Order of St. Michael
The Order of St. Michael is the highest honour that St. Michael’s College School can bestow on a member of its community.
It is awarded to individuals who embody the Basilian Fathers’ motto “Teach me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge,” through their contribution to the spiritual, academic, or material welfare of the school and the greater community.
The members of the Order serve as models for our students and for all of society.
On September 17, 2025, the Order of St. Michael will host its 10th induction ceremony to honour its newest members: Brian Bellmore ’60, Dr. Robert J. Birgeneau ’59, Dominic Montemurro ’78, and Joe Younder ’56.
2025 Inductees
Brian Bellmore ’60 is a distinguished Toronto lawyer with a long career in corporate and commercial litigation.
He served as a board member of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors during the 1990s.
Bellmore spent much of his career giving back to the community and SMCS through pro bono work, while also serving on the Board of Directors for both the National Catholic Broadcasting Council and Southdown Rehabilitation Centre.
“The Order of St. Michael reminds me that while I have forgotten most of the contents of the courses I was taught and the games I played in, I have been blessed to carry with me throughout my life the friendships of SMCS classmates and teammates and the critical thinking and values we were taught by skillful and inspirational SMCS teachers and coaches.”
Dr. Robert J. Birgeneau ’59 is an internationally renowned physicist and academic leader who has served as Dean of Science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Chancellor of the University of California, Berkeley, and President of the University of Toronto.
He is well known for championing equity in education and has been recognized on numerous occasions for his work with the needy and marginalized, most recently, undocumented students across California.
“It is humbling to join this set of truly extraordinary members of the St. Michael's College School community. It is an honour that I will treasure for the rest of my life.”
Dominic Montemurro ’78 is the president of Medi Group, a masonry company in Ontario.
Montemurro is a lifelong benefactor and supporter of SMCS. His commitment to SMCS is evident through his involvement in alumni affairs and leadership in fundraising initiatives, including the Building Fund Campaign and helping restore the Chapel and Weight Room.
He also played vital roles in numerous renovation projects that have enhanced SMCS and the Basilian Fathers.
“I’m deeply honoured to receive the OSM. My commitment to SMCS has always been fueled by pride and gratitude, not recognition, making this acknowledgment deeply meaningful. I’m humbled to join this esteemed group, especially alongside my late father, Ralph Montemurro, who was honoured in the award’s inaugural year.”
Joe Younder ’56 is a lifelong, award-winning educator who taught for 24 years at St. Michael’s College School, as well as at Brebeuf and overseas in Ireland and Italy.
At SMCS, he was a beloved English teacher, department head, and debating coach.
He remained highly active post-retirement through various Alumni Association roles, including an ambassador with older alumni, and as a longtime editor of the school’s alumni magazine.
“Just to be nominated for the Order of St. Michael is indeed an honour; to be accepted into its ranks is beyond words. I am truly proud and thankful to stand with those who have gone before me.”
OSM - Stories Worth Sharing
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