel. I encourage you to also pray for one another, that together we may bring the
light of the gospel wherever God has called us.
In the pages that follow, you will also find updates, to reconnect, and ways to deepen your involvement in the Alumni Association. We are stronger together, and your presence and participation are a gift. Every blessing to each of you wherever and however you find yourself ministering and serving in the name of Christ!
May you be encouraged by what you read here.
Aidan + The Rev Aidan Armstrong Alumni Association Executive Committee President
Our Labour is not in Vain
BY THE RT REV. DR STEPHEN ANDREWS
Looking back over the nine years of my tenure here, I am deeply grateful for the support of the College’s alumni through prayer and generosity.
In God’s grace, He has allowed me to see Him at work here in Wycliffe and—through the College—also in His church. That’s been a wonderful reward.
As you know, the daily chapel services are the heart of our community life here. Participating in that integral work of praying together, sitting under the Scriptures together, listening for the revelation of God in His Word, and being together as brothers and sisters in Christ, reminded me again and again that whether students, staff, or faculty, we were here because God called us here.
The College today stands at a turning point. Not just because we await the God-given leadership of our eleventh principal, Dr Kristen Deede Johnson, but because of challenges facing the church and culture.
I realize that many clergy today are discouraged. In mainline denominations, they worry about decline. In some evangelical denominations, they worry about a crisis in leadership.
I want to remind us all that our resilience as Christians depends on the truth that we are ‘hidden with Christ’, and on the daily rhythm of worship that sustains our relationship with Him. We simply must not neglect that aspect of our lives. Yes, ministry is challenging these days, but no ministry has been easy that was ever productive for the kingdom.
I invite you to reflect on the rewards of your own ministry, and then to consider sharing the privileges of serving Christ’s flock with the young people in your sphere of influence to encourage them to
“For despite its trials, serving the church is one of the most rewarding callings a person can embrace, and its yields are both purpose and joy.”
consider prayerfully training for leadership in Christ’s church. For despite its trials, serving the church is one of the most rewarding callings a person can embrace, and its yields are both purpose and joy.
As we persist in journeying with Christ, which is often a path of suffering, we are given to understand the grace of God for us and for the church.
“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58
In humility and gratitude,
The Rt Rev. Dr Stephen Andrews Principal and Helliwell Professor of Biblical Interpretation
All about Alumni
2025 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS
The Archdeacon Harry St. Clair Hilchey Alumni Award for Distinguished Service for 2024-2025 is presented to The Rev. Canon James Robinson who graduated from Wycliffe College with a Master of Divinity in 1986.
The Rev. Canon James Robinson was ordained to the the priesthood in 1987. Since then he has served in parish ministry, and in numerous diocesan and national church bodies, including the Council of General Synod for two three-year terms. He was named Canon of the Diocese of Calgary in 2006. A ministry highlight for James was an opportunity to serve as interim chaplain at Wycliffe for the fall 2014 term. He retired from active ministry on June 1, 2020, and currently serves as Rector Emeritus at St. Augustine’s, Lethbridge.
Throughout the years James has enjoyed singing in parish and community choirs, and performing in community theatre. James is married to Judith, a professional actress and teacher, and their daughter, Rachel, is an editor.
The Alumni Association Honorary Alumnus for 2025 is presented to Dr Terry LeBlanc
Terry has served in full-time vocational ministry with the Native North American community since 1978. Approachable, honest, and deeply respected, he has helped foster a healthier, multicultural church community. Terry pioneered a training initiative that gained respect of seminaries globally and earned full accreditation from the ATS. A notable figure among evangelicals, he serves as a cultural ambassador to the non-Indigenous church, advancing a deeper, more faithful understanding of the gospel across cultural lines.
He has received three fellowships, a Student
of Highest Distinction award, a PhD from Asbury Theological Seminary, and honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees from Acadia University (2015) and Knox College (2019).
