91��ɫUConvo Archives - News@91��ɫ

Brain injury survivor graduates at 91��ɫ U Spring 2023 convocation

suhasini — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 18:07:36 +0000

Teen drunk driving crash survivor Dean Wardak earns a professional writing degree, aims to author an inspirational autobiography of resilience and courage

TORONTO, June 23, 2023 –Dean Wardak was unsure about going back to school but then he joined 91��ɫ in 2018 at age 25. Five years later, he received a degree in professional writing, magna cum laude from the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies during 91��ɫ’s Spring 2023 convocation, this week.

“Not bad for a quadriplegic with a brain injury, eh?” asks Wardak who crossed the convocation stage in a wheelchair.

Dean Wardak crossed the convocation stage Tuesday, June 20, graduating with a professional writing degree, magna cum laude

A Mississauga native, Wardak has come a long way since he became a quadriplegic as a teen, after a drunk driving accident nearly killed him. “I suffered a brain injury and spinal cord injury from the accident, in which emergency responders found me without vital signs, trapped inside my half-crushed car,” he says speaking about the crash that made . “My life seemed like it was going to be filled with darkness for the remainder of it.”

At the time, he also wondered if it was a smart choice to return to school, considering the amount of time he had to dedicate to physical rehabilitation.

But his therapists convinced him that going back to school was important for the rehabilitation of his brain. “Thank god my recovery exceeded the expectations of doctors and other medical professionals,” says Wardak, who first joined Sheridan College and graduated with high honours from the General Arts & Sciences program in 2016.

His recovery not only gave him the motivation to thrive, but also moved him to spread hope and positivity to others looking for inspiration.

“I originally became a public speaker because I wanted to discourage people from drinking and driving. I felt like I had to use my story to prevent people from making the same mistake I made,” says Wardak. “I slowly learned, though, that I had more to offer to my audience with my story, so I transitioned to being more of a motivational speaker.”

Dean Wardak wanted to get education in writing, with an aim to write an inspirational book based on his near-death experience

Since then, Wardak has given numerous talks to church and youth groups, at police seminars and high schools about his near-death experience, recovery and more importantly how he still finds the strength to achieve great things with his life.

“The talks I give now make people laugh, cry, smile, and most importantly, it gives them hope. My story shows people the strength they can have when battling life’s challenges and that discipline and hard work can produce amazing results in all aspects of life. It tells people that love is a powerful force that can give families, friends and individuals the strength to support each other through adversity so that we never have to suffer alone.”

Hoping to touch the lives of people around the world who are looking for inspiration from those like himself, Wardak decided he wanted to write a book related to his experience.

“I wanted to get a university education in writing, so I joined 91��ɫ, which made my experience of going to university remarkable. I also wanted to prove to myself that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to.”

Wardak has already started writing copy for the book, though he hasn’t decided if it would be fiction or nonfiction. “The draft I am currently writing is a fictionalized version of my story to enhance drama and maintain some confidentiality. However, I am considering the idea of writing a reflection book that outlines my story without fictionalization and emphasizes the life lessons related to all of my experiences after the accident.”

Whether Wardak writes a true story-based fiction or an autobiographical nonfiction, he hopes his story will inspire many.

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.

Media Contact: Gloria Suhasini, 91��ɫ Media Relations and External Communications, 647-463-4354, suhasini@yorku.ca

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91��ɫ U’s first nursing PhD grad to cross spring 2023 convocation stage

suhasini — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 19:09:02 +0000

After taking an unusual career path for a male in India in the 1980s, Tamil Canadian achieves the distinction of being 91��ɫ’s first PhD graduate in nursing.

For a male in India in the 1980s to choose to be a nurse was highly unusual, but four decades and three continents later, it led Ramesh Venkatesa Perumal to earn the distinction of being the first graduate of 91��ɫ’s PhD program in nursing. He crosses the spring 2023 convocation stage June 16 at 10:30 a.m.

