Nancy Peluso, distinguished professor of forest policy at Berkeley, delivers talk at York
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York University will welcome Nancy Peluso, the Henry J. Vaux Distinguished Professor of Forest Policy at the University of California, Berkeley on Friday, June 16 for a special guest lecture.
Nancy Peluso
Peluso will speak about her research on small-scale gold mining in West Kalimantan, Indonesia and how it has confronted and been entangled with other aspects of agrarian change.
Her talk, “Gold Mining and Agrarian Transformation,” begins at 5:30pm in Room 280N York Lanes. Refreshments will be served at 5pm, and all are welcome to attend.
Peluso studies the social processes that affect the management of land-based resources, using ethnographic, historical, and other broadly sociological research methods. Her work explores various dimensions of resource access, use, and control while comparing and contrasting local, national, and international influences on management structures and processes. She grounds her analysis of contemporary resource management policy and practice in local and regional histories. She is particularly interested in how social difference – ethnic identity, class, gender – affects resource access and control.
This event is presented by York Geography with support from the York Centre for Asian Research at York University and the Asian Institute at the University of Toronto.
It is part of Violent Political Ecologies: Resources, Labour, Transformations – the 2017 International Political Economy and Ecology (IPEE) Summer School at York University, which runs from June 12 to 23. More information is available at political-science.gradstudies.yorku.ca/ipee-summer-school.
Since 1991, the IPEE Summer School has offered a course each year on a salient issue within the IPEE field. Every year an internationally renowned scholar in the field is invited as the course instructor. The course offering is sponsored by the Faculty of Environmental Studies, the Department.
Committee on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion for Faculty Recruitment seeks volunteers
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Research York University
The Canada Research Chairs Program recently launched its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, in response to concerns about equity and diversity raised during the program’s 15th-year evaluation.
As part of the plan, all institutions with an allocation of five or more chairs (including York University) are required to develop an equity, diversity and inclusion action plan (institutional plan), which describes how the institution will sustain the participation, and/or address the under-representation, of individuals from the four designated groups (FDGs: women, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal Peoples and visible minorities) within their allocation of chairs.
In response, York University is establishing a Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for Faculty Recruitment, chaired by Professor Rebecca Pillai Riddell, to formulate an institutional plan which:
Describes how York University will sustain the participation, and/or address the under-representation of, individuals from the FDGs within its allocation of chairs.
Includes impactful equity, diversity and inclusion objectives that will enable swift progress towards addressing the disadvantages currently experienced by individuals from the FDGs in accessing and benefiting from the program, and towards meeting equity targets in the next 18 to 24 months.
The committee is expected to meet beginning in mid-July, targeting a December 2017 release of its institutional plan. Note that the membership, expertise, work products and recommendations of the committee may be further leveraged beyond December to apply more generally to faculty hiring policies and practices across the institution.
The Chair invites those considering volunteering to join the committee to submit an expression of interest by June 23.
For more information, contact Mark Roseman, director, Strategic & Institutional Research Initiatives, Office of Research Services, at roseman@yorku.ca.
Iqaluit could start running out of fresh water by 2024
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Iqaluit
Without action, the supply of fresh water in Iqaluit will begin to dwindle by 2024 due to climate change and increased demand, research led by York University has found.
Andrew Medeiros
“Extreme climates make the management of fresh water difficult, but add climate change to the mix, along with too few financial and human resources, and northern cities, such as Iqaluit could run out of fresh water,” said Andrew Medeiros of York University who led the research.
Even if population growth remains stagnant, current climate change projections show demand will outstrip supply for freshwater in the Arctic community, said Medeiros, a research fellow at York University’s Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies. However, as Iqaluit is a growing city, the pressure on water resources will only increase.
So far, various methods of increasing freshwater supply only helped to extend it for a couple of years. Medeiros and his team used novel hydrologic modelling and climate forecasting methods looking ahead 20 years. Their forecasting included the possibility of diverting water from the nearby Apex River, something the city plans to do to help solve the water shortage problem.
The researchers found the primary source of renewal for the Apex River is rainwater with little evaporation, which means it could be used as an alternative source of freshwater on a seasonal basis. However, long term it would not solve the issue as it would only extend the water supply by two years even if only 10 per cent is diverted as recommended by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
“The availability, quality and security of freshwater in the Canadian Arctic an increasingly pressing issue,” said Medeiros. The research highlights the need to address end-of-winter water shortages, due to climate change, with over winter replenishment. Otherwise, consumption restrictions would be necessary.
As it is now, many northern Canadian communities rely on a single, small shallow lake reservoir or seasonal replenishment systems for their freshwater, which may not always be sustainable, especially as the climate warms in the Arctic. Temperatures in the Arctic have increased close to twice the global rate and are expected to further increase. “Arctic lakes are especially vulnerable to climate change,” says Medeiros.
His team’s forecasting and modelling have provided municipal planners and engineers in Iqaluit with information on how climate will affect their area’s freshwater supply, and how long current sources of water are likely to last so that they can better plan for the future.
