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Media and public invited to attend this Saturday April 11, hosted at 91亚色 U鈥檚 Markham campus for first time

April 10, 2026, TORONTO 鈥� While Artemis II is expected to arrive back on Earth today, youth from 91亚色 Region will be setting up their science projects that might be adopted in the future, including a smart compression suit for astronauts, duckweed growth and nutrient recycling in space, developing a machine-learning model to discover active asteroids and more.

More than 115 projects will be showcased by more than a hundred and sixty students grades 7 -12 as they compete this Saturday at the at 91亚色鈥檚 Markham Campus. The students from 37 schools across 91亚色 region will compete for a spot at the competition, which will be held in Edmonton, Alberta this year in late May.

While 91亚色 and YRSTF have partnered for the fair for more than a decade, with it typically being held at 91亚色鈥檚 Keele campus, 2026 marks the first year that the fair will be held at 91亚色鈥檚 Markham campus, newly opened in 2024.

Fifty judges will review their science fair submissions. YRSTF is an affiliate of Youth Science Canada, and the winners will be among 500 students from across the country vying for the title of Canada鈥檚 best science fair project and may go on to represent Canada internationally.

Co-chair of the YRSTF@91亚色 partnership, Faculty of Health Professor Rebecca Pillai Riddell, and YRSTF Youth Science Canada Regional Coordinator for 91亚色 Region Nathalie Rudner as well as participating students, will be available for interviews.

Projects in past years have included eco-friendly paper packaging made of sprouts, sound-powered batteries to monitor air quality, autonomous robots to assist seniors and using neural networks to detect disease early.

Students from previous competitions have gone on to show their work at prestigious competitions such as the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.

91亚色鈥檚 Connected Minds, a leading neuroscience research collaboration looking towards creating a healthy and just society, is the fair鈥檚 major sponsor this year, as well as 91亚色 Region District School Board and the 91亚色 Catholic District School Board alongside many community businesses and individuals.

Media are invited to attend from 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. during the judging portion of the fair, as well as the public viewing that takes place from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

WHAT: 91亚色 Region Science and Technology Fair
WHO: Grades 7 to 12 students from 37 91亚色 Region schools
WHEN: Saturday April 11. Media invited for a sneak-peek of the projects on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and public viewing from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

WHERE: Viewing hours located at 2nd floor of 91亚色鈥檚 .  The Awards Ceremony will follow at 5 p.m. in the atrium.

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91亚色 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 meaningful life and career paths. 91亚色's Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91亚色鈥檚 campus in Costa Rica offers students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.

Media Contact: Emina Gamulin, 91亚色 Media Relations, 437-217-6362, egamulin@yorku.ca

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With a well-earned reputation as a global technology and innovation hub, the City of Markham was the clear winner when it came to choosing a location for the first new university campus in 91亚色 Region.

Today, 91亚色鈥檚 President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, and honoured guests gathered to officially mark the grand opening of 91亚色鈥檚 Markham Campus.

With technology rich spaces and state-of-the-art equipment, Markham Campus offers students flexible learning formats, small class sizes and the opportunity to round out classroom learning with workplace experiential education.

鈥淪erving the students and meeting the needs of employers in 91亚色 Region and beyond with best-in-class educational experiences and work integrated learning opportunities is our goal. With the first full cohort of students enrolled this fall, we have turned our focus to support their academic needs and professional ambitions 鈥� to set them up for a lifetime of success,鈥� said Rhonda Lenton, president, 91亚色.

The academic programs offered at the campus are responsive to the future skills requirements of businesses in Ontario and 91亚色 Region, supported by an unparalleled commitment to access that ensures diverse learners benefit from dynamic learning spaces while they study and local job prospects when they graduate. Located in or near five provincially significant employment zones, 91亚色 Region is projected to create 15,000 jobs annually through 2030 and Markham Campus is the newest addition to the talent pipeline.

