| VOLUME 28, NUMBER 29 | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 1998 | ISSN 1199-5246 |
INNOVATIVE: Gustavo Moran and Joanne Nonnekes developed the new FES CD-ROM together with the Instructional Technology Centre
Joanne Nonnekes knows how to spread the word about matters of importance.
The coordinator of recruitment and alumni affairs at the Faculty of Environmental Studies (FES) conceived, scripted and coordinated the production of an impressive new, inter-active CD-ROM aimed at informing high-school students about FES's undergraduate degree program.
The CD-ROM features faculty and student profiles and information on programs and admissions. Tailored for an audience of OAC students, it tells them about the unique, interdisciplinary undergraduate degree program in environmental studies offered by FES one of the oldest and best-established of its kind in North America.
The CD-ROM also includes a nine-minute video about the University.
Nonnekes worked closely on the project with Gustavo Moran, an FES master's student in 1996-97, whose graduate research project equipped him to develop the package, and with York's Instructional Technology Centre (ITC). ITC's Kelly Parke was the CD-ROM's designer.
The faculty has distributed copies of the CD-ROM as a pilot project to 100 schools in the Greater Toronto Area. It will be tested for usability and recruitment effectiveness, then re-tooled and distributed nationally and internationally in September.
"This is the oldest and best faculty of environmental studies anywhere," FES Dean Peter Victor told those gathered at the CD-ROM launch, "and we need to get the message out. This creative and innovative information package gives high-school students an insight into what the faculty stands for and what they can expect if they enrol in our undergraduate program."
He commended Nonnekes and the others involved in production of the advanced-format package, calling it "a tremendous effort that went from idea to reality in no time at all."
"I am sure that every faculty at York will follow FES's lead," commented University President Lorna Marsden.
Only 10 per cent of the schools sampled were without the equipment necessary to run the CD-ROM, Moran said. Soon technicians will be able to establish a direct link between the CD-ROM and the University website.
FES was established in 1968 with a Master of Environmental Studies degree program that has become internationally renowned. In 1991, bachelor and doctoral programs were added. Since 1994, more than 400 students have graduated with Bachelor of Environmental Studies degrees from York, and have gone on to careers in the private, not-for-profit and public sectors.
Two York students, Paul Leistra and Ilya Shapiro, are among the best 200 undergraduate students in mathematics in Canada and the United States, based on the results of the 1997-98 Putnam Competition, a Canada/USA exam for undergraduate students.
Another York undergraduate, Franco Saliola, placed among the top 500 students in the exam, the most prestigious mathematical contest in North America.
Professor Yuri Medvedev, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, was coach of the York team.
This year, 2510 students from 419 schools wrote the exam. Given that all are highly motivated students and are "groomed" for the event, a placement in the top 500 is very good. Placement in the top 200 (top 10 per cent or so) is excellent.
In the 1997-98 Putnam Competition, York earned 67 points, the highest total it has ever received. and placed 39th overall.
What does it mean to have two York students on the list of the best 200? Only 11 U.S. universities Harvard, MIT, Princeton, New York, Duke, Carleton College (MN), Chicago, Washington (St. Louis), Cal.Tech., Harvey Mudd College (CA), and Stanford did better. Only three Canadian schools U of T, Waterloo and UBC placed more than two students in the top 200.
York's ranking in 39th position is more significant than might at first appear. The University is in a group of 15 very strong schools that collected almost the same score. The distance between 39th and 27th position is only 3 points.
Coach Medvedev notes that, this year, York is ahead of Columbia University (NY), and the Universities of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Michigan (Ann Arbor), Wisconsin (Madison), California (Berkeley), and many other well-known schools.
He adds a sobering thought, however. While, each year, York is improving in its placement in the Putnam Competition, the limit may have been reached if the University continues to rely on chance to identify talented students enrolled at York before beginning to train them on advanced topics, over two-to-three years, in preparation for the competition.
To build a superb undergraduate program, York has to start to work with prospective students while they are still in high school, Medvedev says. That is exactly what the best 25 universities from the Putnam list are doing, including U of T, Waterloo and UBC.
Through liaison with teachers at the high school level, York can begin to do likewise, says Medvedev.
fleet n. a body or squadron of warships operating in company
fleet adj. swift of pace; moving or able to move with rapidity; quick in motion
The Department of Visual Arts is proud to present Fleet 4000 Levels, its annual open house exhibition.
More than 60 fourth-year artists will "flood" York's Centre for Fine Arts with hundreds of works of art on April 17 and 18.
In platooning their creative efforts, York's graduating artists are transforming the Centre for Fine Arts into a monumental contemporary art venue. Fleet will feature photography, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, design and interdisciplinary arts.
The Centre for Fine Arts is used as a vessel for the creation and discussion of artwork on an ongoing basis, making it the ideal space for this farewell exhibition and launch.
The open house offers visitors the opportunity to meet the next wave of young Toronto artists, as well as some of the established artists who teach at York, such as Jon Baturin, Ted Bieler, Claude Breeze, Michael Davey, Hugh LeRoy, Michael Semak, Judith Schwarz and Tim Whiten.
Running concurrently with Fleet 4000 Levels will be a silent auction of works on paper by the graduating artists. Proceeds will go to scholarships and bursaries for future Visual Arts students.
"Blaam! It'll blow you out of the water, or my name isn't Capt'n Highliner!" a certain nautical gent is quoted as claiming in the news releasing announcing the event.
The Fleet 4000 Levels open house exhibition will be open to the public on Friday and Saturday, April 17 and 18, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
The Opening Reception with artists present will be 7 - 11 p.m., April 17.