Ramesh Venkatesa Perumal earns the distinction of being the first graduate of 91��ɫ’s PhD program in nursing

Venkatesa Perumal began practicing as a nurse right after completing the diploma program in nursing in India’s well-known Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, in 1987, as one of only four men in his class of 50 students. “Even while in the program, I had the opportunity to work in the emergency care unit and then in the community health nursing department, so I got to see not just a few patients but a multitude of people for preventive health care as a nursing student.”

He remembers his father bringing home an application for the program, telling him nursing is what he’ll study. As it was not uncommon for parents to choose their children’s career goals, or the children to go with it, Venkatesa Perumal agreed to pursue nursing.

He also remembers how his mother carried him to a nearby town from his village for treatment when he was little and compares nursing to that kind of motherly care. “I did not get to choose my mother, but I received much love and compassion from her throughout my life. Similarly, a patient doesn’t get to choose a nurse, but it becomes our responsibility to ensure they are provided the best care.”

Venkatesa Perumal adds, “I consider it my calling, and this profession has made me a more humane and compassionate person. Looking back, I do not regret one moment of my life as a nurse.”

He also does not regret having to go back to school for a bridging program as an internationally educated professional to qualify to practice in Canada when he arrived here in 2014 from India via the Middle East.

“That was a blessing in disguise,” he says. “I went to 91��ɫ, met wonderful professors who encouraged me to go for doctoral research … which had gates open for me.”

After completing the Post-RN Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) BScN program offered by the School of Nursing in the Faculty of Health — which is approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario and is said to be one of a kind in the province. After being an RN for a few years, Venkatesa Perumal joined the PhD program’s first cohort in 2018 and completed it this February, ahead of other candidates.

It’s not surprising Venkatesa Perumal chose the impact of social support and mentorship on career advancement of internationally educated nurses for his doctoral study.

As many Indians working in the Middle East who make a permanent move, often to a western country for their children’s future, their education and a better quality of life, Ramesh Venkatesa Perumal and his wife decided to come to Canada with their young son and daughter

In his case, aside from his mentors at 91��ɫ, his wife, who is also a registered nurse, has been a great support. “My wife kept encouraging me throughout. ‘Go and explore what the opportunities are’.” And that support helped him go a long way. He not only dedicated most of his time to studies, but also to teaching, as an assistant professor in the School of Nursing, while mentoring immigrants and newcomers in his profession, as the School’s IEN coordinator.

Teaching is not new to Venkatesa Perumal. After completing his master’s degree in the medical surgical nursing field and a fellowship in Australia, he taught at CMC as a lecturer for five years, until he moved to Muscat, Oman with wife for brighter prospects. He was a lecturer and assistant dean of undergraduate studies at Sultan Qaboos University, where he helped establish a BScN program.

As many Indians working in the Middle East who make a permanent move, often to a western country for their children’s future, their education and a better quality of life, Venkatesa Perumal and his wife decided to come to Canada with their young son and daughter.

Based on his family’s successful immigration, and integration into the Canadian society, Venkatesa Perumal has a few words of wisdom for fellow immigrants: “It can be very frustrating and challenging as an Internationally Educated Professional, but there are support systems put in place, so hang in there. Network with people in your profession, connect with the right people and use the right strategy. You will succeed and yes everyone can and will succeed.”

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2022 YEAR IN REVIEW: Grandma graduates from 91��ɫ U, following in granddaughter’s and younger sister’s footsteps

manton — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 18:06:00 +0000

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Noah "40" Shebib receives honorary doctorate from 91��ɫ

suhasini — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 14:52:44 +0000

Noah "40" Shebib, accomplished Canadian music producer, speaks with Shaliza Bacchus after receiving an Honorary Doctor of Laws from 91��ɫ. With Drake and Oliver El-Khatib, he co-founded. Noah "40" Shebib, accomplished Canadian music producer, speaks with Shaliza Bacchus after receiving an Honorary Doctor of Laws from 91��ɫ. With Drake and Oliver El-Khatib, he co-founded October's Very Own (OVO), which has grown into an internationally recognized lifestyle brand. Shebib has also worked to raise awareness and research for multiple sclerosis. Most recently, he co-founded The Justice Fund, an organization working in and with communities and other organizations to address the effects of trauma and cycles of conflict. 40 exemplifies the arts as the tools for creating positive change.

