A special message from Jenn Thornhill Verma, Alumni Association President
Dear Alumni,
What are your King’s stories that have stayed with you in the days or decades since graduating? Mine is a tale of two graduations—one focused on my own future and the other on my daughter’s, perhaps not in the way you might expect…
Officers
Jenn Thornhill Verma, BJ(Hons)’02, MFA’19
President, Board of Governors Representative
Describe your King’s experience in three words: Reading, writing, publishing
Jenn Thornhill Verma is a journalist, visual artist and non-profit executive from Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), now living in Ottawa with her family. She has Master’s degrees of Fine Arts (Creative Nonfiction, University of King’s College) and Science (Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland), is a fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, an alumna of the Oxford Climate Journalism Network, and executive lead of the Global Commission on Evidence to Address Societal Challenges. In 2019, Jenn published her first book, “Cod Collapse: The Rise and Fall of Newfoundland’s Saltwater Cowboys,” which features her cover art and was shortlisted for a historical writing award at the 2021 Atlantic Book Awards. Jenn’s book inspired her first short-film, “Last Fish, First Boat,” recounting the story of a fifth-generation fisherman who pivots to boat-building after the cod fishery closes. Jenn has bylines in Canadian Geographic, CBC, The Globe and Mail, Maisonneuve, The Narwhal, Reader’s Digest, and more.
Nick Harris, BA’22
Vice-President, Board of Governors Representative
Describe your King’s experience in three words: Community, curiosity, full-hearted
Nick Harris is a public servant working in national security, with a focus on strategic planning, equity, and governance. A Rhodes Scholar and proud King’s alum, he holds an MPhil in International Relations from the University of Oxford, where his research focused on hostage taking and negotiation. He currently works with the Government of Canada, contributing to national security policy.
At King’s, Nick found a community that sharpened his voice and deepened his commitment to public life. He served as President of the King’s Students’ Union and sat on the Board of Governors from 2021 to 2022. He later represented graduate students on the University Council at Oxford, the institution’s highest decision-making body outside of convocation. Nick remains committed to access to education through the Trailblazer Mentorship Program, which he founded to support low-income, first-generation students in navigating university admissions, empowering students to secure scholarships and bursaries.
As Vice-President of the Alumni Association and a member of the Board of Governors, Nick is committed to building a strong, inclusive King’s community — and encourages current students to reach out if they’re looking for guidance on graduate studies, scholarships, or navigating academic processes. He’s always happy to share his experience.
Nevin French, BA’00
Treasurer, Board of Governors Representative
Nevin French is a Vice-President, Technology for Edelman Global Advisory, based in Toronto. At Edelman, he works with clients to engage governments in Canada on technology related issues including digital government and policy. Previously he served as Vice-President, Policy, for TECHNATION, Canada’s leading technology industry association. He also spent over a decade as a civil servant in the Federal Government and Government of Alberta primarily working on international relations and energy files. Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Nevin has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of King’s College and a Masters in European and Russian Studies from Carleton. Outside of work, Nevin spends as much time in the outdoors, running, skiing and cycling.
Eunice Abaga, BJ’24
Secretary
Describe your King’s experience in three words: Altruistic, community, hospitable
Eunice is a recent graduate from University of King’s College’s School of Journalism, Writing and Publishing (BJ, 2024). Prior to joining King’s, Eunice worked with the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness for over 15 years as a policy analyst. She was a Provincial lead for Chronic Disease Self-Management program, Primary Health Care Health Literacy Initiative and founder of the Nova Scotia Disability Employee Network
Eunice has a background in adult education, public administration and disability management. Over the years, she has gained experience in planning and coordinating programs, writing briefing notes and crafting strategic plans. She enjoys finding ways to improve health systems and services, especially for underserved communities.
Outside of work, Eunice is active in her community and volunteers as a board of director, she currently is on the Theatre Nova Scotia Board and is a past director for Health Association of African Canadians and New Start Counselling. She also supports research focused on social determinants of health as a patient advisory member of Upstream Lab.
Overall, Eunice is a multi-talented person—educator, policy analyst and emerging documentary journalist.
Members at Large
Geoff Davies, BJ(Hons)’10, MJ’15
Describe your King’s experience in three words: J-School, rugby, Wittgenstein
Geoff is a writer, strategist, entrepreneur, and — always, in his heart — a journalist. He first came to King’s as a teenager who was in love with the newspaper, and stayed because he loved the community and the Quad. His proudest achievement at King’s was joining the rugby team and learning to play, for the first time, a sport that terrified, confused, and fascinated him. In FYP and CSP, he learned to think (finally!) and felt the excitement of those moments when ideas ‘click’. After King’s, he spent half a decade realizing his journalism dreams, before realizing another one — coming back to King’s. He returned to earn a Master of Journalism degree in New Ventures, studying digital media and business models. He was proud to serve, meanwhile, as Don of Radical Bay, and privileged to have such a special group of students to support. Today, he operates a content marketing agency, as founder of DSSI MKTG. His advice to new students is: savour it.
Mihira Lakshman, BJ’01
Describe your King’s experience in three words: Curiosity, community, friendship
Mihira Lakshman is a media executive and former journalist with 20 years of experience at large and small companies in web, mobile, social media, television, radio and print platforms. His current role is Director of PR & Communications at the Royal Conservatory of Music. His expertise includes editorial oversight, sponsor integration, custom content/partnerships, staff management, digital strategy and investigative journalism. Mihira is also actively involved in the sport community, serving as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors at Athletics Canada.
