President’s Pancake Breakfast kicks off 2017 York Cares United Way Campaign
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President’s Pancake Breakfast held Oct. 31, 2017
Each year, the York U community comes together in support of the United Way. The 2017 York Cares United Way Campaign launched Tuesday, Oct. 31 with the President’s Pancake Breakfast.
York President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton and the University’s senior leadership team volunteered their time at the event as celebrity chefs. They displayed their best flapjack-flipping skills as they made pancakes for hungry students, faculty and staff.
Flip through the Flickr gallery of photos from the President’s Pancake Breakfast, held Oct. 31
Attendees paid two dollars for fresh pancakes prepared by the senior administration with help from Aramark Food Services staff. Aramark Food Services donated all the pancake ingredients and garnishes, so all proceeds from the event will go directly to the 2017 York Cares United Way Campaign.
The fun continues on Saturday, Nov. 4 with the annual CN Tower Climb. York faculty, staff and students have been active participants in the climb. This year, teams have been asked to register under “York University” before Nov. 1. If they do so, they will receive a York U T-shirt to ensure that the red and white spirit is heard loud and proud.
There is still time to register for the climb, just be sure that York University is the “workplace to credit” and “YorkU” is in the team name.
For questions, or to make arrangements to pick up your T-shirt, e-mail Nadia Dar at nadiadar@yorku.ca. And don’t forget to share your photos using the hashtag #yucares.
York U faculty, staff and students are encouraged to get engaged in the campaign by joining in at one of the events being held on campus by volunteering as a campaign ambassador, or by organizing a special event. For more information about how to set up an event or how to volunteer, email nadiadar@yorku.ca.
To learn more about how to get involved in the 2017 York Cares United Way Campaign, visit the York Cares website.
The 2017 York Cares United Way Campaign kicks off Oct. 31 with the President’s Pancake Breakfast
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Each year, the York U community comes together in support of the United Way. This year’s goal is $185,000. Funds raised through the York Cares United Way Campaign benefit important local agencies and programs – some of which impact York U’s programs and students directly.
This year’s campaign kicks off on Tuesday, Oct. 31. Dedicated events to support the campaign will take place across campus throughout November.
Rhonda L. Lenton
Campaign Kick-off: The President’s Pancake Breakfast Tuesday, Oct. 31, 8 to 10am, Central Square
York President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton along with the University’s senior leadership will show off their best pancake flipping skills as they make pancakes for hungry students, faculty and staff. For a twoonie, you can purchase two delicious pancakes. All proceeds go towards the 2017 York Cares United Way Campaign.
If you register your participation under “York University” before Nov. 1, you will receive a York t-shirt to ensure that the Red & White spirit is heard loud and proud!
Register for the Student Climb under the “York University” team or register your own team, just be sure to indicate that York University is the “workplace to credit” and include YorkU in the team name so we can celebrate you at the top!
If you have any questions or, to make arrangements to pick up your t-shirt, e-mail Nadia Dar at nadiadar@yorku.ca.
And don’t forget to share your pics using the hashtag #yucares
York U faculty, staff and students are encouraged to get engaged in the campaign by joining in at one of the events being held on campus, by volunteering as a Campaign Ambassador or by organizing your own special event in your area. For more information on how to set up an event, or to volunteer, email nadiadar@yorku.ca.
To learn more about how to get involved in the 2017 York Cares United Way Campaign, visit the York Cares website.
Volunteers needed to help with this year’s United Way Campaign
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The United Way planning committee is currently seeking volunteers to join the York University 2017 York Cares Campaign Committee.
The United Way of Greater Toronto and York Region is a local catalyst of social change. More than 200 organizations receive funding from the United Way. These are organizations that provide critical programming and services to adults, youth and children across the region.
The United Way is a partner of York University. Students are regularly placed in United Way funded agencies to complete experiential portions of their programs. York U continues to engage in important social research that informs the priority setting of the United Way.
This year, the committee needs support in the following areas:
Campaign Ambassador: provide co-workers with an opportunity to make an informed decision about charitable giving.
CN Tower Stair Climb Coordinator: recruit participants for the CN Tower Stair Climb student challenge; organize teams and related details; coordinate participation of teams and related details.
