Tiger Magazine - Winter 2026 by Ridley College

Headmaster’s Headlines

Greetings from Ridley College! Welcome to a special edition of Tiger. In this edition, we celebrate a truly remarkable milestone: 75 years of chronicling the life, spirit and achievements of our Ridley community. For generations, Tiger has been more than a magazine; it has been a living archive, capturing the inspiring moments, traditions and stories that define our School.

As we celebrate this anniversary, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of those who have shaped Ridley’s journey. Throughout the issue, you’ll see mentions of important Ridleians who have helped bring the magazine to where it is today. Among them is Brian Iggulden ’67, the subject of a heartfelt tribute by Bryan Rose ’96 that celebrates the indelible impact of his loyal support, service and volunteerism on our community. Brian’s commitment to Ridley was matched only by his humility, generosity and gracious affability. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of Ridleians.

For this issue, we dug deep into the archives and combed through each Tiger issue published over the last 75 years. Throughout these pages, you’ll see some of the highlights we rediscovered. From important evolutions and projects for the School at large, profiles on new headmasters or retiring faculty and staff and stories from campus that shed a light on student life at Ridley throughout the decades. If any of these

archival pieces elicit a fond memory or story about Tiger from your time at Ridley, we encourage you to reach out — we would love to listen and record these stories.

Each school year, we decide on a one-word theme that shapes our community and acts as a guiding principle. This year, our theme is “awe,” a word that calls us to recognize the wonder in learning and the collective effervescence we discover through community connection. Awe is found in the quiet moments of reflection and the bold leaps of innovation. It is present in the laughter of our students, the dedication of our faculty and staff and the shared purpose that unites us as Ridleians. These are the stories that provide communities with meaning and purpose, and for decades, Tiger has been our trusted chronicle.

As you turn these pages, I hope you encounter a moment or story that inspires you with awe. Thank you for being an avid reader of Tiger. We hope you continue to enjoy these biannual publications where we can celebrate the past, present and future of Ridley. Here's to another 75 years.

Terar Dum Prosim, J. Edward Kidd Headmaster

24 FEATURE STORY Brian Iggulden ’67 A Lasting Impact 28

TIGER AT 75 A Legacy on the Printed Page

NOTES

LIFE ON campus

This year marks an awe-inspiring celebration of our history and cherished traditions, both old and new. As we celebrate 75 years of Tiger, we also recognize and reflect on where we are today and the steps we took to get here.

Practice makes PERFECT

SPOTLIGHT Imagination in the

Inspiring AWE

Tradition of SPIRIT

Honour and REMEMBRANCE

academics

Middle School Exploratory Showcase

Students proudly presented what they learned in the first term of Exploratory through interactive projects and performances. Students explored a wide range of exciting topics, including Medieval Mechanics, Model UN, Robotics, Fitness Gladiators, Handmade Market and more.

1. Thrive Student Leadership Conference

In November, we hosted the CIS Ontario Thrive Student Leadership Conference, which brought together over 180 student leaders from Grades 7 to 12 for a day of collaboration, networking and skill-building. Thrive is all about creating space for aspiring leaders to learn, share ideas and tackle challenges — whether running a school club, campaigning for council or launching initiatives without a formal title.

2. Math Competitions

The Boys Math team competed at the MMATHS Tournament at Yale University, facing off against top teams from across North America. While there, they met with alumnus Tony Luo ’21 and toured MIT and Harvard.

The Girls Math team competed in the PUMaC Math Competition at Princeton University, alongside over 30 teams and more than 500 participants. They also met with alumni and toured schools on the trip, visiting Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pennsylvania. Thank you to Bobo Li ’24, Loukas Massis ’25, Angela Ni ’25, Brian Wang ’24 and Catherine He ’23 for meeting with the students.

3. University Fairs

The Mitchell Learning Commons was jam-packed for two university fairs, hosting international and Canadian universities. Students and parents connected directly with universities, asking questions, exploring options and getting inspired for the future.

4. The Examined Life

Headmaster Kidd is back in the classroom! A new elective, The Examined Life, now in its second year, is a unique offering that invites students to explore what it means to live well and think deeply.

Mr. Kidd is co-teaching the Grade 12 course in the Gould Ivey Boardroom alongside Dr. Baird. The idea of the class is to teach students how to flourish and explore different ways of thinking that they can apply far beyond their life at Ridley. The course introduces students to concepts in philosophy, psychology and sociology.

5. VEX Robotics Qualifies for Provincials

Our VEX Robotics team, 1509B, had a fantastic showing in December, going undefeated with a perfect 10–0–0 record.

Congratulations to Liwen (Anthony) You ’26, Yiming Zhu ’26, Liang (Leo) Yang ’28, Ethan Huang ’26 and Lingchen (Charlie) Su ’26. With their victory, the team qualified for the provincial championships in March.

6. Global Climate Action Day

Ms. Dorland’s Grade 3 class proudly represented Canada during Take Action Global’s Climate Action Day — a live global event that connected millions of students and educators to share solutions for the climate crisis.

