York prof makes list for $75,000 Cundill history prize

One of the Canadian nominees on the long list for the inaugural Cundill International Prize and Lecture in History, billed as "the world’s largest [US $75,000] non-fiction historical prize”, is York University humanities and religion Professor Emeritus Barrie Wilson, of the Faculty of Arts, for How Jesus Became Christian (Random House of Canada), wrote The Globe and Mail Oct. 22.

York student wins a $5,000 scholarship – and a set of tires

A second-year York University student is one of three to be awarded a $5,000 scholarship – and a set of tires – from Bridgestone/Firestone Canada, wrote the North York Mirror Oct. 21. Perry Walker submitted his video featuring a driver being distracted by a cellphone call and barely avoiding an auto accident. When he checks to see who was calling the cellphone reads: Common Sense Calling. Walker’s video received the most votes during the online voting period. Bridgestone/Firestone’s contest had drivers aged 16 to 21 create short, auto-safety-themed videos.

Stolen guns make up 30 per cent of black market 

About 30 per cent of guns reaching the black market have been stolen, wrote the Toronto Star Oct. 22 in a story about a new gun amnesty program that cited information from York University criminologist James Sheptycki of the Faculty of Arts. "And guns have a long life," he said. "They remain dangerous weapons for 50 years. At least."

Poverty rally participant hopes to study at York

Tenicia Ashley, a Jane-Finch resident and single mother of two children, said it was necessary for the community to come together to speak out against poverty and share solutions, wrote the North York Mirror Oct. 21 in a story about an anti-poverty rally in the Jane-Finch community held on the weekend. She is attending a program called Women Moving Forward that helps women of colour pursue their career aspirations. When she has completed the course, Ashley is hoping to go to York University to become a social worker.

On air

  • A study on babies and jealousy co-authored by Maria Legerstee, psychology professor in York’s Faculty of Health, was featured on several CanWest Global TV news programs across the country Oct. 21.