As the institution advances its priorities in student success, research and community engagement, members of the 91��ɫ Retirees’ Association (YURA) play an active role in supporting initiatives and building lasting connections through fundraising, mentorship, volunteer service and research participation.

Established in 1986, YURA provides retirees with ways to remain connected to 91��ɫ – and one another – through lifelong learning, philanthropy, advocacy and social interactions.

“Retirement opens the door to new interests, opportunities and experiences,” says Diane Woody, YURA’s co-president and former associate professor and senior scholar in the Department of French Studies, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. “It typically brings challenges as well, which one hopes to navigate with resilience and equanimity. A true gift in retirement is to travel through this journey accompanied by others with whom one has a shared history.”

From its inception, YURA was imagined as an inclusive group, says Woody, noting that it has remained true to the initial vision and organizes its activities around four pillars: to provide the means for retirees to maintain ties with one another and with 91��ɫ; to promote ongoing learning; to create ways for retirees to give back; and to strengthen the voice of retirees within the University community.

The association recently marked 40 years at an event on May 13, creating an opportunity to reflect on key moments in YURA’s history and to celebrate its steadfast participation in the 91��ɫ community.

Steve Dranitsaris, YURA co-president and former senior executive officer in the Office of the Vice-President Finance & Administration, says backing students remains a central focus of YURA’s work.

Over the years, YURA has raised funds to support access to post-secondary education and student well-being, leading to the creation of three endowed award programs: the Mature Student Bursary, established in 1992; the William Small Award, established in 1998 in recognition of 91��ɫ’s first secretary and former vice-president administration who played a key role in the creation of YURA; and the Graduate Student Award, established in 2014.

The awards assist students at different stages of their academic journeys and reflect a long-standing commitment to help future generations of 91��ɫ students succeed.

“YURA takes special pride in its tradition of giving back by supporting 91��ɫ and its students,” says Dranitisaris. “Each year, several students in each category receive awards. They often share a message of gratitude for the multiple ways the award supports them and many say that while the financial boost is welcome, the award makes the greatest difference by renewing their belief in themselves and in their ability to realize their educational dream.”

YURA’s current fundraising initiative is focused on study pods in 91��ɫ Libraries. The soundproof, bookable spaces offer students private areas for focused study, virtual meetings and collaborative work. The project reflects the association’s advocating for learning environments and resources that contribute to academic success.

Members will continue those efforts through the annual YURA Challenge fundraising walk, which returns to the Keele Campus on Oct. 6.

Retirees also continue to contribute their expertise to 91��ɫ’s academic mission. Faculty retirees remain active as senior scholars, publishing books and articles and participating in research activities. Others serve on committees, mentor graduate students and provide guidance through workshops that help students strengthen presentation and professional skills.

Many members also share their institutional knowledge through volunteer service. Retirees volunteered during Congress 2023 at 91��ɫ and continue to contribute to a range of University initiatives and activities.

Research remains another important area of engagement. Through a close relationship with the 91��ɫ Centre for Aging Research and Education, YURA members participate in studies examining aging, retirement and well-being. The partnership supports research that informs understanding of aging-related issues and public policy, while giving retirees the chance to contribute to scholarly inquiry from a new perspective.

“It is uniquely fitting that YURA members participate as subjects in numerous research projects that focus on issues and policies relating to aging and well-being in retirement. For faculty retirees, switching roles from researcher to research participant becomes a novel learning experience,” Woody says.

Lifelong learning is a cornerstone of the association. Throughout the year, members participate in educational sessions and outings focused on topics such as digital literacy, health and resilience, financial and estate planning, and adapting to technological change.

More recently, retirees have participated in Intergenerational Climate Café discussions organized by YURA member Harvey Skinner, former dean of the Faculty of Health. These conversations bring together students and retirees to explore climate-related challenges and share perspectives across generations.

Other avenues for socializing and participating in cultural outings and educational programming include visits to theatres, museums, galleries and parks, as well as workshops and guest speakers that explore a range of topics.