Crawford Gordon ’56 Speaker Series

In October, we welcomed 20-year-old conservation storyteller and filmmaker Luca Martinez to the Mandeville stage. Luca took us on a breathtaking visual journey through the Florida Everglades. With immersive soundscapes, sweeping aerial views and heartfelt storytelling, he shared the awe, urgency and love that fuel his mission to protect wild Florida.

In December, we welcomed Jon Montgomery, Canadian Olympic Gold Medalist and host of The Amazing Race Canada. Jon shared his incredible journey, reminding us to dream big, embrace challenges and celebrate the small victories along the way.

The series is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Gordon family.

arts

Peter/Wendy

Upper School students took us on a magical ride to Neverland in their performance of Peter/Wendy by Jeremy Bloom. From Wendy’s journey beyond the nursery to encounters with Tinker Bell, Tiger Lily and the ever-menacing Captain Hook, the cast delivered a mesmerizing experience for audiences of all ages!

1. Story to Stage Grade 6 students brought stories to life in their “Story to Stage” unit. With guidance from Brock University professors, students collaborated to enhance classic fables, transforming them into original scripts. They dove into staging, blocking and worked with guest musician Chris Lesso to add rhythm and energy through percussion.

2. National Portfolio Day

In October, we hosted our own National Portfolio Day for Upper School students and other emerging artists from across the Niagara region. The event offered a rare and valuable opportunity for students to connect directly with faculty and representatives from top postsecondary arts institutions.

3. A Celebration of Colour and Sound

Parents, faculty and students gathered in December for a Celebration of Colour and Sound. They explored the vibrant seasonal art exhibit in the Leggat Family Art Gallery, featuring works from Grade 9–12 art classes, and then enjoyed performances by our Upper School musicians in the Mandeville Theatre.

4. Junior Interpretive Reading

Reading with passion and enthusiasm, our Lower and Middle School students presented the art of interpretive reading to their peers and parents.

5. JK–Grade 3 Winter Production

Lower School thespians put on a great performance of Lions for their friends and family. The play is adapted from Polly Dunbar's children's book, A Lion is a Lion, and was written by Lower School teacher Mr. Alex Wierzbicki.

6. Babel Choir: Ridley Concert Series

In November, Dr. Elaine Choi and the incredible Babel Chorus shared their passion and artistry with our Lower, Middle and Upper School vocal students. With workshops culminating in a stunning concert, it was a perfect way to launch the Ridley Recital Series, made possible by a generous donor.

7. Mid-Autumn Festival

In October, students took the lead in hosting a celebration featuring live performances, boba tea, mooncakes and plenty of festive spirit. It was wonderful to see them bring the community together with culture and creativity.

8. Yasgurs Farm Funk Masterclass

In September, Upper School musicians welcomed Yasgurs Farm to campus for an immersive funk masterclass in the Paterson Performance Hall. Blending the improvisational spirit of jazz and jam-band culture, the band guided students through creative exploration and collaborative performance.

athletics

CAIS Champions – First Girls Basketball

In November, we hosted 15 teams from independent schools across Canada for the CAIS Senior Girls Basketball Tournament. Congratulations to our First Girls basketball team for capturing the DII CAIS Championship! They finished the tournament undefeated with a perfect 6–0 record.

1. Golden in Shanghai

Ridley Girls rowing powered through a thrilling 500m sprint at the Head of Shanghai River Regatta, clinching gold in the 8+ by just 0.19 seconds! The team had an unforgettable cultural and athletic experience visiting Shanghai and competing in this iconic event. A special thanks to current parent, Victoria Guan, who helped organize the trip.

2. Chris Stevens ’87 College Squash Classic

In November, we welcomed the Harvard, Princeton and Western squash teams to the Jack Aylott Squash Centre for two days of competition featuring some of the top programs in North America. The event also marked a special occasion as we dedicated one of our courts to the late Chris Stevens ’87, a tribute made possible through the generous fundraising efforts of Chris' friends and family, honouring his lasting impact on squash at Ridley. Thank you to Derek Finkle ’86 for his help organizing.

3. Prep Boys Basketball Unveils Championship Banner

A proud moment for our Prep Boys basketball team as we unveiled their 2025 OSBA Championship Banner at the home opener in front of a packed Griffith Gym. They started the season off strong with an 84–68 win over Orangeville Prep.

4. U14 Boys Soccer

In October, our U14 Boys soccer team won its CISAA Championship. The team defeated Country Day School 5–4 and Crestwood Preparatory College 1–0 in the playoffs to claim the gold medal.

5. U14 Girls Basketball

In October, the U14 Girls basketball team won the CISAA Championship, defeating The York School 40–29 to take home the gold medal.

6. Cross Country Run

Since 1891, Ridley has hosted the annual Cross Country Run for a fun afternoon of fitness and school spirit. This year’s run was held in October, with full participation from students in JK to Grade 12.

7. The Peace Bridge Cup

In front of a packed crowd of Old Ridleians, Prep Boys hockey claimed the inaugural Peace Bridge Cup in a thrilling 2–1 overtime victory against Nichols School.

8. ParaSport Try-it Day

In November, over 60 participants explored six adaptive sports, from sledge hockey to wheelchair squash at ParaSport Try-It Day at Ridley. Thanks to the support of amazing partners like the Brock Niagara Penguins and Niagara Sledge Hockey, it was a day of inclusion, inspiration and new possibilities.

