Message from the Chair of the Board of Governors of York University

Vari Hall Winter Scene

La version française suit la version anglaise.

Dear York community,

Paul Tsaparis
Paul Tsaparis

As we cautiously, yet hopefully welcome 2022, I trust that everyone safely enjoyed the holiday break and found it to be an opportunity to recharge.

Although we faced new and ongoing challenges in 2021 due to the pandemic, once again, York’s community remained responsive throughout this prolonged period of continuous change, has risen to meet the demands, and successfully navigated major new initiatives that represent our commitment to right the future.

I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the efforts of those who worked to advance the Markham Campus project, while ensuring that York’s social procurement policy was leveraged to benefit many throughout the ongoing construction and beyond.

Pressing forward with a plan to introduce a new kind of medical education in Ontario, York showcased the breadth and depth of the many current academic programs that will be essential to a new School of Medicine as well as the importance of strong, supportive municipal and health sector partners.

Planning for a renewed Keele Campus means York’s values will be brought to life through a variety of new developments outlined in the Campus Vision and Strategy: Living Well Together. A historic vision for the kind of future and community we can build, Living Well Together represents the best of what is possible.

On behalf of the Board of Governors, I would like to thank President Lenton and the senior leadership team for all they have accomplished, while ensuring the safety and success of our entire community always remains the top priority.

A diverse range of skills are reflected in York’s Board of Governors, a dedicated group of volunteers committed to using their professional expertise to make a positive impact. We have been pleased to provide responsive, good governance, ensuring that critical oversight and support is in place to progress York’s goals. I extend my gratitude to all governors for their immense contributions this year, and welcome those who have joined the Board. I invite everyone to learn more about the governors and our work, here: York University Board of Governors.

Students, faculty, instructors and staff were relentless in the pursuit of academic excellence, adapting to a changing environment, while maintaining our shared commitment to positive change, in our community and beyond. While our connections might come through the realization of shared priorities, Zoom calls, Teams chats, or physically distanced events and discussions, they have been meaningful.

Together, extraordinary things were possible in 2021 thanks to all of you. If you haven’t had an opportunity to read about York’s incredible achievements, I encourage you to read the President’s 2021 Annual Report – Righting the Future.

Sincerely,

Paul Tsaparis
Chair, Board of Governors


Message du président du Conseil d’administration

Chers membres de la communauté de York,

Paul Tsaparis
Paul Tsaparis

En ce début d’année 2022 dans un climat de circonspection, mais aussi d’espoir, j’espère que tout le monde a bien profité du congé des fêtes et a pu se ressourcer.

Malgré les défis permanents en 2021 en raison de la pandémie, une fois de plus la communauté de York est restée vigilante durant cette période prolongée de changement continu. Elle a su répondre aux demandes et a géré avec succès de nouvelles initiatives majeures qui illustrent bien notre engagement à être présents pour l’avenir.

J’aimerais saisir cette occasion pour souligner les efforts de ceux et celles qui ont travaillé à l’avancement du projet du campus Markham, tout en veillant à ce que la politique d’approvisionnement social de York puisse bénéficier à de nombreuses personnes durant la construction et au-delà.

L’Université York a fait avancer son projet d’introduire un nouveau type d’éducation médicale en Ontario, et elle a souligné l’ampleur des nombreux programmes universitaires actuels qui seront essentiels à sa nouvelle École de médecine, tout en reconnaissant l’importance d’avoir de solides partenaires municipaux et dans le secteur de la santé.

La planification d’un campus Keele renouvelé signifie que les valeurs de York seront concrétisées par une variété de nouveaux développements décrits dans le document Bien vivre ensemble : Vision et stratégie du campus Keele. Véritable vision historique du type d’avenir et de communauté que nous pouvons construire, Bien vivre ensemble incarne les meilleures possibilités envisageables.

Au nom du Conseil d’administration, je tiens à remercier la présidente Lenton et l’équipe de la haute direction pour tout ce qui a été accompli tout en privilégiant la sécurité et à la réussite de l’ensemble de notre communauté.

Le conseil d’administration de York peut compter sur un large éventail de compétences et sur le dévouement de ses bénévoles qui mettent à profit leur expertise professionnelle pour contribuer de façon positive. Nous avons été heureux d’assurer une gouvernance attentive et bienveillante, tout en assurant une surveillance et un soutien essentiels pour faire progresser les objectifs de York. J’exprime ma gratitude à tous les membres du conseil d’administration pour leurs immenses contributions cette année, et je souhaite la bienvenue aux nouveaux membres. Je vous invite à en apprendre davantage sur les membres du conseil et sur leur travail ici : Conseil d’administration de l’Université York.

