Contributions to the tribute of Alicia McKenzie

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James Raymond posted a condolence

Sunday, April 7, 2024

I did not learn of Ms. McKenzie until today, when YouTube recommended one of her videos to me. It was on "A new cradle of civilization: the discovery of the Norte Chico civilization". What a wonderful lecture, all of it fascinating and well-presented. So I had to look her up. How said it was to learn that she passed away 2 years ago at a young age. How lucky Laurier students were to have her as a lecturer.

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Kevin Young posted a condolence

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

I share in your hour of sorrow, I have to say goodbye to soon to my friend and mentor..the reason I'm at laurier

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The family of Alicia McKenzie uploaded a photo

Monday, February 13, 2023

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The family of Alicia McKenzie uploaded a photo

Monday, February 13, 2023

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The family of Alicia McKenzie uploaded a photo

Monday, February 13, 2023

Junaid posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

Professor McKenzie was an amazing instructor. She was really passionate about her work. She was a very kind and understanding person. I'm grateful to have had the honor of being in her class. Rest in Piece

Joan and Bob Ellis posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

Dear Carol and Family. We are so very sorry for your loss. Joan and Bob

Amanda Kubiak posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

I am saddened to hear Professor McKenzie has passed. She was a ray of sunshine in the Laurier community and will be deeply missed. I had the privilege of being her student in two classes throughout my three years at Laurier, and by far were the most interesting and engaging classes. Rest easy professor.

Erika Burton posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

We were close friends in our early years, and then drifted apart, and I lost touch. Every so often I would wonder where she was and what she was doing... I am sorry this world no longer has her in it. My thoughts go out to her family. May she go forth shining, and may her memories bring joy. What is remembered lives.

Jennifer Parkinson posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

Professor McKenzie was with me through my entire university journey. She was the TA who taught my class in my first year and I was lucky enough to be her TA twice while completing my masters. She inspired and challenged myself and all her students to look beyond the everyday. I will be forever grateful for the gifts she gave me.

Ruthann Oliver posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

It was with great sorrow that I learned of the passing of Professor McKenzie. Without her encouragement, I would not have added Medieval Studies as a minor, and would have felt lost during my time at Laurier. I always appreciated her lecture style, her interactive assignments, and her edits on my papers, all of which helped me to become a better student. The current students, staff and alumni have lost a pillar of strength in the department, and she will be greatly missed by the Laurier community. My condolences to her family for their loss. May you be encouraged by all the stories of the lives she touched, and find peace and assurance as you are reminded of all her great accomplishments.

Carol Ferguson posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

Our condolences to you both and your family . Alicia will be missed by so many many people . She has left a mark of excellence in teaching and learning .

Norma Clare posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

To Carol, Terry and Family - Again, I am so truly sorry about Alicia. Please accept my deepest sympathy and know my caring thoughts are with each of you. Norma Clare

Taylor Eloise Tryburski posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

I owe everything I have to Alicia McKenzie. It was in her class that she first taught me about digital humanities and online platforms. It was through this experience that I was able to get a student job during my Masters. This in turn gave me the experience to get the job I have now, doing what I love. I am grateful to McKenzie everyday for what she did for me not only professionally, but also personally. She was always there to listen and help any way she could if I came to her with a problem, which I often did. I'm sure you have heard many similar stories, and that just illustrates what a wonderful human being she was. She will forever be with me.

Kathy Levesque posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

Our heartfelt condolences to Aunt Carole and family. So very sorry to hear of Alicia's passing at such a young age. Thinking of you all.

Ron and Suzanne Simpson posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

Dear Carol, I was so sad to here of Alicias passing. I am truly heart broken for you. She did amazing things with her life. I know that you were so very proud of her. Loosing a child is so very difficult. Im thankful that you have your strong faith to help carry you through. With sympathy, Suzanne and Ron

Nora Thorburn posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

Alicia was my TA for Hist109. She was so helpful and supportive of her students. You couldn't help but feel her commitment to teaching and scholarship. I would like to extend my condolences to her family, friends, and students.

Sebastian Lidbetter posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

I was a graduate student who TAd for Professor McKenzie. I have fond memories of grading exams with my fellow graduate students and professor McKenzie in the Dr Alvin Woods Building. I will miss her witty tweets and posts on social about medieval media.