鈥�91亚色鈥檚 new Markham campus is a tremendous addition to 91亚色 Region and all of Ontario,鈥� said Premier Doug Ford. 鈥淭his campus will equip students with the skills needed to succeed in today鈥檚 economy, while supporting the growth of local industries and creating new opportunities right here in Markham. Our government is proud to support this investment in education and innovation, which will drive economic growth and help build Ontario鈥檚 workforce of the future.鈥�

In recent years, 91亚色 has grown its presence in 91亚色 Region and the City of Markham. 91亚色鈥檚 community innovation hub YSpace supports budding entrepreneurs in Markham.

The joyful occasion marks the culmination of many years of collaboration and teamwork, overcoming challenges of a global pandemic, stretched supply chain and more. The stunning new building that is Markham Campus represents significant education infrastructure in downtown Markham 鈥� already bustling with people attending the , nearby GO transit, and the , 91亚色鈥檚 new campus is already seeing keen interest from future students. 91亚色 Region is projected to have the highest growth rate in Ontario in the 18-22-year-old population, increasing by 34 per cent by 2041.

With significant financial support from 91亚色 Region, a generous donation of land from the City of Markham, a vital commitment of operational funding from the province of Ontario, and incredibly generous gifts from donors and philanthropists, Markham Campus is on a path to success.

鈥淚 am thrilled to be here with so many who have been with us on this journey, as supporters, friends, and advocates. Thank you for your continued support and helping us achieve this incredible vision for our innovative new campus,鈥� Lenton concluded.

Visit the website to learn more:

• Unique academic programs offered at Markham Campus can be found here
• More information about becoming an employer partner is available here  
• We invite prospective students & their families to the upcoming Fall Campus Day on November 16 (9:30am-1:00pm) by registering
• Join us to explore the state-of-the-art 91亚色 Markham Campus during the Community Open House on November 16 from 1-5 pm by registering

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Professor Afshin Rezaei-Zare discusses the 1859 geomagnetic storm, and others that have followed.聽Geomagnetic storms are often linked to a "mesmerizing display" of the northern lights but聽carry the potential to wreak havoc on our modern technological infrastructure.聽Rezaei-Zare聽leads a program that received a $1.65-million grant to help mitigate their potential impacts in Canada and the world. "Perhaps most concerning is ," Rezaei-Zare tells Toronto.com. "Modern electrical grids, satellite systems, and communication networks are highly vulnerable to the massive GICs such storms produce."

In an op-ed for The Conversation, Professor Jack L. Rozdilsky writes about the challenges facing recovery from the Jasper Complex Wildfire, which burned an estimated 32,722 hectares in July. Visiting the site as a researcher and to observe recovery efforts, he describes the "" of structures littering the charred landscape and how clean-up efforts will be complicated by snowfall. "Despite best efforts being made, if large tracts of disaster debris become frozen in place over winter, such a situation will impede recovery progress in 2025," writes Rozdilsky.

Professor Joe Mihevc, who served on Toronto City Council for nearly 30 years, comments on the city collecting resident feedback on the 2025 city budget through an online survey. Mihevc says Toronto needs to look for new revenue streams to pay for the priorities identified by residents. Mihevc tells CBC that , like continuing to ask the federal government to help cover the cost of shelters used by refugees or lobbying the province to cover the health and housing costs associated with growing homelessness.

Professor Ian Stedman writes about the looming federal election campaign, accountability, transparency and ethics for The Conversation. "Regardless of which party holds power, a striking flaw in Canada's political ethics framework is ," writes Stedman. "Ethics issues must be kept in public view and political parties should be pressured to offer meaningful reform ideas in their campaign and party platforms."

Ahead of Wednesday's Liberal caucus meeting where some MPs were expected to confront Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about his dropping popularity, Professor Dennis Pilon spoke to CityNews . He says that聽the Liberals have traditionally been less focused on rules around leadership reviews than other parties.