Events Liaison: compile a calendar of events from across campus related to the campaign; point person for events related matters including remittance of proceeds to United Way; coordinate activities related to kicking off the campaign.
If you are interest in sharing your time for this worthy cause, email yucares@yorku.ca.
York hosts farewell reception for President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri
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Professor Lesley Beagrie, chair of Senate, invites the York community to celebrate “A Decade of Impact” at a farewell reception in recognition of President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri on Thursday, June 1 at 2pm.
The event will be held in the Scott Library, 2nd Floor Atrium, Keele campus.
For more information or to RSVP, visit yorku.ca/farewell or call 416-736-5307.
The response form can be used to send your best wishes at any time.
York U receives $2M from BMO Financial Group to educate future global policymakers
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A $2-million gift from BMO Financial Group to York University will be used to create academic leadership opportunities at the The Glendon School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), the first bilingual graduate school of its kind in Canada.
“We are very grateful to BMO Financial Group for this generous gift, which will help us to develop dynamic new learning experiences to meet the emerging needs of tomorrow’s policymakers,” said York University President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact this funding will have, not only in the York and Glendon communities, but in our global community as well.”
This latest gift in BMO Financial Group’s ongoing partnership with York will be channeled into two academic leadership opportunities: the BMO Financial Group Directorship, which will be created from the existing BMO Financial Group Visiting Professorship in Public Affairs; and the BMO Visiting Fellows, a position that has attracted a steady stream of talented scholars and practitioners in Canadian public affairs since 2013.
Donald Ipperciel
“In this increasingly globalized world, the complexity of crafting intelligent and effective policy demands a higher level of research and teaching excellence – one that transcends borders, cultures and languages,” said Donald Ipperciel, principal, Glendon Campus. “The continued generosity of BMO Financial Group will be instrumental in supporting The Glendon School of Public and International Affairs’ leading priorities in these areas for years to come.”
The GSPIA director will lead all aspects of research and graduate programming, including new program offerings and internships, and will continue to strengthen ties between the school and the public sector. The director will also expand GSPIA’s research and impact, with more debates, speakers and conferences addressing important issues in world affairs.
Visiting fellows teach graduate seminars, participate in conferences, conduct public lectures and publish news articles with the goal of educating masters students and the general public about important public policy and issues.
“We’re thrilled to be adding another chapter to our ongoing partnership with York University and contributing to The Glendon School of Public & International Affairs’ work in preparing the best and brightest to lead the discourse on important public policy issues that will impact Canadians for decades to come,” said Steve Murphy, senior vice-president, GTA Division, BMO Bank of Montreal.
BMO Financial Group’s gift is the largest made to the Glendon Campus as part of York’s most ambitious fundraising and engagement effort to date, Impact: The Campaign for York University. The campaign’s goal is to raise $500 million in commitments to mobilize new ways of thinking, prepare engaged global citizens and build stronger communities.
To learn more about the country’s only bilingual liberal arts college, visit the Glendon Campus website at www.glendon.yorku.ca/about.
York demonstrates community engagement in action through commitment to United Way
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York University community members demonstrated strong support for the United Way of Toronto and York Region by raising more than $184,000 during the 2016 York Cares Workplace Campaign.
The funds raised during the campaign, which ran Nov. 2 to Dec. 31, 2016, will be directed to programs supported by the United Way in Toronto and York Region.
Pancake breakfast in support of United Way
Close to $5,000 was raised through on-campus special events, including a week of fun activities from the Provost’s office, a taste test of samosas from Osgoode and a silent auction at the West Office Building. A group of students supported the cause by organizing a bake sale in the Ross Building and more than $3,000 was raised from the CN Tower Climb.
The impact of leadership donors (individuals who have donated $1,200 or more to the campaign, and whose donations make up more than 75 per cent of total pledge donations) was celebrated on Jan. 30 at the Schulich Dining Room with a Leadership Appreciation Breakfast. This annual event included a special guest, a former refugee who now works at the Jane Finch Community Centre (an organization funded by the United Way) as a settlement worker.
