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SAS students shine at prestigious Canadian case competition

Celebration,party backgrounds concepts ideas with colorful confetti,streamers on white.Flat lay design

Two School of Administrative Studies (SAS) students, and one alumna, took top prizes at the 16th annual Canadian Marketing League (CML) – the largest marketing case competition in the country – which gives passionate marketing students the opportunity to demonstrate and gain real-world business experience.

Formerly known as Canada’s Next Top Ad Exec, CML recently hosted 270 student contenders hailing from 26 universities nationwide. Participants engaged in complex marketing challenges ­– provided by leading companies such as Microsoft, McDonald’s, Kraft Heinz and Environics Analytics – to win top spots in the competition.

For several years, CML has provided York marketing students an opportunity to excel, succeeding in the competition itself, gain experiential learning, and demonstrating their abilities. “This platform has offered fantastic opportunities,” says Professor Pallavi Sodhi, who dedicated countless hours this year mentoring students in preparation for CML. “For students, it has provided transformative experiences to showcase their marketing skills, determination and passion. Companies have benefited from groundbreaking ideas to address their most challenging business issues and access ready-to-go marketing talent.”

This year, Amanda Volpato, a fourth-year York SAS student majoring in marketing, won the first place, securing the esteemed CML grand prize of $20,000. It marked not just a professional accomplishment but a personal one, too. Seven years ago, Volpato arrived in Canada knowing little English and struggling with mental health challenges. Nonetheless, she persevered to become an up-and-coming – and now award-winning – marketer. “Participating in CML has truly shown me that sticking to a strong work ethic is always worth it. For any international student who is struggling with mental health and may be reading this, don’t give up, there is light at the end of the tunnel,” she says.

In addition to Volpato, other members of SAS also won awards.

The Top CML Alumni award was presented to Jacky Li, a former student and Top 10 CML winner in 2014, who is now a strategy director at renowned creative marketing and communications agency Cossette, and continues to serve as a mentor to numerous students, emphasizing the value of experiential learning.

Nicole Rodrigues, a fourth-year bachelor of commerce student, was also recognized, earning her the second prize of $750 for her role as a campus engagement leader. As one of the 47 campus managers, Rodrigues actively promotes CML at York through information booths and class talks.

These York community members add to an ever-growing catalogue of students and alumni who have earned top prizes at CML – a tradition bound to continue.

York hosts website preserving Canadian broadcasting history

Vintage, Retro, Ancient old tv wooden cabinet stands on the floor with yellow concrete wall background.

Following an agreement signed with the Canadian Communications Foundation (CCF), York University now hosts a one-of-a-kind website that documents information on a diverse variety of small, local radio stations and television stations in Canada from 1922 to the present.

Anne-F.-MacLennan
Anne MacLennan

Over the past four years, former CCF member and communication and media studies Professor Anne MacLennan has been diligently working with the CCF to transfer archival materials from the organization’s History of Canadian Broadcasting website to its new home at York.

The archives are an invaluable cultural resource due to broadcasting stations not typically documenting their own histories thoroughly, and other existing research in the field being dominated by literature on broadcasting regulation and the building of the CBC.

The website – the only archive of its kind in Canada – has built up a careful history of all the broadcast media in Canada, chronicling and documenting the development of radio and television broadcasting in Canada since 1922. It also features biographies of prominent media personalities who have made significant and innovative contributions to the growth and development of Canadian broadcasting, but whose vision, ingenuity, dedication and venturesome undertakings had not been otherwise recognized.

The website has achieved a great deal over the years in developing a definitive history of broadcasting in Canada, and York made the decision to take it over when the CCF began winding down operations in 2020. In the process, the archive will help the school fulfill its commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that look to encourage the protection and safeguarding of the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

With the transfer of ownership from CCF to York now complete, the website will serve as more of an archive than an active site. It aims to provide a valuable resource to students in communications, media, and history programs at York University and other universities, as well as high-school students and any member of the public who is curious about the rich historical development of Canadian broadcasting.

York student becomes 3D printing CEO

Modern 3D printer printing figure close-up macro

Nick Di Scipio, a master of applied science candidate in mechanical engineering at York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering, is the CEO and founder of Pantheon Prototyping, an additive manufacturing (3D printing) company that has grown to provide services to major corporations.

