KAYLA CARD-FORBES
NEWS REPORTER
Doris Tallon, seen here at the August 20003 President's Breakfast, spent her retired years supporting the Humber community. Photo courtesy of David Lui
Doris Tallon, long-time executive assistant to Humber’s first and second presidents Gordon Wragg and Dr. Robert Gordon, passed away on July 14. She was 87.
Playing a large role in Humber’s establishment, Tallon was often referred to as the “first lady” of the college.
“She opened the doors to Humber,” said Michael Hatton, vice president of academics. “She was the fundamental of day-to-day aspects of this college.”
“She was particularly supportive of students coming out of poorer backgrounds,” said President John Davies, who worked with Tallon until her retirement in 2007.
Dr. Gordon said Tallon personified the values of the college, like respect, equality and compassion.
Student oriented, caring, encouraging, inclusive, dedicated and a tremendous sense of humour were commonly used when colleagues described her.
“Without sounding cheesy, everyday was quite fun with her,” said Valerie Hewson, current executive assistant to Davies. “I really enjoyed working with her, I miss her now,” she said. “It’s a shame she isn’t at the other end of the phone line anymore.”
Despite retirement, Tallon continued to contribute to Humber until December 2008, organizing numerous convocations and a Remembrance Day ceremony, Davies said. Tallon remained committed to helping students in financial need, privately helping them in various ways without ever taking credit.
“Even though she retired, she was always here,” said MaryAnn Rad, assistant to Hatton, “and her spirit is still here.”
Tallon will remain a large part of Humber’s culture and will continue to be remembered. While Tallon and family strongly expressed a memorial is not necessary, a dining hall in the Seventh Semester was named in her honour, prior to her death. The arboretum’s tranquility garden is also dedicated to her.
“She didn’t like notoriety,” said Hewson. “She wasn’t big on awards either, at least not for herself.”
“The best way to remember her is to do the things that Doris did,” said Davies, adding students should continue to receive help. “Even if you need to go out of your way to help them, do it, because that’s what Doris would want and that’s what Doris would do.”
In support of Tallon’s wishes, bursaries have been created to continue to help students in financial need, specifically international students.