On Oct. 19, their contributions were celebrated during the annual President's Staff Recognition Awards, which honour staff for outstanding service, leadership, innovation, community building and efforts to advance equity and inclusion.

鈥淩ealizing our ambitions for research and academic excellence, as well as student thriving and other priorities in the University Academic Plan, is only possible because of the skill and dedication of our staff,鈥� says Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lisa Philipps. "Their work makes a material difference in the lives of our students and colleagues. I am grateful for the care they bring to their roles and for the many ways that their contributions help 91亚色 grow and flourish. My sincere congratulations to all nominees and recipients.鈥澨�

2025 President's Staff Recognition Awards recipients and nominees 

Decolonization, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (DEDI) Award 

This award recognizes the passion, dedication and campus engagement by a team or individual staff member to advance decolonization, equity, diversity and inclusion at 91亚色. It acknowledges ongoing work or outstanding accomplishments in practice, events, policy, programs or other activities that foster equitable, sustainable and measurable change on campus, with an intersectional social justice lens, especially for equity-deserving groups such as women, visible/racialized people, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. 

Winner: Harriett Brempong, career education and development specialist, Markham Campus

As founder and chair of the Markham Campus PRIDE Committee, Brempong helped advance inclusion and belonging through initiatives such as Black History Month programming, Taking Up Space and targeted career supports for Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQIA+ students. Her leadership created meaningful opportunities for representation, empowerment and community connection.

Deborah Hobson 91亚色 Citizenship Award 

Former Vice-President Enrolment and Student Services Deborah Hobson devoted her career to 91亚色 with energetic commitment and boundless enthusiasm, guided by a distinctive vision of higher education. Established in her honour, this award is presented to an individual who emulates Hobson's spirited dedication to 91亚色 students and her deep enthusiasm for the 91亚色 community. Nominees embody the 91亚色 spirit, using their creativity and imagination in support of the student community at 91亚色. 

Winner: Amber Roberts, administrative coordinator, Student Community & Leadership Development, Division of Students

Roberts was recognized for her leadership in Student Community & Leadership Development and Residence Life, where she oversaw key student-facing services, mentored student staff and helped create vibrant campus programming and spaces. Through her leadership in these services, mentorship of student staff, and stewardship of campus spaces and programming, Roberts consistently enhances the student experience. 

 Nominees:   

• Andreanne Dibo Amany, associate director, Graduate Student Affairs, Faculty of Graduate Studies 
• Waziha Kabir, coordinator, Student Success, Calumet College
• Agata Stypka, learning skills and academic success specialist, Markham Campus   

Gary Brewer Emerging Leader Award  

Established in honour of former Vice-President Finance and Administration Gary Brewer, this award is presented to a non-academic employee of 91亚色 who has shown tremendous promise for assuming a leadership role at the University. Recognizing and encouraging early-career professionals, it celebrates a staff member known for innovative and meaningful contributions to the effectiveness of their unit and for significantly contributing to the University's commitment to excellence.  

Winner: Nafis Ahmed, associate director, entrepreneurship, Division of Research & Innovation

Ahmed helped expand entrepreneurship and innovation opportunities at 91亚色 through the growth of YSpace programming, the launch of 91亚色's first Lab2Market cohort and initiatives such as the Automotive Innovation Challenge. His work supported students, faculty, alumni and startups in transforming ideas into real-world impact while strengthening 91亚色鈥檚 position within Canada鈥檚 innovation ecosystem. 

 Nominees:   

• Andrew Brown, student engagement coordinator, Student Community & Leadership Development, Division of Students  
• Nikita Cruz, international student experience coordinator, 91亚色 International 
• Waziha Kabir, international student experience coordinator, Calumet College  
• Jennifer Vu, coordinator, Student Financial Services,

Harriet Lewis Team Award for Service Excellence   

Established in honour of former University Secretary and General Counsel Harriet Lewis, this award recognizes a team's excellence in service and support to students, faculty, course directors, staff and/or other service users, and its promotion of the 91亚色 spirit in terms of imagination, creativity, innovation and redefining the possible in service to 91亚色's community. 

