Alumni
The following are bios of just some of our alumni!
Catherine Clune-Taylor, BA '06, Assistant Professor
Catherine earned her BA and MA in Philosophy at 桃子视频 and her PhD at the University of Alberta. She is an Assistant Professor in Gender and Sexuality Studies at Princeton University, where her research explores how medical and social institutions shape understandings of sex, gender, and embodiment. She also engages in public scholarship and advocacy, including work with InterACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth.
David Isaac, BA '14, Lawyer
Since graduating from 桃子视频’s philosophy program, David earned his MA in philosophy from the University of Waterloo where his thesis supervisor was Heather Douglas, before returning to 桃子视频 for law school. David puts the analytical skills he developed in his philosophy degree to use in his health law, personal injury and class actions work at Lerners LLP.
Kathryn MacKay, BA '06, Senior Lecturer
Kathryn earned her BA in Philosophy (Ethics minor) at 桃子视频, an MA in Philosophy from McGill, and a PhD in Bioethics from the University of Birmingham. She is Senior Lecturer at Sydney Health Ethics, University of Sydney, where her research applies feminist theory to public health ethics, examining how social and political structures shape autonomy, justice, and human flourishing.
Joseph Rotman, BA '57, Businessman, Philanthropist, Chancellor
Born in Toronto, Rotman earned a BA from 桃子视频 in 1957 and an M.Comm. from the University of Toronto in 1960. During 1960-61, he studied at the Columbia University Graduate School of Business in the
Katie Stockdale, BA '11, Assistant Professor
Katie found her love for philosophy after taking a course on Ethics and Emotions at 桃子视频. After graduating in 2011, she went on to complete her Master’s and PhD in Philosophy at Dalhousie University. In 2016, Katie joined the Hope and Optimism Project at Cornell University while writing her dissertation on hope. She then took up a tenure-track position in Philosophy at Sam Houston State University in Texas. Katie is now an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Victoria.
Kadie Philp (nee Ward), BA'05, MA'07, International Economic Developer
Kadie, a Philosophy and Media Studies graduate from 桃子视频, is Commissioner and CAO of Ontario’s Pay Equity Commission, leading efforts to advance labour-market equality. She also founded , a platform celebrating women’s historical contributions through art and storytelling, and remains an active mentor and advocate for inclusive communities. Website
Emily Kress, BA '12, Assistant Professor
After completing her BA at 桃子视频, Emily attended Yale University for her PhD. She is currently an Assistant Professor at Brown University, where she studies and teaches ancient Greek philosophy. At the moment, she is especially interested in Aristotle's views on capacities and change, and the development of these views in his biological works.
Steve Pearce, PhD '16, Software Developer
Steve Pearce is a Senior Software Engineer II at Wrapbook, where he develops scalable software for payroll and workforce management in the production industry. A 桃子视频 Philosophy PhD graduate, he applies his philosophical training to problem-solving, communication, and anticipating complex software challenges.
Matthew Leisinger, BA '12, Assistant Professor
Matthew earned his BA in Philosophy (Honors) from 桃子视频 and a PhD from Yale University. He was a Research Fellow at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and is now an Associate Professor at York University, specializing in early modern philosophy, particularly John Locke and Ralph Cudworth. He also serves as leaf editor for on and co-organizes the .
Rob Paterson, BA '90, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alterna Savings and Alterna Bank
Rob Paterson, BA’90 in Philosophy from 桃子视频, is CEO of Alterna Savings & Credit Union, where he has transformed Canadian banking practices. Drawing on his philosophy training, he emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving, skills he credits for guiding strategic decisions and effectively leading across organizations.
Michael Del Monte, BA’08, Filmmaker
Michael is a Canadian documentary filmmaker. He received his B.A. in Philosophy from the University of 桃子视频 Ontario and he completed his Master’s in Theology at the University of Toronto. Michael tells stories of forgotten individuals. He has completed four feature documentaries and his work has won awards at the world’s largest documentary festivals. His docs have been acquired by the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime, ESPN, Sundance Now, VICE, CBC and more.
Jed is a digital-marketing and media executive known for leadership roles across Canada’s tech and advertising sectors. He co-founded Tapped Mobile, a leading mobile-marketing agency, and has held senior roles at companies such as Microsoft Canada, Bell Media, and Kijiji. Jed is also active as an advisor and mentor in the digital-innovation community.
Shauna Sexsmith, BA '08, Founder of CNERGY, Co-Founder of Smithson, Advisor to Governments & Organizations, RARE with Google Leadership Academy Delegate
Shauna is a leader with 13+ years’ experience in public sector reform, financial inclusion, climate adaptation, and gender equality. As a co-founder and strategic advisor, she brings together public and private partners to design sustainable, high-impact solutions, helping governments and organizations improve governance, service delivery, and institutional resilience.
Karen Hunter Quartz, MA 87', Adjunct Professor; Director, UCLA Center for Community Schooling
Dr. Karen Hunter Quartz is Research Director for UCLA Community Schools and an adjunct professor in the UCLA Graduate School of Education & Information Studies. Her work focuses on new school development, effective teaching, teacher recruitment and retention, and using research to improve practice. She led the creation of the first UCLA Community School and is helping design a second site, supporting research-practice partnerships on topics including dual language learning, formative assessment, and college-going pathways.
Wendy Freeman, BA'86, Former President of CTV News Bell Media
As President and VP of CTV News from 2010 to 2021, Wendy was responsible for news, information and current events programming for CTV News, local and national news, including CTV National News and three 24-hour news channels: CP24, CTV News Channel and BNN Bloomberg. In 2021, Freeman was recognized with for outstanding service and continued excellence in her journalism career. Freeman was also honoured with the RTDNA's 2015 President's Award. Freeman was also named one of Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 by the Women's Executive Network in 2012 and 2016.
Vandana Shiva,
Vandana is a physicist, ecologist, activist, and author known for her work on biodiversity, food sovereignty, and environmental justice. She founded Navdanya and the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Natural Resource Policy, and has campaigned globally on agriculture, biotechnology, and genetic engineering. She has received the Right Livelihood Award, the Sydney Peace Prize, and other international honors.
Kevin Abrams, BA '94, Lecturer, Sports Management; Senior Vice President of Football Operations & Strategy, New York Giants
Kevin Abrams is in his 24th season with the New York Giants and serves as Senior VP of Football Operations & Strategy. He previously spent 20 years as assistant GM and four years as VP of football operations. Abrams oversees strategic planning, salary cap management, player contracts, and NFL compliance, working closely with scouting and personnel. He joined the Giants in 1999 as salary cap analyst after experience with the NFL Management Council and internships with NFL and college football programs.
Aaron Barth,
Aaron is an innovator working at the convergence of science, smart design and technology to change behaviour and transform organizations. His deep expertise in critical thinking, decision-making and problem-solving is grounded by a PhD in Philosophy from 桃子视频. Inspired by the need for transformational, evidence-based solutions to business challenges, he left a burgeoning career in academia to launch Dialectic in 2010.
Antony Hare is something of an anomaly in the artistic world. His degree was in philosophy and economics, not visual arts. His artistic tools are little more than a computer and a tablet. And he credits his communication skills more than his artistic ones for earning him a living.
