Bringing together York University alumni, faculty, and staff from all walks of life, the Toronto Alumni Reception was a sold-out success held at downtown Toronto’s Aperture room. The evening featured remarks from host and York University Advisory Board (YUAB) Chair Randy Williamson (LLB ’88); a presentation by York University President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri; and an uplifting and engaging speech by York University alumnus Karl Subban (BEd ’90).
The social mixer opened up with networking, as patrons filled the venue in large numbers, meeting new faces, exchanging contact information, and discussing current events that included everything from the Toronto housing market and the most recent results of the U.S. presidential elections. Following the mixing and mingling, Randy Williamson took to the podium and greeted guests, also, thanking affinity partner and sponsor TD Meloche Monnex.
York University Alumni taking time to snap a photo at the Toronto Alumni Reception.
Student winners selected by the YUAB were on-hand to receive awards based on academic excellence and leadership, and the evening really had lifted-off when President Shoukri was introduced to the crowd, delivering a presentation highlighting new and upcoming changes taking place at York University. One major highlight was the announcement of the new subway stations, which received a loud applause from the audience when President Shoukri mentioned that the completion process should be official in late 2017.
“The new subway stations will allow students more access to other parts of the greater Toronto area (GTA), and have more accessibility to the downtown core.” President Shoukri also emphasized the importance of the York University community impact, and highlighted that, “The purpose of the community impact is to engage others and our communities, to learn from the community’s impact, and focus in on social-economic benefits for the community.”
He continued to say, “Community engagement goes far beyond Toronto and Canada. We are encouraged to engage the world—our goal is to engage the world.” The Toronto Alumni Reception crowd listened attentively, and as President Shoukri concluded his presentation, he stated to alumni attendees, “Your success is our success; York’s best years are ahead of us.” The applause from the audience spoke volumes, as the crowd cheered to show support regarding the various changes and future plans at York University.
York University Alumni contribute to the ‘What is your #YorkUImpact?’ board.
The Toronto Alumni Reception is an annual mixer that the Office of Alumni Engagement hosts to bring together York University graduates to inform, engage, and involve York alumni in the many events held throughout the year. One of the great highlights of the reception is the attendance of a special guest speaker who belongs to the York University alumni family. York University alumni and former Toronto District School Board (TDSB) Principal and Teacher, Karl Subban, took to the podium to uplift and encourage the crowd — and his message was definitely absorbed — as he spoke passionately about his main theme, potential.
“Your potential is your gift,” Subban continued, “potential is ubiquitous. You are born with it. It is your gift at birth, and when you develop it, that is your gift to the world.”
Karl Subban takes a photo with York University President and Vice-Chancellor, Mamdouh Shoukri, and Faculty of Education Dean, Lyndon Martin.
Subban spent more than 30-years in education teaching, coaching, and parenting. As the father of five children — three NHL hockey players and two teachers — his passion for helping children see and reach their potential was his drive. Subban highlighted that, “every dream starts with a dream,” and that having four specific qualities — potential, a dream, belief, and action — can help anyone grow their potential. Subban believes that asking yourself the right questions can help with the process, too. When he was a Principal, he would ask his students, “Who is it that you want to be, and what is it that you want to do?” He continued, “When kids answer those questions, education becomes more meaningful.”
Attendees listen intently as Karl Subban (BEd ’90) takes the stage, and shares positive and encouraging words of wisdom about his tools for success.
Subban stated that potential is limitless. “Growing your potential starts with a dream,” and that requires one to believe in their dream, and in their ability to achieve whatever it is that their heart desires. Subban added, “You have to ask yourself what is your ‘why?’, and when you figure out what your ‘why?’ is, you are helping your potential grow, which helps fuel your dream becoming true.”
Subban’s energy was contagious as the audience appeared captivated by his messages, and inspired by his wisdom and formulas for enhancing one’s potential. Subban also noted that in order to chase your dreams, by fueling your potential, also, includes four core principles to make your visions actionable: time, task, training, and team. Subban encouraged the packed house to take action in order to make a vision a reality, by building and strengthening your team, relying on your belief system to help you through your journey, and always believing in yourself. In closing his speech, Subban used a coffee shop drive-thru window analogy to let others know how to manifest their dreams:
“In our lives, we must place our order, and pay the price.” And whether anyone else dreams of being a professional NHL hockey star, like Mr. Subban’s sons, or becoming a school teacher, entrepreneur, or a lawyer, in order to enhance your potential, which Subban believes is ‘our gift at birth’, he concluded, “Whatever it is you want to be better at, you have to work at it. Place your order and pay the price.”
Following Karl Subban’s speech, the crowd roared with applause and enlightenment. Subban thanked the audience with much appreciation, as Randy Williamson returned to the podium once more to thank Mr. Subban for his motivational and inspiring words, and presented him with a gift as a token of appreciation. Once the stage was cleared, attendees began networking again throughout the remainder of the event, talking to Mr. Subban and other guests, while enjoying delicious appetizers and drink selections, and contributing positive words and experiences to the ‘What is your #YorkUImpact?’ chalkboard located on the back wall.
Karl Subban adds his formula to the #YorkUImpact chalkboard.
The Toronto Alumni Reception was a fun-filled and engaging sold-out evening that brought hundreds of York University alumni together as a community to connect, learn, and share new and relatable stories, while understanding the continuously progressive direction that York University has successfully taken now, and will be continuing to take for years to come.
To learn more about upcoming York University Alumni events, please visit us at http://alumniandfriends.yorku.ca/events-and-programs/events/.