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91��ɫ community celebrates Spring Convocation as leaders of tomorrow prepare to create positive change

manton — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 14:36:20 +0000

Throughout the month of June, the 91��ɫ community is celebrating convocation, a time-honoured tradition that celebrates every student’s academic accomplishments.

Spring Convocation 2023 began on June 9 with graduates crossing the stage at Glendon Campus’ Glendon Green and continues from June 16 to 23 with ceremonies at the Keele Campus Convocation Pavillion located in Sobeys Stadium.

In her first public act since being installed as 91��ɫ’s new Chancellor last month, Kathleen Taylor is conferring degrees on thousands of new graduates at this year’s 13 convocation ceremonies.

Chancellor Kathleen Taylor; with Dr. Carl James, the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora, and named a Distinguished Research Professor at 91��ɫ during this year's convocation ceremonies; and, President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton.

In remarks delivered at a Keele Campus convocation ceremony, Taylor reminded graduates that success is not an endpoint, but a continuous pursuit in a life-long journey.

“So embrace change, seize opportunities,” Taylor said, “and continue to strive for excellence to better yourself and the world around you.”

Not only a celebration of life at 91��ɫ, convocation is also an opportunity for new graduates to share this significant milestone with family and friends.

While in many ways 91��ɫ’s spring convocation represents a return to the familiar, many aspects of the ceremonies have been reconsidered with the goal of creating a more inclusive and student-centered celebration.

The changes aim to advance the University’s new Decolonization, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy through the culture of convocation, and more strongly align this and future years’ ceremonies with 91��ɫ’s values.

In addition to changes in the order of proceedings that see the national anthem sung following a land acknowledgement and, where relevant, an Honour Song, the University’s mace has been repositioned as a symbol of university scholarship, leading the academic procession into the ceremony rather than positioned in front of the Chancellor as in previous years.

Student performers are replacing the bagpipers who traditionally play the procession into the ceremonies, and each ceremony features an alumni guest delivering a welcome message.

Communications have been updated to clarify that students, faculty and guests who identify as First Nation, Metis or Inuit are welcome to wear traditional ceremonial dress of their people and culture, and every ceremony includes either a volunteer or professional name reader.

After receiving their degree, graduates and their loved ones can celebrate with several fun and interactive features, including a Spotify playlist and graduation song, a social media wall and “360 camera,” and the opportunity to view and participate in student success story videos. Those sharing their celebration on social media are encouraged to use the hashtag #91��ɫUConvo and can add special convocation stickers to customize Instagram stories.

There are also two new grad celebrations that have been added: which takes place on June 28 and the will be held on June 29.

Nobel Peace Prize recipient Dr. Denis Mukwege was honoured at a reception at Glendon Campus on June 15 and received an honorary doctorate at the Faculty of Education convocation ceremony on June 16.

As in previous years’ ceremonies, 91��ɫ will confer honorary degrees to prominent individuals in recognition of their contributions to community building, social justice advocacy and philanthropy. These changemakers will also offer words of encouragement and congratulations to graduates.

This year’s honorary degree recipients include Chief Justice of Ontario Michael Tulloch; author, journalist and activist Cory Doctorow; Iron Chef judge and one of the “Ten Chefs of the Millennium” Susur Lee; Nobel Prize in Economics-winner Daniel Kahneman; community volunteer and retired public servant Joan Andrew; Nobel Peace Prize-winner Dr. Denis Mukwege; author and activist Ruth Lor Malloy; social enterprise leader Shaun Loney; filmmaker Nancy Archibald; and, engineering innovator and educator Thomas Lee.

In her remarks delivered at a Keele Campus convocation ceremony, university President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton encouraged this year’s graduates to use the knowledge and experience they have gained at 91��ɫ to create positive change in their communities and around the world.

“You are perfectly positioned to help reimagine our world into a place that is more equitable, inclusive and sustainable – values that are core to 91��ɫ’s vision.”

Lenton concluded by urging graduates to think about what matters to them, whether the fight against climate change, social justice, or something else.

“You have the tools,” Lenton said, “and the world really needs your fresh ideas.”

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Canadian trailblazer installed as 91��ɫ U’s first woman chancellor inspired by experience as a 91��ɫ student

manton — Wed, 10 May 2023 22:14:34 +0000

91��ɫ's 14th Chancellor Kathleen Taylor

A woman who has blazed a trail as a business executive in Canada has marked another first when she was installed as 91��ɫ’s first woman chancellor on Wednesday.