Funding organizations for the research include the Natural Sciences & Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Northern Scientific Training Program.
Non-profit led by York alumna provides MES student with rich internship experience
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York University’s Faculty of Environmental Studies (FES) is providing opportunities for current students and alumni to work together through enriched mentorship and real-life work experiences.
Master of Environmental Studies (MES) candidate Craig Stephens recently completed an internship with Plug’n Drive, a non-profit organization lead by York alumna Cara Clairman (MES LLB ’93) that is accelerating the adoption of electric cars in Canada.
Stephens’ internship was one of 18 opportunities FES’s Work Placement Program created for their undergraduate and graduate students this year. The program assists students in finding internship opportunities for course credit and work experience. This year’s success is largely attributed to the network of FES alumni that are keen to mentor current FES students.
Clairman, president and CEO of Plug ‘n Drive, says work experience for students is a key stepping stone to career success.
“Mentoring is really important to me,” she said. “I remember how difficult it was to get into the job market and, for sure, having some hands-on experience is a big deal. So if I can help some FES students with that, I’m happy to.”
The world of Electric Vehicles (EV) and the work at Plug’n Drive had a natural alignment to Stephens’ major graduate research project of creating a hybrid motorcycle. During his internship, he had the opportunity to see both sides of the company. He worked on the front lines of Plug’n Drive’s new Electric Vehicle Discovery Centre (EVDC) and behind the scenes as part of the team revamping the organization’s business model for Charge My Car, a web-based service to sell electric car chargers.
“There are so many benefits to bringing students in,” said Clairman. “Millennials have a different perspective and, in our business, there are definitely changes coming in car ownership. It is a good way to recruit new talent and we certainly hope everyone who works with us will be an ambassador for electric vehicles in the future.”
Located at Dufferin and Finch, the EVDC is the first facility of its kind in the world. The centre provides an experiential learning environment for electric vehicles, where visitors can learn the environmental and economic benefits of driving an electric vehicle, read up-to-date information on government incentives, and can even test drive the latest electric vehicle models from leading manufacturers, including the BMW i3, the Chevrolet BOLT, Ford C-Max Energi and the Nissan LEAF.
“It’s not like walking into a dealership,” Stephens said. “It’s amazing to come and learn in a non-sales environment. We give an unbiased opinion and we are experts in the whole spectrum of EV ownership.”
Interacting with the public in EVDC and at Plug’n Drive’s hugely popular International Canadian Auto Show booth helped Stephens gain an understanding of what the EV audience is concerned about and looking for.
“You can learn a lot from people,” Stephens said. “Even when you’re supposed to be the expert, there are always new perspectives. I have a better understanding of what the perceived barriers are to owning an electric vehicle and how to respond to that.”
Part of Plug’n Drive’s mission is to aid in the development of Canada’s electric vehicle industry and to enhance current electric charging accessibility for consumers. Through Charge My Car, Plug n’ Drive has created new access to the growing EV market, and for Stephens, his internship has brought his studies to life.
Within his MES program, Stephens is pursuing a diploma in business and the environment, which is offered jointly by FES and the Schulich School of Business. At Plug n’ Drive, he is directly supporting the Charge My Car’s business development by assisting the project manager with everything from business analysis, from sales trends to the costs involved from inventory to shipping.
“It’s amazing to have this hands-on experience as a part of my degree,” Stephens said. “I know I want to pursue a career in EV and I’m confident it will open doors for me down the road.”
Those interested in exploring the EVDC can check out its upcoming event and learn more about the future of electric vehicles with Clairman and Stephens.
York University welcomes $127 million in Ontario government funding for new Markham Centre campus
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An artist’s concept of the new Markham Centre campus
It was a day to celebrate York University’s promising future.
On Friday, June 9, York President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri joined representatives from the Government of Ontario, the Regional Municipality of York, the City of Markham and Seneca College for the official announcement of a $127 million commitment by the Ontario government that will enable York University to open a Markham Centre campus in 2021.
Michael Chan, minister of international trade and MPP, Markham-Unionville (at the podium) announces the Ontario Government’s funding commitment for the new Markham Centre campus. In the audience are Grade 8 students from Ashton Meadows Public School. Dignitaries seated beside Chan, are, from left, Lesley Beagrie, chair of the York University Senate, Helena Jaczek, minister of community and social services and MPP, Oak Ridges-Markham, Steven Del Duca, minister of transportation and MPP, Vaughan, and York President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri.
The $127 million funding commitment was announced by Michael Chan, minister of international trade and MPP, Markham-Unionville. “This is a thrilling and transformative day for our community here in Markham. Our government’s multi-million dollar investment in this beautiful new campus delivers on our commitment to expand postsecondary education options in high-growth locations and will offer thousands of students a broad range of programs from which to learn, experience, grow and prepare for the future, close to home,” said Chan. Joining Chan for the announcement were Helena Jaczek, minister of community and social services and MPP, Oak Ridges-Markham, and Steven Del Duca, minister of transportation and MPP, Vaughan.
