Community members honoured for outstanding contributions |
06/08/2026
The College has launched the UCC Award of Distinction for Service and Philanthropy, and welcomed new members to the Harold A. D. Roberts Circle.
Inaugural honouree of the Award of Distinction is Roly Browning Watt, KC, from the Class of 1962, and from now on the award will bear his name. Future recipients will, like Watt, demonstrate a combination of extraordinary volunteer service to and philanthropic support of the school.
A symbol of gratitude and inspiration, the award recognizes Watt’s enduring contributions and impact across generations and geographies. Joining the UCC Foundation in 1994 and assuming the role of chair in 2001, Watt began accompanying then-principal Doug Blakey on his annual travels to branch events to help build community among alumni. Watt did this in full until 2008, and continues to visit many global branches.
He also facilitates alumni gatherings in New York and London, U.K. Recently, Watt has developed the “Principal’s Dinner” format, where alumni of different life stages and perspectives meet in smaller settings to discuss wide-ranging issues that are shaping the future, including AI, concepts of masculinity, and the evolving role of education.
Principal Sam McKinney says of Watt, “He exemplifies the ideals of a flourishing community through his commitment of time and philanthropy, setting the stage for others to thrive and connect. And he continues to redefine the very meaning of long-term service through his ongoing involvement with the College.”
The Harold A.D. Roberts Circle recognizes the exceptional contributions of members of the UCC Association who have improved both the Association and the College. The annual inductees follow in the footsteps of Roberts, Class of 1915, whose involvement with the school spanned more than 65 years and included 18 years on the Board of Governors.
Recently, UCC News caught up with the six new members.
John Brezina ’85
Brezina’s day job is IT manager at Vertafore Canada, a software app developer servicing Canadian brokerages. In his spare time, he runs weekly Old Boys’ hockey games.
His supporters have noted his commitment to organizing the games, which has kept the tradition alive and thriving year-round. Alumni look forward to reuniting for some ice time every week, and praise Brezina’s leadership and consistency, which have made a lasting impact.
He joined the College in 1980 as a member of Orr’s House, and went on to play varsity hockey. His brother Ted graduated one year ahead of him.
“Volunteering at UCC is a way to stay connected to a community that helped shape me,” Brezina says. “Showing up and helping organize the weekly Old Boys skates — while sharing the ice with players far younger and much better than I ever was — is my small way of contributing. I do it because I enjoy it, and that’s what makes it easy to keep giving back.”
He adds, “The fact that someone would take the time to make this nomination, and that I would even be considered for such a prestigious award, is truly humbling.”
Dr. Amy Cheung
Cheung started a prolific run of UCC volunteering when she became a form rep just as older son, Hudson ’26, began in Year 3. (Her younger son, Joshua, will graduate in 2029.)
“I love being close to my boys, and volunteering has allowed me to be involved in their classrooms and to get to know their teachers and friends,” Cheung says. “I saw firsthand the amazing UCC community at work and made some amazing ‘mom’ friends.”
A doctor at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and associate professor specializing in child and youth mental health at the University of Toronto, she joined the Association Council in 2014, serving until 2022.
“That allowed me to contribute to the larger UCC community, first as a member and then as chair of the council’s Wellbeing Committee,” she says. “I was so happy to be able to use my professional training to support the wellbeing of our community, especially through COVID-19.”
Cheung is the Parents’ Organization (PO) Year 12 Year rep after filling the same role for Year 11, and currently volunteers with the Parent Ambassador Program. She has previously served as Community Events rep, Special Initiatives coordinator, Photo Day volunteer, Staff Appreciation Lunch chair, and Admission volunteer.
She has been a member of the New Grad Success Program Taskforce, the Governance Committee, and the Pluralism Taskforce.
“It’s been wonderful to become friends with faculty and staff, Old Boys, fellow parents, and parents of alumni, who still feel very much at home at UCC,” she says, “and to be able to contribute and be a part of the community.”
Ajitha Cyriac
Cyriac, parent of Joshua ’21, Elijah ’24 and Zachariah ’28, has a tremendous track record of volunteering at the College.