Grace Jansen posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

I had the pleasure of learning from and working with Dr. McKenzie on various occasions throughout my undergrad. The first time I met Dr. McKenzie it was during "Think Arts Day," where she was giving a brief preview of her Game of Thrones course. Her passion was infectious. She and her colleagues were ultimately the reason I attended Laurier. I could not wait to learn from such dedicated instructors. She was kind and always willing to lend an ear. We worked together from 2017-2018 as partners for the history-themed Residence Learning Community and traveled to England in the summer of 2018. There I got to see her love and knowledge for Medieval Studies and History first-hand, and for that I am forever grateful. Her creativity, supportiveness, and witty sense of humour will be deeply missed by all. My condolences to the McKenzie family (and Tibs).

Renee Ward posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

This is heartbreaking news and such a loss. Alicia was a gifted teacher and an excellent colleague (and a good friend!). You are in my thoughts, as is she.

Jasmine Lesemann posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

I was lucky to have professor McKenzie early on in her teaching career and early in my career as a student. She was a wonderful teacher who made a strong impression on me with her love for her subjects and for teaching. The Laurier community is a darker place for not having her around and she will be truly missed by her past and current students.

Monica Duyvestyn posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

To the McKenzie Family, Although I have never had the pleasure of taking a course with Alicia, I do recall very clearly the ceremony at which Alicia received the Teaching Award of Excellence here at Laurier and the way her face just shone with happiness and pride. It was a very exciting moment to witness. I am deeply sorry for your loss and my heart goes out to you all during this profoundly sad time.

Dr. Debra Nash-Chambers posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

I had the pleasure of being a teaching colleague of Alicia's in the Department of History from her first term at WLU until my retirement in 2021. I enjoyed being her office mate in her early years on campus and we had many conversations about her family, whom she loved dearly, and her passion for teaching and mentoring students. This is such a tremendous loss for her family, friends, and the WLU community.

Jovanka (Joja) Smiljanic-Jazic posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

Please accept my most sincere condolences. Professor McKenzie was truly a "once in a lifetime" type of professor. I had the pleasure to take 12 courses with her, be her IA for Game of Thrones, as well as work with her on various extra-curricular initiatives such as the "Think Arts" open house and Medieval Day celebrations. Alicia is irreplaceable. Her shoes will be hard to fill, and my heart is shattered thinking there will come a time when graduates of our beloved, close-knit program will only know of her, and not her directly. She has left a lasting impression in all of our hearts, and I'm certain she knows it. Without her, many of us would not have finished university. She gave us compassion and hope when many others did not give us a moment of their day. The confidence she instilled in me and many others is something we carry with us in our everyday lives. I am truly a better person because of you. Thank you for being our biggest advocate. May your memory be forever eternal, DOCTOR ALICIA MCKENZIE. God bless you, and your entire family during this difficult time. Until we meet again...

DuAnn Davis posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

I loved Alicia dearly. She was a wonderful friend and writing partner. She loved her family and her students dearly. She will be so so missed. She left such an impact on so many people.

Deborah Lenz posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

Dear Carol, Terry and family. You will always remember Alicia. When the seasons change; when her stories get retold and when memories of her tug at your heart; Alicia will be with you once again. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I share your grief with deepest sympathy, Deborah Lenz

Laura posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

Even at Internet distances, Alicia was amazing; a marvelous writer and so very, very kind. As part of the family, you must miss her so much. I am so sorry for your loss.

Matthew Hansen posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

I took two course with Professor McKenzie at Laurier and was getting ready for my third in May. I struggled in my first two years to keep motivated and was decided to step away from school, when I returned I took another of Professor McKenzie's courses and it was in her class that was able to start to like going to school again and really give my all to class. While I didn't have a close student relationship with her, it was her class that made me decide to do better and give school my all! I cant thank her enough for the impact she had on me and I'm disappointed she wont be there to light that fire for learning in me this coming semester. She truly was a phenomenal educator and she will be missed at Laurier!

Tracey Pare posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

I am a first year student at Laurier, returning as an adult, and I had the great fortune to be in Alicia's class this term. I enjoyed her enthusiasm, wit and joy for history and witnessed her dedication to her students as she battled her illness for the past couple of months. She never wanted to let us down and made it all the way to our last class earlier this month even though we could all see her struggle. I was looking forward to studying with her again, and my heart broke to hear the news of her passing. Please accept my sincere condolences for the tragic loss of a wonderful teacher gone far too soon.