Les membres de la communauté étudiante, du corps professoral, du corps enseignant et du personnel ont visé inlassablement l’excellence académique et se sont adaptés à un environnement en constante évolution, tout en poursuivant notre engagement en faveur d’un changement positif, dans notre communauté et au-delà. Même si la réalisation de priorités communes a été le résultat d’appels sur Zoom, de clavardage sur Teams ou d’événements et de discussions à distance, tous ces échanges ont été fructueux.

Grâce à vous tous, des choses extraordinaires ont été possibles en 2021 et je vous en remercie. Si vous n’avez pas encore eu l’occasion de prendre connaissance des incroyables réalisations de York, je vous encourage à lire le Rapport annuel 2021 de la présidente – Présents pour l’avenir.

Veuillez agréer mes sincères salutations,

Paul Tsaparis
Président du conseil d’administration

LA&PS Research to Impact Workshop Series launches in February

Man in beige blazer holding a tablet in front of an audience

The Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) is launching a new webinar series, LA&PS Research and Impact Workshop Series, to equip York researchers with tools and skills to share their work with the right audience and funders. 

Organized by the LA&PS Research Office, the virtual series will begin on Feb. 10 and is open to LA&PS faculty members, emerging and established scholars, as well as York researchers who are looking to expand their research audience. 

“LA&PS researchers produce thought-provoking and leading research in a plethora of disciplines, and this comprehensive workshop series will expand the reach and impact of their important work,” says Ravi de Costa, associate dean, Research and Graduate Studies, LA&PS. 

In its inaugural year, the webinar series will explore some of the following topics: 

  • how to facilitate the grant application process and improve application success rates; 
  • identifying and building capacity around knowledge mobilization tools; and 
  • increasing awareness about York and LA&PS research services, resources and support. 

“We are excited to provide an extra support mechanism for researchers that will increase the reach of their world-class work,” says David Cuff, director of Strategic Research and Partnerships. 

The first event, “Research to Impact: Leveraging Earned Media,” will take place on Feb. 10 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. More faculty members are becoming comfortable interacting with media and stepping into the public arena. Learning about how to initiate contact and build relationships with media channels is becoming more relevant than ever. This workshop will include expert panelists from York Media Relations to talk about the art of storytelling and how to initiate contact and build relationships with media channels. Event registration is required.  

The second event of the series, “Research to Impact: Publishing in The Conversation Canada,” will welcome Scott White, CEO and editor-in-chief of The Conversation Canada. The workshop will take place on March 8 from 10:30 a.m. to noon and include a Q-and-A session.  

Visit the LA&PS Research and Impact Workshop Series page to learn more and register for upcoming events throughout the academic year.  

York hosts events to mark Bell Let’s Talk campaign

File photo of previous Bell Let's Talk activities at York University

Members of the York University community are invited to join Athletics & Recreation for a number of events during the Bell Let’s Talk campaign, which runs virtually at York’s campuses from Jan. 17 to 27. The University will host events that are free and open to students, staff and faculty. Bell Let’s Talk events help end the stigma surrounding mental illness by sharing thoughts, experiences and support through virtual events and on social media.

Schedule of events

Monday, Jan. 17
Mental Health 101 – Navigating Mental Health Resources on Campus – open to students
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Zoom link: https://yorku.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEldu6ppjojG9AE3aBK8tH14dd0cdzPtf8H
The quality of your health and well-being impacts everything from managing your stress, making time for your loved ones, and still working towards your academic success. Join the Peer Health Educator Team to learn how to:

  • de-stigmatize mental health and why that is important for you as a student;
  • learn about what mental health services and well-being supports are available both on and off-campus; and
  • learn wellness strategies that explore the interconnections to all forms of health, and optimize your time and energy management.

Tuesday, Jan. 18
LGBTQ2S+ Student Support Group – open to students
1 to 2 p.m.
Register: To register for this virtual session, email Massimo Zangari from Student Counselling, Health & Well-being (SCHW) at mass23@yorku.ca
SCHW’s LGBTQ2S+ counsellors provide a safe and positive space where stories can be shared, support given, and connections can be made. Group members are invited to bring in topics to discuss – this group is a space to share as much or as little as you want. So, drop in – no registration required. 

