Working in Partnership

York University’s recent 2024 Spring Convocation, celebrated the visionary leadership and impactful contributions of eight remarkable individuals with honorary degrees. Their achievements in fields like healthcare technology and environmental conservation inspire our community, serving as role models within the university community.

Among the recipients was Barbara Neis, whose groundbreaking research at Memorial University has reshaped our understanding of work, health, and community dynamics. Mike Wessinger, renowned for his pioneering work in healthcare technology, exemplifies innovation and leadership in improving healthcare delivery. Reeta Roy, former CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, was honored for her transformative efforts in empowering millions across Africa through education and economic empowerment. Jason Harrow, known as Kardinal Offishall, was celebrated for his influential role in the global music industry and advocacy for cultural diversity.

Jane Goodall’s honorary doctorate recognized her lifelong dedication to environmental conservation and scientific discovery, inspiring generations to protect our planet’s future.

York University continues to make strides in health care innovation through expanded partnerships with regional health organizations. These alliances, solidified through new MOUs, reflect York’s dedication to addressing pressing societal health challenges and fostering community well-being.

In partnership with Waypoint Centre for Mental Health and by advancing research in mental health, data analytics, machine learning, and AI, York is providing students with invaluable clinical placements and hands-on learning experiences, preparing them for impactful careers in healthcare.

Through an MOU with Southlake Regional Health Centre, York aims to improve health informatics, develop digital health solutions, and advance diagnostic imaging that will enhance research efforts in cancer, neuroscience, diabetes, addiction and more.

York’s alliance with Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) builds on a rich history of collaboration, exemplified by the placement of 70 York students at RVH in 2023. This partnership promotes research in epidemiology, aging, maternal and child health, and new health technologies.

Osgoode Hall Law School students are transforming lives in Toronto’s low-income neighborhoods through their dedication and service in two renowned legal clinics: Parkdale Community Legal Services (PCLS) and Community & Legal Aid Services Program (CLASP Legal Services).

Established in 1971 by Osgoode students, PCLS has been pivotal in community-based legal aid. This year, 40 upper-year students participated in a poverty law seminar and served as caseworkers, providing essential legal services under experienced lawyers’ guidance. They worked in divisions such as housing rights, workers’ rights, social assistance, violence and health, and immigration.

CLASP, funded by Legal Aid Ontario, the Law Foundation of Ontario, and a York University student levy, offers crucial legal assistance in immigration, criminal, and administrative law. It primarily serves students and low-income individuals, focusing on urgent housing issues. Seventeen upper-year students committed a full year, receiving training and overseeing first-year volunteers. CLASP also introduced new initiatives to address emerging legal needs.

In Toronto alone, 78 per cent of homeless youth are racialized, and 43 per cent of that population identify as Black. To address the various forms of structural discrimination that contribute to these inequities, York has become the host of various anti-homelessness initiatives, including the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness (COH), the largest research institute devoted to homelessness in Canada and the curator of the Homelessness Hub.

In December 2023, York alumn and COH research associate Nathan Okonta and COH communications co-ordinator Promise Busulwa began working on the Black Youth Housing Project. The project, led by the non-profit organization, 360°kids, aims to provide culturally relevant services to Black youth experiencing homelessness and inform the development of a long-term transitional home that caters to their needs.

In line with its commitment to eliminate systemic inequities, York is also the location of the Toronto Centre of Excellence on Youth Homelessness Prevention, the first Geneva UN Charter Centre of Excellence in North America.

The York Emergency Mitigation, Engagement, Response, and Governance Institute (Y-EMERGE) is transforming crisis management through community-engaged scholarship, real-world research, and evidence-based training.

Recently, professors Ali Asgary and Eric Kennedy, both from the Faculty of LA&PS, strengthened York’s global network by traveling to the Philippines to sign an MOU with the Civil Defense Training Institute (CDTI). This partnership, initiated by Provost Lisa Phillips’s visit in November 2023, emphasizes York’s leadership in disaster management. Their trip included engaging local experts, visiting volcano observatories, and building relationships with organizations like CIFAL Philippines.

Y-EMERGE’s impact is further amplified through the Canadian Journal of Emergency Management (CJEM), promoting continuous scholarly contributions. This collaboration underscores York’s commitment to global resilience and innovative emergency management.

This year, York University has made significant strides in strategic planning, positioning itself for impactful growth. The updated Government Relations Strategic Plan for 2024-2027 sets a robust framework for future engagements, while the completion of the Partner Engagement Strategic Plan marks a milestone with implementation now underway.

The University is embarking on the development of an integrated Community Relations and Community Engagement Strategic Plan to advance and foster stronger community ties. This year, York University and United Way Greater Toronto signed an MOU to advance shared goals across Peel, Toronto, and York Region.

York University realized its goal of full funding for the endowed Chair in the name of Jean Augustine, Canada’s first Black woman elected to the House of Commons and appointed to the federal cabinet.

Established in 2008, the Jean Augustine Chair advances scholarly research, programs, partnerships, and opportunities for Black communities in Toronto and beyond. The Chair, with over $3 million in funding, has been made possible by grassroots fundraising efforts, a $1.5 million federal contribution, and matching funds from the university.

One key project, the Jean Augustine Chair (JAC) Student Network, involves Black undergraduate and graduate students, along with recent graduates. They share their university experiences, mentor high-school visitors, and contribute to the Chair’s research as respondents, assistants, and collaborators. This network offers personal, educational, and professional development in a supportive environment.

In a world where two billion people do not have access to clean water, hope emerges through a visionary collaboration. York University, as the academic lead for the UNITAR Global Water Academy (UGWA), spearheads a global mission to address this important need. Celebrating its first anniversary on UN World Water Day, UGWA mobilizes the scientific community to combat water scarcity.

Earlier this year, UGWA hosted a panel at the United Nations in Geneva, focussing on leveraging water for peace in conflict and humanitarian settings. This event sparked crucial collaborations and highlighted water governance issues.

York University’s expertise in water research forms the backbone of UGWA’s initiative. Along with UNITAR, York’s faculty is developing scientific-based and governance solutions to address water issues in underserved areas, especially for those most affected by climate change, flooding, and drought.

UGWA continues to advance a much-needed scholarship and virtual and hybrid learning through courses, developed by global leaders in water research, resource management, and policy development.