Norma Sue Fisher-Stitt
“When the curtain goes up, our students know how to perform,” said Professor Norma Sue Fisher-Stitt, interim dean of the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design. “They understand the meaning of a deadline.”
This was one of the takeaway messages delivered by York University faculty and staff to the mainly business audience gathered at the March networking breakfast hosted by the Office of the Associate Vice-President Teaching & Learning at York University.
The event, officiated by Kathleen Winningham, director of the YU Experience Hub, was held in YSpace, York University’s community innovation hub located in Markham Centre.
Kathleen Winningham (left) with Associate Vice-President Teaching and Learning Will Gage
The morning focused on how York University students and graduates set themselves apart because of hands-on experience they’ve garnered from leading-edge degree programs that integrate eLearning and experiential education.
Joachim Tsui (left) and Charles Banfield
Charles Banfield, policy and project development specialist in the Regional Municipality of York’s Planning & Economic Development Department, provided an economic overview, emphasizing how York Region has become a major national and global hub for innovation, adding that York University has played an integral role in York Region’s success.
Another theme that arose during the morning event was the importance of scaling up and creativity that York University students have come to exemplify. Stephen Chait, director of economic growth, culture and entrepreneurship at the City of Markham, pointed to the importance of these concepts particularly at the Markham Museum.
Stephen Chait
Finally, Mayolyn Dagsi, workplace learning co-ordinator at the Lassonde School of Engineering, touted the benefits of the school’s innovative co-operative program and high-quality students who are eager to land placements.
Wrapping up the morning, York University Associate Vice-President of Teaching & Learning Will Gage offered up the parting message, “We’re getting our students ready for the workforce!”