Year in Review 2020: Top headlines at York University, May to August

Typewriter with paper that reads 2020

As a new year emerges, YFile takes a look back on 2020 to share with readers a snapshot of the year’s highlights. “Year in Review” will run as a three-part series and will feature a selection of top news stories published in YFile. Here are the stories and highlights for May to August, as chosen by YFile editors.

May

Small carpenter bee
Small carpenter bee

Mom genes: What makes a bee brain buzz?
Researchers at York University’s Rehan Lab took a unique look at motherhood. They studied genetic traits in small carpenter bees in order to better understand the effects of maternal care on offspring. These solitary, typically not aggressive bees couldn’t hurt you with a sting even if they tried to, but maybe that’s just the way their mothers raised them.

Education students double as consultants during placement
The Students Consulting on Teaching at York (SCOTAY) program offers education students the opportunity to work closely with Teaching Commons staff to prepare and serve as consultants to faculty members who are interested in gaining insights into their teaching practice through the eyes of a student.

News from York University related to COVID-19 continued to make headlines through May. Some of the highlights included: new York funding for pandemic research; a look at how to prepare our cities for a post-pandemic world; students helping seniors in isolation; new resources created to facilitate online teaching and learning; and, how Schulich students helped local businesses.

June

York University’s ‘C4’ Capstone Classroom Project wins prestigious international award
The Cross-Campus Capstone Classroom (C4) Project, a York University project that brings a diversity of students from different disciplines together to work on real-life problems, received an international award from Airbus and the Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC).

York U Schulich Dean Deszo Horvath
Dezsö J. Horváth

Dezsö J. Horváth: Celebrating the career of a pioneer in management education
Dezsö J. Horváth stepped down after 32 years as dean of York University’s business school. He left a lasting legacy in management education, and his tenure made him the longest-serving dean of any major business school in the world.

In COVID-19-related news, York University examined the future of virtual health care, and what it means to be a coronavirus super-spreader. York Professor Irfan Aslam led an exciting project on the first AI-powered disinfecting robot in Canadian healthcare facility, and new virtual reality tools developed by York researchers offered important advantages in remote learning. The York community continued to support students with donations to the Emergency Bursary fund.

July

York University students took the spotlight in July, with several announcements of awards and accolades, including: the Robert Everett Exceptional Leadership in Student Governance Award, given to three students at York; the Murray G. Ross Award, presented to one student; the 2020 Alumni Awards and Scholarships, awarded to four York students; and the Robert J. Tiffin Student Leadership Award, which recognized 10 students.

Research at York University also made headlines, with: the appointment of 12 York Research Chairs; a $4.7-million SSHRC investment to York researchers; and NSERC grants totalling more than $9.1 million.

Markham Centre Campus FEATURED image
The Markham Centre Campus

York University receives approval to build its Markham Centre Campus
Friday, July 24 was a very good day for York University, the City of Markham, York Region and the Province of Ontario. It brought news that York University will be moving forward with a bold plan to build the $275.5-million Markham Centre Campus (MCC) that will help drive economic growth and social development in York Region and Ontario.

August

Efforts to support students through the global pandemic continued through August, with a focus on: virtual experiential education opportunities for students; tools to help educators incorporate mental health into their teaching; and, a York-led development of a Virtual Simulation Game to enhance nursing studies.

Image shows the new stadium dome from above and at ground level
The new stadium dome pictured from above and at ground level

New dome over York Lions Stadium and field conversion will transform Keele Campus
York’s Keele campus will look a bit different come the spring of 2021. A major renovation to the York Lions Stadium will transform the stadium into the cornerstone of a new vision for athletic and recreation facilities on campus. The dome will be installed over a converted former 2015 Pan American Games stadium playing surface, and is part of an $8.2-million upgrade.

York archivist recognized for contributions to the profession and community
Anna St.Onge, director of Digital Scholarship Infrastructure with York University Libraries, has been recognized by the Archives Association of Ontario with the James J. Talman award for challenging conventional thinking about archival work.

Check back in the next edition of YFile for Year in Review 2020: Top headlines at York University, September to December. For part one, covering January to April, go here.

Vice-Provost, Students Lucy Fromowitz shares a message about a new review of the culture in York’s Athletics and Recreation varsity teams

Vari Hall

Vice-Provost, Students Lucy Fromowitz has shared a message with the York University community about a new review of the current culture in York’s Athletics and Recreation varsity teams.

