Schulich’s Master of Marketing program earns top spot in Canada

October 27, 2023

The QS World University Rankings has ranked the Master of Marketing program at York University’s Schulich School of Business No. 1 in Canada and 10th overall in North America.

To compile its 2024 ranking, QS surveyed 131 master of marketing programs in 26 countries around the world using a number of criteria, including employability, thought leadership, class and faculty diversity, value for money and alumni outcomes.

Schulich’s Master of Marketing program ranked 10th in the world in the category of Alumni Outcomes – the extent to which the school’s graduates have gone on to pursue highly successful careers.

“We’re very pleased to have been ranked the No. 1 master of marketing program in Canada and one of the top programs in North America,” said Schulich Dean Detlev Zwick. “Today’s ranking results are a reflection of our world-class faculty, the high quality of our students and program, and the success of our graduates.”

For more information about the 2024 QS master of marketing ranking, visit QS World University Rankings: Business Master’s 2024 – QS.

President congratulates Class of 2023 at Fall Convocation

October 25, 2023

La version française suit la version anglaise.

The following is President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton’s address at Fall 2023 Convocation:

To our graduates from the Class of 2023 – my warmest congratulations to you all!

Having the privilege to go to university and having access to education is still not something that everyone around the world can assume.

Because of that, we are very much looking to all of you, as those who have had access to a high-quality education and are here today graduating, to think about the future leadership that is needed in the country and in the world.

Arriving at this moment was no easy feat. Many of you have faced significant obstacles, including the pursuit of your studies during a global pandemic. Many of you have travelled from afar – leaving behind all that is familiar to come to a new city, a new province or a new country and, in some cases, to study in a new language. And many of you have balanced course work and university activities with the priorities and demands of your families, your careers and personal lives.

Today is a day for celebration, and you should all absolutely take some time to celebrate your accomplishment. But it is also a day for reflection.

You are graduating at a time of great uncertainty and volatility – the Hamas attack on civilians in Israel and the escalating conflict in Gaza are profoundly impacting not only Israelis and Palestinians in the region but many community members here at York and elsewhere; the war in Ukraine, global conflicts and geopolitical tensions; climate change; health pandemics; and systemic inequalities are colliding and magnifying global problems.

Left ignored, this state of polycrisis has steep repercussions for us all – threatening lives and the planet; limiting access to education, housing, health care, food and water; and challenging fundamental human rights, especially for women, people with disabilities, Indigenous and racialized people, people from lower socio-economic backgrounds and displaced populations.

It might be expected that you would feel overwhelmed in such circumstances – certainly no one person, institution or country can solve these challenges alone. It is therefore imperative that we ask ourselves, how do we function in such a society? And to contemplate how we ensure we have the knowledge and the talent we need for the future. In this regard, universities have never been more important.

York’s vision is to provide a broad demographic of students with access to a high-quality education at a research-intensive university committed to the well-being of the communities that we serve. Students are attracted to York because they want to make a difference. We have substantiated that claim with a Social and Economic Impact Survey of our students.

Irrespective of what you do next – and in whatever field – we have tried to ensure that you have the skills needed to support your personal success and to contribute to the broader well-being of the world.

There is a great deal that has been written about negotiating in an environment characterized by VUCA – volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. I want to focus on overcoming adversity – regardless of whether it is individual or global in scale. Overcoming adversity requires resilience and perseverance, but at the same time, we must resist intransigence. We must seek compromise between seemingly intractable positions. And most importantly, we must recognize the humanity in our opponents.

During your time at York, you have had access to a diverse community, perhaps from other areas of the world; you have had global learning experiences, work-integrated learning, technology-enhanced learning; hopefully you have made new friends and new connections that you will have for your lifetime.

I appeal to you all to lean into those relationships – to demonstrate the leadership of understanding and tolerance needed to illuminate the path forward, especially in difficult times. The Faculties that we are celebrating, and our honorary doctorate recipients, have all demonstrated that type of leadership, creating the conditions that support respectful dialogue and contributing to a more sustainable, inclusive and equitable world.

Before I conclude my remarks, let’s take a moment to acknowledge your families, friends, professors, course directors, staff and all those who have been instrumental in helping you get here today.

Thank you all for choosing York. We are counting on you and very much look forward to seeing what you do next.

Best wishes. Bonne chance. Miigwech!

La présidente félicite la cohorte de 2023 lors de la cérémonie de remise des diplômes d’automne

Voici le discours de la présidente et vice-chancelière Rhonda Lenton lors de la cérémonie de remise des diplômes d’automne 2023 :

J’adresse mes plus chaleureuses félicitations à nos diplômés de la promotion 2023.

Avoir le privilège d’aller à l’université et d’avoir accès à l’éducation n’est pas encore à la portée de tout le monde à l’échelle planétaire.

C’est pourquoi nous comptons sur vous, qui avez eu accès à une éducation de qualité et qui obtenez aujourd’hui votre diplôme, pour réfléchir au leadership dont le pays et le monde vont avoir besoin.

