Project proposals wanted for Phase 3 of Academic Innovation Fund
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Do you have an innovative idea to inspire change in teaching, eLearning and student experience at York University? Submissions are now open for Phase 3 of York University’s highly successful Academic Innovation Fund (AIF), with project submissions due by 4pm on Friday, Feb. 23, 2018.
The Office of the Associate Vice-President Teaching and Learning, which oversees the AIF, has issued this new call and the total funding available is $1.5 million. Beginning in 2018-19, AIF will move forward with Phase 3 funding from 2018-21, addressing particular institutional priorities that are articulated in York’s University Academic Plan (2015-20), Strategic Mandate Agreement and the Institutional Integrated Resource Plan.
Funds are available in two categories: Category I funding will support academic innovation projects; and Category II funding will support Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) projects.
Category I funds are open to full-time faculty and staff members to develop projects that are curricular in nature and address eLearning, experiential education (EE), student success and retention and/or internationalization strategies in degree programs. These projects can qualify for up to $100,000 per year. The highest priority will be given to projects that are sustainable, scalable and affordable. High priority will be given to grant requests from schools, departments or Faculties that have documented experiential education or eLearning plans.
Category II initiatives provide grants of up to $5,000 per research project to support faculty members investigating an aspect of teaching and learning grounded in their own teaching. Successful applicants will be provided with in-kind integrated professional development and research support from the Teaching Commons (including individual consultation and a year-long program EduCATE – Education, Curriculum, And Teaching Excellence) and will be expected to present their work at York’s annual teaching and learning conference, TiF (Teaching in Focus).
(Note that previous Category II funding supported course redevelopment, which will now be supported on an ongoing and continuous basis by the Blended and Online Learning Development (BOLD) team.)
All proposals will be reviewed, approved and ranked by the Office of the Dean before submission to the Office of the Provost. The AIF Steering Committee, chaired by the associate vice-president teaching and learning, will review all proposals and provide its recommendations to the provost, who will make final decisions. To learn more, visit the AIF website to download the application guidelines.
Applications for AIF funding for this next cycle should be submitted electronically to the Office of the Associate Vice-President Teaching and Learning (avptl@yorku.ca) by 4pm on Friday, Feb. 23, 2018.
Make your donation to York before Dec. 31 for 2017 tax receipt
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Though the year is quickly coming to a close, there is still time to join the hundreds of faculty, staff and retirees who have already chosen to create an impact at York University with a donation in 2017. Through your support, the University can ensure the success of our students while fulfilling our $500-million goal for Impact: The Campaign for York University, which is actively building stronger communities, mobilizing new ways of thinking and preparing the engaged global citizens of tomorrow.
As we prepare for the upcoming break and look forward to seeing family, friends and loved ones over the holidays, take a moment to think about supporting York University and our students through a donation before the end of the year.
The Advancement Office is closed for the holidays from Dec. 25, 2017 to Jan. 2, 2018 inclusive; however, there two easy ways that you can make a donation during that time.
To ensure you receive a 2017 tax receipt for your donation, please take note of the following requirements:
Donations must be received on or before Dec. 31, with the cheque or credit card authorization dated Dec. 31 or earlier. This includes donations made online, by phone and in person.
Mailed donations can be received in January 2018, but must have a valid postmark of Dec. 31 or earlier.
Cheques must be made payable to York University.
Note to faculty and staff receiving donations in their departments:
Please forward any gifts received in your departments to Advancement Services (located at the West Office Building on York’s Keele Campus) by noon on Friday, Dec. 22, to ensure timely processing and receipting. If you are expecting a credit card donation over the closure period, please direct the donor to the online donation page.
In order to be receipted for 2017 all cheques must be accompanied with the original envelope.
Thank you to all of you who have already chosen to create impact at York University this year. Happy Holidays from the York University Division of Advancement.
Everything you need to know about Keele campus transit changes
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The opening of the York University subway station, serving an extension of the Toronto Transit Commission’s Line 1 subway route, will mean changes to some buses currently serving York’s Keele campus.