The message outlines York’s response to concerns raised. York is launching an independent, third-party review to explore the culture within York’s athletic programs through the lens of the student-athlete’s experiences and make recommendations for improvement.

For the full message, visit the Vice-Provost Students website.

New dome over York Lions Stadium and field conversion will transform Keele Campus

Featured image of the new stadium dome at the Keele Campus
Featured image of the new stadium dome at the Keele Campus

York’s Keele campus will look a bit different come the spring of 2021. A major renovation to the York Lions Stadium is underway that will transform the stadium into the cornerstone of a new vision for athletic and recreation facilities on campus.

Image shows the new stadium dome from above and at ground level
The new stadium dome pictured from above and at ground level

The $8.2-million dollar upgrade includes the installation of a seasonal dome and a new FIFA Quality Pro – 2 Star and World Rugby – 22 Certified artificial turf surface expanded to meet the size standards required to play sports such as soccer and football. The installation of the air-supported dome enclosure, which will be one the largest in Ontario, will convert the existing stadium structure into a multi-use facility that can be used year-round. Work on the field conversion and dome installation began Aug. 10 and is expected to be completed by spring 2021.

Jenn Myers
Jenn Myers

For Executive Director, Athletics & Recreation, Jennifer Myers, the stadium’s conversion to a year-round multi-use facility represents a major step toward establishing a state-of-the-art athletics precinct on the Keele Campus. Myers says the facility will create much-needed space to deliver expanded programs and services such as intramurals, sport clubs and open time for use that will significantly enhance the student experience. The conversion of the stadium will also create a permanent home for the York Lions varsity football and soccer teams as well as the York9 Football Club, a professional soccer franchise that calls the Keele Campus home.

In addition to the installation of a seasonal dome, the new playing surface will be moved closer to the existing stands which will provide a more intimate experience for anyone attending an event at York Lions Stadium. Myers said the new configuration would provide an opportunity to expand the seating capacity of the stadium in the future from its existing base of 4,000 seats when required. In addition, future plans call for the construction of a state-of-the-art pavilion on the south end of the stadium to serve multiple needs of our extensive varsity sports programs.

“Once completed, this stadium will be a fantastic home for our varsity sport teams and a showcase piece for the University as we continue to seek ways to improve our ability to serve and engage our student population,” says Myers.

“The emphasis is first and foremost on providing an exceptional experience for students. It is also our hope the stadium will increase our ability to create a more dynamic campus by enabling us to stage a variety of special events, such as the annual Orientation Welcome Ceremony, concerts and other entertainment opportunities. This type of facility will also position the University to partner with outside groups for special events, sporting competitions, local community programming, as well as provincial and national sport organizations. With the facility located directly across the street from the pioneer subway stop, and closely adjacent-to the 407 and 400 (highways), it is an ideal space to grow our impact on the campus and the community.

“This really is a pivotal project for us as we look towards creating an active and dynamic athletic precinct on the Keele campus to encourage all community partners to be more active and engaged.”

The air-supported seasonal dome structure will see the stadium in use over the winter months. The dome, which once installed will measure 450 by 250 by 75 square feet, will be one of the largest in Ontario. The new professional level turf will offer 112,500 square feet of playing surface.

A unique installation, the project’s general contractor is Chandos Construction. The dome will be in place for five months of the year. A virtual ground-breaking ceremony is being planned for Thursday, Sept. 17 at 12 p.m.

To learn more, visit yorklions.ca.

Get active outside with ‘Return to Fitness’ programming

Featured image for type1 diabetes exercise study
Featured image for type1 diabetes exercise study

Starting July 20, students can join the “Return to Fitness” outdoor classes at York University. These outdoor fitness classes are free for all York U students and are located at Alumni Field from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Looking for ways to stay healthy and active while maintaining social distancing?

Why not try a Return to Fitness class? Visit reconline.yorkulions.ca to see the Group Fitness section for registration and instructions, or register directly here.

Note: Limited space, maximum nine people per class, bring your own equipment and social distancing practices are in effect.

When participating in fitness classes please consider your workout history and abilities. To reduce and avoid injury you may want to check with your doctor before beginning any fitness program. By engaging in these outdoor fitness classes, you are performing them at your own risk. York University will not be responsible or liable for any injury or harm you sustain as a result of our classes.

Statement on the cancellation of Lions’ 2020 Fall competition schedule

Lions logo
York U Lions

The following is a statement issued by Jennifer Myers, executive director, Athletics & Recreation, to the York University community:

Ontario University Athletics (OUA) announced (June 8) the cancellation of all competitive sport until Dec. 31. This announcement was made in concert with similar announcements in Canada West and within Atlantic University Sport, while U SPORTS announced the cancellation of all fall sport championships.