Wednesday, Jan. 19
Mental Health & Well-being Seminar – open to students
12:30 to 1:45 p.m.
Zoom link: 
https://yorku.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIkcemrrzgoHNPy9UtzmIe44VO9_3agajWb
Contact: Shailak@yorku.ca                                                                                                                                               
Transitioning to university is challenging enough during the best of times. As we navigate the hybrid learning environment, many of us are coping with “change fatigue” as we continue to adapt to the uncertainty of the pandemic. The quality of our well-being impacts everything from academic success, physical health, our ability to manage stressors and our relationships with loved ones.
Join the Peer Health Educator Team as we:

  • discover mental health and well-being supports on and off campus;
  • learn wellness strategies to optimize your learning and manage stress; and
  • debunk university lifestyle myths about health and nutrition and find accessible ways to make a change.

Thursday, Jan. 20
Nutrition Habits for Success – open to all
3 to 3:45 p.m.
Zoom link: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/95975866935
Join Athletics & Recreation’s Nutrition Coach for this 45-minute session, as we focus on easy nutrition tips and habits to support better mental and physical well-being.

Friday, Jan. 21
keep.meSAFE Virtual Booth for International Students and Students Studying Out of Province – open to students
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84210804215
This year’s Bell Let’s Talk Day campaign highlights the ways that we can support ourselves and those we care about through actions like listening, being there and talking. Join the keep.meSAFE services at their virtual booth where you can get information on mental health resources and supports available to you as international students and students studying out of province. No registration required.

Friday, Jan. 21
MUV Yoga  open to staff, faculty and instructors
Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Zoom link: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/93770192798
Session offered by Athletics & Recreation 
Class description: Accessible for all levels. This class will guide you through rhythmic vinyasa flow with a strong focus on breathing techniques to energize your practice. This is followed by a meditative yin yoga practice allowing for longer held postures to promote recovery in both mind and body.

Friday, Jan. 21
MUV Yoga Retreat – open to students
5 to 6 p.m.

Zoom link: https://yorku.zoom.us/j/98141928860
Session offered by Athletics & Recreation
Class description: Integral yoga for the mind and body. Yoga retreat promotes holistic health, de-stress, and well-being by strengthening, increasing endurance, and stabilizing the mind, body and breathing. Move towards wellness in your own unique way through postures, breathing exercises, and a wide range of meditations.

Monday, Jan. 24
Sleep for Better Grades – open to students
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Zoom link: https://yorku.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIrd-6rrjwqHt2U2fMsKNIjDKRNdTEsj6-L
When it comes to the topic of sleep, it seems we can’t get enough. In our Sleep 101 series, we explored the tried and tested tips to get your sleep back on track and improve your sleep hygiene to support better grades and academic success. This workshop will explore the effects of these all-nighters on our minds, bodies and how we can both prioritize our sleep and find practices to optimize whatever amount of sleep we are getting.

Bell lets talk poster featuring Larissa Crawford
York University alumna Larissa Crawford will host a BIPOC Speaker Session

Tuesday, Jan. 25
Bell Let’s Talk BIPOC Speaker Session with Larissa Crawford
Noon to 1 p.m. (presentation and Q-and-A open to all)
1 to 1:30 p.m. (session debrief open to BIPOC students)
Zoom link: TBA
This conversation will explore concrete practices and skills that can support students in navigating the mental health impacts of racism and ableism. York University alumna Larissa Crawford will hold space for all students in her presentation and Q-and-A. Following a short break, space for Black, Indigenous, and racialized students will be held in a session debrief.

Tuesday, Jan. 25
Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) Overview – open to staff, faculty and instructors 
Noon to 12:40 p.m. 
To register for this virtual session, click here.   
The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a confidential and voluntary support service to help you with solving issues related to personal life and or workplace-related issues. Whether the problem is personal such as child/elder care, adjusting to job responsibilities or other issues connected to the workplace, EFAP can be a helpful service to address these challenges through a full range of support services. This session is designed to provide an overview of the programs available to staff, faculty and instructors.