Winner: Digital Technologies Program team 

• Flodora Apoostolaqi, work-integrated learning programs coordinator  
• Nelufur Bhasin, director, educational and employer partnerships 
• Aileen Chan, undergraduate program administrator 
• Adam Duncan, assistant director   
• Nicole Habis, manager, educational and employer partnerships 
• Carmen Ly, coordinator, employer and educational partnerships   
• Marily Molina, business development manager  
• Viniththa Nagarajah, coordinator, employer and educational partnerships  
• Jack Onorati, manager, educational and employer partnerships  
• Jenny Peach-Squibb, professional skills coach

The Digital Technologies Program Team played a key role in building and delivering one of 91亚色's most distinctive work-integrated degree programs. By bringing together academic and industry partners, the team created meaningful pathways to career success and helped establish Digital Technologies as a flagship program at 91亚色's Markham Campus.

Nominees:   

• Connected Minds administrative team, Vice-President Research & Innovation  
• Joint Kellogg-Schulich Executive Master in Business Administration,  
• The English administrative team, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
• The Event Operations team, Athletics & Recreation  
• The Faculty Curriculum team, LA&PS 
• The Science Conversion team, Faculty of Science  
• The YU-CARD Office, Division of Finance & Administration 

The President鈥檚 Leadership Award   

This award recognizes excellence in service to 91亚色, honouring contributions that go beyond the published requirements of a position and performance levels that foster a high level of professionalism. Recipients inspire professionalism, creativity and innovation across the University community, and their impact extends beyond an individual department and across the University community at large.  

Winner: Mya Rimon, assistant dean, students, Osgoode Hall Law School

Rimon was recognized for making a significant impact on the student experience at Osgoode Hall Law School and across 91亚色 through her creativity, innovation and commitment to student life. Known as a trusted advisor and collaborative leader, she creates environments where students and colleagues felt supported and able to succeed. 

  Nominees:   

• Nicole Arsenault, director, Sustainability Office, Division of Finance & Administration  
• Melanie Belore, executive director, experiential learning, Cooperative Education & Experiential Learning
• Ella Burrell, director of student success and academic advising, Calumet College   
• Mandy Frake, director, teaching development, VP Faculty 
• Byron Gray, manager, 91亚色 - TD Community Engagement Centre, Division of Equity, People & Culture
• Ramon Kagan, director, operational excellence and institutional applications, UIT, Division of Finance & Administration鈥�    
• Debbie Montanera-Bojda, director, people partnerships, Human Resources, Division of Finance & Administration  
• Taylor Morihovitis, manager, housing administration, Division of Finance & Administration  
• Jillian Yeung Do, executive officer, Schulich School of Business 

Phyllis Clark Campus Service Award 

In honour of former Vice-President Finance and Administration Phyllis Clark, this award is presented to a non-academic employee of 91亚色 who has made exemplary and outstanding contributions to the operations of either of 91亚色's campuses in terms of efficiency, cleanliness, safety, security and/or other campus or plant services. 

Winner: Michael Kelloway, manager, ancillary services, Markham Campus

With more than three decades of service to 91亚色, Kelloway played an instrumental role in the successful launch of 91亚色's Markham Campus, helping build both essential services and a strong sense of community. He earned widespread respect for his collaborative approach, operational expertise and commitment to supporting others. 

  Nominees:   

• Whitney L'Esperance, administrative assistant, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science,
• Jamie Thomson, supervisor, community safety operations, Community Safety Department, Markham Campus 

President鈥檚 Voice of 91亚色 Award   

The Voice of 91亚色 Award is given to an individual who is a first point of contact person at 91亚色, employed as front-line staff with regular interaction with the 91亚色 community. The most important voice of 91亚色 is the one who makes the first contact with a visitor or a community member; the quality of responsiveness, compassion and professionalism 鈥� particularly in handling difficult or sensitive situations 鈥� and a genuine desire to assist are essential to 91亚色's reputation. 

Winner: Tessa Jean, administrative assistant, 91亚色 TD Community Engagement Centre, Division of Equity, People & Culture

As a key point of contact at the TD Community Engagement Centre, Jean created welcoming and supportive experiences for students, community members, faculty and partners. Her professionalism, compassion and ability to help people navigate complex situations strengthened trust and engagement across the communities she served. 