An artist’s concept of the new Markham Centre campus
Within a few years of opening, the Markham Centre campus will meet the rapidly growing demand for access to leading-edge postsecondary education in York Region, with capacity for up to 4,000 students that is expected to grow to 10,000 in future phases.
“With this announcement of dedicated funding to our new Markham Centre campus, York University and our partners are one important step closer to opening its doors in 2021,” said Shoukri. “The $127 million in funding from the Government of Ontario will ensure we are able to meet the growing demand for access to leading-edge postsecondary education in York Region, partner with local businesses and industry to provide unique experiential learning opportunities for our students, and contribute to the expansion of the Region’s major economic clusters. We are delighted that Premier Kathleen Wynne and the Ontario government are dedicated to the success of our new York University campus in Markham Centre.”
Students from Ashton Meadows Public School react to the news that a new York University campus will be built in Markham
Also present at the announcement were 36 Grade 8 students from Ashton Meadows Public School in Markham who participated in a special “future graduate” convocation ceremony. The ceremony was presided over by Professor Lesley Beagrie, chair of the Senate of York University and was symbolic as some of the students present at the event will be among the first cohort to study at the new campus, which will open in 2021.
A student from Ashton Meadows Public School receives a congratulatory handshake from York University’s president
The Markham Centre campus will be built on a five-acre site contributed by the City of Markham. York Region will contribute $25 million and York University has embarked on a fundraising campaign for the Markham Centre campus.
“We have been working in collaboration with York University to get the new campus built in Markham. I applaud the Provincial government for their financial support making our dream a reality,” said City of Markham Mayor Frank Scapitti. “This new campus will help build a vibrant cultural and academic hub within Markham and York Region. Markham is already home to Canada’s tech and life sciences leaders and this addition of a world-class university will allow us to attract and retain some of brightest minds in the world, work with industry leaders on research and development, support and grow our local talent pool and provide opportunities for students to thrive in their local community.”
The new campus will offer more than 20 degree programs and York University will work with academic partner Seneca College to offer several joint programs. Markham Centre campus will also form partnerships with the community to design research programs to meet regional needs, offer experiential education to students and create opportunities for commercialization and jobs.
Following the announcement and special convocation, the Ashton Meadows students joined officials for a photograph
“A university campus has been identified as the top economic priority for York Region,” said Wayne Emmerson, chairman and CEO of the Regional Municipality of York. “The $25-million investment our council is making to support a York University campus in Markham is an investment in our people, the economy and our future. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to advance this important project.”
Located near the corner of Enterprise Boulevard and Rivis Road, near the Markham Pan Am Centre, the Markham Centre campus is already serviced by 15 transit routes and is anticipated to accommodate up to 10,000 students in future phases.
York University caps off “A Decade of Impact” with a surge in enrolment
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Today, York University releases A Decade of Impact, a new report highlighting achievements of the past ten years, all pointing to the recent success revealed in new Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC) enrolment data with York a leader among Ontario universities.
The report is available to download in both French and English as a PDF
York University’s President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri’s term winds down this month, after a decade of leadership. The report, which takes its name from this exemplary record of achievement, examines how the University’s unique values and priorities, including a commitment to diversity and social justice, accessibility and fairness – have shaped and transformed the University since 2007.
Mamdouh Shoukri
“As I look back with pride and reflection on the last ten years, I am keenly aware of how York has grown to embody many of the strong values that make Canada the country it is today,” said Shoukri. “While the report does not capture the full scope of our collective accomplishments, it serves to highlight some of the success that sets York on a positive trajectory for many years to come.”
The report showcases the vital role of York University’s faculty, researchers, students and staff with impressive developments, including the launch of innovative programs and sizable infrastructure investments. Highlights include the Master of Arts in Disaster & Emergency Management program (2008), Canada’s first undergraduate global health degree (2013), and new facilities like the Life Sciences Building (2012) and stunning LEED certified Bergeron Centre of Engineering Excellence (2016).
The use of these facilities by York University’s faculty and student researchers has given new meaning to innovation, offering big solutions to some of the biggest challenges of our time – and the world is taking note. York’s world-class expertise in vision research helped to secure the University’s largest research grant to date, and Canada’s most prestigious research award, a $33.3M Canada First Research Excellence Fund grant.
A Decade of Impact also highlights York University‘s role as a Canadian leader in campus sustainability, and environmental and social responsibility, thanks to a community of faculty, staff and students who take sustainability seriously.
“When I take stock of all of the progress the York community has made together, I am both delighted and encouraged to see our efforts rewarded with outstanding new enrolment numbers for the coming school year,” said Shoukri.