Arriver jusqu’ici n’a pas été une mince affaire. Beaucoup d’entre vous ont dû franchir des obstacles majeurs comme la poursuite d’études pendant une pandémie mondiale. Beaucoup d’entre vous sont venus de loin, abandonnant tout ce qui leur était familier pour s’installer dans une nouvelle ville, une nouvelle province ou un nouveau pays, et dans certains cas, pour étudier dans une nouvelle langue. Beaucoup d’entre vous ont dû concilier les cours et les activités universitaires avec les priorités et les exigences de votre vie familiale, de votre carrière et de votre vie personnelle.

Aujourd’hui est un jour de fête, alors j’espère que vous prendrez le temps de célébrer vos succès. Mais c’est aussi un jour de réflexion.

Vous obtenez votre diplôme à une époque de grande incertitude et volatilité : l’attaque du Hamas contre des civils en Israël et l’escalade du conflit à Gaza ont un impact profond non seulement sur les Israéliens et les Palestiniens de la région, mais aussi sur de nombreux membres de la communauté à York et ailleurs; la guerre en Ukraine, les conflits et les tensions géopolitiques dans le monde; les changements climatiques; les pandémies et les inégalités systémiques se conjuguent et amplifient les problèmes mondiaux.

Si l’on n’y prête pas attention, cette situation de polycrise a des répercussions graves pour chacun et chacune d’entre nous : elle menace la planète et les vies, limite l’accès à l’éducation, au logement, aux soins de santé, à la nourriture et à l’eau; elle remet aussi en question les droits fondamentaux, en particulier ceux des femmes, des personnes en situation de handicap, des populations autochtones et racisées, des personnes issues de milieux socio-économiques défavorisés et des peuples déplacés.

Il est normal de se sentir dépassé dans de telles circonstances : il est certain qu’aucune personne, aucun pays, aucune institution ne peut relever ces défis sans aide. Il est donc impératif de réfléchir à notre fonctionnement dans une telle société et d’envisager les talents nécessaires pour produire le type de leaders qu’il nous faut pour demain. À cet égard, les universités jouent un rôle plus important que jamais.

L’Université York se donne pour mandat d’offrir à sa communauté étudiante issue d’un vaste éventail démographique un accès à une formation de grande qualité au sein d’une université axée sur la recherche et le bien-être des communautés qu’elle sert. Un des grands attraits de York auprès de la population étudiante est la possibilité de faire changer les choses. Cette affirmation s’appuie sur les résultats d’un sondage sur l’incidence sociale et économique de notre population étudiante.

Quels que soient votre domaine d’étude et votre future carrière, nous faisons tout notre possible pour que vous disposiez des compétences nécessaires afin de réussir sur le plan personnel et de contribuer au bien-être général.

La négociation dans un environnement caractérisé par la volatilité, l’incertitude, la complexité et l’ambiguïté a fait couler beaucoup d’encre. Je souhaite me concentrer sur la manière de surmonter l’adversité, qu’elle soit individuelle ou mondiale. Pour ce faire, il faut déployer de la résilience et de la persévérance tout en résistant à l’intransigeance. Nous devons chercher des compromis entre des positions apparemment inconciliables. Et surtout, nous devons reconnaître l’humanité de nos adversaires.

Pendant votre séjour à York, vous avez eu accès à une communauté diversifiée, peut-être originaire d’autres régions du monde; vous avez vécu des expériences d’apprentissage global, d’apprentissage intégré au travail, d’apprentissage amélioré par les technologies; et vous avez fait, je l’espère, de nouvelles connaissances et relations durables.

Je vous invite à mettre à profit ces relations, à exercer le leadership de la compréhension et de la tolérance nécessaires pour éclairer la voie à suivre, surtout dans les moments difficiles. Ce type de leadership, nous le retrouvons dans les facultés que nous célébrons aujourd’hui et chez les lauréats et lauréates de nos doctorats honorifiques qui contribuent à un monde plus durable, plus inclusif et plus équitable pour les générations à venir.

Avant de conclure, prenons le temps de reconnaître vos familles, vos amis, vos professeurs, vos chargés de cours, le personnel et toutes les personnes qui vous ont aidés à en arriver là.

J’aimerais terminer en vous remerciant d’avoir choisi York. Nous comptons sur vous et nous avons hâte de voir ce que l’avenir vous réserve!

Best wishes. Bonne chance. Miigwech!

In pictures: York’s Convocation celebrates Class of 2023

October 22, 2023

Fall Convocation for York University’s Class of 2023 ran from Oct. 11 to 20 and featured six ceremonies on the Keele Campus.

At this year’s Fall Convocation, graduands from 10 York Faculties received their degrees during ceremonies overseen by the chancellor of York University, Kathleen Taylor.

View photos from the Fall Class of 2023 ceremonies below:

Seek opportunities to make a difference, Andromache Karakatsanis tells grads

October 17, 2023

By Lindsay MacAdam, communications officer, YFile

After receiving her honorary degree at an Oct. 13 Fall Convocation ceremony for graduands from York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School, Andromache Karakatsanis (LLB ’80), herself an Osgoode alumna as well as Canada’s longest-serving Supreme Court justice, shared her inspirational story and words of wisdom with the crowd.

