Community Archives - YFile /yfile/tags-to-show/community/ Thu, 22 Oct 2026 02:21:45 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.10 91亚色 shares University Academic Plan, invites community participation /yfile/2026/10/21/york-shares-university-academic-plan-invites-community-participation/ Wed, 21 Oct 2026 15:37:12 +0000 /yfile/?p=410780 Faculty, staff, students and instructors are invited to drop-in engagement sessions to help launch 91亚色's new University Academic Plan and contribute to the academic direction for the next four years.

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Dear 91亚色 community, 

Today we launch 91亚色's new 2026-30 University Academic Plan (UAP). The UAP sets our academic direction for the next four years, built on six principles that will guide how we teach, learn, research and engage with each other and the world beyond 91亚色.  

The UAP is a plan for the entire 91亚色 community, and we all have a role to play in bringing it to life.  

Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lisa Philipps and I will host drop-in engagement sessions on each campus. Join us to learn more about the plan's principles, ask questions and share your hopes for where the UAP can lead us. You can also explore the new UAP website and read YFile to learn more about the plan.

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Monday, Oct. 26, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.听
Vari Hall Rotunda听

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Monday, Nov. 2, 9 to 11 a.m.听
Atrium听

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Wednesday, Nov. 11, 1 to 3 p.m.听
Centre of Excellence (COE) Atrium听

Bring your ideas. At the events, you can write your hopes for the plan on seed paper and post them under the principle that speaks to you. The seed paper will later be planted on our campuses, allowing those ideas to grow both symbolically and literally. 

Faculty, staff, students and instructors are all welcome and no registration is required. Stay a while or drop by for 15 minutes. Light refreshments will be served. 

I hope to see you there. 

Laina Bay-Cheng 
Interim Provost & Vice-President Academic 

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WWF-Canada recognizes 91亚色鈥檚 efforts to turn sustainability into campus action /yfile/2026/10/16/wwf-canada-recognizes-yorks-efforts-to-turn-sustainability-into-campus-action/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 20:37:10 +0000 /yfile/?p=410725 91亚色 earns the Living Campus certification for a third consecutive year through habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring and community participation.

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91亚色鈥檚 efforts to restore habitat, protect biodiversity and engage its community in environmental action have earned WWF-Canada鈥檚 Living Campus certification for a third consecutive year.

WWF-Canada named 91亚色 as one of seven Canadian post-secondary institutions recognized for translating environmental commitments into conservation initiatives, learning opportunities and community action.

During the 2025-26 academic year, 91亚色's Office of Sustainability, Facilities Services, Biodiversity Working Group, faculty, student organizations and community partners worked collaboratively to advance initiatives spanning ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation, sustainable food systems and environmental leadership.

91亚色 is transforming its campuses into places where environmental action is not only studied but put into practice, says Nicole Arsenault, director, Office of Sustainability. Students, staff, faculty and community members participated in biodiversity monitoring, pollinator garden stewardship, sustainable food programming at the Maloca Garden and Earth Month activities.

Those efforts translated into hands-on sustainability learning and measurable action across 91亚色鈥檚 campuses, including the planting of close to 400 trees and campus cleanups that collected 36 bags of litter.

A tree planting event at 91亚色 in April 2026
A tree planting event at 91亚色 in April 2026

鈥淥ur campuses are important places for both learning and biodiversity,鈥� says Arsenault. 鈥淓arning the Living Campus certification for a third consecutive year reflects 91亚色鈥檚 ongoing approach to sustainability as something we put into practice across our campuses."

WWF-Canada highlighted 91亚色鈥檚 biodiversity work, including the planting of native vegetation to restore an area of Glendon Campus affected by a water main break.

The University鈥檚 wider habitat enhancement work included naturalization, invasive species management, biodiversity monitoring and stewardship of campus green spaces.

As well, students and staff recorded more than 200 species observations during two inventories of plants, wildlife and other biodiversity on campus.

The Sheila Colla Pollinator Garden 鈥� a memorial garden celebrating the late 91亚色 Professor Sheila Colla 鈥� provides another example of biodiversity in action, bringing together research, remembrance, community participation and conservation to create habitat for pollinators at 91亚色.