Professor Valerie Ann Preston talks to Toronto Star about a report by Statistics Canada that found international students and temporary foreign workers are paying more in monthly rent than Canadian-born tenants living in the same metropolitan areas. When differences were adjusted for neighbourhood, type of home and household size, international students paid less for shelter but temporary foreign workers still pay more than Canadian-born tenants. " because the rent premium for temporary farm workers persists even after you control for neighbourhood and you control for welling characteristics," says Preston. She adds that individuals in both groups tend to be newer to Canada with less knowledge about local rental markets, which puts them at a disadvantage. International students and temporary foreign workers are also primarily short-term renters. "Housing where you get international students and temporary foreign workers living is also housing that comes back on the market more often," she says. "The rents rise every time it becomes vacant."

91亚色's Markham Campus is prioritizing experiential education through its innovative biotechnology programs. Two standout offerings are the master of biotechnology management and graduate diploma in biotechnology programs. Dan Palermo, the interim deputy provost says the campus was designed to offer students hands-on learning experiences and aligns with the university's broader goal of . "This is what students are asking for," Palermo tells 91亚色Region.com. "It prepares them more effectively for the workforce."

Do you have a new research study or an academic achievement to share? Contact media@yorku.ca with details. For daily 91亚色 in the News highlights, follow on X.

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TORONTO, July 16, 2024 鈥� 91亚色鈥檚 Lassonde School of Engineering proudly announces the early success of its Digital Technologies BASc program, Canada鈥檚 first fully work-integrated degree, as detailed in the newly released, 鈥�.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

Recognizing the program鈥檚 strong first-year performance and its potential to develop talent for high-value jobs, IBM Canada has joined as a new partner. The company鈥檚 extensive experience in hybrid cloud, AI, and enterprise solutions will provide students with opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technologies and gain hands-on experience through mentorship programs, exclusive training sessions, and collaborative projects. IBM's commitment to fostering opportunity and growth in the tech sector aligns with Lassonde鈥檚 goals, bridging the gap between education and employment to create a diverse and inclusive digital workforce. 

Launched in September 2023, this innovative program, which combines academic coursework with full-time, paid employment, has seen all employers choose to retain their students for a second year. Employers report high satisfaction and increased productivity, citing the benefits of continuous student involvement compared to traditional short-term student placements. Achieving a 100 per cent student contract renewal rate in its inaugural year demonstrates the value of this fully work-integrated degree model in supporting an organization鈥檚 talent pipeline. 

Supported by organizations such as Alstom, BMO, Dayforce, Quanser, and Shopify, the program addresses the digital skills gap in Canada鈥檚 tech industry, preparing students for the global economy. By reducing financial barriers, the program has increased degree access for non-traditional and underrepresented learners, including recent high school grads, professionals and transfer students. Notably, more than 40 per cent of the first cohort are women, compared to the 16 per cent typically seen in traditional computer science programs. 

With a rigorous curriculum designed by experienced faculty and a focus on immediate practical application, students in the program spend approximately 80 per cent of their time gaining hands-on experience in the workplace. The other 20 per cent is dedicated to academic studies, including half-a-day of independent study once a week and six five-day block periods per year at 91亚色鈥檚 new Markham Campus. This approach ensures learners not only develop technical skills but also the professional competencies needed for success. 

Employers receive $5-7K in funding per term through the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP), and students earn an average of $23 per hour. 

Quotes 

鈥淭he commitment from all participating employers to extend their students鈥� contracts for a second year underscores the immense benefits of our fully work-integrated degree model. This ensures ongoing engagement and value for everyone involved. We are thrilled to welcome IBM to the program. Their involvement will bring additional expertise and resources, enriching the learning experience for our students and fostering a highly skilled and diverse tech workforce.鈥� 鈥� Jane Goodyer, Dean, Lassonde School of Engineering, 91亚色  

鈥淥ur student is exceeding our expectations. He has demonstrated a lot of maturity, drive, interest and professionalism. In fact, I usually have to give him fewer instructions than the others in the group.鈥� 鈥� Sajal Kumar Database Security Architect, BMO 

