The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

2 identity of the College, and he strengthened campus ministry and lay leadership." University of Waterloo President Dr. Douglas Wright also commended Fr. Norm, citing "the influence of St. Jerome's in the community and on the UW campus. It has become an integral part of our existence," he said. Wright then presented Fr. Norm with an inscribed silver platter. Conrad Grebel Mennonite College President Prof. Ralph Lebold cited Fr. Norm's personable style and leadership gifts and his "vision of what a Church College should be. He always saw the larger perspective." Fr. Norm was also made a Fellow of Renison College in late April. Bringing greetings from Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, Waterloo MP Walter McLean noted that "the public consciousness that has positively echoed from St. Jerome's College does not happen without leadership." He credited Fr. Norm with providing an atmosphere at the College which fostered global awareness and social justice. Doug Letson reflects on the "Choate years" at Reunion '89. tudent Union President Matt Wilson spoke a on behalf of all College students when he said that "Fr. Norm was the epitome of the open door president. He turned distance between administration and students into friendship." Bishop Tonnos cited Fr. Norm's commitment to a strong and visible Catholic identity, and he spoke of the importance of the presence of a Catholic College in the Diocese. Concluding the evening, Fr. Norm expressed his gratitude to College and UW colleagues, referring to the last fifteen years as a "privilege and a gift to me. Out of many professional associations have grown dear friendships," he added. He spoke of his pride in the College's strong sense of identity as a Roman Catholic undergraduate liberal arts teaching college. "Being President, Chaplain, and teacher exceeds everything I could have ever imagined for myself," he commented. He touchingly thanked his late mother. "Though. I tried repeatedly to quit school, she was determined not to let me. She placed a high value on education and I cannot imagine my life without education." He also went on to acknowledge the commitment, hard work, and efficiency of his secretary, Alice Tapper. And delving into the College's history, he cited College founder Fr. Louis Funcken, C.R. "Father Funcken believed that the key to good education is to know and to love students. They will learn well if you manifest an enthusiasm for the truth." This was an axiom Fr. Norm said he tried to emulate during his time at the College. Given the warm response of the nearly 200 present, there was little doubt that he had succeeded in this objective. Fr. Norm then expressed his gratitude to former Presidents Fathers Siegfried and Finn "from whom I inherited a firm foundation". Finally, he paid tribute to his successor as President, Doug Letson, noting that, "I'll miss the excitement of the College beginning a new era under Doug." Honorary degree Fr. Norm was particularly moved at the news that he is to receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree at the University of Waterloo's Fall Convocation on October 21. "I was absolutely speechless," he remarked. He will have to regain his speech, however, as he will also be called upon to address convocation. In announcing Fr. Norm as an honorary degree recipient, the University cited his lengthy and outstanding service to both St. Jerome's College and the University of Waterloo. Throughout his tenure as President, he served effectively on the University Senate, Board of Governors, the Presidents' Working Group, the UW/WLU liaison committee, the Watfund advisory committee, the Pascal lecture committee, and both UW Presidential and Vice-Presidential search committees. Scholarship honours Fr. Norm new scholarship/bursary named in honour of Fr. Norm Choate was announced publicly at the Grads' Association Reunion dinner June 3. Many graduates responded to the special appeal to make a contribution to this new scholarship fund. It was the graduates' gift to Fr. Norm on his departure from the College. Awards will be made to deserving students in a year's time. "This scholarship is a sign of the esteem in which we hold you," noted Rob Donelson in his remarks at the testimonial dinner. "It also shows our respect and admiration for your concern for students and for access to university education." "Though this gift is not something you can take with you when you leave, it is something you leave behind for the students who will not have the privilege of knowing you personally as we have," added Donelson. Donations to this fund are still being received. If you wish to contribute, please send your gift to the Office of Development at the College. A tax receipt will be issued promptly. Writeback St. Jerome's "like an oasis" Even though I am not a graduate of St. Jerome's College, I have had many dealings with your community over the years and have grown to respect your aims. This feeling was reinforced recently when I attended a memorial service for Todd Earl, the twenty-year old whose life ended so tragically. The service was held on campus. I didn't known what to expect. I was very aware of the deep grief, resentment, anger and confusion that many of Todd's friends felt. The last thing I was expecting was the sense of calm and direction that was evident from the first moment that the thirty of us sat down. Father Charlie and Father Norm set such a tone of loving concern that the next hour of "stories about Todd" was truly funny and therapeutic. When John Donne wrote that "no man is an island," he could have been thinking of the Todd Earls of the world. And in the same way, St. Jerome's is like an oasis that permits people to be themselves, and yet be given insights into an even better self. Sincerely, A friend of St. Jerome's As Update! went to press, the College was saddened at the news that former President Father Cornelius Siegfried, C.R. passed away on July 26. A tribute to Fr. Siegfried's many achievements as President and educator will appear in the next Update! (Photo by K. Droughan)