Hot dog hero
Ronald “Ernie” Alexander (1927-2007) started an annual bursary day in 1991, donating proceeds from hot dog sales to support students in financial need. Ernie’s generosity lives on via an endowed bursary fund. Photographs courtesy of the TMU Archives.
A friendly fixture at Victoria and Gould Streets for 25 years, Ronald Alexander was known to the community solely by the nickname given to him based on his resemblance to a Sesame Street character. From 1981 to 2006, “Ernie” served hot dogs with his trademark barbecue sauce made from “herbs and spices picked from the forks of the Credit at midnight” and free “after-lunch jujubes.”
In 1991, Ernie started an annual bursary day, donating the day’s sales to support students in financial need. Through annual donations and matching assistance from the provincial government, $27,000 was raised for an endowed fund that ensures his generosity will live forever. To date, more than $14,000 has been granted to 28 students in need.
“It's only fair that if you're doing well, you give some back,” said Ernie. “The thing I like about Ryerson is it's like a family ... I love them all.”
In February 2006, Ernie was presented with a certificate of gratitude from President Sheldon Levy and Adam B. Kahan, vice-president, university advancement. He retired the next month, only to pass away 18 months later at the age of 80. A memorial was held on campus in January 2008. The service included a performance of two songs from Hot Dog: The Life and Times of Ernie, a musical co-written by Ernie and Nelles Van Loon, a retired English professor. Ernie likened the musical to Guys and Dolls, set on Lake Devo instead of Times Square.
“Very few people had a sense of community like Ernie. His spirit lives on at Ryerson and he is part of the Ryerson fabric,” said President Levy. “Like the Ryerson students he loved so much, Ernie, through his generosity and ability to reach out, made a real impact on campus and in the lives of so many people.”
Ernie is survived by his daughters Gail, Karen and Janis, son Dennis, grandchildren Reid and Mackenzie, sister Claudette Dunn and former wife Betty Alexander.
“He never ceased to amaze me at what he could do. My dad could do anything. He was my hero and my biggest supporter,” said Gail Alexander. “He valued education so it doesn't surprise me that he fit in at Ryerson.”
By Andy Lee
With files from Antoinette Mercurio.
Donations can be made direct to Ernie's Bursary Fund by visiting our donation page (opens in new window) . Once there, scroll down to "Direct your Donation," select "Named Awards," and click "Select one" to open the drop-down menu (it will be the 6th option).