“Such outings provide opportunities for members to renew friendships while enjoying cultural experiences and learning more about local history,” says Woody. “YURA has helped 91��ɫ retirees maintain meaningful connections with colleagues, engage in ongoing learning, contribute time, energy and resources to support current students, and make scholarly and other contributions to 91��ɫ.”

YURA maintains close relationships with several University partners, including Advancement and Alumni Engagement, Pensions and Benefits, and the Association of Retired Faculty and Librarians. 91��ɫ retirees also serve on key University bodies, including the Pension Fund Board of Trustees, the All-University Pension Committee and the Retirement Planning Centre Advisory Board.

Beyond 91��ɫ, the association is connected to national and international organizations, including the College and University Retiree Associations of Canada and the Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education, helping members stay informed about issues affecting retirees in higher education.

Operated entirely by volunteers, YURA continues to help retirees to stay engaged, strengthen relationships and contribute to the University community. Four decades after its founding, the association remains an important bridge between 91��ɫ and the retirees whose expertise, experience and commitment continue to contribute to the institution’s mission.

“Its existence for four decades bears witness to the commitment and dedication of its members,” says Woody. “We look forward to the future and issue a warm invitation to all retirees to join the association.”

For more, visit the YURA website or send an email to yura@yorku.ca.

With files from Diane Woody and Steve Dranitsaris

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As part of its ongoing commitment to adapt library spaces to evolving student needs, earlier this year YUL called on students to participate in a survey to better understand how the community uses its locations. “One of the things we learned was that our students use all the libraries for different things,” says Joseph Hafner, dean of YUL.

Beyond being a place to study, 91��ɫ’s libraries serve as hubs for job interviews, online courses, virtual meetings with professors, communication with experiential education supervisors and more. Despite that diversity of use, one request came through consistently. “Students wanted more quiet places to concentrate,” says Hafner.

To address that, Hafner considered study pods. Increasingly popular in libraries, he says, they are small, semi-private spaces designed for both individual and group work. Made with glass panels or walls, often combined with metal or wood framing, pods are typically soundproof and equipped with seating, desks and power outlets. Unlike open tables or limited bookable rooms, they offer reliable access to the kind of focused environment library users said they need most. Hafner became passionate about bringing them to 91��ɫ.

Around the same time, YURA was searching for a project to champion with similar enthusiasm.

Made up of retired faculty and staff, YURA fosters community by offering social and educational programs and advocating for retirees’ interests. It also pursues fundraising projects that keep members connected to the University while continuing to support students.

“Many of us have spent our whole careers at 91��ɫ,” says Diane Woody, co-president of YURA. “The University had such an impact on us, and we feel it did its best to look after us and our needs, that we feel motivated to give back so that the needs of future students are met.”

Most recently, YURA completed a three-year fundraising effort that raised $35,000 to alleviate student food insecurity on 91��ɫ’s campuses. This spring, YURA co-chairs Debbie Hansen and Sheila Forshaw were tasked with finding a new initiative to support. They connected with the Division of Advancement to learn more about University priorities and were introduced to Hafner, who presented several YUL initiatives that could benefit from funding.

For YURA, one stood out.

“We really liked the study pods,” says Forshaw, noting that because it was important for YURA to raise funds for something with clear impact, the pods were a strong fit. YURA members were drawn to how the pods would provide quiet, multi-use spaces that addressed a clear need. They also felt the pods could serve as a long-term expression of YURA’s legacy and commitment to the University community.

“We want to continue to support 91��ɫ,” says Hansen.

YURA’s goal over the next three years is to raise $30,000 annually to fund six study pods. The association has already raised enough to fund one, and plans to continue fundraising through initiatives like the upcoming YURA Challenge 5 km Walk on Campus taking place on Oct. 7. The annual walk brings together retirees, staff, students and community members to contribute to initiatives that enhance the University.