Two TTC subway stations opened at the Keele campus on Dec. 17 – the York University Station and the Pioneer Village Station. This subway extension will provide a connection between the City of Toronto and the Municipality of York (York Region).
As a result, some transit service changes will affect TTC buses, Brampton Transit (Zum) buses, Go Transit-Metrolinx buses and York Region Transit (YRT/Viva) buses.
Mind the gap: A journey to rapid transit at York University
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We have arrived.
York University officially, formally, and most definitely has a subway station, and thereby, a permanent fast-moving underground channel in to and out of the dense metropolis and outlying regions of Toronto.
The extension of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway to York University (and a few stops beyond) will be a transformative addition to York’s Keele campus. It will be a conduit of change, of accessibility, of growth, of sophistication – all key mechanisms in moving the University forward.
It’s certainly momentous, and it’s certainly something to celebrate.
It wasn’t always a smooth ride getting here, however. There were bumps along the way that steered the subway off track, and unexpected obstacles to navigate. There was a delay, actually several delays, adding up to more than three decades long. There was victory, and then defeat, and then victory again.
But, if you ask York University Chancellor Gregory Sorbara, he’ll tell you it was a ride worth waiting for – even if it did take 32 years. In Sorbara’s view, the subway has arrived, but the journey is really just beginning; and, what an exciting journey it will be.
Destination station: Travelling through time
Imagine this: it’s 1985, and the population of the City of Toronto is growing towards 2.2 million people. Gregory Sorbara, at this time, is the MPP for the constituency of York North, and holds the position of Minister of Colleges and Universities for the province. The riding he served then was just north of York University.
Gregory Sorbara
His dream, as he describes it, was to use the subway system to link the two universities he represented in parliament. At that time, the subway line ended at Wilson, and Sorbara felt strongly that expanding the subway to York University would be a valuable investment.
Sorbara’s seatmate in parliament was Ed Fulton, at that time Minister of Transportation and MPP for Scarborough East. Who better, thought Sorbara, to pitch his transit idea to.
“I’ll never forget suggesting to Ed Fulton that the next piece of the subway should be connecting the two universities,” recounted Sorbara. “He kept saying I was crazy – but he came back to me one day and said ‘You’re right’.”
By 1990, the subway extension into York University appeared to be moving along nicely; the Peterson government had approved a subway loop up to York’s Keele campus.
But before plans got underway, the Peterson government lost the election and Bob Rae was voted in as Ontario’s 21st premier. That, said Sorbara, who was then serving as MPP for the riding of York Centre, changed things drastically and was the beginning of a series of starts and stops for the project.
“Rae came in and invested in the Eglinton West subway plan, but that was shut down after Mike Harris was elected in 1995,” said Sorbara. “After that, the York subway plan really fell by the wayside for quite a long time.”
But just like a subway car’s hum builds as it drives toward its destination, Sorbara’s resolve to see the project through continued to gain momentum. There were, as he remembers, a variety of forces at York University who were also committed to the project and he kept close ties with these allies.
Though he stepped away from politics after his term ended in 1995, Sorbara was re-elected to parliament in 2001 as MPP for Vaughan-King-Aurora, and two years later, under the Dalton McGuinty government, he was named Minister of Finance.
“I realized then, that I was in a very good position to make this happen,” he said.
And he did. The McGuinty government made an $800-million plus commitment in the 2006 budget for a subway extension encompassing York University, and looked toward the municipal and federal governments to secure the remainder of the funding to set the project in motion.
“My job as the Ontario Finance Minister was to get David Miller (then Toronto mayor) and Jim Flaherty (then federal Minister of Finance) on side,” said Sorbara.
In early 2007, the three levels of government made a commitment to get ‘on board’ and the plan began to take shape. It was a major coup, and the subway would be coming to York University after all.
York University Chancellor Gregory Sorbara (second from left) during the official opening on Dec. 15 of the Line 1 subway extension
Next stop: York University
“When it comes to politics and policy, the greatest virtue is patience.”
This, said Sorbara, was his mantra during those uncertain years. He always believed the subway extension would happen, and that to get the critical mass necessary for the project to be blessed by all three levels of government, he just had to be patient.
