In Memoriam

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

OISE Remembers John Williams MacDonald, Former Dean, Professor Emeritus, and Friend

Professor Emeritus John William MacDonald, who died peacefully at the age of 92, will be remembered as a thoughtful, kind, and quietly brilliant educator, friend, colleague whose influence continues in the many students he inspired throughout his long and distinguished career.

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.

Carola Conle, Faculty

OISE was an important place to Professor Conle. She also cared deeply for her community in Appenzell, Switzerland with fond memories of music and dance. Carola will be deeply missed by her colleagues and fellow scholars in the Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning and her beloved friends and family.

Tomoko Nancy Arimura, Alumna

Tomoko, a two-time OISE graduate and proud co-owner and clinical psychologist at Connected Hands: Centre for Psychological Wellbeing, passed suddenly on July 6. She will be dearly missed by the OISE community, her husband Dr. Saad Chahine, her daughter Olive, and beloved family.

Virginia Morse Stead, Alumna

OISE remembers proud alumna Dr. Virginia Morse Stead who was passionate about education, earning her EdD degree and becoming the founding book series editor for Equity in Higher Education Theory, Policy, & Praxis.