Our Faculty is renowned for its tight knit community that stays in touch long after they’ve graduated or retired. In that spirit, we’ve introduced a column to our newsletter that will shine the spotlight on an esteemed alumni each month. This issue, we caught up with KPE alumna and former faculty member Professor Sheila Romeiko.
Q. When were you a student with KPE, or as it was formerly known the Faculty of Physical Health & Education? Were you involved in any co-curricular programs?
A. I attended U of T from 1960 to 1963 and was asked to join the R. Tait McKenzie Society for my academic honours. I was inducted in my first year in September 1961. I was also heavily involved with intercollegiate swimming, specifically the speed and synchronized teams.
Swimming took up most of my time, outside of studying. I was also awarded the Silver Award – the highest award you could get at the time.
Q. Were you involved in swimming prior to attending U of T?
A. Before immigrating to Canada I was a Belgian champion at 9 years of age and continued to swim at the West-End YMCA. My father was a coach and he located the pool. I was also a member of the Toronto Dolphinettes, and participated in the British Empire Games (now known as the Commonwealth Games). I did not win, but I was one of the youngest competitors.
Q. Did any members of the faculty leave a lasting impression?
A. Professor Dorothy Jackson (Director of BPHE at the time) and Dr. Harry J. Ebbs – I enjoyed his classes and we would walk to Sick Kids to attend his lectures.
Q. How did you come to join the Faculty?
A. In June 1963, just before graduating with honours, I was asked by Ms. [Zerada] Slack and Ms. [Dorothy] Jackson to join the staff and my interview was held at the old Eaton’s Centre cafeteria (where the Winners at College Park is now located).
I had originally planned to go to OCE (now known as OISE) and had already applied to teach up north in Wawa, ON.
Q. How long did you teach with BPHE, and what were your courses?
A. I taught at the Faculty from 1963 to 1980. During the time I reached the level of assistant professor.
I taught swimming, fencing, tennis; I also took a course to learn about folk dance as that was one of the courses I taught.
I decided to stay home for a period of time, and then I returned to U of T to get my bachelor of education in 1989 to teach high school. During my time at BPHE, I taught many of the phys. ed teachers working in the city. When I did my practicum, a former student of mine was critiquing my performance. It was an interesting and fun dynamic!
Q. What are some of you career highlights?
A. In 1972, I received an award from Premier William Davis, an award of recognition for outstanding achievement in the field of sport. This was awarded for my involvement in synchronized swimming.
In 1975, I received the U of T Faculty Award (special constituency award) for 10 years of editing the alumni newsletter. “For 10 years, Professor Romeiko kept alive the spirit of the [alumni] association.”
Q. 2023 marks 60 years since graduation, what are your thoughts on that? You’ve also had members of your family attend the University?
A. I can’t believe it! I’m in shock. I loved being a BPHE student in the 60s, and the best of all was being on staff. I hope to reconnect with my classmates and friends at Alumni Reunion in 2023.
My brother, Les Dutrieue, graduated from U of T in phys.ed in 1968. My husband, John attended University College, graduating in 1963. We were married in Hart House in the chapel in 1965 – coming up on 57 years! Lastly, our daughter, Janine Romeiko, attended Woodsworth College, graduating in 2003.
Q. Do you have a message for current students and recent graduates of the Faculty?
A. Higher education is a mind-opening experience!
