Torch - Spring/Summer 2019

Advancement & Community Relations

Leadership by Example Old Girl Wendy Thompson 1967 takes the lead in community support

By Andrew McKay

L et all things be done decently, and in order.” This is the quote Wendy Thompson 1967 provided for the Ludemus in her graduating year. Those words have proven prophetic when describing her career and contributions to our community. Thompson, a member of one of our Legacy Families (her mother, Dawn Thompson 1937, and her daughter, Sarah Rea 2002, are both Havergal alumnae), has been a vital representative of the Havergal community since joining in 1959. An active participant in school life, Thompson was not only strong in academics, but also showed promise as a leader. Athletics were always a focus, as she excelled in track & field and swimming, participated enthusiastically in field hockey and basketball, and acted as Sports Editor of the Ludemus . Thompson’s academic ability allowed her to transition easily from Havergal to the University of Toronto (U of T), where she first earned a Bachelor of Arts and, subsequently, a master’s degree in Library & Information Science. From U of T, she went on to Osgoode Hall Law School earning a law degree. In 2010, she returned to U of T to complete the Directors Education Program of the Institute of Corporate Directors in conjunction with the Rotman School of Management. Her intellect and drive helped her achieve a successful career in business law, where she has helped forge a path for women. Today, Thompson continues to play an active role as a member of the boards of several not-for-profit organizations. During Thompson’s career, she has always maintained a strong connection to the Havergal community. In 1993, she became a member of the Board of Governors, remaining until 2000, and serving as Chair from 1996 to 2000. Upon leaving the Board in 2000, Havergal established the Wendy J. Thompson ’67 Entrance Scholarship to honour her and her many accomplishments. Thompson has not only consistently taken a leadership role in Havergal capital campaigns, but she has also been an active donor. In 2001, she formed the Wendy Thompson ’67 Fund for Social Science at Havergal to provide curricular enrichment, further Havergal’s programs in history and geography, and enhance the educational experience as a whole for students. In 2019, she decided to direct her philanthropic focus toward the vital Limitless Campaign that is making significant transformations to our campus today. Her support will help Havergal make great strides in bringing to life leading programs in spaces that inspire learning, with a focus on art, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), music, health and well-being, and

environmental sustainability. Her community support has extended beyond Havergal, as a volunteer and as a donor, supporting Bridgepoint Active Healthcare, the Bruce Trail Conservancy and the Canadian Opera Company, among other organizations. Whether in her professional or personal life, Thompson has never shied away from any challenge that comes her way. When the opportunity presented itself, she resigned from her law partnership to fulfill a lifelong dream. Thompson and her husband, Sam Rea, bought a sailboat, Maestro , and spent four years sailing the Caribbean and Latin America. This adventure sadly had to end because of Mr. Rea’s terminal illness, but she always felt fortunate that they seized the opportunity when they did. Thompson’s work in forging a path for women in law and helping not-for-profit organizations develop better governance, as well as her commitment to Havergal, resulted in her being honoured by her fellow Old Girls with the 2018 Old Girls Lifetime Achievement Award. Recently, she was elected to the Havergal College Council of College Trustees, a group whose purpose is to encourage and recognize outstanding contributions to Havergal College and provide advice to the directors and the Principal on the achievement of the school’s mission and strategic objectives. Election to the Council is considered the highest recognition that can be bestowed and is intended to foster a permanent connection between the recipient and the school. Havergal continues to pride itself on preparing young women to make a difference in this world. Thompson is truly an exemplar woman making a difference and the school is proud of her achievements throughout her career and as a leading community supporter.

Friends and family join Wendy Thompson 1967 (centre, left) at Havergal to celebrate her HOGA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

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