Forming young men for and with others

We’ve been long-time supporters of the Bursary Program. We are grateful that the Bursary Program ensures that Riverview reflects the full spectrum of society. Having boys from different backgrounds enriches the school for everyone; it’s part of what gives Riverview its character and its heart.

— ANTON KAPEL (OR1990) AND CAROLYN KAPEL, OIU BURSARY AMBASSADOR, PAST PARENTS

The Bursary Program provides access to a Jesuit education grounded in strong relationships, growth, and service to others. Our bursary students are encouraged to pursue new experiences, develop deep passions, and discover untapped potential so they, like all Riverview graduates, can go out and set the world on fire. Coming to Riverview also opens up opportunities to build relationships with mentors who have the potential to shape the direction of their lives.

— TOBY L’ESTRANGE, CHESHIRE HEAD OF HOUSE

I don’t know where I would have ended up, who I would have become, had I not had the immense good fortune of a Riverview education.

— TOMMY RANDALL (OR2009), FORMER BURSARY STUDENT

Means-tested bursaries reflect our Ignatian commitment to opportunity and justice, opening access to students who might not otherwise attend Riverview. These students enrich our community, fostering openness and a deeper awareness of the wider world…. One bursary student, originally from another country, recently reflected that, despite some ups and downs, he feels empowered to share the richness of his heritage – a beautiful observation that speaks to the importance of the Bursary Program in deepening mutual understanding and forming young men committed to serving others. I am continually struck by the generosity of this community; in supporting bursaries, they share my belief in the role our school plays in society and in the transformative power of education.

— SUZANNE MOUAIT, CLAVER HEAD OF HOUSE

After graduating, I felt a responsibility to give back. Even as a university student, I’ve chosen to donate to the Bursary Program so other boys can have the same opportunities I had. I also work with the Ignatian Centre, helping current students understand the privilege and responsibility of a Riverview education. Riverview taught me that education is both a gift and a call to serve. That stays with me.

— MICHAEL OPOYAN (OR2022)

We’re very lucky - our bursary students come from all walks of life, and in a Jesuit context, that matters deeply. They broaden our understanding of the world, and we are all richer for it. By giving them the opportunity of a magnificent education, we also give them agency; by the time they graduate, they genuinely embrace learning and are excited to contribute to their communities and the wider world. Their resilience and desire to be part of something bigger than themselves is breathtaking to witness. For me, this is central to who we are - I couldn’t be here otherwise. Supporting the Bursary Program is a chance to make a profound difference: to transform not just one life, but many.

— ROSANNA COMASTRI, SMITH HEAD OF HOUSE

We choose to donate to the Bursary Program because we know firsthand how life-changing the opportunity can be. A close friend of mine came to Riverview on a bursary, and only later did we understand how much that chance opened doors for him. Giving another boy that same opportunity feels like the most meaningful way we can give back.

— SAM CUSCHIERI (OR1997) AND REBECCA CUSCHIERI, CURRENT PARENTS

Bursaries create meaningful opportunities for students to grow and thrive. One former bursary student who stands out was a First Nations boy who went on to become a school Vice-Captain. From the outset, he showed strong leadership potential and truly embraced the chance to develop those skills both at school and at home. Given the space to grow at his own pace, he flourished—and he and his family were deeply grateful for the opportunity and all it made possible for him.

— DAMIEN REIDY, SOUTHWELL HEAD OF HOUSE