Myers, Jenn
Jennifer Myers

These decisions were not made lightly, and within the OUA, the decision was made by the board of directors. The impact of COVID-19 has been far reaching and sport is no exception. With all OUA institutions announcing the move to hybrid academic delivery models – where some classes may be in person but they will overwhelmingly be delivered online – students and student-athletes need timely information to determine the best decision for themselves regarding their academic pursuits. (Read the full OUA statement.)

COVID-19 also presents significant challenges for institutions to navigate how to protect student-athletes within all Ministry of Health guidelines. Universities must do everything to ensure the health and safety of all students, student-athletes and staff in this time of uncertainty.

While COVID restrictions may change before the start of the fall semester, ensuring a decision was made while students were making critical decisions about how they would prefer to engage in their academic studies this fall was important.

There will be no change to this decision, and the OUA board will examine the opportunity to begin competition in the Winter term in the late fall.

York University Athletics & Recreation supports this decision by the board. We value the well-being and academic success of all our student-athletes. This decision is extremely disappointing to us and many of you will struggle to figure out how to move forward. There will be a range of emotions as you come to terms with the impact of this decision and, as always, we are here to support you.

Please reach out to your support network and your coaches as you take in this news and think about what comes next. Andrea and Debbie are also available for support should you want to talk to them.

Included is a list of questions (2020-21 Fall Sports Calendar Cancellation Q-and-A) that many of you have as you navigate the ‘what’s next.’ There will be a team meeting scheduled by your coach where I will be available to answer any question you have to the best of my ability. We are working on getting more information and it will be provided to you as soon as possible.

This is very disappointing news for all of us and I know it will take time for you to digest what it all means. In the meantime, please know that our entire department is here for you. We pride ourselves on our strong Lions family and we will need to lean on each other now more than ever.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Myers
Executive Director, Athletics & Recreation

CFL and NWHL teams load up on Lions at 2020 drafts

Lions logo
York U Lions
Erin Locke
Erin Locke

Another herd of York University Lions has joined the professional ranks as the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) and Canadian Football League (CFL) held their annual drafts this week.

Former York U women’s hockey team captain Erin Locke has been drafted by Toronto’s new NWHL franchise. The 23-year-old was selected 15th overall in the draft’s third round, joining York alumna Kristen Barbara, one of the team’s five inaugural signings, as a member of the fledgling franchise.

Locke joins her hometown’s NWHL team after a memorable career with the Lions. Her five-year stint saw her earn the team captaincy for 2019-20 after leading the team in scoring during three of her five seasons.

Kayden Johnson
Kayden Johnson

She also ranked second in scoring during her rookie season. 2018-19 was an especially remarkable season in Locke’s career, when she cracked the top 10 scorers in Ontario University Athletics (OUA), finishing 10th, despite missing 10 games with an injury.

The NWHL is a six-team league which began play in 2015.

Three members of the Lions football team also saw their professional dreams become a reality with their selections in the CFL draft.

Running back Kayden Johnson was selected in the seventh round, 58th overall, by the B.C. Lions. One pick later, teammate Rossini Sandjong, a defensive lineman, was drafted by the Edmonton Eskimos. In the eighth round, B.C. selected linebacker Damian Jamieson with the 67th overall pick.

Rossini Sandjong
Rossini Sandjong

Johnson, a native of Kerrobert, Sask., did not play this past season due to an injury. In the previous three years, he played in all 24 games for the Lions, picking up 1174 yards on 235 carries and twice finishing in the top 10 in the OUA in total rushes and yards.

He also starred on the track and field team and in 2018 was named York’s male athlete of the year after winning OUA and U SPORTS gold in the 60m hurdles.

Sandjong, from Longueuil, Que., played in five games this season after an injury forced him to miss three. He finished the year with 17 tackles, including five tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks, and also had a forced fumble.

Damian Jamieson
Damian Jamieson

He was twice named an OUA all-star, and was an all-rookie team member in his debut season. He twice finished in the conference’s top five in tackles for loss and was ranked among the OUA’s top 10 in sacks in each of his first three years.

Jamieson is from Oakville, Ont., and has played in 29 games throughout his four-year career with the Lions. He has finished second on the team in total tackles in each of the last two years and in his rookie season was the team’s special teams Most Valuable Player.

