Close to 350 guests came out to the Arcadian Loft for the annual GRADitude Networking Reception on May 2, 2019, a unique opportunity for some of York’s most accomplished alumni to welcome soon-to-be-alumni to the York family, network with one another, and build connections for the future.
“The GRADitude program has evolved over the years into a suite of events that enables alumni and soon-to-be alumni to take advantage our network of more than 315,000 alumni globally, and to continue their relationship with their alma mater,” says Julie Lafford, Executive Director, Alumni Engagement. “We have a diverse and remarkable community of York students and alumni, and these occasions allow us to help facilitate relationships and connections that both groups truly enjoy.”
In addition to interacting with Apollo the robot provided by Promorobots Inc, a company owned by York alumnus Evgeniy Osipov (BA '14, JD '18), and various other networking activities during the night, guests had the chance to enjoy rounds of mentoring with successful York alumni from a plethora of careers. Mentors joined from Rogers Media, Intact Financial, Strategy Corp and McMillan LLP, to name a few.
2010 Golden GRADitude Award recipient Robert Coutts (right) (BA 09, BEd 10) with friend Faisal Abbasi (BAS '14)
The evening included three award presentations for the Alumni Golden GRADitude Award, given to two graduating students who have made the University a better place. The Silver Jubilee award was presented to a current York undergraduate student who has excelled in their studies and made a significant contribution to York or the community. Lastly the Harry Arthurs award was presented to an incoming undergraduate student who has excelled in school and is a child, grandchild or sibling of a York graduate.
Nader Chaya with Francesca Accinelli, York University Alumni Board Chair
“Receiving this award is a nice validation of the work I’m doing, work I’m so passionate about,” says Nader Chaya, recipient of the Silver Jubilee Award. “I work with at-risk youth, helping the community and working with people who are marginalized and this award, I hope, will open more doors and help to continue the work that I do.”
GRADitude is graciously sponsored by our alumni affinity and privileges partners: TD Insurance Meloche Monnex, Manulife and Contiki. To learn more about the GRADitude program visit alumniandfriends.yorku.ca/graditude, and to see more photos from the event follow us on Facebook.