Chancellor Kathleen Taylor (left), Justice Andromache Karakatsanis (middle) and President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton (right) during an Oct. 13 Fall Convocation ceremony.

Born and raised in Toronto, Justice Karakatsanis is the child of Greek immigrants, whom she credits for her dedication and work ethic.

After receiving a bachelor of arts in English literature from the University of Toronto, Karakatsanis went on to earn her bachelor of laws from Osgoode. There, she met her husband and had the opportunity to work at Parkdale Community Legal Services, which she reflects on fondly as one of the most satisfying experiences of her legal education.

“As a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School, this is a special homecoming,” Karakatsanis said in her opening remarks. “I feel that life has come full circle, returning to York University for Convocation after a journey of decades that have been enriched by the education, the skill and the values I learned here on this campus.”

Called to the Ontario bar in 1982, Karakatsanis began her legal career practising criminal, civil and family law before shifting her focus to the public service in 1987. As the first woman to lead the Liquor Licence Board of Ontario, she served as Chair and chief executive officer until 1995, followed by a stint as assistant deputy attorney general of Ontario and secretary for Native Affairs. Karakatsanis then served as the province’s secretary of the cabinet and clerk of the executive council beginning in 2000, before becoming a judge of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in 2010 and being appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada only one year later.

“Put simply, Justice Karakatsanis is everywhere when it comes to Canada’s justice landscape,” said Osgoode Dean Trevor Farrow after his glowing introduction. “In 2002, the Law Society of Ontario presented Justice Karakatsanis with an honorary LLD in recognition of her long-standing and tireless service to justice in Canada. So, while we may not be the first to present her with an honorary degree, I think we are certainly the most proud.”

Karakatsanis began her speech by reflecting on her 97-year-old mother’s story of hardship and sacrifice, spending her youth in a war-ravaged country. After losing her father, she bravely left for Canada alone with nothing but hope for a better future. Following her arrival, she met her future husband – another young, Greek immigrant – and together they opened a restaurant and raised three children with lives full of all the opportunity they didn’t have.

“In another time and place, this woman would have risen to the top of any profession she wanted,” said Karakatsanis of her mother, who sat proudly in the Convocation audience. “But it was because of her sacrifice and her example that decades later she would watch her daughter sworn in as a justice of the Supreme Court of Canada.”

Karakatsanis acknowledged that there are very few countries in the world where the first-generation child of immigrants can become a judge of the country’s highest court, and praised Canada as a “generous and pluralist model for the world.”

“We may not look, speak or pray alike,” she said, “but for the most part we have learned to live together in harmony.”

She then turned her attention to the injustices that are ever-present, and the responsibility that comes with embarking on a legal career.

“We live in a world where vulnerable people must fight to have their humanity recognized, where fear and prejudice often triumph over compassion and kindness, and where justice sometimes is an elusive goal rather than a secured outcome,” said Karakatsanis.

The law, she continued, has undoubtedly played a role in the many historical failures of humanity. “The Holocaust was legal under German law, as was the Jim Crow system in the United States, apartheid in South Africa and the Chinese Head Tax here in Canada,” she said. “They are not relics of the distant past, nor are they inconceivable in the present.”

She emphasized that the lessons of the past should serve as reminders not to take the future for granted: “The values and freedoms and opportunities we hold so dear were fought for with sacrifice and bravery. And just as they were won, they can be lost.”

In her final words to Osgoode’s graduating class, Karakatsanis encouraged graduands beginning their own journeys in the legal profession to seek out opportunities to make a difference.

“As we celebrate our personal triumphs, and honour the people and places that have made them possible, today is also a moment to reflect on what you can do to shape the future, to protect democracy, to build equality, to achieve reconciliation,” said Karakatsanis. “Don’t forget that the values by which you choose to live your life are just as important as any job you will undertake. Those values are how we will ensure that generations to come can stand where we stand today.”

Nnimmo Bassey calls for graduands to ‘restore hope in our time’

October 17, 2023

By Alexander Huls, deputy editor, YFile

On Oct. 13, at the Fall Convocation ceremony for York University’s Faculty of Education, Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change, Glendon College, Lassonde School of Engineering and the Faclulty of Science, environmentalist Nnimmo Bassey shared his life story and words of encouragement with graduands.

During her opening remarks, Vice-Chancellor and President Rhonda Lenton urged graduands to consider a critical question as they move forward in their lives and careers. “It’s … imperative that we ask ourselves, ‘How do we function in … society?'” Lenton would go on to introduce Bassey as an example of someone who has been guided by that question for decades, praising him as “a dedicated advocate for the environment … whose gift to future generations is contributing to a more sustainable world.”

During his address to graduands, Bassey recounted his journey to becoming an advocate, driven by the mission to leave society with a more sustainable future. Born in Nigeria, he spoke of growing up during the Nigerian-Biafran war, a time he described as “disruptive and traumatic,” leading him to be exposed to human rights abuses, hunger, disease and more. Those experiences, as well as living under the oppression of a series of military authoritarian dictatorships, led Bassey to develop a desire to change the world around him. “As a young adult, I could not escape being a part of the human rights and anti-dictatorship movement,” he said.