Recent Statistics Canada data shows that the fastest growing occupations in Canada require a university education. The fall 2017 OUAC data shows a one per cent increase in enrolment of high school students from across the province, resulting from a demographic slump. Despite near flat enrolment, York University experienced an impressive 10.6 per cent increase in domestic high school student acceptances and 10.8 per cent growth in international student acceptances.
The success of York’s strategic enrolment planning, recruitment and retention efforts, academic and research excellence, and outstanding faculty demonstrate the University is on the best path for continued success.
York U to confer honorary degrees on 12 remarkable Canadians at spring convocation
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York University will recognize the tremendous contributions of a dozen community and business leaders including Canada’s Governor General, a judge, journalists and scholars at this year’s spring convocation ceremonies. An inspiring Canadian athlete will also be recognized with an honorary degree.
“This year’s honorary degree recipients truly are a remarkable group of Canadians, who embody in every way the high public purpose of universities as well as the values that make Canada the country it is today,” said Mamdouh Shoukri, president and vice-chancellor of York University. “Through their professional contributions, their advocacy and volunteerism, they are involved in supporting and building their communities, engaging with the challenging questions of our time, and inspiring others to follow their important example.”
Here are the recipients in order of the Faculty ceremonies at which they will be honoured:
Karen Weiler
Karen Weiler − Eminent jurist Honorary Doctor of Laws
Faculty of Health I – Friday, June 16, 10:30am One of the most eminent judges in Canada, Karen Weiler (LL.B. ’67, LL.M. ’74) has dedicated her career to improving access to justice for litigants in need and to combating societal discrimination. She is a double graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School and was first appointed to the former District Court of Ontario in 1980 at the age of 35, making her the youngest person ever to have been appointed to the federal judiciary. From there she advanced to the Ontario High Court in 1989 followed by the Court of Appeal in 1992. Since 1995 she has also served as a Judge of the Court Martial Appeal Court. She has presided over most appeals heard in French at the Court of Appeal over the past 25 years and her work has led to the reform of several important laws relating to children and families as well as important equity initiatives.
William Fisch
William Fisch − York Region community advocate and public service leader Honorary Doctor of Laws
Faculty of Health II and Faculty of Environmental Studies – Friday, June 16, 3:30pm William (Bill) Fisch is a respected lawyer, former city councillor and regional government chairperson. As chairman and chief executive officer of the Regional Municipality of York from 1997 to 2014, he demonstrated steadfast commitment to enhancing the York Region community at a time when it had become Canada’s fastest-growing constituency. Fisch received his JD from Osgoode Hall Law School and practiced law in Thornhill before entering local politics. He has advocated for the University’s interests by spearheading initiatives such as the new subway extension, and by lending instrumental support for the University’s proposal for a new Markham campus and the opening of the eponymous Bill Fisch Forest Stewardship and Education Centre, a living laboratory where visitors learn about forest ecosystems and natural resources.
Matt Galloway
Matt Galloway − Radio personality Honorary Doctor of Laws
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design and Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies I – Monday, June 19, 3:30pm A staple voice at the CBC for more than 10 years, Matt Galloway (BA ’94) is host of CBC Radio One’s Metro Morning in Toronto and co-host of Podcast Playlist. One of Canada’s most respected radio personalities, he began his career as music director for CHRY-FM at York. He has also written for NOW Magazine and hosted CBC Toronto’s Here and Now. His accolades include: Top Radio Personality in Toronto NOW Magazine for four consecutive years; Toronto Hero of 2011 by Torontoist; Excellence in Community Service Award in 2012 for addressing issues confronting diverse communities by the Intercultural Dialogue Institute; 2013 Award for Diversity and Inclusion by the Tagore Anniversary Celebrations Committee of Toronto; Toronto’s 50 Most Influential People by Toronto Life magazine (2014-2016) and the African Canadian Achievement Award for Excellence in Media (2015).
Wanda MacNevin
Wanda MacNevin − Social worker, activist, author Honorary Doctor of Laws
Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies II – Tuesday, June 20, 10:30am For over 40 years Wanda MacNevin has been a leader, activist and author in the Jane-Finch community and has built crucial collaborations with York University. Her career in social work was nurtured by York’s Bridging Program for Women. A founding member of the Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre in 1976, she later developed the Women Moving Forward program for young women who had been teen mothers, established in 2005 with $1.234 million in foundation funding. As the first Community Health Worker for the Black Creek Community Health Centre, she developed programs and services for teen mothers and seniors. The author of two books, she is currently working on a book about the Jane-Finch community. Her interviews with people in the community can be found in the Toronto Public Library’s “Black Creek Living History Project.” She has received many honours including the Woman of the Year award from Jewish Women International, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Michael Dan
Michael Dan − Visionary social entrepreneur and philanthropist Honorary Doctor of Laws
Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies III – Tuesday, June 20, 3:30pm Dr. Michael Dan is a leading philanthropist, supporting human rights, peace in the Middle East, First Nations initiatives and local charities. His career spans the fields of neurosurgery, biotechnology and hydroelectric power. A former assistant professor of neurosurgery, he left medicine to become chief executive officer of Novopharm Biotech, a division of Novopharm Ltd, the generic drug company started by his father, Leslie. He is currently president of both Regulus Investments Inc. and Gemini Power Corp., a hydroelectric company that builds partnerships with First Nations communities. In 2002, he founded the Paloma Foundation to assist charities in the GTA. In 2015, Dr. Dan and his wife, Amira Bojadzija-Dan, made a donation to the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto to create the Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health. A great supporter of York University, he has received many accolades including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Order of Ontario, the Order of St. John, and the Order of Canada.
