Campaign Co-Chairs
- Georgina H. Black '85
- G. Scott Paterson '82
- R. Michael H. Stevens '77
P.O. Box 3013, 2 Ridley Road St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 7C3 Canada - +1 905-684-1889
On September 28th, 2024, we celebrated more than just the unveiling of new facilities — we celebrated the enduring legacy that binds generations of Ridleians together.
With the grand opening of the revitalized Iggulden Building and the newly named Evans Athletic Centre, the Ridley community came together to honour the past, embrace the present and inspire the future.
When the much-beloved Iggulden Gymnasium first opened its doors in 1939, it immediately became a cornerstone of the campus. It served Ridleians for decades with state-of-the-art fitness facilities that were the envy of independent schools nationwide. While long gone are the days of young Ridleians gathered around the old boxing ring to learn how to throw a right hook, the new Iggulden Building remains an iconic fixture on campus, thanks to this renovation. Yet, it is more than just bricks and mortar; it is an enduring symbol of the legacy that connects generations of Ridleians — and it will continue to do so for generations to come.
The new learning and arts spaces in the building are truly inspiring. From the Norris Walker ’52 Creative Commons and Mitchell Learning Commons to the Ron Mannix & Class of ’66 Music Centre, Paterson Performance Hall and Legatt Family Art Gallery, every detail of the new building has been reinvented and finely crafted to inspire creativity, collaboration and excellence in learning.
The centrepiece of the renovation is the new Mitchell Learning Commons, named in honour of Bruce Mitchell ’64. Inside, you’ll find the new home of the library and archives, a new café, and common areas where students can gather to study or socialize. As a nod to the rich history, the Learning Commons is tied together with the old gymnasium scoreboard on one side and a beautiful mural on the other. Archival materials for the mural were sourced by creative director and mother of a Ridley alumna, Elizabeth Loomis, and interrupted by renowned Canadian artist Gary Taxali into his signature illustrative style. Bruce believes the new space is transformative and will benefit current students and attract new ones.
“The Learning Commons is a brilliant concept that transitions from a traditional classroom focus into a more collaborative arrangement,” Bruce says. “I’m thrilled to have supported the project and seen the transformation of the space. When you build outstanding facilities, the students will come, use it and benefit from it.”
The new uses for the Iggulden Building are truly a change from the old configuration many Old Ridleians know and love. But, without a doubt, the beloved building remains a cornerstone of our historic campus. As Headmaster Ed Kidd remarked during the Legacy Gala, “Though the purpose of the Iggulden Building has changed, its heart remains the same. It is a space where Ridleians — past, present, and future — can gather to dream big and make their mark.”
The newly named Evans Athletic Centre is a testament to Ridley’s tradition of athletic excellence. Dedicated by Hugh ’87 and Saskia Evans in honour of Hugh's parents, longtime school supporters and volunteers Denis and Janet Evans, the centre now boasts new state-of-the-art facilities for fitness and athletics. This includes the new Jack Aylott Squash Centre, Suzanne Court ’86 Family Fitness Centre, Neil Campbell ’51 Rowing Room, Susan Hazell Spin Room, La Fondation J.-Louis Lévesque Yoga Studio and a renovated Fieldhouse and Griffith Gymnasium.
As part of the grand opening festivities, Hugh's mother, Janet, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Later that evening, she reminisced at The Legacy Gala about her own experiences at Ridley, shared heartfelt memories of her late husband, Denis and underlined the impact Ridley’s athletics programmes have had on her family. Over the years, Janet and Denis had four sons and five granddaughters, all involved with sports during their time at Ridley.
“My husband and I believed strongly in a sports programme, alongside academics,” she said. In her speech to the over 700 attendees, Janet also highlighted a motto that hung in the old athletics facilities that has stayed with her vividly to this day. “It said, ‘If you lose, say nothing. If you win, say less.’ I have seen the impression those words left on my children and their friends, shaping their attitude toward life as much as how they played their sports,” she remarked.
Denis Evans unfortunately died in December 2014 after a battle with cancer. Throughout his life, Denis was a pillar of the Ridley community, an active volunteer on the Board of Governors and a supporter of the athletics programme. He joined the Board in 1972 and served as Vice President from 1977 to 1985.
Former Chair of the Board, the late Darcy McKeough ’51, reflected on Denis and his service to Ridley, saying, “As Chair of the Property Committee, Denis would come to Board meetings seeking an additional $5,000 or $10,000 to complete or finish a renovation. The Finance Committee Chair would say no, noting that the property budget was already overspent! Did Denis have a hearing problem, or was it just selective hearing? Regardless, Denis often went ahead paving a road or planting trees, quietly finishing a project, and frequently employing the resources of [his company] Steed and Evans, for which no bill was rendered!”
While reflecting on the new Evans Athletic Centre and what it would mean to Denis, James McKeough ’87 said, “It is a testament to Denis’ gritty and joyous spirit. He will forever smile when young men and women pursue sports with determination and passion. He asked it of himself in all facets of his life, and it is his greatest gift to Ridley.”
None of this would have been possible without the generous philanthropic support of our alumni, parents, staff and friends. Collectively, more than 430 people supported the fundraising campaign and helped raise over $51 million for The Campaign for Ridley to further the overall legacy of the school.
total amount raised
donated to the Capital Campaign
donated to the Endowment
total number of donors
transformative gifts of over $1M
donors who gave over $10,000 to Ridley for the first time
donors over $500,000
donors over $100,000
gifts over $10,000
donors over $1,000
alumni donated
parents donated
faculty and staff donated to the campaign
friends of Ridley donated to the campaign
new or re-imagined learning spaces
Each named space tells a story of generosity. From the Ron Mannix & Class of ’66 Music Centre to the Suzanne Court ’86 Family Fitness Centre, these spaces reflect the deep commitment of the Ridley community to invest in Ridley’s legacy. One of the best examples is the newly unveiled McKeough Common, located between the Iggulden Building and the Evans Athletic Centre — honouring the life and legacy of Darcy McKeough ’51, one of Ridley’s most generous and loyal supporters. His family and friends celebrated his legacy of service, philanthropy and leadership following a memorial service held in his honour during Homecoming Weekend.
Legacy at Ridley is more than tradition; it is the shared stories, values, and vision that connect students, alumni, parents and faculty across generations. The unveiling of these new spaces is a celebration of that legacy — one that is both steadfast and ever-evolving. The new buildings stand as symbols of progress, but perhaps most importantly, their true significance lies in the students they serve.
“This isn’t just about buildings,” shared Headmaster Kidd. “It’s about creating spaces where students can thrive, where they can dream big and carry the Ridley spirit into the world.” As the Ridley community gathered to celebrate these milestones, it became clear that the legacy of Ridley College continues to thrive. These new spaces not only transform Ridley’s learning landscape and the student experience but also enhance our campus's beauty, symmetry and architectural brilliance.