When the study pods are funded and installed, YUL will implement a booking system – which will include time limits – to ensure equitable access for all students. Hafner says the team will monitor and solicit feedback about pod use, ensuring students’ needs continue to be met in a way that strengthens 91��ɫ’s long-term academic environment.

YUL plans to recognize YURA’s contributions with a potential ribbon-cutting ceremony and plaques on the pods noting their support. For YURA, the plaques are a visible reminder that retirees remain invested in 91��ɫ. “I hope people would say to themselves, ‘It’s interesting that retirees want to maintain a connection to the University and continue to support it,’” says Woody. “We would hope they see us as an ongoing part of the community.”

Those interested in participating in the YURA walk and/or donating can find information here.

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Koenig earned her PhD in social psychology from the University of Michigan in 1962. She joined 91��ɫ as an assistant professor in 1965, when the institution was based at the Glendon Campus and the Keele Campus was just opening. In 1967, she was promoted to associate professor, marking the beginning of a distinguished career.

Throughout her time at 91��ɫ, Koenig held numerous key positions, including Chair of the undergraduate studies program from 1968-71, associate dean of the Faculty of Arts from 1973-76, and Chair of the Department of Psychology from 1987-90. In each of these roles, she prioritized the needs and concerns of undergraduate students, earning a reputation for her sensitivity and responsiveness to their academic journeys.

Known for her innovative teaching methods, Koenig was instrumental in developing interdisciplinary courses that integrated the humanities with psychology. Her approach to education fostered critical thinking and encouraged students to explore the intersections of various fields, particularly in health psychology. Her dedication to enhancing the curriculum at 91��ɫ was recognized through multiple awards acknowledging her commitment to excellence in teaching.

In 1972, she significantly contributed to student support by helping to establish the Advising Centre for the Faculty of Arts, which aimed to provide guidance and resources to students as they navigated their academic paths.

Koenig’s commitment to excellence in undergraduate education continues to be honoured through the Koenig Psychology Undergraduate Award, established in her name. This award recognises exceptional third-year students in the psychology honours program who maintain a high academic standard and are continuing their studies.

Outside of 91��ɫ, Koenig had a wide range of interests including being a devoted Toronto Blue Jays fan, an avid traveler and reader, and enjoyed gardening. She frequently attended cultural events like the opera and symphony.

A memorial gathering is scheduled for June 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes, located at 6191 Yonge St. in Toronto. In lieu of flowers, donations in Koenig’s memory can be made to the at 91��ɫ.

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“Food security is an issue that an increasing number of our students face," says Yvette Munro, vice-provost students, "and the generous support form YURA is very much appreciated.” 

YURA’s five-kilometre walk was held in conjunction with the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon's Charity Challenge, which offers registrants the option to complete their run or walk virtually. YURA believes holding this event on one of 91��ɫ U's campuses helps to raise awareness about food insecurity among students and YURA’s efforts to help. 

YURA’s fundraising mission this year was to assist the 91��ɫ Federation of Students' Food Support Centre and the student food bank at the Glendon Campus, as well as the University's . 

“Being able to contribute to alleviate food insecurity on our 91��ɫ campuses is very meaningful," says Sheila Forshaw, captain of this year’s Charity Challenge team. "In the last two years, we have raised more than $36,000. I am thankful to the fundraising team and everyone who donated for their incredible support and dedication. I think we truly make a difference.”

According to YURA co-presidents Diane Woody and Steve Dranitsaris, retired 91��ɫ U employees contribute to the life of the University in a variety of ways. For example, YURA sponsors three graduate student awards and five undergraduate awards each year, and also provides funding for the outreach work of the 91��ɫ-TD Community Engagement Centre. Many emeritus faculty remain involved in collaborative research, publication, teaching, graduate student supervision and thesis committees. 91��ɫ retirees often participate in the University’s public events, are regular donors and serve as ambassadors of the University in the broader community.

Online donations in support of YURA’s fundraiser for student food support can still be made – until Oct. 20 –&�Բ�����;������ .

