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Stanstead Celebrates 150th at Homecoming & Gala
This past Saturday, Stanstead College welcomed back a record-breaking 250 alumni, former faculty and past/current parents to campus for Homecoming and to celebrate the 150th anniversary.
The day consisted of rugby, great food, and a special unveiling of Mitchell Kotansky’s bronze sculpture, “Beginnings.” Later in the evening, the 150th Gala Celebration took place at the Chateau Champlain in Montreal with 240 in attendance.
The day kicked off with the senior boys rugby facing off against Philemon Wright High School from Gatineau, QC. The teams were bagpiped out by Dean of Academics Andrew Blair. After 60 minutes of play, the Spartans came out with a 60-0 win. The junior boys followed the action as they won 22-10 against Philemon Wright.
After a delicious meal at the Le Baron dining hall, all in attendance were invited outside to gather for the special 150th unveiling ceremony led by Director of Advancement Jesse McRae ’02. The piece unveiled was by none other than Mitchell Kotansky, Class of 1980. It features a boy and a girl student sitting on a bench, together but not interacting, though their hands on the bench point to each other, their heads slightly raised and sitting as if they are about to stand. The sculpture currently sits on a granite bench behind Colby facing the fields.
"Mitch is a master craftsman, so when we were thinking of ways to recognize and celebrate the 150th anniversary of our school, Mitch immediately came to mind," said Head of School Michael Wolfe. "Mitch was the perfect person to do this not just because of his incredible talent, but also because he lived the experience of a Stanstead College student. He was able to recall what it was like to be here, especially as a new student, with all of the attendant fear, wonder, shock and excitement. He walked in those shoes - both as a nervous new kid and also as a veteran Spartan."
"Mitch is a master craftsman, so when we were thinking of ways to recognize and celebrate the 150th anniversary of our school, Mitch immediately came to mind," said Head of School Michael Wolfe. "Mitch was the perfect person to do this not just because of his incredible talent, but also because he lived the experience of a Stanstead College student. He was able to recall what it was like to be here, especially as a new student, with all of the attendant fear, wonder, shock and excitement. He walked in those shoes - both as a nervous new kid and also as a veteran Spartan."
Shortly after the unveiling, the B Sharps – Andrew Blair, Erik Van Dyke, Maxime Boulay and Duane Liverpool – guided the crowd in singing of the school song.
Those who stayed on campus enjoyed a reception in the Student Centre led by Advancement Associate Emily Marosi.
The night ended in Montreal at the Chateau Champlain for the 150th Gala Celebration. Joanne Carruthers MC’d the event with the help of Jesse McRae. The evening began with a speech from Matthew Watt ’99 recognizing Michael Wolfe, head of school, as he approaches his retirement. The guest then heard from Matthew Thompson, teacher and varsity boys hockey head coach, who spoke on behalf of the faculty and staff. Claudia Hess '83 and Rebecca Nienkamper '83 touched on the return and rise of girls at Stanstead College.
After dinner, Joanne Carruthers, incoming head of school, and Jonathan Cowen ‘72, board chair, gave a “fireside chat” on what the school has accomplished since the last anniversary in 1997 and what Stanstead College is now. Michael Wolfe ended the night with an inside look on the newest project: “Phillip’s Way” a walkway on campus dedicated for former board chair and longtime director and trustee Philip Webster.
We want to thank all those who participated and came back to campus to celebrate Stanstead College.
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