 Nominees: 

• Stephanie Allen, learning technology support specialist, Office of Curriculum Innovation & Teaching Excellence, Schulich School of Business  
• Suzie Lee Hortness, director of development, advancement, Markham Campus  
• Mandy Ramnaraine, graduate program administrator, Academic Services, Faculty of Science 
• Samirah Sharif, operations assistant, Food & Vending Services, Division of Finance & Administration
• Tina Sposato, executive assistant to the vice-president research and innovation    

Ronald Kent Medal    

This award recognizes employees who promote and strengthen collegiality, values and goals of 91亚色. Its namesake, Ronald Kent, had a unique personal commitment to the University demonstrated through years of dedicated service. His sincerity and enthusiasm inspired colleagues across the University, and he was considered a true ambassador for 91亚色. 

Winner: Patrick Legris, administrative assistant, Department of Visual Art & Art History,

Known throughout the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design as a pillar of strength and collegiality, Legris spent decades supporting students, staff and faculty with generosity, compassion and dedication. His commitment to community has made a lasting impact on the life of the University. 

  Nominees:   

• Sanja Begic, web development specialist, Communications & Marketing, LA&PS   
• Patricia di Benigno, administrative coordinator, Department of History, LA&PS 
• Celeta Irvin, undergraduate program administrator, Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, LA&PS 
• Nicola Martin, career development officer, Office of Admissions & Student Services, Career Development Office, Osgoode Hall Law School 

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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.

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

听
Monday, Nov. 2, 9 to 11 a.m.听
Atrium听

听
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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Each year since 2017, 91亚色 helps students begin their university experience with fewer financial barriers by awarding to incoming students, complementing the scholarships, grants and bursaries available across the University.

For the second consecutive year, one recipient was selected from each of 91亚色's three campuses: Keele, Glendon and Markham. Valued at more than $7,000, the award offers meaningful support as recipients begin post-secondary studies.

Meet the 2026 recipients, read their stories and watch a video to see their reactions to winning free tuition.

Markham Campus: Temi Ahmed ()

When Ahmed began exploring university programs, she was looking for one that aligned with a long-standing fascination with space and technology.

"I've been really interested in space for a long time, and I like working with computers," she says. "I hope to build a rocket someday in the future."

Her search eventually led her to 91亚色's Space Engineering program, where she hopes to turn that passion into a future career.

As she settles into her first year, Ahmed is excited to immerse herself in her studies and take the first steps toward her career goals.

Winning free tuition, she says, was unexpected. After being invited to what she thought was a routine student experience interview, Ahmed says she had no idea what was waiting for her.

"I wasn't thinking I'd win free tuition," she says, explaining that when she opened the letter, she was in shock. "I saw 'tuition,' so I was like, 'Oh my God. Is this what I think it is?'"

The award will make a meaningful difference for both Ahmed and her family. Soon after learning the news, she called her parents and sister to share it with them. Their reactions, she says, were a mix of excitement and disbelief.

"My dad didn't believe me," she laughs. "He was really surprised, and my sister was really happy too."

Keele Campus: Alexandrea Ursino (Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies)

When Ursino developed an interest in law during high school, she began looking for a program that would allow her to explore the field from a broader perspective. 91亚色's Law & Society program stood out as the ideal fit, offering the opportunity to examine legal issues through social, political and cultural lenses.

91亚色 appealed to Ursino because of the possibilities available inside and outside the classroom. As a commuter from Woodbridge, being close to home while still having access to a large campus and a wide range of ways to get involved was a key driver in her decision.

"I chose 91亚色 because of the community and the opportunities that they have," she says. "I liked how it was so diverse and how they had a lot of programs that I could choose from, and a lot of clubs."

As she begins her first year, Ursino is eager to expand her knowledge through university-level coursework and discover new perspectives through her studies.

"I'm looking forward to what I'll be learning and what content the professors will provide me with," she says. "I'm excited to get into the assignments, get into the readings and learn a lot."

The excitement of starting university was made even greater when Ursino learned she had been selected as this year's Keele Campus free tuition recipient. Caught completely off guard by the announcement, she says the award came as a welcome surprise.

"It means it's a super big gift, a big surprise," she says. "Free tuition gives me the ability to pursue my goals of having a good first year, to focus more on my education and my growth as I begin this new chapter of my life."

Glendon Campus: Xander Venne (Ethics and Political Philosophy)

Venne's connection to Glendon runs deeper than academics; the campus is part of his family history.

"My parents actually both went here to the Glendon campus and they met here," says Venne. "So, I've been hearing great stories about it my whole life."

Now in his first weeks as a student, he says he has already experienced the close-knit and diverse community that drew him there.

