York’s March Gala event on March 8, the biggest on-campus recruitment event of the year, was held during one of the worst snowstorms to hit the Toronto area this winter. The weather barely slowed down York’s best and brightest, who, with true Canadian fortitude, showcased York and and helped York’s future top scholars explore the campus.
Left: Plenty of York student volunteers came out during the snowstorm to showcase the York difference to prospective students
More than 1,000 students and parents defied the winter conditions on Saturday, March 8, trekking to the Keele campus to learn about York’s Faculties, programs and campuses. They were met by more than 100 student volunteers as well as York staff and professors who came out in true York spirit to showcase the University. At the Circle of Scholars breakfast, an event for top applicants to York, every volunteer student and Faculty member attended despite the terrible weather.
Right: More than 1,000 students and parents came out on March 8, in spite of the terrible weather, to find out more about York University
“We are absolutely thrilled about the dedication of our volunteers, students and staff,” said David Huckvale, director of recruitment.
Inside Vari Hall, visitors encountered admissions ambassador greeters, York Lions mascots and a Caribbean steel-drum musician. The York Fencing Club offered entertainment with a demonstration of swordsmanship. Professors and students from each Faculty were ready in the Faculty Zones to introduce their programs of study while Student Services areas provided information and answered questions from future students and their parents. Facilities assisted with impressive ease, clearing snow and making the campus easier to navigate.
Left: Even snow could not stop the buses from touring the Keele campus
Naturally, bus tours of the campus were popular with guests. “The bus tours had a great energy and humour to them,” said student ambassador Sean Hillier who was leading the tour. “I was pointing out buildings that should have been there – if you could have seen them through the snow. But guests still enjoyed themselves.”
The March Gala event was compelled to end early in tandem with the University closure, though the mood inside was still upbeat. “Many volunteers were disappointed they weren’t able to spend the whole day with us,” said Huckvale. “Our students, staff and professors love to share their experiences with the next generation of Yorkies.”
The sun shone for Glendon’s event. To read more about the Glendon March Gala, click here.