9. Matthew Gray ’26 Competes at OFSAA Golf

Matthew Gray ’26 qualified for OFSAA Golf in October and represented Ridley well. Under difficult weather conditions, Matt shot a 71, scoring third place overall to qualify. At OFSAA, Matt finished in the top 25 after two rounds of play.

service

Remembrance Day Services

Students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12 gathered in the Memorial Chapel for two poignant Remembrance Day ceremonies. As tradition, each student received the name of a fallen soldier. As the Roll of Honour was read aloud, they sat in reflective silence, honouring the 142 Ridley students and others who made the ultimate sacrifice.

As part of our Remembrance Day services, from dusk to dawn on November 11th, our Cadets held a solemn overnight Vigil at the Second World War Memorial Wall. Their unwavering dedication and respect were a moving act of remembrance, honouring the courage and sacrifice of those who gave everything for our freedom.

1. Terry Fox Run/Walk

In September, our Lower and Middle School students honoured Terry Fox’s legacy in a way that truly resonated with them — through storytelling, thoughtful discussions and an interactive walk around our campus.

2. Big Move Cancer Ride

Members of our community, including alumni and current and former faculty and staff, joined together for Niagara's Big Move Cancer Ride in support of the Walker Family Cancer Centre at Niagara Health. To join Team Ridley at this year's ride on September 13th, please contact Kory Lippert.

3. Leonard House Superhero Run

Upper School students were up bright and early on a beautiful October morning for the Superhero Run at Brock University, supporting the Niagara Children’s Centre — Leonard House's charity.

4. Walk a Mile in HER Shoes

To kick off their community service season, some of the AB East House students attended the Walk-a-Mile in HER Shoes event at the Pen Centre in support of their house charity, Gillian's Place and stood united against gender-based violence.

5. Run for the Cure

Over 70 students and staff participated in GWEST's Run for the Cure event in October. Members of our community created a vibrant, joyful atmosphere and purchased pizza, slushies and raffle tickets — all for a great cause.

6. Fashion Show and Pop-Up Market

Rio Nishimura ’26 and Elise Cheung ’26 partnered with local thrift and vintage shops to bring a Fashion Show and PopUp Stores to life on campus. This is a great example of how creative partnerships can advance environmental, social and economic sustainability. All proceeds from the event went to Community Care.

7. Charity Hockey Game

We welcomed the St. Catharines Falcons to campus for an exciting exhibition game in support of The STEP Empowerment Centre.

Ridley College Board Chair and STEP President/Founder Suzanne Court ’86 dropped the puck alongside former Ridley captain Sam Lockyer ’23 (left) and Bennett Desroches ’26 (right).

8. Nature, Play and Mind Club

Varnit Rore ’31 was recognized by the Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake for his founding of the "Nature, Play and Mind Club.” The club, intended for children aged six to 14 years old, is strictly no-electronics. Kids connect with no screens around activities like chess, nature walks, planting and arts and crafts. The club already has over 60 members in Niagara, and Varnit hopes to expand it to other communities.

9. Awe of the Tiger

Regan ’33, Brady ’35 and Devon ’36 Asp designed an ornament to celebrate this year’s school theme of "awe": “Awe of the Tiger!” Proceeds went to support the Ridley College Family Guild and the Niagara Health Foundation.

Brian A. Iggulden ’67: A Lasting Impact

By: Bryan J. Rose ’96

“There is not a Ridleian today who has not been impacted by the name Iggulden. From Brian’s grandfather, 'Cap,' to his father, ‘The Colonel,’ to Brian himself, the name Iggulden has been ingrained in all of us. It is synonymous with our School’s motto: Terar Dum Prosim, ‘May I be Consumed in Service.’”

—Michael J. Moulden ‘70

It is with tremendous gratitude and humility that I put fingertips to keyboard to share a few thoughts on the monumental contributions of Brian A. Iggulden ’67 to our School. I want to acknowledge and thank Headmaster Ed Kidd and the Development team for the exceptional tribute they shared with the Ridley family immediately after Brian’s passing. If you have not yet read it, I highly recommend doing so. It offers a detailed account of his lifelong service to Ridley, including his exemplary 31-year career in multiple roles beginning in 1978. From leading Sports Ridley to his tenure as Director of Development and Deputy Headmaster, Brian’s impact culminated in his retirement in 2009.

Brian’s commitment to Ridley reflects the generational service and collective impact of the Iggulden family. The values of hard work, dedication, integrity and loyalty, instilled by Cap and Colonel and carried forward by Brian, are threads woven throughout Ridley’s storied history. The Iggulden family has collectively dedicated over 250 years to the School as students, employees, committee and board members and volunteers — a record that will likely remain unmatched.

Although Brian himself accounts for nearly one-quarter of that service, we must also recognize the distinguished contributions of the greater Iggulden family, who continue to support Ridley in countless ways.

From his wife Rosemary’s tenure as Housemaster of Gooderham East to brother Paul’s ’72 leadership as President of the Ridley College Association (RCA) and his role in the annual RCA Golf Invitational; from nephew Scott ’97 serving as cochair of the 2024 Legacy Gala to daughter Natalie’s ’98 tireless work as a Class Agent and volunteer for Annual Fund Phone-a-thons and the Renaissance 125 Celebration Committee — the list goes on. To say that service to Ridley is a family tradition for the Iggulden family would be an understatement.

