Toronto media paid lots of attention to the 24th annual Science & Engineering Olympics, presented by York University May 23, which brought together some 800 students from 55 schools across Ontario to battle it out in six “brainathlon” events. On air, CBC Radio’s “Here and Now” interviewed organizers, students and participating professors during the event and City-tv’s “Breakfast Television” aired demonstrations of events May 22. Omni TV also carried news of the Olympics. In print, Toronto newspapers carried photos and listings.
York study buoys anti-smoking crusade
Buoyed by a recent York University study showing 80 per cent of local residents want stricter smoking bylaws, the Canadian Cancer Society is holding a public forum to discuss toughening up the smoking bylaws in St. Thomas and Elgin County, reported The London Free Press May 27. The survey of 900 Elgin residents, conducted for the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit by the Institute for Social Research at York University, found nearly half of respondents feel smoking shouldn’t be allowed in any section of a restaurant.
Artist-in-residence enjoys working with students
As far back as she can remember, Quebec artist Claire Brunet was gathering household items such as milk bottles and creating sculptures out of anything she could find, began a feature on the York University artist-in-residence in The North York Mirror May 25. Each year, an artist is asked to do a series of lectures and workshops, as well as work with six specially chosen graduate students on their final sculpture projects during May. “I thought it was a wonderful way of teaching and interacting with students, and that’s also the way I learned,” she said. “I really believe in that formula.”
York grad named dean at UNBC
James Randall, York University geography graduate and professor from the University of Saskatchewan, is the new dean of arts, social and health sciences, at the University of Northern British Columbia, reported the Prince George Citizen May 27. Randall, on faculty at U of S since the late 1980s, received his bachelor and master of arts degrees in geography from York.