Kathleen Taylor, Nnimmo Bassey, Rhonda Lenton — Chancellor Kathleen Taylor (left), Nnimmo Bassey (middle) and President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton (right) during an Oct. 13 Fall Convocation ceremony.

Inspired over time by anti-colonial leaders throughout the Global South, he came to adopt a cause. He felt that protesting dictatorships was not the zenith of standing against injustice, but rather protesting something else he saw at work under the radar.

“The wheels of oppression at home were crude oil and extractivism activities. Capital trumped concerns for the health of Mother Earth and her children … and complaints against the destruction of the ecosystems and livelihoods were met with brute force while communities were crushed,” he said. “The judicial models and assault on communities were the red lines that dictatorships crossed, and that set me on a lifelong journey of standing for environmental rights as the key basis for the enjoyment of the right to life.”

Over the course of his career, Bassey has become one of Africa’s leading advocates and campaigners for the environment and human rights. He founded Nigeria’s first environmental rights organization in the early 1990s, proceeding to inspire activists to stand up against the malpractices of multinational corporations, which eventually led to the formation of Oil Watch International in 1996, a network resisting fossil fuel expansion in the Global South. Later, he founded the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, an environmental justice organization.

He has also received several accolades, including the distinguished Right Livelihood Award, the Rafto Prize and he was named one of Time magazine’s Heroes of the Environment in 2009.

Despite a lifetime of accomplishments, Bassey spoke of the vital work still left at this critical moment for his work and the world. “It is clear we cannot afford linear growth on a finite planet,” he said. “While record temperatures, wildfires, floods and other stressors raged across the world, leaders are engrossed in xenophobic nationalism, building barriers against climate refugees, and promoting fictional, false and risky climate solutions.”

Despite the challenges, he expressed hope: “The milestones in my journey and the successes in the midst of continual battles have come by the resilience of the peoples and communities. We see expanding movements, readiness of communities to certify conveniences today for the sake of building a safe future for those yet unborn. I have seen the power of traditional wisdom and cultural production in building hope and strengthening alliances against oppression.”

Bassey extended that hope to graduands, urging them to action. “This is a time to stand together to demand justice in all circumstances, to call for an end to genocide, to build solidarity, and not walls, and to restore hope in our time.”

Itah Sadu spurs graduands to ‘shine bright’

October 13, 2023

By Alexander Huls, deputy editor, YFile

Honorary degree recipient Itah Sadu, a bestselling children’s author and more, offered inspiration to the first cohort of graduands from the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies at the Oct. 12 Fall Convocation ceremony at York University’s Keele Campus.

Addressing graduands at the beginning of the ceremony, President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton introduced Sadu by praising “her gifts to humanity contributing to a more diverse, equitable and inclusive world.”

Among those contributions have been running the bookstore A Different Book List in Toronto, specializing in literature from the African and Caribbean diaspora, as well as the Global South; organizing the Walk With Excellence, which sees graduating students from Toronto’s Jane and Finch neighbourhood share their achievements through a parade; serving as managing director of the Blackhurst Cultural Centre; and her involvement with the Emancipation Day “Underground Freedom Train” Ride.

Sadu’s accomplishments evoked a quote she shared with graduands from the late member of provincial parliament Rosemary Brown, the first African Canadian woman to become a member of a provincial legislature: “We must open the doors and we must see to it they remain open so that others can pass through,” Sadu recited.

She took a moment to credit York University for living up to Brown’s words, then encouraged graduands to do so as well. “I hope you will open multiple doors in the future and be door jams – and I’m even going to say door jammers – so that others can pass through,” Sadu said.

Kathleen Taylor, Itah Sadu, Rhonda Lenton — Pictured, from left to right: Chancellor Kathleen Taylor, Itah Sadu and PResident and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton.

Before Sadu began her speech, Kathleen Taylor, York’s 14th chancellor, had praised graduands for their potential to do just that. “Your generation has shown immense strength and determination and continues to work towards positive change. You’re here today because you’ve proven that you have the drive to make the world a better place,” Taylor said. Sadu expanded on Taylor’s sentiments, encouraging students to seize their potential. “Graduates, when you wake up in the morning and history calls you, you text history right back and say, ‘I am coming there ASAP,’ ” Sadu said.

The presence of so many diverse people – students, faculty, staff, families – at Convocation, united in a shared experience, also represented to Sadu the very progress she wished for the graduands and the world. “We have come by car, by train, by taxi, plane and bus. Some of us have cycled and even walked,” she said. “However, we travelled with a common purpose to celebrate today’s graduates to bring joy and to arrive at this powerful destination. This reminds us that we can function in a world where different experiences, perspectives and points of view are to be valued. Therefore, if we work together with common interests, we can arrive at powerful destinations.”