Sorbara retired from politics in 2012, and in June 2014 he was appointed York University’s 13th Chancellor. In this new post, he brought with him a wealth of experience to support York University: his lengthy career as a politician; his own personal connection to the University (he is an alumnus of York’s Glendon College (BA ’78) and Osgoode Hall Law School (LLB ’81), and recipient of an honorary doctor of laws (LLD ’13)); and his steadfast advocacy for York (including the subway extension) and the York University community.
York University Chancellor Gregory Sorbara
He was reappointed in 2017 for a second three-year term, and will see his 32-year dream of building a subway at York University come to pass. He’ll even go down in history as one of the first passengers on the new route, having taken a ride on Dec. 15 with the Prime Minister and other government officials.
And though it was his dream, it’s not just his victory – it’s a triumph for everyone.
“This is transformative,” he said of the TTC Line 1 extension that has six new stops beyond Shepphard West. “This puts York University right in the centre of the GTA, and opens up the University to hundreds of thousands of people who otherwise might not consider it a destination.”
Students, staff and faculty will have easier, faster transit to campus – but the extended line offers access to people who want to visit York University for non-academic reasons. There’s theatre and art here, there are premiere events, there is the annual Rogers Cup – all of which will now bring thousands of people to and from campus via subway.
“It invites an entirely new population to participate in the York story,” said Sorbara. “It makes an already attractive University significantly more attractive.
“That opinion of ‘York – yes, but it’s hard to get to’, well, that’s changed forever,” he said.
Asked to comment on his feelings leading up to his first subway ride into York University, he said he feels relief and joy.
“I’ve been waiting for this ride for a very long time,” he said.
Written by YFile Deputy Editor Ashley Goodfellow Craig
Teaching Commons marks five years with a look forward to the future
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The Teaching in Focus conference offered by the Teaching Commons always enjoys a full attendance.
Quietly and with purpose, the Teaching Commons at York University has cultivated a reputation for excellence in educational development and recently marked its fifth anniversary.
Since it was formally established in the fall of 2012, the Teaching Commons has supported teaching and learning at York University. Through an emphasis on educational development, the commons’ activities have focused on assisting thousands of full- and part-time faculty, lecturers and teaching assistants by enhancing their teaching practice through workshops, courses and individual advising.
Celia Popovic
“We have never actually done any kind of official ‘Razzmatazz’ opening or celebration of the Teaching Commons fifth anniversary,” says the Teaching Commons Director Celia Popovic. “Instead, we have worked to create the structure required to offer the kind of specialized services, space and supports for the development of teaching at York University.”
Over the course of the Teaching Commons’ history, it has added six accredited Educational Developers (in addition to Popovic), two postdoctoral visitors and an administrative assistant to its ranks, held hundreds of workshops and course, and convened an annual Teaching in Focus Conference as well as having a permanent office complete with a drop-in space and online blog.
The Teaching in Focus conference offered by the Teaching Commons always enjoys a full attendance
Popovic, who is a British expat, modelled York University’s Teaching Commons on teaching development units at universities in the United Kingdom, she is also a professor in the Faculty of Education. The Teaching Commons’ Educational Developers are academics and members of the international Society for Teaching & Learning in Higher Education and its affiliated Educational Developers Caucus. “Five of our six Educational Developers have doctorates, the sixth developer is midway through her doctoral studies,” says Popovic. “We publish in academic journals, conduct research into the development of teaching and attend and present at conferences.”
The Teaching Commons team during last year’s annual retreat
Popovic and the Teaching Commons staff are marking the five-year anniversary, which they have dubbed TC@5, with a reflection on where they will take the Teaching Commons in the future. “I am a member of the executive of the Educational Caucus and as such, York University has an increasing role in educational development in Canada,” says Popovic, noting that the field of educational development is still quite new. “We hosted a successful Educational Developer Institute and numerous research projects and Yelin Su is working on an E-textbook which we’ve trialed at York University. I have just completed my third book on the subject of conferences.”
