YFile asks the University’s community of changemakers to reflect on the past and consider the future.
Starting Sept. 9 and continuing throughout the publication’s anniversary year, YFile will ask University community members to reflect on York’s past and consider the future, specifically their thoughts on the continued evolution of York University. Jonathan Dolphin, alumni communications officer in the Advancement Division, contemplates the changes he’s seen on campus and what the future holds.
Jonathan Dolphin Alumni Communications Officer Office of Alumni Engagment Vice-President Advancement
How long have you been with York University and what has been the most striking change to the campus in that time?
Jonathan Dolphin
I started at York University back in 2005 as a work study student – seems like a lifetime ago. A few years later I started working full-time with the University and will be celebrating more than 15 years here. I’ve always loved the Keele Campus and as much as things have changed, they’re the same. I love the striking architecture and greenery and find that it really does feel like a “home away from home” here.
What is your vision for York University looking ahead 20 years from now?
I’m so excited to see how York University grows over the next 20 years. In the short term I can’t wait to visit Markham Campus and see a medical school finally come to fruition. In terms of the more distant future, well, I truly think the sky is the limit and I can’t wait to see what’s in store next!
Weiling Li
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YFile asks the University’s community of changemakers to reflect on the past and consider the future.
Starting Sept. 9 and continuing throughout the publication’s anniversary year, YFile will ask University community members to reflect on York’s past and consider the future, specifically their thoughts on the continued evolution of York University. Weiling Li, director of internal audit, considers the changes she has witnessed since joining York University in 2006.
Weiling Li Director, Internal Audit Vice-President Finance and Administration
How long have you been with York University and what has been the most striking change to the campus in that time?
Weiling Li
I have been at York since 2006 and have enjoyed all my time. I have witnessed many significant changes over the years, so it’s hard to choose but if I had to it would be between the following:
The buildings and infrastructure have changed dramatically with the York Lions Stadium (formerly the Pan-Am Stadium), the Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence, and the Subway Stations on the Keele Campus. They are not only visually beautiful additions to the campus landscape, but have also improved the quality of the overall campus experience and have added to the University’s academic strengths.
York’s focus on impact and how it has pushed everyone, whether in their academic or administrative activities, to think about how to support a better University and a better world.
What is your vision for York University looking ahead 20 years from now?
I see an entire community working together to support the priorities of York University and making a meaningful impact on the local community while continuing to be a world-class institution of learning.
YFile asks the University’s community of changemakers to reflect on the past and consider the future.
Starting Sept. 9 and continuing throughout the publication’s anniversary year, YFile will ask University community members to reflect on York’s past and consider the future, specifically their thoughts on the continued evolution of York University. York is a community of dedicated employees, one is Paul Mayol, a York alumnus and a long-serving staff member, for his reflections.
Paul Mayol Project Lead, Divisional Initiatives Vice-Provost Students
How long have you been with York University and what has been the most striking change to the campus in that time?
Paul Mayol
I’ve been at York since 1981, first as an undergraduate student. I then started a grad program, but did not complete it. Finally, I have been an employee since 1986, and yep that’s a really long time! I’ve seen a lot of change in the built environment, that is obvious. As a student at the Keele Campus, I remember the underground tunnels, a pub in every college, the ramp to the Ross Podium and the enormous mound/round about that used to be part of what is now the Harry W. Arthurs Common in front of Vari Hall. There has been some type of construction on campus continuously since I was a student. I’ve seen many new buildings, a couple subway stations, the common, new student residences, roads and more. It’s been a frantic construction phase, but I do miss some of my favourite spots on campus that have disappeared to make room for new spaces. For instance, there was once one of the best family run restaurants in the basement of Atkinson College, and above it was the best vegetarian student-run spot on campus.
But I think what has struck me most over the more than 35 years I’ve been here as an employee, has been how York has evolved as a community. In my opinion, we have evolved as a mature institution committed to certain values that are the core of our identity. Today, our campuses reflect the multi-cultural and diverse identify of Toronto. We have become a very inclusive institution, grown our teaching and research, developed new Faculties, and new campuses. I feel truly privileged to have been a part of this journey of positive growth
What is your vision for York University looking ahead 20 years from now?
In terms of built space, if I’d been asked this question prior to the pandemic, I would simply have answered that York University will continue to grow, infilling, building academic and residential districts and following the Master Plan that has been the template for its physical development. I think that physical development will still take place, but perhaps at a different pace, and perhaps with different emphasis. I believe the growth will continue in terms of ensuring that this is a more diverse community, one that provides more access to post-secondary education to students from less advantaged families. I also see York becoming a more progressive employer. Academically, York will continue to mature by developing a new Faculty of Medicine, and creating new and innovative programs. But, like all educational institutions in the province, York will also need to tackle chronic and sustained underfunding, aging infrastructure and an increasingly competitive provincial and international market to attract and retain students.
YFile asks the University’s community of changemakers to reflect on the past and consider the future.
Starting Sept. 9 and continuing throughout the publication’s anniversary year, YFile will ask University community members to reflect on York’s past and consider the future, specifically their thoughts on the continued evolution of York University. As sustainability is a key cornerstone for the University, YFile asked Nicole Arsenault, York University’s sustainability champion, for her reflections.
Nicole Arsenault Program Director, Sustainability Vice President Finance & Administration Division
How long have you been with York University and what has been the most striking change to the campus in that time?
Nicole Arsenault
I’ve been at York University since 1994, when I started my first-year of undergraduate studies at the Glendon Campus. The most striking change to the University over these last decades is the tremendous growth at the Keele Campus. In particular, the transportation network and how it has continued to evolve over the years, from a sea of parking lots, to thousands of buses with long line-ups, to the opening of the two TTC subway stations on the Keele Campus.
What is your vision for York University looking ahead 20 years from now?
The vision that I see looking ahead 20 years, is a sustainable and inclusive university, one that is driving societal transformation to sustainability through innovation, experiential learning and is a model for best practices.
