Juno–award winning musician and mental health advocate, Serena Ryder rocked the
house at Albert College on April 21 for the college’s 28th Annual Shewfelt Memorial Lecture. The
annual lecture is named after Albert College’s 11th Head of School, Lorne L. Shewfelt and is
dedicated to his love of learning.
For Serena Ryder, music is medicine. Her raw and earnest songwriting, and beautifully electric live
performances, have made her a favourite amongst fans and critics alike. The award–winning singer–
songwriter has won six prestigious JUNO Awards, a MuchMusic Video Award, and a Canadian
Screen Award for Achievement in Music for Original Song. In 2018, Ryder received the Margaret
Trudeau Mental Health Advocacy Award, and she has been the face of the Bell Let’s Talk campaign
for several years.
Ryder spoke to students in Grades 7 to 12 in the afternoon at Albert College and her heartfelt
message was truly inspiring, said Head of School Mark Musca. “She delivered a high–energy keynote
talking to our students about mental health, creativity, and empowerment. What an honour it was to
have Serena Ryder at Albert College,” said Musca.
There was also an evening performance and a meet and greet with the general public, parents, and invited guests.
