Branksome Receives Historic $5-Million Gift: iCAST Building to Be Named for Karen Jurjevich
Branksome Hall News
Tribute to Karen Jurjevich: An Outpouring of Support
Principal Karen Jurjevich’s final months are upon us. After 26 years, this academic year has been one of many good-byes from so many community members, including a whirlwind “Farewell Tour” to meet with colleagues at Branksome Hall Asia and alums in Seoul and Hong Kong, with the U.K and New York on the horizon.
Branksome Hall has changed Karen’s life, and her leadership and mentorship has transformed our community and the school landscape, in turn.
We’re so grateful to our community members who’ve stepped up to lead on fundraising for Karen’s Tribute Campaign, which will see a space named in her honour as a lasting legacy of her indelible influence on the school. The space will be unveiled, along with a community-wide Farewell Event in her honour, at the end of May.
We’re so grateful to our community members who’ve stepped up to lead on fundraising for Karen’s Tribute Campaign, which will see a space named in her honour as a lasting legacy of her indelible influence on the school. The space will be unveiled, along with a community-wide Farewell Event in her honour, at the end of May.
Along with an outpouring of gifts in Karen’s honour, we also have received so many beautiful messages about Karen and her impact. Here are just a few we’re delighted to share:
"Following in my mother’s and sister’s footsteps, I started at Branksome in Grade 5 and I remember the day that Karen became principal.
Now my daughter and nieces have had the same opportunity to benefit from her guidance and leadership. Karen has made such an incredible impact during her time at Branksome—from the Athletics & Wellness Centre and the IB program to, now, iCAST—and we want to honour her legacy of transformation and what she’s leaving for future generations. She has been such a strong leader and role model for so many women and girls over her tenure. She exemplifies grace and confidence, and will continue to be such an amazing spokeswoman for the school.”
Katy BREBNER Mulroney’03, alum and current parent of Victoria, Grade 3 and incoming student Serena, Grade 2.
"Karen and I started at Branksome Hall the same year! She has contributed so much to education globally with Branksome Hall Asia, and she has dedicated 26 years of her life to the school here in Toronto. Under her leadership, this remarkable role model for women has changed my life and shaped my career.
She has an ability to anticipate changing times and prepare for the unknown. She lives by the vision and mission of our school and always has everyone’s best interests at heart. She has equipped generations of students, employees and alums to develop the skills, insight and imagination to shape a better world.”
Edith Louie, Instructional Leader, Mathematics and Admissions Associate
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LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We wish to acknowledge this land on which Branksome operates. For thousands of years, it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work and go to school on this land.
Setting the new standard for girls' education everywhere takes collective action. From all of us.