Marg Fannon posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

Thinking of all of you with sincere sympathy and love to all of you. Over a number of years I have grown to know and admire and love Alicia as a child of my own. I loved her sense of wit, humour and unbounding love for her students and she was always telling me the most interesting stories. I wept last night as I read some of the tributes from some of her colleagues and former students. Please just know I am thinking of all of you and cannot imagine the sense of loss all of you must feeling. Hugs and love Marg Fannon

Alex Boyd posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

My deepest condolences to Alicias family. She was an incredible teacher and wonderful person who I count among the greatest teachers Ive ever had. Her passion for her historical focus is what drew me to her classes, and her sarcasm, wit and excitement for the subjects made me admire her even more. Her classes were by far my favourites that I took while at WLU, and I will be forever grateful for all that she taught me both inside and outside the classroom. You will be truly missed Alicia - Im truly grateful that I got to know you. Rest In Peace

Mackenzie Glachan posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

Alicia was my professor at Laurier, and was such an integral part of the WLU and the Medieval Studies community. I loved my time at Laurier and the amazing classes I got to take, and she was a huge part of that. We stayed in touch via Facebook after I graduated in 2014 and it was so nice to keep a relationship going even after I was no longer her student. She was always supportive, encouraging, and extremely funny. I know the loss of Alicia is felt so deeply among that entire community I was lucky enough to belong to. I send my deepest condolences to her family during this sad and difficult time.

Maria Van Der Velden posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

I taught Alicia at Oakridge Secondary when she was a student there. I remember her as intelligent, intellectually curious and gentle, and I'm not surprised that she's had such a successful career. She will be missed. Rest in Peace, Alicia.

Debbie Kerkhof posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

I am extremely saddened to hear of Dr. McKenzie's passing. I had the priviledge to take her ML 201 class back in 2008. She was a wonderful instructor, extremely talented at what she did. Her passion for the subject of medieval studies was infectious, and it was wonderful to see the subject through her lense in her class. I looked forward to seeing her at the local medieval faire every year, and she always had time to stop and chat with me regardless of how long it had been since she taught me. She would always talk fondly of teaching me. My heart goes out to her family, to my fellow medieval studies community at Laurier, and to Tibbs. She was a shining light to many people, a wonderful teacher and a wonderful person, and she is going to be missed.

Emily Johnson posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

Dr McKenzie was, simply put, an inspiration to me. I cannot begin to explain how much she did for me in my first year at Laurier. Dr. McKenzie and I would joke in tutorials and sometimes derail a lecture (only a little) talking about unrelated historical topics and travel. My grandmother passed on in my first semester of my first year, and her funeral fell on the day of my final exam for Dr. McKenzies class. I was panicking about the funeral arrangements and how to defer my exam, and Dr. McKenzie went above and beyond to make sure that I was okay and that the administration at Laurier approved my exam deferral in a timely manner. She emailed me on the day of the funeral as well just to check-in with me and ensure I was alright, making sure I wasnt too stressed about my deferred exam. She encouraged me also to go into a double major and explore my love for history. She inspired me, believed in me, and taught me to follow what I loved and enjoy school to the best of my ability. The best professor Ive ever had and one of the most wonderful people Ive known. Im so sorry for your loss.

Tiffani Crant posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

My deepest condolences go out to Dr. McKenzie's family in this time. I cannot begin to articulate the incredible impact Dr. McKenzie has had on my life in the short years I have gotten to know her. Her commitment to her student's success, understanding, and well-being in general is unprecedented. I am incredibly honored to have met Dr. McKenzie, and even more privileged to have learned directly from her. Passion and dedication cannot be taught, they are infectious, and can only be repeated by exposure to those who possess the qualities that Alicia did. The world feels just a little more empty without her laugh, her smile, and her piercing look that reached your sole as her eyes asked you if you read the syllabus. I had so much left to learn from Dr. McKenzie, and I do feel for those students coming up who will not have the opportunity many of us have been blessed with in being a part of her classes. Dr. McKenzie once said that our fascination with history is never going to go away, because the more advanced our technology becomes, the more information we reveal about the past; the more past revelations that are made, the more modern writers will draw on that newly discovered material. She said that primary sources act as windows to the medieval world, and also said it is our responsibility as historians to ensure we try to interpret primary documents in an unbiased manner. Alicia made a point of using her academic knowledge to challenge material that misappropriated history, both on social media platforms and in the classroom, and encouraged her students to do the same as an attempt to correct common and hurtful misrepresentations. I, and many of my peers, intend to continue this work. Our cultural perspectives are responsible for shaping the way we interpret and relay the data in our findings, and in order to thrive and find the clearest picture of the past, we need to start asking the hard questions. Alicia, you instilled so many values and perspectives in me that I will never forget. You will be missed dearly, and will forever have a place in my heart, and hopefully in my classroom when the time comes.