Through these initiatives, Arsenault says 91亚色 community members developed knowledge and skills related to ecological restoration, waste reduction, biodiversity conservation and sustainable food systems.

鈥淏y bringing together students, faculty, staff and community partners, we鈥檙e creating opportunities for hands-on learning while restoring habitat, supporting biodiversity and advancing the goals of 91亚色鈥檚 Sustainability Strategy 2030," she says.

The work advances priorities identified in 91亚色鈥檚 Sustainability Strategy 2030, Sustainability Policy, University Academic Plan and Well-being Strategy, as well as its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

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Virtual Qaggiq game supports Inuit youth mental health听 /yfile/2026/10/14/virtual-qaggiq-game-supports-inuit-youth-mental-health/ Wed, 14 Oct 2026 17:57:14 +0000 /yfile/?p=410649 A video game co-created by 91亚色 and Inuit youth is bringing culture, community and mental health strategies together to help young people build coping skills and resilience.听

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Rooted in Inuit knowledge and shaped by Inuit youth, a 91亚色-led research project is using a culturally grounded video game to support mental health and well-being.

The five-year , funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), brought together more than 61 Inuit youth researchers, Elders, cultural advisors, musicians, artists and voice actors to co-create a psycho-educational video game grounded in Inuit knowledge and culture.

Led by Professor Yvonne Bohr at 91亚色's , the initiative was developed in partnership with communities across Nunavut and was guided by Inuit youth for everything from the game's story and artwork to its music, voice acting and wellness content.

Inspired by Inuit Qaggiq, a traditional Inuit gathering space for learning and community renewal, the game combines Western therapeutic strategies (such as cognitive behavioural therapy) with Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ), a set values based on Inuit philosophy, Elder teachings and other tactics shared by Inuit youth.

During the game, players follow a young protagonist named Alaasua through seven quests exploring wellness topics identified as important to Inuit youth, including interpersonal conflict, substance use and relationship loss. 

The seven quests in the game range from substance use and bullying to boredom and self doubt.

Between October 2025 and July 2026, 276 Inuit youth from 37 communities across Canada tested the game and provided feedback through surveys, interviews and evaluation workshops. 

Bohr says the findings suggest the game is both safe and beneficial for participating youth. The research team found improvements in participants' confidence and ability to manage difficult emotions, challenge negative thoughts and use coping strategies such as seeking support from others. 

For many involved, the impact extended beyond gameplay. Inuit youth who co-created the game gained experience in research, leadership and mental health advocacy, while sharing Inuit culture and advancing traditional IQ principles.

youth members of the Nunavut-based research
Members of the research collaboration.

"We have learned that young people in Nunavut have a great passion for supporting mental wellness in their communities," says Bohr. "While youth leaders and Elders are eager to evaluate Western mental health interventions for youth, Inuit knowledge about healing must be front and centre in those interventions. Ideally, any mental health intervention should be developed by youth themselves with the support of their communities."

The game鈥檚 success is attracting attention. Earlier this month, Virtual Qaggiq was featured by CBC News for its innovative approach to supporting Inuit youth mental health through culturally relevant digital spaces. 

"What excites me most about the Virtual Qaggiq project is the promise the game has shown as a culturally grounded mental health resource for Inuit youth," says project coordinator and 91亚色 research assistant Yogita Singh. "Seeing Inuit youth on the team grow from project council members into research assistants and emerging leaders in mental health and research has been incredibly inspiring." 

The research team is working with the Nunavut Department of Education to explore making Virtual Qaggiq available to youth through schools and afterschool programs across the territory. The team is also considering future initiatives that build on the project's community-led model to address other priorities identified by Inuit youth. 

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91亚色 community members sweep provincial human rights awards听 /yfile/2026/10/02/york-community-members-sweep-provincial-human-rights-awards/ Fri, 02 Oct 2026 18:17:24 +0000 /yfile/?p=410464 A professor, student and alum received all three 2026 Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards from the Ontario Human Rights Commission, recognizing contributions to educational equity, refugee advocacy and disability rights.

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91亚色 community members have received all three of the Ontario Human Rights Commission's 2026 Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Awards, recognizing their leadership in advancing educational equity, accessibility and human rights across the province.  

