Class Notes

Catch up on classmates, housemates, faculty, and friends.

We Want Your Class Notes

Marking career and personal achievements, special milestones and the birth of future »Ê¹ÚÌåÓý's alumni - Class Notes helps you stay in touch with former classmates, housemates, and faculty.

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  • Diana Shaftter, Class Notes

    1970s

    Diana (Royal) Schaffter and Tim Schaffter

    – Artsci’79 and Com’79

    Diana and Tim recently moved back to Canada after being away in Asia and Eastern Europe for 42 years, where Tim worked with the UN (UNICEF), and Diana worked in international education. They have now settled in Sidney, B.C., on Vancouver Island and welcome visitors! Diana and Tim will now focus on promoting Diana's newly released middle-grade eco-adventure novel, Armando and the Amazing Animal Race in Canada and internationally. It is available on Amazon.

  • 2010s

    Johnnie Vu

    – AMBA’16

    Spring 2025

    Johnnie was recently appointed as an aide-de-camp for the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Commanding Officer of RCACC 709 Toronto Signals.

  • Jess DiPasquale and Brendan Coffey, Class Note

    2010s

    Jess DiPasquale and Brendan Coffey

    – Sc’19 and Law’19

    Spring 2025

    Jess recently married Brendan. In January 2019, Brendan was a varsity football player turned coach, while Jess was in her fourth and final year of her undergraduate degree under the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, specializing in civil engineering. Jess and Brendan were set up by mutual friends and met for a blind date at Red House. They clicked immediately. After just a few months together, they both graduated and dove into a trans-provincial, long-distance relationship. Brendan started articling at a criminal defense law firm in Ottawa, and Jess began her career as a project coordinator for a civil engineering consulting firm in St. Catharines. Then COVID hit, and they made the decision to move in together. Jess relocated to Ottawa. Brendan proposed in Niagara-on-the-Lake on Dec. 31, 2022. In late October 2023, they made the decision to pick up and move across the country to Vancouver. Jess and Brendan flew out to Niagara-on-the-Lake for their wedding. Surrounded by their family and closest friends –  many of whom were old housemates, classmates and teammates at »Ê¹ÚÌåÓý's – they were married on Oct. 5, 2024, at »Ê¹ÚÌåÓý's Landing. In May 2025, they will be moving to Toronto. 

  • 2010s

    Brandon Karonyatatye Maracle

    – ArtSci'18, Law'21

    Spring 2025

    Brandon became executive director of Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest (KNCLN) in August of 2024. Since graduating, and prior to his time with KNCLN, Brandon gained valuable experience in the non-profit and in legal clinic and firm environments – all of which are serving him well in his new role. Part of his role is working with »Ê¹ÚÌåÓý's Faculty of Law, the »Ê¹ÚÌåÓý’s Law Clinics and The Law Foundation of Ontario to launch Indigenous-focused legal services in the Kingston area.

  • Aaron Wong-Sing, Class Note

    2000s

    Aaron Wong-Sing

    – Sc’00

    Spring 2025

    Aaron was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal on Jan. 28, 2025, for being a positive force in his career, sports and throughout the community. Aaron has been living with cerebral palsy since birth and was diagnosed with ALS on July 1, 2024. For over 20 years, Aaron has excelled as a leader within Public Services and Procurement Canada, leading procurements supporting military personnel and complex health services programs. He championed accessibility in the federal public service. His community involvement spans nearly 30 years in the non-profit and volunteer sectors, particularly in international development and adaptive sports. As an athlete, Aaron excelled in adaptive sailing, co-chairing the MobilityCup; he earned a bronze medal in the 2013 Canada Summer Games and a silver medal at the 2017 Canada Summer Games. Aaron retired in September 2024.

  • 2000s

    Dr. Kyle Lauersen

    – Sc’08, BEd’09, MSc’11

    Spring 2025

    Since 2019, Kyle has been faculty at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, and was just awarded the university’s Distinguished Teaching Award in November 2024. He received the award for his innovative approach to bioengineering education, mentorship and dedication to student success. He credits his background in martial arts and professional training as a high-school teacher for his unique appreciation for the holistic transfer of knowledge through auditory, visual and kinesthetic communication.