2021 Alumnus of the Year – Mr. Toby McDonald ’65
Tobias (Toby) McDonald graduated from St. Bonaventure’s College in 1965 as a well-rounded individual who went on to accomplish so much within his community as well as in his personal and professional life.
During his time at St. Bon’s Toby exemplified true Christian values. Toby led with integrity, sincerity, and honesty, and was always open to growth. He had the ability to connect with others, was always willing to help those in need, and believed in equal treatment of all.
Toby had a desire to excel and loved to compete. He participated on many school teams and school plays. He participated annually in the Three Mile Marathon, and excelled on Sport’s Day.
Toby has always shown a strong dedication to the development of youth and has actively been involved in various sporting organizations including minor hockey and soccer, and within all levels of curling. Toby, in his own right, is a highly talented and accomplished curler. He was a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Curling Team and in 1976 won the national championship and represented Canada at the world championships. Toby was also an extremely successful curling coach, notably having coached the Brad Gushue Curling Team in their Olympic Gold medal winning journey. In recognition of his role in this accomplishment, Toby was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Memorial University.
Toby has become a prominent member of the legal profession in St. John’s practicing in partnership under the firm name, McDonald and Hounsell. He was a Bencher for the Law Society of Newfoundland, and has also helped to lead the organization’s purchase and development of their current premises and Law Library. In recognition of his contribution to the legal and justice community of Newfoundland and Labrador, Toby was appointed Queen’s Council. Among Toby’s other notable awards are the Ross Harstone Sportsmanship Award at the Canadian Brier, the Memorial University Luminus Award, as well as Gordon M. Stirling Distinguished Service Award from the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.
2021 Magis Award Recipient – Ms. Sarah Coffin ’16
Sarah Coffin graduated from St. Bonaventure’s College in 2016 as a confident, well-rounded student with success in academics, music, and spiritual growth.
Throughout her years at St. Bon’s, Sarah demonstrated a strong work ethic along with extraordinary leadership skills. Sarah was wonderful role model for those around her. She always maintained a positive attitude, and treated others with kindness and compassion.
Sarah wonderfully represents St. Bon’s Jesuit vision. She is active in her faith of God, and always strives to guide and serve others. Sarah was a caring classmate and a friend to many. She cared for and guided the students of Holland Hall each and every day out on the field, in family groups, and as a support to her teachers in the classroom. Sarah has volunteered her time as a Kairos Leader at St. Bon’s, with Shinerama – Canada’s largest post-secondary fundraiser in support of Cystic Fibrosis, within her St. Patrick’s Church community, and with nursing charity balls.
After graduating from St. Bon’s, Sarah pursued and successfully completed a Bachelor of Nursing at the Center for Nursing Studies. Sarah is a true asset to the Nursing profession as she naturally continues to demonstrate knowledge, skill and leadership while exemplifying the upmost compassion and empathy for those in her care.