Kelsey Miller-Smith posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

Alicia was the one professor I had through all four years of university at Laurier, for many classes, to the point I'd seek her classes out to take them over my own program requirements. And I know I'm not alone with this sentiment from the stories written and shared by others like myself. Alicia was a shining light that never dimmed, spreading her love of medievalism, films, and music. She is absolutely going to be missed, but she definitely will not be forgotten. Rest in piece, Dr. McKenzie, until we meet again.

Amy Milne-Smith posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

I'm so sorry to hear about Alicia's passing. I teach at Laurier and we would often have chats about teaching, about students and life in general. She was a passionate, intelligent and funny person and will be deeply missed.

Nichole Senger posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

I am sending my deepest condolences to your family! Alicia was an amazing person and my favorite faculty member at WLU. Without her caring and support I would not have added a minor to my program nor to help ease my anxiety about applying to teachers college AND while in Laurier teachers college. Thanks to her I continue to share my passion of medieval history, and I am a teacher for WCDSB. She was one hell of a lady! Please give Tibbs a good scratch for me. I am so so very sorry for your loss.

Susan Neylan posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

Alicia was a stellar colleague, teacher, and student mentor. She had a wry sense of humour and a deep, deep passion for history. Laurier's History and Medieval and Medievalism programs were made so much richer because of her dedication and skill. I will miss Alicia's presence at History department meetings, as a friendly face in the hallways always there for an impromptu chat (sure about teaching, but also on just about any topic), and her unfaltering commitment to her craft. She gave great thought to her pedagogy and course design. She was a favourite prof for students, not simply because her courses were engaging and interesting (as, of course, they were), but because she brought out the best in students and showed them time and time again how much she cared about their education. My deepest sympathies go out to the McKenzie family, Alicia's friends, and to her Laurier community. --Susan Neylan

Linda Quirke posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

I've known Alicia over the years at Laurier, and I will miss talking with her - I always enjoyed running into her and chatting about whatever was happening. She was beloved by her students, and for good reason. I had the pleasure of sitting in on more than one of her presentations over the years at Arts Day, and it was clear that she was a stellar professor. She was kind, smart, and such a lovely person. She will be sorely missed by her colleagues and students at Laurier.

Jennifer Webb posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

I knew within the first few moments of my first class with her, that there was something special about her. Over the next 4 years with her as my professor multiple times, I got to learn just how wonderful and amazing she truly was. I truly believe her spirit and her memory will live on in the hearts of all her students, as everyone I've ever known who had her, has loved her. She was exceptionally kind and caring, and had a heart of gold. Anyone who met her, was better for it, and now the world has lost one of its brightest stars. My deepest condolences for your loss, my thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Doug Walker posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

It was terrible to hear of Alicia's passing please accept our deepest condolences our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. Doug and Julie

Thomas Straatsma posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

Dr. McKenzie was one of the greatest professors at Laurier whose love for her work and for the students around her was evident in everything she did. She touched my life, as well as so many others with her work. She will be missed dearly.

Sherry Anderson posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

It is with shock and sadness that I send my sympathy to Aunt Carol and family. Alicia was a special person!! I babysat her as a young child. She was always smiling!! She will be missed! My Sincere Sympathies Sherry

Sophia posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

Dr. M was one of my profs the first year of my program, and despite having one class with her my four years at Laurier, she always remembered my name and said hello to me on campus. Her intelligence and kindness radiated from her, and I absolutely loved learning from her. Laurier will not be the same without her, my sincerest condolences.

Cynthia Comacchio posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

Alicia was a wonderful teacher, colleague and human being. She made the university a better place, touched and inspired many young people, and leaves us all mourning her untimely loss.