For more information, please contact the Department of Visual Arts at (416) 736-5187 during office hours, or email: ahag@yorku.ca
Herren and Panitch chosen as Distinguished Research Professors by SGS committee
The selection committee of the Faculty of Graduate Studies has chosen Professor Michael Herren, Department of Humanities, Atkinson College, and Professor Leo Panitch, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Arts, as the recipients of the honorific of Distinguished Research Professor.
The title will be conferred upon Professor Panitch at the Spring 1998 Faculty of Graduate Studies Convocation and upon Professor Herren at the Fall 1998 Convocation.
Faculty of Education Gala Anniversary and Awards Dinner is May 7
The Alumni Association of York's Faculty of Education is inviting all interested parties to join the 25th anniversary celebrations of the faculty, including a Gala Anniversary and Awards Dinner, a colloquium series, and a panel discussion followed by wine-and-cheese.
The dinner will be Thursday, May 7 in Vari Hall Rotunda, with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person.
For further information, call 736-5002.
Professor John C. Evans
John C. Evans, who will be remembered as a dedicated teacher, scholar, colleague and friend, passed away on March 28, 1998. Born in Vancouver in 1946, he obtained his BA from Carleton University and his PhD in Economics from the University of Chicago. He began his career at York in 1973. He served as Chair of Arts/Economics from 1984 to 1987, as Chair of Council of the Faculty of Arts in 1990-91, as Faculty of Arts Representative to Senate from 1991 to 1993, and on many department, faculty and University committees.
Professor Evans was an expert on the economics of project evaluation, and was the author of more than 20 commissioned studies, mostly for the federal government. He believed fervently in the practical application of economic theory, a belief with which he inspired his students. All his work demonstrated that serious, meticulous cost-benefit analysis could be used for the public good.
Prof. Evans was one of the most dedicated and innovative teachers to have taught at York. He was a pioneer in the implementation of computer-based learning in course work; his on-line tutorials were an integral feature of his undergraduate courses. His courses on Corporate Finance, Monetary Economics, Public Finance and Project Evaluation were very popular. It was not just his innovative pedagogy, not just his deep knowledge of the subject matter, which made him such a popular instructor; Prof. Evans genuinely cared about his students. John and his students remained friends long after their graduation.
In recognition of his teaching excellence, the Faculty of Arts selected John for its outstanding teaching award (full-time faculty) in 1996-97.
John was diagnosed with cancer in 1996. He faced this disease with those qualities he brought to his academic work: perseverance, courage, wisdom and a great sense of humour. He continued to lecture, despite his health problems, virtually up to the day he died. He was a man who earned the respect and love of colleagues, students and friends. He will be sorely missed.
Linda Herskowitz, a YUSA member with York for over 20 years, passed away on Feb. 26, 1998.
Those who knew and worked with Linda speak of her kindness, loyalty and loving nature. Her last few years were filled with courage and determination as she fought against the diabetes that finally took her life. Faculty and staff within the Department of Mathematics and Statistics remember her fondly as a wonderful role model, who never complained about her illness but brought out the best in her friends and colleagues a truly remarkable person.
Those wishing to remember Linda in a tangible way may choose to contribute to an award being created in her name. Please call Anna Cavaliere at extension 22583 for a pledge card.
SHOW AND TELL: Bruno Di Pasqua prepares VHS machine for classroom use
The Instructional Technology Centre (ITC) has announced a new funding model for classroom technology that will be welcome news for all York departments and faculty members.
Effective May 1, ITC will reduce or eliminate fees for classroom use of instructional equipment. There will be no charge for overheads, microphones, and video- and slide projectors delivered for use in valid York courses. The charge for computer projectors will be reduced from $15 to $8 per delivery. These reductions are possible because of an allocation from the funds released at the end of the mainframe computing, out-sourcing contract.
To help meet the anticipated demand for services, ITC will install permanent overhead projectors in many classrooms. Some rooms also will be equipped with built-in VHS machines. The permanently equipped classrooms will be ready for September 1998. This is one of the York projects funded as a strategic initiative to improve teaching, pedagogy and learning.
Ellen Hoffmann, associate vice-president (Academic Information Services) and University librarian, told the Gazette that the charge-back system has been a long-standing frustration for both ITC and members of faculty.
"We wanted to be able to provide a high-level of service, while remaining confident that we could maintain it in the long term," she said. "This new model will allow us to release staff time for more complex installations.
"Overhead, video and slide projectors, as well as neck microphones, are stable technologies for which we can project demand and, thus, cost with reasonable confidence, and our objective is to meet the demand for these technologies.
"Computer projection, however, is another story," said Hoffmann. "Until we can develop a sense of the sustained level of demand for computer projection technology and until we can build our supply of equipment, a partial charge-back that is reviewed annually will help balance resources and demand. Our long term objective is to fully subsidize all classroom technology."
While Hoffmann is enthusiastic about the new model, she realizes that there is some risk involved in terms of equipment loss and damage, as well as pent-up demand for technologies that may now move from departments to ITC.
Hoffmann hopes that this model will encourage instructors to select classroom technology in terms of pedagogical requirements, reduce perceived inequities among faculties and departments, help ITC respond to changing needs and simplify procedures for everyone.
The New York-based Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has awarded a $300,000 (U.S.) grant to York's Centre for Refugee Studies. The grant will allow the centre to research and determine how the United Nations and non-governmental organizations could better protect refugees.
The grant will strengthen the centre's role as an international leader in refugee and human rights issues. The need is obvious as the world watches and reflects on the plight of people forced to flee from conflict in regions around the world, including Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia.