Sadu encouraged graduands to be proactive in helping the world arrive at those destinations by being mindful of giving back. “When you see policies that are unfair, change them. That’s giving back. When you see an injustice and you speak up and out, that’s giving back. When you say a word or a simple act of kindness, that is given back. And know that giving back is altruistic and never, ever transactional,” she said. “Be the best door jammers you can be. And, in the words of the Barbados national anthem, continue to write your names on history’s page with expectations great. And when this happens, in the words of the philanthropist and singer Rihanna, you will shine bright like diamonds. This is your time to shine.”

Wes Hall urges grads to ‘do what others won’t dare to do’

October 13, 2023

By Ashley Goodfellow Craig, editor, YFile

Before crossing the stage to receive their diplomas, the second cohort of graduands from York University’s Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) were greeted with words of encouragement from honourary degree recipient Wes Hall during an Oct. 12 Fall Convocation ceremony.

A businessman, social justice advocate and philanthropist – and celebrity investor on the Canadian reality TV show “Dragons’ Den” – Hall was introduced by LA&PS Dean J.J. McMurtry as having an inspirational story of resilience and tenacity.

“Faced with many barriers to success, Mr. Hall found himself locked out of many boardrooms, inspiring him to create his own,” said McMurtry, noting that Hall was listed as number 18 on The Power List of influential Canadians in Maclean’s.

Chancellor Kathleen Taylor, Wes Hall and President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton — Chancellor Kathleen Taylor (left), Wes Hall (middle) and President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton (right) during an Oct. 12 Fall Convocation ceremony.

Born and raised in a tin shack in rural Jamaica by his grandmother who worked at a plantation, Hall was one of 14 kids and shared with graduands and their guests that he never thought his life would be anything but that. At 18 months old, he and two of his siblings – one four years old and the other six months old – were abandoned by their mother in that shack with nothing but a pot of porridge on the stove.

“She never came back,” recalled Hall. “Days later a neighbour heard us crying … and came to check on us and realized we were by ourselves. She went to the plantation where my grandmother was working … and said, ‘Your grandkids are abandoned in a shack.’ “

It was then his grandmother went to collect them and bring them back with her to raise alongside the seven other grandkids already in her care, in addition to her own special needs daughter. After completing primary school, he and his siblings all had “one choice” – to work at the plantation because there was no money to pay for school beyond that.

“I was saved because my dad, who left when I was one year old from Jamaica to make a better life for himself in Canada, rescued me from that life. I came to Canada Sept. 27, 1985. I was 16 years old. That was 38 years ago that I came here. And people say that you can’t change things overnight.”

Access to free education in Canada, he said, completely changed his life. “I am humbled and honoured to accept this prestigious institution’s honorary doctor of laws. The future wasn’t meant for me that I have today. And I thank all the people that paved the way for me to be here today. I am forever grateful and will continue to work hard to pay back that debt of gratitude that I owe to them,” he said, noting his grandmother as a source of inspiration.

However, it wasn’t always easy. Having to overcome society’s labels and discrimination was part of the uphill climb, and is a barrier he works to create awareness around through social justice efforts. Defined as underserved, underpriveledged or underrepresented imprisons a person’s potential, he said, and can make those labelled feel they don’t belong.

“Several of you are here today despite being labeled underserved, underrepresented, underprivileged – you fought hard and you ought to be commended for that,” he said, urging those graduands to enter the workforce and approach it like a running back in football: if you fumble and fall down, get right back up and find the “positive blockers” around you.

Hall started his own career in the mailroom of a law firm on Bay Street in Toronto – and after being educated at George Brown College as a law clerk, is now a successful businessman, entrepreneur, the founder of the BlackNorth Initiative – which works to combat racism in business – and is an author, with the publication of his autobiography No Bootstraps When You’re Barefoot.

And to those with privilege, he urged them to change the world by using their privilege.

“Many of you are graduating with big dreams. The beauty of dreaming is that we add no restrictions when we dream. We dream as if ‘anything’ is possible,” he said. “Remember, you are all starting from the same place, right here, and it’s up to you to create a just and fair world. Do not relax in your privilege. When you see injustice, you must act decisively. When you see inequality, you must eradicate it. You must never become complacent or complicit.”

With his parting words, Hall shared his formula for success: have a curious mind, work hard and smart and be a changemaker. Don’t take “no” for an answer, and, when you are knocked down, get right back up.

“See the opportunities others do not see. Do what others don’t dare to do,” he said. “Congratulations again – and now go change the world.”

Women with York affiliations earn recognition as trailblazers

October 11, 2023

Group of women professionals posed boldly in office setting, stock image

Thirteen women with affiliations to York University are recognized as key figures in how the city of Toronto is shaped as part of the Myseum of Toronto’s latest project, The 52: Stories of Women Who Transformed Toronto.

The multi-year project celebrates the contributions of women to the city of Toronto in art, culture, politics, sports, technology, business and more, and debuted Sept. 23 during Nuit Blanche.

The work premiered as a participatory performance where the stories of the 52 women were brought to life through original monologues written by 24 playwrights. Participants had the opportunity to step into the shoes of one of the 52 women by reading excerpts from the monologues.

