York’s annual Homecoming celebration is an opportunity for the University’s alumni community to come back to campus, relive the moments that defined their student experiences and reconnect with York as participants and contributors. And with the Pan Am Games set to touch down next year and a possible York Region campus in the near future, there seemed like no better time for them to gather, connect and discover York’s future.
On Sept. 18, more than 200 grads attended the annual York University Alumni Association (YUAA) Annual General Meeting and GTA alumni reception. The 2014 event, which took place at the Park Hyatt Toronto, was a major part of this year’s Homecoming celebrations.
“It’s a busy time for York University, but it’s also a time to celebrate,” Jeff O’Hagan, York’s vice-president advancement, shared with guests during the annual general meeting. “With so many exciting opportunities at our doorstep, tonight’s event is our chance to keep you, our grads and some of our most important ambassadors, up-to-date and for you to share your feedback with us so that your voices can be heard as we chart the University’s path.”
These sentiments were echoed by YUAA Chair and York alumnus Randy Williamson (LLB ‘88). “York’s alumni are doing us proud in almost every field of endeavor imaginable. Any opportunity for us to bring them together and share in their successes is of the utmost importance.”
Shaama Yousuf, Alana Elmaleh (BA '10) and Chantal Ballantyne
And while the event was a familiar gathering for many alumni in attendance, it was a first for some, including Alana Elmaleh (BA ‘10).
“After attending the Rogers Cup Alumni BBQ in August, I started looking for other ways to stay connected to York. I thought the YUAA AGM and alumni reception would be a perfect opportunity to meet other likeminded grads and build new connections. From staff to faculty to fellow alumni, everyone was very friendly and happy to be there, celebrating York. It was an extremely positive experience for me.”
| 2014 Bryden Alumni Award Recipients | |
| Pinnacle Achievement | Dr. Nigel Lockyer (BSc ‘75) |
| Outstanding Contribution | Samuel Schwartz (MA ’69, LLB ‘72) |
| Redefine the Possible | The Honourable Mr. Justice Kofi N. Barnes (LLB ’91) |
| One to Watch | Dr. Irvin Studin (BBA ‘99, PhD ‘11) |
| Local Hero | Sonia Cianfarani (BA ‘96) |
Guests at the annual general meeting were treated to a comprehensive update on the University and the activities of the YUAA. This included information about York’s alumni chapters, featuring the creation of two new chapters (Winters College Alumni and Vanier College Productions), as well as the announcement of this year’s 2014 Bryden Alumni Awards recipients (see inset).
The YUAA also inducted three new directors to its board during the event, including the board’s first-ever student director, Kiera Dinsmore (visit http://advancement.yorku.ca/get-involved/yuaa-board/ for info on all current YUAA board members).
York’s President & Vice-Chancellor, Mamdouh Shourki, capped off the evening as he shared updates on the recently launched Yes to York campaign in support of the proposed Markham campus. “York has always been the university of York Region and a new campus in Markham Centre would allow us to firmly establish a stronger relationship with the community in that area. We’ve been using the ‘this is my time’ slogan for a few years now—I really believe that this is York’s time.”
The evening also recognized several alumni-supported scholarships and awards recipients (see recent article for detailed info about the YUAA award recipients honoured at this year’s YUAA AGM).
The YUAA Board at the 2014 YUAA Annual General Meeting and Alumni Reception
Following the annual general meeting, alumni guests were invited to kick back with good food, good drink and great company at the GTA alumni reception. Recently inducted York Chancellor Greg Sorbara (BA ’78, LLB ’81, Hons. LLD ‘13) radiated with excitement as he addressed guests during the reception. “I’m honored to be here tonight in the company of so many accomplished York grads. As alumni, we are all a part of this incredible University’s past, present and, most importantly, its future—I, for one, cannot wait to see where we go next.”
For Elmaleh, the event was just the beginning of what will become a strong and long-lasting relationship with York. “This event helped me to realize that York’s alumni network is a valuable support system for whatever diverse path a graduate may have taken. I am now interested in researching various ways of staying involved and connected with the University in the future. I am proud to support my alma matter in any way I can.”