The courses offered by the Teaching Commons are all accredited, meaning each course meets the strict criteria and standards laid out by the Educational Developer Caucus. “We are seeing huge gains and are making real headway in Canada in the scholarship of teaching and learning in higher education,” notes Popovic. “Our work is research based and experiential and while we are viewed as somewhat ‘in between’ administration and the academy, we are really striving for balance and remain focused on what students experience in their learning.”
Participants at the annual conference for teaching assistants, which is known as STAY
Looking forward, Popovic says that she hopes to expand the courses and workshops offered by the Teaching Commons. Currently, the Teaching Commons has workshops in experiential education, eLearning, student experience, marking, dealing with large course enrolments, and more. The full calendar, which is frequently updated, is available at http://teachingcommons.yorku.ca/calendar/.
“Going forward, we need to do better at letting the community know what we offer,” says Popovic, noting that many faculty and teaching assistants are still unaware that the courses, even those that are accredited, are offered completely free of charge.
To achieve greater awareness, Popovic and the Teaching Commons staff are planning to host a series of pop-up presentations to faculty councils to highlight services, courses and the accreditation. “Our concept for the pop-up presentations is that in 15 minutes we can tell you all about how to use Twitter in teaching, or how to stimulate active learning in large lectures.” The pop-up presentations will be brief and focused with a goal of attracting faculty and teaching assistants to enroll in a course or workshop offered by the Teaching Commons.
As part of the future forward approach, the staff in the Teaching Commons is hoping to continue to build the Teaching Commons Blog into a comprehensive resource for faculty. The blog is unique, says Popovic, in that it is written by faculty who have taken a Teaching Commons workshop, course or worked with an educational developer. There’s a dedicated lounge space with comfortable chairs and terrific coffee for faculty seeking a quiet place away from the busy campus. There’s always someone available to answer a question and the journal club explores the pleasures and pitfalls of teaching in higher education.
In a blue sky look forward, Popovic aspires to see a Canadian university offer an educational developer degree that could meet the demand of what is quickly becoming an emerging professional career path.
To learn more about the courses, workshops and educational developer services offered by the Teaching Commons, or to book a pop-up presentation, contact Celia Popovic at cpopovic@yorku.ca.
Bryden Alumni Awards gala celebrates the impact of York University grads
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“This evening we are here to honour and celebrate four outstanding individuals who illustrate the remarkable impact and contributions that York alumni are making – not only in their own communities, but worldwide.”
These were part of the opening remarks by York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton at this year’s 17th Annual Bryden Alumni Awards.
Guests gather for a group photo at the 2017 Bryden Alumni Awards
Held on Nov. 23, in downtown Toronto at the Royal Ontario Museum, close to 300 guests filled the ROM’s elegantly decorated Currelly Gallery & Canada Court to celebrate the achievements of four noteworthy York University alumni.
York alumnus David Common
Filled with red-and-white pride, the evening was hosted by alumnus CBC Host and Correspondent David Common (BA ’99) and featured performances by accomplished violinist Sarah Davidson-Gurney (MA ’12) and dancers Andrea Valdez Levin (BFA ’13) and Rachelle Haynes (BFA ’11, MA ’14).
“At York University,” Lenton said, “we graduate globally educated citizens who are successful both as individuals and as public-spirited agents of social change, as illustrated so well by tonight’s award recipients.”
As each of the 2017 Bryden recipients took to the stage to accept their awards, it was apparent that, with a York University education at their foundation, they were indeed challenging the status quo; impacting and transforming not only their communities but the world at large in varied and progressive ways.
Bryden recipient Rudy Buttignol
“When I graduated, documentary filmmaking was considered a marginal activity – dismissed as a mere stepping stone to a ‘real’ job in fiction filmmaking,” said Rudy Buttignol, CM (BFA ’82), president and CEO of the Knowledge Network and recipient of the Tentanda Via award. “But the explosion of new cable and satellite television channels changed everything … in Canada at the time, there wasn’t much of an independent documentary industry to support this demand. So a group of like-minded filmmakers banded together and [we] created one.”
An innovative champion of Canadian documentary filmmaking, Buttignol, also an award-winning producer and founder of the Hot Docs Financing Forum, was recognized for his unconventional and daring leadership success and transformation of the public broadcaster Knowledge Network.
