From Founders to Future: Generations Gather to Celebrate SMUS

The steps to Graves Hall glowed on the evening of October 16 as guests once again filled the crested wooden chairs of the Sun Centre for the annual Founders and Benefactors Dinner. The night brought together generations of the St. Michaels University School community to celebrate those whose generosity continues to shape the school’s future.

Director of Advancement Anna Burton guided the evening with warmth and focus, setting a tone of gratitude and reflection as donors, families, and supporters gathered alongside more than 40 students, many whose experiences have been enriched through that same support.

Head of School Jeff Aitken opened the evening by reminding guests that the SMUS story is built on a century of shared vision and care.

“Every time we expand a program, enhance a facility, or create a new opportunity,” he said, “we become founders of new possibilities and excellence. Together, we build the world we want to believe in.”

The evening’s keynote speakers, Dr. Amyrose McCue Gill ’96 and Dr. Patrick McCue Gill ’97, reflected on their lifelong connection to SMUS, one that now spans three generations. The couple, who first met as middle school students, have gone on to build distinguished academic and professional careers: Amyrose as a scholar, musician, and entrepreneur in the humanities, and Patrick as a biophysicist and engineer in Silicon Valley. Their daughter, Siena, now a Grade 11 student at SMUS, continues the family tradition.

The McCue Gill family’s deep commitment to SMUS extends beyond attendance. Amyrose’s mother, Darlene McCue, who was in attendance, made history nearly 20 years ago as the first female Chair of the SMUS Board of Governors, a milestone that reflected the school’s evolving leadership and values. Through years of volunteerism and philanthropy, from board service to the creation of the McCue Gill Fund for Women of the Future, the family has continued to support the school’s mission to provide transformative educational experiences.

In their address, Amyrose and Patrick spoke of gratitude. Gratitude for their parents’ sacrifices, for the teachers who shaped their paths, and for the community that continues to evolve.

“We are deeply thankful to our families for the opportunity to be a part of this community,” Amyrose said. “And we are deeply thankful to the teachers who fostered our love of learning, which we have found to be a wonderful path to a happy and fulfilled life.”

They also shared a reminder that the school’s strength comes from collective effort and care.

“Good things require vigilance, maintenance, and love to continue to thrive,” Patrick said.

During dinner, the room fell silent as Grade 12 clarinetist Matty Angus, among Canada’s top young musicians, delivered a captivating performance with poise and precision. A National Youth Orchestra of Canada member and CBC “30 Under 30” honouree, his performance was a highlight of the evening.

As the night drew to a close, the shared message of gratitude, legacy, and stewardship resonated throughout the room,  a reminder that every contribution, whether through time, expertise, or philanthropy, helps strengthen the school and inspire the next generation.

The dinner falls annually within a week when the SMUS Society and Board of Governors come together for the Annual General Meeting and fall retreat. This year, the Board also honoured long-serving members David Longridge ’88 and Kyman Chan ’85 with the prestigious Vivat Award for their exceptional service and dedication to the school.