New inductees welcomed to Harold A.D. Roberts Circle 

Inductees follow in the footsteps of Roberts from the Class of 1915, who was known as “Mr. UCC” and whose involvement with the College spanned more than 65 years. His impressive service to the school included 18 years on the Board of Governors. 

UCC News caught up with the five new members. 

Michael Carmichael ’97  

Carmichael is a major figure in UCC rowing, but his volunteerism hasn’t stopped there. He was also deeply involved in the Common Ties Mentorship Program, having served as chair and suggesting an entrepreneurship stream. 

“I’m an entrepreneur and felt it important to provide an opportunity to engage entrepreneurial grads,” says Carmichael, founder and owner of UpAuto, which operates car dealerships across various brands in non-urban markets.   

Carmichael, captain of the UCC rowing team in his graduating year, began volunteering as a UCC coach in 2021 when his son John ’24 was rowing at the school. Even though John has graduated, Carmichael continues to coach. 

“They’re a special group of kids and families, and I love it,” he says. “I have so much fun doing it that I’m still helping out. If I didn’t have UpAuto, I’d do it full time.” 

He took the lead on fundraising for a new 8+ boat, named after Jonathan Beare ’92, who won bronze at the 2008 Summer Olympics and passed away in 2023.

“Jon coached me at Western and was so gracious and kind,” he recalls. “When [Director of Rowing] Manny Azarcon said, ‘I’d love to get an 8+ this year,’ I said, ‘I’m on it.’ And in less than a week, we had it fully funded with a lineup of people saying, ‘What else can I do?’”

 

Elected to the Association Council in 2024, Matthew Casey has contributed to the College for years, with a particular interest in mental health. From 2020 to 2024, he was a member of the Wellbeing Committee, and in 2018, supported the establishment of the Casey Fellows Program for Mental Health and Student Wellbeing, which brings in world-renowned experts to address students, faculty, staff, and the greater UCC community. 

His efforts in this area extend beyond UCC. Founder and CEO of Vancouver-based real estate firm Trinity Investments, he also launched the Trinity Foundation, which focuses on wellbeing, palliative care, and other charities.

“I believe in paying it forward in time, talent and treasure as a righteous obligation to help and care for those in need, and to repair the world for the next generation,” Casey says. “I believe  it’s a choice, requirement, and duty to make our entire community a better place for everyone.”

He is president of the UCC Vancouver Branch Committee, and a member of the Board of Governors Finance and Audit Committee and the Events and Engagement Committee. He also served on the task force for the New Grad Success Program — now known as the New Alumni Mentorship Program — which helps pair grads with Old Boys attending the same university or studying the same subject. 

“I’m honoured to be receiving the Harold A.D. Roberts Circle award,” he says. “Philanthropy is a big part of my purpose-driven life.”

UCC has long been a part of Ann Katrusiak’s life, as her brother is Richard Katrusiak ’85 and her husband is John Waldie ’83. But it’s when her son Ian Waldie from the Class of 2026 entered the College in Year 4 that she became directly involved. After nearly 24 years with UBS Global Asset Management, she redirected her energies and threw herself into volunteering. 

Katrusiak’s service began as an Executive member of the Prep Parents’ Organization (PPO), where she was also the treasurer for three years. She was a Year 8 Rep during the pandemic, which was particularly challenging. 

“There were many questions from parents that year — everything was a question,” she recalls.  “We weren’t planning in-person events. We were just trying to keep everyone connected.”

She also has volunteered with Admission at Open House. “I’m always happy to be on campus and greet parents interested in bringing their sons to the school,” she says. “It’s fun to tell people how much my child connected with UCC.” 

Katrusiak is past president of the Parents’ Organization (PO) Executive, and considers being president her most satisfying volunteer experience. “I hadn’t planned on doing it, and it was a big role,” she says. “I interacted with amazing parents, faculty and staff, and every day was different. It was rewarding managing it all.”

With her son graduating next year, Katrusiak has signed on as a Year 12 rep. 

Mary-Lea Ruscetta, president of the Parents’ Organization (PO), got involved with UCC soon after her son Michael Ruscetta from the Class of 2028 joined for Senior Kindergarten. 

“I heard about the PPO [Prep Parents’ Organization] at the New to Blue welcome,” recalls Ruscetta, who worked in financial services for 16 years. “Committee members encouraged new parents to come out and be part of the community. I remember thinking, ‘This is going to be great.’”

Ever since, Ruscetta has served the College in many ways. She joined the PPO and later became president and chair of the Steering Committee, and a member of the Advisory and Festive Market committees.  

She also has been chair of the Annual Giving Committee/UCC Fund. With her son now in the Upper School, she has served as vice-chair, and now sits as president of the PO. 

“Volunteering at the College has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me,” she reflects. “Along the way, I’ve made wonderful friendships.”

She encourages fellow parents to participate.  

“Whether it’s an hour every month or something longer term, the experience will enrich your life,” she says. “You will feel a stronger connection to this community that is such an important part of your son’s life. It’s so much fun to watch them on their journey.”

After receiving his undergraduate degree, Rodger Wright returned to UCC from 1974  to 1983, becoming head of the PE department and Seaton’s senior housemaster. He volunteered as a coach for several sports at the College, and was head of the track and field team.  
  

He went on to serve as headmaster at Trinity College School and Collingwood School, and then  from 2016 to 2021 finished his career in UCC’s Advancement department. 

Recently he has volunteered at the College in many capacities, as a member of the Events and Engagement Committee, the Journey Mapping Sub-Committee, the UCC Campaign Cabinet, the Plan 200 Committee, the Lang Scholar Advisory Committee, and the Our Third Century Council.    
  

“I’ve volunteered alongside a passionate group of alumni, parents and staff members who continually humbled me with their smarts and commitment to the College,” he says. “I’ve also been lucky enough to engage with the current-day UCC and have marvelled at the calibre of the boys and the quality of the community.” 

It all began with his positive student experience.  

“I’ve had a long and rewarding relationship with UCC, ever since I opened the big blue door under the clock tower in September 1965,” Wright says. “When I moved back to Toronto in 2016, I reconnected with the school that helped shape me. I simply wanted to give back.”