鈥淏eing recognized as 鈥楽tudent of the Term鈥� reflects my enthusiasm for continuous learning and meaningful contribution in the complex field of cybersecurity.鈥� 鈥� Eamon, Digital Technologies student and information security professional, BMO 

鈥淚t has been a definite win for the organization in productivity and work capacity.鈥� 鈥� Brad Nordin Vice President Intelligence, Dayforce 

鈥淗aving an active student who regularly engages with other students and professors gives our team an edge on new tools and practices that are being used.鈥� 鈥� Abbey Desjarlais Manager, Business Intelligence & Efficiencies, Quanser 

鈥淥ur student has been consistently growing in her understanding of our problem and product space while developing her ability to perform and ship impactful code with greater complexity.鈥� 鈥� Hamish Robertson Development Manager, Shopify 

About Lassonde School of Engineering: 

With a focus on Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and related fields, the Lassonde School of Engineering at 91亚色 addresses critical skill shortfalls in the ICT sector, ranking in the Top 200 for Computer Science globally (Times Higher Education, 2023). Located in the heart of the multicultural Greater Toronto Area, Lassonde is home to engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs, representing a diverse community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners. With 11 undergraduate programs, seven graduate programs, and a host of certificates and accessible study options, Lassonde is shaping the next generation of creators who will tackle the world鈥檚 biggest challenges and devise creative solutions through interdisciplinary learning opportunities. Lassonde鈥檚 creators think in big systems rather than small silos, design with people in mind, and embrace ambiguity. The school's innovative programs aim to prepare the next generation to exceed the demands of the global digital economy. 

Employer Contact: 

As Lassonde continues to expand this model nationwide, it invites industry partners to join in driving innovation and creating a more inclusive, skilled workforce. For more information on the Digital Technologies program and to 鈥痑bout the hiring process, contact: 

Marily Molina 
Business Development Manager 
Lassonde School of Engineering 
91亚色 
marily.molina@lassonde.yorku.ca  

About 91亚色

91亚色 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亚色鈥檚 fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario鈥檚 Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91亚色鈥檚 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.

Media Contacts: Emina Gamulin, 91亚色 Media Relations and External Communications, 437-217-6362, egamulin@yorku.ca

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Federal funding will go towards further developing immersive video game where players learn the Anishinaabe language, culture and ways of life

TORONTO, June 4, 2024 鈥� , a sociology professor at 91亚色鈥檚 Glendon Campus, is the recipient of for her Indigenous-led metaverse project Biskaabiiyaang: Creating a path towards healing and reconciliation. , associate professor in theatre and creative technologies at 91亚色鈥檚 School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD), is a co-applicant. Robyn O鈥橪oughlin joins the team as co-applicant working within the New Brunswick Ministry of Education. 91亚色 and the are also partners in the grant application. The award was created in response to Call to Action 65 to establish a national research program to advance understanding of reconciliation. It is a joint initiative of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

Chacaby鈥檚 immersive virtual game is set in a post-apocalyptic world invaded by linguicidals responsible for the death of the Ojibwe language Anishinaabemowin. It challenges players to learn the language 鈥� and save it from extinction 鈥� by exploring ruins, listening to the teachings of Elders and taking lessons from nature. Players discover how Indigenous history and culture have a role in returning beauty and magic to this world where Anishinaabe ways of life prevail. As an Indigenous community-led research project, Nokiiwin Tribal Council guides the work ensuring that Indigenous communities are first and foremost in the project鈥檚 direction.

鈥淢etaverses, as we see them in the Western world, are spaces where Indigenous people do not exist,鈥� says Chacaby, who is Anishinaabe, Beaver Clan from Kaministiquia (Thunder Bay). 鈥淭hat is a form of colonial erasure happening in these new technologies that I really want to disrupt.鈥� Part of the groundbreaking interdisciplinary research program Connected Minds: Neural and Machine Systems for a Healthy, Just Society, Biskaabiiyaang works to address the impacts of colonization on Indigenous communities, support culture-based healing practices and encourage language reclamation.