"This grant will reinforce the centre's leading-edge research on issues of major interest to Canadians: the treatment of refugees and the capacity of international organizations and states to respond to human rights violations resulting in forced displacement," said Professor Anne Bayefsky, director of the centre.
"The projects we will conduct through the Mellon grant will concentrate on promoting inter-disciplinary and inter-organization dialogue of the kind that is so vital for dealing with the maze of issues surrounding refugees and human rights," said Bayefsky.
The donation $200,000 U.S. now, and another $100,000 U.S. following the completion of plans for the digitalization of the centre's library holdings will be devoted to three projects: (1) an international conference, workshops and research with the goal of coordinating the many actors from the United Nations and non-governmental organizations who deal with refugees and the issue of human rights; (2) a training project for refugee judges around the world to expand their knowledge of international refugee and human rights standards; and (3) a project that would digitize and mount onto web pages the almost half-a-million pages of documents and research in the centre's collection.
The first project begins with an international conference, already planned for May 7 to 9, 1998 at York.
The Mellon Foundation is an American not-for-profit organization founded in 1969 with the goal of aiding and promoting scientific, literary, religious, charitable and educational activities that are "in the furtherance of the public welfare or tend to promote the well-doing or well-being of mankind." Each year, the foundation awards grants to a small percentage of the organizations and individuals that request them.
Conference to help coordinate roles/find solutions for protecting refugees
"This conference is an important starting point in trying to coordinate the efforts of the many actors involved in the international refugee and human rights fields," said Bayefsky. "Right now, in situations where human rights issues and refugee issues overlap, scores of international organizations and workers play a role: from the UN High Commissioner on Refugees to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to the Red Cross. This conference will initiate a discussion on how to coordinate the very important work being done by these organizations."
The conference will be followed by workshops and in-depth discussions, drawing upon the experience of field workers from various UN bodies and leading NGOs. The Centre for Refugee Studies will then sponsor research and writing coming out of these discussions, examining areas of potential discord between various bodies and presenting potential solutions.
Judges to receive training in international refugee/human rights standards
The second project will provide much-needed assistance to judges around the world. It will expand their knowledge of international human rights and refugee standards, and encourage greater involvement of the judicial process in refugee issues. This training program is a response to growing requests for assistance from judges around the world, but particularly in emerging democracies (such as Eastern Europe and South Africa), and in less developed countries.
The centre plans to design and deliver a professional course specifically for the judiciary. It will co-ordinate the development of this course with other organizations currently involved in training judges in this area.
Refugee/forced migration documents to be amassed, made available on special web site
The final project to be funded by the Mellon Foundation grant, the Resource Centre Digitalization Project, will digitize, convert and mount on web pages almost half-a-million pages of documentary material donated by a range of organizations and individuals who have been associated with the centre over the past decade.
Most of this collection is previously unpublished material from non-governmental organizations which have had a role in refugee policy development in Canada.
"The Digitalization Project is an excellent example of how to make valuable information more accessible. We hope that by making this collection available on the Internet, we will stimulate international debate and research into refugee and human rights issues," said Bayefsky.
The Centre for Refugee Studies at York was formally inaugurated in 1988 as the successor to the Refugee Documentation Project. The project, for its part, arose from the Indochinese boat people crisis in the 1970s.
In 1991, the centre was designated a Centre of Excellence by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). The centre's primary focus is to advance the effective enforcement of refugee and international human rights standards through research, networking, education and training.
SSHRC
Regional Innovation Systems Network
This program is intended to promote the exploration of the relationship between innovation and economic development at the local and regional levels. The Network will encourage multi-disciplinary research on the role of innovation and technological change in the "new economy" and provide a forum for researchers and partners to meet and share ideas and research results. Specifically, funds support interaction among researchers and their partners, in order to promote the diffusion of findings to public and private sector practitioners. The Network will not directly fund research, but will build on the existing research plans of members. $200,000/year will be divided among five selected networks over three years.
Deadline: May 1 (Note: There will only be one competition held under this program)
Research Corporation
Research Innovation Awards
Research Opportunity Awards
The Research Corporation supports: new scientific research of potential importance to a field of science or human endeavour; novel approach to long-standing problem; research that may create a new tool of potential importance to scientific investigation; applying expertise and insights from one area to advance another discipline; creative solutions to an interdisciplinary problem of recognized importance. Research Innovation Awards provide up to $35,000 (U.S.) for those in their first tenure-track position, begun in either the preceding or the current calendar year. Research Opportunity Awards support tenured faculty who are without major funding. Support can be requested for equipment essential to the research, supplies and chemicals, student and postdoctoral stipends, travel for consultation or to use necessary equipment and facilities, and research leaves to initiate a new project.
Human Resources
Development Canada
Canada European Community Program for Cooperation in Higher Education and Training.
The purpose of this program is to encourage joint projects undertaken by consortia of higher education institutions and training establishments, and other relevant organizations on both sides of the Atlantic. The Cooperation Program aims to add a new Canadian/European Community dimension to student-centred cooperation and to bring balanced benefits to both Canada and the European Community. $160,000 is available for up to three years.
Deadline: May 9 to submit proposals to York International; May 28 to submit proposals to HRDC.