"I've been able to make a wide variety of friends from across the world, which I've really enjoyed," he says.

Venne is eager to embrace the opportunities that come with university life, from new experiences and friendships to expanding his knowledge and developing new skills.

Winning free tuition, he says, will make a meaningful difference for both him and his family, easing financial pressures and allowing him to focus more fully on his studies.

"It means a lot for me and for my family," he says.

Watch the video below for more.

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This fall, 91亚色 U welcomes new full-time, permanent faculty members in the , the Faculty of Education, the , the , the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, Markham Campus and the Faculty of Science. 

In this issue:

AMPD scholars offer diverse expertise across arts, media, dance

New faculty members bring expertise to 91亚色's Faculty of Education

Faculty of Health welcomes leaders in psychology, nursing

Lassonde School of Engineering welcomes machine learning innovator

Faculty joining LA&PS bring scholarship on diverse disciplines

New Makham Campus faculty enhance sport management teaching, learning

Inclusive, student-centred learning focus of new Faculty of Science prof

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Markham Campus welcomes two full-time, permanent faculty members this fall.

鈥淒aniel and Vinu bring complementary expertise that reflects the breadth of the sport sector and where it鈥檚 heading,鈥� says Dan Palermo, deputy provost, Markham Campus. 鈥淪port Management is a great example of what we鈥檙e building at Markham: programs that respond to evolving industries, connect students with employers and communities, and create opportunities to apply learning beyond the classroom." 

Daniel Sailofsky

Sailofsky is an assistant professor of sport management with an interdisciplinary academic background that includes formal training in law, sport management and sociology. His research examines violence, gender, harm and the political economy of sport using both qualitative and quantitative methods.  

He is the author of Playing Through Pain: The Violent Consequences of Capitalist Sport, published by the University of North Carolina Press. He has also published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, chapters, reports and journalistic contributions.鈥�  

Sailofsky has worked in research and industry contexts with sport organizations including the F茅d茅ration Internationale de l鈥橝utomobile, World Athletics, Adidas and the Canadian Olympic Committee. A former collegiate and university basketball coach, he has served as an assistant coach at Brock University, McGill University and Champlain College Saint-Lambert.  

Vinu Selvaratnam

Selvaratnam is an assistant professor of sport management whose research explores the intersection of sport, technology and consumer behaviour.  

His work focuses on how people adopt and engage with technology in sport and leisure settings, with research interests spanning technology adoption, physical activity, recreational sport and leisure participation. His expertise aligns with a rapidly evolving sport sector in which technology and data are increasingly shaping how organizations operate and how people participate in and experience sport.  

Alongside his research, he is deeply committed to preparing the next generation of industry leaders and is passionate about enhancing the student experience and driving positive student outcomes.   

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91亚色's Faculty of Science welcomes one new full-time, permanent member this fall.听

鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted to welcome Professor Tanya Da Sylva to the Faculty of Science," says Dean Maydianne Andrade. "Her expertise in genetics, immunobiology and physiology, combined with her passion for teaching, will enrich our community, expanding opportunities for collaboration, research and student learning. The Department of Biology, and the entire Faculty of Science community, look forward to her contributions.鈥澨�

Tanya Da Sylva

Da Sylva joins the Department of Biology as an assistant professor. She earned her PhD from 91亚色 in 2008, investigating mutations associated with autoimmune disease. She subsequently completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children in developmental and stem cell biology.  

An award-winning educator, Da Sylva uses student-centred, evidence-based approaches to create equitable and inclusive learning environments while developing students鈥� critical thinking, information literacy and communication skills. Her curriculum contributions include co-leading a major redesign of the department鈥檚 second-year genetics course. She supervises undergraduate researchers, and her scholarship of teaching and learning focuses on reducing genetic determinism in undergraduate education and addressing barriers to student learning. She is also a member of the Open Consortium of Undergraduate Biology Educators, where she is Chair of the Membership Committee.听听

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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.

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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For technology leader Adrian Lee-Kwen, that belief is at the heart of a $1-million gift to the 91亚色 Markham Campus that will give students new opportunities to explore creativity, experiment with technology and bring their ideas to life.

The gift and the opening of the newly named Adrian Lee-Kwen Makerspace, located in the Markham Campus Library, were celebrated at an event on Aug. 21.

