Best of YU Archives - Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends

Best of YU: Top Division of Advancement moments of 2023

mj112 — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 18:29:10 +0000

From recognizing the achievements of our alumni to engaging our diverse community of changemakers around the world and enhancing our alumni programs and events, here are our top stories, highlights and moments from 2023:

Kathleen Taylor Installed as 91��ɫ's 14th Chancellor

In May, 91��ɫ alumna Kathleen Taylor was officially installed as the university’s first woman chancellor.

A graduate of the JD/MBA program offered by Osgoode Hall Law School and the Schulich School of Business, she became the first woman to Chair the board of one of Canada’s big five banks and served as the first president and CEO of the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts chain.

Kathleen’s first public act as chancellor started in June conferring degrees on thousands of new graduates at spring convocation.

Learn more about our newest chancellor.

Convocation

This year’s convocation ceremonies were modified to embed some of the principles of Decolonization, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion within our events, and to ensure alignment with our institutional values.

The modifications included:

The order of ceremony
The position of the mace
Student performers
Professional name readers
Alumni speakers to welcome graduates

Jean Augustine Chair funding announcement

In November, community members joined the Honourable Jean Augustine to celebrate an announcement of funding from the federal government to support the endowed university Chair in her name.

The $1.5 million federal contribution represents a major milestone for the endowed Chair – now fully funded with more than $3 million, thanks to the years of grassroots fundraising efforts led by Augustine.

Learn more about the fundraising efforts led by Jean Augustine.

First Black and rainbow grad celebrations

In June, 91��ɫ’s Black Alumni Network (YUBAN) and Sexuality and Gender Advocacy Alumni Network (SAGA) held the inaugural Black and rainbow graduation celebrations. The celebrations provided an opportunity to network in a safe space and share words of encouragement and advice for future grads.

Along with YUBAN and SAGA, these two inaugural events were supported by the Division of Advancement, the Division of Students and the Office of the VP Equity, People and Culture.

Learn more about the Black and rainbow grad celebrations.

Desjardins gift to Innovation 91��ɫ

A new gift from Desjardins to 91��ɫ’s Innovation 91��ɫ was announced in September. The gift will expand two critical accelerator programs that provide training and support in entrepreneurship and help promote innovation. The funding will continue both Desjardins and 91��ɫ’s commitment to fostering positive change for diverse local communities and uniquely global perspectives.

Following the announcement, Guy Cormier, President and CEO of Desjardins Group visited Keele campus to share his personal and professional journey with students, aspiring entrepreneurs and members of the 91��ɫ community.

Learn more about 91��ɫ's entrepreneurial programs.

Markham Campus Construction milestone and gift from alumnus Howard Sokolowski

In February, 91��ɫ President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton, together with dignitaries, University leadership, local community members and philanthropists, marked an important phase in the building of its new Markham Campus with a topping-off ceremony.

The event also celebrated a $5-million donation toward capital construction costs from Metropia and Howard Sokolowski, a 91��ɫ alumnus and the company’s founder and CEO.

Top 30 Alumni Under 30 networking event

In May we held our Top 30 Alumni Under 30 networking event to celebrate 91��ɫ's inspiring group of changemakers. Top 30 Alumni Under 30 recipients from previous years joined the 2023 cohort for an evening of celebration, recognition, and networking.

Meet the Top 30 Alumni Under 30 .

Alumni and Career Lounge opens in 91��ɫ Lanes

The Alumni and Career Lounge, a collaboration between Alumni Engagement, the 91��ɫ Career Centre and YSpace, opened this year. Students, alumni and friends had the opportunity to ask questions, access career services and learn more about alumni programs and benefits.

Learn more about the Alumni and Career Lounge.

Public launch of Connecting YU platform

Connecting YU, our virtual mentoring and networking platform, officially launched to the public in June. Students and alumni of 91��ɫ can leverage our virtual network to establish meaningful relationships, find valuable mentoring opportunities and cultivate professional and personal relationships that will enhance their learning and development. 

Record number of regional events and outreach

With a vast network of approximately 370,000 91��ɫ alumni making significant contributions around the globe, the Division of Advancement hosted a series of socials and receptions engaging esteemed alumni across five continents, eight countries and 14 cities.