Deadline Dates
May 1
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC): Going Global Science and Technology with European Partners (STEP)
Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies (University of Alberta): Research Grant
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD): Information Visits
Health & Human Services (U.S. Department of): Public Health Service Grants AIDS-Related Grants
McLean Foundation: Research Grants
Research Corporation: Research Innovation Awards; Research Opportunity Awards
SSHRC: Aid to Occasional Research Conferences and International Congresses in Canada; Regional Innovation Systems Network
Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research, Inc.: Small Grants
York University (Atkinson College): Kitty Lundy Memorial Fund
York University (administered by ORA): Specific Research Grants (Leave and Non-Leave)
May 7
Rockefeller Foundation (Bellagio Study & Conference Center): Individual, Collaborative and Parallel Residencies; International Conferences; Team Residencies
May 9
Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC): Canada-European Community Program for Cooperation in Higher Education and Training [proposals due at York International; proposals due at HRDC, May 28]
May 10
Health and Human Services (U.S. Department of): Public Health Service Grant Institutional National Research Service Award
May 15
American Historical Association: Various Book Prizes and Awards
Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada: Grants-in-Aid
Franklin Institute: Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science
NATO: Science Program and Cooperation Partners for priority area in "Environmental Security"
Society for Teaching & Learning in Higher Education (STLHE): 3M Teaching Fellowships
Weizmann Institute of Science: Postdoctoral Fellowships
York University (Faculty of Graduate Studies): Matching Fund Graduate Assistantships
The Office of Research Administration (ORA) would like to remind faculty members of these research opportunities with upcoming deadlines. Deadlines listed are those of the granting agencies. Applications for external sources of funding (i.e., outside York) must be submitted to ORA before forwarding them to the agencies. To assist in meeting these deadlines, it is recommended that applications be submitted to ORA one to two weeks prior to the deadline dates.
For more information, please contact ORA at -55055 in S414 Ross Building (e-mail: research@yorku.ca).
The 11-person York team performed well at the 16th Ontario Japanese Speech Contest, held recently at the University of Toronto's Northrop Frye Hall. The York students won several prizes amidst intense competition and captured the tournament trophy.
York entrants won all the contests in the Beginners' Category. The Best Speech Prize went to Mark Jeremie, who earned a round-trip, airline ticket to Japan and a scholarship. Sung Choi was awarded second prize, a Sony CD player, and Wen-yin Lin took third prize, a $200 scholarship.
In the Advanced Category, Kevin Hodgson won second prize, a $300 scholarship.
All the contests in the Open Category were won by members of the York contingent. Lydia De Boer captured first prize and was awarded a Noritake dinner set. Emiko Hsuen won second prize, a $300 scholarship.
Professors Norio Ota and Mizue Handa coached the York students and assisted in the proceeding of the contest. York provided all the volunteer student helpers, including Miharu Tanaka, the York-Meiji exchange student, and three internship students from Himeji Dokkyo University.
York students also won the best speech prize and the second prize in the beginners' category at the 9th National Japanese Speech Contest in Quebec City on April 5.
Dr. Gordon McBean, assistant deputy minister, Atmospheric Environment Service, Environment Canada, gave the 1998 Morris Katz Memorial Lecture in Environmental Research at the Moot Court at Osgoode Hall Law School, April 8. His topic was Forecasting: Today's Weather to Next Century's Climate.
"Science has developed an enhanced capability to forecast weather, water, climate and the state of the atmosphere, and this gives us, in a sense, a new relationship with the future," McBean said. "Society is now able to see into the future with some confidence, and also to see how our own collective activities affect parts of that future.
"The role of the Atmospheric Environment Program (AEP) is to provide Canadians and their governments with information and warnings on the future states of the atmosphere and related components of our natural environment. These range from warnings of tornadoes in the next hour to a severe ice storm; an air pollution episode or flood in the next few days to next season's warm spell due to El Niño; and climate change in the next century.
"These forecasts rely on global observing systems, high-powered computers and highly trained professionals, linked by telecommunications, and are based on scientific understanding of the atmosphere and the coupled earth system," McBean explained.
The lecture focussed on this scientific basis, founded in physics, chemistry and other sciences; the concepts of time and space scales and how these lead the AEP to incorporate expanding components of the earth system as the forecast period extends; and how uncertainties in the AEP's observations and knowledge and the fundamentals of our chaotic earth system limit forecasts.
Dr. McBean's lecture was presented by the Centre for Atmospheric Chemistry with support from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.
by Mary Bernard, Dianne Zecchino and Meghan Johnston
"Allen Lambert Scholarships represent a very important step towards the fulfilment of a vision of York University's relations with Native peoples that has been years in the making. The Native students at York see this as a time of dynamic change, with support for Native students coming from the private sector and revitalized commitment to Native people and issues under our new president, Lorna Marsden. The strengthening of ties between Natives, the private sector and the University reaffirms our common vision of a strong Native presence at York University." Michael Forest Nimki Lavell, MES candidate, Faculty of Environmental Studies
Dr. Allen Lambert accepts certificate of appreciation from Vice-President Deborah Hobson.
The Chi-maang Lake Drum Group celebrates the occasion in its own unique way.
Brian McInnis thanks Dr. Lambert on behalf of the First Nations and Aboriginal Students Association.
The Senior Common Room at McLaughlin College was alive with spirit and rhythm on Thursday, March 26 when students and faculty of York University came together to personally thank Dr. Allen T. Lambert for his generous gift of $100,000 to the University in the form of scholarships for Aboriginal Studies. This donation was matched by the provincial government through the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund, thereby giving the University a total of $200,000 for Aboriginal Studies scholarships. The evening, organized by the First Nations and Aboriginal Student Association (FNASA) to thank Dr. Lambert, was supported by the Native/ Canadian Relations Theme Area (Faculty of Environmental Studies), the York Development Office and the Faculties of Arts, Education, Fine Arts, and Pure and Applied Science.
