What St. Mike’s Celebrated in November and December, 2025
Another term wrapped up with convocation ceremonies, inspiring lectures, and a first-of-its-kind art exhibit. We closed the semester with our Christmas celebrations — a joyful send-off before members of our community headed off to spend time with family and loved ones over the holiday break.
Regis St. Michael’s and Continuing Education Convocations
For the first time, graduates of St. Mike’s and Regis convocated in a joint ceremony on November 8. Graduates were warmly welcomed and congratulated by their respective Chancellors: Archbishop Cardinal Frank Leo (St. Mike’s) and Fr. Jeff Burwell, SJ (Regis). Fr. Michael Kolarcik, SJ delivered a heartfelt convocation address in St. Basil’s Church, touching on a range topics with a focus on peace and justice. Sr. Dr. Carla Thomas, OP, was awarded this year’s Governor General’s Award.
William John Bennett, a renowned USMC community member and alumnus, received an honorary degree (Doctorate of the University) during the theology convocation, followed by a luncheon held in his honour in Father Madden Hall.
Continuing Education Social Responsibility and Sustainability Convocation
Students from the Social Responsibility and Sustainability (SR&S) Post-Graduate Diploma Program also marked this milestone with their own convocation ceremony in Charbonnel Lounge. President Sylvester and Director of Continuing Education Dr. Michael Salvatori offered their remarks and the four recipients of the President’s Capstone Award were announced.
Opening of Regis St. Michael’s Canadian Centre for Catholic Pastoral Leadership
The launch of the Regis St. Michael’s Canadian Centre for Catholic Pastoral Leadership was celebrated with a keynote address by Dr. Kathy Galleher on sustainable ministry and self-care. Funded by a generous Lilly Foundation grant, the Centre was developed in consultation with religious leaders and will offer continuing education on topics ranging from how to offer spiritual direction through to managing capital projects.
Fifty Irish Lives in Canada Book Launch
To celebrate the launch of their new book, Fifty Irish Lives in Canada, 1661–2017, authors Drs. Eamonn McKee, former Ambassador of Ireland to Canada, and Mark McGowan, St. Michael’s Professor and Principal Emeritus, discussed the history and collaborative effort behind this project. The book highlights Irish men, women, and children whose lives and contributions helped shape Canada.
Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) Women at the Heart of Justice Campaign Stops at RSM
The Regis St. Michael Faculty of Theology had the privilege of hosting Sr. Laura Vicuña Pereira Manso, a member of the Franciscan Catechist Sisters and an Indigenous land defender from the Brazilian Amazon. Sr. Laura spoke about the essential role women play as defenders of life, land, and human rights. The event was organized by the CJI, the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology, and the Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology.
Lecture on Christian Ethics and Indigenous Spirituality
Regis College, Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology, and the University of St. Michael’s College were proud to present a lecture by Dr. Christine Jamieson titled ‘Christian Ethics and Indigenous Spirituality in Dialogue: The Seven Grandfather Teachings and Lonergan’s Structure of the Human Good’.
SMC Awards Night
Incoming and returning students were celebrated at the SMC Awards Night, where recipients of a wide range of awards and scholarships — from in-course prizes to the King Charles III admission scholarship — were announced. Principal Irene Morra told the assembled crowd of students, professors, donors, and alumni, that the recipients had “achieved so much and promise to achieve so much more.”
Fall Campus Day
St. Michael’s welcomed more than 150 visitors to campus for this year’s Fall Campus Day. Prospective students, applicants, and their families explored campus through guided tours led by faculty and upper-year students and learned more about all that St. Mike’s has to offer.
Blessing of the New Kelly Library Garden
As part of the blessing of the new Kelly Library Garden, attendees paused to observe, listen, and appreciate the newly planted foliage. Interim Director of Mission and Ministry Fr. John Meehan, SJ performed the blessing. The gathering was organized by The Elliott Allen Institute for Theology and Ecology and St. Michael’s Campus Ministry. Watch video
The New Pope and the Role of Women in the Church: What’s Next?
The latest in the Alumnae Initiative for Women’s (AI4W) Conversation Series featured an online panel discussion on the new pope and the future of women in the Church. Presented in collaboration with St. Mike’s Division of Continuing Education, the event’s panelists delved into the evolving landscape of the Catholic Church. Moderator Celia Wexler (SMC 7T0) facilitated a lively conversation with Dr. Catherine Clifford (SMC 0T2), Rosemary Burns Ganley (SMC 5T8), and Dr. Phyllis Zagano.
Third McLuhan Salon
USMC and the McLuhan Foundation hosted the third McLuhan Salon of the 2025 season, continuing a series that explores the intersection of media theory and digital culture. Moderated by Prof. Paolo Granata, the event featured Adrian Guzmán, author of Technopsychology: Analysis of Human Behavior in New Media (2025), and Andrey Mir, author of The Digital Reversal: Thread-Saga of Media Evolution (2025), who shared insights into how digital technologies shape our minds, media, and understanding of the world.
Remembrance Day Prayer Service
The St. Michael’s community gathered at the Slype to pay respects to St. Michael’s fallen through a prayer service organized by the Campus Ministry team. Fr. John Meehan, SJ blessed the wreath that was later taken to the University of Toronto’s Remembrance Day service at Soldiers’ Tower.
Student-Curated Exhibit Features Donovan Collection
Students in the Donovan Seminar curated an art exhibition featuring one of the Donovan Collection’s most important and widely represented artists. Ted Rettig in Contest was on display in the Kelly Library until the end of December.
Schola Cantorum Advent Concert
Once again, theSchola Cantorum Advent Concert was a highlight of the Christmas season. The meditative concert of chant and choral music —rich in themes of longing, hope, light, and joy —featured the world premiere of a work by Canadian composer Beverly Lewis.
Faculty and Staff Christmas Party
Faculty and staff gathered to celebrate the season and share some holiday cheer before the break. The event included a Christmas dinner, a performance by students from the Campus Ministry Choir, and concluded with the always popular door prize draw.
Fall Clean-Up Day
A chilly day didn’t stop our SMCSU and community members from pitching in at the campus clean-up day, helping refresh the campus grounds in preparation for winter.
4th Annual SMC Christmas Market
Even with the windchill, the St. Mike’s community came together to enjoy the Christmas Market. With more than 35 vendors, the event was filled with festive cheer as visitors shopped for gifts and treats and enjoyed student carollers. The market raised over $1500 to support the Out of the Cold Program at St. Basil’s Church— a wonderful way to end the semester. View photos.