The Makerspace provides equitable access to space, equipment and resources for students to learn through making and creation. Featuring digital fabrication tools, 3D printers and prototyping equipment, this dynamic space gives students the tools to experiment with new technologies, develop new skills and discover new interests.

The Makerspace reflects the role of universities as places of discovery and learning as technology continues to transform how people study, work and interact, says Lisa Philipps, 91亚色鈥檚 interim president and vice-chancellor. 鈥淲hile Adrian is deeply engaged with technology, his focus has always been on people: developing their potential and preparing them to take on the challenges ahead. His generous support and mentorship of students at 91亚色 reflects the depth of his commitment to developing the next generation of innovators.鈥�

For Lee-Kwen, the significance of accessible spaces for creative pursuits is deeply personal. During the celebratory event, he shared that while in high school, he made an investment that seemed to others to be unusual at the time: he bought his first computer. That computer, he recalled cost more than the run-down car he was driving. While his math teacher was skeptical about this investment 鈥� as personal home computers were rare at the time 鈥� his history teacher cheered on the decision. That first computer would become an early step in a much longer journey.

As an early adopter of technology, this investment led to a lifelong interest in technology and computer science. Today Lee-Kwen is the senior vice-president of AI research and development for Workforce Engagement Management at Genesys, where he leads a global team of more than 350 engineers.

He sees the Makerspace as an environment he wishes had been available to him when he was a student: a place to explore curiosity and access modern equipment and technology.

鈥淲hat makes Adrian鈥檚 gift especially meaningful here is his connection to 91亚色 Region,鈥� says Dan Palermo, deputy provost, Markham Campus. 鈥淪tudents can see someone from their own community who followed their curiosity and went on to build a global career in technology.鈥�

As an extension of Lee-Kwen鈥檚 commitment, he will serve as the inaugural Innovation Partner with the Markham Campus Library. In this role, he will share his experience and expertise directly with students through mentorship, complementing his investment in the Makerspace.

For Markham Campus students Sasha Tarassova and Jesse Tsang, what makes the Makerspace distinct is its openness. 鈥淭he Makerspace鈥檚 greatest draw is its accessibility in all aspects: physically, financially and in the philosophy and culture that it cultivates,鈥� says Tarassova.

鈥淚n today鈥檚 highly digital world, the Makerspace is an important bridge between the digital and the physical, to see first-hand the impacts of what we create,鈥� Tsang adds.

This connection between technology, creativity and real-world application is at the core of the Markham Campus, a made-in-Canada model of higher education. The campus is connected to industry, energized by experimentation and built to inspire innovators, makers and entrepreneurs in one of the country鈥檚 fastest growing and most diverse communities.

Michael Ma, MP for Markham-Unionville and a long-standing champion of the Markham Campus, reflected on its potential to develop the workforce for jobs of the future. During the celebratory event, he said he hopes the impact of the Makerspace will help educate but also help foster a culture of innovation that encourages young people to build their careers and lives in Markham.

Lee-Kwen鈥檚 philanthropy and mentorship support student access to new opportunities to explore technology, creativity and innovation at the Markham Campus.

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For many Indigenous learners, choosing a post-secondary institution involves more than academics. A community of support, culturally responsive spaces and a sense of belonging can influence where students see themselves succeeding.

In partnership with Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, 91亚色's Office of Indigenous Initiatives, the five-day Indigenous Pathways Program helps aspiring Indigenous learners ages 18 and older build meaningful and intentional connections ahead of their academic journeys. The immersive experience introduces participants to 91亚色's academic offerings while connecting them to the University鈥檚 Indigenous-focused spaces, resources, supports, staff and faculty across its three campuses.

By helping learners feel welcomed, supported and able to envision a future at 91亚色, the program fosters belonging and helps build confidence, clarity and purpose leading up to the transition to post-secondary education. It also reflects a broader institutional commitment to Indigenous student success, says Holly LaForme, manager, Indigenous initiatives at 91亚色鈥檚 Division of Equity, People & Culture.

