Since 1968, the Faculty of Environmental Studies (FES) at York University has been at the forefront of cutting-edge research, teaching and learning. As the first Faculty of Environmental Studies in Canada, it has remained focused on exploring the interconnections and disconnections between humans and the environments in which we live – the natural and ecological phenomena, political and social constructs, urban and rural spaces, and Indigenous, cultural and artistic ways of knowing.
During the 2018-19 academic year, FES celebrates 50 years of global research impact, dynamic teaching and experiential education, and fostering community participation and engaged citizenship.
The milestone will be recognized on Wednesday, April 24 during the FES 50th Anniversary: Day of Celebration that includes a daytime event from 12 to 5 p.m. and an evening event from 6 to 11 p.m.
FES invites faculty, staff, students and the community to celebrate its 50th year by taking a look back at its past, recognizing its present and envisioning its future. The event will highlight current faculty members, students and staff and also welcome former colleagues and alumni during the two-part event celebration, including Edward (Ted) Spence, former dean; Alex Murray, founding faculty member; and, Gerda Wekerle, first female faculty member.
Day Event: Convention Centre, Second Student Centre, 12 to 5 p.m.
“The Present of FES” is the theme of the Day Event, and includes opening remarks by FES Dean Alice Hovorka and remarks by York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton. It will highlight faculty research, the Dean’s Awards and celebrate the legacy of FES. There will be a lunch, followed by student presentations at 2 p.m., and a faculty panel at 2:30 p.m. There will also be a student showcase at 4 p.m.
Student presentations will include: Madeleine Lavin, MES candidate with “B is for Bug, O is for Oikos: A Partial Dictionary of Household Arthropods” and Victoria MacPhail, PhD candidate with “Value of Citizen Science for Bumble Bee Conservation.”
The faculty panel will focus on the theme “The Present of FES” and includes: Peter Victor, Deb Barndt, Anna Zalik, Laura Taylor, Peter Timmerman and Abidin Kusno.
The Day Event is free, and those interested should RSVP by adding the Day Event ticket to your cart in EventBrite.
Evening Event: Convention Centre, Second Student Centre, 6 to 11 p.m.
“The Past and Future of FES” is the theme of the Evening Event, and includes a registration and cocktail hour, followed by opening remarks by Hovorka on “Celebrating the Legacy of FES.” The evening continues with an alumni panel, and follows with a buffet reception and live entertainment.
The alumni panel will explore the topic of “The Past and Future of FES” and includes: Nishal Shah (BES ’15), Sean Hertle (MES ’12), Anique Jordan (MES ’14), Suzanne Brant (MES ’05), Leesa Fawcett (MES ’88, PhD ’02) and Sheila Colla (PhD ’13).
The Evening Event is $20 in advance or $25 at the door, and includes a drink ticket. To RSVP and purchase tickets, add the Evening Event ticket to your cart in EventBrite. Student tickets are pay-what-you-can at the door, and does not include a drink ticket.
For more information, visit the FES 50th Anniversary website.