Chacaby, a research associate with the Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Languages, has long promoted Anishinaabe culture and language through courses she鈥檚 developed at Glendon. In 2016, for her online classes, she crafted a Dungeons and Dragons-style, card-based role-playing game in Anishinaabemowin. This gamified approach to learning led to soaring proficiency levels, with grammar and other difficult areas of language acquisition becoming easier as students developed characters and completed quests. But Chacaby wanted anyone to have access to this education. That鈥檚 where the metaverse came in.

An avid gamer, Chacaby noted how within massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) like World of Warcraft and Fallout, players use and coin terms that are only understood by other users and immediate team members. That made her realize these virtual worlds were environments ripe for learning. 鈥淚 thought, 鈥業f young people can talk in this very sophisticated technical language about a made up world, we can do the exact same thing with the culture鈥�,鈥� says Chacaby.

The project uses research-creation methodologies to build an audio and visual archive that is the foundation of the Biskaabiiyaang metaverse. Scott Baker, the education manager for the Nokiiwin Tribal Council, describes his excitement about Elders鈥� teachings making their way into the virtual world. 鈥淲hat the SSHRC grant is going to open up for us is to start collecting these stories,鈥� says Baker.

鈥淲e're actually documenting stories and teachings, and these will live long beyond when I'm gone,鈥� says Audrey Gilbeau, executive director of the Tribal Council. A co-creation with community Elders and Indigenous youth, the virtual world is a community-built and -owned archive that鈥檚 alive, growing and changing. She says that Elders and Knowledge Keepers who have passed away over the past five years, since work on Biskaabiiyaang began, continue to live on in the recordings and stories captured in the project.

The best way for a community to hold an archive is in a format that people can access, says Caines, adding: 鈥淭he metaverse is the archive.鈥� The researchers have partnered with , a virtual world platform, to build the metaverse and bring the archive to life. Content in the metaverse is based upon Anishinaabe worldview and culture as well as family histories and individuals鈥� lived experiences. The virtual world is a place where players learn by undertaking quests and interacting with traditional tools and objects, teachings, and language learning modules using culture-based game mechanics.

In partnership with AMPD鈥檚 new program opening at Markham Campus, undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral research fellows will come together with Indigenous teens from the region to work on the metaverse at the new facilities, as well as gain on-site training in Northern Ontario. Biskaabiiyaang is the first step in a decade-long project running in tandem with the UNESCO International Decade of Indigenous Languages. A multi-year project, it is a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 65.

Visit the Biskaabiiyaang to learn more and download a free demonstration.

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The 91亚色 community is celebrating an important phase in the construction of its new Markham Campus, as the final structural I-beam was placed 鈥� completing the building鈥檚 frame. 

The recent ceremony was marked by the announcement of a $5-million donation from Metropia, presented by Metropia founder and CEO Howard Sokolowski, a 91亚色 alumnus. In honour of this generous gift, which will go toward the capital construction costs of the campus, 91亚色 President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton announced that the student life centre will be named the Metropia Student Success Centre.   

鈥淚 was a student at 91亚色 50 years ago, when it was an emerging institution in North 91亚色,鈥� shares Sokolowski. 鈥淪ince then, 91亚色 has grown into an internationally recognized university, and I am so proud to be a part of 91亚色鈥檚 further expansion with a campus in the heart of Markham.鈥�  

Located on the first and second floors of the new building, the Metropia Student Success Centre will be a dynamic and central hub for all student supports and services at Markham Campus. The suite will include the student success and academic advising office, an interfaith centre, multipurpose wellness studio and spaces for academic success, mentoring, counselling and student life. It will also feature areas for student organizations, including student government and clubs, to collaborate and plan events on campus and within the community. 