Tuesday, Jan. 25
Glendon Student Mental Health Town Hall – open to students
2 to 3:30 p.m. 
Registration linkhttps://yorku.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcsfumgqjkpGdbHtqUoKI3rGq7_tGqo4Nym
The Office of Student Affairs, in partnership with the Glendon College Student Union and the Accessibility, Well-Being and Counselling Centre, is inviting all community members to join this live town hall in a safe space to speak openly and honestly about what is on their mind. Experts from the Counselling Centre will also present resources and offer tools to support the mental health of our students. Students are welcome to send in their questions, as well as preferences regarding topics they’d like covered here.
Note that the session will be delivered in English, questions and clarifications can be requested in French.
 
Wednesday, Jan. 26 – BELL LET’S TALK DAY!
Building Meaningful Connections in an Online World – open to all
Noon to 1 p.m. 
Zoom link: https://yorku.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0sdu2uqT0vGNcE_3NJAdN1wtZw5jTMB_4N
The Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) is committed to promoting a healthy, inclusive and supportive environment that fosters mental health and well-being among members of our community. In this session, we will discuss what our personal understanding is of a “meaningful connection,” explore the current research related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ways in which it has impacted how we relate to one another and the small (but important) steps we can take to cultivate and nurture a sense of belonging with our communities and/or supports. In partnership with Bell Let’s Talk Day, join FGS as we discuss building meaningful connections in an online world. This virtual event is open to all students, staff, faculty, instructors and alumni of York University.

Wednesday, Jan. 26
Mental Health 201 – Supporting Peers in Distress – open to students
12:30 to 2 p.m. 
Zoom link: https://yorku.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0vdO-trTwvHtMvl2pHQlzbSVyB-yg7sT2Q
Mental Health 201 aims to provide students with the skills needed to recognize, respond, and refer other peers with mental health concerns.
The learning objectives of this session include:

  • Helping participants gain a better understanding of the type of mental health concerns that York University students face.
  • We will review statistics unique to our York student population to allow participants to better understand, normalize and empathize with complex lived experiences.
  • Creating safer online spaces for fellow classmates, colleagues and/or friends to disclose mental health concerns. 
  • Recognizing the unique ways to respond to potential distress or crisis in an online environment.
  • Being able to recognize, respond, and refer students experiencing mental health issues and/or distress to appropriate campus resources.
  • Providing opportunities to practice the skills needed to support students experiencing mental health issues and/or distress.
  • Increasing understanding of the importance of your own self-care, well-being and the necessity for healthy boundaries to be an effective peer helper. 


Trans and Non-Binary Support Group – open to students
4 to 5p.m. 
Register: To register for this virtual session, email Massimo Zangari from SCHW at mass23@yorku.ca
Join Student Counselling, Health & Well-being’s (SCHW’s) monthly online group to meet other York students navigating gender in a relaxed and safe space. Our group is facilitated by Jay Jonah, a trans-masculine social worker who specializes in supporting trans and non-binary folxs. This group is a space to share as much or as little as you want.  Ask questions, just listen in, or chat and make some new friends! Open to all trans, non-binary, gender-non-conforming folxs, and those who are questioning their gender.

Schulich – Start Up Event – open to students
7 to 8:30 p.m. 
Zoom link: https://yorku.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIufuqtpjguGNQaaiSqIhgdbAIPFOd6kbfd
Join us as Luke Vigeant, president of Inkblot chats with Entrepreneur-In-Residence and Founder of #REALTALK, Cherry Rose Tan. Learn from these two powerhouse mental health advocates as they lead a crucial discussion on founder mental health in Canada. Inkblot is a mental health service based in Toronto that matches you with certified therapists and coaches based on your needs and preferences. This pairs perfectly with #REALTALK and their mission to empower every leader to learn, connect, and flourish in the tech industry through difficult discussions usually centred around mental health. Both companies have been featured by various news and media outlets such as Forbes, CBC, The Globe and Mail, Global News, the Huffington Post and more. 

Thursday, Jan. 27
Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) Overview – open to staff, faculty and instructors
Noon to 12:40 p.m. 
Register: for this virtual session, click here.  
The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a confidential and voluntary support service to help you with solving issues related to personal life and or work-related issues. Whether the problem is personal such as child/elder care, adjusting to job responsibilities or other issues connected to the workplace, EFAP can be a helpful service to address these challenges through a full range of support services. This session is designed to provide an overview of the programs available to staff, faculty and instructors.