Dr. Lambert has long been a valued friend and an exemplary figure in the history of York University. He has supported York in many ways throughout the years as a member of the first Board of Governors, as a fundraiser who orchestrated York's first $1 million gift, and as a steady and generous donor. The University welcomed the opportunity to express its appreciation for his invaluable support by awarding him an honorary doctorate in 1982.
This donation is another expression of Lambert's commitment to York and to the community leaders of tomorrow. It will create four scholarships a year: two undergraduate and two graduate, valued at $2500 each. Recipients of the scholarships must be First Nations or Aboriginal students with proven academic ability. Students may be enrolled in any discipline offered by York University, provided their studies have a substantial Aboriginal dimension.
The evening was organized around the Chi-maang Lake Drum Group. Mick Bourgeois, the lead singer of Chi-maang Lake, is the son of Paul Bourgeois, an FES graduate student. Shirley Williams, an Odawa elder and alumnus of York, presented the drum to the youth in a ceremony at the Hiawatha Pow Wow in 1995. The drum group is made up of high school, college and university students, both graduate and undergraduate.
Participants also performed an honour dance. Refreshments consisted of Native foods. A gift of a quill box, made by FES graduate student Brian McInnis's grandmother, was presented to Dr. Lambert as a token of thanks. On behalf of FNASA, McInnis commented on "the good feeling" surrounding the event. "We are touched and honoured by the contribution of Dr. Lambert," he said.
More than 30 people attended the event, including many students from FNASA, as well as other York students, all wanting to personally thank Lambert for his generosity. "Dr. Lambert's generous contribution will assist more Native peoples in pursuing a post-secondary degree. His assistance is much more than a monetary endowment; it is an investment in people," said Jeffrey Schnuerer, treasurer of FNASA.
David Bell, director of York's Centre for Applied Sustainability, commented: "Bringing more Aboriginal students to York will enrich our programs by exposing us to the wisdom embodied in Aboriginal culture. Just as the first Europeans to come to this continent hundreds of years ago learned from the First Nations priceless lessons about how to survive in North America, we have the opportunity to learn new lessons about sustainability on this planet from such Aboriginal notions as 'planning for seven generations.'"
Bell then read the following excerpt from the Prayer for Thanksgiving, published in the introduction to the Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples:
"Finally, we acknowledge one another, female and male. We give greetings and thanks that we have this opportunity to spend some time together. We turn our minds to our ancestors and our Elders. You are the carriers of knowledge, of our history. We acknowledge the adults among us. You represent the bridge between the past and the future. We also acknowledge our youth and children. It is to you that we will pass on the responsibilities we now carry.
"Soon, you will take our place in facing the challenges of life. Soon, you will carry the burden of your people. Do not forget the ways of the past as you move toward the future. Remember that we are to walk softly on our sacred Mother, the Earth, for we walk on the faces of the unborn, those who have yet to rise and take up the challenges of existence. We must consider the effects our actions will have on their ability to live a good life."
Dean Peter Victor, Faculty of Environmental Studies, thanked Lambert for his support of Native students. "Native students offer a perspective that is unique and authentic, one which many of our students are interested in and can benefit from," he said.
"I was very fortunate to be present for the acknowledgment of Dr. Lambert's generous gift," said D'Arcy Rheault, a PhD candidate from FES. "As a traditional drummer, it is my responsibility to ensure that honour and recognition are expressed in a respectful way. Dr. Lambert's gift allows Aboriginal students a chance to pursue an academic career, especially in these days of governmental cutbacks for Aboriginal education. The highlight of the evening was when Dr. Lambert accepted our invitation to sit with us and drum. As he sat there smiling, I felt a genuine fondness for this generous man."
Derek Teevan, an FES graduate student commented: "Like the power of the honour song drum beat reverberating through McLaughlin College, Dr. Lambert's generosity will resonate through the Aboriginal students' work in the future."
"I thought it was a great event, and Dr. Lambert seemed to be genuinely touched and thrilled by the attention," said Deborah Hobson, vice-president (Enrolment & Student Services).
Other York representatives included: Robert Prince, dean of the Faculty of Pure and Applied Science; David Shugarman, master of McLaughlin College; and Beverly Diamond, graduate program director, Department of Music, Fine Arts.
Dr. Lambert also purchased 20 tickets valued at $5,000 for the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, which took place on March 12 at the Hummingbird Centre. Of these tickets, he kept only two, donating the remainder to Aboriginal students at York to allow them to attend this inspiring and significant evening.
by John Dwyer
York professor Rob Bowman likes rock and roll a lot. At the age of 10, he bought his first Otis Redding single, Try a Little Tenderness, after hearing Mick Jagger praise the quintessential soul singer. Bowman's love affair with Otis and the Stax sound that he epitomized has not diminished one iota over the years.
In fact, Bowman recently entranced a full house in Stedman Lecture Hall A as he deconstructed the artistry of Redding and Stax musicians who worked on the Try a Little Tenderness recording sessions. Bowman's thesis is that artists like Otis Redding have transformed melody and lyrics into entirely new creations. The Western obsession with written texts and scores that lies at the heart of music copyright fails to recognize what every rock and roll fan intuitively understands. It's as much the singer/performer as the song.
Pushed to its extreme, Bowman's argument has some pretty profound implications, not only for the legal community but also for the democratization of music. Rap, dubbing, and other forms of plunderphonics arguably have the same musicality as the performances of classically trained musicians.
