Sue was a wonderful soul who touched many lives with her gentle spirit. She held a special fondness for St. Paul’s and was a dedicated presence at our events until her illness.

Sue will be deeply missed by Chris, her children, her extended family, and all of us at St. Paul’s. In this sad time, we ask that you keep Chris and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

May she rest in peace.

The Mauro Institute sponsored two events at this Conference. First, St. Paul’s College Foundation Inc. provided a grant from the Blankstein Family Abrahamic Faiths Storytelling Dialogue: Equality and Leadership Fund. Dr. Marjorie Blankstein’s generosity allowed for  , the audience to be moved by the musical performance of the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra (WJO). Opening the Conference on June 15, 2025, Dr. Richard Gillis, Director of WJO, masterfully choreographed several pieces on the theme of Hope. They ranged from Chuck Copenace’s ‘Creator’ to Oscar Peterson’s ‘Hymn to Freedom’ and to Hevenu Shalom Aleinu (Peace Song). But why music? Because as Auerbach is attributed as saying: “Music washes away from the soul, the dust of everyday life.” As Dr. Amaladas notes, “in our divided world, there is so much dust that needs to be washed away.”

Second, also supported by the Foundation, the  Dr. Rey Pagtakhan Fund for Ethics, Humanity, and Politics provided funding to host a panel of distinguished citizens who offered their personal testimonies and insights on the relationship between politics and hope.

Moderated by Dr. Christopher Adams, Rector of St. Paul’s College, University of Manitoba the panel featured Dr. Sami Helewa, SJ (President, Campion College, University of Regina), Ms. Tanya Brothers, JD (Vice-Chair, St. Paul’s College Foundation Inc.), Dr. Niigaan Sinclair (Professor, Indigenous Studies, UM), and Ms. Joanne Seiff (Author and Educator).  Each of the panellists explored the core questions of how political relationships can either sustain or sabotage hope for peace, justice, and human dignity—and what we can do to become catalysts for transformational change.

Politics of Belonging: A Testimony of Hope

Dr. Helewa, SJ, a scholar of Islamic and Christian theology, opened the panel with personal reflections rooted in his early life as a stateless person of Palestinian heritage.

“I was born stateless. I belonged to no country, had no birth certificate, and no rights as a citizen,” said Helewa. “I chose to be a Jesuit. I chose specifically to focus on justice and begin a life of service for others.”

Helewa described hope as intrinsically good and argued that politics, at its best, shares this potential: “Hope is due to its intrinsic nature of ‘the good.’ I would say the same with politics… to never be satisfied with the status quo for the sake of just existence.” He advocated for a “politics of belonging” – one that recognizes diversity and inclusion not merely as policies, but as pathways to human flourishing and solidarity.

Hope Rooted in History and Resilience

Winnipeg lawyer and community leader Tanya Brothers grounded her message of hope in a historical account of her maternal family’s migration from Oklahoma to Alberta in the early 1900s, fleeing racist segregation laws.

“When this group arrived at Athabasca Landing, despite being supported by Canadian officials, they faced local hostility and even a proposed Order-in-Council to bar Black immigrants from Canada,” said Brothers.

Despite this, her ancestors endured and built a community in Amber Valley, Alberta. “They had to actively envision what they did not have and set out to create it,” Brothers reflected, “They sustained their hope by fostering community and faith.”

Quoting Martin Luther King Jr., she concluded with a hopeful reminder that “unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”

Love, Reciprocity, and the Earth

Dr. Sinclair urged the audience to move beyond human-centred thinking toward a vision of hope rooted in a creation-centred paradigm.

“Hope is a choice, and everything in creation bends toward love—except us,” said Sinclair. “We are the only beings who kill for no purpose—out of ego, nationalism, or fear. Yet creation teaches reciprocity, cooperation, and resilience. If we want hope, we must re-learn from creation.”

Sinclair called for a politics of sharing and humility: “The only way we get over the winter is by looking to the person beside us, building the lodge together, and sharing food. That is the truth of creation.”

Hope as Daily Action and Human Connection

Closing the panel, writer and educator, Joanne Seiff shared her Jewish tradition’s view of hope as an ongoing act of world repair, or tikkun olam.” We live in a fractured world… and it’s our job to put the broken vessel back together,” said Seiff.