Presented by the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), the awards honour individuals whose work has made a significant impact in communities across Ontario. This year鈥檚 awards are presented to Distinguished Research Professor Carl E. James, student Tonny Muzira and alum Rana Espiritu Nasrazadani. 

Lifetime Achievement Award: Carl E. James, Distinguished Research Professor and Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora at 91亚色 

Awarded to an individual for significant contributions over their lifetime to advance human rights. 

Carl E. James

One of Canada's leading scholars on race, racialization and education, James has has spent decades examining the experiences of marginalized communities and the barriers they face in education and society. 

His research has shaped public policy and education practices across Canada. Notably, his report Towards Race Equity in Education: The Schooling of Black Students in the Greater Toronto Area helped spotlight inequities in Ontario's education system and informed discussions about academic streaming and student success. 

James holds the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora at 91亚色's Faculty of Education and has served as equity advisor to the dean. Through community partnerships and the national Securing Black Futures initiative, he works to improve educational experiences and expand pathways to post-secondary education for Black students.

鈥淚t is always a privilege to be recognized for contributions to community 鈥� particularly when the contribution helps to advance human rights and social justice," James says. "I am pleased to receive this recognition knowing that others have worked with me to make this possible.鈥� 

The Lifetime Achievement Award adds to numerous honours recognizing James' impact as a scholar, educator and community leader. His influence extends beyond research and is reflected in the generations of students, educators and community members he has inspired. 

Distinguished Service Award: Tonny Muzira, Bachelor of Public Administration

Awarded for outstanding contribution to advancing human rights.  

Tonny Muzira

Muzira is an organizational policy and development specialist whose work focuses on housing, public health equity and community empowerment, particularly for Black immigrant and refugee communities in Ontario. 

During the 2023 Toronto refugee housing crisis, Muzira helped coordinate advocacy efforts that secured a federal commitment for emergency housing relief for hundreds of refugee claimants sleeping outdoors. He has since contributed policy recommendations to the City of Toronto on chronic homelessness. 

As co-founder of the Centre for Black Development Options Canada (CBDOC), Muzira has championed issues affecting Black immigrants and refugees, including organizing Toronto's first International Conference on Black Immigrants and Refugees in 2024. His work also supports HIV prevention and equitable access to sexual and reproductive health services for Black newcomers. 

"Receiving the Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Award is a profound honour," says Muzira, a student at the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies.听"Daniel Hill showed that human rights are built through steady work in our communities, and I accept this award on behalf of the refugees, newcomers, youth and colleagues at the Centre for Black Development Options Canada who do that work every day. Housing, health and belonging are not charity. They are rights, and we will keep fighting until every person in Ontario can claim them."听

Young Leader Award: Rana Espiritu Nasrazadani (BA 鈥�20, MPPAL 鈥�22), 91亚色 Senate representative, 91亚色 Alumni Board member 

Awarded to a person under age 30 for their outstanding contribution to advancing human rights.  

Rana Espiritu Nasrazadani

Nasrazadani is a disability rights advocate and policy advisor whose work focuses on accessibility, human rights and education. 

Drawing from her lived experience and professional expertise, she works to advance the rights of people with disabilities and address systemic barriers to equity and inclusion. Through her advocacy and policy development work, she has led initiatives and informed policies that strengthen accessibility, challenge ableism and foster inclusion in education and public policy.  

Recognized for her contributions to disability rights and accessibility, Nasrazadani was named one of 91亚色's inaugural Top 30 Alumni Under 30 in 2021. An active member of 91亚色's alumni community and a Senate representative, she has contributed to several University accessibility initiatives, including advising on the accessible design of the 91亚色 Markham Campus. 

"I am deeply honoured to receive this award," says Nasrazadani. "To be recognized alongside such inspiring leaders and changemakers is truly humbling. This recognition is deeply personal to me, reflecting both the progress made in advancing accessibility, inclusion and disability rights, and the work that continues ahead." 

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Mark your calendar 鈥� 91亚色 U鈥檚 Spirit Day is coming! /yfile/2026/10/02/mark-your-calendar-york-us-spirit-day-is-coming/ Fri, 02 Oct 2026 16:30:03 +0000 /yfile/?p=410425 Get ready to make connections and show your 91亚色 pride as Spirit Day returns Oct. 20 with activities, contests and celebrations across the Keele, Glendon and Markham campuses.

