Above: Robert Tiffin, vice-president students (third from left), and Naguib Gouda, executive director, Alumni & Advancement Services (second from right), with a group of York is U volunteers and directors at Fall Pinning Ceremony |
People dressed up, danced, sang and cheered for more than 45 dedicated students as they became official members of York is U and were recognized for their volunteer work for York’s student alumni team.
The Fall Pinning Ceremony, held Dec. 7, began with a pin presentation to each new member on stage in Contact at the Underground. Rob Tiffin, vice-president students, was joined by James Allan, director alumni, Alumni & Advancement Services, to officiate at the ceremony, in which each York is U member received a membership pin. This is the third year of York is U pinning ceremonies, and some members had been aboard long enough to receive year-3 membership pins. Others got year-1 and year-2. After the procession there was a semi-formal dinner.
Also in attendance at the event were Sheila Embleton, York vice-president academic, and Naguib Gouda, executive director, Alumni & Advancement Services. Duoaud Shah, York is U Chair and membership director, served as emcee for the evening.
“It was great to see so many of our members enjoying a great feast and dance just before their exams,” said Farhan Ali, community outreach director of York is U. “There could be no better way to reward their semester-long dedication to ensure that students have the time of their lives at York .”
Right: James Allan (left), Duoaud Shah and Rob Tiffin
Shah said the pinning ceremony has definitely become a tradition at the end of each semester, to honour those who have volunteered more than 16 hours for the organization. Everything at the event, from the centerpiece game to the gift exchange, is something that each year’s membership looks forward to.
York is U is a student alumni program formed in 2002 to establish in students a lifelong connection with York. The team organizes events at the University, such as Multicultural Week, York’s birthday celebration, movie nights and other special events and services
For more information about the team, visit the York is U Web site.