ALUMNI BENEFITS
Enjoy the many benefits that come with being a graduate of Wycliffe College:
1. 50% discount on auditing courses at the College. *some exclusions apply
2. Inclusion in the Wycliffe College Cycle of Prayer.
3. Free confidential Estate Planning through our partners at Advisors with Purpose.
4. Regular alumni mailings including Insight magazine and The Alumni Connection
5. Invitations to events, conferences and mentoring opportunities.
6. Private Facebook Group to connect and post your events, updates, and happenings.
7. Access to the Graham Library and theological journal articles through ATLASerials (ATLAS) online collection.
8. Special document delivery service for ordained alumni called TWYCE (Trinity Wycliffe Church Express).
9. University of Toronto Career Resource Library.
10. Option to cohost and attend an informal alumni gathering in your area with visiting Faculty.
Visit www.wycliffecollege.ca/alumni for more details and how to access these benefits.
Alumni News and Happenings
Dr Andrew Barron, W17, (Toronto, ON) wrote a book titled Human Difference: Reflections on a Life in Proximity to Disability. Published by Wipf and Stock in 2024, with an introduction written by the Rev Dr Ephraim Radner, this book serves as an extended meditation on being in proximity to difference and reflects on the nature of human care and hospitality.
Amy Gabriel,W21 (Austin, TX) is the Associate Director of Faculty at Tikvah, a Jewish educational organization, where she is focused on building a K-12 Jewish classical movement. She recently participated in a workshop for religious educators and clergy at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Dr Rebecca G. S. Idestrom, W90, (Toronto, ON) received the 2025 Book of Excellence Award for her book Show Me Your Glory: The Glory of God in the Old Testament from The Foundation for Pentecostal Scholarship. This prestigious award was presented at the Society of Pentecostal Studies annual conference at Northwest University in Kirkland, WA, this past March. A Professor of Old Testament at Tyndale University in Toronto, Rebecca is very grateful to receive this honour and wants to give God the glory! Rebecca has been interviewed on podcasts about Show Me Your Glory
The Venerable Richard Jones, W81 (Woodstock, ON) and his wife Heather recently returned to Canada from an amazing experience with the Compass Rose Society. The society’s purpose is to build and encourage unity within the Anglican worldwide communion by financially supporting the work of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Anglican Consultative Council and mission projects around the world. Members of the Society are also invited to join in Mission/ Pilgrimages to various parts of the communion.
The Rev. Dr Lyndon Jost, W16, W22 (Toronto, ON) has been serving as the first director of the Reformed House of Studies, housed at Wycliffe College. This involves creating and offering new courses, organizing monthly cohort meetings, and running an annual conference. This past conference focused on Church revival. In addition to his work with RHS, Lyndon serves as the Associate Pastor of Christ Church Toronto (PCA).
The Rev. Ron Kwon, W15, (Toronto, ON) and his wife welcomed their first daughter last year! Ron also celebrated five years at Young Nak Korean Presbyterian Church of Toronto serving as Associate Pastor overseeing the English-speaking youth ministry, Delta Young Nak. Additionally, Ron is in his tenth year as an ordained minister with The Korean Presbyterian Church Abroad (KPCA).
The Rev. Orvin Lao, WI7 (Toronto, ON) was appointed Priest-in-Charge at St. John the Baptist, Oak Ridges or “Light on the Hill” of the Diocese of Toronto on November 25, 2024. He and his wife, Sally-Jane welcomed their second child, Cyrus, on December 4, 2023.
The Very Reverend Dr Kyle Norman, W03, (Kamloops, BC) recently moved to Kamloops BC to become the Rector of St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Dean of the Territory of the People. As Dean, one of his main focuses is ministry development within the diocese, and in the wider ecclesiastical province. In the winter of 2024, Norman led a clergy retreat weekend for the Diocese of Yukon. In summer of 2025, he will lead a course at The Sorrento Centre called “The Spirituality of Henri Nouwen: 4 Ways to Live as God’s Beloved.”