Kathleen Taylor became the first woman to chair the board of one of Canada’s big five banks when she took the helm of the Royal Bank’s governing body a decade ago. She also served as the first president and CEO of the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts chain following its iconic founder and was the first woman to lead a major branded international hotel company.

She credits her professional accomplishments as a leader in the public and private sectors and her dedication to breaking down barriers for others, to the education and inspiration she gained as a student at 91��ɫ. She was the first in her family to attend university.

“Kathleen Taylor’s illustrious career has spanned many industries, and she has tirelessly served her local and global communities,” said Rhonda Lenton, 91��ɫ’s president and vice-chancellor.

“She is an inspiration in her new role as chancellor, because she embodies the positive change our students, staff, faculty and researchers all strive for and what 91��ɫ U is known for.”

Taylor, who took over from the Hon. Gregory Sorbara to become 91��ɫ’s 14^th chancellor in January, was installed at a special ceremony at the Tribute Communities Recital Hall Accolade East Building on Keele Campus. Many community members came out to join the celebration.

“As a 91��ɫ alum and a champion for higher education, Ms. Taylor represents what can be accomplished when we stretch the limits of what we perceive as possible and challenge the status quo to support a more inclusive and sustainable world,” said Paul Tsaparis, chair of 91��ɫ U’s board of governors.

Her first public act as chancellor will be conferring degrees on thousands of new graduates at the spring convocation, June 9-23. It will also bring her full circle. Almost four decades ago, Taylor herself was graduated from 91��ɫ with a Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School and a Master of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business.

“I learned many lessons at 91��ɫ — in the classroom and on campus — that continue to inspire me today,” Taylor said. “91��ɫ is a unique place where academic opportunities align with passion and ideas that can have a positive impact on the world.”

The result, she said, is a globally engaged University she is proud to be part of.

“The clear nexus of my humble beginnings and the kind of career I’ve had the honour, privilege and pleasure to enjoy is education. The skills, the relationships, the experience that came with that were foundational to my career.”

Chancellors hold the University’s top ceremonial position and become a member of the board of governors. They serve as a connector, inspiring leader and respected member of the community.

Along with Sorbara, Taylor joins a long tradition of distinguished chancellors that began in 1959 with Wilfred Curtin, former chief of air staff of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Former Ontario premier John P. Robarts held the post from 1977 to 1982, while acclaimed jazz pianist Oscar Peterson was 91��ɫ’s chancellor in the early ‘90s.

Kathleen Taylor was installed as 91��ɫ's 14th Chancellor at a special ceremony at the Tribute Communities Recital Hall.

“I am honoured and excited to take on this important role with 91��ɫ,” said Taylor, who has received many prestigious recognitions over the span of her career, including being admitted as a member of the Order of Canada in 2016.

She received the Schulich School of Business Award for Outstanding Executive Leadership and the inaugural Medal for Career Achievement from the Hennick Centre for Business and Law at 91��ɫ. She received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from 91��ɫ, McGill, the University of Toronto and Trent. She also received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Mount Saint Vincent and an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Huron University College.

A champion of women and children, Taylor works tirelessly to ensure greater diversity and inclusion in boardrooms and executive ranks. She is the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Hospital for Sick Children and the Immediate Past Chair of the SickKids Foundation. She is also a Founding Visionary and Co-Chair of the Advocacy Committee of the Prosperity Project, a national non-profit devoted to the advancement of women in leadership and the economy.

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The Chair of the Board of 91��ɫ announces appointment of new Chancellor

barbjoy — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 18:31:36 +0000

Today, 91��ɫ’s Board of Governors appointed Kathleen Taylor as 91��ɫ’s 14th Chancellor to a three-year term, effective January 1, 2023. The appointment follows outgoing Chancellor, the Honourable Gregory Sorbara, who was first appointed in 2014 and is leaving the role after more than nine years of distinguished service to 91��ɫ.

The Chancellor holds the University’s top ceremonial position in 91��ɫ’s governance structure and is a member of the Board of Governors. Serving as a connector, inspiring leader, and respected member of the community, the role is important to the University, and students, in particular. A core responsibility is the conferring of degrees on thousands of accomplished new graduates at convocation ceremonies every fall and spring. 91��ɫ’s 2023 Spring Convocation will mark the first for Taylor as Chancellor.

Kathleen Taylor, incoming Chancellor, 91��ɫ

Throughout her global career, and across the many and varied positive contributions as a volunteer and board member, Taylor has demonstrated her commitment to supporting efforts that advance a thriving future for all.

