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! 

(Last updated 4 June 2008)      

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, Elaina Mazzarolo, James Mombourquette 

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.)

Mary Beth Anderson, '06, is now Sister Mary Regina. She received her veil as a first year novice with the nuns of Valley of Our Lady Monastery in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin.

Kenneth Walker, '05, is now in his third year of Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary in Denton, Nebraska, with the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter.  Conor O'Brien '06, and Joseph Heppelle, '07, are now in first year of seminary formation with the Fraternity as well.

Brothers Benjamin and Jesse Weber, '06, are in 2nd year of studies at St. Philip's Seminary in Toronto.

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

Dan Millette, 07, just finished his studies at Redeemer University College where he received a BA with a double major in Philosophy and Theology. He hopes to begin studies for a Masters in Dogmatic Theology through the Holy Apostles College and Seminary. Eventually he would like to teach theology at the University level.

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."

Liz 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!" 

Colin Devine Meyer, '04, is now in the US Air Force, stationed in Japan, where he maintains fighter jets. After the Academy, Colin says, he attended the "University of Life." In the fall, he will return to Iraq for his second tour of duty.  He hopes that he will make it home "safe and sound," and after that, he wants "to make up for all the time he has spend away" from his wife, Jessica, and his daughter, Samantha. Colin says: "I enjoyed my time at the Academy and look back on it with much fondness. The Academy is a great place for one to study and learn in a quiet and peaceful setting. It is a great place to focus one's mind...."

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 hopes to take additional courses in history at the Academy. Marissa says: "My years at OLSWA gave me more than I ever expected it 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 currently studying English and Theatre at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, ON, and hopes to finish with an Honours BA in English. She would then like to pursue an MA in English Theatre. “My experience at OLSWA not only gave me a solid Catholic foundation, but it also gave me a better education and outlook on life.” 

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.

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. 

Catherine Nolan, ’02, completed her degree at Ave Maria College in Michigan, with a double major in Literature and Philosophy.  She received a BA magna cum laude. Eventually, she hopes to get her PhD in Philosophy. Last year, she volunteered in Honduras with a Catholic mission group. At present, she is building up a Catholic quarterly academic journal online, where the works of young Catholic authors and artists are published, encouraging a return to rigorous thought and the appreciation of beauty. 

Susan Smith, ’06, has been studying Gerontology (the study of aging) at Laurentian University’s Barrie Campus, where she will soon receive 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 summer, Amy is taking 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.”