Launched in 2021, Pantheon Prototyping is supported by a team of engineering, design and manufacturing experts who look to create functional products for various companies, layer by layer, leveraging the many benefits of additive manufacturing such as low production cost and enhanced product function.

Nick Di Scipio
Nick Di Scipio

Di Scipio’s interest in 3D printing began in his first year as an undergraduate student at Lassonde. “After getting my own 3D printer, I started printing different tools and parts for my classmates, charging a small fee. From a single printer in my basement, I created my own company.” 

He credits his ability to do so, in part, to the diverse courses and experiential learning opportunities he had at York and Lassonde, which exposed him to interesting technologies that inspired his curiosity and helped advance his technical skills.

“Lassonde is where I honed my skills as a mechanical engineer, learning the art of problem solving, engineering design, professional communication and more,” he says. “Lassonde was also where I first worked with 3D printers, and that exposure helped drive the creation of Pantheon. I learned that I could take 3D printing to the next level for students, business founders and other clientele.”

The Bergeron Entrepreneurs in Science and Technology (BEST) program was also pivotal to the growth and development of Pantheon Prototyping. Di Scipio’s experience in the program helped him gain essential business skills like accounting, creating a business model and developing a compelling business pitch.

Through the program, he received support, funding, networking opportunities and valuable mentorship from Professor Andrew Maxwell, BEST program director and Bergeron Chair in Technology Entrepreneurship.

“Nick has demonstrated the entrepreneurial characteristics that enable engineers to be changemakers,” says Maxwell. “Pantheon is a great example of deploying a new technology to maximize benefits for Lassonde and York.”

In recent successes, Di Scipio had the opportunity to work with automotive industry leader Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association (APMA). While attending the Collision Conference in 2023, Di Scipio met the president of APMA, and months later, Pantheon Prototyping was hired to create 3D-printed corporate gifts and merchandise as part of the company’s new initiative Project Arrow, which aims to create Canada’s first zero-emission concept vehicle.

Harnessing the power of 3D printing, Di Scipio developed a unique, interactive business card (kit card) and customized, scaled-down model of the Project Arrow car, among other tailor-made products.

Working with prominent companies like APMA has enhanced Di Scipio’s entrepreneurial experience and allowed him to become an important part of monumental projects.

With the support of Lassonde behind him, Di Scipio will continue to advance the capabilities of Pantheon Prototyping and elevate the company to new heights. What started as a simple idea has grown into a well-respected organization with big plans for the future, like launching sub-brands to create highly specific products and tackle different markets.

“When I first decided to create a startup, I was an undergrad engineering student with zero experience in what it takes to run a business,” he says. “You don’t need a business background to be an entrepreneur; all you need is a good idea, a strong vision of where you want to take your idea and the determination to make that vision a reality.”

Dahdaleh Institute accepting global health research grant applications

growing seed in hand

Now in its fifth year, the Critical Social Science Perspectives in Global Health (CPGH) research program looks to continue to provide seed grants to support research that meets the three themes of the Dahdaleh Institute: planetary health; global health and humanitarianism; and global health foresighting.

Every year, the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research website provides four seed grants, each valued at up to C$7,000, to initiate novel and innovative ideas that take a critical social science approach to global health research.

In past years, funded projects have advanced research to improve safe water optimization in the Canadian North, study Black anxiety among families with children in and out of the criminal justice system, harness social media data to aid infectious disease outbreak surveillance and more.

The grant is tied to the annual CPGH Workshop, which will take place this year on Tuesday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET. All are welcome to attend this hybrid workshop.

The grant application deadline is Tuesday, May 14 at 11:59 p.m. ET. For full application details and eligibility requirements, visit the call for applications website.

Cherry trees on Keele Campus set to bloom

Sakura trees in bloom at York

The sakura cherry trees situated across York University’s Keele Campus are expected to reach peak bloom over the next week, providing an annual – but short-lived – opportunity for the community to take in their natural beauty.

Peak bloom, when 70 per cent of the blossoms on a sakura cherry tree have opened, typically only lasts a short time: four to 10 days. Those looking to enjoy the pink and white blossoms on Keele Campus – one of only a few places in the Greater Toronto Area that has the trees – are encouraged to seek them out soon.

The best display of sakura cherry trees is located adjacent to Calumet College. However, trees are also located in pockets around the campus, along Campus Walk, and there is a small group outside the Tait McKenzie Centre.