This is a column about teaching, so it is appropriate to devote attention to Rob Bowman's teaching style and technique. Many of Bowman's techniques are consonant with his personality, and not many of us could begin to carry off his rebellious persona, his dee-jay gestures or impromptu singing. But some of the other things that Bowman does have universal teaching relevance. Here's a partial list:
1. Establish a comfortable atmosphere. Bowman came 10 minutes before the lecture, introduced himself to those who had gathered, and engaged in casual conversation.
2. Set the tone for the lecture. At the very start, Bowman let the audience know that his approach is informal and that lecturing for him is process. He invited the audience to interrupt him at any time with questions.
3. Provide a framework for students. Bowman laid out the structure of the lecture so clearly that, whenever he engaged in banter with members of the audience, there was never in any doubt about the direction of the lecture.
4. Personalize the relationship. As latecomers entered the lecture, Bowman welcomed them. Throughout the lecture, he occasionally stopped to recognize those that he knew by name.
5. Pace yourself. Bowman excels at pacing, building momentum, providing pauses and working an audience. After the lecture, it was fascinating to watch him conduct a personal checklist of where he thought the pacing could have been better.
6. Reinforce the most important points. Bowman employs a variety of techniques to build audience anticipation for climaxes in the lecture. He layers lecture elements carefully, constantly reminding the audience where they are in the overall argument. He underlines very salient points with changes of tone, including passionate outbursts and quiet thoughtfulness.
7. Create dramatic tension. Bowman constantly builds the audience's anticipation of each of the climaxes in his lectures. The most dramatic moment in the lecture came when Redding's version of Try a Little Tenderness was played to Bowman's orchestration. But Bowman kept teasing the audience into thinking that the song would come any minute, so that when the big moment finally came, they were completely and absolutely engaged.
8. Encourage involvement. Whenever a member of the audience had a question or comment, Bowman focussed totally on that person. Then he shared the insights with the whole group and wove the conversation into the body of his lecture. The result was a feeling of community in the lecture hall and an audience that was eager to ask questions at the end of the lecture.
9. Feel free to employ theatrics. Bowman occasionally worked up emotion when he wanted to emphasize points or vary the perspective of the audience. He played off his own theatrics against Redding's well known emotional outbursts.
10. Employ humour. Occasionally, Bowman illustrated his lecture with amusing anecdotes. These asides were charming because they consisted largely of personal reflections that welcomed the audience into his life and personality. None of these asides ever distracted from the flow of information or argument.
11. Look for and exploit opportunities to connect. Although Bowman's thesis was well defined, he often made reference to other areas of music and musicality that his listeners could relate to.
12. Make the invisible visible for your students. One of Bowman's most effective teaching practices is to explain complex ideas in very simple terms. He has an amazing ability to make people want to learn because he makes learning accessible to them.
13. Show respect for your students. Perhaps the most significant achievement of Bowman's lecture was establishing an atmosphere where people not only felt welcome but respected. Questions were fielded from every demographic and the question period continued for a full hour-and-a-half.
14. Whenever possible, compliment your audience. Just as Bowman made every question seem important, he also made his listeners feel that they were a special community. He ended the lecture by telling us how much he enjoyed their attention, energy and input.
If you are interested in seeing a video-copy of Bowman's lecture and following the lucid but subtle argument on musicality that he develops, feel free to come by the CST in 111 Central Square and watch it on our system.
Rob Bowman was the final speaker in the CST's Premier Lecture Series for 1997-98. The CST wishes to thank all of the superb teachers who contributed to the success of the series.
John Dwyer is consultant to the Centre for the Support of Teaching.
Pity the person who suffers from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) in winter. Pity her twice-over if SAD also afflicts her in summer.
Almost everybody's energy-level and outlook is affected by the seasons, but for some, the arrival of winter or summer is the cause of extreme, prolonged distress, says Toru Sato, a graduate student in psychology at York,
Researchers have known for more than a decade that winter spurs clinical depression in as many as 12-15 per cent of the population, says Sato, whose pending PhD dissertation is concerned with depression. Recurrent winter depression, also called winter SAD, is a condition that leaves a small proportion of sufferers severely debilitated and is especially widespread in the northerly reaches of the northern hemisphere, he says. Women are far more likely than men to experience the disorder, athough it isn't clear why.
In addition to extreme sadness, the symptoms include overeating, especially cravings for carbohydrates; weight gain, and hypersomnia (excessive sleeping).
Happily, science has found a way to moderate the symptoms of winter SAD, says Sato. Researchers have established that it's not cold temperatures but light deficiency that triggers the affliction. They have been treating people with phototherapy, in the form of bright light directed at the eyes. In most cases, patients sit in front of a full-spectrum fluorescent light every day for at least half an hour commonly, two to four hours throughout the winter months. More recently, for convenience and mobility, patients have been wearing visors especially equipped with mood-lifting lighting that shines directly into their eyes.
But SAD is not confined to winter, says Sato, who came to York from his home in Japan in 1991 to undertake his graduate studies. Winter SAD has its mate in summer, and though not as much is known about recurrent summer depression, it appears to spring from exposure to heat. "The closer you live to the equator, the more likely you are to experience summer SAD," Sato says. In most respects, the symptoms are the opposite of those that accompany the winter variety: loss of appetite, weight loss, insomnia and anxiety.
Preliminary research indicates that people who suffer from the summertime condition do show signs of improvement when they spend more time in cooler environments, says Sato.
All things considered, it would appear that Canada's snowbirds, who winter in torrid climes, but spend their summers at their Ontario lakeside cottage, have the right idea.
Mike Williams on the ice and at the podium.