Jeff O’Hagan, Rhonda Lenton and Lorne Sossin were the leadership chairs and Mandi Hickman was the employee chair for the 2016 campaign.
Organizers are currently recruiting members to join the York Cares Committee. Those interested can contact Mandi Hickman at ahickman@yorku.ca for more details. We need your help to make the 2017 the best year yet!
The York U community raised $184,608 on behalf of the United Way Toronto and York Region, which is an increase over the 2015 campaign total.
York U, IBM Canada partner to enhance emergency management degree programs
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demolition
Students enrolled in York’s emergency management programs will have access to world-leading technology and tools, thanks to a new partnership between York University and IBM Canada.
IBM Canada is awarding a $1.8-million in-kind gift to accelerate the Advanced Disaster, Emergency and Rapid Response Simulation (ADERSIM), a cloud-enabled platform housed at York University that enhances disaster and emergency planning through leading-edge modeling and simulation technology.
As the first academic-industry partnership in Canada to address disaster and emergency management at scale, ADERSIM uses IBM’s deep analytics capabilities coupled with York’s big data and interdisciplinary research expertise to meet Canada’s current and future demands in emergency management and public safety.
York University is the first in Canada to offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in emergency management, equipping students with the tools to manage, and in some cases mitigate, emergencies such as flooding, hurricanes, global warming and terrorism.
“York University and IBM share a common goal to advance state-of-the-art disaster management systems,” said Mamdouh Shoukri, president and vice-chancellor of York University. “This gift marks the beginning of an extraordinary collaboration to build an emergency management ecosystem of startups, government agencies, emergency responders and community organizations working to develop greater, more accurate solutions in disaster and emergency preparedness and mitigation.”
IBM’s support includes a $1.4-million contribution in cloud credits to support ADERSIM’s research team and community partners. The credits provide crucial access to the latest in cloud technologies to accelerate the development of applications that support simulating disaster risk and planning operations. The gift also includes a $400,000 discount on the IBM Cognitive Cities capabilities that form the building blocks of ADERSIM.
“IBM has a long history of supporting innovation in Canada, especially around research and development,” said Pat Horgan, vice-president, manufacturing, development and operations, IBM Canada. “Today’s announcement with York University is a direct result of this kind of innovation. ADERSIM is a big step towards drastically improving disaster and emergency planning in a way that could impact the safety of all Canadians. This is a significant initiative, and we are proud to be part of it.”
IBM’s gift is part of a $5-million multi-partner investment. Other funding partners include: the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC); the Ontario Research Fund (ORF); and, York University. The innovative partnership aims to expand and grow ADERSIM’s disaster and emergency management portfolio.
The ADERSIM program will equip approximately 80 trainees with strong theoretical and professional skills in information searching, data mining and knowledge management.
Last year, York University launched “Impact: The Campaign for York University”, a $500-million fundraising and alumni engagement initiative. The campaign aims to mobilize new ways of thinking, including investing in the bright minds that drive innovation, as well as to build stronger communities, which will enrich learning and research throughout York’s local and global networks. ADERSIM directly supports these priorities.
Perfect pancakes herald an enthusiastic start to York’s United Way campaign
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Hundreds of students, faculty and staff turned out for the President’s Pancake Breakfast
The 2016 York Cares Campaign in support of the United Way Toronto officially launched Nov. 2. The goal of this year’s campaign is $200,000. Funds raised will go towards supporting the community programs and initiatives that are part of the United Way. York University’s campaign will run until Nov. 23.
From left: Famed flapjack flippers Maureen Armstrong, University secretary and general counsel; Jeff O’Hagan, vice-president, advancement; Ijade Maxwell Rodrigues, chief of staff; and, York President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri
This year’s campaign kicked off Nov. 2 with the President’s Pancake Breakfast. After chipping in a toonie, several hundred students, staff and faculty waited patiently for their pancakes, with many taking the time to chat and joke with members of York University’s senior leadership team who were making the pancakes.
Faculty of Science Professor Paul Delaney shows off his plate of pancakes
Guests at the breakfast had a chance to win a FitBit Flex, which was donated by Aramark Food Services. Debra Crooks, a staff member in the Division of Advancement, was the lucky winner of the Fitbit.
