Tell a story about Vivian

Submitted by
Name: Vivian Tran
From: Vancouver, BC

Your Story:
I remember Vivian to be a warm cornerstone of NPSIA's administration. I don't know why, but I unexplicably thought of her today, almost exactly a year after her passing. It saddens me that she's gone, but I will always remember her smiling face and encouraging demeanor. I like that we share the same name, my first days at NPSIA were filled with confusion as I would always hear people say: "Vivian?" or "Ask Vivian" in the hallways of Dunton Tower...I would turn around confused that so many people already knew me, but I soon realized that these queries were actually directed to the other "Vivian" - the helpful friendly lady with all the answers :)

Added: April 12, 2012

Submitted by
Name: Nora Cummins
From: Vancouver, BC

Your Story:
Vivian Cummins was my mother. She loved each of us -- her five children -- as individuals, for the person that each of us was. Her approval and her disapproval were her superpowers, and she used them effectively. I loved just to be with her, with no particular agenda. I miss her every day and still start writing emails to her in my head to let her know what her grandchildren are up to. I am lucky I had her as long as I did.

She often reassured me with: "It will all work out." I have repeated this to myself many times -- always giving her credit -- while growing up, while she was sick, and now in the year since she died. She always put things in perspective for me when I couldn't.

Added: April 11, 2012

Submitted by
Name: Craig Hunter
From: Ottawa

Your Story:
I knew Vivian from my two years at the Paterson School and afterwards. She was always happy to take time to talk to people and particularly interested in new ideas, even if they were a bit dumb - which she would soon tell you.

There are not many that can be the best that they can be, but she was one.

Added: June 19, 2011

Submitted by
Name: Rob & Dani McBride
From: Ottawa

Your Story:
We had the great good fortune to know Vivian for almost 30 years. She laughed frequently and it is easy to conjure up that lovely smile but we have no specific story to offer. We could offer many examples of her big heart and down to earth smarts. But for the best reflection of her impact on the world, look no further than the wonderful Cummins clan. Her good sense and kindness are still at work in the world through all of them. Our hearts are with you: Patrick, Alison, Nora, Stephen, Bertha and Mathew. Thank you Vivian for wonderful friendship.

Added: May 24, 2011

Submitted by
Name: Iyad Dakka
From: Ottawa, Canada

Your Story:
My time as a NPSIA student was made all the more enjoyable by Vivian's quick-to-help attitude. She was a core member of the NPSIA family and she will be missed. A great professional and an even better person. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Iyad

Added: May 5, 2011

Submitted by
Name: Jim and Guni Graham
From: Montreal

Your Story:
Our memories of Vivian will always be important to us. She befriended us when we all lived on Esplanade, on Fletcher's Field, not long after we had arrived in Montreal in 1968. In her role, in those days, as the vastly more experienced young mother, her sympathetic ear and wise counsel were such a great help during some difficult days.
We will never forget the story of how Vivian invented her own formula for converting miles to kilometers while on a trip to England - at age six!
Vivian will always be remembered by us as a key figure in our introduction to Canada. Her intelligence and educated views helped us gain a perspective on some of the complexities and peculiarities of the Canadian federation.
Even though we had not been in touch for too long, it was always a comfort knowing that Vivian was out there. We are greatly saddened by the knowledge that that is no longer the case.

Added: May 5, 2011

Submitted by
Name: Amy Keuhl

Your Story:
I first met Vivian on Easter Weekend five years ago. I had been accepted to NPSIA but had some doubts about whether the school was the right choice for me so I decided to make a visit (parents in tow). Being a Friday afternoon, Dunton Tower was quiet, but Vivian was in the Resource Centre and took time to introduce me (and my parents) to the school and quell my fears about attending. I remember walking out of Dunton Tower feeling less intimidated and commenting to my parents about what a lovely person Vivian was. Of course, they agreed and still remember her from that day.

Vivian helped me out again a year later when I was trying to decide which department to choose for my summer co-op position. At the time, it felt like a monumental decision and after patiently listening to me discuss all the pros and cons, Vivian offered me her advice and essentially told me to 'go with my gut', which I did. My decision altered my career path in a fairly substantial way, but I have never regretted it. For this, I will always be greatful for Vivian's willingness to listen, her thoughfulness and her sage advice. She will be missed.

Added: April 19, 2011

Submitted by
Name: Helena Chan (NPSIA '04)
From: Vancouver

Your Story:
I remember talking to Vivian a few times, about anything and everything. Having the common thread of Vancouver (me being from there, and her having family there) was the starting point, but we got to many topics beyond that since. From having her son in law invent this really cool banana holder, to her adventures in Africa. She was an amazing woman, with a heart of gold and a wild and courageous spirit. We exchanged emails after her retirement. I can't believe she is gone. She will be missed, but she leaves behind a wonderful legacy of what a fully lived life should look like.

Added: April 19, 2011

Submitted by
Name: Elizabeth Mensah
From: [NPSIA 2005]

Your Story:
Moving to Ottawa for graduate school was a nerve-wracking time in my life. Having grown up in Ghana I not only dreaded being away from my family for two years, but also the legendarily cold temperatures of our capital city. Hopelessly dazed and confused I wandered the halls of Dunton tower trying to figure out all the administrative regulations that needed to be completed before I began classes. Providence had me wander into Vivian's office. "Your last name is Mensah?" she responded after I had introduced myself. "You must be from Ghana! Come here and let me show you something." She proceed to usher me into the resource centre and show me the Kente cloth that adorned the cabinets, and began to chat about how much she had enjoyed her time in Ghana. My fears began to dissipate as she gently explained all the little tricks that would help to make my NPSIA experience less intimidating. From that day on I would pop by her office weekly, partially for guidance but mostly because I felt I was her special favourite from Ghana. :) The thing I've realized in hindsight, is that we were all her special favourites. Knowing the fears that come from being far from home, and the nerves that come with graduate studies, she endeavoured to give us that extra bit of support and encouragement so that we might continue to aspire to change the world.

Vivian was truly a great lady, with a heart for the world, and a deeply caring spirit. She will be deeply missed!

Sincerely,
Elizabeth

Added: April 18, 2011

Submitted by
Name: Meghan Hanley
From: [NPSIA 2004]

Your Story:
Vivian had a gift for making each of us feel like we belonged to a family, and years later I am still benefiting from her advice and direction. My thoughts are with her own family, and in particular her son of whom she was so proud.

Meghan

Added: April 18, 2011