The

RootThe UTS ALUMNI MAGAZINE • Spring 2014

The Artist’s Way John Bennett ’38 spoke with Kim Lee Kho ’81 about being an artist in war and peace. The Future of Journalism Alumni journalists discuss their changing profession in this mobile-media age.

Alumni News • Crawford and Hall of Fame Awards • Annual Alumni Dinner UTSAA Mark Your Calendars Board of Directors

Tuesday, May 20, 2014 President Seattle Branch Event Mark Opashinov ’88 Details TBA [email protected] RSVP: www.utschools.ca/rsvp Vice President Nina Coutinho ’04 Wednesday, May 21, 2014 [email protected] Vancouver Branch Event Treasurer Details TBA Bob Cumming ’65 RSVP: www.utschools.ca/rsvp [email protected] Secretary Wednesday, May 28, 2014 Aaron Dantowitz ’91 UTSAA Annual General Meeting [email protected] 6:00 p.m. in the UTS Library Honorary President Contact: [email protected] Rosemary Evans [email protected] Tuesday, June 17, 2014 Honorary UTSAA Golf Tournament Vice-President Join us at St. Andrew’s Valley for our 19th Annual Tournament. Tee-offs from Heather Henricks 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. [email protected] RSVP: www.utschools.ca/rsvp Directors Don Ainslie ’84 Saturday, October 25, 2014 [email protected] Annual Alumni Dinner and Awards Sharon Au ’08 [email protected] Anniversary Year Celebrations: 1934, 1939, 1944, 1949, 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, Tina Bates ’88 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009 [email protected] All years are welcome! The sixth H.J. Crawford Award will be presented, Jonathan Bitidis ’99 and UTS Hall of Fame inductees will be honoured. Guests will also have an [email protected] opportunity to visit the UTS Open House during the day. Jonathan Bright ’04 More information TBA. [email protected] Location: Marriott Yorkville; 5:30 p.m. reception; 7:00 p.m. awards ceremony and dinner. Aaron Chan ’94 Registration is now open: www.utschools.ca/rsvp, or [email protected] email [email protected]. George V. Crawford ’72 [email protected] For more information about any of the events above, please call: 416-978-3919, David Dodds ’73 or email [email protected] [email protected] Peter Frost ’63 [email protected] Oliver Jerschow ’92 [email protected] Laura Money ’81 [email protected] Peter Neilson ’71 [email protected] Bob Pampe ’63 [email protected] Tim Sellers ’78 [email protected] Contents 20 Mark Your Calendars 2 The Future of Journalism Bits & Pieces 4 Many UTS graduates have distinguished themselves in the field of journalism in and abroad. We President’s Report 8 asked eight of them to share their views on how the Principal’s Report 9 landscape has changed since the Internet became accessible to all, and where they think journalism is UTS Board Report 10 heading in this mobile-media age...... 12 Advancement Report 11 Annual Alumni Dinner and Awards 20 The Artist’s Way John Bennett ’38 is a man who can’t seem to stop working, despite his many accomplishments. A prolific artist, he spends time in the studio almost every day: “I can’t not paint,” he explains...... 17 On the Cover: John Bennett ’38 and Kim Lee Kho ’81 in one of the art rooms at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Photograph: Ian Willms. Above: Entertainment by the UTS Jazz Quartet during the reception at the Annual Alumni Dinner. L-R: Sergei Alumni News Kofman, Aaron Shafton, Nathan Farrant-Diaz, and Ilya Motamedi. All the latest in the lives of your classmates, including Our thanks to this issue’s contributors: Jonathan In Memoriam and tributes to the lives of two Bitidis ’99, Don Borthwick ’54, Richard Cook, Martha distinguished alumni...... 23 Drake, Rosemary Evans, Jim Fleck ’49, Carrie Flood, Alexander Hart ’70, Kim Lee Kho ’81, Laura MacNames, Julie Martin, Nomi Morris ’80, Mark Opashinov ’88, Jane Rimmer, and Diana Shepherd ’80. Looking Back background: © iStockphoto.com/Peter Zelei F TORON University of Schools Alumni Association O TO Y IT S S C 371 Bloor Street West, Room 121, Toronto, M5S 2R7 H Editor: Diana Shepherd ’80 R E O

V O Phone: 416-978-3919 Fax: 416-971-2354 E-mail: [email protected]

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Design: PageWave Graphics Inc. U Web: www.utschools.ca/alumni Facebook: www.fb.com/utschools V

E S L Published Spring and Fall, The Root is available to all alumni, parents and friends of UTS. Printed in Canada by Colour Systems Inc. U U T M A AR R Contact us at the above addresses to receive a copy or to change your address. BOR ITA The issue is also available at: www.utschools.ca/root If you would like to receive your copy of the Root electronically only, please contact: [email protected] or 416-978-3919 Bits & Pieces A Compendium of Noteworthy UTS Tidbits

Don’s Den Participants included the UTS Speech UTSAA Executive Director, Donald Student groups compete for UTSAA and Debate Society, FIRST Robotics Borthwick ’54. At Don’s final UTSAA funding at the inaugural “Don’s Den” Club, the UTS Wellness Committee, the meeting as a director in May 2012, the On a Friday afternoon in late November, Chess Organization, the UTS Classics UTSAA acknowledged his steadfast the atmosphere in the auditorium was Society, Science Olympiads, the music efforts to benefit UTS students during tense. While Pink Floyd’s “Money” program, and others. his close to 20 years on the Board by blared over the sound system, students MC George Radner (S6/grade 12) creating the H. Donald Borthwick were clustered in groups, anxiously introduced the Alumni panel – Jonathan Student Activities Fund. Don’s Den finalizing their pitches for funds from Bitidis ’99, Nina Coutinho ’04, Oliver was created as an open and lively the UTSAA. Ten different student Jerschow ’92, Mark Opashinov ’88, way to increase knowledge of the organizations were in attendance to and Laura Money ’81 – then called up available funds to the students, convince a panel of alumni judges as the first applicants. Each group had and to challenge them to create to why their idea deserved funding. three minutes to make a pitch and two professional presentations. Although the UTSAA has disbursed minutes to respond to questions from Don attended the event as a special funds to UTS students for years, this the judges. An imposing gym timer was guest and personally congratulated year marked the first instalment of used to keep them on schedule. In the each applicant as they received Don’s Den: a high-energy event that end, although not every group received their results. challenged students to come up the funding they requested, the UTSAA Based on the success of the event, with creative, professional pitches distributed more than $4,800 and no the UTSAA plans to make Don’s Den for UTSAA funding. The event drew applicant left empty-handed. an annual event to be held each fall. n more applications to the UTSAA than Don’s Den is named for longtime – Jonathan Bitidis ‘99 have ever been tendered in one year. UTSAA Board member and former UTSAA Board Director

FIRST Robotics Club pitch a project to the panel of alumni judges (L-R: Mark Opashinov ’88, Nina Coutinho ’04, Jonathan Bitidis ’99, Laura Money ’81, and Oliver Jerschow ’92). Inset: Don Borthwick ’54 looks on from the first row!

4 THE ROOT • Spring 2014 The Good Old Hockey air and remind us of the tremendous energy and true sportsmanship. The Game Returns to UTS history that lives in the building. dedication and energy displayed by this To quote Joe Bowen, “the voice of the The last time UTS hit the ice was new team are impressive; they have laid Toronto Maple Leafs”: “Ho-ly Mackinaw!” in 2007/2008 when the team dressed the foundation for the future of hockey Hockey has returned to UTS with Jennifer Archibald ’08 as the first female at UTS. a vengeance! player in the school’s history. The Holy Mackinaw indeed! n The first ever co-ed hockey team at current co-ed teams re-ignite the great – Julie Martin (coach) UTS took to the ice in the fall. Fellow tradition of hockey at UTS with renewed Manager, Facilities and HR Services coach and director of athletics, Jeff Kennedy, and I were thrilled with the enthusiastic response we received to a call for players. The UTS Varsity High School squad comprises 22 M3 to S6 (grades 9-12) students at various stages of their hockey careers. With a 50/50 boy-girl split, the team is the epitome of co-ed sports. The up-and-coming foundation team has 16 players. The UTS Blues play in a Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) eight-team division non-contact league against some very strong competition. It is a testament to their passion for the game that every member of the team plays every game with heart – and with an ear-to-ear grin. The enthusiasm and support for their teammates is commendable and makes the coaching staff feel like proud parents. There is something special about walking into our home arena at Varsity Stadium. The echoes of those who have played before us hang in the

Continuing a tradition: the UTS Varsity High School Blues gathering on the ice at Varsity Arena, and in a game against Brebeuf College BELOW: The 1918-19 UTS Hockey Team: Junior Champions of Canada.