Hayley Wickenheiser
Hayley Wickenheiser, Celebrated elite athlete, author and motivational speaker Honorary Doctor of Laws
Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies IV – Wednesday, June 21, 10:30am Considered one of the best female hockey players in the world, Hayley Wickenheiser is a five-time Olympic medalist and seven-time World Championship medalist. At 15, she became the youngest member chosen for the Canadian Women’s National Team, which she later led to six gold and one silver medal at the Women’s World Hockey Championships. Her Olympic career spans five Winter Olympics between 1998 and 2014. Twice named one of The Globe and Mail’s “Power 50” influencers in sport, her many accolades also include being named #20 on Sports Illustrated’s Top 25 Toughest Athletes in the World in 2008. She was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2011 and inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2014. In addition to working with organizations such as JumpStart, KidSport, Project North and Right to Play, she provides mentoring opportunities for young athletes through The Canadian Tire Wickenheiser World Female Hockey Festival.
Steve Paikin
Steve Paikin, Journalist Honorary Doctor of Laws Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies V – Wednesday, June 21, 3:30pm Engaging, informing and educating Canadians has been Steve Paikin’s purpose throughout his career as a broadcast journalist, author and filmmaker. He is best known as the host of TVO’s flagship current affairs program, The Agenda with Steve Paikin, which explores social, political, cultural and economic matters, and broadens the discussion on issues important to Ontarians. He joined TVO in 1992 after working at The Hamilton Spectator, CHFI radio station, and as Queen’s Park correspondent for CBC Television’s Toronto station. He has moderated three federal and three provincial election leaders’ debates and has authored several books about politicians, including one about Ontario’s 18th premier, Bill Davis. Paikin, who places high importance on education, is currently Chancellor of Laurentian University. He was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2013 and appointed to the Order of Ontario the following year.
William MacDonald Evans
William MacDonald Evans − President, Canadian Space Agency, public servant Honorary Doctor of Laws
Lassonde School of Engineering and Faculty of Science – Thursday, June 22, 10:30am
William (Mac) MacDonald Evans is a distinguished senior federal public servant whose career spans over 30 years in the Canadian space program and includes extensive experience in research, project management, policy development, international relations and senior management in several federal departments. He was appointed Vice President of Operations for the newly formed Canadian Space Agency in 1989 and was president and CEO of PRECARN Associates Inc. from 1992 until his appointment as President of the CSA in 1994. During his tenure at the CSA, his leadership in the development of respected Canadian space policies led to the evolution of the CSA, the Astronaut Corps, RADARSAT, SCISAT and Canada’s presence on the International Space Station. Since retiring, Evans has been a consultant and remains an enthusiastic supporter of York’s Centre for Research in Earth and Space Science and space science programming. This year, he was appointed to the government’s Space Advisory Board.
David Johnston
David Johnston – Governor General of Canada, legal scholar and university administrator Honorary Doctor of Laws
Faculty of Education – Thursday, June 22, 3:30pm
The motto on His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston’s coat of arms reads Contemplare Meliora, meaning “to envision better things” − a sentiment clearly evidenced by his dedicated service as Canada’s current Governor General and as a professor and university administrator. After teaching law at Queen’s and the University of Toronto, he became dean of Western University’s law faculty in 1974. From 1979 to 1994 he served as principal and vice-chancellor of McGill University. In 1999 he became president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo, a position he held until 2010 when he was appointed as the country’s 28th governor general. In that role, he has focused on strengthening the pillars of philanthropy and volunteerism, learning and innovation and families and children and launched new initiatives, including the Governor General’s Innovation Awards and My Giving Moment, a national initiative to encourage Canadians to give back to their communities. He is a Companion of the Order of Canada.
Bharat Masrani
Bharat Masrani – Bank executive, York ambassador
Honorary Doctor of Laws
Schulich School of Business – Friday, June 23, 10:30am Bharat Masrani (BBA ’78, MBA ’79), who graduated from the Schulich School of Business 38 years ago, is President and CEO of TD Bank Group. Of South Asian descent, he became the first member of a visible minority to ascend to the corner office of a major Canadian bank. A champion of York University throughout the TD community, he returns to Schulich frequently as a guest speaker. His banking career with TD spans more than three decades of multi-faceted experience that includes retail, wholesale and wealth management. Masrani started his career with TD in 1987 as a Commercial Lending Trainee. Since then he has had various roles with TD in four countries, including India where in 1995 he set up the bank’s first offices in Mumbai. He was appointed President and CEO in November 2014. As part of Schulich’s 50th Anniversary celebrations last year, he was keynote speaker at CONNECT2016.