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Dear 91亚色 community, 

Get ready 鈥� 91亚色 U鈥檚 Spirit Day is almost here! On Tuesday, Oct. 20, our Keele, Glendon and Markham campuses will come alive with celebrations, and I can鈥檛 wait for you to be part of it. 

This year鈥檚 theme, 鈥淢ake Connections,鈥� is all about the friendships, community and the shared experiences that make 91亚色, 91亚色. Expect a day packed with games, interactive activities, contests, giveaways and plenty of surprises 鈥� every one of them a chance to strike up a conversation, meet someone new and celebrate what brings us together.  

Visit the Spirit Day website to see everything happening across all three campuses 鈥� then dress the part. Wear your red and white and show the whole University what 91亚色 U pride looks like. 

Thank you for bringing your energy and spirit to 91亚色 every single day. I鈥檒l see you on Oct. 20 鈥� let鈥檚 make it our best Spirit Day yet. 

Sincerely, 

Lisa Philipps
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor

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Gift expands access to art at Goldfarb Gallery /yfile/2026/09/25/gift-expands-access-to-art-at-goldfarb-gallery/ Fri, 25 Sep 2026 18:48:16 +0000 /yfile/?p=410275 The Julia and Robert Foster Petite Gallery will support exhibitions, showcase works from 91亚色鈥檚 permanent collection and provide space for reading and reflection, recognizing a gift from the longtime 91亚色 supporters.

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A newly named space within 91亚色's Joan and Martin Goldfarb Gallery will offer visitors another way to engage with exhibitions and the University's art collection, while recognizing a gift from longtime 91亚色 supporters Julia and Robert Foster.

The Julia and Robert Foster Petite Gallery will be a flexible, multi-use space, says Lauren Gould, interim director of Goldfarb. Starting in late Spring 2027, visitors can use the area to read about and reflect on works featured in the gallery鈥檚 next round of exhibitions.

Julia and Robert Foster
Julia and Robert Foster

The Petite Gallery will showcase works from 91亚色鈥檚 permanent collection of nearly 2,000 artworks. It will also be used as an extension of the gallery鈥檚 three main exhibition spaces, complementing the Goldfarb鈥檚 design that encourages visitors to explore different paths through the facility and encounter art along the way.

鈥淸It鈥檚] a space that will create opportunities for students to engage with art, for artists to share their work and for our community to come together around new ideas and perspectives,鈥� said Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lisa Philipps at a special unveiling event on Sept. 22.

She noted the Petite Gallery represents a milestone for the gallery, as Julia and Robert Foster are the first donors to name an individual space within the building.

Julia Foster has a longstanding relationship with 91亚色, including serving as Chair of the University's Board of Governors from 2012-15, when she became the first woman to hold the position. A member of the Order of Canada for her service promoting the arts and Canadian culture, she has also chaired the National Arts Centre, Ontario Arts Council and Stratford Festival.

The Fosters made their gift in recognition of Rhonda Lenton's service as 91亚色's former president and vice-chancellor.

For Gould, the naming reflects the couple's commitment to education, arts and culture.

"It is important to recognize and honour those individuals that place emphasis on giving to spaces and organizations that help us connect more to each other as people," she says.

Gould hopes the gift will encourage others to support the gallery and expand what it can offer.

鈥淥ur hope is that this inspires others to 鈥� enable the gallery to continue to build upon its programming, provide more engagement opportunities for students, and to serve as a bridge from our local to global artistic communities,鈥� she says.

Visit for upcoming exhibitions and events.

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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation invites reflection, learning and action /yfile/2026/09/25/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-invites-reflection-learning-and-action/ Fri, 25 Sep 2026 18:05:36 +0000 /yfile/?p=410146 As Canada marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 30, 91亚色 encourages the community to reflect on the legacy of residential schools, engage with opportunities for learning and remembrance, and renew a shared commitment to reconciliation.

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Sept. 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, a day to honour Survivors of residential schools, the children who never returned home and the families and communities forever changed by this system.

