Class Notes

Catch up on classmates, housemates, faculty, and friends.

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Marking career and personal achievements, special milestones and the birth of future Queen's alumni - Class Notes helps you stay in touch with former classmates, housemates, and faculty.

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  • Robert Gardiner and Laura van Wyngaarden, Class Note

    2020s

    Robert Gardiner and Laura van Wyngaarden

    – Artsci’21 and Artsci’20

    Robert and Laura have gotten married after dating for over seven years. They met at Queen's completely by chance on St. Patrick's Day 2018 at the corner of University Avenue and Earl Street. Robert was walking down the sidewalk with some friends when he bumped into Laura and her friends. They started talking about a house party that was going on across the street and continued speaking with each other for half an hour, finally exchanging numbers. They went on their first date a week later. They’ve been best friends ever since and now reside in Carleton Place, Ont., where they own a home and are working in their dream careers. They still return to the spot where they met every year. 

  • 1970s

    Barry Kuretzky and George J.A. Vassos

    – Law’76 and Com’76, Law’80

    Barry and George, Littler attorneys, are pleased to share that they have both been featured in the 2026 editions of The Best Lawyers in Canada™ – the 20th consecutive year in which they've been recognized. Best Lawyers Canada™ was first published in 2006, and since then both Barry and George have been fortunate enough to have been listed each year. 

  • Erika Agneta Lawn Nielsen and Graham Smith, Class Note

    2000s

    Erika Nielsen and Graham Smith

    – Mus’07 and Mus’06

    Erika Nielsen and Graham Smith are thrilled to announce the birth of their first child, Silas, who arrived smoothly in February, 2025. Silas is the first grandchild on both sides and descends from five generations of Queen's graduates dating back to 1898, including proud grandmother Andrea Lawn (Mus’83), and great-grandmother Sandra Lawn (Sc’59, MPA’88). So far he seems to enjoy hanging backstage at his parents' concerts and at National Music Camp, and is working hard at developing his soprano vocal range!  

  • 2020s

    Stephanie Dekker

    – MBA’25

    Earlier this year, Stephanie completed her MBA at Queen’s and Cornell. She’s since launched Barely Craving, a wellness brand featuring Premium Fullness Fibre, which is for appetite control. Drawing on her executive experience and the strategic thinking fostered in the MBA program, she’s now building a purpose-driven business that simplifies wellness for busy lives. Barely Craving recently received media attention in Women’s Insider, and she’d be honoured to share her story with alumni as an example of career transformation, applied learning, and evidence-based innovation. She welcomes alumni to reach out to her.

  • 1960s

    Douglas Wereley

    – Sc’69, Ed’71

    Doug and Christine celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August. They were married in 1975. Christine is a graduate of Nursing at St. Lawrence College (1976); Doug’s career involved working in the secondary educational sector as a physics teacher, board science (math consultant), and a secondary school administrator. Doug retired in June 2003. He has continued to keep busy volunteering in various community activities and is presently serving on a cemetery board as vice-president and financial chair. They have twins, Stephanie and Christopher (Artsci’04). Stephanie graduated from Ryerson in 2005 in Graphic Communications. Doug and Christine are enjoying their retirement and devote much to their family, especially their grandchildren, and travelling extensively in Europe. One can keep in touch with Doug through email.

  • Ursula Kenkel and Taylor Pettingill, Class Note

    2020s

    Ursula Kenkel and Taylor Pettingill 

    – Artsci’20 and Sc’19

    This past weekend, Ursula and Taylor celebrated their wedding at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts on Aug. 16, 2025. They met early in their undergraduate years, almost exactly eight years ago, and it felt only fitting for the couple to say “I do” on the campus where their story began. Surrounded by cherished friends and family, many of whom are fellow Queen’s alumni, they were reminded of the deep connections and lasting memories the campus and the Queen's community has given them.