Veronica Parkes posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

It is through tear-filled eyes that I remember Alicia McKenzie. I don't think I could ever fully capture everything she did for me, but I know she will live on in my memory forever. She was the one who "pulled me into her medieval web" (her words) in my first year at Laurier and with that, forever changed my life. I was fortunate enough to take at least one course with her every semester during my time there and I wouldn't change that for the world. I was in her first cohort of I.A.s while she piloted the Game of Thrones course, and she was the one that talked me out of staying in academia knowing it wouldn't be for me. On top of that, I feel I formed a friendship with her and stayed in contact well past my university days. She was incredibly kind and caring, always made time for a student in need, and lifted people up beyond what they ever thought possible. She will be deeply, deeply missed and I know Laurier and all the people who's lives she touched will be a bit dimmer without her light.

John Wrublewskyj posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

I was a student of Alicia for three of my years at Laurier. She brought me in to the Medieval Studies program and for that I am ever thankful; she taught me how to teach, a gift I now share with struggling youth, and I hope that I can continue to do good things with the skills I learned under her. I am deeply saddened by her passing, though I know she was well loved by family and students alike, and I know more than anything that the interests and passions she sparked in many of us will continue to burn for many years, hopefully honoring her in one of the best ways a truly wonderful teacher can ask for.

Olivia Sodwell posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

The gratitude and appreciation that I have for professor McKenzie is truly endless. I spent the majority of my four years at Laurier in her class rooms and her unwavering support and mentorship is something I will hold dear to my heart always. I have met my closest friends because of Alicias classes and have been inspired for her passion and dedication to history. She has instilled in me a love for the Middle Ages and always taught us to find the humour in each situation. The memories I have of professor McKenzie will always bring a sameness to my heart and a smile to face. My thoughts and sympathies are will you all.

Chelsey H posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

Professor McKenzie was such an impactful person and professor. She made a real connection with me as a student even though we never directly spoke. She was enthusiastic about everything and that was contagious. She was wonderful and I am so sorry for the loss of her.

Matthew Wiseman posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

I first met Professor McKenzie in the fall of 2012 when I began my doctoral studies at Laurier. I had the pleasure to TA for her for two years, even though I was a student of Canadian history. She was an excellent professor, supportive mentor, and kind friend. I remember fondly how she interacted with students and shared her passion for studying the Middle Ages. Thank you for everything, Professor McKenzie. You are and will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to the McKenzie family on your loss.

Liam Carley posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

My sincerest condolences, over my time at Laurier Professor McKenzie impact on my education was overwhelming and the impact she had on shaping my person development was just as great. I took every course I could that she taught (thirteen throughout my undergrad) and TA'd for her last semester. Her kindness, creativity and the passion she had for history, medievalism and most of all her students and their success were evident in all of her interactions. She will undoubtedly be greatly missed by myself and the Laurier community.

Carlie McLellan posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

Dr. McKenzie, you were such a light in the Laurier history students life, and you will be dearly missed. I still remember you talking to me after class and apologizing for debating in me to test my merit. You said I passed and gave me a wink. I always smiled thinking back on that. Ever since then I had loved taking your courses, and witnessing your passion for history. It made me secure in my own love for history, and proud of who I wanted to be. Your courses were always so unique and spirited, and you always loved what you taught. You are the reason I found love for Mongol history, for Medieval intrigue, and for so many students interest in history. I do not think Laurier will ever be the same without you, and I hope wherever you are, that they are listening to you passionately lecture about Medieval history with some wild backdrop behind you. Your work is done, I hope you find the rest and relaxation you deserved so much. Your legacy lives in through your students.

Robin Waugh posted a condolence

Friday, April 22, 2022

On behalf of myself and the Medieval and Medievalism Studies Program at Wilfrid Laurier University, I want to offer tribute to Prof. Alicia Mckenzie and tell you of our profound sadness at news of her passing. Alicia was not only a superlative teacher and tireless contributor to the ML Program at Laurier, but she was also a selfless and supportive friend, an unfailingly positive presence, and an absolute joy to talk to. Her students and all of us in the ML Program at WLU are devastated at her passing and extend our most heartfelt condolences to her family. We will miss her terribly, but we are also immeasurably thankful that we knew her and that she gave so much to our program, our students, the discipline of Medieval and Medievalism Studies, and to her wide circle of friends.