Among those honoured were six York alum, one former faculty member and six honorary degree recipients.

York University alum

Jillian Andrew (BA ‘01, ‘02, BEd ‘03, PhD ‘18) – MPP, Toronto-St. Paul’s
Jillian Andrew is the first Black and queer person elected to the Ontario legislature. She was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as an Ontario New Democratic Party member of provincial parliament in 2018. Since elected to office, Andrew has hosted several initiatives in support of arts and culture, housing, education, health care, gender equity, environment and more.

Cheri DiNovo (BA ‘94) – United Church of Canada minister, activist and politician
Cheri DiNovo is an ordained United Church minister who performed Canada’s first legalized same-sex marriage. DiNovo is a member of the Order of Canada, recognized for her contributions to politics in Ontario and for her dedication to championing social justice. As the former member of provincial parliament for Parkdale–High Park in Ontario, DiNovo passed into law more pro-LGBTQ2+ legislation than anyone in Canadian history, including Toby’s Act, which added transgender rights to Ontario’s Human Rights Code.

Saadia Muzaffar (image by Saadia Muzaffar)

Saadia Muzaffar (BA ‘01) – tech entrepreneur and author
Saadia Muzaffar is the founder of TechGirls Canada, a leading platform for women in science, technology, engineering and math in Canada. Additionally, she co-founded Tech Reset Canada, a collective of business leaders, technologists and other residents advocating for innovation that benefits the public good.

Rosemary Sadlier close-up portrait — Rosemary Sadlier

Rosemary Sadlier (BA ‘75) – social justice advocate, researcher and author
Rosemary Sadlier served as president of the Ontario Black History Society for 22 years. She played a key role in the national declaration of February as Black History Month. She also successfully secured Emancipation Day (now, Emancipation Month) commemorations municipally in 1994, provincially in 2008 and nationally in 2021. Sadlier is also known for her contributions to the development of the African-Canadian curriculum and books on African-Canadian history.

Judith Snow (MA ‘76) – independent living advocate, community organizer and disability justice activist
The late Judith Snow was the first Canadian to receive government-mandated individualized care funding for personal assistance. Her activism enabled an additional 600-plus people in Ontario to receive funding. In the 1970s, Snow founded the Centre for Special Services for Handicapped Students at York University – Canada’s first post-secondary learning support program.

Kathleen Taylor (JD ‘84, MBA ‘84, LLD ‘14) – Chair of the Board of Directors of Royal Bank of Canada/ business executive, York University’s 14th chancellor
Kathleen Taylor is a Canadian business leader who became Chair of Royal Bank’s Board of Directors in 2014, making her the first woman to lead a major Canadian bank. She was appointed as a director of the board in 2001 and as Chair from 2014 to 2023, helping to oversee a period of significant growth and international expansion for the bank. Prior to this role, Taylor was the president and chief executive officer of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, where she was instrumental in building Four Seasons’ global portfolio and international brand over almost 24 years with the company.

Former faculty

Menaka Thakkar (DLitt ‘93) – dancer and choreographer
The late Menaka Thakkar was instrumental in Canada’s appreciation for Indian classical dance with her establishment of Canada’s first professional Indian dance company, Nrtyakala: The Canadian Academy of Indian Dance. An accomplished choreographer and dancer, she later founded the Menaka Thakkar Dance Company in Toronto, where she continued to train new generations of dancers. Thakkar taught in cities across Canada, in York University’s Department of Dance and at the National Ballet of Canada.

Honorary degree recipients

Roberta L. Bondar (DSc ‘92) – Canadian astronaut and neurologist
Roberta L. Bondar is Canada’s first female astronaut and neurologist in space. Following her space mission, she led an international space medicine research team, working with the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) for over a decade. In recognition of her contributions, she earned the NASA Space Flight Medal as well as induction into the International Women’s Forum Hall of Fame and the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.

Adrienne Clarkson (LLD ‘03) – governor general, journalist and author
Adrienne Clarkson, the Right Honourable 26th Governor General of Canada (1999-2005), was the first racialized person, the first individual of Asian heritage, and the first without a political or military background to be appointed to the vice-regal position. Prior to her appointment, Clarkson had an award-winning career in broadcast and print journalism as host and reporter of CBC’s “The Fifth Estate.”

Cathy Crowe (LLD ‘10) – nurse and health-care activist
Cathy Crowe is one of Canada’s first street nurses who dedicated her career to social justice with a focus on addressing homelessness. In 1998, she co-founded the Toronto Disaster Relief Committee, which declared homelessness a national disaster. In 2018, Crowe was honoured with the Order of Canada.

Karen Kain (LLD ‘79) – ballet dancer and artistic director
Karen Kain joined the National Ballet of Canada in 1969 at the age of 18 as a member of the Corps de Ballet and became one of its most celebrated principal dancers. Her talent was recognized internationally and earned her a reputation as one of the best classical dancers of her time. In 2005 she was appointed artistic director of the National Ballet, which she served as until 2021, making her the longest-serving artistic director since the National Ballet’s founder, Celia Franca.