“On behalf of 91��ɫ’s Board of Governors, and as a proud 91��ɫ alumnus myself, I’m delighted to announce that Kathleen Taylor has been appointed as 91��ɫ’s Chancellor and a member of the Board,” said Paul Tsaparis, Chair, Board of Governors, “Through her extraordinary leadership in the public and private sector, in paving the way for increased diversity and representation on Boards, and through her work with the Hospital for Sick Children, Kathleen exemplifies the daily work of creating positive change.”

The first woman to serve as Chair of the Board of a major bank in Canada, Taylor’s appointment as 91��ɫ’s new Chancellor also marks the first time a woman will serve in the role.

“In addition to an illustrious career that has spanned many industries, Kathleen Taylor has tirelessly served her local and global communities in an extraordinary capacity, advocating for more diverse representation in her professional and personal pursuits,” said Rhonda Lenton, President and Vice-Chancellor. It is no surprise that she chose to study at 91��ɫ. She knows us well and has remained actively engaged with our community. She will be an inspiration in her new role as Chancellor, and I am looking forward to working with her in driving the positive change for which 91��ɫ is known.”

“I am honoured and excited to take on this important role with 91��ɫ. Many lessons I learned at 91��ɫ – in the classroom and on campus – continue to inspire me today,” said incoming Chancellor, Kathleen Taylor. “91��ɫ is a unique place where academic opportunities align with passion and ideas that can have a positive impact on the world. The result is a globally engaged University where the value of a degree is enhanced through unparalleled commitment to access to education, incredible research, and a bold determination to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world. I am delighted to join 91��ɫ’s talented leadership team and the Board to build on this important mission.”

An esteemed 91��ɫ Alumna, Taylor holds a Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School and a Master of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business. She also serves as a member of Schulich School of Business Dean’s Advisory Council. Unafraid of breaking downs barriers, Taylor shares 91��ɫ’s vision to “right the future.”

Le président du Conseil d’administration de l’Université 91��ɫ
annonce la nomination d’une nouvelle chancelière

Le Conseil d’administration de l’Université 91��ɫ annonce aujourd’hui la nomination de Kathleen Taylor en tant que 14^e chancelière pour un mandat de trois ans à compter du 1^er janvier 2023. Elle succédera au chancelier sortant, l’honorable Gregory Sorbara, qui a été nommé pour la première fois à ce poste en 2014 et qui le quitte après plus de neuf brillantes années de service.

Le chancelier occupe la position cérémoniale la plus élevée de l’Université dans la structure de gouvernance de 91��ɫ et il est également membre du Conseil d’administration. Ce rôle de rassembleur, de leader inspirant et de membre respecté de la communauté est important pour l’Université, tout particulièrement pour la communauté étudiante. L’une des principales responsabilités du chancelier consiste à décerner des diplômes aux milliers de nouveaux diplômées et diplômés hautement accomplis lors des cérémonies d’automne et de printemps. La cérémonie de remise des diplômes du printemps 2023 sera la première à laquelle Mme Taylor participera en tant que chancelière.

Tout au long de sa carrière internationale et à travers ses nombreuses contributions en tant que bénévole et membre de conseils d’administration, Mme Taylor a démontré son engagement envers les efforts qui contribuent à un avenir meilleur pour tous et toutes.

« Au nom du Conseil d’administration de 91��ɫ, et en tant que fier diplômé de cette université, je me réjouis d’annoncer que Kathleen Taylor a été nommée chancelière de 91��ɫ et membre du Conseil, a déclaré Paul Tsaparis, président du Conseil d’administration. En raison de son leadership extraordinaire dans les secteurs public et privé où elle a ouvert la voie à une diversité et à une représentation accrues au sein des conseils d’administration, et de ses services au Hospital for Sick Children, Kathleen est un exemple parfait du travail quotidien qui mène aux changements positifs. »

Première femme nommée au poste de présidente du conseil d’administration d’une grande banque canadienne, Mme Taylor sera aussi la première chancelière de l’Université 91��ɫ.