Markham students – submit your stories to the 7-generation initiative

Close-up photography of yellow, green, red and brown plastic cones on white lined surface

Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change Professor José Etcheverry is leading York University’s engagement in a multi-stakeholder project seeking to re-examine community through intergenerational dialogue. The 7-Generation Markham initiative, “I Want Everything to be Normal Again,” is calling on Markham students, their parents and grandparents to share their stories at special events taking place Jan. 21 and 22.

José Etcheverry
José Etcheverry

These are uncertain times as the world is faced with a pandemic and a climate emergency. This project seeks to make new sense, to act in ways that create hope and actions that support personal, family and community well-being.

The 7-Generation initiative, starting in Markham, will expand globally. It is a community sense-making collaboration between York University, the City of Markham, Markham Public Library, Social Services Network, and the Legacy Project. Whether you are a student, a parent, an older adult, or of any age, bring your curiosity and check out 7-Generation Markham. Separate events are taking place on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning.

To join this event, sign up through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/i-want-everything-to-be-normal-again-registration-233800121457.

Call for poster abstracts: Lillian Meighan Wright Maternal-Child Health Learning Academy

Organizers of the sixth Lillian Meighen Wright Maternal-Child Health Learning Academy announce a call for poster abstracts.

This two-day event is organized by the Women’s Health Research Chair in Mental Health and the Lillian Meighen Wright Scholars Program Academic Lead, Professor Nazilla Khanlou, and the student co-chairs of the program, Bianca Bondi and Ilana Shiff.

This year, the event will focus on the theme “Maternal-Child Health and Well-Being in a Global Pandemic: Promotion, Prevention, Intervention” and will run on July 18 and 22 in a virtual format.

Abstracts for posters can be submitted by students, educators, researchers, service providers, policy-makers, and community members. Send an abstract for the poster by April 15. Abstracts should not exceed 300 words in length. Please format your abstract for the poster using the headings provided here and email your abstract to owhchair@yorku.ca. In the subject line of your email, mention “6th LMW Academy: Poster.”

Presenters of accepted abstracts will be notified, and their abstract will be included in the sixth Lillian Meighen Wright Maternal-Child Health Learning Academy’s program booklet. Poster presenters will be required to submit a pre-recorded video version of their poster to be presented during the event. As well, poster presenters will be invited to submit a fuller version of their work in a manuscript format to a special issue of the International Network on Youth Integration (INYI) Journal.

For more information, visit this website.

New Date: Professor Marcello Musto to present upcoming Vico Lecture

Vico Lecture

The Vico Lecture, presented by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS), will be held on Thursday, Jan. 27 at 2:30 p.m., featuring leading Marx scholar and York University sociology Professor Marcello Musto

Marcello Musto
Marcello Musto

Initially scheduled for December 2021, the keynote address “Marx & Vico: Comparing two interpretations of history” will compare the thinking of two giant social theorists: Giambattista Vico and Karl Marx. 

Musto is a globally acknowledged expert who has made significant contributions to the revival of Marx studies over the past decade. His major writings include four single-authored books, 11 edited volumes, and more than 40 journal articles and books chapters. Musto’s writings have been published worldwide in 25 languages. 

The Vico Lecture is named for 18th-century Italian philosopher Giambattista Vico, author of the groundbreaking work, The New Science, and a pioneering social scientist. The lecture was established by Elvio DelZotto, Senator Jerry Grafstein and other community members. It is presented in memory of the Fred Zorzi, late friend and partner of Elvio Del Zotto, who helped endow the lecture in LA&PS. 

The Vico Lecture is an important link between York University and the broader community, particularly those of Italian descent. This is the first time the Vico Lecture will delve into the thinking of Vico himself and compare it with the social science of Karl Marx. 

The event will be hosted by David Mutimer, associate dean of faculty affairs in LA&PS. Faculty, students and the public are encouraged to attend. Musto’s talk will be followed by a question-and-answer period. 

Registration for this event is required. 

York U in the news: Omicron, Canadian bobsledder and more

An image of a woman with a laptop that shows the YFile website

Omicron making life difficult for mathematicians trying to track COVID-19
Professor Jane Heffernan was quoted in The Globe and Mail Jan. 13.

Omicron upends mathematical models tracking COVID-19
Professor Jane Heffernan was quoted in CTV News Jan. 13.

National competition yields personal, professional wins for MBA students
York University was mentioned in The Brock News Jan. 13.

Canadian TE Nikola Kalinic works out for Tennessee Titans
York University was mentioned in 3 Down Nation Jan. 13.