Sakura Cherry trees in bloom near Calumet College on the Keele Campus

The trees were planted as part of the Japanese government’s Sakura Project, which symbolizes the long-standing close relationship between Japan and Canada and York University’s many cultural and academic ties with Japanese institutions.

The Japanese flowering cherry tree, or sakura, is a revered symbol of Japan. Its blossoming marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated in waka and haiku poetry, and with annual hanami, or flower-viewing, picnics under the full blossoms of the sakura.

In 2003, York was the first university in Canada to participate in the Sakura Project, which had a goal of planting 3,000 trees in Ontario by 2005. More than a decade later, the trees planted on the Keele Campus continue to thrive.

Stephen Friedman

Stephen Friedman

Professor Stephen Friedman published an article in The Harvard Business Review arguing that careers don’t require a purpose, and clinging to this belief can often cause more harm than good.

York U in the news: mammograms, artificial intelligence retraining and more

Mammograms are routine. For people who use wheelchairs, they’re anything but
York University Professor Agnes Berthelot-Raffard was quoted on cbc.ca April 24.

Conscious, sentient thought likely for many or most animals: scientists
York University Professor Kristin Andrews was quoted in Victoria News April 23.

Federal budget allocates $50m for AI impact retraining
York University Professor Valerio De Stefano was quoted in Benefits and Pensions Monitor April 23.

Fewer medical school graduates choosing family medicine, Ontario doctors warn
York University was mentioned on cbc.ca April 23.

York recognized as one of Canada’s Best Diversity, Greenest Employers

York University top 100 employer banner

Continued sustainability and decolonizing, equity, diversity and inclusion (DEDI) progress has earned York University a spot on Canada’s Greenest Employers list for the 12th year in a row, and its first ever inclusion in the Best Diversity Employers list.

Organized by the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project, both lists are annual editorial competitions that spotlight institutional excellence across the nation. The Greenest Employers list recognizes those that “lead the nation in creating a culture of environmental awareness in their organizations,” and the Canada’s Best Diversity Employers list recognizes those with exceptional workplace diversity and inclusiveness programs.

“This is the first time York University has achieved two top employer designations. This impressive milestone is a testament to our community’s commitment to our values as a progressive university dedicated to excellence, social justice, diversity, inclusion and sustainability”, said President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton. “I am grateful for the significant contributions community members continue to make toward driving positive change locally and globally.”

“Being recognized as Canada’s Best Diversity and Canada’s Greenest Employers is possible because of the values and dedication of York employees, staff and faculty alike. I hope York and all our colleagues can take pride in how hard we work to be a place where so many different people, all taking so many different paths in their careers and lives, can thrive and feel like they belong,” said Laina Bay-Cheng, interim Vice-president of Equity, People and Culture.

Laina Ya-Hui Bay-Cheng
Laina Bay-Cheng

One of the reasons York was selected for Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for the first time was the launch of the Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, which formalizes and co-ordinates DEDI efforts across the institution. Importantly, the strategy appreciates that there are many forms of discrimination and oppression that exist in society that must be addressed to create an equitable and inclusive world. At York, DEDI values are also infused into other key planning documents, and existing frameworks, including the Framework and Action Plan on Black Inclusion and the Indigenous Framework.

The DEDI Strategy also includes the “rights of the planet,” reflecting York’s determined leadership and ambitious goals in advocating for environmental justice and sustainability. Over the years, the University has made considerable investments and proactive efforts to safeguard the environment in response to the burgeoning climate crisis, placing York’s campuses ahead of other post-secondary institutions, organizations and entire municipalities.

For over a decade, those efforts have consistently led to York being named on the Greenest Employers list due to its sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing the overall environmental impact of the University through conservation and measurement, decarbonization and innovation. Among recent examples is the release of York’s own detailed emissions data and ecological footprint assessment, compiled by the Ecological Footprint Initiative at York. With its release, York became the first Canadian institution to compile and publicize its own comprehensive data of this nature.

The University also recently announced it would be accelerating its timeline and aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 – a decade sooner than its previous commitment.

This year’s Greenest Employers list recognized employee and senior-level involvement in new and ongoing sustainability projects across the University, such as annual Earth Month tree planting and campus clean-up events, community partnerships with organizations like the Global Footprint Network and the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce, and York’s leadership in hosting the 2023 Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, the largest fair-trade event in Canadian history.

