St John’s College community News Archive

April 3, 2025 — 
When Angela Soulsby walks into her new role with Health Canada under Indigenous Services Canada, she carries with her not just a Bachelor of Nursing degree and recently completed NCLEX, but a deep, personal story of healing and hope.  Growing up in an unsafe environment shaped by historical and generational trauma, Angela faced adversity that could have easily derailed her dreams. She later experienced a health care crisis and a violent assault—both stemming from institutional systems that have long dehumanized Indigenous Peoples. Rather than let these experiences hold her back, Angela found purpose in them. 

March 3, 2025 — 
St. John’s College is pleased to welcome four distinguished scholars as new Fellows: Dr. Gerd Prehna, Dr. Punam Mehta, Dr. Patty Thille, and Dr. Shirley Thompson.

February 27, 2025 — 
As Black History Month comes to an end, stories of resilience and triumph have come to the forefront. For Edmund Opoku-Agyeman, his journey from Ghana to Canada showcases the impact of centuries of history on personal identity and opportunity.   Born and raised in Ghana, Edmund’s connection to its history runs deep. His maternal hometown, Elmina, is home to Elmina Castle (Fort St George’s) —one of the most significant landmarks of the transatlantic slave trade. Built by the Portuguese in 1482, the castle evolved from a gold trading post into a major center for the enslavement of Africans.  “In the late seventies, a few hundred years after the castle was built, an extension of it was turned into a community secondary school,” Edmund recalls. “There was enough space for classrooms, a library, a canteen, administrative offices, staff common room, and even an assembly area. I was among the fourth batch of students to attend that school in the eighties.” 

January 28, 2025 — 
Jihad (Rosty) Othman is a Ph.D. student from the Department of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Manitoba, supervised by Dr. Lori Wilkinson, a St John’s College fellow. Recently, Othman participated in the prestigious Global Peace Summit in Bangkok, hosted by Humanitarian Affairs Asia. The summit brought together over 400 delegates from more than 40 countries, all united with the mission to advance peace, justice, and sustainable global harmony. 

January 23, 2025 — 
Navigating new paths can be challenging, yet it can also lead to remarkable growth and success. Dr. Sarah Teetzel’s journey beautifully illustrates the importance of embracing opportunities that present themselves. With a background in Kinesiology and Chemistry from Western University, and experience as a competitive athlete, Dr. Teetzel initially aspired to work in Canada’s sport drug-testing lab. However, a pivotal conversation with her PhD supervisor changed her trajectory.

October 17, 2024 — 
The first Sunday of November is always a special time for the St John’s College community. It’s a time when we bestow honorary degrees in recognition of those who have made significant contribution to both St John’s community and the country. It is also when we celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates as well as our scholarship and bursary recipients. For the 2024 convocation on November 3, SJC is proud to recognize Rt Rev. Helen Kennedy, Dr. Evelyn Forget, and Mr. Jim Ripley. Each of these individuals has had a significant impact on our community, whether as students, on the Council, or in our chapel.

October 11, 2024 — 
Our small community on campus is more than just a college for students; it’s a place of growth and where students find themselves. Fourth-year psychology student Eniola Odeleye is a prime example of this.

October 10, 2024 — 
Arriving in Canada for the first time is a scary feeling for many international students, including St John's resident Rei Shibue. The Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources student studying for his master's in microbiology felt isolated when he arrived in Canada. He did not know what to expect but was excited to get started. "When I first arrived in Canada, I felt alone. I didn't have any friends or know where to go on campus; I was just trying to figure out my way." 

September 23, 2024 — 
Sabrina Stokotelny found joining the college membership early in her studies beneficial. During her time in South Africa, she applied her skills to real-life situations and reflected on the importance of healthcare and the difference she wants to make.

September 10, 2024 — 
This year, St John's College invites alumni to a special edition of the lunch and lively series, where food, conversation, and history will be the focus of our celebration.