Alexander Long, BA’20
Describe your King’s experience in three words: Exploration, creativity, growth
Alexander (Alex) is a founding member and Chief Executive Officer of Cosmographic Software, working on the SpaceEngine Universe simulator, having previously acted as both the company’s President and COO. He has worn many hats, including high school teacher, perfumer, blacksmith and game designer, as well as serving as a member of the Royal Canadian Engineers with 36 CER (having been present during the formation of 20 Engineer Squadron in 2010). Alex has also worked extensively as a professional writer, editor and producer for several educational YouTube channels, most notably Science and Futurism with Isaac Arthur. He worked on dozens of SFIA episodes, and continues to be active within the science education community. He is passionate about leadership and its development, and believes strongly in the importance of cultivating related qualities in students and professionals alike. As a result of this, Alex has been a guest lecturer at both Dalhousie University and the University of King’s College and, in his spare time, assists with instruction at the local Kendo club. When he’s not working or volunteering his time, Alex can be found spending time with his adorable mini pig, Snuggles.
Marco Oved, BA(Hons)’05
Describe your King’s experience in three words: Intense, slightly pretentious
Marco Chown Oved is a climate change reporter at the Toronto Star, where he writes about solutions and the people building a lower-carbon world. He has hosted podcasts, driven an EV through northern Ontario during the coldest week of the year, and trained to be a wildland firefighter. Previously, he was an international correspondent for the Associated Press and Radio France Internationale in Paris and Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Marco has often struggled to point to references learned at King’s in his copy, though was able to sneak a few five dollar words past editors over the years. He spent some of the most incredible years of his life in Halifax, and only left kicking and screaming after graduating late. Subsequent trips back to King’s have confirmed this wasn’t just rose-tinted glasses and that King’s is a truly unique place where intellectual rigor, community, personal growth and expression come together. Marco also earned a Maîtrise ès lettres in political and ethical philosophy at the Sorbonne (Paris IV).
Mike Peters, BA(Hons)’01
Mike Peters has spent his career in public policy and stakeholder engagement. He is currently an Economic Specialist with the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, where his responsibilities include energy and critical minerals. Prior to joining the Embassy, he worked in public affairs with Brookfield Renewable and a government relations consulting firm. He attended King’s from 1997 to 2001, attending FYP before completing a Political Science degree with a minor in History. He also holds a Masters in International and European Politics from the University of Edinburgh.
Samuel Ramos, BJ’10
Describe your King’s experience in three words: Challenging, cathartic, complete
Since graduating from King’s over a decade and a half ago, Samuel sculpted his career from the foundations of community engagement and journalism.
Samuel is now at CBC/Radio-Canada with Public Affairs and Corporate Communications, where he brings to life the importance of Canada’s public broadcaster; and how it meets the needs and demands of all Canadians and those who call this land home.
Andrew Soren, BA(Hons)’02
Describe your King’s experience in three words: Canon, critique, KTS
Andrew is the CEO of Eudaimonic by Design, a global network of advisors dedicated to promoting well-being in organizations. For the past 25 years, he has worked with recognized brands, non-profits, and public sector teams to develop positive leadership and design workplace cultures that empower people to bring the best of themselves in service of meaningful work. Andrew regularly writes and speaks about applying the science of well-being at work, and hosts the podcast “Meaningful Work Matters.” He is a board member of the International Positive Psychology Association, chaired the 2023 World Congress on Positive Psychology, and is part of the instructional team for the University of Pennsylvania’s Masters of Applied Positive Psychology program. Previously, Andrew was a senior advisor in Governance, Culture, and Leadership at LRN and spent 13 years at BMO Financial Group. Andrew is an ICF-certified coach and is based in Halifax.
Nerissa Zhang, BA’23
Describe your King’s experience in three words: Holistic, community, impact
Nerissa, originally from China, is an international graduate of Kings where she studied Classics and Philosophy. Drawing from her muti-cultural perspective and humanities-based education, Nerissa developed strong critical thinking skills and fostered a deep understanding of diverse global perspectives. During her time at King’s, Nerissa implemented an asset management database during her internship at Facilities Management, increasing workplace efficiency by providing digital access to asset conditions and criticality. She also contributed to the Books by Heart project, an initiative providing free e-books and audiobooks to Nova Scotia patients, demonstrating her commitment to innovative care solutions. Recently began her career as an Assistant Project Manager at Colliers Project Leaders, Nerissa diligently aligns her work with the company’s vision of fostering sustainable, livable cities, improving patient care, and enhancing workplaces. Cherishing the lessons learned at King’s, she integrates her humanities background to address the diverse needs of stakeholders, ensuring the projects uphold these central goals.
Ex-officio
Stephanie McGrath, BJ(Hons)’99
Past-President and Chair of the Board of Governors
Describe your King’s experience in three words: Warm, hard, mind-altering
Stephanie is the VP of strategy for a large digital marketing agency. She leads a team of writers, analysts, social media and SEO strategists to create marketing campaigns, communications plans and experiences for hotels, resorts, cruise lines and destinations. Stephanie’s journalism degree from King’s helped her secure her first digital content job and she has continued to progress throughout her career using all that she learned at King’s, particularly the ability to clearly articulate your point and to absorb other perspectives. Her advice to new students is to do the readings, work hard and be nice to your professors and interested in what they have to share. Outside of the classroom, Stephanie recommends trying things you’ve never done before, finding time to exercise even if it’s just a short walk around the block, and using your time at King’s as an opportunity to explore.