View upcoming regional events.

The post Best of YU: Top Division of Advancement moments of 2023 appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

Best of YU: Top advancement moments of 2022

mj112 — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 18:04:18 +0000

10. 91��ɫ announced its 2022 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 list

Representing every Faculty at the University, these alumni are applying the education, skills and experiences they received at 91��ɫ to meaningful careers and community service endeavours demonstrating a long-standing commitment to the public good. Our Top 30 Alumni Under 30 list features an inspiring group of leaders who are creating positive change around the world.

Meet 91��ɫ's 2022 Top 30 Alumni Under 30.

9. 91��ɫ launches the 91��ɫ Emergency Student Support Fund

In April, 91��ɫ launched a fundraising campaign to establish the 91��ɫ Emergency Student Support Fund, which provides essential financial support to students affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and other geopolitical events and crises.

Learn more about the 91��ɫ Emergency Student Support Fund.

8. Convocation and alumni celebrations

This year we returned to in-person graduation ceremonies for both Summer and Fall Convocation. June marked the largest convocation in 91��ɫ's history with 6000 graduates, 3200 alumni convocates, and 26 ceremonies.

7. National Bank Open Events

In August, the National Bank Open was held at 91��ɫ U's Sobeys Stadium with 600 guests in 91��ɫ U's Executive Suite.

6. 91��ɫ welcomes alumnus and philanthropist Victor Dahdaleh to celebrate $4-million gift

91��ɫ celebrated the Victor Dahdaleh Foundation’s new $4-million gift to the University, which will support upgrades to the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Building, provide operating funding to CIFAL 91��ɫ and support the Advanced Disaster, Emergency and Rapid Response Simulation (ADERSIM) initiative with a new operations facility.

Learn more.

5. Frank Stronach announces $100,000 gift

In June, 91��ɫ was established as a living lab for next-gen electric vehicles known as the SARIT (Safe, Affordable, Reliable, Innovative Transit). Frank Stronach donated $100,000 to 91��ɫ which will support research opportunities for faculty, students, experiential learning, co-ops and potential jobs. The partnership will also help 91��ɫ fulfil its commitment to building a more sustainable world.

4. Dr. Allan Carswell is honoured as the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year

Dr. Allan Carswell, a renowned physicist, former 91��ɫ professor and changemaking philanthropist, was honoured as the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year. The award – presented to Dr. Carswell in November 2022, recognizes “an individual or family that has demonstrated outstanding civic and philanthropic leadership through a proven record of exceptional generosity and financial support.”

One of 91��ɫ’s greatest supporters, Dr. Allan Carswell was the driving force behind the establishment of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory, which is home to the largest telescope on a Canadian university campus.

Learn more about Dr. Allan Carswell.

3. Lassonde School of Engineering celebrates 10th anniversary

In November, Lassonde students, faculty, and alumni reunited to celebrate Lassonde School of Engineering's 10th anniversary and the school's accomplishments. The 10th anniversary alumni mixer was held at Steam Whistle Brewery and welcomed hundreds of alumni to reunite with classmates.

2. The 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards returns in person

The 91��ɫ U Alumni Awards were held on November 16 at the Glenn Gould Studio. The 91��ɫ community gathered to honour four outstanding 91��ɫ alumni, recognize two years of Top 30 Alumni Under 30 award recipients and celebrate 91��ɫ pride with an audience of 300 alumni, students, donors, and friends.

This year we honoured Chancellor Gregory Sorbara with the Outstanding Contribution Award, Dr. Eileen de Villa with the Outstanding Achievement Award, Michael H. Tulloch with the Tentanda Via award and Larissa Crawford with the One to Watch award.

1. Joan and Martin Goldfarb Gallery of 91��ɫ groundbreaking

Last month, 91��ɫ also celebrated the official groundbreaking for the new Joan and Martin Goldfarb Gallery of 91��ɫ (GGYU). Thanks to an original gift of $5M — and a new commitment of an additional $1M — from Joan and Martin Goldfarb, the GGYU is poised to be an integral point of connection where we celebrate local and international artists and audiences.

This new public gallery will redefine the Art Gallery of 91��ɫ into a multi-site space, highlight architectural innovation and define a space for the exhibition of contemporary art.

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