鈥淗oward is a proud alumnus, and long-time friend and supporter of 91亚色, who has been involved in various capacities throughout the years," Lenton says. "I want to thank Howard for his continued friendship and support of the University, his family and Metropia for this generous donation to support our Markham Campus.鈥�

In addition to honouring Metropia鈥檚 gift, President Lenton thanked partners, including the Government of Ontario, the City of Markham, 91亚色 Region, the R.P. Bratty Family Foundation, as well as valued donors and business partners who are helping to transform this vision into reality. 

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti echoed Lenton鈥檚 thanks, and praised Sokolowski for his passion, drive and commitment to 91亚色 and Markham. 鈥淭here is a responsibility Howard recognizes,鈥� Scarpitti says, 鈥渢o make sure that good things happen in our community.鈥�

Sokolowski sees Markham鈥檚 thriving city centre and growing neighbourhood as a perfect match for 91亚色鈥檚 entrepreneurial spirit and curriculum. 鈥淚 care deeply about this community and institution and am so excited to see this project progressing towards opening day,鈥� he concludes.

Gordon Binsted, 91亚色鈥檚 Deputy Provost for Markham Campus, underscores the new campus鈥檚 wide-reaching potential. 鈥淭his gift goes beyond financial support for capital construction of the campus," Binstead says. "It represents the commitment and confidence of our alumni and friends in its success. Markham students will know that their campus was built with community buy in and vested interest in the future.鈥�

The high-tech, research-intensive campus will embed 91亚色 in the heart of one of the most diverse and dynamic urban communities in the province and country, while supporting research and academic programs that reflect the local economy 鈥� offering opportunities for students, faculty and staff to collaborate directly with employers, startups and community partners with a shared commitment to right the future. 

Scarpitti shares his optimism for the positive change Markham Campus students will be inspired to create. 鈥淲e know that our world needs to change, progress, evolve and get better,鈥� he remarks. He adds that as far as he鈥檚 concerned, the real celebration will be when the first cohort of Markham Campus students crosses the convocation stage, before going out in the world and making a difference 鈥� righting the future.

Claire Del Zotto, third-year biology student who resides in 91亚色 Region while studying at 91亚色鈥檚 Keele Campus, reflects on how the University鈥檚 science programs available at the new campus will enhance the student experience. 鈥淚 personally found the greatest value in the endless research experiences available to students,鈥� Del Zotto explains. 鈥淥nce the Markham Campus is open in 2024, experiential learning opportunities will be increasingly accessible to students in the sciences and beyond.鈥�

While building of the new campus is well underway, the University is still accepting donations toward the capital construction costs. 鈥淥nce completed,鈥� Del Zotto concludes, 鈥淢arkham Campus will fortify the one-of-a-kind student experience that 91亚色 has worked to build, and ultimately guide thousands of the world鈥檚 future leaders, innovators and visionaries to success.鈥�

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MARKHAM, ON, Feb. 1, 2023 鈥� Today, President and Vice-Chancellor of 91亚色, 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 鈥榯opping-off ceremony鈥� and the announcement of a $5-million donation toward capital construction costs from Metropia, presented by Howard Sokolowski, a 91亚色 alumnus and the company鈥檚 founder and CEO.

The milestone was recognized with a ceremonial signing of the final beam attended by local dignitaries, University leadership and community members. The final structural I-beam was then lifted and placed by a crane 鈥� completing the building鈥檚 frame. 

Coupled with curtainwall installation up to the fifth level and the completion of the concrete structure, this final beam placement means that interior work to support the campus鈥檚 academic programs and research grounded in core themes of technology and entrepreneurship can progress.

The $5-million donation from Metropia and Howard Sokolowski, a 91亚色 alumnus, will go toward the capital construction costs of the campus. In honour of this generous gift, the student success centre on the first and second floors of the new building will be named the Metropia Student Success Centre.

The Metropia Student Success Centre will be a dynamic and central hub for all student supports and services at Markham Campus. The suite will include the student success and academic advising office, an interfaith centre, multipurpose wellness studio and spaces for academic success, mentoring, counselling and student life. It will also feature areas for student organizations, including student government and clubs, to collaborate and plan events on campus and within the community.