Julie Martin

THE UTS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 5 The Duffy-Frum Scrum: of overwrought disaster and that action the greatness of current student life A UTS Debate to save them from ruin must be taken is dangerously close to being a full- On January 28, the UTS Speech and immediately. His case was strengthened fledged family shame. Armin, for his Debate Society, in conjunction with the by impassioned arguments made by part, took delight in highlighting to the UTSAA’s Reconnect Tuesdays, presented Khaleel Rajwani (S5/grade 11) and largely alumni audience that an action- two former debate greats: John Duffy ’81 Dasha Metropolitansky (F2/grade 8). packed contemporary plugged-in life and David Frum ’78 in “The Duffy-Frum Though neither student was dressed in contrasts sharply to the teen experience Scrum: A UTS Debate”. They shared rags or swayed from exhaustion, they of the 1970s, which was defined by the the stage with a selection of our current took great pains to convince the crowd complexity of “Pong”. crop of fine UTS student debaters and that their lives are a living misery – By the end of the evening, which was generated a roiling, broiling debate nearly akin to Gulag conditions. moderated with grace and skill by S5/ on the topic: This House believes that On the other side, David made the grade 11 students Benjamin Levy and all work and no play makes today’s case that today’s students enjoy much Kieran Kreidié-Akazaki, the crowd had students dull boys and girls. more exciting lives than students borne witness to wit and substance, and The Society will have the great from his era. He exalted the vigor all assembled departed with the happy honour of hosting the Canadian Junior and creativity of today’s youth and realization that UTS past and present National Debate Championships in reminded us of the cultural horror that shared a passion for great speech and May 2014, and the Scrum helped raise was the 1970s – with direct reference to debate! For the many alumni who almost $2,800 in support of the school’s awful colour combinations in clothing had the great pleasure to join in via efforts to host this very high-profile and the listless self-indulgence of our webcast, we are equally sure the national event. the hippy era. His side was bolstered enthralling nature of the debate carried In front of the UTS main stage, the by rapid‑fire blasts from M3/grade successfully over the web. Many 150-strong audience was treated to a 9 students Martine Duffy and Armin thanks to all who supported the UTS display of audacious rhetoric from both Safavi-Naini. Martine made it abundantly Speech and Debate Society! n sides of the house. On proposition, clear that her father’s memories of – Richard Cook, John was masterful in delivery and fonder past times, though quaint, are UTS Canadian & World Studies substance. He made the case that grossly simplistic. It saddened her to teacher and UTS Speech and today’s UTS students are on the verge conclude that his refusal to recognize Debate Society Coach

ABOVE: John Duffy ’81 leans in at the lectern as fellow debaters look on. L-R: Dasha Metropolitansky, Khaleel Rajwani, David Frum ’78, Armin Safavi-Naini, and Martine Duffy. OPPOSITE, clockwise from top: David Frum and Armin Safavi-Naini listen intently to Martine Duffy; John Duffy; Dasha Metropolitansky.

6 THE ROOT • Spring 2014 THE UTS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 7 President’s Report

Making the Connection Alumni have embraced new fora to reconnect with one another.

The zeitgeist of our age, if there is one, is hyper- out alumni to socialize and, yes, connect with connectivity. To live in this moment is to be one another. Rest assured that your association connected – first and foremost to our ever-present will continue its traditional alumni sporting and devices and, through them, to the Internet, to an social events – Reconnect Tuesdays is simply a endless flood of news from all over the world, to response to the requests we got from alumni for the soapboxes of millions of bloggers, and to the more varied and more frequent ways to connect. hundreds or thousands of people we call friends Our upcoming photo contest (see page 29 of on social media. Some of us remember a less this issue of The Root for more details) is yet connected time, but an increasing number have another way for alumni – no matter where they never known anything different. The advent of are – to stay connected to one another and the enabling technologies and humans’ natural the school. Mark Opashinov, ’88 gregariousness has given rise to our constant Your association’s efforts to foster connections President, UTSAA communication and our seemingly endless thirst don’t end there, however. Responding to the for it. Yet, for all the mediated connections, demands of the many alumni who live far from there seems no truly satisfying substitute for a Toronto, we’ve just launched another exciting handshake, for sharing a drink or a meal together, initiative: a pilot project to establish, for the for connecting face-to-face. And the enthusiastic first time, formal chapters outside of Toronto. response from alumni to UTSAA’s recent efforts Through the generous volunteer efforts of alumni, to create fora for alumni to reconnect with one we’ve established UTSAA chapters in Ottawa, another suggests this is correct. Waterloo, Vancouver, Washington DC, New York City, and London (UK), and more will be added The advent of the enabling soon. We envision that chapters will host local UTSAA events, be a clearing-house for alumni technologies and humans’ natural news in their locales, and will be a key means gregariousness has given rise to our by which alumni stay in touch with one another and with the school. If you live in any of the constant communication and our cities where our inaugural chapters have been seemingly endless thirst for it. launched, or you live elsewhere and would like to help us launch a UTSAA chapter in your area, please get in touch with Aaron Dantowitz ’91, Launched last fall, Reconnect Tuesdays brings Chair of our Alumni Engagement Committee together alumni at diverse locales in Toronto for at [email protected] or Carrie Flood, a variety of activities: bowling, dodgeball, trivia Alumni Affairs Officer at [email protected]. night, and film screenings, to name a few. Each So stay tuned for details of upcoming events – event takes a different approach to bringing and see you in a city near you soon! n

8 THE ROOT • Spring 2014 Principal’s Report

Excellence in Global Education Students explore what it means to be a “socially responsible global citizen”.

As our mission statement says, UTS is committed and customs and the sociological, religious and to producing “socially responsible global citizens”, local economic realities that become barriers to and we have undertaken a number of initiatives implementation and use. The toilet challenge that enhance student understanding of global has unique dimensions in rural India compared issues. Our school community is gaining valuable to, say, urban Ethiopia. In 2012–13, students insights into what constitutes excellence in global looked at infant malnutrition and the challenge of education and we have come to recognize that, scaling-up the micronutrient powder “Sprinkles”, while global issues such as healthcare delivery, which was developed by pediatrician and malnutrition, and climate change share similarities nutritionist Dr. Stanley Zlotkin of Toronto’s Sick around the world, taking time to appreciate Kids Hospital. During the final symposium, the distinctive variables specific to each locale students presented their proposed solutions for Rosemary Evans allows students a more authentic and nuanced 12 unique localities, including South and Central Principal, UTS understanding of the problems. America, Africa, the Middle East, India, as well as In 2010, under the leadership of then-principal the Canadian north. Michaele Robertson, UTS embarked upon a In class, UTS teachers and students are partnership with the Munk School of Global exploring the connection between local and Affairs at the . Professor global issues in many disciplines. In Spanish, Joseph Wong, Director of the Asian Institute at students explore political, social, and economic the Munk School of Global Affairs, is a member issues in diverse Spanish-speaking countries. of the Global Innovation Group (GIG) – a cross- Geography teachers use “serious games” to help campus interdisciplinary partnership of colleagues students examine global issues such as natural from diverse disciplines such as engineering, disasters and environmental sustainability. economics, strategy, and medicine. In F1 (grade 7), students recently undertook An outgrowth of the GIG is the Global Ideas a mathematical poster project to see how Institute (GII), which provides an opportunity individually and locally-developed ideas evolve for secondary school students (who, in this into global concepts. year’s iteration, number more than 85 from 14 independent and public schools) to explore a UTS teachers and students are global issue currently being considered by the GIG. Over the course of six months, through exploring the connection between local teamwork, mentoring by UofT students and and global issues in many disciplines. teacher candidates, and presentations by GIG members, the students develop a deep understanding of the problem at hand. At UTS, we have come to see that the much- In 2011–12, for example, students looked at touted phrase “think globally and act locally” redesigning the toilet for the developing world should not only be a call to consider the health – an endeavor led by professor of chemical of the planet and to take action in our own engineering, Yu-Ling Cheng. As each student communities – it is also a call to consider the team focused on implementation in a different commonalities in problems across the globe locale, it became evident that the technical and, in our quest to solve them, to be aware and specifications could be conquered, but the real respectful of the various dynamics specific to each complexities involve understanding local mores and every locale. n

THE UTS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 9 UTS Board Report

Exceptional Across the Board The UTS Board of Directors that mirrors the outstanding qualities of the school.

During the past few months, I have had the exceptional, both in their dedication to the pleasure of spending time at UTS – often during school and in their diverse and impressive the school day. It truly has been a wonderful accomplishments. The UTS Board comprises a

Jamie Day Fleck experience for me to observe today’s UTS students talented and skilled group of individuals who and teachers in action. Wandering the halls; are engaged both in helping to implement listening in on music rehearsals and attending our strategic vision and, most importantly, in concerts in the auditorium; watching an athletic securing the future of UTS. We have been meeting practice or game in the Upper FEUT gym; seeing regularly with the university, and the fact that the students perform in SHOW; hearing our we bring to the table such an accomplished student debaters during the “Duffy‑Frum Scrum” – group of advocates for the school has not gone students at UTS today are truly outstanding in unnoticed at Simcoe Hall. In other domains, Jim Fleck ’49 every way. When I hear that our students are parent and alumni members of the UTS Board Board Chair, UTS competing nationally and internationally in DECA, are forging new directions for the school. We debating and public speaking, in science and are striving to reassert our role as a model math Olympiads, I am reassured that the school is school for Ontario and are fortunate to have promoting excellence today as it did in the past – educational leaders on our board to guide this perhaps even more so. I was thrilled to learn that initiative. From communications and branding to our student athletes compete regularly in local legal expertise, from financial acumen to stellar championships and that UTS hockey has made a architectural experience, we are so fortunate come-back. Our two co-ed teams recapture for to have a Board of Directors that mirrors the me the spirit of the UTS that I knew. outstanding qualities of the school. Paralleling the student experience, I am I feel privileged to be Chair of the UTS Board at fortunate to work with a board team that is this significant juncture in the history of UTS.n

Jim Fleck ’49 chats with UTS students during a recent event.