This includes serving in the Prep Parents’ Organization (PPO) as a Class representative and Memorabilia representative, and in the PO as Year representative, Community Service representative, and Sustainability representative. She has served as secretary in the PO and PPO.
Add to that her work on the Founder’s Day Committee, and as an A-Day volunteer, Blues Booster Club team parent representative, and Parent ambassador.
“One of my biggest motivations has been setting an example for my children,” she says. “I want them to see that strong communities are built by people who contribute their time and energy.”
She also values students and parents seeing representation across various roles within the College.
“When students see people from diverse backgrounds in different roles, it reinforces a sense that everyone belongs in the school community,” she says. “It also broadens their understanding of who can lead, participate, and make a difference.
“Volunteering has allowed me to contribute, in a small way, to the experience of current and future students. My advice is simple: get involved. Schools are strongest when people come together to support the school community.”
Rob Elder ’82
Elder has served the College in many ways, including as a past member of the Wellbeing Committee, which has been particularly meaningful to him.
“Of late, I have been concerned with mental health and ensuring youth have the resources and methods available to help themselves in times of need,” Elder says. “The stigmas that used to surround these hidden concerns need to be dropped in order to help youth get the care needed to thrive.”
Elder’s efforts also include participating in the New Grad Success Program Taskforce and volunteering as a Common Ties mentor since 2001. The head of Ontor Ltd. — a family business that distributes HVAC/R products — Elder is also past Founder’s Dinner chair and has served on the Reunion Planning Committee. His son Nicholas graduated in 2015.
“The College helped shape me and has provided my most meaningful friendships,” Elder reflects. “To give back to organizations that have me see what is truly important is the key to why I volunteer.
“This distinction recognizes the work I have done for a school that means so much to me and has played such a pivotal role for me and my family. I urge others to pick the causes that are important to them and give back. ”
Cheryl Guilfoyle
Guilfoyle has been a dedicated UCC volunteer since her son Jack ’23 entered the College in 2010. Son Charlie is a member of the Class of 2024, and William is part of the graduating Class of 2026.
While husband Andrew ’91 played varsity soccer, her sons all rowed competitively, and Guilfoyle — operations manager at Chronicle Wealth and VP client services at Guilfoyle Financial — became a rowing volunteer in 2019, spending several years as head of the UCC Rowing Parent Committee, which she describes as “a particularly special experience.”
It doesn’t stop there. She’s a Year 12 rep, and has done volunteer coordination, helped with used book sales, fundraising, the Blues Shop, A-Day, Admission, Festive Marketplace, and more. She also served on the PPO Steering Committee and PO Executive.
“I have always enjoyed volunteering, and have been fortunate to volunteer with wonderful parents, staff, and students,” she reflects. “It’s been a way to stay connected to the boys’ school life and to give back to a community that has meant so much to my family.
“It’s been one of the most meaningful parts of my time as a UCC parent, and I’m grateful for the friendships and memories it has brought along the way.”
Richard Saxton ’73
Saxton has enjoyed a varied career in TV journalism, first as sportscaster in Vancouver and then in California, where he segued into financial news. He has also hosted YouTube channels about cars and golf, and played a newscaster in major films and series such as Wag the Dog, Friends and The West Wing.
He has kept his passion for UCC alive in Los Angeles, serving as L.A. branch president since 2024, after serving as Vancouver branch president back in 1975, and branch member in San Diego in 1980.
“I’ve always believed in school spirit, especially when I was a student, as the manager of the varsity football and hockey teams,” Saxton recalls. “I love volunteering to bring Old Boys of many grad years together at events to keep the ‘Common Ties’ bond, enabling us to share experiences, build friendships, and network to enhance our lives and careers.”
He entered the College in 1968 as a Wedd’s House boarder. Along with managing teams, he played U16 cricket. His brother Andrew is from the Class of 1982. Richard has participated in the Branch Program Review Group, and has been a mentor for the Common Ties Alumni Network (CTAN).
“It’s rewarding for me to see a wave of new UCC grads coming to Southern California universities and the L.A. chapter becoming important to helping them navigate and explore opportunities,” Saxton says. “Keeping UCC top of mind has unexpected benefits throughout life that should inspire Old Boys and their families to stay involved.”
