A tree is known by its fruit.
Please take a look at what some of our Alumni are doing today. Our Lady Seat of Wisdom has touched the lives of students from all over the world and through them transforms the world in the image and likeness of Jesus Christ...Check back often for updates.

Alumni, we'd love to hear from you.  Tell us what you are doing.  Please e-mail us to let us know!     

Check out the Alumni Photo Gallery.

Congratulations to our OLSWA alumni who have recentely graduated from:

Ave Maria Law School - Joseph VanderHulst

Franciscan University of Steubenville - Lizzy Linton, Angela Hardy, Maggie Cunningham

Redeemer University College - Michael Doyle, Dan Millette, Frances Platt, Theresa Merrick, Margaret Beresford, Elizabeth O'Brien, Elana Mazzarolo, James Mombourquette, Laura Vanderhulst, Jenna (Gannon) Craine, Veronica Sebanc.

Algonquin College, Ottawa - Marissa Henry

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Adam Schmitzer, a Mater Ecclesiae alumnus, made his solemn profession as a brother with the Franciscans of the Immaculate in September 2007 in Massachusetts.  He is now Friar Joseph. (Mater Ecclesiae, a small study centre for post-secondary learning,  was the pre-cursor of the Academy. From 1998 to 1999, a handful of dedicated students and three professors met in lofts and living-rooms to study and discuss theology and philosophy in authentic academy style.)

Angela Hardy, '05, writes, "The Academy filled me with a thirst for knowledge, so years later, I am still studying! I finished my undergrad in theology and philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville in May 2008, and have now started an entirely new undergrad in Nutrition in the Health Sciences at Ottawa U - en français, just to spice things up! God willing, the end of this stage is to become a dietician. We'll see where He leads!"

Jenna (Gannon) Craine, '06, graduated from Redeemer University the year after graduating to the Academy. After getting married to Academy alumnus Patrick Craine last summer, she is currently working as the Assistant Director of Redeemer University College's Writing Centre. She and her husband are to be congratulated on the birth of their first child, Noah Paul Joseph on April 14th. 

Quin Kleiboer, '03, writes from Saskatchewan, "I am currently applying the knowledge and faith formation I received at Seat of Wisdom in many aspects of my life. It serves as my moral grounding as I work towards completing my Bachelors of Commerce. This faith formation serves as the bedrock of my relationship with my fiancé as we prepare for marriage. The knowledge I gained from OLSWA also feeds my work serving the Lord as an RCIA coordinator and catechist."

James Mombourquette, '02, graduated from Redeemer University in 2008 with a Bachelors of Education. Currently he is supply teaching for the Hamilton and Brantford Catholic School Boards.

Nadia Mazzarolo-Glenny, '03, is living near Peterborough and studying Psychology and Business at Trent University.

Maggie Cunningham, '07, is taking a year or two vacation from school and is currently working as a dietary aid at a retirement home. She writes, "I am currently discerning how God wants me to use my BA in Theology."

Catherine Ryan, '05, received her BA from the University of Steubenville, Ohio, in 2006, and is now living in Waterloo, Ontario. She works as a brain skills therapist at Breakthroughs in Learning, where she helps a variety of people with learning challenges. She is also counting the days until her wedding in August!

Tim Waggoner, '08, is working as a Development Officer for LifeSiteNews.com. He writes that this is "a job made possible only because of my education from OLSWA." Tim is getting married this summer to OLSWA alumna Gabrielle Ferri.

Quentin Ferrant, '08, is currently working on his Bsc. in Biology at Redeemer University College. He writes, "Thanks for all the help OLSWA!"

Angela Gordon, '04, writes, "I'm in my second year of psychology at Redeemer thanks to OLSWA!!!"

Gabrielle (Ferri) Waggoner, '06, is currently in her third year at Queen's University working towards a Bachelors of Music. She is getting married this July to OLSWA alumnus, Tim Waggoner.

Joseph Platt,  '07, was Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy's graduating valedictorian in 2007. This year he will be receiving a B.A. and B.Ed from Redeemer University in Ancaster.

Catherine Nolan, '02, has spent some time volunteering as a missionary in Honduras. At present, she is studying for her MA in philosophy and working on an online journal of Catholic culture at www.thealexandrian.org.

Scott Murray, '08, is now a first-year seminarian for the Diocese of Pembroke, studying at St. Philip's Oratory in Toronto.