In February 2025, Kyle launched his first book, Alive, Loved, & Free: Finding Jesus when Faith is Hard.
The Rev. Canon Dr David Sinclair, W’62, W91 (Montreal, QB) is now retired and living in Montreal. After ministry in the Dioceses of Ontario and Niagara, David retired in 2004 to the Diocese of Montreal where he has served several Intentional Interims, plus one in the Territory of the People (Kamloops BC). Additionally, David is an Honorary Associate of St. Mathias’, Westmount, where he serves as occasion preacher and celebrant.
Jonathan Tysick W23, (Cape Town, South Africa) along with his wife, Rebekah, and their two sons, recently moved from Toronto to Cape Town, South Africa—Rebekah’s homeland—where Jonathan is pursuing a PhD in New Testament at Stellenbosch University and the Free University of Amsterdam. Occasionally, Jonathan also teaches at University of the Nations (Youth With A Mission) Bible schools in Cape Town and abroad. He and Rebekah (who worked at Acacia Cafe at Wycliffe) miss our Toronto community, but are excited to embrace what God has in store for their family in the Southern Hemisphere.
Dr Philip Wood, W88 (Hamilton, ON) is again in Bunia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As he has done every year since retiring in 2012, Philip teaches for three months in Bunia. Despite the ongoing political unrest, life continues for Philip, his students and the staff at school. Philip values your prayers for peace and safety.
Wycliffe College Class of 79 Reunion
Written by the Rev. Canon Brian McVitty, W79
When Paul Scuse and Jim Ferry finally met up in the winter 2024 they realized that it was 45 years since their graduation from Wycliffe in 1979. Meanwhile, Reg Good who had served in Victoria, Ottawa and Jerusalem was now back in Toronto. Together these three decided to initiate a 45th anniversary re-connection.
Using their email lists plus social media they were able to locate more than half of their Wycliffe graduating class.
Reg Good compiled news from these classmates and posted it to his blog. “It was a source of joy to be able to reconnect after 45 years and to give thanks for all that the Lord has done in us and through us over those many years. For those in the Toronto area a few members of the Class of 1979 met for lunch at Red Crest Golf Club. It was a wonderful time of reminiscing about our time at Wycliffe and catching up on all the news since then.”
There may be an online gathering of all of those who are scattered far and wide. If you are reading this and are a graduate of 1979 and not connected with the rest of the class please contact Paul Scuse at p.scuse@emmaus.on.ca.
The Rev. Dr. Paul Scuse (Stouffville). The Rev. Reg Good (Toronto). The Rev. Jim Wilcox (Barrie). The Rev. Canon Brian McVitty (Barrie). The Rt. Rev. Dr. George Elliott (Grimsby).
Please note: If you would like to organize a class reunion, the Development Department at Wycliffe is here to help. To start planning, please email alumni@wycliffe.utoronto.ca
Wycliffe Events
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3
Installation of Wycliffe’s 11th Principal Dr Kristen Deede Johnson , will be available to view via livestream.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16
Principal’s Dinner with special guest speaker Dr Kristen Deede Johnson
Our Alumni Survey
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Fall Women’s Breakfast with Dr Marion Taylor
Be sure to check the website regularly for the latest news on upcoming events and speakers planned for the 2025-2026 academic year; Theology Pub Nights, Scripture and Theology Colloquiums, Pastors Breakfasts and more.
THANK YOU to those of you who took the time to complete the Alumni Survey this past February. Your feedback is invaluable and helps us strengthen the Wycliffe community. We are grateful for your connection.
Wycliffe sent out 1035 surveys and received 190 responses mainly from across North America with some from England, Australia and Hong Kong.
Thinking about your communications from Wycliffe, who would you most enjoy hearing from or about? What content would you be interested in receiving from Wycliffe?
Alumni support is greatly appreciated and a great way to stay connected with each other. Would you be interested in/available to: