It’s hard to believe that after months of preparation, my last day as President and Vice-Chancellor of York University is almost here. I’ve had the opportunity to say goodbye to many community members over the last few weeks, and I wanted to make sure I had the chance to share some final thoughts with our […]
In Canada’s 150th year, Ontario looks to the future
So far, 2017 has been a year with many milestones. Two of these milestones in particular have shaped conversations around York’s future: Canada’s 150th birthday, and the announcement of York’s next President and Vice-Chancellor. Anniversaries and announcements of this scale are just as much a cause for celebrating the past as they are a sign […]
A Commitment to Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion
Last month, members of the York community gathered at our 8th annual Inclusion Day Conference for a symposium that focused on “Canada and Human Rights @ 150 Years.” The Canada 150 theme was explored by keynote speakers Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Chair of Truth and Reconciliation at Lakehead University, and Arif Virani, MP for Parkdale-High Park […]
Supporting Mental Health and Wellness on Campus
Earlier this month I stopped by the Tait McKenzie Centre to film a short video with our York Lions men’s basketball team as part of the Bell Let’s Talk #OneTeamForMentalHealth initiative, which focuses on student-athlete mental health. Thanks to initiatives like this one, the month of January has become an important catalyst for action on […]
Celebrating a Year of Excellence
The end of the year is an ideal time for reflection. As I prepare for my final semester as President of York University, I find myself doing even more of that than usual. It gives me great pride to think about what York and its community have achieved over the last ten years. This last […]
Milestones and Memories at Fall 2016 Convocation
At our fall Convocation ceremonies, which took place October 19-21, we welcomed thousands of new graduates to York’s family of alumni—a network of nearly 300,000 who are living and working around the world, using their York education to do amazing things. In my Convocation address, I spoke about the University’s pride in our tradition of […]
The President’s Town Hall: An Update on Our Impact
On October 11, the York University community came together to hear an update on York University’s impact at our annual Town Hall meeting. Hosted by me and York’s four vice-presidents, the Town Hall is an opportunity to reflect on all that York has achieved since our last Town Hall meeting, and to discuss the steps […]
The York community responds to the international refugee crisis
Only by upholding our duty to protect those fleeing persecution and violence, and by embracing the opportunities that refugees and migrants offer to their new societies, will we be able to achieve a more prosperous and fairer future for all. ~ United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon The international community has been shaken in recent years […]
York receives recognition for world-leading research – and my final year as President begins
A new academic year at York University offers a fresh start for all community members, and the opportunity to develop a renewed focus and determination to reach our goals. It also brings an invigorating burst of activity back to our campuses after a somewhat calmer period of rest and reflection. All of this is true […]
LGBTQ* Positive Space and Inclusion at York
As one of the most diverse universities in North America, we at York take pride in our foundational values of inclusion and respect. We have a deep and rich history of providing expertise and support to finding solutions to societal problems in the world around us. We are known for being one of the most […]