Mary Beth Anderson, '06, is now Sister Mary Regina. She professed her first vows (temporary, for three years) on August 15th, 2008, the Solemnity of Our Lady's Assumption. Sr. Mary Regina received her black scapular and cinture. She is with the nuns of Valley of Our Lady Monastery in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin.

Kenneth Walker, '05, is now in his fourth year of Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary in Denton, Nebraska, with the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter.

Jesse Weber, '06, is now a postulant at a Carmelite monastery in Wyoming.

Ben Weber, '06, is a seminarian at New York's  St. Joseph's Seminary, Dunwoody (the site of the Holy Father's vist to the U.S.)

Patrick Giguere, '07, is now a second-year novice with the Legionnaires du Christ located in Cornwall, ON. 

Dan Millette, '07, is currently our Registrar here at OLSWA. He finished his studies at Redeemer University College in 2008, where he received a BA with a double major in Philosophy and Theology. He is currently studying for a Masters in Dogmatic Theology through the Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Conneticut. Eventually he would like to teach theology at the University level. Dan's final words, "Go Habs!"

Mike Doyle, '06, majored in English and double-minored in Philosophy, Theology and Religion at Redeemer University College.  He received his BA Honours with distinction. He hopes to make the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage in Spain in August, and then participate in the University of New Brunswick's Creative Writing program. He had the blessing of receiving two merit scholarships: the OGS and the SSHRC to pursue his studies.  He's excited about the prospect of teaching Creative Writing and English. Mike writes: "Without a doubt, the foundation I built at OLSWA was integral to whatever successes I had at Redeemer."

Elizabeth O'Brien, '06, received an Honours BA in English Literature at Redeemer University in Ancaster. Since then, she has worked in Honduras and in Peterborough, ON, but now she is happy to be back in Barry's Bay working for the Academy. Liz was recently accepted into the Master's Program in English at Ottawa University on scholarship. Liz writes: "My hopes and plans for the future are to learn many languages, teach in foreign countries, and spread Christ's love!" 

Marissa Henry, '06, has received her certification as a Personal Support Worker from Algonquin College, Ottawa, graduating with honours. She is now happily working in her chosen profession with the elderly as a caregiver in a nursing home. Marissa continues to write fiction and is taking additional courses in history at the Academy. Marissa says: "My years at OLSWA gave me more than I ever expected they would, both academically and in community life; I'll never forget them. The lessons I learned there (both inside and outside the classes) will remain with me the rest of my life. I'm proud to be an Academian."

Rob Koechl, '00, completed his Bachelor of Philosophy degree from Ave Maria College in Ypsilanti, Michigan, graduating in 2004, with a major in Literature.  He returned to OLSWA as Dean of Student Life in 2005.  He has taught high school English and Religion at Summit Academy in Cottonwood, Idaho.  He is pursuing the possibility of a Masters in English/Education.  Rob says:  “My years spent at OLSWA have been for me a very wonderful time of formation and growth. It is just what Canada and even the world needs.” 

Olenka Choly, '07, is now happily pursuing her Bachelor in Philosophy degree from College Universitaire Dominicain (Dominican University College) in Ottawa. “Because of my education at OLSWA, I am confident in my faith and can learn from and about those who hold contrary opinions without feeling threatened or feeling like I need to justify myself all the time.”

Drew Sponagle, ’06, returned to Halifax to study at St. Mary’s University, majoring in Geography with a minor in French.  He hopes to receive his B.A. in May 2009.  Currently he is preparing to travel to France for the final year of studies for his degree. “Our Lady Seat of Wisdom gave me the spiritual formation that I desired and helped me to know my faith better.  My time at the school also challenged me in many different ways and helped prepare me for the challenges that life has to offer.”

Carol Reaume, ’07, is studying English and Theatre at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, ON, and will graduate this year with an Honours BA. She would then like to complete a MA by 2010. She is assistant stage manager this year for the Redeemer musical Fiddler on the Roof. Carol writes, “My experience at OLSWA not only gave me a solid Catholic foundation, but it also gave me a better education and outlook on life.” 

Elana Mazzarolo, '07, received a BA from Redeemer University and is now in the Consecutive Education Program. She hopes to teach Grade 11 and 12 English and possibly teach in Italy for a year.

John Burchat, ’06, is now at the University of Waterloo taking courses in Accounting and Financial Management with a Finance Specialization. He is in the co-op program, which offers real-life experience in the business world. After graduation, his long term goal is to be a Mutual Fund Manager.