The day provides an opportunity to reflect on the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools, to deepen our understanding of their intergenerational effects and to renew our shared commitment to truth, healing and meaningful reconciliation. 

For non-Indigenous members of our community, this is a day for learning, accountability and reflection: to listen to Indigenous voices, engage with the history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, and consider our individual and collective responsibilities. For Indigenous members of our community, it may be a day for rest, remembrance, reflection and care. We ask everyone at 91亚色 to approach Sept. 30 with compassion and humility, recognizing that reconciliation is an ongoing responsibility that requires sustained commitment and action. 

This year marks 11 years since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada鈥檚 final report and 94 Calls to Action. The Calls to Action urge governments, institutions and all Canadians to confront the legacy of residential schools and take meaningful steps toward reconciliation. This anniversary invites us to reflect honestly on the progress made, acknowledge where challenges remain and consider where we must continue to do better. 

At 91亚色, we remain committed to advancing reconciliation, guided by the Indigenous Framework (2017), the Indigenous Framework Review (2024) and the Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2023-2028. These commitments remind us that reconciliation must be embedded across the University, including in teaching and learning, research, policies and practices, and in our relationships. 

We recognize that, as an institution, we are still on a long journey. We are grateful to the individuals and communities who offer guidance, share knowledge and help us understand what meaningful reconciliation requires. We remain committed to building respectful, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities and to continuing to listen, learn and act. 

We invite all members of the 91亚色 community to reflect on how reconciliation informs your studies, research, practice, teaching and service at the University. We encourage everyone to explore the resources available on 91亚色鈥檚 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation website and to participate in events that create collective space for reflection, remembrance, learning and healing. 

Reconciliation is a responsibility we all share. As a community, may we approach this day with compassion, humility and care, and come together in a spirit of healing, recognizing that meaningful reconciliation begins with listening, is sustained through action and requires all of us to remain committed to the journey. 

Lisa Philipps
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor 

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Industry leaders to earn honorary degrees at Fall Convocation /yfile/2026/09/25/industry-leaders-to-earn-honorary-degrees-at-fall-convocation/ Fri, 25 Sep 2026 17:02:47 +0000 /yfile/?p=410199 91亚色 will recognize changemakers in music, sports, finance and the automotive industry with honorary degrees throughout 2026 Fall Convocation, running Oct. 14 to 23.

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Over the course of seven ceremonies running from Oct. 14 to 23, 91亚色 will confer honorary doctor of laws (LLD) degrees to four influential changemakers during 2026 Fall Convocation.

Honorary degree recipients are recognized for their contributions to community building, their advocacy for social justice and their philanthropy. Recipients will offer words of encouragement, motivation and congratulations to graduands.

Below are the honorary degree recipients in order of the Faculty ceremonies at which they will be honoured.

Flavio Volpe
Flavio Volpe: Oct. 14, 10:30 a.m. 鈥� Glendon College; Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change; Faculty of Education; ; and Faculty of Science

Volpe is president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers鈥� Association, representing one of Canada鈥檚 largest manufacturing sectors. A leading voice on industrial policy, trade and economic competitiveness, he has played a prominent role in advancing Canadian manufacturing interests and strengthening the country鈥檚 automotive supply chain.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Volpe helped mobilize automotive suppliers to produce ventilators and personal protective equipment. He also launched Project Arrow, Canada鈥檚 first all-Canadian zero-emission concept vehicle, showcasing domestic innovation on the global stage. Appointed to the Order of Canada in 2023, he serves on both the Prime Minister鈥檚 Council on Canada-U.S. Relations and the Ontario Premier鈥檚 Council on U.S. Trade and Investment.

Bruce Kidd
Bruce Kidd: Oct. 14, 3:30 p.m. 鈥� Faculty of Health

Kidd is a scholar, educator and Olympic athlete whose career has shaped sport and physical education in Canada. A professor emeritus and founding dean of the University of Toronto's Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, he has written extensively on the history and social impact of sport, authoring or editing 14 books and hundreds of articles over a career spanning more than five decades.

A member of Canada's Sports Hall of Fame and an Officer of the Order of Canada, Kidd has been a lifelong advocate for human rights and athletes' rights. He helped advance national sport initiatives including Sport Canada's Athlete Assistance Program and the Sports Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada and played a key role in establishing the Toronto Track and Field Centre at 91亚色.

