Ryerson name change would alter traditions, brand
Re Indigenous students, student union push Ryerson University
to change its name, July 5 My name is Thomas A. Ryerson, and Rev. Egerton Ryerson is my great great great great uncle. Now, I’m at a loss as to why Egerton has become a scapegoat for the obviously misguided and terrible residential school system.
Egerton was one of five brothers who joined the Methodist ministry and each began as missionaries. The Ryerson Brothers were under a microscope then, and had to act carefully as not to jostle the system too much, under the watchful eye of Rev. John Strachan and the Anglicans.
The Ryerson Brothers were each received on trial by the Methodist society, meaning they had to prove themselves as worthy ministers to the people. The Credit Missionary School in Port Credit, Mississauga is where they all began, and proved they had what it took; Egerton, George, John and William. William later settled in Brantford, and served with the Six Nations south of that city. John went up to the Northwest Territories and served with the Indigenous people living there. My own ancestor, the Rev. Edwy M. Ryerson began serving at Port Credit on Jan. 1, 1831.
Change is slow. People shouldn’t be quick to judge what those men thought at the time was the best alternative. What’s going on now is a quick knee-jerk reaction.
Proud to be a Ryerson believing that everyone is born equal, as my ancestors did. Thomas A. Ryerson, Woodstock, Ont.
“There are better ways to help those who have suffered abuse in residential schools. Tearing down other people’s traditions is not one of them.” DONALD CANGIANO RYERSON CLASS OF 1957, OAKVILLE
Ryerson’s Student Union is way out of line in its support of a name change for Ryerson University.
If they would touch base with the students, past and present, I think they would find that such an act would be considered highly disrespectful by most. There are better ways to help those who have suffered abuse in residential schools. Tearing down other people’s traditions is not one of them. Ryerson is a fine university. Thousands of graduates have taken their place in society and have made substantial contributions to the fabric of our nation. “Hold high the flame of Ryerson’s name and keep it burning bright” Donald Cangiano, Ryerson class of 1957, Oakville
Ryerson University can easily change its name without changing its brand. WLU cleverly managed this by substituting Wilfrid Laurier University for Waterloo Lutheran University.
Ryerson University need only declare that henceforth, it will be named after Edgar Ryerson. Come to think of it, would it not make sense when we wish to honour someone, that we use the maiden name of that person’s maternal grandmother? Patrick Cowan, North York