Cindy Blackstock
Cindy Blackstock – Academic, child advocate Honorary Doctor of Laws
Osgoode Hall Law School – Friday, June 23, 3:30pm A member of the Gitxsan First Nation, Cindy Blackstock is Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society and a Professor at McGill University School of Social Work. She has over 30 years of social work experience in child protection and Indigenous children’s rights with a focus on documenting and addressing the systemic inequalities experienced by First Nations children, youth and families today. She engages the public, and particularly children, to learn about Canada’s history in ways that prepare them to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Blackstock is most well known for her role in a landmark 2016 Canadian Human Rights Tribunal decision that found the Government of Canada’s flawed and inequitable provision of child welfare services and failure to ensure First Nations children could access all other government services on the same terms as other children, was discriminatory. In 2011, she was awarded the National Aboriginal Achievement Award (Public Policy) and was named an honorary witness to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Marion Boyd
Marion Boyd – Social justice advocate and political pioneer Honorary Doctor of Laws Glendon – Saturday, June 24, 2:30pm Marion Boyd (BA ‘68) is a passionate advocate for the rights of marginalized community members and a well-respected public service leader. A graduate of York’s Glendon College, she began her career at York University as an assistant to the president and was the longtime executive director of the London Battered Women’s Advocacy Clinic (now the London Abused Women’s Centre) and president of the London Status of Women Action Group. First elected in 1990 as MPP of London Centre for the NDP, she held several cabinet appointments, serving as minister of education, minister of community and social services and minister responsible for women’s issues. In 1993 she was the first woman and non-lawyer to be appointed as attorney general. Since her time in politics, she has led a taskforce on the effects of domestic violence on women and investigated the use of sharia law in Ontario family law arbitrations. She is currently a partner at the management consulting firm Boyd/Dunlop-Addley and Associates, Inc.
Convocation ceremonies will be held from Friday, June 16 to Saturday, June 24. A full schedule can be found at this link: York U spring 2017 convocation. All ceremonies will take place at the Convocation Pavilion, located at the Aviva Centre, 1 Shoreham Drive, on the west side of York University’s Keele campus with the exception of the Glendon ceremony, which will be held on the Glendon Campus, located at 2275 Bayview Avenue.
Young historians reflect on Canadian history during Canada150 event at York
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Some 70 students from across the province will show how Canadian history impacts them as part of a special sesquicentennial Ontario Provincial Heritage Fair, which takes place at York University’s Founders Assembly Hall on Saturday, June 10 from 10:30am to noon.
Young historians will share in a celebration of Ontario’s rich multi-cultural history and heritage over the course of three days, June 9 to 11, while in Toronto, visiting key community sites.
Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor The Hon. Elizabeth Dowdeswell
The event is organized by the Department of History at York University, the Archives of Ontario, and the Ontario Heritage Fairs Association as part of Canada 150 celebrations.
The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, lieutenant governor of Ontario, will address the students and view their winning projects. The participating students, from grades 4 to 10, were selected from across Ontario.
Thirty of the students are Ontario’s representatives in the national Young Citizens program, offered by Canada’s History. The young citizens created videos that show the historical significance of a place, person or event from Canada’s rich past. The national launch of the online component of the program will take place June 12, but visitors to the Provincial Heritage Fair can preview them at the fair on Saturday.
For Professor Marcel Martel in the History Department and one of the organizers, the fair gives an opportunity to meet young students from all over Ontario, and share with them their passion for history.
This year’s fair sponsors include Canada150@York, Dean’s Office, Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, the Ontario government’s Ontario150 Community Celebration program, the Ontario Power Generation, Canada’s History and its partners, Canadian Heritage and Great West Life, the Ontario Teachers’ Federation, and the Ontario History and Geography Consultants’ Association.
President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri closes out a decade of impact
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York President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri bid the York University community an early farewell last week during a reception hosted by Faculty of Health Professor Lesley Beagrie, chair of the University Senate. The event took place June 1 in the Scott Library Atrium.
York President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri (right) with his wife Susan Shoukri listen to remarks from York community members
Sporting his trademark grin, Shoukri was all smiles during the reception as representatives from the University’s faculty, staff and student communities delivered their thanks to him for his 10 years of service.
More than 500 members of the York University community gathered to bid York President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri. The event was held in the Scott Library Atrium.
Shoukri greeted many of the more than 500 people queuing to wish him well by name. He took the time to speak with as many community members as he could as they thanked him for his service to the institution. Shoukri, who became the seventh president and vice-chancellor of York University on July 1, 2007, officially retires on June 30.