COVID-19: What you need to know for January 13
York University was mentioned in TVO Jan. 13.

COVID-19: A closer look at how air filtration is being used in Ontario’s schools
Assistant Professor Marina Freire-Gormaly was quoted in CityNews Jan. 13.

Governments try shame to boost vaccine use. Does it work?
York University Professor Harris Ali was quoted in The Christian Science Monitor Jan. 13.

Toronto targeting northwest part of city with mass vaccine clinic on Jan. 23
York University was mentioned in CityNews Jan. 12.

Canadian bobsledder hopes to break stereotype of what a Winter Olympian looks like
York University alumna Cynthia Appiah was featured in Lethbridge News Now Jan. 10.

Students’ outstanding achievements recognized by Chang School
York University alumnus Wesley Reibeling was featured in Ryerson Today Jan. 11.

‘Canadians Shouldn’t Forget About This’
Professor Megan Davies was quoted in The Tyee Jan. 12.

Finding your voice in educational development
York University was mentioned in University Affairs Jan. 10.

Ontario, Toronto public health chiefs split on whether to make COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for school kids
York University was mentioned in the Toronto Star Jan. 12.

A change in who can offer degrees aimed to stave off Ontario’s nursing crisis. Here’s why it might not be that simple
York University was mentioned in the Toronto Star Jan. 10.

Decolonizing Global Health Seminar focuses on public health

Cropped globe on a table

The seminar will be presented by Zimbabwean epidemiologist Rene Loewenson. It will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 19 from 1 to 2 p.m. and is part of the Dahdaleh Institute’s Decolonizing Global Health Research Seminar Series.

Rene Loewenson

Loewenson, who is the director of the Training and Research Support Centre, a non-profit centre headquartered in Zimbabwe, will address the series’ key themes, which are the different, convergent and contesting paradigms that are shaping ideas and action in public health. The seminar draws from different geopolitical regions and examines implications for health systems.

In this seminar, Loewenson will critically review how these different paradigms have been expressed and how dominance has been asserted in colonial, neo-colonial and global systems affecting public health, including in the response to COVID. The pandemic has exposed a response that draws on different forms of power to sustain long-standing structural drivers of multiple crises affecting health, despite intensifying these drivers. Loewenson’s presentation will explore dimensions of countervailing power that challenge this hegemony and promote comprehensive, justice-driven, holistic approaches in public health and the implications for sites of action. The seminar will be presented over Zoom. Register here.

Loewenson coordinates the Southern African Network on Equity in Health (EQUINET), which carries out research, capacity support and policy dialogue within professional, civil society, state, and academic institutions. An epidemiologist by profession, Loewenson has worked in public health, occupational health and the political economy of health and employment, particularly in Southern Africa.

Over the past year, the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research has hosted a series of conversations as part of its Decolonizing Global Health Research seminar series. The series emphasizes the need and commitment to decolonize global health and address racial inequality in and through the research. The conversations foster understanding of methodologies, collaborations and actions that centre on decolonial and intersectional lenses.

Previous seminars have addressed decolonizing the dialogue on climate change, auto-ethnography as decolonial methodology, decolonizing health crisis response using community first solutions, community research partnerships, and decolonizing planetary health through the lens of Indigenous youth.

Leeat Granek

Leeat Granek

Research by Faculty of Health Professor Leeat Granek has helped oncologists and neurosurgeons understand how they process grief and how their emotional connection to patients influences life-or-death decisions they face every day. Granek is the featured interview in Episode 31 of Podcast or Perish.

27 York community members invested to the Order of Canada

Order of canada medal laid out on black background

Twenty-seven individuals with connections to York University are among the 135 new appointments to the Order of Canada, announced Dec. 29, 2021, by Governor General of Canada Mary Simon. 

The new member list includes one Companion (C.C.), nine Officers (O.C.) and 17 Members (C.M.). The Order of Canada is one of the highest honours awarded to Canadian citizens. Created in 1967, it recognizes people whose service shapes society, whose innovations ignite imaginations and whose compassion unites communities.  

Companions of the Order of Canada 

The Honourable Murray Sinclair, C.C., M.S.C. – honorary alumnus 
For his commitment to the representation of Indigenous legal issues, and for his dedication to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. 

Officers of the Order of Canada 

Neil Devindra Bissoondath, O.C., C.Q. – alumnus, honorary alumnus 
For his contributions to Canadian literature through his groundbreaking examinations of multiculturalism and diversity. 