Kristian Alexander
Kristian Alexander: Oct. 15, 10:30 a.m. 鈥� ; Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies

Alexander is an internationally recognized conductor, music director and cultural entrepreneur whose career has taken him to major concert halls across Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. He serves as music director of the Kindred Spirits Orchestra, the Orion Symphony Orchestra and the International Music Academy, and has built a reputation for championing both classical masterworks and contemporary music.

As artistic director of the Markham International Music Festival and the International Music Festival and Competition, Alexander has helped create opportunities for professional and emerging musicians while fostering cultural exchange through music. Over more than three decades, he has collaborated with leading artists and ensembles in Canada and around the world, combining artistic excellence with a commitment to mentorship, community engagement and institution-building.

Bill Graham
Bill Graham: Oct. 16, 10:30 a.m. 鈥� ;

Graham is a business leader whose career has spanned more than five decades across the financial services, technology and automotive sectors. He was the founding chief executive officer of Proponix Inc., a global financial technology company, and previously held senior leadership positions with Citibank in Canada and Asia, including serving as head of institutional banking operations across the Asia-Pacific region.

Beyond his corporate career, Graham has been a dedicated supporter of business education and alumni engagement at 91亚色's Schulich School of Business. He served as president of the Schulich Global Alumni Network for 21 years and as an executive-in-residence for the school's International MBA program. A recipient of both the Schulich Alumni Recognition Award for Outstanding Contribution and 91亚色's Bryden Alumni Award, he continues to serve on Schulich's Dean's Global Council.

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91亚色 welcomes eight new members to its Board of Governors /yfile/2026/09/18/york-university-welcomes-eight-new-members-to-its-board-of-governors/ Fri, 18 Sep 2026 19:23:48 +0000 /yfile/?p=410049 Leaders from business, technology, law, health, academia and the 91亚色 community join the Board of Governors, bringing diverse expertise to support the University's future direction and priorities.

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91亚色 welcomed eight new members to its Board of Governors over the spring and summer, strengthening the Board鈥檚 role in guiding 91亚色鈥檚 continued growth and development.

The new members bring diverse expertise spanning business, technology, law, health and student leadership.

Helen Brennagh, non-academic staff, has been appointed to a one-year term from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. She serves as manager, learning technology services, University Information Technology, and has worked at 91亚色 for over 15 years.

Andy Chan has been appointed to a four-year term from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2030. He is a partner at Miller Thomson and Chair of the firm鈥檚 International Business Group, where he practices corporate law with a focus on acquisitions, investments and contested transactions. He has been recognized in various capacities, including by Lexpert and Best Lawyer, and is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. He is a 91亚色 alum (JD 鈥�00).

Michael Eubanks has been appointed to a four-year term from April 1, 2026 to June 30, 2030. He is executive vice-president and chief information officer of goeasy Ltd., bringing more than 30 years of experience across the retail, financial services and technology sectors. He is a 91亚色 alum (BA '93).

Lucy Iacovelli has been appointed to a four-year term from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2030. She is the Canadian managing partner, tax and chief administrative officer at KPMG Law LLP, bringing more than 30 years of experience in insurance tax planning, corporate reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions, and tax dispute resolution. She is a 91亚色 alum (BAS 鈥�90).

Peter Marrone has been appointed to a four-year term from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2030. He is chairman and CEO of Allied Gold Corporation and previously served as executive chairman of Yamana Gold Inc., which he founded in 2003. He brings more than 35 years of experience in mining, business and capital markets. He is a 91亚色 alum (LLB 鈥�84).

Arvin Moradi, an undergraduate student, has been appointed to a two-year term from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028. He is a fourth-year student in the Honours Kinesiology & Health Science program in the Faculty of Health and currently serves on the 91亚色 Senate. He advocates for affordability, student well-being and campus safety.

Alicia Pinter, non-academic staff, has been appointed to a two-year term from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028. She is executive assistant in the Office of the Vice-President, Division of Equity, People & Culture, and has worked at 91亚色 for 20 years. She is co-founder and inaugural president of the 91亚色 Black Staff Network.

