News & Stories: In Memoriam

black background; White text on top: "In Memoriam: Dr. Rod Michalko." bottom: rod smiling, wearing a blue cardigan and blue tinted glasses.
September 1, 2026

In Memoriam: Dr. Rod Michalko

We mourn the loss of Dr. Rod Michalko and extend our condolences to his family and friends. We invite you to share your memories of Rod and donate in his honor.
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August 14, 2026

OISE Remembers Dr. Rod Michalko, Influential Scholar of Disability Studies

Former OISE Professor Rod Michalko, an early scholar of Disability Studies in Canada, writer, teacher, provocateur, and generous builder of an intellectual and caring community, has passed. The OISE community shares our heartfelt condolences to Professor Tanya Titchkosky, his loving partner of 38 years. Read more about Dr. Michalko's remarkable life and impact.
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July 14, 2026

In Memoriam: Mary Stager, Cherished Leader, Researcher and Friend

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of former colleague and longtime friend of OISE, Mary Stager. Mary was an integral member of the OISE community and worked for many years in the Dean's Office. She was well known for his deep commitment to the life of the Institute and upon her retirement, her dedication to OISE was recognized through the Mary Stager Graduate Student Award.
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October 21, 2013

In Memoriam: Roxana Ng

OISE alumna and donor Roxana Ng's focus on human rights and social justice shaped the field of immigration studies.
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March 26, 2026

Shella Quezada Zagada, Doctoral Student

Shella was a pillar of community, a fountain of wisdom, and proud of her education which is shown in her many achievements. While she pursued her PhD in the Adult Education & Community Development program, Shella was passionate in her research about anti-racist leadership and Filipino history.
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February 17, 2026

David Ross Reynolds, Alumnus

Well known in the community and missed by many, David first graduated from the University of Toronto in Nuclear Engineering, then OISE in 1975, going on to became a secondary school teacher. He contributed to mental health hospital policies for patients in hospital care as President of OASA. The OISE community fondly remembers David.
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March 2, 2026

In Memoriam: Yanar Mohammed, OISE Alumna and Trailblazing Activist

The OISE community mourns the tragic assassination of Yanar Mohammed, a leading Iraqi feminist activist and human rights advocate, who was killed outside her home in Baghdad on March 2, 2026. Her death represents a profound loss for feminist and human rights movements in Iraq and internationally.
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February 26, 2026

OISE Remembers Dr. Brader Adaleine Brathwaite, Alumna

The revered alum, and former dean in medical sciences at the University of the West Indies, earned her OISE doctorate degree in educational psychology. Her career spanned over four decades as an author, teacher, researcher and policymaker. Please join us in remembering Dr. Brathwaite's enduring impact.
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February 11, 2026

In Memoriam: Nina Sophia Dixon, Beloved OISE Student

Nina, a Master of Teaching student at OISE who was passionate about athletics, was a star from the very beginning. From kindergarten onward, she distinguished herself as a gifted and determined student, excelling in spelling bees, poetry contests, art competitions, and sports.
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October 4, 2025

Edward Scovill Hickcox, Faculty

Before becoming a professor at OISE, Ed was a high school teacher and school principal. He will be remembered as a a staunch supporter of young scholars, both students and new faculty members. A celebration of life will be held at the Cordova Bay United Church, 813 Claremont Avenue, Victoria on November 8 at 2:00 p.m.