With files from Steve Dranitsaris

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YURA has once again decided to walk in support of food insecurity – notably, the YFS Student Food Bank, the Glendon Food Bank, as well as the open fridge and grocery card programs.

The upcoming fundraising walk is being held in conjunction with the Toronto Waterfront Marathon Charity Challenge, which offers the option of a “virtual” Charity Challenge allowing registrants to walk the five kilometres on their own or with others. 

The Oct. 1 walk will take place at 1 p.m., starting at the Lorna Marsden Honour Court (north of the Seymour Schulich Building, east of the 91��ɫ subway station), the location of the YURA office, and taking participants through the scenic parts of campus. All members of the University community are welcome to join the walk, which will take approximately one hour, to show their support for this important cause. Anyone wishing to participate is welcome to do either all or part of the walk, depending on their time availability and/or endurance.  

So far this year, YURA’s Charity Challenge team has raised more than $12,000 in sponsor donations from friends, family members, former 91��ɫ colleagues and co-workers. YURA welcomes further contributions from faculty, staff and others who are concerned about student food insecurity at the University. To sponsor the YURA team or any of its members, .

The YURA team consists of five members registered officially as fundraisers, plus a larger contingent of 91��ɫ U retirees who are supporting this cause. Those who wish to join the team should contact the YURA office at yura@yorku.ca or by phone at 416-736-2100 ext. 70664.  

This is the sixth year that YURA is taking part in the Charity Challenge. From 2019 through 2022, YURA’s participation raised sufficient funds to endow in perpetuity three graduate student awards given annually at 91��ɫ. Last year, a total of $20,000 was raised in support of the YFS Food Support Centre.

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Earlier this year, the YURA executive committee voted unanimously to assist the YFS Food Support Centre.

The fundraising walk on Oct. 3 will take place at 1 p.m., starting at the Lorna Marsden Honour Court (north of the Schulich School of Business building, east of the 91��ɫ subway station), the new location of the YURA office. The route through the Keele Campus was developed with Recreation 91��ɫ, and all members of the University community – faculty, staff and students – are welcome to participate in all or part of the approximately one-hour walk, to show their support for this important cause.

To date, YURA’s Charity Challenge team has already raised more than $18,000 in sponsor donations from friends, family, and former 91��ɫ colleagues and co-workers. YURA welcomes further contributions from faculty, staff and others who are also concerned about student food insecurity at the University. To sponsor the YURA team or any of its members, tax-deductible online donations can be made here: .

For further assistance, contact the YURA office at yura@yorku.ca or call 416-736-2100 ext. 70664. 

The YURA team consists of eight members registered officially as fundraisers and a larger contingent of 91��ɫ retirees who wish to support this cause. 

This is the fifth year that YURA is taking part in the Charity Challenge. In previous years, YURA’s participation helped raise sufficient funds to endow in perpetuity three graduate student awards given annually at 91��ɫ.

The upcoming YURA fundraising walk is being held in conjunction with the Toronto Waterfront Marathon Charity Challenge, which offers the option of a “virtual” Charity Challenge, allowing registrants to do the five kilometres on their own or with others.

The post YURA walk to fundraise for student food support appeared first on YFile.

A number of YURA members will take part in the 5 km walk in October and are seeking sponsor donations from former colleagues, co-workers, family and friends to help achieve the $115,000 needed to endow the three awards that YURA provides each year to deserving graduate students.  To date, more than $90,000 has been raised with $60,000 of the funds being generated by participants in the Charity Challenge walk/run in the last three years.

91��ɫ community members are invited support this worthy cause by sponsoring the YURA team or any of its members with an online donation at .

Tax deductible receipts will be issued by the University for sponsor donations.

YURA is committed to help make getting an education possible for deserving students who struggle financially.  Many of the award recipients are changemakers who go on to accomplish great things.  For more information about the YURA sponsored awards given annually, visit: /yura/events-and-programs/awards-bursaries-and-donations/.

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