Ian Wood ’53: Giving Back with a Global Perspective

When Ian Wood arrived at Ridley as a 15-year-old student from Quebec City, he could not have known that his interest in foreign languages would define a lifetime of global service — and eventually inspire a scholarship that continues to open doors for Ridley students today.

Ian arrived at Ridley fluent in French and curious about the wider world. What began as a challenging adjustment to life in southern Ontario soon turned into a deep engagement with school life, particularly through academics, Cadets and sport. Most notably, Ridley gave him his first opportunity to formally expand his linguistic horizons. As a student, he chose to learn Spanish over Latin, a decision that would later prove pivotal in his life and career.

As a student, Ian befriended a classmate from around the world. He recalls one amazing experience, when he was invited to spend a Christmas holiday with a classmate in Guatemala, his first fully immersive experience abroad.

“That,” Ian says, “was when I knew languages would always be part of my life.”

Those early experiences laid the foundation for a remarkable career in Canada’s foreign service. Over decades, Ian served across Europe, the Middle East, the former USSR, and beyond. At every post, languages were not just practical tools, but gateways to cultural understanding and effective diplomacy. Whether promoting Canadian trade, supporting international partnerships or representing Canada abroad, his ability to communicate across cultures shaped his success.

It is this belief that language learning opens countless doors and opportunities that inspired the creation of the Ian Wood ’53 Global Language Summer Study Scholarship at Ridley. Established more than a decade ago, the scholarship supports students pursuing immersive language study abroad. For Ian, the goal was simple and deeply personal: to give students the same transformative opportunity he experienced as a young Ridleian.

Now in its 11th year, the scholarship has supported students studying languages in meaningful, real-world settings. Ian has taken great joy in staying connected with recipients, following their journeys, and hearing how a month abroad has deepened their confidence, curiosity and global perspective.

“Languages build empathy,” Ian says. “They teach you to listen before you speak, and that skill lasts a lifetime.”

Through his generosity, Ian continues to shape Ridley students’ paths, ensuring that curiosity, connection and global citizenship remain at the heart of a Ridley education.

This year’s recipient is Nadia Trites ’27, who will travel to Nice, France, over the summer for an immersive French study program.