10 THE ROOT • Spring 2014 Advancement Report

A Lasting Legacy John Withrow ’32 and his family have placed an enduring stamp on UTS – and Toronto.

Chances are that you have benefitted from performed well. He was frugal, saving every efforts made by the family of UTS alumnus John penny. John married Margaret later in life and so Withrow ’32. Have you visited the Canadian with no children, John approached his final years National Exhibition? It was founded by John’s with three possible designations for his estate: the grandfather. Attended a concert at Massey Hall? CNE, Massey Hall, and UTS. Happily for us, UTS John’s father was General Manager. If you are a won his heart in the end. current student or UTS graduate from the 2000s Judy Kay, UTS Director of Music, tells me that onwards, you most definitely have felt the impact UTS would have a very different music program of an incredible gift from the estate of John and if not for the Withrows. She describes the impact Margaret Withrow. of their legacy as “pervasive”, citing a long list John was born into a family that celebrated of tangible benefits enjoyed by our students, music. His father’s position at Massey Hall including: visits to the opera; workshops led Martha Drake brought musicians, including , to by musical specialists; instrumental lessons and Executive Director, Advancement the Withrow house often; in the 1920s, black music camps; the annual recording of original performers who were not allowed entry into music on the “Twig Tape”; and undergraduate Toronto hotels would be overnight guests. and graduate music awards. And, of course, As a UTS student, John’s academic interests the John and Margaret Withrow Performance were mathematics and science – but he also loved Fund has provided enjoyment to all members his model airplanes, which he would fly around of the UTS community by giving students the the UTS classrooms! These interests translated tools they need to perform everything from into John’s contribution to the war effort. Too old strings and orchestra to jazz and choral music. to serve overseas, he developed the instruction manual on airplane navigation and trained the Royal Canadian Air Force at CFB Trenton The John and Margaret Withrow throughout WW II. I made an incorrect assumption about John Performance Fund has provided Withrow, a man who made the largest donation enjoyment to all members of the ever to UTS ($4.5 million), who lived at a good address, and whose family was part of the UTS community by giving students Toronto establishment. I thought he had lived the tools they need to perform. a life of luxury. I was wrong. His father died when John was a teenager during the Great Depression. Consequently, John became the To quote Judy Kay, “John and Margaret Withrow primary breadwinner for his family. Forgoing are with us every day.” And for that, we are the opportunity to attend university, he instead truly grateful. n worked to pay for his brother’s medical-school expenses. He lived his entire life in the house into My thanks to Doug Davis ’58, who knows the which he was born. During his career at Canada story of John’s gift to UTS better than anyone, for Life, he invested wisely and his stock portfolio providing the background for this article.

THE UTS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 11 The Future of Journalism Where is journalism heading in this online and mobile-media age?

By Diana Shepherd ’80

Full disclosure: I love print media. I love everything about it – on how things have changed since the Internet became from holding a magazine or book in my hands, to admiring (or accessible to all, and where they think the journalism is disparaging) the choice of font and page design, to enjoying heading in this online age. the perfect flow of a well-written, well-edited piece. I knew my future lay in the publishing world while I was still at UTS: John Macfarlane ’61 is Editor and I was co-editor of The Twig when my classmate, Nomi Morris Co-publisher of The Walrus. Previously, ’80, was editor of the Cuspidor. At UofT, I was an editor at The he was Editor of Toronto Life (1992-2007); Varsity newspaper. My first paid editing gig was at Maclean’s, Managing Director of News, Features where a tenacious, full-time fact-checker combed through and Information Programming at CTV every story to confirm every single fact (was it four steps or five (1991-92); Publisher and Editor-in- steps up to the door? Was the car cherry red or more of a deep Chief of the Financial Times of Canada scarlet?). I also learned about editorial bullpens, where editors (1987-90); Publisher of Saturday Night at certain magazines and newspapers revised articles to reflect magazine (1980-87); among other the publication’s political slant – but at least their readers could positions at Maclean’s, The Globe rest assured that somebody (or a team of somebodies) had and Mail, and other publications. In 2005, he received the made every effort to ensure that an article was accurate before National Magazine Awards Foundation’s Award for Outstanding it went to press. This is certainly not true in social media, where Achievement. He is former Chairman of the Canadian Journalism a completely fabricated story can attract a million readers – who Foundation and of the Writers’ Trust of Canada; former President will share this piece of unsubstantiated gossip with their friends of the National Magazine Awards Foundation, and a founding because it sounds interesting/outrageous/funny. member of the Friends of Canadian Broadcasting. So is there still a place for “classic” journalists in this online John Macfarlane fondly remembers the days in the 1970s world: well-educated, well-read, experienced storytellers who when it was part of his job to spend the afternoon reading are more committed to truth than instant gratification? Or will magazines. “That is no longer possible,” he says ruefully. they be forced by economic realties to be purveyors of gossip “Technology has made it possible to do more things, and do and personal opinion rather than facts? Perhaps the industry them faster, but now everything happens so quickly, there is is struggling towards a middle-ground: different standards no time.” for different platforms, or a “mixed-marriage” of traditional He notes that a monthly print magazine may now have a print values (accuracy, verification, better to be second than website publishing new material on a daily, or even hourly, to be wrong) and digital-age imperatives (be first, be fast, basis. “I’m not so sure that that blurring is such a good sensationalism trumps truth every time). thing,” he says. In an attempt to adapt to a quickly-changing, Throughout the decades, many UTS graduates have unpredictable technological landscape, he suggests that distinguished themselves in the field of journalism in Canada newspaper and magazine owners sometimes make short- and abroad. The Root asked eight of them to share their views sighted decisions. “Lots of bets may be made on technologies

12 THE ROOT • Spring 2014 that won’t endure,” he said. Still, he believes that “new says the Globe, like many newspapers, cuts costs by using technologies don’t eliminate old technologies. They force them freelance photographers. to adapt.” He acknowledges that the newspaper industry has been in He insists that private ownership and non-profit models – “a constant state of fear” throughout the last decade, rushing which do not need to give shareholders quarterly results – are to adapt to the next new thing. “I don’t believe people have necessary to ensure that quality persists. He acknowledges the ability to predict the future of our industry,” Allemang says. that the Walrus, a successful non-profit model, depends on “That can be a creative tension, but most of the time it leads to the ability to convince people “with philanthropic dollars at cutting costs.” their disposal” that this publication is culturally important. He He is optimistic that quality news organizations will remains optimistic that quality journalism will continue to find distinguish themselves amid the plethora of undifferentiated its audience and describes himself as “platform agnostic”. “I information readily available, but is convinced that the current don’t care how good journalism gets distributed to people, obsession with technology and platforms in place of solid whether it’s on the Internet or through the front door.” journalism is misguided. “We will need people who can Macfarlane has very little patience for the current “worship of interpret, who can give us context, who will give us more than interactivity… Why do I need to interact with the filmmaker of we can get elsewhere,” he says. the film I’ve just seen?” he asks. “We’ve fallen into a black hole He hopes the old model, with editors curating content, where everyone’s opinion is as valid as everyone else’s, and survives. “I want someone to sort for me, to do the quality it’s not.” Twitter is one example. “When I turn on the news and control and to present it to me. I want simplicity and see people reading Tweets, I question whether continuing to not complexity.” watch has been a productive use of my time. How do I know who is sending that Tweet [or] for what reason?” Nomi Morris ’80 covered the 1989 He is skeptical about predictions that social media will opening of the Berlin Wall for the become the sole or dominant form of communication in the Teague Timothy then moved to Berlin, from future. “I’m heretical enough to believe that the social-media where she could be heard on CBC Radio trend is going to run its course, that people are just going to before becoming TIME’s correspondent. get bored and cynical,” he said. “Reality is all around you… I’m She was Senior Writer for World at optimistic that sooner or later people will come to their senses.” Maclean’s, then Middle East Bureau Chief for Knight Ridder Newspapers (now John Allemang ’70 graduated from McClatchy). Since moving to California Trinity College and then Oxford as a from Jerusalem, Nomi has written for Rhodes Scholar. He has written features Newsweek and the Los Angeles Times, among others. She now and columns at since teaches journalism and narrative nonfiction at local universities 1984. His books are: The Importance of and most recently was Program Chair for Visual Journalism at Lunch: And Other Real-Life Adventures Brooks Institute. in Good Eating (Random House, 1999); Nomi Morris, who transitioned from a career in newspapers Poetic Justice: Satirical Verse from the and news magazines to teaching journalism, remembers the Globe and Mail (Firefly Books, 2006); moment in 1995 that she realized the Internet had completely and an essay on Trinity-St. Paul’s United changed the way she did her job. “There was a serendipitous Church in Toronto: A City Becoming (Key Porter Books, 2008). quality to searching the web that uncovered all kinds of John Allemang, like MacFarlane, believes strongly that research avenues that I would never have explored through quality journalism will continue to be needed and to be previous reporting methods.” produced, regardless of which technology delivers it. “It’s She cites the Monica Lewinsky scandal as the turning point about the bigger picture,” he says, explaining that journalists after which the boundaries blurred in print and broadcast are tasked with seeking “another layer of meaning that you journalism. “DrudgeReport.com, which provides links to might want to consider.” international news sources and columnists, first posted the Allemang says that current hiring favours young people Lewinsky story that Newsweek had been working on, forcing with a multiplicity of skills on various technologies. “The Newsweek to put its version online, too. “At that moment, 20-somethings are teaching the rest of us,” he says, and the weekly Newsweek became a ‘daily’,” Morris remembers. acknowledges that Tweeting, although he doesn’t engage in “Around the same time, television networks began publishing it himself, is “of value. In the past couple of years the response printed articles online and newspapers began to post video to anything I’ve written has gone down because I’m not on on their websites. Newspapers updated their websites hourly, social media,” he says. “In the past, I might have gotten 10 or becoming like radio. Everything merged.” Likewise, delineation 20 emails after a story, now I get one.” He has learned how between professional roles also converged, giving way to the to produce basic video footage to accompany his articles and so-called ‘backpack’ journalist who does it all, and staff foreign