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Grandma graduates from 91��ɫ U, following in granddaughter’s and younger sister’s footsteps

suhasini — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 11:45:56 +0000

“An absolutely ecstatic feeling” says Hortense Anglin, 85, older sister of Osra Lindo who made headlines in 2018 for graduating at 79

TORONTO, Oct. 18, 2022 – Hortense Valerie Anglin, received thunderous and standing ovation from guests and fellow graduands as she gently walked across the stage to receive her first degree and be congratulated by the platform party at 91��ɫ’s in-person fall convocation.

“The diversity of our students is incredible, and that diversity also goes across age,” says Rhonda Lenton, president and vice-chancellor of 91��ɫ. “As far as I’m concerned, this is the perfect representation of the importance of life-long learning. You’ll never know where life will take you, or what time in your life, and so it’s wonderful when I see people who are coming across that stage, 91��ɫ graduands in all times of their lives. It’s beautiful.”

Hortense Anglin, right, with her younger sister Osra Lindo, who made headlines in 2018 for graduating at 79. Photo: Mario So Gao / 91��ɫ

For Markham resident Anglin, that time of her life came when she was inspired by her after learning about 91��ɫ’s pathway bridging program in a flyer she found at her local library.

“I couldn’t start right away, because my husband was ailing, and I had to devote my time fully to care for him,” remembers Anglin. When her husband of “52 years and 10 months” passed away in 2014, Anglin focused on getting back on track with her education which she had discontinued after high school, more than half a century ago.

There was no turning back. And history repeated itself when she walked across the same 91��ɫ convocation stage as her sister in October 2018 and her own granddaughter, Vanessa Joy Anglin, in June of that same year.

“It’s an absolutely ecstatic feeling!” said the Jamaican-born Canadian, after her recent convocation ceremony. “I have enjoyed every moment of this journey. It has been so meaningful and joyful.”

But the journey was not a breeze. Starting from completing a bridging program to transitioning from in-person to online education in March 2020, she had to adjust to new ways of learning quickly. Anglin appreciates the support of 91��ɫ’s technical support team as much as the help faculty members offered throughout her studies.

To be eligible for a bachelor’s degree program in 91��ɫ’s Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, Anglin had to undergo the pathway bridging program. “For 13 weeks I commuted to the 91��ɫ-TD Engagement Centre at 91��ɫgate Mall in Jane and Finch neighbourhood to attend the bridging program,” says Anglin.

“The bridging program was a simulation of university work. It is an excellent program that gives access to a university education,” she says, advocating for the program that supports not only to seniors like her, but also to those who might have had challenges in pursuing higher education as well as newcomers to Canada – who can join the program as an entry-point before transitioning into a degree, diploma or certificate program at 91��ɫ.

“There were people in that class, who came from different countries – some from Iran and the Far East countries,” says Anglin. “But they already had degrees in physiotherapy, medical laboratory work, and even nursing, and they wanted to go back to their old professions or switch to other professions. That was the beauty of the bridging program.”

Upon completing the bridging program, Anglin decided to pursue a degree in Religious Studies.

“I loved learning about a variety of subjects, and the last subject I completed for graduating was “Making Sense of the Changing World” and I just fell in love with anthropology. And guess what? I’ve already signed up to do another course in anthropology this fall and who knows, my next convocation would be for a master’s degree in the next couple of years,” says an enthusiastic and energetic Anglin.

