“Exiting from an authoritarian suburban high school and beginning journalism studies at Ryerson resonated like a prison break. Ryerson proved more than a school in which to shape a future. There were 75-cent, three-course Chinese lunches at the Kwongchow in Chinatown. Friday night dinners at Mary John’s on Gerrard. And square hamburgers and pineapple pie at Bassel’s. My instructors were stimulating in liberal arts and journalism subjects. After graduation, my first job was running Kodak Canada’s publicity program. Reversing the usual trend, I went from PR to freelance, at first writing everything in sight for everyone in sight, and ultimately found my place as a travel writer and photographer, roaming (and cherishing) more than 100 countries.” —Jeremy Ferguson, Journalism ’65
“The old guy in the picture is me—wearing the 55-year pin and the 50-year pin received five years ago at a very special anniversary. I’m holding the “R” that I received as a member of the 1964 Ryerson Rowing Team. So many fond memories of my three years near Gould Street: the “no star” Steeles Tavern, Imperial Pub, Coq D’Or, the occasional class, and many unforgettable students. I now enjoy three volunteer positions in community and history appreciation groups.”—Ron Johnson, Business Administration ’65
“I remember how excited I was to move to Toronto and start at Ryerson in September 1977. I was coming from the small town of Lindsay, Ont., so city life was a whole new experience for me. I met two lifelong friends at Ryerson—Paula Martin (Coleman) and Heather McDonald (Strem). I also played for the Ryerson Ewes Basketball Team. This was a wonderful experience as my teammates were my family away from home and we got to travel to Quebec and from one end of Ontario to the other.”—Sherri Matsuba (Rodd), Secretarial & Administrative Studies ’80
My best memory of my years at Ryerson was the amazing fashion shows the fashion students produced on a regular basis.” —JoAnne Sandul, Fashion ’80
See more messages and memories which we are compiling into a video available on facebook.com/rualumni/videos.