Peter Tsasis, Senate member, has been appointed to a two-year term from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028. He is a professor of management in the Faculty of Health and the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, and a member of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. His research focuses on health care systems and organizational change.

鈥�91亚色 is fortunate to welcome such a talented and diverse group of leaders to the Board of Governors,鈥� says Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lisa Philipps. 鈥淚 am grateful to each of them for their willingness to serve and for their commitment to supporting 91亚色鈥檚 mission and community.鈥�

Together, the new members bring a breadth of knowledge, experience and perspectives that will support the Board of Governors in its oversight of the University and its ongoing commitment to advancing 91亚色鈥檚 priorities.

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Learn, reflect, connect at 91亚色 U events marking National Day for Truth and Reconciliation听 /yfile/2026/09/11/learn-reflect-connect-at-york-u-events-marking-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation/ Fri, 11 Sep 2026 18:05:28 +0000 /yfile/?p=409750 The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, observed on Sept. 30, honours residential school survivors, the children who never returned home, and their families and communities.

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Throughout September, 91亚色 will offer events and resources to support learning about the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada and their ongoing impacts on Indigenous Peoples and communities.

This year, the 91亚色 community is invited to participate in a special Heart Garden that asks them to reflect on how reconciliation informs their learning, teaching, research, professional practice, daily work or personal lives.

An example of a Heart Garden at Skennen鈥檏贸:wa Gamig from an installation in 2018.

Community members can share their reflections by writing them down on a paper heart at select in-person events and tabling locations at 91亚色鈥檚 three campuses on Sept. 28.

A digital submission option is also available through 91亚色鈥檚 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation website. These reflections will become part of a Heart Garden installation at Skennen鈥檏贸:wa Gamig on Sept. 30.

Community members are also encouraged to centre the experiences of residential school survivors and engage in reconciliation by:

  • wearing an orange shirt, a symbol that raises awareness of the intergenerational impacts of residential schools and affirms that Every Child Matters;
  • exploring reports, films, podcasts and other resources available through the University鈥檚 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation website; and
  • attending one of the events being offered throughout the month, including the University鈥檚 Sept. 30 commemorative gathering.

Film screenings

From Sept. 21 to 24, the University will host screenings of The Knowing by award-winning journalist Tanya Talaga. The four-part documentary series follows Talaga's search for answers about her family history while exploring the enduring effects of residential schools and colonial policies on Indigenous families and communities. Viewers should be aware that the series includes content that may be distressing for survivors and their families.

One of four episodes will screen daily at 2:30 p.m. in 91亚色 Lanes, Room 301A, in the following order: The Knowing; Stolen Children; Lost, Found and Lost Again; and The End is the Beginning.

is required, as space is limited.

Heart Garden community reflections

On Sept. 28, community members can visit Heart Garden reflection tables from noon to 3 p.m. at Vari Hall (Keele Campus), the Welcome Desk (Glendon Campus) and the West Atrium (Markham Campus).

Participants will be invited to respond to the reflection question and add their thoughts to the Heart Garden. Reflections will be incorporated into the Sept. 30 installation at Skennen鈥檏贸:wa Gamig.

Indigenous community gathering

On Tuesday, Sept. 29, Indigenous community members are invited to gather on a drop-in basis, at Skennen鈥檏贸:wa Gamig from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The gathering will provide an opportunity to connect through informal conversation and shared time together. Medicines, beading materials and refreshments will be provided. This event is open to those who self-identify as Indigenous.

Commemorative event

On Wednesday, Sept. 30, 91亚色 community members are invited to attend the University鈥檚 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation commemorative event in person or online. Advance and bringing YUCards is encouraged.

Beginning at 10 a.m.in the Helliwell Centre at the Keele Campus, the event will be livestreamed, with in-person viewing locations available at MK2050 on the Markham Campus and the Theatre at the Glendon Campus. A panel discussion will respond to this year鈥檚 Heart Garden reflection question and reflect on themes from The Knowing, highlighting reconciliation in action within the 91亚色 community.

Following the event, in-person participants will be invited to Skennen鈥檏贸:wa Gamig for light refreshments and an opportunity to engage with the Heart Garden installation.

For additional information and resources, visit the鈥�National Day for Truth and Reconciliation website.

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