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Media Contact:

Gloria Suhasini, 91��ɫ Media Relations, 647.463.4354, suhasini@yorku.ca

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91��ɫ U fall convocation begins October 12, three honorary degrees to be conferred

suhasini — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 17:10:17 +0000

TORONTO, October 12, 2022 ┶� Three exceptional individuals will be recognized with honorary degrees while thousands of accomplished students graduate during 91��ɫ's fall convocation ceremonies, beginning today. The ceremonies also mark the last for 91��ɫ’s current Chancellor, the Hon. Gregory Sorbara, who has served with distinction since 2014.

Convocation ceremonies are set to take place at Sobey’s Stadium located at 1 Shoreham Drive on 91��ɫ’s Keele campus. The Kellogg-Schulich Executive MBA ceremony on Friday, October 21 will take place in the Executive Learning Centre, also located on the Keele campus.

While our honorary degree recipients are highly accomplished professionals in their respective professions, they each also embody an unwavering commitment to drive positive change in alignment with 91��ɫ’s vision and values of excellence, progressiveness, sustainability, social justice, and diversity and inclusivity

“In a world that has become increasingly polarized, with complex challenges ranging from the climate crisis to a global health pandemic, universities have never been more important, creating a space to learn from each other and to share that knowledge for the benefit of all,” said Rhonda Lenton, president and vice-chancellor, 91��ɫ. “I look forward to seeing what those graduating today do to create positive change in their communities locally and globally.”

In order of the faculty ceremonies at which they will be honoured, the honorary degree recipients are:

Mark Tewksbury – Olympic champion, human rights activist, inclusion advocate

Doctor of Laws, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 10:30am – Ceremony details

Mark Tewksbury has achieved outstanding success in the professional field of sport as an Olympic champion, winning bronze, silver, and gold medals swimming for Canada. While incredible sporting achievements contributed to his early success, Tewksbury’s remarkable life post-Olympics has truly defined him.

In 1998, Tewksbury became Canada’s first sports hero to openly declare his homosexuality and helped start a national conversation. He is also an out-spoken advocate for inclusive and safe sport spaces for all. In 2020, Tewksbury was appointed Companion of the Order of Canada, the highest level of one of Canada’s most prestigious honours.

Noah ’40’ Shebib – Grammy award winning producer, cultural leader, community advocate

Doctor of Laws, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 3:30pm – Ceremony details

Noah '40' Shebib is an actor, cultural leader, philanthropist, and the multiple Grammy Award-winning music producer behind the sound of Drake's innovative music. With Drake and Oliver El-Khatib, he co-founded October's Very Own (OVO), which has grown into an internationally recognized lifestyle brand.

Shebib has also worked to raise awareness and research for multiple sclerosis. Most recently, he co-founded The Justice Fund, an organization working in and with communities and other organizations to address the effects of trauma and cycles of conflict. 40 exemplifies the arts as the tools for creating positive change.

Sally Armstrong – journalist, author, human rights activist

Doctor of Laws, Thursday, Oct. 13, 10:30am – Ceremony details

Sally Armstrong is a four-time winner of the Amnesty International Canada Media Award and was the first journalist to bring the story of the women of Afghanistan to the world. She is relentless when it comes to exposing the abuse of women whether on a campus or a village in a war zone.

She is also author of several books, and a popular public speaker sharing her knowledge and experiences reporting from the front lines of conflict zones. In recognition of her work, Armstrong was promoted to Officer of the Order of Canada in 2017. She is a former member of the International Women’s Commission at the UN.

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Media Contact:

Barbara Joy, Director Media Relations & External Communications, 91��ɫ barbjoy@yorku.ca or 416-333-3374

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'She dreams big': Meet one of 91��ɫ's youngest graduates (CBC News)

suhasini — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 14:47:30 +0000

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Two international students graduating amid pandemic are available to share their unique stories

suhasini — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 15:33:00 +0000

CONTACT

Meet Syeda Fatima Abbas Rizvi, 19, and mature student Sabina Goranova – two women who started their post-secondary education in person before the COVID-19 pandemic emerged and had to complete their programs online, overcoming all challenges the pandemic posed.

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