Alumni Spotlight: Andrew Rusk '07

By Ms. Kelsey Hayre, Senior Manager, Alumni and Community Engagement

In this latest Alumni Spotlight, we connected with Andrew Rusk, who started at WPGA way back in 1996, the year the school was founded. We chat about his professional life now, how WPGA prepared him for his career, favourite memories of WPGA, and his sage advice for the school over the next 30 years.   

KH: What year did you graduate from WPGA? What grade did you join WPGA?

AR: I was a "lifer." I started in grade 2 in 1996 and graduated in 2007. 

KH: What are you up to now?  

AR: I live in Toronto and lead a creative studio, Collective Advantage. We build brands, products, and experiences that bring the world together. 

KH: What universities or colleges did you apply to and where did you choose to go? 

AR: I applied to U of T, McGill, and UBC. I knew I wanted to leave home for school (an amazing decision), and French has never been my greatest strength, so I chose U of T. I went to a seminar program called Victoria One in my first year, which was just 20 people and a great transition from WPGA to the largest university in Canada. I did my degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, and later I did a Master's in Marketing Communications Leadership at the Schulich School of Business at York University. 

KH: How did your time at WPGA prepare you for your current path? 

AR: I build and monetize ideas that create value for a living. I think it's the best job in the world: creativity is the greatest renewable resource in the world and literally has the power to create something from nothing. Music and drama taught me to connect, trust and love my creativity and ideas; debating taught me how to tell incredible stories and not take no for an answer; and WPGA more broadly taught me that the power of tenacity and grit create change. 

KH: Can you share your favourite WPGA memory and what made it special? 

AR: I have two:

KH: What teams or cocurricular activities did you participate in at WPGA?

AR: Debate and band. I also had a short-lived career as a cross country, swimming and track aspirant while still in Junior School.  

KH: What WPGA teacher influenced you and in what ways? 
AR: There had been an issue that warranted a full school assembly, and our Headmaster Mr. Austin said "you can be naughty but you can't be nasty." We found the comment funny at the time, but I think Mr. Austin understood the paradox between a school teaching discipline, respect, and order, with the need to break out of those rules and conventions as you come of age to discover yourself and the world around you. 

Studying literature with Ms. Mimi Jones also changed my life as she had such an incredible way of bringing prose to life. "To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield" still hangs on my wall at home. 

KH: What advice would you give current student to make the most of their WPGA experience? 

AR: There will never be a time in your life with more people surrounding you that believe in you, love you, and will do everything they can to help you achieve your dreams. Lean into it, show appreciation, and don't lose touch when it's time to move on. 

KH: How would you describe WPGA in three words?

AR: Inquiry, action, and joy :) 

KH: Fun fact about yourself? 

AR: I've had the good luck to be able to work with Martha Stewart, Seth Rogen, and Snoop Dog. In university, I was a street performer and once performed at a birthday party for Mr. and Mrs. Anthony (I think it was Miles, but would need to check!). 

KH: What is your greatest wish for WPGA in the next 30 years?

AR: I hope WPGA continues to clarify and lean confidently into its identity—knowing who it wants to be and what it stands for as it grows. A bold sense of identity helps a community thrive.