On a personal note, I have had the privilege of knowing the Iggulden family for nearly 40 years, beginning when Natalie and I became friends at Sports Ridley Swim Camp in 1987. I was welcomed by Brian, Rosemary, Natalie, Mike and their

extended family. Later, Brian gave me a career-defining opportunity when he hired a 23-year-old “kid” fresh out of university to join his Development team in the summer of 2000.

And what a team it was! Brian assembled an extraordinary group of dedicated individuals united by a shared commitment to Ridley. We worked hard, supported one another and laughed often. That spirit of camaraderie came from Brian. He was an exceptional leader, someone everyone would go the extra mile for. Though he was “The Boss,” he treated everyone with warmth, respect and dignity, always referring to us as colleagues, never employees.

I was fortunate to be Robin to his Batman for nearly a decade.

I learned the fundamentals of fundraising, philanthropy and leadership from a giant, someone universally respected within the Ridley family and across the independent school development world. Brian knew everyone, and everyone knew Brian. He loved meeting people and made every interaction meaningful. No matter who you were, Brian greeted you with a handshake, a warm smile, his renowned laugh and a genuine interest in your story.

Brian excelled at building strong, authentic relationships. The hundreds who attended his Celebration of Life on campus, the hundreds more who joined online and the countless messages of condolence are a testament to that. In the philanthropic world, we call this “friend-raising,” and no

one did it better than Iggy. He understood that Ridley’s strength lies in shared values, storytelling and enduring relationships. His love for Ridley was infectious, enabling him and those of us on his team to cultivate deep bonds and inspire loyalty. Like his predecessors, Colonel Sam Heaman ’39 and Bob Stanley ’47, Brian emphasized trust, community and being part of something bigger than yourself over transactional giving. He ensured that every contribution felt personal and meaningful.

Brian’s legacy and that of the Iggulden family have been both foundational and transformational for Ridley. Since his passing, nearly 90 individuals have donated over $171,000 to the Brian ’67 and Rosemary Iggulden Bursary. These funds will provide vital financial support, ensuring future students can experience Ridley as so many of us have. Brian would be deeply touched and proud that so many honoured him in this way.

On behalf of the Ridley family and the countless individuals who knew Brian as a friend, we offer our gratitude, support and love to Rosemary, Natalie, Mike, their families and the entire Iggulden clan for sharing Brian with us. His warmth, integrity and leadership will live on in our hearts. We are forever grateful that his life touched ours.

Reminiscing on 75 Years of Tiger A Legacy on the Printed Page

Special thanks to Anne Kubu, Trish Loat and Kelly Neill ’81 for their invaluable research contributions to this feature.

Seventy-five years ago, Ridley College launched a modest publication that would become a cornerstone of its community. The first issue of The Ridley Tiger, published in October 1950, was a simple fourpanel fold-out, measuring 3.5 by 6.25 inches, with eight pages in total. Its opening column began with a simple promise: to keep Old Boys connected. Inside were “Random notes concerning Old Boys,” updates on alumni careers and military service and a listing of branch committees from Toronto to Montreal and London. It was practical, personal and deeply rooted in tradition.

In those early days, Terence Cronyn ’1920 served as Tiger’s first editor. In that inaugural issue, the tone was set for what the magazine would grow to become, a publication that chronicles achievements, celebrates milestones and preserves the School’s living history. As Tiger has evolved alongside the School, its purpose has always remained true: to connect, inspire and tell authentic stories.

Evolution of The Ridley Tiger Brand

From its earliest issues, Tiger has been a lifeline to Ridley for alumni scattered across the globe. Thousands of copies were mailed, six issues per year, sometimes taking months to reach readers.

“If you went to Ridley, and were still breathing, you got it at your house — maybe even if you weren’t still breathing,” Anne Kubu recalls with a laugh. She edited and designed Tiger for two decades, starting in the mid-1990s.

The magazine has chronicled achievements, milestones and moments that define the Ridley experience. From birth notices to obituaries and class notes to archive spotlights, the editors and writers for Tiger have always aimed for authenticity in every issue.

The favourite aspect of every issue, since the beginning, is undoubtedly the class notes. Anne notes that whenever she spoke with an Old Ridleian about Tiger, the conversation always started there.

“Those were the connections people wanted,” she says. “They wanted to know who had a baby, who got married and who was doing something interesting.”

Over its seven-decade lifespan, Tiger has evolved in tandem with advancements in technology and printing. From typewriters to dotmatrix printers to the introduction of desktop publishing in the late 1980s, Tiger has been there every step of the way.

Derek Fraser ’79 served as the editor for many years throughout this production evolution. In his early days in the Development Office, printing was wildly expensive and in only two colours — black and orange.

“We broke the seal on colour,” Derek jokes, describing spirited debates that preceded the first four-colour cover and centre spread in 1989. Those decisions set the tone for a more ambitious, visually expressive magazine.