“Working at what I love every day for over four decades has been its own reward,” said Buttignol. “Being recognized by my alma mater is unexpected and very much appreciated.”
Bryden recipient Abdullah Merei
The second award of the night, “One to Watch,” was presented to Abdullah Merei (BASc ’09, MBA ’15), senior director of Compression Systems, Evertz Microsystems Ltd. A passionate lover of technology, leading the design, development and marketing of industry-changing products and solutions for major broadcasting and media networks, Merei was quick to thank his family and friends for their support.
“I cannot claim that this is just my award,” Merei said as he accepted his award. “The sacrifices and trust that my parents had in me growing up and ensuring I receive the best education possible plays a big role in who I am.”
Even while keeping busy making significant accomplishments in the media and entertainment field, Merei has never forgotten his York University roots. Eager to give back and help others succeed, in 2011 Merei created the Merei Family Scholarships (making him the youngest of Lassonde’s major donors) and regularly seizes the opportunity to act as a mentor and role model to undergraduate students.
“I was lucky enough to be able to pursue my engineering degree without worrying about tuition or other expenses. My only worry at the time was getting good grades,” Merei shared. “When I graduated and started working, I wanted to give back by helping ease the stress that tuition and other expenses bring … it is because of that, I created six yearly scholarships for students in need of financial assistance, for the top performers and for women in engineering. Engineering remains a male dominated filed and my hope is that the scholarships will help make a difference.”
Bryden recipient Colleen Johnston
An inspiring leader with a distinguished career in the finance industry spanning over 30 years, Colleen Johnston (BBA ’82) was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement award. Johnston has received numerous top industry awards including being recognized by Women’s Executive Network as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women three years in a row, and one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking in 2011, for the third year in a row, by American Banker. When accepting her award, Johnston acknowledged the hard work, perseverance and discipline she learned at York before speaking about the importance of leadership.
“If I could help build the best teams with the very best people and make it about them and not me – the sky was the limit,” she said. “And that’s why I’m here today accepting this award – because of the incredible people who have helped me along this journey.” In closing, Johnston shared, “The years at York University were some of the most significant years of my life. The school has continued to grow and thrive and take its place on the world stage… I am proud to be a continuing member of the family.”
From left: YUAB Chair Francesca Accinelli; Vice-President Affinity Market Group, TD Insurance, Anna Kavanagh; Bryden recipient J. Mark Lievonen; and, York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton
The evenings final Bryden Award recipient J. Mark Lievonen, CM (BBA ’79, MBA ’87, Hon LLD ’15), former president of Sanofi Pasteur Limited and a renowned business leader with more than 30 years of industry experience, spoke passionately about his time at York University as he accepted the Outstanding Contribution award.
“My time at York University played a pivotal role in my personal and professional development, and in fact in my life,” Lievonen said. “Among other things I learned about were the importance of education, critical thinking, leadership, mentorship, and community involvement…but most importantly, I met the wonderful woman, Lori Walters, who would become my wife on the first day of orientation at McLaughlin College in September 1975.”
Beyond his work in the biopharmaceutical industry, Lievonen has a remarkable dedication to volunteerism and has made numerous life-changing contributions to York, both through his time and expertise via numerous boards, professional partnerships and financial donations – the Outstanding Contribution Award reflects his spirit and commitment.
Before leaving the stage, Lievonen thanked York University for “an unsurpassed education, and for instilling in me, a broad and diverse outlook on life that I continue to reflect on every day.”
As the night came to a close, Francesca Accinelli, the new chair of the York University Alumni Board, reminded everyone to begin thinking of deserving alumni for the next awards ceremony. “Looking ahead to the 2018 Bryden Awards, soon we will be considering the next great alumni to recognize and we need your help – who knows? You just might see your nominee receiving a Bryden Award next year.”
If you know of a York graduate who is making an outstanding impact and deserves to be recognized with a Bryden Alumni Award, email bryden@yorku.ca. To see more images from the evening, visit the Bryden Photo Gallery Facebook page.
