SMUS Alumni Board Trustees

Jeremy Cordle '91  was born in Cardiff, Wales in 1972. following two years in Northern Alberta, he moved to Victoria in 1986 with his sister Carole (GNS '88) and parents Una and Tony (SMUS staff 1986- present). Jeremy and his father became part of the SMUS fabric in the fall of 86. With a great love and aptitude for all sports, Jeremy thrived in the most successful athletic period in the school's long history. In five years at the school, Jeremy was fortunate to be a member of six island championship winning teams culminating in the school's first BC High School Rugby championship in 1991.

Since leaving the school in 1991, Jeremy had the honor of representing Canada in both cricket ('91) and rugby ('98).

After completing his extensive career in sport, Jeremy settled happily into family life in Victoria with partner Alana and children Jaxson and Luci, presently age seven and six respectively.

In the spring of 2005, Jeremy and Alana opened Esteem Treatments Wellness Spa in Victoria where they enjoy helping their clientele find ways to maintain stress-free and healthy lives. Jeremy also has the pleasure of training and mentoring many young student athletes not only from SMUS, but also from a number of local schools in the Victoria area.

It is in this chapter of life where Jeremy finds himself drawn back to the SMUS community. Students, parents and staff (current and past) who are patrons of his business give Jeremy a unique perspective of life at the school. He has a deep love for SMUS, and finds the skills he acquired there serve him well in every day life. Jeremy looks forward to helping the school continue to link its excellent past to its limitless future.

It is for these reasons that Jeremy is both confident and ready to serve the school and the Alumni Society.

Chris Couvelier graduated from SMUS in 2002 and was the Head Boy and Ker Cup recipient for that year. He went on to study Economics at Stanford University, where he received his B.A. with Distinction in 2006. Following his time at Stanford, Chris attended Harvard Law School, where he received his J.D. in 2009. While at Harvard, Chris was an editor of the Harvard Law Review, president of the International Law Society, and a member of the Canada Law Society. Having recently been admitted to the New York Bar, Chris will practice corporate law with Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP – a law firm in Manhattan – beginning this fall.

Chris' previous career experience has included work in legal practice, investment banking and politics. His recent community service pursuits have included providing pro bono legal assistance to families in need through the Harvard Family Law Clinic, and participating in elementary school tutoring and mentorship programs. He is keen to bring these varied experiences – and the skills they have imparted – to bear as an active member of the Alumni Association Board. Chris is excited the prospect of giving back to the school community that offered him so much and, as a relatively recent alumnus, he has a particular interest in assisting the Board with its outreach to younger alumni

Nick Grant graduated from SMUS in 1984 and has retained a close relationship with the school by playing for the Incogs Cricket Club since his days at the school.  This year he is taking over the captaincy of the club from fellow board member Jim Wenman.  Nick works in the Strategic Initiatives Branch of the B.C. Ministry of Health and will bring his vast planning experience to the table on behalf of all Alumni.

Bruce Holms is a graduate of St. Michael's ('71), is completing his third consecutive term on the Board. He is passionate that the Association:

• celebrates the values, and the contribution of alumni;
• champions for the alumni's concerns and issues;
• listens and communicates effectively with alumni and with our partners;
• conducts its activities in fair and in a transparent manner; and
• is an integral and vibrant partner of the St Michaels University School community.

He has had the opportunity to lead the Association's strategic planning activities (a new vision and strategic plan), surveying alumni about their views of what the Association should look like in the future, and implement e-voting. He was part of the team that revised the Associations constitution and bylaws, developed a sustainable alumni recognition Program, and has been the Association's Treasurer for the past two years.

Bruce and his family have recently moved back to Victoria and he is employed by the Ministry of Environment.

David Longridge ’88 was born in Seattle, Washington, in 1970, and at the age of five moved to the UK with his parents and brother Mark (SMUS 1983 – 1990).  After attending schools in the UK, the family moved back to Seattle though their parents thought David and Mark would be happier at one of Shawnigan, Brentwood, SMUS, or St. George’s (father Chris grew up in Victoria, and was at St. Michael’s 1950-1955, Shawnigan 1955-1959; his two brothers attended both schools as well).  Luckily for them, their parents chose SMUS. Life at SMUS was fantastic; David thrived at debating (BC champion in 1988) and bicycle racing, as well as being lucky enough to be nominated as School Captain in Grade 12. David attended UBC following SMUS, graduating with a degree in Engineering Physics in 1993, and went to work for Boeing as an engineer. He’s been at Boeing ever since, working in engineering, marketing, and sales, where he is currently.  He was lucky enough to have Air Canada (as a salesman) for almost seven years, and currently works with a large aircraft lessor based in Los Angeles.  He’s married to Gretchen, and has a one year old son named Declan.  He lives in Seattle, and enjoys boating, flying, and collecting cars.

David McPhee is a graduate of University School (’70), living in Vancouver has a unique blend of public sector and private sector experience, he has served as First Secretary to the BC Cabinet and Principal Secretary to the Premier of BC among a multitude of senior positions including a founding member of the Vancouver Airport Authority where he still remains on the YVR Board, is completing his second consecutive term on the Board, is a member of the Communications Committee, and the Governance Committee.  David brings a wealth of experience and a strong historical perspective to the Board.

Nicky Parkinson ('83)

Gareth Rees is a graduate of SMUS (’85), living in Vancouver is actively involved in the sporting community with his Consulting Company in Vancouver and London, England, been one of Canada’s top rugby players capped 55 times for his country and represented Canada in a record four World Cups, has won numerous Rugby Awards , formerly taught at Eton college in England, has extensive media experience and an Ambassador and Host for the Rugby World Cup in France in 2007, is a member of the Communications Committee, and is Chair of the SMUSAA Recognition Committee and 100^th Anniversary Committee.  Gareth brings a strong sense of history, drive and passion for SMUS, and outstanding leadership skills to the Board.

Judith Swan (’85) is a very loyal supporter of SMUS and is one of the key graduates of her year who initiates gatherings and re-unions.  She works in the movie industry in Vancouver where she is a production co-ordinator on many well known T.V. and movie projects.  She is currently working on the fifth season of "Smallville”.

Michael Symons attended St. Michael’s School and was also a graduate of University School (’63).  He is active in the Victoria community in many public and private endeavours, his grandfather was the founder of St. Michael’s, and is a member of the Graduate Classes and Reunion Committee.  Michael brings a strong sense of history and commitment to the Board and is working closely with the SMUS archives as well as "re-engaging” the St. Michael’s Alumni with SMUSAA.