During his decade at the helm of the University, Shoukri was known as being a champion of innovation. He guided York University’s transformation into a comprehensive and research-intensive university. Among his achievements as president are the establishment of the Lassonde School of Engineering and major capital development projects including a new Life Sciences Building, Glendon’s Centre of Excellence, the Osgoode Hall Law School expansion, the CIBC Pan Am/Parapan Am Athletics Stadium, the Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence (the new home for the Lassonde School), the Lillian Meighen Wright Centre in Costa Rica and the extension of the TTC subway to York’s Keele campus. He has also overseen the advancement of York’s internationalization and social innovation agendas as well as plans for future growth in the York Region.
Lesley Beagrie, chair of the Senate of York University
In her remarks to the community, Beagrie said, “I suggest that his tenures could be wrapped up in just one word, ‘building’. I think it is appropriate considering the amount of construction, reconstruction and building that he has focused on during the last 10 years as York’s president. I am not sure if any other president has seen so many cranes, road closures and construction workers on campus as he has, but it does signify our future and it speaks to our commitment to building together.
“In his tenure as York’s president, he has supported new buildings… all of which add to the revitalization of our campus and community,” said Beagrie. “Building is more than physical structures; it includes building community, building sustainability, building quality and building up our people. He has built or supported new faculties – Health, Liberal Arts & Professional Studies and Engineering, and the renaming of the Faculty of Fine Arts to the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design.”
On a personal note, Beagrie acknowledged and thanked Shoukri for his support for the development and implementation of a pan-University plan to support a mentally health community for faculty, staff and students.
“Thank you, President Shoukri for your unwavering commitment to York University, your tireless work on our behalf and for moving us to a place in 2017 that allows us to be strong, proud and hope for our future. It was your building that helped us get here,” said Beagrie.
Representing York University’s administration, Gary Brewer, who retired six weeks ago from his role as the Vice-President Finance & Administration, offered his thanks and best wishes to Shoukri.
“As I look back, I can think of many examples of Mamdouh’s willingness to set out a bold path and take some risks to further our academic mission. During the financial crisis of 2009, the Knowledge Infrastructure Program was announced and York boldly proposed and ultimately succeeded in not one major project proposal, but two. These are the Life Sciences Building and the renovation and expansion of the Osgoode Hall Law School facilities.”
York President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri thanks Gary Brewer, former vice-president finance & administration
Both projects, said Brewer, have been instrumental in the success of the Faculty of Science and law school. A few years later, when news came of a potential provincial opportunity for more money for capital proposals, the University, led by Shoukri, was successful in launching both an engineering faculty [the Lassonde School of Engineering] and a state-of-the-art building to house it – the Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence. “More recently, when we found ourselves faced with a call for proposals from government to establish up to three new campuses in the province, York responded with a strong, creative and bold proposal, which by all accounts stood head and shoulders above other submissions, to build on our strength in York Region and establish a new campus in Markham.
All of these initiatives, he said, required leadership, vision and planning and he praised Shoukri for leading a culture of planning at the University that systematically links all of the University’s initiatives. He noted that Shoukri was skilled at setting out the mission and was always able to step back and entrust people to successfully implement that mission.
“I had the opportunity to work with Mamdouh for both of his terms. He cares deeply about students. He strongly believes in the unique role that faculty has played at the University and he recognized the importance of staff in support of achieving our academic mission,” said Brewer.
“I think it is clear Mamdouh that you have left your mark on York,” said Brewer. “Thank you for everything.”
Bringing greetings to Shoukri from members of the Academy, Faculty of Health Professor Rebecca Pillai Riddell, York Research Chair in Pain & Mental Health, thanked Shoukri for his leadership and support of the University’s professors and academic mission.
She spoke about attending the many meetings with other professors that were organized by Shoukri. “He wanted to talk to us with the sole purpose of wanting to talk to us,” she said. “He cared about what faculty members thought about the governance and running of the University.
Rebecca Pillai Riddell
“He really wants to connect,” she said. “Thank you, Dr. Shoukri, for dedicating 10 years of your career to York University.”
Following the greeting from faculty, the event featured a surprise video greeting (arranged by the University’s Chief of Staff Ijade Maxwell Rodrigues) from Mamdouh Abdelmaksound (EMBA ’07), who was the first graduate Shoukri encountered during his first convocation ceremony as president of York University in 2007. Abdelmaksound, who filmed his greeting to Shoukri while standing near Niagara Falls, wished the president well in his retirement and joked about the fact that the two men shared the same first name and were from Egypt.
Ray Jayawardhana, dean of the Faculty of Science, delivered remarks to the gathering on behalf of his decanal colleagues. “As universities go, York is a youngster and the past decade has been truly transformational,” he said. “From becoming a more comprehensive university in the growth of science, engineering and health, to opening facilities in Hyderabad and Las Nubes. From the ongoing $500 million capital campaign to receiving the largest research grant in York’s history, and of course the dramatic physical transformation of the Keele campus and the exciting new Markham campus, which represents a wonderful vote of confidence from the Province of Ontario in York University.