Sarah Forbes on the field and at the Award Banquet.
At York's annual Sports Award Banquet on April 1, 31 students received awards for athletic achievement and sportsmanship. Following are their names, awards and citations.
Male Athlete of the Year
Mike Williams, Yeomen Hockey
In his second year with the Yeomen hockey team, Mike centered the most prolific scoring line in the CIAU. He scored 22 goals and had 44 assists for a total of 66 points good enough to lead all scorers in the nation. His achievements on the ice earned him the Sport York Athlete of the Month award for January and he was selected as a First Team OUA All-Star. He represented York in the inaugural OUA All-Star Game this past season and was named the OUA West Division Most Valuable Player. His skills were also recognized across the nation by all university coaches when he was named a CIAU All-Canadian. Additionally, Mike was chosen to represent York University at the North American Hockey Championship (CIAU vs NCAA).
Female Athlete of the Year
Sarah Forbes, Yeowomen Field/ Indoor/Ice Hockey
Sarah concluded her brilliant York career as starting goalkeeper for the Yeowomen this past season and, in so doing, acquired numerous accolades along the way. She was awarded an OUA All-Star for the fourth year, named to the CIAU All-Canadian team, and was the recipient of the prestigious Gail Wilson Player of the Year award, which is presented to a university field hockey player for her commitment and loyalty, and for being an inspiration to her teammates in her pursuit of excellence. Indoors, Sarah was an integral part of the Yeowomen's gold medal performance at the OUA Championship and was selected as First Team OUA All-Star. This season, Sarah was also a member of the Yeowomen ice hockey team.
Charles Saundercook Award
Domenic Mauro, Yeomen Football
(Presented to the male athlete who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, enthusiasm for life and consideration of others.) Domenic has been an active member of the Yeomen football program for four years. In that time Domenic has also been involved with many intramural teams and social clubs within the York community. He has undertaken an active role in the Kinesiology and Health Sciences Student Organization (KAHSSO) and as an executive member of the Lettermen's Sport Council. Currently Domenic is the club's vice-president, but he will be moving into the president's chair next year.
As a community volunteer, fundraiser and event organizer, Dom has touched the lives of many individuals. As food drive chairman for his fraternity, Domenic has spearheaded an effort which raised over 120,000 pounds of food. This past summer, Domenic volunteered as a counsellor at Camp Oochigeas, a camp for children with cancer. He raised money to buy the camp a canoe and brought many of the campers, their families and camp counsellors to Yeomen football games.
Finally Domenic ventured to Kingston, Jamaica as a volunteer in an outreach program working to improve living conditions in the ghettos of third world countries.
Bryce M. Taylor Award
Angie Roth, Yeowomen Field/ Indoor Hockey
(This award is presented to a graduating student who has, throughout her undergraduate years, made outstanding contributions to inter-university sport at York University.)
Angie Roth, as a member of the Yeowomen field and indoor hockey teams, has not only achieved athletic excellence, but has succeeded in her studies and held numerous leadership roles on campus. Athletically, Angie was selected as an OUA All-Star and CIAU Tournament Eleven Player for field hockey, and was an OUA Indoor Hockey All-Star on the championship team. She has also represented her teammates as co-captain of both the field and indoor hockey teams.
Academically, Angie will graduate this year from the Kinesiology and Concurrent Education programs and as a member of the Tait McKenzie Honour Roll. For her Faculty of Education assignment, she served as a high school field hockey coach. At York, she has served as a student volunteer on academic review boards and as the student representative on the Faculty of Education Alumni Association. As a member of the Kinesiology and Health Sciences Student Organization (KAHSSO), she served as the Bethune College liaison and social convenor. She has also been appointed as a residence don in Bethune for the past four years. Angie has the confident personality traits required to lead.
Most Improved Yeomen Team
Yeomen Football
In 1997, the Yeomen football team delivered the finest season in the school's history, posting six wins and two losses on the record books. The team appeared in their first playoff game in a decade. In addition, the football team set nine new individual records, as well as team records for most points scored in a season and most yardage gained during the season. The team was also rewarded with its most-ever league and CIAU All-Star selections
Most Improved Yeowomen Team
Yeowomen Swim Team
Dedication to performance was the main ingredient that led to the improvement of this year's Yeo-women swim team. With a new coach and new team morale this team successfully completed its second year of a rebuilding initiative. The team's accomplishments included filling a roster that was incomplete in '97. They moved up in their conference standings from fourth to third with a remarkable improvement in points scored from 17 to 96. At the OUA championship they placed four finalists and won one bronze medal, and managed to regain representation at the nationals.
Yeowomen Athletic Excellence Awards
(Awarded to female athletes who have been selected as CIAU or OUA All-Stars and have been recognized as outstanding athletes in their sport.)
* Lucinda Arthur, Badminton Cindy is an outstanding university and international badminton player who this past season won an individual OUA gold medal
* Teresa Duck, Cross Country/ Track & Field Teresa competed for both the cross country and track and field teams. She won silver at the OUA cross country championship, silver at the OUA Championship in the 1000m, and bronze in the CIAU 1500m event
* Sarah Forbes, Field/Indoor/Ice Hockey This year's Athlete of the Year, Sarah was a CIAU Field Hockey All-Canadian and OUA Indoor Hockey All-Star. Sarah is also a national team member and will compete in the Commonwealth Games in Malaysia
* Siobhan Gaizutis, Track & Field Siobhan won a gold medal in the high jump and silver in long jump at the CIAU Championship this year, earning her All-Canadian status
* Becky Price, Field/Indoor Hockey Despite a serious knee injury, Becky scored 32 of the field hockey team's 60 goals. After a quick recovery from corrective surgery, she returned for the final indoor hockey tournament and scored 11 of the team's 15 goals, including the winner against Toronto. Becky was selected as a Second Team CIAU All-Canadian
* Christine Walton, Water Polo In the water, Christine is described by her coach as the glue which held the team together. She demonstrates her considerable skills at both ends of the pool, being named by Coach MacDonald as the best defensive player and most consistent offensive player on the team, helping to lead the team to an OUA gold medal
Yeowomen Merit Award
(Awarded to those students who, in the opinion of the York awards committee, have made an all-round contribution to the promotion of inter-university athletics at York.)