Evelyn L. Forget, O.C. – alumna, donor 
For advancing anti-poverty initiatives in Canada and around the world as a leading health economics researcher. 

Victoria Grant, O.C. – alumna, donor 
For bridging the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous culture, business and communities through her facilitation and mediation. 

Frances Henry, O.C. – professor emerita, donor 
For her groundbreaking contributions to the study of racism in contemporary democratic society. 

Edward J. Ratushny, O.C., O.Ont., Q.C. – donor  
For his contributions to the field of administrative law, and for his leadership in sports arbitration and law. 
This is a promotion within the Order of Canada. 

Helga Stephenson, O.C., O.Ont. – former staff 
For her enduring contributions to Canadian film and television as a leader, advocate and ambassador. 

Angela Swan, O.C. – adjunct professor  
For her long-standing contributions to the legal profession, particularly in the area of contract law, as a professor, lawyer, author and mentor. 

Carol M. Tator, O.C. – faculty, donor 
For her advocacy of social justice, and for her commitment to identifying and dismantling systemic racism in Canadian society. 

Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, O.C. – alumna, honorary alumna, donor 
For her ongoing commitment to improving the child welfare system and supports for Indigenous people in British Columbia. 

Members of the Order of Canada 

Harold Bassford, C.M. – former dean, donor 
For his leadership as a university administrator and for his contributions to applied ethics in the health field. 

Ann Buller, C.M. – alumna, donor 
For her lifelong dedication and commitment to post-secondary education and to improving the lives of others through learning. 

The Honourable Sandra Chapnik, C.M., O.Ont. – alumna, donor 
For her leadership in the community and in the legal sector, where she has promoted the advancement of women and encouraged best practices in the field. 

Max T. Eisen, C.M. – donor 
For his contributions to Holocaust education, and for his promotion of transformational dialogue on human rights, tolerance and respect. 

Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl, C.M. – alumnus, donor 
For his spiritual and community leadership as head of the Beth Tzedec Synagogue in Toronto, and for fostering interfaith dialogue throughout Canada and beyond. 

Janice R. Fukakusa, C.M. – alumna, honorary alumna, donor, Schulich School of Business Dean’s Advisory Council member 
For her leadership and mentorship in banking, and for her boundless community engagement, notably in education and health care. 

Leo Joel Goldhar, C.M. – donor 
For his philanthropic contributions to health care, education and social services, notably as chair of the United Jewish Appeal Federation’s Tomorrow Campaign. 

William Arthur Humber, C.M. – alumnus 
For his contributions as Canada’s premier baseball historian, who has highlighted the key ways in which the sport’s history is linked to our nation. 

Lawson A. W. Hunter, C.M., Q.C. – donor 
For his distinguished career in government, business and private practice as one of the country’s leading competition and antitrust lawyers. 

Barbara Landau, C.M. – alumna, donor 
For her contributions to dispute resolution and family law reform as both a psychologist and lawyer, and for her advocacy of interfaith initiatives. 

Nona Macdonald Heaslip, C.M. – donor 
For her ongoing philanthropic contributions to the Canadian arts sector and for supporting numerous academic scholarships across the country. 

Robin Poitras, C.M. – alumna 
For her creative contributions to contemporary dance in Canada, and for her leadership as artistic director of New Dance Horizons. 

Lynn Posluns, C.M. – honorary alumna 
For her contributions to research on women’s cognitive health and aging through the founding of Women’s Brain Health Initiative. 

Robert Small, C.M. – alumnus 
For his long-standing commitment to highlighting the accomplishments and contributions of Black people in all sectors of Canadian society. 

Harriet H. Stairs, C.M. – donor 
For advancing women’s opportunities within the financial sector, and for creating equitable and inclusive policies within corporate and community-based initiatives. 

George M. Thomson, C.M. – donor 
For his contributions to family law in Canada, and for his innovative leadership as a judicial educator and mentor. 

Janet Walker, C.M., C.D. – faculty, alumna, donor 
For her expert legal authority in commercial arbitration and conflict of laws, and for advancing legal procedural standards in Canada. 

Since its inception, more than 7,500 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order of Canada. Appointees to the Order of Canada wear a striking, six-point white enamel insignia that symbolizes Canada’s northern heritage and diversity. Recipients will be invited to accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held at a future date. The full list of appointees can be viewed here