“I am happy to report that this year we saw a 20 per cent increase in funds raised on behalf of United Way at the President’s Pancake Breakfast. This is a great accomplishment and one we should be very proud of,” said Mandi Hickman, manager, community relations. “The Pancake Breakfast marks the start of the 2016 York Cares United Way Campaign. The pledge drive runs from Nov 2 to Nov 23 and within this time period, we have many exciting events on deck.
Feverish flippers in action
“Aramark generously donated the pancake batter, toppings and coffee, which allowed us to put all of the proceeds toward the United Way. We greatly appreciate their generosity and the support of their team,” added Hickman.
The York Cares Campaign leadership co-chairs for this year are Rhonda Lenton, vice-president academic and provost, Jeff O’Hagan, vice-president advancement, and Osgoode Hall Law School Dean Lorne Sossin.
York staff and faculty members each received personalized electronic pledge cards on Nov. 2, which can be used to make a donation to the United Way. Updates on the campaign will be posted in YFile and via email.
Schulich announces Brookfield Centre in Real Estate & Infrastructure
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As part of its Leading Change initiative, the Schulich School of Business officially announced the establishment of the Brookfield Centre in Real Estate & Infrastructure made possible by a generous $4-million donation from Timothy Price (Hon LLD ’09) and his wife Frances Price, together with the Brookfield Partners Foundation.
Timothy Price
Price is chairman of Brookfield Funds, a division of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. and leading asset manager with more than $200 billion worth of assets under management in property, renewable energy and infrastructure
Schulich’s Leading Change initiative is part of York’s most ambitious fundraising effort to date, Impact: The Campaign for York University. The campaign is more than halfway to its goal of $500 million in commitments to mobilize new ways of thinking, prepare engaged global citizens and build stronger communities.
During the announcement at St. Andrew’s Club in Toronto last Wednesday, it was also revealed that the Brookfield Centre in Real Estate & Infrastructure will be supported by sector- related programming and a new chair – the Timothy R. Price Chair in Real Estate & Infrastructure – to be established in honour of Price’s exceptional leadership and contributions to Canada’s thriving real estate industry.
The Brookfield Centre will become the hub of real estate and infrastructure industry outreach, alumni engagement, research, teaching excellence and experiential learning at the Schulich School of Business. The establishment of the Brookfield Centre will also provide funding for new professorships and executives-in-residence, while creating new scholarships and student awards.
Mamdouh Shoukri, president and vice-chancellor of York University, announced the $4-million gift and said: “On behalf of York University and all of our Schulich students, faculty and staff, I wish to thank Tim, Frances and the Brookfield Partners Foundation for this incredible contribution to our students and to the University’s bright future.”
Shoukri added that one of Schulich’s great strengths is “its strong ties to the business community, which is exemplified by its relationship with Tim and Brookfield.”
Schulich Dean Dezsö J. Horváth, Timothy Price, Frances Price and President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri
Schulich Dean Dezsö J. Horváth thanked the Price family and the Brookfield Partners Foundation for their strong support over the years.
“Schulich’s program in real estate and infrastructure is well established and highly regarded by industry,” he said. “But the funding provided today by Tim and Frances and by the Brookfield Partners Foundation will take our successful Real Estate & Infrastructure program to an even higher level.”
Price, who has a longstanding association with the Schulich School of Business and York University, also recognized the significance of the program.
“Real estate and infrastructure are a very significant part of ongoing economic growth in all nations, and leadership will continue to be highly valued in realizing the potential of large projects,” he said. “The Brookfield Centre has a golden chance to be in the vanguard of providing leaders in these fields – as Schulich has already realized in its program.”
Price has been a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at Schulich for more than 20 years and received the Outstanding Contribution to the Schulich School of Business Award in 2011. He is also a longtime member of the York University Board of Governors, has served as chair of the York University Foundation Board of Directors, and is currently a Cabinet Member for Impact, York University’s fundraising campaign launched earlier this year. He received the York University Bryden Alumni Award in 2004 and was nominated by Schulich to receive an honorary degree that York University awarded him in 2009.