THE UTS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 13 correspondents who blog and Tweet as they cover a story. example. “It’s hard to filter what the truth is.” Different voices Of the democratization of journalism that technology has and perspectives have become paramount and “readers don’t made possible, Morris says, “There is a broader base of sources seem to mind that what they read can’t be verified.” and independent voices – but quality and accuracy often take Like Allemang and Macfarlane, Fillion does not use social a hit. Is there even such a thing as ‘journalism’ any more or just media. “I’m very skeptical of it,” she says. “On the other hand, ‘writing for the public’?” she asks. “After all, every business or Chris [Hadfield] was Tweeting from space, and I was following non-profit publishes online every day.” it. It was educational – not just for self-promotion.” She adds that Her main concern is that young people, who have grown he attracted a huge audience on Twitter, which helped his book. up amid a “cacophony of undifferentiated voices… don’t seem Fillion agrees with Morris that documentaries are beginning to discern news from advertising or public relations, opinion to replace investigative broadcast journalism, and she cautions and advocacy from impartial reporting.” There is a need to that a documentary is not as neutral as investigative journalism “educate the next generation of media consumers on how to used to be. She worries about the blurring of lines between read critically.” fact and fiction, or fact and opinion. “Our kids are incredibly For Morris, the new wave of predominantly visually-driven susceptible to believing anything – they don’t understand the media and mobile technology represents a far greater change difference between and Wikipedia,” she than the transition from print to Internet in the late 1990s. “The says. “We see people who spend their whole lives studying potential of interactive, three-dimensional apps has not even something put in the same category as those who just have an begun to be exploited,” she says. “A multi-media experience opinion about it.” will drive the delivery. Still, a good story will always be a She doubts how well complex issues can be handled in good story.” the short, snappy, easily-digested content that readers now demand, and suggests that it’s also easy for readers to miss Kate Fillion ’82, a freelance magazine important information. “If you’re going to have everything and book writer, has written for curated, you can opt out and never read those stories. Maclean’s, Chatelaine, and many “People want to hear another voice, not necessarily a writer’s other magazines, and is currently voice. That interest in voices and perspectives is pervasive a Contributing Editor at Maclean’s. throughout our culture,” she says. “It has led to much greater Her books include Lip Service: The acceptance of people who are different. But it’s not so great Myth of Female Virtue in Love, Sex and for journalism.” Friendship (Harpercollins, 1996); and How to Dump a Guy (A Coward’s Manual) In April 2013, Marina Jimenez ’82 (Workman Publishing Company, 1998). became president of the Canadian A prolific ghostwriter, she most recently worked with Chris Council for the Americas after a career Hadfield on the international bestseller An Astronaut’s Guide as a journalist at the , to Life On Earth (Little, Brown and Company, 2013). the Vancouver Sun, the CBC, and The Like Morris, Kate Fillion remembers how the rise of the Globe and Mail, where she served on Internet in the 1990s changed the professional landscape, the editorial board. She has written forcing her to transition from long-form magazine writing to extensively on Latin America and ghost-writing books. “Journalism and the marketplace shifted immigration and has been an adjunct so drastically,” Fillion says. professor at UofT’s School of Media Fillion says that although the democratization of media has Studies. She is the recipient of a National Newspaper Award and negatively impacted professional writers, it has increased two National Magazine Awards (both gold). In 2011, she was creativity and writing in general. “It’s quite astonishing how named one of Canada’s ten most influential Hispanic-Canadians much great writing there is out there,” she says. “And while by the CCA. we’re bemoaning the death of reading, the truth is people Marina Jimenez watched the newspaper industry contract are reading more than ever before.” The flipside, though, and saw colleagues laid off before deciding to transition to is that with so many writers contributing to blogs for free, an institute. “I don’t regret it at all,” she says, noting that she content‑creation is viewed as value-less. In addition, the death continues to travel and write in her field of specialization. But of the general-interest magazine has given way to “having she does believe that rapid changes in the past decade have everything curated for you and funneled to your inbox,” diminished the field of journalism. “It’s a loss for democracy if resulting in a narrowing of readers’ interests. “They are not you don’t do those long-form and investigative pieces. A lot of pushed beyond their preferences in terms of what they read,” social media is derivative – it is not research based.” she says. She cites New York-based Pro Publica as one of very few The loss of integrity in reporting is also a concern. She cites independent, non-profit journalism websites but adds that the Tweeting around the Boston Marathon bombing as a key academic journals, institutes, and foundations – like the

14 THE ROOT • Spring 2014 Asia‑Pacific Foundation – are now giving money to journalists flourishing of long-form journalism,” and cites websites such as to do investigative pieces. “There is no harm in using that Byliner.com (co-founded by fellow UTS alum Ted Barnett ’80), model as long as we’re transparent,” she says. “There should Atavist.com, and Longform.com as proponents of the form. be more partnership.” Tough says the reader response to his January 2014 New Jimenez agrees with Macfarlane’s analysis that new York Times Magazine piece “Man Overboard: A Speck in Sea” technologies aren’t going to “save” the old product. “The was greater than ever before, and that the new interaction Globe will survive because it has great branding. But when you with readers informs the way he writes. “I get a focus group, lay off so many people and have to satisfy so many platforms, whether readers are writing me directly or responding on it puts everything in flux,” she says. Deep cuts often affect Twitter,” Tough says. “It’s crowd-sourced feedback in a way foreign news first but she admits there are signs of hope, I find really useful.” This interactive journalist-reader loop noting that the Globe recently opened a Rio bureau – although means that, unlike 20 years ago, “people are inclined to talk the CBC closed its Latin American bureau in response to back.” In addition, new technology means that readership has budget cuts. actually grown: “[Print] subscription is down but readership In her view, short-form publishing can compromise is up. People read magazine pieces on phones and iPads and quality, and a “blurring of the lines” between custom content the Web.” and traditional journalism means it’s harder for readers to A combination of book and magazine work allows him to “distinguish between what’s an ad, what’s opinion, and what’s make a living as a writer. “They play off each other. The fact a report,” Jimenez says. that I have a website and a Twitter persona has had an effect. Still, although she laments the decline of the “well-tended” I’ve got a website, an Amazon profile, a Twitter page, and a traditional newspaper, she believes there is ample room for all Facebook page that link together.” platforms. “Citizen-participation in journalism is a positive... Tough cites the New York Times as an example of an especially in the Middle East and in Latin American.” She cites organization taking the longer view, hiring web people who citizen-run blog YoSoy132, which circumvented the traditional are serious journalists and finding ways to use new media in power structure in Mexico during the 2012 elections, as a journalistic way. “Their strategy has always been ‘we are an example. platform neutral – we don’t care how people are reading it’.” Generational differences are evident: a young reporter However, “for the profession as a whole, I’m less hopeful,” once “laughed when I was writing in my notebook. He just he says. photographed everything,” she says. However, even on the Tough says data-driven journalism – which he describes Globe’s editorial board, social media was part of her job. as “anti-punditry” – is the hot trend right now. For example, “We had a collective blog. We would Tweet,” she recalls. Nate Silver “used polling data in a more intelligent way than Nonetheless, multi-tasking can be problematic. “If you’re in the past” and became the New York Times’ most-read loading up the journalist with so many demands, you aren’t journalist during the 2012 presidential election. Overall, he is going to get the well-written contextual analysis piece. Most excited about the future of the field. “I don’t understand all of us didn’t go into journalism to move things around a of its contours, but there are opportunities now that didn’t website, it was to be writers.” exist before.”