« En plus de sa carrière illustre dans de nombreuses industries, Kathleen Taylor a servi inlassablement les communautés locales et mondiales en prônant une représentation plus diversifiée dans ses activités professionnelles et personnelles, a déclaré Rhonda Lenton, présidente et vice-chancelière. Il n’est pas surprenant qu’elle ait choisi d’étudier à 91��ɫ. Elle nous connaît bien et est restée très engagée dans notre communauté. Elle sera une source d’inspiration dans son nouveau rôle de chancelière. Je me réjouis de travailler avec elle afin de continuer à susciter les changements positifs qui font la renommée de 91��ɫ. »

« Je suis honorée et enthousiaste d’assumer ce rôle important à l’Université 91��ɫ. Les nombreuses leçons retenues de mon parcours à 91��ɫ — en classe et sur le campus — m’inspirent encore aujourd’hui, a déclaré la nouvelle chancelière, Kathleen Taylor. 91��ɫ est un endroit unique où les possibilités académiques vont de pair avec les passions et les idées qui ont une incidence positive sur le monde. Le résultat est une université engagée à l’échelle mondiale où la valeur d’un diplôme est augmentée par un engagement inégalé envers l’accès à l’éducation, l’excellence de la recherche et une volonté audacieuse de contribuer à un monde plus équitable et durable. Je suis ravie de rejoindre la talentueuse équipe de direction de 91��ɫ et son conseil d’administration pour poursuivre cette importante mission. »

Éminente diplômée de 91��ɫ, Mme Taylor détient un doctorat en jurisprudence de l’École de droit Osgoode Hall et une maîtrise en administration des affaires de l’École Schulich des hautes études commerciales. Elle siège d’ailleurs au conseil consultatif du doyen de l’École Schulich. Ne craignant pas de briser des obstacles, Mme Taylor appuie la vision de 91��ɫ : « présents pour l’avenir ».

About 91��ɫ: 91��ɫ is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change and prepare our students for success. 91��ɫ's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91��ɫ’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.

L’Université 91��ɫ : Située à Toronto, en Ontario, l’Université 91��ɫ est une université urbaine, moderne et multisites. Grâce à la diversité de sa population étudiante, de son corps professoral, de son personnel, de ses diplômés et de ses partenaires, elle apporte une perspective mondiale unique pour contribuer à résoudre des défis sociétaux, pour susciter des changements positifs et pour préparer ses étudiants à réussir. Glendon, le campus entièrement bilingue de 91��ɫ, abrite le Centre d’excellence du sud de l’Ontario pour la langue française et l’éducation bilingue postsecondaire. Les campus de 91��ɫ au Costa Rica et en Inde offrent aux étudiants des programmes innovateurs et des possibilités exceptionnelles d’apprentissage transnational. Ensemble, faisons avancer les choses pour nos communautés, notre planète et notre avenir.

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Gregory Sorbara re-appointed Chancellor of 91��ɫ

roshanp — Wed, 31 May 2017 15:16:44 +0000

TORONTO, May 31, 2017 − 91��ɫ Chancellor Gregory Sorbara has been re-appointed to the University’s top ceremonial role for an additional three-year term, effective June 14, 2017. 91��ɫ’s Board of Governors first appointed Sorbara as Chancellor in 2014 for a three year term, and recently confirmed the re-appointment.

“Greg is a tremendous advocate for post-secondary education, and especially a 91��ɫ education,” said Rick Waugh, Chair, 91��ɫ Board of Governors. “Greg has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the values that define 91��ɫ: we are progressive, we embrace diversity, and we always strive for excellence. I am confident he will continue to champion 91��ɫ with his considerable experience and wisdom.”

This year, Chancellor Sorbara will confer degrees on graduating students over 13 convocation ceremonies from June 16 to 24.

"91��ɫ could not ask for a more dedicated or effective champion than Greg Sorbara," said Mamdouh Shoukri, President and Vice-Chancellor of 91��ɫ. "A proud double alumnus and longtime friend of the University, Greg has spent his career working to enhance accessibility to postsecondary education in Ontario and to increase investments in all areas of student success, research and innovation."

“I am honoured to be re-appointed,” said Greg Sorbara. “As the University embarks on its next phase of growth, I remain devoted to the vitality and well-being of 91��ɫ’s Community.”

Sorbara earned a BA from 91��ɫ’s bilingual Glendon Campus in 1978 and earned an LLB from 91��ɫ’s Osgoode Hall Law School in 1981. In 2013, he received an honorary doctor of laws (LLD) from 91��ɫ. In 2014, he was appointed 91��ɫ’s 13th Chancellor, the titular head of 91��ɫ’s , and a member of the Board of Governors. Formerly a long-serving and distinguished Member of Provincial Parliament, Sorbara held senior cabinet roles in the governments of Ontario Premier David Peterson and Premier Dalton McGuinty.

For Chancellor Sorbara’s biography, .

91��ɫ is known for championing new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-discipline programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. 91��ɫ students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. 91��ɫ U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 26 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, 91��ɫ is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 295,000 alumni. 91��ɫ U's fully bilingual Glendon campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

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Media Contact: Barbara Joy, 91��ɫ, 416-736-5593, barbjoy@yorku.ca