Tiger’s impact was felt in living rooms and on coffee tables, but Derek details perhaps its most significant — philanthropy. He has heard from countless Old Ridleians over the years that, despite great geographic distances, Tiger is what kept them connected.

“I’ve seen major gifts from alumni that we never saw at events or back

on campus,” Derek says. To him, the lesson is clear: print may be slower than a post on social media, but its permanence can deepen belonging and trust.

“Social posts are a blip, then gone. Notes in a magazine are discoverable years later,” Derek says. That tangible, physical connection is essential, and he believes it leads to more involvement, pride, and ultimately, giving.

As they reflect on the past and look ahead to Tiger’s future, Anne and Derek are in agreement: authenticity is everything. Tiger’s secret has never been paper stock or Pantone. It has been the magazine’s habit of listening, showing up and sharing the Ridley story with warmth and care.

In the following pages, we invite you to journey through Tiger’s evolution — decade by decade. You’ll see the stories, faces and moments that have shaped generations. As we look ahead, one thing is sure: Tiger will continue to keep you connected and tell authentic Ridley stories with pride. Here’s to the next 75 years.

1950s

Tiger debuted under the editorial leadership of Terence Cronyn ’1920, marking the beginning of a tradition that would span generations of Ridleians. The earliest issues focused on campus developments, new additions to the school grounds and alumni updates, providing readers with a window into Ridley’s growth and evolution. Among the most memorable highlights was the historic visit of Field Marshal Montgomery in 1954, a moment that underscored Ridley’s eternal connection to both the First and Second World Wars.

1960s

The 1960s saw both progress and poignant farewells for Ridley. This era saw the passing of two influential figures: Dr. H.C. Griffith, Ridley’s second headmaster, who served from 1921 to 1949, and Dr. Sidney Bett, the beloved organist and choirmaster whose tenure began in 1923 and continued until his death in 1964. Amid these losses, the school expanded with the construction of Arthur Bishop House, adding 75 new boarding beds to accommodate a growing student body. In 1967, Tiger underwent a drastic change to a larger format, more closely resembling the magazine it is today, and longtime editor Terence Cronyn retired. He was greatly celebrated at the Toronto Branch Dinner that year with the largest turnout ever.

1970s

The decade began with the welcoming of a distinguished guest to campus, Governor General Roland Michener. The School continued to see significant growth, both physically with new construction on campus and within the student body. In 1971, we welcomed Ridley’s fifth Headmaster, Richard A. Bradley, who ushered the School into a new era — the introduction of co-education in 1972. A new arena was constructed, along with the McLaughlin Building, which housed the art department and the Matthews Library. All of these milestones were faithfully covered in Tiger, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1975.

1980s

In 1981, Jeremy Packard arrived as the School’s sixth headmaster, guiding Ridley through a decade of growth and modernization. The Second Century Campaign took shape during these years, culminating in the construction of the Second Century Building and the Mandeville Theatre — landmarks that reinforced Ridley’s commitment to academic and cultural excellence. Athletic triumphs also defined the era, with Ridley capturing gold at the prestigious Royal Henley Regatta in England in 1986, a proud moment on the international stage. The decade closed with a milestone for Tiger: its first full-color cover in 1989. The year was filled with celebrations and tributes in celebration of Ridley’s centennial.

1990s

In 1992, Tiger featured its first full-color photograph inside an issue — a striking image of Darcy McKeough ’51. The magazine continued tracking growth at the School and changes in leadership, showcasing a feature on Rupert Lane in 1995 as he became Ridley’s eighth headmaster. There were also several significant anniversaries this decade, both outlined and promoted within the pages of Tiger, the 75th anniversary of the Memorial Chapel in 1998 and the centennial of the Ridley College Association in 1999.

2000s

The 2000s brought more years of growth, change and modernization for both Ridley and Tiger. The magazine shifted to its current biannual publication schedule and underwent another large redesign, incorporating more colour and long-form stories. Throughout the decade, it featured high-profile events, developments and visitors to campus. 2007 was a busy year, particularly notable for the visit of future Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Ridley as part of the Crawford Gordon ’56 Speaker Series, the dedication of the Ross Morrow Theatre and the 100th Cadet Inspection. In 2008, we unveiled the Hank the Tiger statue outside of School House and in 2009, work began on the new arena and Fieldhouse revitalization project.

2010s

In 2012, Tiger featured the arrival of Ridley’s current Headmaster, Ed Kidd, detailing the family’s adjustment and his goals as Ridley’s new leader. Two years later, we marked two major milestones: the 40th anniversary of co-education and a gala commemorating the School's 125th anniversary, both of which were heavily featured in Tiger articles at the time. As Tiger has modernized over the decades, long-form “journalistic pieces” have become more common, and 2015 provides one of the best examples: “The Mystery of the Jarvis Bugle.” An article that recounts the remarkable tale of a bugle discovered in a Pennsylvania forest in 1960 and its eventual return to Ridley — a tale that connected past and present in a profound way.

Learning in the Time of the COVID

How Ridley came together to protect our community and ensure continuity of learning for our students.