Paul Tough ’85, a journalist, broadcaster Janice Golding ’91 is a reporter and and author, has worked for Harper’s back-up anchor at CTV News Toronto, magazine and has been a senior editor where she has covered everything from at NPR’s This American Life, and editor of the Timothy Bosma murder case to the Saturday Night in Canada. He founded Rob Ford drug scandal. An accomplished the online magazine Open Letters, and and well-rounded journalist, she was an editor at the New York Times has researched for W-FIVE, associate Magazine. His writing has appeared in produced a Federal Budget special for Slate, GQ, Esquire, and The New Yorker. the national news team, interviewed His books are: Whatever It Takes: Geoffrey and anchored for CTV Newsnet, and Canada’s Quest to Change Harlem and America (Mariner Books, hosted Discovery Channel’s Daily Planet. After graduating with an 2008); and How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Honours BA from UofT and a Master of Journalism from Carleton Power of Character (Mariner Books, 2012). University, Janice began her career as a producer at CTV before Paul Tough took a buyout from the New York Times accepting a position with the New RO in Ottawa. Before returning Magazine after working there from 2001 to 2009, and he to CTV, Janice hosted a newsmagazine program and anchored calls it an “optimistic sign” that he is currently making his the late news at CKWS News in Kingston. living from long-form, narrative journalism. He believes that Janice Golding started working in the industry in 1998, the despite “everyone conversing in 140 characters, there is also a cusp of the 21st century. “I really bridge the two epochs,” she

THE UTS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 15 says, adding that she’s been quick to embrace the Internet – appeared on with , CNN, Bloomberg, which she describes as a “game changer” – as well as social the BBC, and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. media. Badahur currently works as a freelance writer and consultant For Golding, the biggest single change in journalism is the in Nairobi. rise of the Internet. “The volume of information – and the “The biggest change – even over the brief course of the five ease with which we can access it – is unprecedented,” she years I’ve been in journalism – has been the money paid for says. “Today, broadcast journalists can surf the web, shoot, freelance work,” says Jay Bahadur. “It’s very difficult to make upload, and stream near-production quality video live from a living doing straight freelance news reporting, and getting our iPhones. This was unimaginable when I graduated from commissioned for long-form journalism, with travel expenses journalism school.” covered, is harder still. And of course, the number of traditional However, she asserts that Tweeting or blogging “does not ‘foreign correspondent’ jobs has continued to dwindle. Even make you a journalist.” Journalists have an obligation to tell the CBC closed its Nairobi bureau about six months after I unbiased, well-researched, factual stories; bloggers do not moved here.” face the same level of scrutiny from or accountability to their He thinks it likely that more established publications will audience. She is also concerned about the public’s awareness “cling stubbornly” to print editions. “Good journalism is (or lack thereof) of monetized blogs, which often market good journalism, period. If you reveal corruption and expose products under the guise of journalism. She notes that there’s something others do not want in public, it doesn’t matter an “inherent risk” in getting all your information from people whether you do it from your mother’s basement or a shiny who may be selling a product rather than reporting objective glass tower,” he says. “Just because the journalistic business facts. “Think of the source,” she cautions. model is being disrupted by technological advancement and “There is considerable pressure on us all to be “first”,” she it is no longer clear how to make money from newspapers, it admits. “Even though I work on stories for the noon and doesn’t put the concept of journalism into question. In fact,” he 6 p.m. newscasts, I’m now also tasked with producing online says, “modern technology makes becoming a whistle-blower content – be it for our website, or Twitter.” Nevertheless, all the easier.” “My stories are my priority. I actually refrain from posting He doesn’t think all journalists require formal training, but to information on Twitter during the workday, unless it’s content consistently produce great journalism requires “professionalism all of our competitors also have. Why would I give my and perseverance, and that comes with experience, competition a lead before my piece airs when I work hard dedication,” and the sort of structure that is associated with for exclusives?” news organizations. “The average Joe with a smart phone will Golding thinks the media landscape is changing, and not replace a Reuters journalist,” says Bahadur, “but they are changing rapidly. “The advent of the Internet has increased likely to complement each other.” competition and fragmented our audience,” she observes. Bahadur has used Twitter to report hard news and live blog in “It’s led to cuts and threats to the quality of the information a couple of instances, describing it as “a great tool for spreading being released. The Internet generation wants information information and receiving immediate feedback; it’s also the first and it wants it now,” a phenomenon that has given rise to place I look to find out what’s happening on the ground.” 24-hour news stations like CNN and CP24. “It does lead me He thinks that 20 years from now, big institutions (New York to question the future of traditional news broadcasting – Times, Reuters, Washington Post, Guardian, etc.) will still be although I don’t think anything can replace a well-researched, thriving, “if only as vanity projects run at a loss.” He sees a well-produced story.” future for long-form journalism in revenue-sharing agreements with e-magazines like The Atavist, and thinks that niche blogs Jay Bahadur ’02 is a Canadian journalist, with loyal followings and a potential for monetization will Somalia analyst, and author of the New continue to proliferate. York Times bestseller The Pirates of The obvious downsides are that the number of jobs and Somalia: Inside their Hidden World salary levels are declining rapidly. Like Golding, he says the (Vintage, 2012). In 2012, he served pressure on journalists to be first instead of most accurate is as managing editor of the Nairobi- problematic, but he sees the participatory and more democratic based Somalia Report, an independent nature of journalism as a positive. “It’s not as if the rise of self- news service that employed more than publishing has eliminated great fiction, so why should it harm 100 journalists in Somalia and Kenya. journalism?” he says. n He has published articles in The Times, The New York Times, Financial Times, and Foreign Policy, has The Root thanks the journalists who contributed to this article, worked as a freelance correspondent for CBS News, and has especially Nomi Morris ’80 who shared in the reporting.

16 THE ROOT • Spring 2014 The Artist’s Way

A prolific artist, John A. E. Bennett ’38 is a role model for us all.

By Kim Lee Kho ’81 Photos by Ian Willms

John Bennett ’38 is a man who can’t seem to stop working, despite his many accomplishments. “I started painting when I was five or six years old,” he says, and evidently, he never stopped. A prolific artist, he still works in the studio almost every day: painting, making wood sculptures or objects out of fused glass (his bestsellers), or simply drawing in his sketchbook, shrug. “I just move the easel up and down.” John pulling something out from the box of inspiration makes this sound easy; in fact, it’s extremely that sits on his work table. The regularity and cumbersome to paint while constantly having to frequency of his artistic practice is a discipline to re-adjust the easel. It becomes apparent that he which many artists aspire, but struggle to maintain. doesn’t believe in obstacles – he just finds a way But John isn’t just a role model for artists: he is through them. a role model for us all. That pattern started early on. Like so many of I met John on a sunny winter morning in the his generation, John fought in Europe during Veteran’s wing of Sunnybrook Health Sciences World War II. While serving as an infantry Centre where he has lived for about two years. At camouflage officer – and although he was not 95 years of age, using a wheelchair to get around, an official war artist – he managed to paint a neither age nor mobility issues seem to limit him. watercolour almost every day under the most He takes me downstairs to one of the lounge difficult circumstances; at the end of the war, he areas where there is a large, bold abstract painting brought home about 200 paintings. “I was very hanging on its own. lucky,” he says. “I was an officer and I had my “This is the largest painting I’ve done here,” he own jeep, so I had a box made to carry my paper says. And it is large: 30 by 40 inches in size. When and paints.” Recently, the Canadian War Museum asked whether he found it difficult to paint this in Ottawa accepted a group of 78 of John’s canvas while in a wheelchair, he gives a slight wartime paintings into their archives.

THE UTS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 17 CLOCKWISE from top left: Born in England in 1919, John came to Canada Seven played an important role in his education John working on a lino as an infant. He would return in 1937 when he as an artist. cut; in the army; with and his friend, UTS classmate and fellow cadet While at UTS, John attended Saturday morning fused-glass projects in Major Bob Bramfitt ’38, were among the group classes taught by Group of Seven member Arthur a Sunnybrook art studio; of Canadian students selected to attend the Lismer at the Art Gallery of Toronto (now the in the foyer at UTS for coronation of King George VI. “Oh, it was great!” AGO); he also saw shows by the Group at the Remembrance Day 2013 (John’s painting, pictured he remembers. “There were about a hundred of gallery. In 1938, John attended the Georgian Bay here, usually hangs in the us Canadian students there and we had seats right area summer school set up by another Group of UTS staff room). in front of Buckingham Palace… The pageantry Seven member, Franz (aka Frank) Johnston. was fantastic!” Having joined the Canadian Officers Training After UTS, John studied English at Victoria Corps during university, John went straight into College, UofT, graduating in 1942. He remembers uniform after graduating. He was sent to Vancouver being taught by some luminaries, including Dr. E. for specialized camouflage training before being J. Pratt and the young Dr. Northrop Frye. John has shipped out. While there, he met a third Group of a history of learning from the best: the Group of Seven member, Lawren Harris, for the first time.

