SMUS Alumni Board Trustees 2012-2013
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, having attended as a day student since grade 8. He has remained active in the both the school and broader community as a volunteer and organizer, particularly in the sporting world. Nick has worked in the BC public service for 20 years. He is a political science graduate of the University of Victoria who joined the BC Ministry of Health in 1993, following two years working at the University of Victoria and one year working at the BC Legislature. Nick is currently the Executive Director of Planning and Policy at the Ministry of Health, responsible for health system strategic planning, corporate policy, legislation, professional regulation and intergovernmental relations.
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.
Nicky Parkinson '83
Jason Penaluna '91
Jason attended SMUS from 1979 until graduation in 1991, a year punctuated by unprecedented achievement in terms of B.C. Scholarship awards, Advanced Placement results, National math Contests and Provincial Sports' titles. He learned "winning ways”, not as the prime purpose of competing, but as the natural by-product of a good program in a School built on expectations and not entitlements.
That he knows and understands the School deeply can be attributed not only to his own status as a ‘lifer' but also to his position as a son of long-standing staff members whose total family commitment to SMUS amounts to 50 years. For a period of time, he lived on campus at Reynold's House.
After SMUS, Jason took his learning and achievements to the University of Victoria where he earned a B.Sc. Degree, while playing rugby for the Vikes. He carried on his rugby in England where he played professionally for two years. En route, he amassed some important experience through multiple Provincial and National age grade Rugby teams, before being named to the full Canadian Squad for the 1995 Rugby World Cup and winning his ‘cap' shortly after.
Continuing his rugby career in the United States, Jason attended Life University and Palmer College where he attained his Doctor of Chiropractic degree. He chose to set up a practice in Seattle, which he has since sold, in order to enter a joint practice with his chiropractic wife, Marisa, and to savour time with his one-year-old daughter, Olivia. As a dedicated contributor to health and wellness, Jason spends much of his spare time giving talks and providing knowledge to those interested in living a healthy lifestyle.
Now he believes is the time also to consider serving his alma mater to ensure that students who follow receive the fortunate grounding that he faced at S.M.U.S. He understands the tenets that make a "great” school and wishes to contribute to their sustainability at S.M.U.S. by seeking a place on the Alumni Board.
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 100th 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.
Stephen Tate graduated from SMUS in 1998 as a boarder. After graduating from SMUS he attended the University of Victoria receiving his B.A. After university he chose to pursue a career in the family business as a third generation golf professional. In 2006 he put away his clubs professionally and moved to Vancouver where he has become a partner at a financial planning firm in South Surrey.
Danielle Topliss '91 took
the strengths of her SMUS education to a B.Sc. in Environmental Conservation
Science (UofA) and then LL.B. (UBC). Building on the foundation of the
SMUS community, after graduation Danielle remained engaged with her community
(wherever that happened to be). Amongst all of the assets she obtained from
SMUS, she places particular value upon the early opportunities for community
service that were quietly facilitated by Ted Piete (Faculty 1965-1996).
Danielle spent her early years in law as a Superior Court Judicial Law Clerk in
Victoria, federal drug prosecutor, generalist and then complex traumatic injury
litigator. In 2006, she hung up her litigation robes and now devotes her
practice to providing solicitors' services to local families and businesses in
the areas of real estate, business law, wealth succession, and wills/trusts and
estates.
She
prizes opportunities for community service and enjoys working with seniors,
neighbourhoods, businesses, community arts & culture groups and health
focussed charities. She has served formally as a volunteer for various
groups, including Island Community in Business, Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to
Live (participant) for The Prostate Centre, The Princess Douglas Coalition,
Motorcycle Ride for Dad, Ballet Victoria, Tourism Victoria, the Cormorant
Street Neighbourhood, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Canadian Diabetes
Association, Hoop-Law! and the Vancouver Island MS Society.
In
addition to sitting as a Trustee for the St. Michaels University School Alumni
Association, Danielle currently serves on the executive committees for the
Victoria Estate Planning Council, the CBA Vancouver Island Wills & Estates
Subsection and the CBA Vancouver Island Commercial & Real Estate
Subsection. She is also a member of the Elder Friendly Community Network.
Danielle
is a competitive rower (VCRC), fastpitch player (CB Panthers), and surfer; but
she also enjoys golfing, mountaineering, motorcycle touring, paddling, snow
sports, and sailing. Her "most elevating” achievement to date was in 2009
when she hit the summit of Pico de Orizaba (18,490') (Mex), which is the
highest volcano in North America.
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