Jake Schmiedicke, ’05, now attends Thomas Aquinas College in California, where he continues to study the liberal arts through Classical Authors.  He hopes to receive his BA there.  While at the Academy, Jake wrote, directed, and edited short films, which he continues to do at TAC.  After he completes school, he hopes to start a family and possibly enter the film industry.

Naomi (Hiroe) Huzovicova, ’00, received her Bachelor of Philosphy degree from Ave Maria College.  She taught English in Slovakia, and now lives there with her husband and children.  She describes OLSWA as “amazing, memorable, and academic.  I am so glad I went there – it opened many new doors for me.” 

Angela Reilander, ’06, received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English and a minor in Philosophy from Redeemer University College.  She is currently in the primary/junior Education program at Redeemer. After completing her B.Ed., she will enter the teaching profession.

Crystal Powers, ’02, received her diploma as a Registered Practical Nurse from Algonquin College in Pembroke.  Her hopes and plans for the future are to get married and raise a big family.

Shane and Rebekah (Ryan) Westin, '05, received their degrees in Humanities and Christian Culture from Franciscan University of Steubenville. After graduating from FUS, Shane and Rebekah married, and are now the proud parents of a baby girl, Maria.

Veronica (Sebanc) Grossling '06, graduated with a BA in Philosophy from Redeemer University. She is currently finishing the second year of a MA program from the John Paul II Institute in Washington, DC. Veronica is engaged to marry Felipe Grossling this summer.

Laura Vanderhulst, '06, received her degree in English literature the following year from Redeemer University. Since then, she returned to Barry's Bay to work as our beloved Academy secretary. Laura has been here for nearly two years, and she says, "Some of my favorite things are seeing and chatting with the students every day as well as keeping warm by my fire."

Jill Vanderhulst, '00, moved to Peterborough to teach at Wayside Academy, a private, Catholic elementary school. She has been teaching younger grades for the past eight years and loves her job there!

Christian Ferraro, '06, was known at the Academy for his winner dancing, musical compositions, and friendly smile. He is currently finishing a B.A. in philosophy this year at the university of Guelph.

Mary Ellis, '00, is a professional singer/songwriter and artist living in Ottawa. When she is not painting or playing shows, she spends her time organising community events to foster the arts and promote radical social change.

Rebecca Mombourquette, '08, is presently completing a double major in English and Theology at Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ontario.

Theresa Ulmer, ’05, returned to New Zealand, and is now in her second year of a BA at Victoria University in Wellington, majoring in English Literature.  She is thoroughly enjoying all of her courses, and entertains thoughts of further study after this degree.  She is a member of the choir at her parish, which sings Gregorian chant and polyphony every Sunday. 

Susan Smith, ’06, studied Gerontology (the study of aging) at Laurentian University’s Barrie Campus, where she  received her BA in Gerontology.  She would like to work as an “Activation Assistant” in a retirement/nursing home, VON adult day centre, or with the Alzheimer Society.  Working in management, she hopes to bring about positive change in long-term care facilities, and become involved in Hospice programs which offer palliative care to the dying.  Sue says: "Attending the Academy has given me a solid foundation on which I've based the rest of my education. I've come to realize that, no matter what you do after you leave the Academy, everything you learn there can be applied to whatever you choose to do. Personally, what I've learned at OLSWA has been extremely helpful for me, considering I work with seniors, end-of-life care, and the ethical decisions on a daily basis. Veritas Vos Liberabit!!"

Amy Gordon, '04, has received her Honours Degree in Philosophy from Dominican College in Ottawa, and is working on her thesis for a Masters Degree. She hopes to continue her studies in Philosphy towards a PhD, but says "the future is open!" This past summer, Amy took a human rights course in Germany.

Heather Braun, '05, completed her studies at Franciscan University of Steubenville, where she received a degree in Humanities and Catholic Culture. She is currently teaching in a private Catholic school. Heather says: “My experience at the Academy was superior. The education I received was invaluable.  I always look back at my Academy years with fond memories.”

Theresa Merrick, ’06, attended Redeemer University College in Ancaster, ON, for two years.  She graduated in April 2008 with an Honours BA in English, and with a minor in History.  She is studying in  the Masters Programs in English at the University of Waterloo.  

(Last updated January 20th, 2009)