18 THE ROOT • Spring 2014 It was 1943, and taking a walk one day, John radio – opera – and chew pieces of paper while came across a cottage with its door ajar. Through he painted.” the opening, he saw a woman painting. They John was elected to the Ontario Society of struck up a conversation and she introduced Artists (OSA) in 1951, joining many Group of herself as Lawren Harris’s second wife, Bess. She Seven members there: A.J. Casson, A.Y. Jackson, promptly invited John and his newlywed wife, his old teacher Arthur Lismer, and Lawren P. Dorothy Gurofsky, to dinner. Harris Jr. (the son of Lawren Harris). Harris became John’s biggest artistic influence, While the Group of Seven had laid the first and he clearly remains a hero to this day. foundations for Canada’s artistic independence “Lawren Harris was the best of the Group of from Europe, in his first OSA show in 1952, Seven as far as I’m concerned,” John states. “He John joined his peers in representing the new did marvellous work.” generation of artists, some of whom would John went overseas in 1943, the same year his really shake things up: Oscar Cahen, Hortense first daughter, Diana, was born. He remained Gordon, Harold Town, and Ray Mead formed in Europe until 1945, painting with exceptional part of the avant garde group “Painters Eleven”; regularity throughout the war. Roy Kiyooka, soon to be influential in western When John spoke at the 2013 Remembrance Canada; and Doris McCarthy, who would later Day assembly at UTS, he described what life as become the OSA’s first female president. a soldier was like in those days: “In Belgium, In 1962, John was elected as a member in the we were bogged down on the Leopold canal for Canadian Society for Painters in Water Colour and some days and my colleague, a guy by the name subsequently served as the Society’s president of Dave Collin, he took our jeep one morning from 1972 to 1977. A member of the Royal to the edge of the canal. The following day we Canadian Academy of Arts, he is also an Honorary picked him up; he had three bullets through the Member of both the American and the Japanese head and the jeep was wrecked… We buried Watercolour Societies. him in the manor‑house grounds where we Back to Sunnybrook, where John and I are were stationed. I did a little watercolour of the discussing his large abstract. “I still need to gravesite burial, which was sent to Dave’s widow. re-paint the white areas and Anyway, that was the trouble with the job – you the edges of the canvas,” he never knew when it was really dangerous, you says, his eyes moving over know. So that’s what happened to Dave and I the painting, studying it, was just lucky that he didn’t take me with him while he imagines his next that morning.” steps. As an artist myself, I Soon after his return, John showed his war recognize the conversation paintings to the president of the Art Gallery he’s having. Not the one of Toronto; in 1946, he became the first living that other people can hear, artist to be given a solo show at the gallery – an but the one he’s having exceptional honour. with his newest painting. Brenda, his second daughter, was born that He’s never stopped having same year. His growing family created a financial those conversations, or imperative that painting was not able to meet, moving from one project to so John went back to school, earning a Master’s the next with characteristic degree in Education. He began teaching night enthusiasm. There in front of me is the living school at Northern Vocational School (later secret of how not to get old, no matter what Northern Secondary, well-known for its art your age. n program), and he was soon promoted to the regular day program, teaching both English and art. A recovering graphic designer, Kim Lee Kho ’81 is His art and teaching careers continued in a full-time visual artist and part-time instructor, tandem, with John squeezing in time to paint lecturer, and juror at the community and college whenever he could. “I can’t not paint,” he levels. In 2013, Kim was awarded an Ontario explains. His daughter Diana confirms that. Arts Council creation grant. She has exhibited “Painting was a primary passion always – on in western and central Canada and shows at weekends, at the cottage, indoors, outdoors,” the Renann Isaacs Gallery in Guelph, Ontario. she says. “Sundays after tennis, he’d put on the www.kimleekho.ca

THE UTS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 19 QUITE A NIGHT! The 2013 Annual Alumni Dinner and Awards

Derek Bate ’44 has been involved with UTS for Don Borthwick was also pleased to induct more than 75 years as a student, teacher, assistant our seven gold medal mathematics and sciences principal, acting headmaster, year rep, and former international Olympians to the UTS Hall of president and director of the UTSAA. That is why Fame. The international Olympiads are annual he is known to many as “Mr. UTS”. academic competitions involving student teams At the 2013 Annual Alumni Dinner, Derek was from more than 150 countries. Gold medals presented with the H.J. Crawford Award for his are presented to approximately the top 10% of exceptional contributions to the advancement of students. Over the last 30 years, gold medals UTS. In presenting the award, Don Borthwick ’54 have been awarded to Colin Plumb ’86 (chemistry spoke of Derek’s dedication to his students, as 1986), Ian Goldberg ’91 (mathematics 1991), well as his tireless work devoted to the 1993–1997 Edward Leung ’94 (mathematics 1994), Jacob bursary campaign. “He could be relied upon to Tsimerman ’06 (mathematics 2003 and 2004), help out regardless of the occasion. Nothing, it Peter Lu ’07 (chemistry 2006), Gordon Bae ’08 seemed, was too much of an imposition,” said (chemistry 2007), and Melody Guan ’12 (biology Don. Derek has lent his unwavering support to 2010). What are the touchstones for such an ensuring the development of the UTSAA to be incredible level of UTS participation and success a significant element of the UTS community. in these competitions? Jennifer Pitt-Lainsbury, He rarely misses the annual alumni dinner, UTS chemistry teacher and Science Department golf tournament, Remembrance Day assembly, Coordinator, put it this way: “Success comes or the many other special UTS events. Upon from student motivation and the rigorous science learning of the Crawford Award honour, his program of study here at UTS, and from the desire classmate, Ken Radcliffe ’44, summed-up Derek’s of the students to strive for the successes of their contributions and dedication by saying: “I put predecessors in these Olympiads.” Derek at the top of the list for leaving a legacy of There was record attendance at this year’s excellent service that will long outlive the many annual alumni dinner, with nearly 300 alumni, lives he touched.” former and current staff, and guests in attendance. More than 80 alumni traveled a significant distance – from across Canada, the USA, and overseas. Rob Duncan ’95 was MC for the evening, and UTSAA President Mark Opashinov ’88, UTS Principal Rosemary Evans, and Chair of the UTS Board Jim Fleck ’49 addressed the audience. UTS co-captains, Cole Jackes and Ki-Sang Yi spoke on behalf of the students, and presented boutonnières to Jack Laidlaw ’38 and Jack Rhind ’38, celebrating their 75th anniversary of graduation from UTS, to Chad Bark ’43 in celebration of his 70th anniversary and to former teacher Bruce “Nails” MacLean who celebrated his 103rd birthday earlier this year. n

ABOVE: H. J. Crawford Award winner, Derek Bate ’44 chats with retired teacher, Bruce “Nails” MacLean. OPPOSITE, Clockwise from top L: Don Borthwick ’54 and Crawford Award Nominate someone for the winner Derek Bate ’44; Mark Opashinov ’88; Jim Fleck ’49; Jack Laidlaw and Jack Rhind of H. J. Crawford Award. the Class of 1938; Abby Cheng collects a Hall of Fame induction certificate on behalf of her Go to: www.utschools.ca/crawford daughter, Melody Guan ’12; Gordon Bae ’08; Edward Leung ’94; Ian Goldberg ’91.

20 THE ROOT • Spring 2014 Annual Alumni Dinner, Crawford Award, and Hall of Fame Inductees

THE UTS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 21 Annual Alumni Dinner, Crawford Award, and Hall of Fame Inductees

CLOCKWISE from top left: The classes of – 1963, 1993, 1978, 1988, 2008, 2003, 1983, and 1973. To view these and other photographs from the Annual Alumni Dinner, log in to, or sign-up for, the alumni edirectory at www.utschools.ca/ alumniedirectory

22 THE ROOT • Spring 2014 Alumni News Notes on The Interesting Lives and Outstanding Achievements of Our Alumni

Jack (Jake) Avery ’47 was admitted to the A new book by Julian in geophysics from the University of University of Western Ontario Hockey Porter ’55 entitled Toronto and an MBA in finance from Hall of Fame in April 2014, one of only 149 Paintings You McMaster University. He is a Director of two players who played in the 1945‑55 Really Need to See in Evangel Hall Mission and a Trustee of period. Jake played hockey for the Europe (So You Can Knox Memorial Trust, both non-profit Western team for four years, captaining Ignore the Others) organizations. the team for the last two. “He was a (Dundurn, 2013) is an smooth centre-ice player,” remembers “essential companion John Tory ’72 registered his candidacy brother Don Avery ’49. “I played on his to all the major for Toronto mayor on February 23, 2014. right wing at Western for the last three European museums John is a lawyer, businessman, radio years that he played.” Jake joined Don at and galleries [and] discusses some of the personality, and former leader of the the Toronto Golf Club in October 2013 to world’s greatest paintings from Gitoo Ontario Progressive Conservative Party. play a round with retired teacher Bruce (1328) right through Picasso.” The book “Nails” MacLean, and Sandy Davison ’49. has been lauded for its lack of pretension For the past 15 years, class of 1977 and for its fresh, original voice. alumni Timothy Birnie, John Denham, Bill Redrupp ’54 Ian Stock (the event organizer), Peter was featured on Bob Culbert and Roy Shoichet, both of Allemang, Stephen Marshall, and Mark the cover of the the class of ’57, recently celebrated their Noskiewicz, “have been playing a Ryder fall 2013 issue 75th birthdays one day apart. The former Cup format three-day golf tournament of Canadian classmates and their spouses shared an against a group of guys from UWO,” Cattlemen evening of bonhomie, great food, and says Tim. “This year for the first time in a magazine. many happy reminiscences. long time the UTE’s won the Stocker Cup According to the at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro article, Bill was keen to try the state-of- Peter Weedon ’67 was a recipient of the GA USA!” (If you’re wondering about the-art technique of bale grazing on his Canadian Association of Management the name of the team, Ian explains mixed farm located on the foothills of Consultants Golden Jubilee Award, that “UTEs” come from: “a scene from the . Of his Hereford which was “designed to recognize the the movie My Uncle Vinny, when Joe herd, he says, “I don’t show cattle or contributions of those individuals who Pesci is trying to say ‘youths’ but Fred promote purebreds, but I do enjoy played an important role in helping Gwynn hears ‘utes’.”) A number of quality and I am proud… of the herd I to ‘build’ the Canadian Association his classmates are also involved in a have built.” of Management Consultants.” Peter monthly book club too. received the award in Toronto in David Brillinger November 2013. ’55 will receive an Honorary D.Sc In September 2013, Scotiabank from UofT in June, appointed Stephen Hart ’71 to the in recogniton of position of Chief Risk Officer; he is his pioneering responsible for enterprise-wide risk contributions to the management, including credit, market fields of stochastic and operational risk. Stephen has been analysis and time with Scotiabank since 1978 and has held series analysis. This a variety of senior positions in the US is his fourth honorary doctorate. In his and Canada. Since 1999, he has been most recent book, Selected Works of in Global Risk Management, becoming L-R John Denham, Ian Stock (organizer), Peter David Brillinger (Springer, 2012), he pays Executive Vice President and Chief Allemang, Stephen Marshall, Mark Noskiewicz, tribute to retired teacher Bruce MacLean, Credit Officer in October 2008. Stephen Tim Birnie and, in spirit, the late Dr. Shaun Gollish his mentor and math teacher at UTS. has an engineering degree (BApSc) (d 2012).

THE UTS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 23 ALUMNI NEWS Jake Fowell

LEFT: From left to right: Tim Sellers ’78, Dave Plaxton, David Allan ’78, Dave Pidduck, Mike McPherson, David McCarthy ’77. RIGHT: Catherine Bush ’79

“Three UTS alumni participated in the Jake Fowell ’63, and his wife Lee, transect with life-altering aftermaths, Greybeard Division (over 50) at the who live in the Haliburton area, took in painfully revealing that one truth is Canadian Pond Hockey Championships the first game and cheered the team on impossible, uncertainty is inevitable, and once again skated away with the to victory. and every action brings an unexpected title,” writes Tim Sellers ’78. He and consequence.” The novel was a NOW returning team member David Allan ’78 Accusation (Goose Lane Editions, magazine Top Ten Book of the Year, an recruited David McCarthy ’77 to join 2013), by Catherine Bush ’79, examines Amazon.ca Best 100 Book of the Year, them as their team became National the devastating domino effect of and a Top 40 Canada Reads pick. Champions once again. Tim notes accusations. Roaming between that, “Coach Fleming would have Canada, Ethiopia, and Australia, the In September 2013, theSpec.com been impressed.” As an added bonus, book follows a “network of lives that announced that James Sommerville ’80 Stay Have an Urge Connected! for Merch? Sign up for the Alumni E-Directory at: www.utschools.ca/alumni/ emaildirectory.aspx • Visit us on Facebook at – www.fb.com/utschools • And make sure we have Check-out new your current email address. UTS merchandise at: Send contact info updates www.utschools.ca/ to: [email protected] merchandise

24 THE ROOT • Spring 2014 ALUMNI NEWS

Marketing Association. She has been with the company for 6 years and manages a team of project managers for CMA’s conferences, webinars, roundtables, national convention, and awards.

The Strength of Bone (Biblioasis, 2013), a novel by Lucie Wilk ’91, is the story of a Western doctor, a Malawian nurse, and the crises that push both of them to the brink of collapse. Author Joseph Boyden called it “a gorgeous debut,” and the National Post Images from Margaret Krawecka’s show at UTS Keys Gallery. noted that, “Wilk spent time working as a physician in the area in the mid- would be leaving the Hamilton programming,” wrote HPO board chair ’90s and uses her own memories of the Symphony Orchestra at the end of the Joy Grahek. physical and emotional space to conjure 2013-14 season – his seventh with the lush descriptions of the geography and orchestra. The website quotes Jamie as Eric Kert ’80 and wife Jill had a baby girl, create intricate characters.” saying: “It wasn’t a snap decision… I just Jade Faith Kert, on August 21, 2013. “She wanted to make sure that things stayed goes along with her big brother, two- Margaret Krawecka ’96, an vital at the HPO and that there was no year-old Ashton Daine Kert,” he says. interdisciplinary artist, exhibited in the risk of anything getting stagnant.” He UTS Keys Gallery in fall 2013. The show plans to take on a larger role as the Sari Grove ’84 celebrated her birthday featured projected video and images that principal French horn of the Boston by being the featured artist at the grand highlighted her past installation and set- Symphony Orchestra, a chair he’s opening of The Women’s Art Museum of design projects. held since 1998. “The HPO has been Canada (WAM) on September 18, 2013. extremely fortunate to have the benefit Phil Weiner ’01 and wife, Wei Yan, are of Jamie’s tremendous creativity, energy Cathy (Brown) Landolt ’90 was recently pleased to announce the birth of their and professionalism guiding our artistic appointed VP, Events at the Canadian son, Patrick.

LEFT: James Sommerville ’80. RIGHT: Phil Weiner ’01 and family.

THE UTS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 25 ALUMNI NEWS

Julia (Miao) Chu ’04 and Stephen Chu ’04 were married on May 25, 2013. The wedding festivities included a photo- shoot at UTS! Wandering Eye Photography Wandering

Rahim Noormohamed ’09 competed for Team Canada at the 2013 Canada Games in Sherbrooke, Quebec in August 2013. He pole-vaulted a personal best of 4.35m that, according to Pole Vault Canada, ranked him among the top 30 pole vaulters in the country. In February 2014, at a track-and-field meet at McGill, he bested himself and jumped 4.43m! Alumni Visitors Many UTS alumni have returned to the school over the last few months to volunteer as interviewers or presenters. Canadian Opera Company resident conductor, Derek Bate ’71, and lawyer- turned-stand-up comedian, David Heti ’01, visited classes; and Sheila Miller ’82 led a session on “Mindfulness and Wellness” for a UTS staff professional development session. In October, Felicia Knaul ’84 – Harvard Medical School associate professor, director of the Global Task Force on Expanded Access to Cancer Care and Control, and author TOP: From left to right: Janice Chan ’04, Nora Magyarody ’04, Kenneth Liang, Grace Miao, Kevin Chu ’12, Julia Miao ’04, Stephen Chu ’04, Amelia Miao, James Chang, Aparna Kajenthira ’04, Victor Ko, of Beauty Without the Breast (Global Cindy Manohararaj. Equity Initiative, Harvard University, BOTTOM: Rahim Noormohamed ’09 at the McGill Last Chance Open in February of 2014. 2013) – spoke with more than 50 alumni,

LEFT: Visitors to Mini-Medical club: Prashant Phalpher ’99, Wayne Gregory ’73 , and David Kolin ’99. RIGHT: Many alumni dropped by during the Admissions Open House before heading over to the Annual Alumni Dinner. Here is teacher Eugene DiSante, with (L-R) Ryhna Thompson ’93, Sarah Dryden ’93, and Cathy Oh ’93.

26 THE ROOT • Spring 2014 ALUMNI NEWS students, and staff about her career and her battle with breast cancer. The Law Club welcomed Jennifer Luong ’06 as a presenter, and the Mini-Medical club, a new student initiative, brought many alumni to the school, including Wayne Gregory ’73, Myron Cybulsky ’76, David Kolin ’99, Prashant Phalper ’99, and Julie Yu ’07. Last but not least, over 60 alumni returned to UTS to volunteer for the Stage 2 admissions interview testing in January.

Register now for this year’s Annual Alumni Dinner

Saturday, October 25, 2014 Branching Out speed-mentoring. Marriott Bloor Yorkville Hotel 90 Bloor Street East Branching Out live in one of the cities noted below, 5:30 p.m. Reception • 7:00 p.m. Dinner It’s been another successful year for the we encourage you to reach out to your Branching Out mentoring program, now Chapter Head and reconnect with UTS! All alumni are welcome – especially those celebrating anniversary years: in its eighth year. This year’s program New York City, NY: had 25 partnerships of alumni mentors [email protected] 1934 • 1939 • 1944 • 1949 and senior students. The participants (Adarsh Gupta ’12, Grace Kim ’12, 1954 • 1959 • 1964 • 1969 met for a variety of events – from speed William Tang ’12, and Sasha Tailor ’04) 1974 • 1979 • 1984 • 1989 mentoring to a roundtable discussion on Washington, DC: 1994 • 1999 • 2004 • 2009 work/life balance. A highlight of the year [email protected] As part of our dinner program, the was an alumni panel discussion, “When (Ilya Shapiro ’95) 6th H.J. Crawford Award will be Plan ‘A’ Doesn’t Pan Out”, featuring Ottawa, ON: presented and the UTS Hall of Fame alumni who had successfully transitioned [email protected] inductees will be honoured. into a second career. Sue Black Lawson (Don McMaster ’62) Also, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., visit ’78, Melissa (Price) Fox-Revett ’82, Waterloo, ON: the school and meet staff and Sheila Miller ’82, James Cheng ’88, and [email protected] students during the UTS Admissions Alex Hutchinson ’93 all encouraged the (Diana Chisholm Skrzydlo ’01) Open House. students to keep an open mind regarding Vancouver, BC: RESERVE NOW! career choices and to be willing to take [email protected] www.utschools.ca/rsvp on new challenges when they arise. (Rafe Angell ’83) or call 416-978-3919 The next cohort of students were London, UK: assigned alumni mentors in March, [email protected] but enquiries about the program are (Melissa Wong ’03) welcome throughout the year. Alumni who are interested in becoming If you live in any of the cities where mentors should contact the Office of our inaugural chapters have been Advancement at [email protected]. launched, or you live elsewhere and would like to help us launch UTSAA Alumni Chapters chapter in your area, please get in The UTSAA has established alumni touch with Aaron Dantowitz ’91, Chair chapters in cities with a high of our Alumni Engagement Committee concentration of UTS alumni in order to at [email protected] or promote connections and engagement Carrie Flood, Alumni Affairs Officer at among our out-of-town alumni. If you [email protected].

THE UTS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 27 ALUMNI NEWS Paul Wright ’70

The Class of 1970 at their 43rd Anniversary Reunion BACK L-R: Ken Roberts, Peter Martin, Harv Wright, Steven Stone, David Wright, Peter Norman, Brian Kaufman, Sandy McIntyre, Alex Hart, Doug McIntyre, Ron Davies, Clive Powell. FRONT L-R: Joe Zier, Doug Donald, Kim Jarvi, Doug Carter, Chris Hill, Don McKenzie, David Sutherland.

Alumni Focus Groups relaxed, unhurried, West Coast-style their enthusiasm for this reunion project. The UTSAA Alumni Engagement experience that included dinners As an adjunct project, our man in Committee chaired by Aaron Dantowitz out, hiking the Grouse Grind, sea Brussels, Ron Davies, agreed to collect, ’91 has been hard at work this past year kayaking, cycling, and white-water collate, and publish up-to-date blurbs to increase alumni engagement with rafting. The entire weekend was from class members. From these, the UTS community. In May, they held fabulous and enjoyed by all. My sincere he created The Twiglet, which was three focus groups: two at UTS and one thanks to Doug “Handy” Carter, Peter distributed to all class members, and is via Skype with out-of-town alumni. “Snake” Martin, Clive “Bread” Powell, an ongoing project. The feedback provided at these focus David “Suds” Sutherland, and Paul – Alexander Hart ’70 groups, as well as the survey completed “Harv” Wright for their co-operation and by nearly 500 alumni, has already led to updates and improvements in alumni programming. You can read a detailed report on the focus group feedback at: www.utschools.ca/alumniengagement. Class of 1970 43rd Year Anniversary Reunion in Vancouver The seed for the Class of 1970’s 43rd anniversary reunion was planted at the first-ever West Coast UTS alumni get together in Vancouver in March, 2012, when the ad hoc BC chapter of the “worst graduating class in the history of the school” (according to then-headmaster W.B. MacMurray) hatched a plot to host a reunion. Our plan become reality when 19 of us (and ten significant others) gathered over a weekend in May, 2013 for a

28 THE ROOT • Spring 2014 ALUMNI NEWS Basketball Champs Again The 2014 alumni 3-on-3 basketball tournament brought together more than 20 students and alumni spanning more than 40 years – from 1973 to 2017. There were some close matches, including a nail-biter between current students and The Wolves of Bloor Street – a team boasting alumni-players from 1973 and 2003. The students won with a buzzer-beating basket! Members of the team that won the tourney for the past three years managed to retain the title for a fourth year: congratulations to Beastmode’s Geoff Burt ’02, Thomas Harris ’03, Luke Nelson ’03, and Shayan Team Beastmode, post-tournament, with the championship cup. Somani ’03.

We invite all members of the UTS community – alumni, students, parents, current and retired staff – to participate in the inaugural

Cast your lens wide – we are looking for images of people, places, and things, so the scope is almost unlimited!

The images: • Must be in jpg format • Must be between 1000 and 4000 pixels wide • Must not exceed 3MB

The deadline for submissions is September 1, 2014. Please send your photographs – a maximum of two per participant – by email to: [email protected]. Please include your name, affiliation, and image title(s).

Entries will be judged by a panel of alumni, students, and staff and results will be announced in September. There will be a display of the winning entries at the Annual Alumni Dinner

in October 2014, and in the Fall 2014 issue of The Root. Photos courtesy: Reg Hawes, UTS teacher.

THE UTS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 29 ALUMNI NEWS February Festivities! Edgar Jull ’31 celebrated his 100th birthday on February 7; Stan Pearl (retired UTS principal) and Martha Drake (Executive Director, Advancement) dropped by to extend good wishes. And yes – that’s a UTS (birthday) mug in Edgar’s hands! UTS Board chair, Jim Fleck ’49, was treated to a mini surprise party during lunch-hour on February 10, complete with a special cake baked by M4 (grade 10) students, Maddie Elder and Alex Birkenshaw. In Memoriam

G. Peter MacNames ’49 1931-2013

Peter MacNames ’49 passed away peacefully at home, on September 26, 2013, of cancer. Forever passionate about his family, music, sailing, and the English language, Peter endeared himself to many. The consummate gentleman, he encouraged the positive attributes of all he encountered. For 31 years, Peter excelled as a financial analyst, later becoming Manager of Corporation Services at The Financial Post. A self-taught jazz pianist, playing solely by ear, Peter later became co-founder and vice-president of The Brantford Jazz Festival. With the production and mixing expertise of his grandson, Dylan, Peter recorded his first CD in 2012. Sailing was another passion, and he was proud of winning the first North American Albacore Championship in 1967 with his friend, Don Grant. Peter was predeceased by his wife, Joan, and later his ex-wife, Joyce, with whom he fathered four daughters. In addition, his five step-children regarded him with warmth and respect. Fun-loving grandfather to 13, and great-grandfather to four, he will be sorely missed. Peter so looked forward to his quarterly UTS class reunions, and thoroughly enjoyed seeing TOP: Edgar Jull ’31 with Stan Pearl and Martha Drake. BOTTOM: Jim Fleck ’49 with students his old school mates. Maddie Elder and Alex Birkenshaw. – Laura MacNames (Peter’s daughter)

30 THE ROOT • Spring 2014 ALUMNI NEWS

James Marshall Tory Condolences are extended to the families of 1930–2013 these alumni who passed away recently. A man of many talents and strong Basil A. B. Clark ’36 Douglas Peterson ’48 November 29, 2013 character, Jim September 28, 2013 Tory ’46 died Ian A. B. MacKenzie ’36 Peter Hopkins ’48 at the favourite January 29, 2014 November 14, 2013 family retreat, his John G. W. McIntyre ’37 Robert Martin ’48 summer home in February 17, 2014 October 16, 2013 Guysborough, Nova Scotia. James and his twin brother, John Tory Donald R. De Laporte ’41 G. E. Peter MacNames ’49 ’46, entered UTS as 10 year olds in grade August 20, 2013 September 26, 2013 7 in 1946, following their father, John James Davies ’44 Edward Thomas Hodgins ’53 S. D. Tory ’20 and uncle, James M. Tory November 7, 2013 April 4, 2013 ’22. In later years, a number of Jim’s and Austin M. Cooper ’45 Martin D. Gammack ’53 John’s offspring also attended UTS. September 23, 2013 January 21, 2014 Upon graduation from UofT Law School as a gold medalist, Jim, together H. Peter Priestman ’45 Donald Ladkin ’53 with John, played a key role in building July 22, 2013 December 31, 2013 Torys into one of Canada’s leading James M. Tory ’46 Stewart Martin ’57 law firms. When John left the firm to August 19, 2013 November 13, 2013 join the Thomson newspaper empire (now Thomson Reuter), Jim took the William West ’48 Donald Crummey ’58 January 9, 2014 August 16, 2013 helm with a gentle, down-to-earth leadership style much appreciated by his employees. It was his foresight that ensured that Torys would continue to thrive as an independent institution. UTS students aim high. Jim treated everyone with respect, no matter their age or position, and inspired You can help them reach higher! all who knew him. He was a brilliant lawyer and could always be counted on to find a simple and elegant solution to complex problems. David Beatty, former chair of Inmet Mining, on whose board Jim served, summed up the man best when he said, “Jim was a solid piece of timber for decades. He would be the one who I would phone for insight and judgment. He was capable intellectually and very shrewd.” Jim devoted his many talents to numerous major corporate boards and not-for-profit organizations, including nearly 40 years on the board of the Hospital for Sick Children and its Foundation. Jim provided unwavering support to his family: wife, Marilyn [d. 1999] and son, David [d. 2006] who both predeceased If you would like to designate a specific bequest to UTS or receive information on him; his other children, Martha, James, planned giving, please contact: Martha Drake, Executive Director, Advancement Suzanne, and Richard; 13 grandchildren; and his sister, Virginia Denton. at 416-946-0097, or [email protected]. – Don Borthwick ’54

THE UTS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 31 Looking Back

Since this issue of The Root features alumni-journalists, it seems fitting to take a look at some first editions of early UTS publications. The Annals 1910-1914, launched the school’s presence on the presses. The copy on the shelf of the Office of Advancement apparently belonged to Philip Niles ’20 who inscribed the inside front cover with his address: Rosedale Road, Toronto, Canada, Western Hemisphere. The relatively short-lived UTS Monthly made its first appearance in 1920. The “Foreward” (sic), penned by Headmaster Crawford, draws students’ attention to his expectation of a “standard of style” and challenges “the Censor to delete with no uncertain pencil the slangy, the scurrilous or the offensive.“ The earliest issue of The Twig in our archives is dated April‑May 1922. The staff included Arthur Greer ’22 as Joke Editor – meaning, presumably, editor of jokes. Finally, The Phoenix, “a purely literary magazine”, saw light of day in 1929 and proved “the genuine interest taken by the boys in the creative side of their literary studies.”

32 THE ROOT • Spring 2014