Other notable sustainable features highlighted through the editorial competition were long-standing York waste management initiatives such as Zero Waste, York’s comprehensive, multifaceted waste management program that was first established in 1990 and has been expanding for over three decades. The program has continually surpassed its targets, growing from an initial goal of 50 per cent waste reduction to a recent achievement of 70 per cent of waste diverted from landfills in 2019.

In areas of teaching and research, York’s over 500 sustainability-focused courses supported its application in being named as a Greenest Employer, in addition to its Eco-Campus in Costa Rica that operates as a local, national and international school dedicated to education and research on neotropical conservation, eco-health, community well-being and sustainable livelihoods for neighbouring communities.

“York’s collaborative and holistic approach to sustainability has played a large part in why we continue to excel in sustainability leadership,” said Mike Layton, York’s first chief sustainability officer. “This work wouldn’t be possible without the support of students, faculty, instructors and staff. Community adoption of green initiatives and a continued desire to support the University in expanding its impact to create a more sustainable future is integral. This recognition is a reflection of community efforts.”

For more information about the Top 100 Awards that York has been recognized for, visit the Diversity Employers site or the Greenest Employers site.

Prof and composer Noam Lemish strikes chord with new album, book

Noam Lemish at piano 2 copy

Noam Lemish, a composer and pianist, has risen to prominence in the contemporary music scene with his innovative approach to blending jazz with Middle Eastern influences. A new book and a Juno-nominated album are only building on his ongoing success.

Noam Lemish
Noam Lemish
(photo credit: Jenna Marie Pinard).

The York music professor’s genre-fluid compositions and performances have captivated audiences worldwide, earning him recognition as a noteworthy figure in the niche genre of crossover music.

Lemish’s newest album, Twelve, recently earned him a coveted nomination for Jazz Album of the Year – Solo at the 2024 Juno Awards, one of Canada’s top music accolades, further solidifying his reputation as an innovator in jazz and cross-cultural exploration.

“It is very gratifying for my music-making to be recognized by this Juno nomination,” says Lemish, who has nine other albums to his credit. “Twelve was a large-scale project that was many years in the making, and so many wonderful people contributed to its creation. I am very proud of this record, and so it’s meaningful for this music to have been recognized in this way.”

“A labour of love,” as Lemish describes it, Twelve spans multiple years, with the title referring to the age he was when he penned his first jazz composition. Lemish began his music training in high school. He later studied jazz at Sonoma State University in California, where he immersed himself in the San Francisco Bay Area music scene.

Lemish’s global adventures eventually led him to Bhutan, where he taught at the country’s sole music school and composed a piece for the king’s 30th birthday. These experiences in Bhutan left a lasting impression, influencing his musical identity and expanding his creative horizons.

Noam Lemish album 12

On his new album, Lemish seamlessly intertwines different elements of jazz, incorporating the richness of European classical music alongside Israeli popular rhythms. This fusion reflects his diverse influences and showcases his ability to draw from various musical traditions.

“I love making music, teaching, as well as thinking and writing about how music intersects with society and culture,” Lemish says. “I enjoy collaborating with others, being a part of a community and helping to build community through music.”

His passion for community engagement at York University is evident through initiatives like the Nick Nurse Foundation Summer Jazz and Groove Lab, which nurtures young musical talent under the guidance of the University’s renowned music faculty.

“When Noam joined the Faculty,” says fellow York music Professor Mike Cadó, “he energized our vision through dedication to music pedagogy and innovative curriculum development. Noam’s collegial approach has been invaluable, and his commitment to enhancing the student experience is inspiring. The students in the program absolutely love him.”

Jaasmaan Singh, a second-year music student, concurs. “He embodies more than his title of professor – he’s a true teacher at heart, exemplified by his kindness towards students. His impact on me has been profound; whether it’s academic guidance or personal support, he always goes above and beyond.”

Transcultural Jazz by Noam Lemish

In addition to his musical endeavours, Lemish has also made significant contributions to music scholarship with his latest book, Transcultural Jazz: Israeli Musicians and Multi-Local Music Making, exploring the transcultural practices of Israeli jazz musicians and their global impact, offering valuable insights into the nature, role and politics of transcultural music making in contemporary jazz practice.

Based on extensive fieldwork and interviews with musicians, educators, journalists, producers and scholars, Transcultural Jazz provides a comprehensive examination of the evolving landscape of Israeli jazz and its cultural significance.

