York University’s Markham Campus opened its doors to the Markham community for its highly anticipated official open house. The event invited the local community to experience the state-of-the-art building and the facilities that make the campus a hub for technology, education, and collaboration.
The event, which took place on Saturday, November 16, included guided tours where guests explored high-tech features and flexible layouts – designed to accommodate different teaching methods – a live painting by Colin Arthur, as well as a special appearance by Mayor Frank Scarpitti, the Mayor of Markham.
In addition to the academic classrooms, visitors had the opportunity to view creative spaces within the Markham Campus Library. Equipped with avant-garde tools and technology such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and more, the Library Makerspace empowers students to design and create.
The Library’s Gaming and Visualization Space offered a glimpse into the future of digital learning, equipped with virtual reality headsets, a visualization wall, and gaming consoles and software. The Making and Media Creation Lab is a site for learning, research and creation that offers audio and video recording, as well as editing equipment.
Visitors were introduced to the Experiential Education Hub, a space dedicated to connecting students with real-world opportunities through co-op, work-integrated, internship programs and experiential learning opportunities.
The open house also featured Tentacular Futures: Creative Technologies at the York University Markham Campus exhibition in the Art Gallery on the first floor. Curated by Rebecca Caines and Marissa Largo, the showcase features the award-winning interactive art and technology of Megan Smith and Gao Yujie, The Remotions (with special guests Erin Goodpipe and Elder Lorna Standingready), Jane Tingley, Hector Centeno Garcia, Nava Messas Waxman, Vladimir Kanic, Sara Mozafari Lorestani.
The Markham Campus was designed to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world. The open house emphasized the university’s commitment to fostering partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and residents. As York University continues to expand its footprint in the region, the Markham Campus is poised to be a key player in driving local innovation, workforce development, and educational access.
As York University Markham Campus continues to grow and evolve, the open house was just the beginning of many exciting opportunities for students and the surrounding community. With its blend of academic rigor, cutting-edge technology, and focus on community engagement, the Markham Campus is setting a new standard for higher education in the York Region.
For those who missed the open house, there are still plenty of ways to get involved. For more information on programs, events, and admissions at the Markham Campus, visit, yorku.ca/markham.