2018 was his best season when he had a career-high 39.5 tackles, four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two blocked kicks.

This is the second straight year the Lions have had three selections in the CFL draft, after Nikola Kalinic, Jacob Janke and Colton Hunchak were picked in 2019.

My Secret Life(saving): York U sport manager officiates heroic competitions around the world

My Secret Life FEATURED

For most families, swimming lessons end once a child can make it across the pool and back.

Rebecca Boyd, York University’s manager of Intermural Sport (IMS), Sport Clubs, Aquatics and First Aid, encourages families to look at lessons as more than something to endure, citing opportunities ranging from career lifeguarding to international lifesaving competitions.

Rebecca Boyd
Rebecca Boyd at the Lifesaving World Championships in Adelaide, Australia

“There’s so much more,” she explained. “Your child could save somebody, they could have a job for life – because we always need lifeguards – and they could go on to compete for their country.”

Boyd speaks from experience, having seen and experienced all of this as an international lifesaving sport referee.

Recognized by the Commonwealth Games, World Games and the International Olympic Committee, and on the shortlist for inclusion in the Olympic Games, lifesaving sport sees competitors rigorously tested on their lifesaving abilities in often complex and exhausting events held at beach, ocean and pool venues.

Boyd appreciates the diverse array of physical activities involved in lifesaving – ranging from endurance tests such as sprinting and swimming to “craft,” such as skis and boards – noting that some events combine them all. She most enjoys the events that are closest in nature to real lifeguarding, such as simulated emergency response competitions on the beach, rescue tube races in the ocean, and “Super Lifesaver,” an event that combines pieces of other events, in the pool.

“I think the phrase ‘as heroic as sport can be’ sums up my passion in a sentence,” Boyd said. She explained how lifesaving is the only sport founded in humanitarian principles, where participants are lifesavers first and athletes second and where life matters more than winning a medal.

Rebecca Boyd and a safety officer at the Lifesaving World Championships in Noordwijk, the Netherlands
Rebecca Boyd and a safety officer at the Lifesaving World Championships in Noordwijk, the Netherlands

Lifesaving World Championships, hosted by the International Life Saving Federation every two years, typically see up to 5,000 athletes and officials come together. Boyd has been a deputy referee in all of the competition’s venues. After officiating for more than two decades provincially, nationally and internationally, Boyd has been appointed as the only female chief referee for the rescheduled World Championships in 2022.

Boyd has been a referee at the sport’s international level since 2014 and has participated in hundreds of events in Ontario, across Canada and around the world. She has been involved in competitive lifesaving since well before Canada joined the sport’s international stage. Like many, Boyd traces her connection back to lifeguarding. A fellow lifeguard in her community sold Boyd on the experience.

Boyd said that in her first competition, she realized quickly that she was put off by the stress and anticipation of waiting for her turn. “I love the sport but I’m much better at organizing and managing people, activities and events, and letting other people, the athletes, take the limelight,” Boyd said.

Thus, officiating seemed like a natural fit.

Since she first became involved, Canada’s presence within the sport’s community has gown, and both athletes and competitors have the opportunity to participate in competitions ranging from local and regional meets to national and world championships.

After decades of experience officiating at the competition’s highest levels, in some ways Boyd has only just dipped her toe in to lifesaving sport. Looking beyond the World Championships, Boyd hopes to a referee at the Olympics.

Rebecca Boyd and Stephanie Andrews at the Lifesaving World Championships in Adelaide, Australia
Rebecca Boyd and Stephanie Andrews at the Lifesaving World Championships in Adelaide, Australia

Referees volunteer and their travel is completely self-funded. While many athletes are able to finance their involvement through GoFundMe and other initiatives, Boyd says officials are a tougher sell. Like many of her colleagues, Boyd uses her vacation time to participate, often bringing her family and calling it a holiday. “You have to be completely dedicated, or foolish,” Boyd joked.

Boyd’s son and daughter have both competed at various levels, and her son will be joining her as an official at the next World Championships. She describes how, in addition to the sport becoming a family affair, she has developed a sense of family with other people involved with the sport.

The connections Boyd has made through lifesaving sport have been valuable and meaningful both personally and professionally. Her son is making plans to travel and stay with families in 15 countries they have met through the competitions. Boyd is on a first name basis with the people involved with the World Conference on Drowning Prevention.

“My connections, locally to internationally, have really enhanced my ability to do my job,” Boyd said. “I’m at the cutting edge of learning. I’m able to inspire the students to compete and learn more.”

