Donor Dorothy Mikalachki and student Johnny Al Paredes Seminario at the 2014 Donor Student Awards Celebration.
My mother was pregnant with her fifth child when we were evicted to make space for the landlord’s son, a returning veteran. We were homeless for several months, and when we found a place to live, it was double our previous rent. Life was very diffcult for us.
I used a forged baptism certificate to make myself appear two years older and became a sales clerk. I gave my parents nearly all my earnings. I insisted on finishing high school and dreamed of going to university. Yet when all of my friends went on to post-secondary studies, I worked full-time to support my family.
In a eureka moment as I walked home one day, I realized that with a part-time job at night, I could save enough for one year of school. I just lacked enough money for tuition. I still had to help support my family.
I went to see Henry Hall, then dean of Sir George Williams University, and laid out my problem. He immediately offered me an entrance scholarship. And my dream came true!
I had the most wonderful time at Sir George. My courses gave me a fresh appreciation for the past, present and future — and a taste for learning that has continued to this day. Although I couldn’t afford to remain a full-time student, I went on to teachers’ college, which was free in those days, and continued my bachelor’s at night.
I was 25 when I graduated, just in time to marry Al Mikalachki, whom I met at Sir George. We had three children and have all been successful in our goals. Al and I were always savers. Since he died six years ago, I have used some of our money to help others.
It gives me a great deal of pleasure to honour my alma mater and provide Concordia students with the same opportunity I received.
Thanks, Sir George! Thanks, Concordia!
— Dorothy Martin Mikalachki, BA 59