We’re taking you back in time as long-time members of our community share with us their fondest memories from their York University journey. This is LA&PS Through the Ages.
If you’ve ever seen a poster for a LA&PS event or scrolled through a page on our website, then you’ve likely seen Nicole Glassman’s work. As a Senior Multimedia Specialist, Glassman has photographed some of the LA&PS community’s brightest moments and designed visual content — viewbooks, websites, campaigns — that showcases the spirit of the Faculty. We caught up with the multitalented multimedia artist to talk about her career working behind the screen and camera.
When did you first join the York University community and what was your role?
In 2014, I began working in the Communications & Marketing Department as a Multimedia Specialist. Since then, I’ve grown in my career to become the Faculty’s Senior Multimedia Specialist.
What first sparked your interest in the creative industries?
Photography is about capturing moments that matter — whether it’s a historic event, milestone in one’s life, or simple memory. Photos tell the story of our lives; ever since I can remember, I’ve loved storytelling. It’s fascinating to be able to show through art the progression of a person’s life and the moments that have shaped them.
Storytelling also exists through colour, shapes and the way we combine them to fashion something entirely new. As both a designer and photographer, I find it exciting to push my artistic and creative boundaries and discover new and different ways of representing the world.
What has been the most rewarding part of your job?
Being part of a student’s journey is always really special. Often times, I meet students at orientation who are beginning their first year at York and through all the award ceremonies and Faculty celebrations that I photograph, I’m able to follow their university career all the way to convocation. Getting to know students and witnessing their academic successes and personal triumphs makes my job incredibly rewarding.
How has your journey at York University helped you grow as an individual?
Being part of the Faculty has offered me the chance to explore my creativity in diverse ways and work on so many exciting projects that my job feels entirely different each year that passes. Through these new experiences, I’ve grown immensely and adapted no matter the goal or responsibility. My colleagues in the Communications & Marketing Department have also been an important part of my growth at York. Over the years, I’ve seen my team grow to become one of the largest in the Faculty and welcome talented people who are passionate about the work that we produce. They each have their own unique skillsets and perspectives which enable us to learn a great deal from one another.
What inspires you at work each day?
The students inspire me. It’s amazing to watch their accomplishments, capture their university experiences, and help tell their stories.
I’m also really inspired by my amazing colleagues. As a team, we support and genuinely care for one another. We’re like a family — and you always show up for family.