For Seiff, hope is not merely emotional—it’s practical and participatory, emphasizing that fixing real problems through science, education, and civic action is itself an act of faith. We felt her conviction when she concluded: “Hope is work rooted in action rather than belief,,,  It’s about speaking out, building bridges, and fighting hate.”

A Call to Action

As Dr. Adams noted in his closing remarks, the panellists offered more than academic insight—they issued a challenge by calling all to shift their way of thinking and act for the sake of a common good.” Whether by confronting exclusion, re-centring the Earth, honouring ancestral resilience, or practicing daily acts of justice and kindness, each speaker emphasized that hope is not passive—it is participatory.

St. Paul’s College is grateful for our generous donors who assist the Mauro Institute in creating these platforms for our global community to come together to create common ground.

In addition, as Dr. Amaladas acknowledged that for him “hope is a dream of a person fully awake.” To this end, he encourages all to “move forward not as if we are sleepwalking, but rather that we be intentional and purposeful in our quest for peace and social justice.”

While his impeccable art of storytelling was both meaningful and impactful, his second ‘act,’ – a “talk-back” with his audience, was contextually revealing. Born and raised in Brazil, Rocha moved to Maine about 38 years ago to study mime and theatre. Only after settling in the very state where The Malaga was built did he learn of the ship’s role in forcefully transporting free Africans to enslavement in Brazil.

“I could not believe the coincidences between the ship and myself,” explained Rocha. “She was built in Maine and went to Brazil to bring to my home country part of my ancestry. I was born in Brazil and came to Maine, where I learned to be a storyteller… The more I read about The Malaga, the more I realized I was born to tell her story.”

That discovery sparked a profound realization, challenge, and change. As Rocha shared: “I verbally told myself I would never tell hard stories… But if the ancestors notice you avoiding your purpose, they will knock you down. And that’s what happened to me.”

Rocha suffered a debilitating panic attack in 2018, which he now understands as a moment of reckoning with ancestral trauma – a legacy he inherited from his father, who lived with untreated psychological wounds rooted in slavery’s aftermath.

With the support of healers, therapists, and a spiritual reawakening, Rocha emerged transformed. In 2020, he was introduced to the story of The Malaga through Maine-based Smithsonian artist and scholar Daniel Minter. “I went to Maine to learn storytelling,” Rocha noted. “But really, my story found me.” His story found him and instilled in him a profound sense of “ancestral duty.” It was a story that was waiting for centuries to be told, and it came alive on stage.

“This performance is unlike anything I’ve done before…,” said Rocha. “I transform into a vessel – into the ship herself -holding the pain and resilience of five million Africans forced into slavery.”

In embodying the Malaga Ship, Rocha used his training in mime to evoke crashing waves, creaking timbers, bloodied floors and sorrowful cries of human captives. Yet the performance is not only about tragedy. It is also about resilience and healing.

In reflecting on Antonio Rocha’s performance and the revival of the Winnipeg International Storytelling Festival (English), Dr. Stanley Amaladas, Director of the Arthur V. Mauro Institute for Peace and Justice, noted: “Such is the power of storytelling. In telling his story, Antonio’s ancestors offered him a gift to daringly claim his voice. I will remember Antonio Rocha’s story of The Malaga Ship and storytelling as a spiritual journey and a call to courageously remember, reflect, and heal. Indeed, it is a pathway to peace and justice. I believe that this is the fundamental purpose of the Winnipeg International Storytelling Festival.”

This year’s festival welcomed 12 schools and 15 classes from grades 4 to 8 within the Winnipeg School Division, offering students a rare opportunity to engage with the art of storytelling in a lively, educational setting. Teachers also participated in a specialized Storytelling Workshop designed to support creative learning in classrooms.

The festival’s highlight was the Canadian premiere of The Malaga Ship by renowned international storyteller Antonio Rocha, presented on Friday, May 9. The performance captivated audiences with its emotional depth and historical resonance. Above all, it offered all an opportunity to remember and heal.