* Christa Goebel A fourth year member of the track and field team, Christa has won seven OUA medals in her career. She has served for three years on the Women's Sports Council, including the past two years as a member of the executive. In her role as captain of the track team Christa's dedication and enthusiasm has contributed to the team's competitive success.
* Linda Kawahara Linda is a competitor for both the badminton and tennis team and is ranked as the number two player with badminton. In addition to competing, Linda also fills a role as manager of the badminton team, assisting Coach Cheah. Linda gives freely of her time, volunteering as an assistant coach for recreational badminton and in organizing the pre-OFSAA badminton competition held at York.
Yeomen Most Valuable Players
* Badminton Wayne Lee
* Basketball Dean Labayen (CIAU Rookie of the Year)
* Cross Country Mario Iozzo
* Football André Batson (CIAU All-Canadian)
* Golf Jason Tafler
* Hockey Mike Williams & Johnny Brdarovic (CIAU All-Canadians)
* Rugby Anthony Mattacchione
* Swimming Michael Arzaga
* Soccer Sam Virdo
* Tennis Flavio Vanacore
* Track & Field Craig Cavanagh (CIAU Gold Medal)
* Volleyball Richard Van Huizen (CIAU All-Canadian)
* Water Polo Igor Sapozhnikov (Team Gold Medal)
Mid-Canada Medical Award Christine Walton
Harcourt Brace Student Therapy Award Mike Eberlein
Nova Seal Student Therapy Award Sarah Deluce
Women's Sport Council Award Aislinn Wilson
Yeomen Award of Merit Anthony Mattacchione
CHRY Radio (105.5 FM) Award Mike Williams, Yeomen Hockey
The International Academic Relations Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), has announced that, for the next three years, it will support a Canadian Studies Summer Institute for Latin American Scholars at the Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies, in collaboration with the International Council for Canadian Studies.
This is a major award that provides Latin American scholars with a unique opportunity to work with leading Canadian specialists at York on a range of public policy issues and academic concerns. Half their time will be spent in seminars and the other half in meeting different groups and organizations from business, government, social movements and cultural communities. Excursions to the Toronto region are also part of the program.
The aim of the institute is to enable participants to acquire a first-hand knowledge of Canada, culturally and socially, and a deeper academic understanding of their areas of expertise by attending workshops and lectures from leading York scholars.
The participants will be drawn from recipients of the Canadian Government Faculty Research and Faculty Enhancements grants awarded each year by DFAIT. These awards enable Latin American Canadianists to come to Canada to do research and develop projects to further their scholarship on Canada and the hemisphere. It is anticipated that there will be 20-25 participants for the eight-day institute.
The Robarts Centre will be cooperating with the Canadian Studies associations and centres in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Cuba, Spain and Chile in the organization of the institute. The institute is another York initiative to develop strong hemispheric ties with leading academics and researchers. The Canadian Studies Summer Institute will create a distinctive forum to examine issues particular to the hemisphere.
The institute gives the University community the uncommon opportunity to meet young scholars who might then participate in other York teaching and research programs.
It is likely that the first summer school will be held in 1999, but as yet there is no final decision in this regard. As the organization of the institute progresses, further announcements will be made. For additional information, please contact: Daniel Drache, director of the Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies and the Summer Institute, tel.: 736-5415, email: drache@yorku.ca.
President Lorna Marsden and Board of Governors member John F. Bankes are proud of York's official Ontario graphic license plates. They're available at the University Bookstore or through the Ministry of Transportation for $52.10 a set (including GST).
Two graduating students from York's MFA program will have solo exhibitions at the Glendon Gallery in the next few weeks.
La boucle du regard: the constellation of unresolved thought, an exhibition of the work of Marc Audette, features a series of large-scale, black and white photographs. The installation juxtaposes images of human orifices, leaves of lettuce and other artifacts.
Audette received his undergraduate degree in Visual Art from the University of Quebec, in Hull. He has exhibited his work at Gallery 44, Dazibao, The Red Head Gallery and Walter Phillips Gallery.
La boucle du regard opens Thursday, April 16 and continues through Friday, April 24.
Kinga Araya's exhibition, MODUS VIVENDI, consists of mixed-media sculptures and video installation. The artist examines her experiences of living between different cultures, countries and languages.
Araya earned two undergraduate degrees from the University of Ottawa, one in Visual Art and the other in Art Theory and Art History. Her work has been exhibited at the IDA Gallery, Gallery SAW, The Red Head Gallery and Gallery 101.
MODUS VIVENDI opens Friday, May 1 and runs until Friday, May 8. Araya will give a performance during the opening reception, 7:30 p.m., May 1.
Both shows are an extension of the commitment by the Art Gallery of York University to present thesis projects by graduates, and the re-emergence of student exhibitions at the Glendon Gallery. Admission is free.
The Glendon Gallery is located on the campus of Glendon College, 2275 Bayview Avenue.