Rosalie Silberman Abella (LLD ‘91) – Canadian Supreme Court justice
Rosalie Silberman Abella became Canada’s youngest judge with her appointment to the Ontario Family Court at the age of 29. In 2004 she made history again by becoming the first Jewish woman appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada. She is best known for her significant contributions to Canadian law such as developing the concept of “employment equity” and shaping the first decision made under the 1989 Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Min Sook Lee (MES ‘14) – filmmaker and activist
Min Sook Lee is an industry-recognized filmmaker and an associate professor at OCAD University who is an advocate for social justice through art and social change. She has directed numerous critically acclaimed works, including: Tiger Spirit; Hot Docs’ Best Canadian Feature winner, Hogtown; El Contrato; and the Canadian Screen Award-winning The Real Inglorious Bastards. As an academic, Lee’s area of research and practice focuses on the critical intersections of art and social change in labour, border politics, migration and social justice movements.

Inaugural BEST Bridge to Startup projects innovate

October 11, 2023

BEST Bridge to Startup (BB2S), the four-month Bergeron Entrepreneurs in Science and Technology (BEST) summer entrepreneurship experience that launched in the summer of 2023, has empowered students from York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering to build United Nations Sustainable Development Goal-friendly startups based around artificial intelligence (AI), accessibility, energy consumption and more.

BB2S was created to provide a crucial stepping stone for students transitioning from university to the professional world, imparting critical skills that go beyond the classroom, with undergraduate students able to turn their final-year capstone projects into ventures, or graduate students turning their research into a business.

Members of the BEST Bridge to Startup program.

“Through our BB2S program, we aim to guide aspiring entrepreneurs on their path to self-discovery,” said Maedeh Sedaghat, BEST program manager. “The program offers a transformative experience that allows students to embrace a journey of curiosity and boundless learning, where success is the fruit of collective wisdom. The emotional rollercoaster that comes with this journey helps the students become more resilient, and they emerge with a personal and professionally rewarding entrepreneurial mindset that will enable them to make a positive impact in all their future endeavours.”

Aiming to bridge the gap between academic and practical application by offering participants hands-on practice instrumental to shaping future tech leaders, students were immersed in a professional setting where they could gain insights into the intricate workings of startup ecosystems, from ideation to market entry. Furthermore, as part of the program, each team worked with a Schulich School of Business master of business administration intern who helped the team develop business strategy, go-to-market strategies, product roadmaps and competitive reports.

The resulting inaugural projects are:

Chatbase
Created by computer science students Yasser Elsaid and Pegah Fallah, Chatbase is an AI chatbot builder that trains ChatGPT on an individual’s data and lets them add a chat widget to their website.

Reefers
Created by mechanical engineering students Mhd Youssef Demashkieh and Jad Zeitoun, Reefers is an energy recovery system that uses the exhaust gases to create electricity to power the refrigeration system of refrigerated truck trailers.

Handifuel
Created by computer science alum Abbas Qassim and computer science student Solomon Ukwosah, Handifuel automates the fuelling process by building a robotic arm that will eliminate the need of mobility-challenged individuals to manually complete the process.

PoweRanger
Created by mechanical engineering alum Rizwan Bhatti, electrical engineering student Christopher Korfmann and software engineering student Mohammed Fulwala, PoweRanger is an autonomous, remote power line inspection robot that helps minimize production downtime and prevent unexpected power outages by quickly identifying faults, pinpointing their locations and understanding their causes.

MechTronX
Created by mechanical engineering students Mohammad Shamail, Muhammad Ali Toor and Eric Wong, MechTronX is a tech company that specializes in providing cost-effective, customized solutions that cater to the unique technical requirements of early-stage companies.

“BEST Bridge to Startup is a unique entrepreneurial opportunity that allows graduating students to experience the life of an entrepreneur by working exclusively on their startup for four months,” said Professor Andrew Maxwell, Bergeron Chair in Technology Entrepreneurship. “Our hope is that many of them turn their capstone projects into viable businesses supported by BESTLab.”

Alumni Awards recipients powerful examples of positive change

October 6, 2023

For more than two decades, the York U Alumni Awards have been a platform for celebrating alum who embody the principles of York University, have left an indelible mark on their respective fields and have contributed positively to the world.

This tradition of recognizing the remarkable accomplishments of alum will continue Nov. 15, when this year’s distinguished awardees will be honoured at a ceremony.

Each year, the York University Alumni Awards recognize outstanding alum who have achieved the extraordinary and are working to right the future by creating positive change in their fields. The Awards celebrate the broad York alum community of innovators, activists and researchers and its long-standing commitment to the public good.

This year’s recipients are Harry S. LaForme (LLB ‘77, LLD ‘08), Fatima Israel (MBA ‘06), Flavien P. Joubert (MES ‘03) and Temo Primrose Gare (BA ‘12).

“This year’s recipients represent the positive contributions York alumni are making around the world,” says Julie Lafford, assistant vice-president, Alumni Engagement. “In addition to their many accomplishments, exceptional leadership, philanthropic support and meaningful engagement with the alumni community, the 2023 award recipients continue to set an example for future generations of students and alumni alike. It will be a pleasure to honour them this fall at the Alumni Awards ceremony.”