Throughout the two-day celebration, audiences were treated to performances by a talented lineup of storytellers, including:

• Loc Lu – An energetic arts educator and performer, Loc brings over 15 years of experience in physical theatre, film, and community arts programs throughout Winnipeg.
• Daniel Thau-Eleff – A socially conscious Winnipeg playwright whose solo shows and workshops explore human rights through a deeply personal lens.
• Jo Dixon – A multidisciplinary artist whose collaborative work in theatre, puppetry, and visual art builds meaningful community connections.
• Cora Matheson – A seasoned actor, director, and acting coach with a background in both stage and screen, including Hallmark film credits.
• Carrie Costello – A playwright known for adapting beloved children’s stories and co-creating historically inspired theatre that tours nationwide.
• Jamie Oliviero – A veteran storyteller and arts educator who has spent over four decades using traditional tales to promote cultural understanding and social justice worldwide.
• Leigh-Anne Kehler – An internationally touring storyteller and playwright celebrated for her heartfelt, humorous Fringe Festival productions.

In addition to the English-language programming, the 2025 Festival du Conte de Winnipeg showcased French storytelling, generously supported by Le Bureau de l’éducation française de Manitoba. More information about this component of the festival can be found at Le Festival du Conte de Winnipeg.

The Mauro Institute for Peace and Justice at St. Paul’s College extends its heartfelt thanks to The Winnipeg Foundation and the Blankstein Fund for Storytelling Dialogue for their generous sponsorship. The Winnipeg International Storytelling Festival continues to be a cornerstone event in Mauro Institute and St. Paul’s College commitment to peacebuilding and cross-cultural dialogue – one story at a time.

The celebration began with a Baccalaureate Mass at 10:00 a.m., presided over by Fr. Mark Filips. The Mass featured music from the SPC Chapel Choir, with hymns such as When in Our Music God Is Glorified and Shine, Jesus, Shine, led by Pastoral Musician David Troya. Readings from Acts, Revelation, and the Gospel of John were shared as part of the Liturgy of the Word, and a homily was offered by Fr. Filips. Dr. Christopher J. Adams, Rector of St. Paul’s College, provided a warm welcome and closing remarks, while Elíude Cavalcante offered a Prayer for the Chapel.

Following the liturgical celebration, the College held its formal Graduation Ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Dr. Christopher J. Adams opened the proceedings, with Dr. Dilantha Fernando, Dean of Studies, presenting the 2024-25 graduands. Certificates were presented by Dr. Christopher J. Adams and Ms. Dorothy Scott, Chair of the Board of Governors. Also, many were recognized with scholarships, awards, and honours for their academic excellence and community service:

• Christine A. Butterill, Ph.D. (SPC’81,’88) Citizenship Award: Luca Calista
• Rosemarie Schilling Finlay Scholarship: Kevin Tachie
• STEM Scholarship: Bara Bashir, Omar Elmatary, Bronwyn Rempel, Gabriel Young
• Campus Ministry Community Service Award: Mitchell Chirau and Francisca Ehileme
• Father Cecil Ryan, SJ Rector’s Award: Dr. Meredith Bacola
• Paulinian of the Year: Diwan Oulai

Special ceremonial traditions included the transfer of the Stick and Vice-Stick, a symbolic passing of leadership among student representatives. Lily Francis passed the role of Vice-Stick to Nathaniel Casciano, while Luca Calista passed the Stick to Hans Alday.

This year’s Valedictorian, Khalil L. Coward (SPC/UM ’25) was unable to attend, so Lily Francis delivered his inspiring address that reflected on the students’ journeys, the community they built, and the values they carry forward.

One of the highlights of the day was the presentation of the Father Cecil Ryan, SJ Rector’s Award to Dr. Meredith Bacola. A dedicated academic within the Jesuit Centre, Dr. Bacola has played a vital role in the College community, leading travel studies programs, organizing the popular Lunch Hour Lecture Series, and actively participating in College governance. She has also offered continuous support to the Afghan refugee couple sponsored by the College. Her extensive contributions exemplify the spirit of service and commitment that the award represents.

St. Paul’s College congratulates all 2025 graduates and award recipients and wishes them continued success as they move forward into the next chapter of their lives.

