Ray Bernard is one of the most decorated linebackers to wear a Bishop’s Gaiters jersey. A four-year starter and a key member of the Gaiters’ Dunsmore Cup-winning squads in 1988 and 1990, Bernard won the Presidents’ Trophy as the CIAU most outstanding defensive player in 1991.

Bernard was a two-year defensive captain for the Gaiters, a two-time OQIFC All-Star, a Second Team All-Canadian in 1990 and a First Team All-Canadian in 1991. Playing both middle and outside linebacker, he was the heart of a unit that contemporary descriptions said “only gave up yards grudgingly.”

Bernard was drafted by the Saskatchewan Roughriders (10th overall) in 1992, and spent six seasons in the CFL, with Saskatchewan, Ottawa, Calgary and Montreal. He led the CFL in special teams tackles in 1992 and was Saskatchewan’s nominee for CFL Rookie of the Year. In 1993, Bernard led the CFL in defensive tackles. After three seasons in Saskatchewan, he was signed by the Ottawa Rough Riders, where he captained the team for two seasons. Bernard retired from the CFL in 1998.

While a student at Bishop’s Bernard also served as a member of the Lennoxville Volunteer Fire Department, and as a house parent assistant at Bishop’s College School. Bernard is now a real estate agent with Royal Lepage in Toronto.

Sue Hylland was a leader of the Bishop’s Women’s Basketball teams of the late 1970s and early 1980s, and a key component of a program that ruled the Quebec University Athletic Association and made eight consecutive national championship appearances.

Hylland won two QUAA championships, and led the Lady Gaiters to two CIAU medals, including an appearance in the 1980-81 National Championship Game.

Hylland was a three-year captain of the squad, and was named Bishop’s Female Athlete of the Year and a CIAU All-Canadian in 1980-81.

She was the captain of the Quebec provincial basketball team that won a gold medal at the 1979 Canada Winter Games.

After graduating from Bishop’s, Hylland enjoyed a successful career in sports administration, including attending ten Olympic and Pan-American games in various roles with the Canadian Olympic Committee. She also served as the Executive Director of the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport, and as President and CEO of the Canada Games Council.

Nancy Knowlton was a cornerstone of the Gaiters’ Women’s Basketball teams of the early 1970s. She was named Bishop’s University Female Athlete of the Year in 1973-74, and was a four-time team MVP.

While at Bishop’s, she led the QUAA in scoring in 1972 and 73, and was also a CIAU scoring leader. Knowlton led the Lady Gaiters to two consecutive Quebec championships, and the Gaiters’ first two appearances at the CIAU national championship.

In 1975, Knowlton led Quebec to a silver medal at the Canada Winter Games and toured China as a member of the Canadian National Women’s Basketball team.

Knowlton pursued graduate studies at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, where she again led the CIAU in scoring. She also accomplished the rare feat of being named Athlete of the Year at two different universities.

Her dedication and leadership has been recognized by the Bishop’s Women’s Basketball team naming their Team Award in her honour.

Professionally Knowlton has succeeded in the same way she did on the court. Knowlton won several awards for entrepreneurship, including being named Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in 1999. She was also awarded an honorary doctorate of commerce by Saint Mary’s

University in 2003. The firm she founded with her husband David Martin -- SMART Technologies – is both the industry pioneer and market-segment leader in easy-to-use interactive whiteboards and other group collaboration tools.

Bill Robson came to Bishop’s as a professor in 1983 and founded the Gaiters Men’s Rugby program that same year. In more than 25 years as head coach, he led the Gaiters to six provincial championships in ten finals appearances. His tenure was highlighted by a 33-game winning streak from 1992 to 1994, including three straight provincial titles, and a win in the 1992 New York Sevens tournament.

Robson was awarded the Ray Almond Award, presented for unselfish contribution to Bishop’s Athletics, in 1993/94.

Robson has enjoyed a career as a well-liked and respected professor of Management and Strategy in the Williams School of Business. He also served as Dean or Chair in the School for 20 years. In his time at Bishop’s, Robson has participated in nearly every committee at the University.

Robson also volunteered as an assistant rugby coach at Bishop’s College School, where he help lead the team to numerous titles, as well as on three tours to Scotland. He also refereed for 17 seasons at various levels.