Outstanding Contribution: Harry S. LaForme (LLB ‘77, LLD ‘08) OC, IPC, senior counsel, Olthius Kleer Townshend LL.P

This award goes to an alum who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of York and its students through exceptional service, commitment and/or philanthropic contributions.

Harry S. LaForme is a retired judge who received a bachelor of laws and a doctor of laws from Osgoode Hall Law School. In 1994, he was appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Justice, making him one of three Indigenous judges to be designated to this level of trial court in Canada at the time. He dedicated his career to furthering the rights of Indigenous Peoples, Canada’s 2SLGBTQ2IA+ communities and the rights of all other marginalized groups living in Canada. In 2004, LaForme became the first Indigenous judge to be appointed to an appellate court in Canada with his appointment to the Ontario Court of Appeal.

During his tenure, LaForme specialized in Indigenous law with a focus on Constitutional and Charter issues and represented Canadian Indigenous interests internationally. In 2018, LaForme retired from the judiciary and currently works as senior counsel with Olthius Kleer Townshend. LaForme has received honorary degrees from various universities and numerous accolades, including the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in Law & Justice and the Order of Canada. He’s also published numerous articles on issues related to Indigenous law and justice and speaks frequently on Indigenous issues, Indigenous law, constitutional law, and civil, equality and human rights.

Outstanding Achievement: Fatima Israel (MBA ‘06), EY Canada chief marketing officer

This award goes to an alum who has achieved distinction in their field and whose integrity and ability inspire alumni, faculty, staff and students.

Fatima Israel is a marketing officer with a master of business administration degree from the Schulich School of Business who is transforming the industry with her expertise in professional services, telecommunications, technology, health services and fintech. Israel is an advocate for putting people at the heart of transformation to drive innovation, catalyze progress and deliver on purpose. She boldly combines ambitious ideas with insights to build a better working world for her clients and communities.

Her passion for leadership and advancing the marketing community has earned her awards from the Canadian Marketing Association and the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business. Israel strives to channel this passion to support the next generation as an executive mentor and advisory council member for the American Marketing Association, a mentor for the EY Women’s Athlete Business Network and a regular judge for marketing industry award programs.

Tentanda Via: Flavien P. Jourbert (MES ‘03), minister for agriculture, climate change and environment on the island of Seychelles

This award goes to an alum who has demonstrated innovative, unconventional, and daring leadership and success, reflecting the University’s motto “The way must be tried.”

Flavien P. Joubert currently serves as the minister for agriculture, climate change and environment on the island of Seychelles. Before attaining his master’s degree in environmental studies at York University, Joubert completed his higher national diploma and graduate studies at the Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom. During his studies, Joubert rediscovered one of the rarest bat species in the country and co-wrote two research papers on the subject. In his role as minister, Joubert has continued to promote research and conservation on bat species.

Joubert’s career with the Ministry of Environment began in 1996, where he held several key positions, including director general for Wildlife Enforcement and Permits, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Seychelles National Parks Authority and CEO of the Landscape & Waste Management Authority. Internationally, Joubert has represented Seychelles in many fora related to chemicals and waste, and he served as a prominent figure in the Basel and Stockholm Conventions. He also played instrumental roles in initiatives around chemical safety in Seychelles. In 2015, Joubert was recognized by the United Nations Environment Programme for his leadership at the Eighth Conference of the Parties to the Nairobi Convention. In 2020, he was appointed minister for agriculture, climate change and energy.

One to Watch: Temo Primrose Gare (BA ‘12), journalist, television host, executive producer, Fibe TV; founder, Okavango Media

This award goes to an alum who has made a significant impact in their field and/or community within 15 years of a bachelor’s degree or 10 years of a professional/graduate degree.

Temo Primrose Gare is a journalist, accomplished television host and executive producer with years of experience in the media industry. Gare received a bachelor of arts from York University, where she laid the foundation for her passion for journalism and communication. She later pursued her master of media in journalism and communication at Western University. In 2018, Gare was honoured with the Raveena Aulakh Memorial Award in recognition of her academic achievements and contributions to journalism and communication.

Since completing her studies, Gare has worked at CTV News, BNN Bloomberg and NewsTalk, and produced two television shows for Rogers Communications and Bell Media. Gare currently serves as the host and executive producer of the television show “Our Stories” and is the founder of Okavango Media, her production company that provides a space for her to shape and amplify compelling stories that resonate with audiences on a deeper level.

About the awards

The York U Alumni Awards were inspired by Bruce Bryden, who was an exceptionally committed and influential leader at York University for many years. He was a member of York’s first undergraduate class, was the founding president of the York University Alumni Association (now the York University Alumni Board/YUAB) and was a member of the York University Board of Governors. The York U Alumni Awards recognize and honour his vision, exemplary leadership and extraordinary achievements.

For information about The York U Alumni Awards, visit yorku.ca/alumniandfriends/connect/events/yorku-alumni-awards.

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