Centre one Thursday afternoon in mid-January, we were still learning how to refer to the enigmatic and highly contagious virus reported by the World Health Organizations only days earlier. What we did know, however, was that we needed to deploy our Pandemic Preparedness Plan and make swift yet calculated

school closures to limit the spread of COVID-19 came in the middle of Ridley’s March Break, when students and faculty were enjoying a much deserved respite. The height of concern in the province striking while the campus was already vacated provided our Pandemic

with uninterrupted time to evolve strategies. Months of transparent and frequent communication with our students, parents and employees also helped prepare

By Susan Hazell

“We were guided by essential questions: What will the community we serve say about us two years from now? Did we continue to build relationships? Did we act with compassion and care?”

Learning in the Time of the COVID

How Ridley came together to protect our community and ensure continuity of learning for our students.

By Ed Kidd

Serving and Supporting the Ridley Community since 1923

By Susan Hazell

When we first assembled in the Schmon Heath Centre one Thursday afternoon in mid-January, we were still learning how to refer to the enigmatic and highly contagious virus reported by the World Health Organizations only days earlier. What we did know, however, was that we needed to deploy our Pandemic Preparedness Plan and make swift yet calculated moves to limit our school’s risk of exposure to this ‘novel coronavirus.’ From that date onwards, our core Pandemic Response Team began consulting public health authorities and devising strategies—including enhanced hygiene education, avid disinfection, advisory discussions, medical supply orders, quarantine planning, travel surveys, and health screenings.

In many ways, it was fortunate that official Ontario school closures to limit the spread of COVID-19 came in the middle of Ridley’s March Break, when students and faculty were enjoying a much deserved respite. The height of concern in the province striking while the campus was already vacated provided our Pandemic Response Team and Remote Learning Task Force with uninterrupted time to evolve strategies. Months of transparent and frequent communication with our students, parents and employees also helped prepare our community for the likelihood of a government mandated shutdown.

“We were guided by essential questions: What will the community we serve say about us two years from now? Did we continue to build relationships? Did we act with compassion and care?”

W

hen a small group of women met in Toronto on December 7, 1923, they could not have imagined the significant impact and legacy that they would be creating with the founding of the Ridley College Women’s Guild. The purpose of the meeting was to determine how best these Ridley mothers and wives could support and be better connected to the school. At the first official meeting of the Guild in January 1924, this determined group of women had secured 91 paid members, an Executive Committee was formed, and Mrs. E.F. Blake was pronounced the first President. The aims of the newly formed Guild were as follows:

To enlist and maintain the cooperation and sympathy of the mothers, wives, and sisters of all Ridleians, past and present.

2. To bring them into closer touch with the work of

1 Ridley: A Canadian School, by Richard A. Bradley and

First Women of Ridley, 1974

Isabel Hepworth

Katharine Miller 1985

Charlene (Ebert) Hutton ’83

Chantal Ramsay ’74

Female Swim Team, 1981

Anna M. Cleghorn Celebrating 50 Years of Women at Ridley College

CLASS NOTES

1960s

Fraser Thomson, Rick Coy ’60, Trish Loat, Andy Thomson ’60, Chris Loat ’62 and Woody Coy pictured on Remembrance Day standing beside the cross of Andy's uncle Donald Cameron Plaunt ’41, who died in the Second World War when his plane was shot down over Germany. Andy spoke to students about his uncle at this year's Remembrance Day service.

Class of ’71 Wing Night L to R: Geoff Lind ’71, Brian Love ’71, Greg O'Hara ’71, Leigh Hogg ’71, Clive Caldwell ’71, Johnny Frederick ’71, Rob Stratton ’71 and Bill Redelmeier ’71

Timothy J. Lemay ’73 retired as Deputy Director and Principal Legal Officer at UNCITRAL, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law in Vienna, Austria.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Share a few short words with your fellow Old Ridleians about important milestones, career moves or philanthropic endeavours. Please include your full name and the year you graduated from Ridley.

Gord Durnan ’64 was honoured to be presented with the King Charles Coronation Medal on March 20th, 2025.

1970s

High resolution images (300dpi, 2MB minimum) are welcome to accompany your Class Note.

SEND TO: development@ridleycollege.com

Christa ’98, Shawn ’01 and Mike ’70 Moulden participated in the Philadelphia Marathon on November 15th and 16th. Mike and Christa ran the 8K race, and Shawn completed the full marathon.

Clive Caldwell ’71 was inducted into the Canadian Squash Hall of Fame — the first Ridleian to receive this honour. Clive captured more than 35 professional singles and doubles events over his 20-year career on the WPSA Tour, including two world singles titles.

Tim Powell ’74 was recently recognized by Rowing Canada for 30 years of service to the sport. His time at Ridley launched his rowing career, and over the years, he has served in countless volunteer roles across the country.

Class of ’74 organized a gathering at the Toronto Cricket Club on October 23rd, 2025. It was a fun evening, designed to reunite with old friends and allow a few of us who were unable to attend our Golden Anniversary (last year) to stay in touch.

David Reeve ’76 is in his 44th year with the American Red Cross, based at the National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. He currently serves as Vice President of Supply Chain Operations for Biomedical Services and also oversees six manufacturing laboratories. In May, he welcomed his first grandchild, Hazel.

William T. Hutton ’76 retired after 47 years in the steel industry on April 30th, 2024.