In concluding his remarks, Price said: “I have been fortunate in my life to work with people like Peter Bronfman who are inspirational in their philanthropy. I have also been lucky to be able to give back to institutions that are making a difference in our community. Schulich has been an outstanding example of making a difference. Giving back provides leverage to our Institutions and gives them the greater ability to grow and flourish. The giving provides purpose in being able to direct a gift where it can be most beneficial in the hands of deserving people who will make great things happen.”
In addition to the announcement regarding the Brookfield Centre in Real Estate & Infrastructure, Schulich also announced the official launch of Canada’s first 12-month Master of Real Estate and Infrastructure program – one of only a few programs of its kind in the world – with classes set to begin in January 2017. More information about the Master of Real Estate and Infrastructure program can be found on the MREI website.
Schulich has offered an MBA specialization in real estate since 1991 and expanded the program in 2009 to include infrastructure to reflect growing international interest in addressing global infrastructure needs.
President’s Pancake Breakfast a sweet success
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President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri will flip flapjacks in support of United Way, Nov. 3
The 2015 York Cares United Way Campaign launched on Tuesday, Nov. 3, with the President’s Annual Pancake Breakfast.
York President & Vice Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri, together with the York Cares Leadership Campaign co-chairs Vice-President Academic and Provost Rhonda Lenton, Vice-President Advancement Jeff O’Hagan and Osgoode Hall Law School Dean Lorne Sossin, along with other senior York University administrators worked as celebrity chefs throughout the morning. The group poured batter and flipped pancakes for an admiring crowd of students, faculty and staff.
One of the York mascots dropped by and the group was supported by an intrepid corps of volunteers from the Division of Advancement who were led by Mandi Hickman, manager of community relations.
Over 155 people turned out, each offering a toonie or two for the pancake breakfast, and in total $400 was raised for the charity. The event, says Hickman, is vital to the campaign because it raises awareness about the importance of the United Way in addition to being a fun way to kick off the University’s annual campaign in support of the charity.
In addition to delicious pancakes, the breakfast featured a prize draw for lunch for four at the Orange Snail Restaurant on the Keele campus. The winner of the draw is Faculty of Health student Gursimran Grewal.
This year’s goal is to raise $220,000 in aid of the important community services provided by the United Way. Each year, York University faculty, staff and students come together in support of the United Way. Last year’s York Cares United Way Campaign raised $218,900 to support social services across the city. Funds raised through the campaign benefit important local agencies and programs – some of which impact York U’s programs and students directly.
In addition to the Campaign Kick-off President’s Pancake Breakfast, there are many other special events to support the campaign that will take place across campus through the month of November. Key among these events is the Pledge Drive, which runs until Nov. 25. This is the most important element of the campaign, with 95 per cent of donations come from the Pledge Drive. This year, organizers are aiming for a 10 per cent participation rate overall and each department/unit will be competing for the coveted “York Cares Participation Challenge” trophy.
The campaign goal of increased participation – which translates directly to an increase in dollars raised – looks to members of the community to make a pledge online (or with a paper pledge form if preferred). Check your inbox for the email from United Way encouraging your pledge for this year’s campaign. Pledges can be paid all at once or throughout the year using the payroll deduction feature. A gift using payroll deduction is additionally efficient with the charitable receipt being included on the donor’s T4 slip.
The campaign wrap event is Schulich Palooza, which will take place Nov. 25, from 11:30am to 2pm in the Robert McEwen Auditorium, Seymour Schulich Building, Keele campus. Schulich Palooza features a pizza luncheon and will feature diverse talent from the Schulich School of Business including students, faculty and staff. Rock bands, vocalists, dancers, comedy performances and much more will be showcased.
By helping to support the United Way, you are helping to build a city where every person is able to reach their full potential; a city where every neighbourhood is thriving; a city that is healthy today; a city poised for a bright future.
Professor Lesley Beagrie, chair of Senate, invites the York community to celebrate “A Decade of Impact” at a farewell reception in recognition of President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri on Thursday, June 1 at 2pm.
As the first academic-industry partnership in Canada to address disaster and emergency management at scale, ADERSIM uses IBM’s deep analytics capabilities coupled with York’s big data and interdisciplinary research expertise to meet Canada’s current and future demands in emergency management and public safety.