Ray Jayawardhana
“He exudes an unwavering commitment to York University and to strengthening education and research and to fostering our connections with the community at large,” said Jayawardhana.
He described Shoukri’s effective style of advocacy, which resulted in the famous American mathematician James Simons accepting an invitation to attend and personally receive an honorary degree from York University during convocation. Then with his wife Marilyn, Simons donated $1.3 million to establish a premier postdoctoral fellowship program at the Faculty of Science.
“President Shoukri is always talking and engaging with people and he strengthens their connection to York University,” said Jayawardhana. “President Shoukri is a rare leader who combines being visionary with being grounded, being bold with being realistic… we at York University have benefitted tremendously. Thank you, President Shoukri.”
Khamica Bingham
To close the event, Olympian, elite track and field athlete and York University student Khamica Bingham brought best wishes on behalf of students. She praised Shoukri’s attention to athletes and his desire to take the time to attend athletic events. “He always took the time to get to know us, inspire us and understand our dreams and passion,” she said. “As a student, I felt appreciated. I felt the support personally from President Shoukri as I won a bronze medal at our home track at the PanAm Games in 2015 and also representing Canada at the Olympic Games.”
She joked about his proclivity for Twitter saying that during the games he constantly tweeted messages of support and encouragement to her. “I realized at that point that I was not only competing for myself but I was a part of something greater. If I won, York won and that was so humbling for me. The letters, tweets, and conversations from him personally motivated me,” she said.
“I know hands down that if President Shoukri had a second life, he would definitely come back as an athlete!” she said. “On behalf of our students and our student-athletes, thank you! You will be greatly missed.”
In closing, York’s president took to the podium and thanked his colleagues, the students, and friends of the community. “It has been a wonderful 10 years, both personally and professionally. I feel that you have been my colleagues and my friends. I look back with pride over the past decade and I am very proud of what we have accomplished,” he said.
York University President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri considers his legacy
“The aim has always been to push York University forward,” he said. “That has been my direction from the beginning. In fact, there has never been a more exciting time to be at York University and the opportunities that await us.
“A culture of planning, the development of new infrastructure and new programs have established a multi-campus university that is well equipped to prepare students for the 21st-century knowledge economy,” he said.
He listed memorable moments including the opening of new buildings established under his leadership, the new programs and campuses in India and Costa Rica, the enormous grant from the federal government for vision research and the opening of two subway stations later this year.
“One of the things that I have valued most about this job is that the clearest proof of what York University is all about is in our graduates,” he said. “Wherever I go, I meet York graduates who are changing the world. York truly has become Canada’s engaged university. It matters because what we are doing here is transforming research into innovation, teaching into learning and service into citizenship. It is producing graduates from all backgrounds who understand what is needed to create a more cohesive and inclusive world. I can’t say enough about how proud I am.”
Susan and Mamdouh Shoukri (centre) are surrounded by University community members
He paid tribute to the academy and staff for their work to bring York University into the forefront of the world. He also took the time to thank the staff in the Office of the President, students and his family. “It has been an honour and a privilege to be president of York University. My path has been shaped by encounters with people of great integrity and empathy. York has strong values rooted in a culture that reflects the future of Canada.
“Thanks to these values, York is on a trajectory to be a national and global leader, this is not a dream, this is real,” he said. “I truly believe that York’s best years are ahead of us. Thank you to all of you, to each one of you, for making my time here so enjoyable, so rich and for making York a truly special place. Thank you.”
#YUDiscover photo contest highlights beauty of York campuses
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Michelle Fucchansky’s winning photo is captioned “One of my favourite places to go on my lunch break”
A campus-wide photo contest held in May highlighted some of the stunning places on campus through the eyes of students, faculty and staff.
The #YUDiscover Photo Contest was designed to encourage the York community to discover and share spaces at the University’s campuses.
Entrants were asked to snap a photo on campus, share it on Twitter or Instagram, and include the #YUDiscover hashtag with their entry.
The winner, selected by York’s Communications & Public Affairs Division, was selected May 29 and won a pair of gold tickets to the Rogers Cup event, which will be held on campus at the Aviva Centre from Aug. 5 to 13.
York staff member Michelle Fucchansky was selected as the winner, and her photo was chosen based on originality, inspiring caption and visual impact.
Of her winning photo, Fucchansky said “It is my favourite lunch spot on campus and I never thought I’d win. It just looked so beautiful I had to take a photo of it.”
Clairman, president and CEO of Plug ‘n Drive, says work experience for students is a key stepping stone to career success.
Located at Dufferin and Finch, the EVDC is the first facility of its kind in the world. The centre provides an experiential learning environment for electric vehicles, where visitors can learn the environmental and economic benefits of driving an electric vehicle, read up-to-date information on government incentives, and can even test drive the latest electric vehicle models from leading manufacturers, including the BMW i3, the Chevrolet BOLT, Ford C-Max Energi and the Nissan LEAF.