Keith Potts ’76 retired from full-time work after 15 years in broadcasting and 30 years in selling power tools. Now back in Simcoe, Keith works part-time for the Wine Shop and does woodworking projects for friends, family and his church.

Jeff Bullied ’76 was recently awarded his certification as a Senior Polar Guide after spending approximately 20 months of the past three years as a polar expedition guide in Antarctica and the High Arctic. In 2026, he will serve as an expedition guide in Antarctica for five months and as a polar bear guide for two months at a remote luxury lodge on the shores of Hudson Bay. He is excited to return to Ridley for his 50th reunion later this year.

Derek D. Fraser ’79 of Calgary, AB, is a senior consultant with Global Philanthropic Canada, the largest national philanthropic consultancy in the country. Derek is also serving on a second tour as a director with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Calgary and Area Chapter and is co-chairing the regional fundraising conference, AFP Compass, in May 2026 in Calgary. Derek was delighted to provide two educational sessions at the 2025 CAIS Heads and Chairs Conference in Kelowna in October.

1980s

The Class of ’81 had a fantastic gathering hosted by Rob McMillan ’81. Also pictured: Jonathan Bullivant ’81 and Franz Ohler ’81, Jamie O’Brien ’81, Charles Frosst ’81 and Michael Moore ’81.

Tim Bristow ’80 was inducted into the Syracuse Rowing Hall of Fame. Tim credited his experience at Ridley as foundation to his success at Syracuse and later as a member of the Canadian national team.

Malcolm Park ’81 is currently living north of Kingston, Ontario and retired in 2014 after 30 years of working at Scotiabank. He is currently the President of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Kingston Centre. In 2024, Malcolm gave Ridley students a presentation in advance of the solar eclipse that passed through St. Catharines.

F. Kelly Neill ’81 - Since retiring in 2022 as an Ontario Case Manager for the Specialty Health Network, Kelly has returned to Ridley as the Archivist. In her spare time, she keeps busy as the owner/operator of Barich Holdings and as a member of the Management Team at Knox Church.

Anne Marie Dorning ’81 is currently residing west of Boston, MA. She has left behind her previous career in journalism after covering everything from Olympics to Presidential inaugurations and is now working as the Vice President of Advancement Communications, Brown University. She has hung up her running shoes (for mostly good), after five marathons and over a dozen sprint triathlons.

Andrew McPherson ’81 is living in Guelph, ON and is a full-time musician and voice actor. Last year, he had the greatest pleasure of producing a collection of songs with classmate Doug Mollenhauer ’81, available on streaming platforms. Andrew has released 23 albums as well as several

remixes and collaborations and has received two Juno nominations for World Music Album of the Year and two Canadian Music Awards.

Catherine Shea ’82 is expanding her passion for art around the globe in Mexico and Africa. Her book of Artist Essays will be published in 2026. Cate is currently residing in Tanzania, Africa offering safaris and volunteering art experiences with the local Maasai community.

Bill Innes ’81 is currently residing in Thousand Oaks, California. A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine since 1993, he owns and operates his own Veterinary practice in Westlake CA. In his spare time, Bill loves to engage in outdoor sports, fishing and has completed over 160 scuba dives in the Channel Islands off the coast of Ventura.

Brian McMahon ’80, Jason Dorland ’83 and Darby Berkhout ’85 were inducted into the University of Victoria Sports Hall of Fame as members of the 1986 men's eight rowing crew. Building on the growing legacy of UVic rowing under head coach Al Morrow, the 1985–86 men’s 8+ became one of the world’s top university crews. They went undefeated throughout the 1985–86 season. Every member of the crew represented Canada at the Commonwealth Games, World Championships or the Olympics.

Darby Berkhout ’85, Jamie McKeough ’87, David Bryden ’85 and Pat Bryden ’89 travelled to the Royal Henley Regatta in the U.K. for the 40th anniversary of their race in 1985.

1990s

Fiona Milne ’90 was in attendance on Henley Island for the christening of a new boat in her honour. Ridley now has a boat for every alumni Olympian, and we have been making an effort to christen these over the past few years. Today, Fiona lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband and their three daughters. Her youngest daughter Erin attended Ridley as an exchange student, continuing her rowing legacy.

Bryan Rose ’96 was recognized with the Mayor's Medal, honouring the "Community Builders and Philanthropy in Lincoln." This prestigious award was presented to nine leaders in our community, and we were delighted to learn that our very own was among the worthy recipients. Congratulations to all the award winners and special congrats to Bryan.

Rob Black ’99 has stepped out of academia and is now a Senior Advisor to the International Institute of Information Integrity. In addition to this, he runs a university student competition, the U.K. Cyber Leaders Challenge, aimed at developing the next generation of cyber leaders. He tries to make it back to Ridley as often as possible and remains as Secretary to the U.K. Branch of the RCA. If you ever find yourself in England, feel free to connect.

2000s

Chris Singleton ’04 has been awarded the Young Leader Award from the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada. He is the third-generation owner of Niagara Battery and Tire.

2010s

Jordan Mitchell ’19 ran the Chicago Marathon in memory of his father, Kirk Mitchell, who was a former Ridley guidance counsellor.