The high-tech, research-intensive campus will embed 91亚色 in the heart of one of the most diverse and dynamic urban communities in the province and country, while supporting research and academic programs that reflect the local economy 鈥� offering opportunities for students, faculty and staff to collaborate directly with employers, startups and community partners with a shared commitment to right the future.

Together with YSpace, the Markham Small Business Centre, the City鈥檚 Economic Development initiatives, and technology companies already based in Markham, this new campus will help foster innovation and entrepreneurship in Markham and the Regional Municipality of 91亚色. It will also attract more skilled, diverse talent to study, work and settle in Markham, further growing the city as a forward-thinking community and a leading technology and innovation hub.

Markham Campus is set to open in Spring 2024. To learn more, visit yorku.ca/markham

QUOTES

鈥�91亚色鈥檚 mission as a progressive and modern university is to drive positive change through the transformative power of 21st century learning, research and innovation, and strong partnerships to enhance the well-being of the communities we serve. Markham Campus will be helping 91亚色 do just that.鈥� 

- Rhonda Lenton, President and Vice-Chancellor, 91亚色

鈥淚 was a student at 91亚色 50 years ago, when it was an emerging institution in North 91亚色. Since then, 91亚色 has grown into an internationally recognized university, and I am so proud to be a part of 91亚色鈥檚 further expansion with a campus in the heart of Markham. Markham鈥檚 city centre is a thriving, rapidly growing neighbourhood that is a perfect match for 91亚色鈥檚 entrepreneurial spirit and curriculum. I care deeply about this community and institution and am so excited to see this project progressing towards opening day.鈥�

- Howard Sokolowski, Founder and CEO, Metropia

鈥淢arkham Campus is more than a building. It is a tunnel of raw hope and opportunity for the city, the region and ultimately the province and country. The final beam placed on top of the building structure today is the capstone that advances this campus to be a beacon of positive change.鈥�

- Gordon Binsted, Deputy Provost, 91亚色 Markham Campus

鈥淭he City of Markham congratulates 91亚色 on this latest milestone, an important next step in realizing our dream of a post-secondary institution in Markham. The new campus will complement our growing downtown with its beautifully designed architecture and inviting entrance. We look forward to the official opening in 2024.鈥�

- Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of Markham

鈥淎ttracting high-quality post-secondary opportunities has been a long-standing priority for 91亚色 Regional Council and is a key goal in our Economic Development Action Plan. As we celebrate the completion of the 91亚色 Markham Campus structure and Regional Council鈥檚 $25-million capital investment in this project, we look forward to welcoming students to the City of Markham and creating new opportunities for research, innovation and business growth.鈥�

- Wayne Emmerson, Chairman and CEO, Regional Municipality of 91亚色

"Congratulations 91亚色 on reaching this significant milestone and for bringing the community, private sector and all levels of government together to support this important project. The new Markham Campus will not only serve as a physical building that provides a space for learning, but also as a foundation for knowledge and lifelong success. Together, we are creating opportunity for the people of 91亚色 Region, giving students access to the best learning environment possible, where they can prepare for their careers and the jobs of the future."

- Hon. Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities

"I am grateful that 91亚色 has chosen Unionville, which is not only well-connected to Toronto but also embraces some vibrant and diverse communities. The 91亚色 Markham Campus will be the first publicly assisted university in the 91亚色 Region. By choosing Unionville and the 91亚色 Region, I have no doubt the university will be rewarded by the many talents in our strong business and tech clusters here. I can't wait to see the positive impact of the new Markham Campus for generations to come."

-    Billy Pang, MPP, Markham - Unionville

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Media Contact:
Kayla Lewis, News Manager & Deputy Spokesperson at lewiskay@yorku.ca or 416.452.0282

91亚色 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亚色's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91亚色鈥檚 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.

The post 91亚色 U celebrates Markham Campus construction milestone and latest major gift appeared first on News@91亚色.