A special thank you to Premier Sponsor TD Insurance. Affinity program partner providing home and car insurance for York University alumni, students, employees, and retirees.
The Scoop: Dawn Bazely reflects on COP 23 in Germany
Follow York University’s newly re-aligned social media channels in the new year
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York University’s main institutional Twitter and Facebook accounts will re-align in the new year. The changeover will take place on Jan. 3, 2018.
Communications & Public Affairs (C&PA) will use “YorkUniversity” on its channels to streamline institutional information and news shared with the York U community and the general public, and the Division of Students will use “YorkUStudents” for the sharing of student-related information such as academic dates, OSAP details, and information about student campus services and resources, for example.
As of Jan. 3, students, community members and the general public can follow York University on Facebook at:
• “YorkUniversity” (managed by C&PA, and previously called “York University – Home”)
This channel will share information on a broad range of pan-University topics, and will highlight events, news and stories happening at York University’s campuses, and York University-related news around the world.
• “YorkUStudents” (managed by the Division of Students, and previously called “York University”)
This channel is dedicated to current and future York University students and will provide information relevant to students. Current students will stay up to date on registrarial and financial services, academic and professional resources, as well as student life and campus events. Future students will learn more about program options, admission requirements, application processes and deadlines, as well as campus culture. This channel will also provide helpful information for parents and families of current and future students.
As of Jan. 3, students, community members and the general public can follow York University on Twitter at:
• “@YorkUniversity” (managed by C&PA, previously managed by the Division of Students)
This account will be the University’s main channel for sharing important information about exciting news and events happening at York’s campuses, and around the world.
• “@YorkUStudents” (managed by the Division of Students, and previously called “@YorkUniversity”)
This account will be the main channel sharing timely and relevant student-focused information and news. It will provide information and updates on academic support, professional development resources, student life and more.
• “@YorkUNews” (managed by C&PA, no changes made to this account)
This account will be the University’s channel for sharing newsworthy stories, media releases, media mentions and media advisories about York University, locally and globally.
For up-to-date information about York University’s social media channels, visit the social media website.
Bee researchers at York University host their sixth “BeeCon”
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Researchers from York’s Faculties of Science and Environmental Studies hosted their sixth “BeeCon,” otherwise known as Southern Ontario’s Bee Researchers Symposium. The event took place Nov. 24.
The BeeCon participants
BeeCon is a free one-day conference for local and international bee biologists to present and discuss their work on a wide range of bee-related topics, including bee behaviour and genetics. It was initially launched by Faculty of Science Professor Laurence Packer as an opportunity for students to showcase their research, receive feedback, and interact with bee experts from nearby universities.
“Here in south Ontario we have many bee researchers from different universities,” said PhD student Nadia Tsvetkov (supervised by Professor Amro Zayed in the Faculty of Science) who helped organize the event. “With BeeCon, we can all come together in a friendly environment to talk about our work.”
Fifty-five people attended this year’s symposium, including researchers from the University of Western Ontario, University of Guelph, University of Toronto, Brock University, and York University. In addition, representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs attended. The keynote speaker for the event was Professor Andrew Barron, an accomplished bee researcher from Macquarie University (Sydney, Australia) who presented “What makes a good forager honey bee?”
This year’s meeting was sponsored by the Office of the Vice President of Research and Innovation, the Faculties of Science and Environmental studies, and the York University Book Store.
York hosts special 100-year commemoration of the tango
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A celebration of tango and its place in Hispanic culture was marked by York University’s Department of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics (Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies) on Nov. 28 with the screening of two short films.
Hosted by the Spanish Program, the event was a special commemoration marking the 100th anniversary of the compotion of the “La Cumparsita”, the “tango of all tangos”, which was celebrated around the world with tango festivals, film screenings, concerts and more.
The event “Tango in the River Plate” was held in the Kaneff Tower from 5:30 to 8pm, screened films about two genius composers who represent the historical extremes of tango – its inception in the early 20th century as a dance that took Paris by storm, and its most modern innovations fused with jazz and blues in the latter part of the century.