A well-recognized scholar in leadership studies and peace leadership, Dr. Amaladas has made significant contributions to these fields through his research, teaching, and community engagement. He has advised graduate students in both the USA and Canada and has demonstrated a strong commitment to community development, academic outreach, peacebuilding, and peace dwelling.

Prior to taking on the directorship, Dr. Amaladas served on the St. Paul’s College Board of Governors and represented the Board on the Mauro Board of Directors. A longtime member of the St. Paul’s College Assembly, he brings a deep appreciation for the mission of the Mauro Institute and the Ignatian Tradition that shapes St. Paul’s College.

The Mauro Institute has already benefited from Dr. Amaladas’ leadership, vision, and scholarly expertise as he guides the Institute’s ongoing work in peace and justice initiatives.

We are excited to see the Mauro Institute thrive under Dr. Amaladas’ leadership.

A Celebration of Faith and Community

Held in the Christ the King Chapel, the Mass was presided over by His Grace, Archbishop Richard Gagnon, alongside Fr. Mark Filips and Fr. Wajira Nampet, with Deacon Rev. Richard Ludwick assisting. The day started with a warm welcome from Dr. Christopher J. Adams, Rector of St. Paul’s College, followed by a special prayer for the chapel led by Fr. Mark Filips. The congregation joined in singing the gathering hymn Gather Us In, setting a reflective tone for the liturgy.

The readings of the day reinforced the themes of unity, mission, and the transformative power of faith. The First Reading, taken from Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10, was followed by the Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 19). The Second Reading from 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 emphasized the interconnectedness of the body of Christ, aligning with the college’s values of community and shared faith. The Gospel reading, from Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21, was proclaimed before Archbishop Gagnon delivered a thought-provoking homily, encouraging reflection on St. Paul’s teachings and their relevance today.

Blessing of the New Processional Cross at Christ the King Chapel

A beautiful processional cross was generously gifted to Christ the King Chapel by the Garlinski family and blessed by His Grace, Archbishop Richard Gagnon.

“This processional cross embodies the vision Fr Micheal Koryluk, who was the Priest and Chaplain here from 2009 – 2019, had as he received the metal sculpture attached to the wood cross as a gift from the Song family of proclaiming and reminding Christ message of hope and freedom to all who attend Mass here in this Chapel every time the cross process in at the beginning of Mass and out at the end of Mass,” explains Eliude Cavalcante, Director of Campus Ministry at St. Paul’s College.

Sr. Michelle Garlinski, Michael Garlinski and his wife Susan Garlinski were thanked by the St. Paul’s College community for helping to turn Fr. Michael’s vision into a reality. Joseph Cannizzaro was also acknowledged for his beautiful work and craftmanship of the wood cross and base. 

Honouring Excellence: St. Paul’s College Academic Awards Ceremony

Mass was followed by Academic Awards Ceremony where our community recognized the outstanding achievements of students at St. Paul’s College. The following awards were presented at St. Paul’s College:

• The Brian Patrick O’Connell Memorial Scholarship: Conner Routledge
• The Dr. Adam Giesinger Scholarship: Hans Alday, Chimdindu Iwuchukwu, Luan (Ken) Nguyen and Thane Tomy
• & Mrs. Michael Trainor Scholarship: Hans Alday and Gabrielle Denis
• Dr Oleh W Gerus and Mrs. Yvonne M. Gerus Scholarship: Emma Caronte and Mason (Patrick) McEvoy
• The Honourable Philip S. Lee C.M., O.M. and Family Scholarship: Kelvin Joseph and Daniella Okedairo
• The Jesuit Scholarship: Bruce Barrientos, Bara Bashir, Izabella Borys and Nathaniel Casiano
• The Matthew, Elizabeth, Marjorie, Charles and Ilene Meder Scholarship: Ebunoluwa Akinbo, Emmanuel Bezabeh and Fardowsa Hassan
• Susan Deane International Paulinian Award: Kelvin Joseph
• The Bob and Marnie Puchniak Family Graduate Scholarship: Tawfiq Rahman Hamad
• The John E. Robbie Prize in Computer Science: Nathan Hoehne
• Kenneth Kustra Scholarship: Daniel Eng
• William Briskie Memorial Scholarship: Natasha Diachun
• The Wyrzykowski Family Scholarship: Nicholas Faucher, Boris Leung, Patricia Masika and Sion Yi
• The Mauro Institute Academic Awards for Peace and Conflict Studies Graduate Students: Fardowsa Hassan, Ka Chun Lai, Maria Londono-Hurtado, Jesse Matas, Chidera Olusola, Arshdeep Singh and Umme Khair Tarin