With excitement continuing to build for 91亚色鈥檚 new Markham Campus, more than 50 people recently gathered to mark the unveiling of a community art exhibit called 鈥淩ight The Future.鈥� The carefully curated exhibit has transformed the generic wooden hoarding in front the busy construction site into a public gallery depicting stories representing 91亚色鈥檚 commitment to driving positive change in its communities, and to truth and reconciliation 鈥� while first and foremost honouring the site's which is part of the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

"From time immemorial art was woven through every aspect of traditional Indigenous life, yet in many Indigenous languages, there is no single word for art. Rather concepts of art contained in ancestral languages describe process and movement," said Susan Dion, 91亚色鈥檚 inaugural associate vice-president of Indigenous initiatives, at the exhibit's opening ceremony in the nearby Markham Pan Am Centre on Sept. 28. "Today the definition of Indigenous art continues to expand and evolve, but one thing that is certain, Indigenous peoples are the makers of Indigenous art. It is through the practices of self-representation that we tell of our survival, our presence, and our resistance.鈥�

As Markham continues to grow, it retains a rich history and heritage that informs its future. Acknowledging that with its new campus, 91亚色 will be a part of this tapestry, artists were asked to consider what it means to right the future at the Markham Campus. They were encouraged to contemplate the dimensions of time 鈥� past, present and future 鈥� sustainability, how different academic disciplines merge and reconciliation with Indigenous communities. 91亚色 issued a call for artistic expression last spring, receiving 30 submissions. Eight artworks were selected to be part of the final exhibition. Featured artists received an honorarium per selected image and have been credited on-site as well as in all exhibit materials. The artwork will be displayed on the construction hoarding along Enterprise Blvd. until it is no longer required on site.

鈥淚 think you will agree that we achieved our goal of making the construction hoarding for our new Markham Campus visually appealing as people drive and walk by,鈥� said Rhonda Lenton, 91亚色鈥檚 president and vice-chancellor, at the unveiling ceremony. 鈥淏ut the art goes far beyond beautification 鈥� what you see here tells a series of stories that come from the imaginations and lived experiences of talented artists, all of whom are members of the 91亚色 community.鈥�

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Among the artists are Jasmine Swimmer, an Afro-Indigenous multidisciplinary artist and mother whose work depicts connection between community, identity and resilience, and Marissa Magneson, a Cree-M茅tis artist, photographer, educator and workshop facilitator whose featured ethnographic photograph 鈥淔rozen Chains of Childhood,鈥� reflects on the isolating and immobilizing pain Indigenous children endured in the residential school system. Magneson is pursuing a PhD in Education at 91亚色 this fall and her research explores Indigenous methodologies using beadwork as visual storytelling.

鈥淭his project has truly been a collaborative community public art project 鈥� and it is leading the way in the province on how public spaces and public art is considered by looking at untapped canvasses such as construction hoarding as locations to exhibit arts and culture鈥� and democratizing the communities鈥� access to art by showcasing it in the public realm,鈥� said Anjuli Solanki, the program director for STEPS Public Art, 91亚色鈥檚 partner on the project.

The award-winning charitable public arts organization, prides itself for being at the intersection of public art, city building and community engagement. When it comes to city building and community engagement in Markham, there is now greater champion than Markham's Mayor Frank Scarpitti.

鈥淗ere in the City of Markham, we couldn鈥檛 be prouder to have 91亚色 鈥� we couldn鈥檛 be prouder of the values that are part of your DNA 鈥� and I thank the artists for bringing those to light in a very public way with these wonderful examples of art," remarked Scarpitti. "This is a community that is certainly very proud about speaking the truth and I was so pleased to see that Indigenous art was included in this project. Congratulations to everyone who鈥檚 been involved in this project.鈥�

Scarpitti went on to say that he hopes to see the pieces of art incorporated into the Markham Campus building, once complete.

To learn more about Markham Campus, visit yorku.ca/markham.

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