2020s

Tony Lou ’21 generously spent time with Ridley’s Boys Math Team at their recent competition at Harvard, giving them a tour around campus and sharing insights about his academic journey. It was a great experience for our students, especially as many of them are considering a similar path in engineering or mathematics. Tony connected with them extremely well and was an outstanding ambassador for Ridley.

Abigail Sullivan ’21 graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2025 and is now working as a theatre producer and performer in Toronto. She will be performing at The Theatre Centre in April 2026.

Caitlin Ng ’25 returned to Ridley from Western University to host the second annual Ridley Girls in Squash Event, an initiative introducing squash to junior female athletes who may not otherwise have the opportunity to try it. With 18 participants, the event was a success, combining skill-building, fun games and inspiration for the next generation of players.

BIRTHS

Elana (Nicholls) Grosvenor ’06 and her husband Matthew Grosvenor welcomed their daughter, Dorothy on June 29th, 2025.

Joyce Chan ’08 a baby girl, Hannah, on July 15, 2024

Cameron Gray ’15 and Partner MacKenzie Gashti welcomed their daughter Blakely Elizabeth, on April 14th, 2025.

Connie (Sgouromitis) Datcu ’12 and husband Tudor Datcu welcomed their son Elias George, on August 22nd, 2025.

Ainsley (Peacock) Bondy ’12 and husband Matt Bondy welcomed their daughter Lennon, on April 22nd, 2025.

Olivia (Park) ’11 and husband Christopher Robinson ’11 welcomed their identical twin daughters, Amelia Jean and Daisy Jennifer, on October 9th, 2025.

Tahiti Seymour ’21 recently represented the Cayman Islands at the 2025 Miss Universe pageant in Thailand.

John B. Chapman ’49 died October 10th, 2025, at age 94.

George Easdon ’52 died on July 24th, 2025, at age 91.

Paul Jones ’54 died on July 22nd, 2024, at the age of 89.

Douglas R. Leggat ’54 died December 30th, 2025, at age 91.

Timothy E. Reid ’54 died on October 9th, 2025, at age 89.

Daniel A. Evans ’55 died on December 27th, 2025, at age 90.

John A. Pollock ’55 died on January 12th, 2026, at age 89.

OBITUARIES FACULTY & STAFF NOTES

Joel and Sierra Friesen welcomed their daughter, Soul Nova, on June 19th, 2025.

Alex Wierzbicki and his wife welcomed their daughter, Isobel, on June 24th, 2025.

Stacey Iggulden and her husband Steve welcomed their daughter, Emily Cecelia, on September 18th, 2025.

RETIREMENT

Ron Lanteigne, HVAC Technician, retired from Ridley on January 2nd, 2026 after more than 20 years of service in our Facilities department.

Known affectionately by his colleagues as “Rockin’ Ronny” and “Captain Ron,” Ron has been a steady, positive presence in the shop and across campus. From arriving before dawn — often well

Robert F. Lee ’58 died on December 22nd, 2025, at age 87.

John W. Sedgwick ’60 died on September 17th, 2025, at age 83.

R. Michael Stone ’61 died on January 13th, 2026, at age 83.

Dr. J. David Spence ‘62 died on August 10th, 2025, at age 80.

John D. Waind ‘64, died on November 12th, 2025, at age 80.

Brian A. Iggulden ’67 died on October 1st, 2025, at age 76.

George R. Orr ’71 died on June 2nd, 2025, at age 73.

David A. W. Niblett ’77 died on August 22nd, 2025, at age 68.

Gregory D. Knowles ’82 died on November 18th, 2025, at age 62.

John F. Bentley ’83 died June 27th, 2025, at age 62.

Nicholas R. F. Thompson ’89 died on November 21st, 2025, at age 55.

Robert Pugsley ’91 died in July, 2025, at the age of 53.

Gerd E. Siewert (Lower School Faculty) died on July 9th, 2025, at age 81.

Niagara Falls, ON.

Gemma Dean completed the Chicago Marathon in memory of her late husband who lost his battle to ALS in 2019.

before his 7:00 a.m. shift — to tackling the toughest jobs without complaint, Ron exemplified professionalism, reliability, and dedication. His ability to respond calmly and effectively during emergencies earned him the trust of everyone who worked alongside him. Among the many highlights of his career, Ron cherished the opportunity to work with his son and grandson. He proudly shared his skills and knowledge with them and is thrilled that his grandson Hunter is continuing the family tradition

in HVAC trades school. Ron leaves behind countless repairs, upgrades, and systems that will serve Ridley for years to come. As he steps into retirement, he looks forward to spending time with his wife Donna, his family — especially his grandchildren — and indulging his passion for classic muscle cars, including his beloved ’68 Mustang.

Thank you, Ron for your contributions to the school. We wish you the best in your next well-earned chapter!

Tyler Adair and Dr. Skylar Kovacs were married on November 15th, 2025 in

Nicole Aloise and Jake Falcao were married on July 7th, 2025 in the Dominican Republic.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE SKATING PROGRAMME

Competitive skaters at the Juvenile, Pre-Novice and Novice levels have a unique opportunity to train at a high-performance level, 12–18 hours/week, while receiving a world-class education.

ridleycollege.com/skatingschool