“I wish to say to all of you who are receiving awards, that we are honoured that you continue to conduct your university studies as members of St. Paul’s College,” said Dr. Christopher Adams, Rector of St. Paul’s College. “We look forward to boasting to others about your continuing accomplishments in future years. …Today we are celebrating our students and their academic achievements. Our donors want you to succeed, and have shown their commitment to you in a very real way by supporting the funds for these awards. And we at St. Paul’s College want to thank you, our students, for making the College, and the broader University community, look so good.”

Dr. Adams concluded the ceremony by expressing gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the event and congratulating the award and scholarship winners. St. Paul’s College continues to remain committed to supporting its students’ academic pursuits through scholarships, bursaries, and awards, thereby ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their educational journey.

For photos of the event, see St. Paul’s Day Mass and Academic Awards Ceremony on Facebook.

For information about scholarship opportunities available at St. Paul’s College, see St. Paul’s College’s Prizes, Fellowship, Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards.

The evening began with an address by Mr. Luca Calista, Senior Stick of the St. Paul’s College Students’ Association, followed by opening remarks from Dr. Christopher J. Adams, Rector of St. Paul’s College, with a warm welcome, emphasizing the College’s legacy of fostering community and service. This year’s celebration theme was one of folklore, stories of community and history that serve as bridges to the past and guide us to our future.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Magis Awards, named after the Latin word for “greater,” which honours individuals who exemplify the Ignatian commitment to doing more for others. This year’s recipients were recognized for their exceptional contributions across four categories:

Magis Award for Ingenuity and Innovation

Recipient: Leanne Boyd

Julia Vossen presented this award recognizing Boyd’s groundbreaking work in social work and mental health advocacy. Boyd’s initiatives, including her leadership at the Manitoba Adolescent Treatment Centre and the Healthy Child Manitoba Initiative, have transformed mental health services for children and youth, leaving a profound and lasting impact on the province.

Magis Award for Service to Others

Recipient: Reverend Rudolph (Rudy) LeMaître

Presented by his granddaughter, Bénédicte LeMaître, this award honoured Reverend LeMaître’s lifelong dedication to service through his work as a deacon, teacher, and chaplain. His decades of selfless contributions have touched countless lives and exemplify the Ignatian spirit of compassion and generosity.

Magis Award for Peace and Reconciliation

Recipient: Dr. Raymond Currie

Former student Dr. Stan Amaladas presented this award to Dr. Currie, whose pioneering work with Circles for Reconciliation has fostered understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. A former Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Currie’s commitment to social justice and equity continues to inspire and pave the way for meaningful change.

Magis Award for Influence and Leadership

Recipients: Michelle and Rick Soenen

Presented by their nephew Braeden Cornick, this award celebrated the Soenens’ exceptional contributions as leaders and philanthropists. Their dedication to education, mentorship, and community support has created a legacy of generosity and faith, benefiting countless individuals and organizations.

The Celebration of Giving and Sharing was organized by a dedicated committee, including Luca Calista, Jason Cornick, Julia DaCosta, Meghan Lemoine, Bridget Scott, Matt Semchyshyn, and Julia Vossen. The Magis Award Committee, composed of Dr. Christine Butterill, Marlene Coughlin, Julia DaCosta, and Christopher Schmidt, ensured the recognition of truly deserving individuals.

“It is a privilege to come together to celebrate our community and honour several members who exemplify what it means to be a Person for Others with a Magis Award,” said Matt Semchyshyn. “To me, what makes the Celebration of Giving and Sharing so special is the people – It’s the people we are honouring with the Magis Awards; It’s the people who are on the planning committee who have given their time to ensure the event is a success; and of course, it’s about the people who attend the event. From the moment you walk into the event, you are welcomed with a familiar face.”

The event not only celebrated the Magis Award recipients but also honoured those in attendance whose stories have also enriched our community. These narratives transform St. Paul’s College into more than just an institution—they make it a vibrant testament to service and creating a better world. As the evening drew to a close, attendees were left reflecting on the lasting impact of the awardees’ contributions and the significance of uniting to recognize acts of service, leadership, and community.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with Vespers in the Christ the King Chapel, followed by a cocktail reception in Hanley Hall at 6:00 p.m. The presentation of the Magis Awards will take place at 6:30 p.m. During this time, St. Paul’s College will celebrate the exceptional achievements of four outstanding community members: Leanne Boyd, Reverend Rudolph LeMaître, Dr. Raymond Currie, and Michelle and Rick Soenen.

The Magis Award, derived from the Latin word meaning “more” or “greater,” is presented to those who go above and beyond to make a lasting positive impact in their community. This year’s recipients have made transformative contributions across a range of fields, including social work, community service, reconciliation, and leadership.

Leanne Boyd: Magis Award for Ingenuity and Innovation

St. Paul’s College is proud to recognize Leanne Boyd, a distinguished social worker and mental health advocate, for her groundbreaking work in community service and child and youth mental health. Boyd’s visionary leadership includes her role in developing services at the Manitoba Adolescent Treatment Centre and the Healthy Child Manitoba Initiative, which has helped countless families and children. Her work has advanced mental health outcomes and promoted inclusion and social justice in Manitoba. Inspired by her father’s legacy in social work, Boyd’s career exemplifies the Magis spirit of innovation and dedication to others.

Reverend Rudolph LeMaître: Magis Award for Service to Others

St. Paul’s College is also pleased to honour Reverend Rudolph LeMaître with the Magis Award for Service to Others. LeMaître’s life is defined by a deep commitment to service, spanning agriculture, social work, teaching, and chaplaincy. As one of Canada’s longest-serving deacons, LeMaître has spent decades helping individuals through personal and spiritual challenges. His years of dedication to serving the religious and broader community embody the values of selfless service and compassion. This recognition celebrates his enduring impact on those he has helped throughout his remarkable career.

Raymond Currie: Magis Award for Peace and Reconciliation

Dr. Raymond Currie, former Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Manitoba, will receive the Magis Award for Peace and Reconciliation. Currie’s lifelong commitment to reconciliation and social justice is exemplified in his founding of Circles for Reconciliation, a movement designed to foster understanding and build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Through his work with organizations like Special Olympics and Villa Rosa and his leadership in academic governance, Currie has demonstrated a profound commitment to advancing social equity and community engagement. His efforts continue to inspire others to work toward a more inclusive and just society.

Michelle and Rick Soenen: Magis Award for Influence and Leadership

Finally, St. Paul’s College will honour Michelle and Rick Soenen with the Magis Award for Influence and Leadership. The Soenens, whose careers span finance, accounting, and education, have made a lasting impact professionally and philanthropically. Michelle, a Chartered Professional Accountant, and Rick, a long-time finance leader, have contributed significantly to organizations like the St. Paul’s College Foundation. The Soenens have created a lasting legacy centred on faith, community, and generosity through their leadership, mentorship, and charitable giving. Their dedication to supporting education and nurturing the next generation of leaders is a testament to their shared commitment to making a difference.

 Join Us in Celebrating These Exceptional Individuals

The Celebration of Giving and Sharing is an opportunity for the St. Paul’s College community to reflect on the importance of service, leadership, and community engagement. The evening promises to be a meaningful occasion to honour these extraordinary individuals and to reaffirm our collective commitment to building a compassionate and just society.

Parking is available in Q Lot, located across from St. Paul’s College.

RSVP: To attend the event, please RSVP by Friday, November 15 by calling (204) 474-9148 or emailing spcfoundation@umanitoba.ca.

For more information on the 2024 Magis Award recipients, visit Celebration of Giving and Sharing.