With its broad appeal to students and scholars from diverse fields such as jazz studies, ethnomusicology, Jewish studies, Israel studies and transnational studies, Transcultural Jazz is poised to make a significant impact in academic circles and beyond.

“My book suggests that much of today’s jazz practice around the world can be viewed through a transcultural lens,” Lemish says. “There is much to be gained by moving away from American exceptionalism and beyond ‘jazz nationalism’ to an approach that highlights the dynamic, fluid, complex, sometimes contradictory work of artists who blend a myriad of musical influences from a wide array of localities.”

The book, and Twelve, only serve to advance Lemish’s work, which can be described in the same way – dynamic, fluid and complex.

Read more about York University’s impact on the jazz music scene in the latest issue of the York University Magazine.

Faculty of Education building renovations look to future

York University Faculty of Education 029

By Elaine Smith

As York University’s Faculty of Education moves into its second half century of teaching and research, it has finished building renovations designed to meet the needs of students, staff and faculty for today and the future.

The renovations – which have included making the building more accessible, efficient and welcoming – accentuate the Faculty’s points of pride.

“It’s a modernized look to a building that opened in the 1960s,” said Dean Robert Savage. “We’ve added glass to the corridors so light pours in, and they become cathedral-like, a metaphor for the illumination provided by education, shining light on our values and our scholarship.”

“The renovations show confidence in ourselves as a leading education faculty with a strong research reputation. We’re doing a lot of impactful work on social issues and encouraging people to challenge the status quo.”

In celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023, the Faculty of Education honoured its milestones through the years, such as establishing the Jean Augustine Chair and the Wüléelham Indigenous-focused programs. With the renovations completed, it looks toward the future.

“The renovations are an extremely good use of our resources,” said Savage. “After COVID, it is so valuable to have physical space that welcomes our community.”

Dean Robert Savage

The renovations are the result of a lot of thought and planning. “To ensure it was done correctly, the process started with a space needs analysis in 2018,” says Andrea Torre, executive officer for the Faculty, who managed the project. “Our process was heavily data informed, thoughtful and deliberate. We wanted to provide a supportive and accessible environment for student activities and to also create a cohesive and supportive environment to boost collaboration.”

The analysis identified a number of challenges including impractical traffic flow and the fact that people who work together were spread across different floors, making in-person conversations more difficult.

The Faculty worked with Design Partners in Architecture and Interiors (DPAI) to ensure the recommended improvements could be translated into workable changes to the building. The final plans were dictated by the Faculty’s functional requirements, said Patty Clydesdale, DPAI principal and the project manager, who engaged with as many user groups as possible to determine their needs and wants.

“We wanted to address needs first,” Clydesdale said. “The project’s values and priorities were just as important. The keys were making the building welcoming for students, increasing the Faculty’s visibility in a shared building and providing natural light and views to staff. We also wanted better lighting and acoustics.”

The result is a more student-friendly space. The undergraduate student services have all been consolidated in one area. The teaching assistants have dedicated office and meeting space, and there is a dedicated graduate student area that is accessible 24/7 using key cards.

“The new spaces are well-used,” says Sheetal Prasad, a fourth-year PhD student and co-chair of York Graduate Students in Education (YGSE). “Our grad lounge is the most popular. We have lockers so you don’t need to lug your belongings around, and there’s a kitchenette, a meeting room, a computer lounge and the YGSE office.”

Esther Martinez, a master’s student YGSE co-chair, calls it a place for community. “Some students come to campus just to see their peers. We were even able to have our fall social here” she adds.

Faculty of Education Renovations

The renovations mean the space throughout the building has been optimized and student services are all located side-by-side. The Education Research Centre now occupies a larger, formerly unused basement area. More faculty members’ offices have been created and storage areas have become open meeting spaces. In addition, administrative space has been turned into more research labs for faculty, and classrooms for science instruction have been updated. Plus, locating any of these renovated spaces has become much easier, thanks to an updated navigation scheme that uses signage, icons and Faculty colours.

“The building is a nice balance,” said Clydesdale. “It’s an inviting place to be, a juxtaposition of heritage with of a bit modernization.”

It’s perfect timing for the Faculty of Education which has come a long way since its inception fifty years ago. It’s now the largest undergraduate provider of BA and BEd degrees in Ontario and sits among the top tier of education faculties nationwide.

Savage noted, “It very much represents the next 50 years. We’re very much a Faculty on the move, looking to have an even greater global impact.”