鈥淔or many Indigenous learners, education systems have not always felt safe, welcoming or full of possibility. Arriving at a large urban institution, often far from family, community and familiar supports, can feel overwhelming,鈥� says LaForme, who helped lead the IPP project. 鈥淎t the Centre for Indigenous Student Services, connection and community-building are foundational to the way we support student success. My hope is to bring a sense of care, familiarity and relationality to the university experience so Indigenous learners feel grounded as they adapt to a new environment, explore their identity and define their path forward.鈥�

Throughout the week, participants stayed in residence and engaged with faculty, staff, current students and alumni. In collaboration with the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, programming highlighted a range of academic pathways through experiences that included a session with Indigenous scholar, 91亚色 assistant professor and acclaimed author Jesse Thistle; workshops in creative writing and social work; hands-on engineering and AI activities at the ; career-focused programming at the , including an Indigenous alumni panel; and a visit to 91亚色's Markham Campus for a immersive day that concluded with a sacred fire.

For participant Sheena Kitchemokman, meeting other Indigenous students and learning about resources available at 91亚色 were key reasons for joining the program.

"The reason why I signed up for the Indigenous Pathways Program is to see what opportunities are available and to meet other Indigenous students who are going to 91亚色," she says.

That sense of connection is a central focus of the program, says LaForme. By introducing participants to Indigenous faculty, students, alumni and support staff, the program helps learners build relationships and gain a clearer understanding of what life at university can look like.

鈥淩ather than asking students to imagine whether they belong in a post-secondary environment, the program provides a meaningful way for participants to experience that community firsthand,鈥� says LaForme, who notes some learners travelled from northern communities to participate.

Those connections, she adds, extend beyond the classroom. Participants are introduced to Indigenous spaces across 91亚色鈥檚 campuses, including Skennen鈥檏贸:wa Gamig, an Indigenous support centre at 91亚色鈥檚 Keele Campus where Indigenous students can use the space for community and cultural connection. For Kitchemokman, it was a welcoming space that left a lasting impression.

"My favourite space on campus is the native student lounge," she says of Skennen鈥檏贸:wa Gamig. "It really does make me feel at home."

Finding this strong sense of community, as well as a clearer understanding of academic options, strengthened her confidence in choosing 91亚色 for her post-secondary studies. She describes one session she attended as inspiring, noting she had 鈥済oosebumps listening to the panel talk about their life experiences and education stories.鈥�

She says the program would benefit all Indigenous learners 鈥� especially those considering 91亚色.

"Coming to the Indigenous Pathways Program has convinced me that this is the right university for me because of all the love and support you get from faculty and student bodies," she says.

Although the Indigenous Pathways Program spans five days, its impact extends beyond a single week.

鈥淏y helping prospective students explore university life, connect with Indigenous community and experience the care and shared hopes offered by non-Indigenous allies, friends, peers and partners across the 91亚色 U community, the program creates meaningful pathways into post-secondary education,鈥� says LaForme.

鈥淏eing able to physically experience these spaces, build relationships and see oneself at 91亚色 is an important first step in making that future feel real, supported and full of possibility.鈥�

LaForme says the program, which ran July 27 to 31, has already encouraged some of the participants to apply.

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The 10-storey, 400,000-square-foot facility, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, received Canadian Interiors鈥� 2026 Best of Canada Award in the institutional category for 鈥渁 design that places emotional comfort, social engagement, wellness and intuitive movement at the centre of the design agenda.鈥�

The award adds to recent recognition for 91亚色鈥檚 newest campus, which was created to expand educational opportunities in one of Canada鈥檚 fastest-growing urban regions. Markham Campus previously earned top honours at the GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN Awards and was named a winner in the LEARN category of the 2025 ARIDO Awards.

According to Canadian Interiors, this year鈥檚 winning projects reflected a growing emphasis on spaces that support meaningful experiences and respond to culture, heritage and contemporary design priorities.

鈥淭he design of Markham Campus reflects the kind of community we鈥檙e building here: open, inclusive and connected," says Dan Palermo, deputy provost of Markham Campus. "The spaces are intentionally designed to bring people together, encourage collaboration across programs and create stronger connections between the University and the broader community. This recognition is especially meaningful because it celebrates not only the design of the building, but how that design supports the experience of the people who learn, work and connect here every day.鈥�

Located in Markham, the campus is organized around a five-storey atrium that serves as a gathering space. A central staircase links classrooms, study areas and collaborative spaces, while glazing and daylight help maintain sightlines across multiple floors.

The facility supports interdisciplinary learning and research through flexible teaching, collaboration and community-focused spaces. Its interior design encourages interaction among students, faculty, staff and visitors by connecting learning, research and informal activity spaces.

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