Maria Figueredo with Spanish Program students Jacob Faryna, Justin Alchteh and Natasha Sarazin
It was co-organized in collaboration with the Consulate General of Uruguay in Toronto and the Consulate General of Argentina in Toronto, and also commemorated the legacy of Astor Piazzolla, the world’s most innovative tango composer and a virtuoso on the bandoneón.
La Cumparsita, directed by Rosario Infantozzi (2002), the grandniece of the composer, is a short fictional representation of the genesis of the most famous tango of all time. Amidst the delirium caused by his illness, Gerardo Matos Rodríguez finds solace in hearing a tune in his imagination with which he composes “La Cumparsita,” a tango melody that has become the second-most interpreted song of all time (second to “Yesterday” by The Beatles). The great nephew of Infantozzi, Gabriel Algorta who lives in Toronto, was a special representative of Gerardo Matos Rodriguez at the event.
Sintiendo a Piazzolla (Feeling Piazzolla), directed by Pablo Rho (2016), was screened in the latter part of the event. This documentary analyzes melancholy in the music of one of Argentina’s most internationally acclaimed composers. While exploring Astor Piazzolla’s personality, it relates certain episodes of his life with some of his artistic creations. The film, which presents little known material, is a unique opportunity to understand Piazzolla’s music and its capacity to thrill the whole world.
Tango is a dance with origins blending African and European cultures. Dances from the candombe ceremonies of former slave peoples helped shape the modern day tango. The dance originated in lower-class districts of Buenos Aires and Montevideo. Tango is 150 years old, and the most famous tango of all time, “La Cumparsita,” celebrated its 100th year in 2017. Since the late 19th century and early 20th century, the tango was influenced by the flows of immigration often besot by melancholy, passion and the search for belonging.
In the case of the expressions showcased at the event “Tango in the River Plate,” it unites two countries that share a common stretch of river and estuary formed by the confluence of the Uruguay and the Paraná rivers, known as the Río de la Plata or River Plate.
In Uruguay, a young man named Gerardo Matos Rodríguez (1897-1948) composed music that would become the world’s most recognizable tango and one of the songs most performed worldwide. In Argentina, Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) ushered in a revolution in tango through its fusion with jazz, blues and the new expressions of being porteño.
Several special invited guests attended the event to enliven the conversation and interact with the music and dance of tango. More than 70 community members, students, faculty and staff were present.
The program included a welcome by Spanish Program Coordinator-DLLL, María Figueredo, who organized the event in collaboration with Consul General of Argentina in Toronto, María A. Lonardi de Duardo and Consul General of Uruguay in Toronto, Silvana Montes de Oca.
Associate VP York International, Marilyn Lambert-Drache, Associate Dean, Global and Community Engagement, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, Narda Razack, as well as Chair, Deptartment of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics, Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, all shared how tangos in some way has touched the lives of their families.
The event also included a riveting dance performance by internationally acclaimed Tango de Oro, Roxana y Fabián Belmonte, who direct a tango institute in Toronto and who have performed in such prestigious venues as Roy Thompson Hall in Toronto, Luna Park in Buenos Aires, Royal Theatre Carré in Amsterdam and Shiba Mel-Park Hall in Tokyo.
The event closes with a reception and globalized tango music by York University alumna and singer Ella Farida and classical and Spanish guitarist Peter Mathers.
The Department of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics’ Spanish Program students Justin Alcheteh, Jacob Faryna, Samantha Felix, Mahdis Hibininia, Sophia Lulla, Jacqueline O’Neill, Luisa Paez, Maria Romios, Natasha Sarazin and Catherine Sawyer, assisted with preparations.
The event was co-sponsored by the Consulates of Uruguay and Argentina in Toronto, in collaboration with the Spanish Program of the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, and received the generous support of the Department of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics and the Centre for Research in Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CERLAC).
It wasn’t always a smooth ride getting here, however. There were bumps along the way that steered the subway off track, and unexpected obstacles to navigate. There was a delay, actually several delays, adding up to more than three decades long. There was victory, and then defeat, and then victory again.
As of Jan. 3, students, community members and the general public can follow York University on Facebook at:
