Inaugural STM Fall Gathering draws alumni, friends of College

St. Thomas More College began a new tradition recently with the inaugural STM Fall Gathering on Oct. 1.

The showcase annual event will celebrate the College's alumni, donors and friends and will also feature the presentation of the STM Alumni of Distinction Awards.

This year's Fall Gathering began with a Celebration of Faith in the STM Chapel in the afternoon, and included an honour song performed by Qwaydin Spotted Blue Jay Linklater, from Sturgeon Lake First Nation.

The day also included a self-guided Art & Architecture tour, which allowed returning alumni wander the halls of the College to see the many changes that have occurred over the year as the needs of its students have changed, as well as to appreciate the many significant pieces of artwork that grace the rooms and hallways.

The Alumni of Distinction awards took place in the Shannon Library, with presentations made for 2020, 2021 and 2022 in a year when the College community was finally able to gather again after the interruption of the pandemic.

Dr. Tammy Marche, Dean of STM, said the stories of the distinguished alumni being honoured shows that the College's graduates are indeed going out into the world and exploring faith, reason and justice, while also unselfishly serving others, each according to their individual gifts.

"The contributions each of these six award recipients has made to their communities does honour to the College, and we are grateful for the opportunity to show our appreciation to them at this event," said Dr. Marche. "The College has seen many changes over the years, but our mission and values have not changed and are very much alive today, as they always have been – in our students, faculty, staff, and our alumni."
Each award recipient was introduced by Veronica Lucas, a recent STM graduate and a member of the STM Newman Alumni Association.

Honoured from 2020 were Mary Donlevy-Konkin and Richard Lucas. From 2021 were alumni Rita Gillies and Fr. Emile April, who sent his regrets. The 2022 Distinguished Alumni being honoured were Louise Tessier and Dr. Thomas Deutscher, who was nominated posthumously. Accepting on his behald was his wife, Marci Deutscher.

"What a gift it is to once again be able to enjoy in-person events, where we can laugh together, pray together, and embrace our shared connection to the STM community," said Kari Sinkewicz, Manager of Development and Alumni Relations. 

"We enjoyed outstanding attendance at the inaugural STM Annual Fall Gathering, with several guests travelling from out of province to join us. We are looking forward to an even larger contingent next year, of alumni, donors and friends of the College gathering on October 14, 2023 to celebrate the announcement of the new Distinguished Alumni."

 To see a Slideshow from the Fall Gathering 2022, please CLICK HERE

To view the Art & Architecture pamplet, please CLICK HERE