The Mass of the Holy Spirit, led by Fr. Mark Filips, began with the gathering hymn “Envia Tu Espiritu” and featured readings from Genesis, Hebrews, and the Gospel of Mark. Dr. Christopher J. Adams, Rector, welcomed attendees,while Ms. Elíude Cavalcante offered a prayer for the Chapel. The congregation was invited to join in hymns such as “All Are Welcome” and “We Are Marching,” while Fr. Filips delivered a thoughtful homily reflecting on the readings. The Mass concluded with the Liturgy of the Eucharist and a final blessing, setting a tone of unity and reflection for the year ahead.

For the Opening Academic Exercises, led by Dean of Studies Dr. Dilantha Fernando, academic scholarships and other prestigious awards were presented to students who demonstrated exceptional academic dedication and commitment.

“I would like to welcome all new students who have joined the St. Paul’s College this academic year,” said Dilantha Fernando, Dean of Studies at St. Paul’s College and a Professor in the Faculty of Agricultural of Food Sciences. “As we celebrate the Opening Academic Exercises and Awards with you, I congratulate you on your achievements. As Dean of Studies, I am proud to have you as our student member. I am pleased to let you know that we can give awards and scholarships in the amount of $41,268 at this year’s Opening Academic Exercises and Awards. Also, there will be numerous bursaries awarded to students in need very soon. This is made possible due to the generous donations we receive from our benefactors, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them.”

These scholarships reflect St. Paul’s College’s ongoing support of students in their educational and personal growth journeys:

• Ellen Dryden Finlay Entrance Scholarship awarded to Chiara Wilson
• Jesuit Entrance Scholarship awarded to Isabella Woo, Chichi Zvomuya, Matthew Wardrop, and Meghan Legadi 
• St. Paul’s College Alumni and Friends Association, Inc. Entrance Scholarship awarded to Trisha Topiwala, Chelsea Olowookere, William O’Donnell, and Ashley Garland
• The Larry and Leta Lee Entrance Scholarship awarded to Lily Francis
• The Dr. Y.C. Ma Scholarship awarded to Anthony Kaus
• Diane Dowling Memorial Scholarship awarded to Gabriel Young, Dylan Richard, Carla Esporlas, and Gabrielle David
• Todd Davison Memorial Scholarship awarded to Wylie Garchinski
• Military and Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem Ecumenical Scholarship awarded to Francesco Caligiuri
• Eileen M.G. LeSarge (SPC’ 69) Scholarship awarded to Ebunoluwa Akinbo
• The Archbishop Leonard J. Wall Scholarship awarded to Wylie Garchinski and Anthony Martin
• Martin Kavanagh-Gaultier La Verendrye Fellowship awarded to Justin Kwaku, Oduro Adinkra, and Adelaide Kotey
• Elizabeth Desmond Prize in Medieval History awarded to Kyra Clegg
• Patrick Burke-Gaffney Prize in Mathematics awarded to Johnny Lee
• Denny-Newman Strong Prize awarded to Cecilia McLandress and Jacob DeBlaere
• Dr. Karl Schilling Memorial Prize awarded to Pablo Misael Contreras Barron 
• Timothy Desmond Prize in History awarded to Faustina Cotter

Continuing the student association tradition of leadership at the College, Emily Leskiw (former Vice-Stick) passed the St. Paul’s College Student Association Vice-Stick bat, a symbol of leadership within the student body, to Lily Francis (current Vice-Stick). 

After the Opening Academic Exercises, guests gathered in Hanley Hall for a reception where the students, staff and alumni re-connected, reinforcing the unique sense of community that defines St. Paul’s College.

“Thank you to those who are here and elsewhere for supporting the College through financial contributions to scholarships and bursaries to help our students pursue their studies,” said Rector of St. Paul’s College, Christopher Adams. “For those of you who received awards, congratulations! I hope you might be able to pay this forward for students in decades to come. Many of the things we do here are directly related to our extended network of support, including donations to our College Foundation for bursaries and scholarships, educational programs, and the maintenance of this chapel. Thank you, our students and families, for being part of our College community. We are lucky to have such friends!”

The day served as a reminder of the College’s commitment to intellectual and personal growth as the community moves forward into a new academic year inspired by a beautiful blend of spirituality and academic excellence.