TORONTO, October 24, 1997 -- The establishment of York University's new School of Women's Studies will be the cause for celebration at a reception on Wednesday, October 29 hosted by the Honourable Hilary Weston, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

"This reception marks the beginning of what will be a very enriching and stimulating addition to York: a School of Women's Studies that brings together more than 200 faculty members and more than 4,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The interdisciplinary nature of the School allows students and professors to explore equity issues in a variety of fields, including environmental studies, humanities, social science, business and fine arts," said Professor Susan Ehrlich, the newly appointed Chair of the School of Women's Studies.

The reception will include remarks from Weston, who has made raising awareness of issues affecting women, youth and volunteers an integral part of her mandate as Lieutenant Governor. York President Dr. Lorna R. Marsden and Varpu Lindstrom, Chair of the School of Women's Studies Advisory Committee, will also speak. The reception brings together the people who have been instrumental in founding the world's largest School of Women's Studies: faculty members, supporters of the School, and the School's volunteer Advisory Committee.

"It has been most rewarding to see how the School of Women's Studies has met with spontaneous enthusiasm and captured the imagination of so many people outside the university who welcome the new opportunities it creates for co-operation and sharing of information around the world," said Lindstrom.

The School of Women's Studies, which will be formally established by legislation this fall, was approved in principle by the York University Senate in May. Applications for admission to the School will be accepted in the spring of 1998, and the restructured curriculum will be in place for the 1998-99 school year.

"The establishment of the School of Women's Studies is an important phase in York's long history of accomplishment and excellence in the study of equity and human rights issues. Congratulations to Women's Studies Chair Susan Ehrlich and the entire Advisory Committee of the School of Women's Studies for their commitment to this project. And a special thanks to the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario for her support of this important endeavour," said Marsden.

WHERE: Lieutenant Governor's Suite
Main Legislative Building, Queen's Park, Toronto

WHEN: Wednesday, October 29, 1997
5:00 to 6:00 pm

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