Beyond her job title, Boyd sees her role at York as one focused on student leadership development and using physical activity to achieve lifetime of Wellness. “My hope is that I inspire and help develop the leaders in those (IMS) programs to make activities so exciting that the participants want to keep it up for life.”

Do you have a “secret life” or know someone else at York who does? Drop us a line at yfile@yorku.ca with a brief summary of what makes you shine, or nominate someone you know at York. Use the subject line “My Secret Life.”

Two York Lions nominated for Bryce M. Taylor Award

Lions logo
York U Lions

Two York University Lions student-athletes have been nominated for the Bryce M. Taylor Award. The winner will be announced at the online varsity banquet on April 22.

As nominees, both are also recipients of a prestigious Lions Legacy Award, which are presented to the graduating student-athletes who have, throughout the undergraduate years, made outstanding contributions to varsity sport at York University. Leadership, dedication, enthusiasm and participation in all aspects of varsity sport will be considered qualifications for this award.

This year’s female Lions Legacy Award recipients and nominees for the Bryce M. Taylor Award are volleyball player Tara Leithead and hockey player Erin Locke.

Tara Leithead – Volleyball

A summary of Leithead’s accomplishments:

Tara Leithead
Tara Leithead
  • Key role player who has switched positions multiple times throughout her career
  • Three-time academic all-Canadian
  • Completing a double major in social work and education
  • Has completed two placements for her programs – TDSB and Children’s Aid Society
  • President of York Sport Council
  • Plans Lions 4 Lions events and leads community service initiatives – LeadHERS, Relay for Life, Dig for a Cure, Shoreham sport clinics
  • Known as the “mother hen” of the team
  • Works at the Tait front desk as a client services representative
  • Three-time recipient of the Mary Lyons Award
  • Assistant coach for the Scarborough Titans 13U team

Erin Locke – Hockey

Erin Locke
Erin Locke

A summary of Locke’s accomplishments:

  • OUA Marion Hillard Award recipient for academics, athletics and community service
  • Played on the U SPORTS all-star team that competed at the Hockey Canada Summer Development Series last August
  • Four-time academic all-Canadian
  • Team captain
  • PAWS mentor
  • Volunteers at St. Johns Rehabilitation Centre at Sunnybrook Hospital every week
  • Actively involved in the team’s ongoing relationship with HEROS hockey, providing outreach support for local kids to play hockey that wouldn’t have the opportunity to play

Free online fitness classes now available to York University community

Image: CDC
An image of the COVID-19 virus. Image: CDC

Are you looking for a way to stay healthy and active while maintaining physical distancing as you help plank the COVID-19 curve? Why not try a FREE virtual MUV fitness class? Starting Monday, March 30, Campus Recreation is bringing your favourite MUV class to you via Zoom. Check the schedule and use the Zoom code to join.

Note: When participating in online fitness classes it is important to consider your workout history and abilities. To reduce and avoid injury you may want to check (virtually) with your doctor before beginning any fitness program.

By engaging in the online fitness classes, you are performing them at your own risk. York University will not be responsible or liable for any injury or harm you sustain as a result of our classes. 

Weekend Wrap: York springs into McCaw Cup with 6-2 rout of Nipissing

Lions logo
York U Lions

The York University Lions women’s hockey team will be heading to the McCaw Cup final after a 6-2 win in front of a packed Lions crowd over the second seed Nipissing University Lakers.

The win gave York a 2-0 series victory in their second round series, which also secures a shot at the U SPORTS national championship in March.

“It’s a proud day for me,” said head coach Dan Church, who has been the Lions’ bench boss since 2004. “We have a group of leaders who are mature and skilled, everyone steps up and does their job. It’s a pleasure to coach them.”

The Lions will be playing the University of Toronto Varsity Blues in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA)’s McCaw Cup final on Friday night at 7 p.m. at Varsity Arena in downtown Toronto. York will also now head to Charlottetown, P.E.I. for the U SPORTS women’s hockey national championship. The tournament begins on March 12. More details on the York Lions website.

Badgers hand women’s volleyball Lions 3-0 OUA quarter-final loss

The York Lions women’s volleyball team saw their season come to an end Saturday night at Bob Davis Gymnasium in St. Catharines, Ont.

They dropped a 3-0 decision to the top-seeded Brock University Badgers in the OUA quarter-final, losing 25-16, 25-19 and 25-14. The loss represents a fourth consecutive first round OUA playoff loss for the Lions. More details.