Above: From left, Oana Ionita, Seela Balkissoon, computer operations coordinator, and Ulya Yigit, manager of computing, from the Department of Computer Science & Engineering, filled a few trash bags for the second annual York Clean-up Day |
The sun was shining and gloved hands were busy as more than 100 York students, staff and faculty participated in the second annual York Clean-up Day on April 22. As a part of Toronto Mayor David Miller’s Clean and Beautiful City initiative, members of the York community conducted a cleanup blitz to tidy up the Keele campus. Ross McMillan, administrative officer in the Office of the University Secretariat, volunteered to organize the event and was pleased with the response. “We increased our volunteers from last year and it was great to see new departments get into the action,” he said.
While common litter such as cigarette wrappers and plastic bags were found, participants also discovered a range of more interesting items, from beer and liquor bottles to parking tickets. Staff at Information Technology Services recovered an old ladder from the nearby Boyer Woodlot.
Right: Susan Philip from Admissions gets deep into her volunteer work around the Computer Science & Engineering Bldg.
Participants reported how good it felt to get out with colleagues and do something to improve their local work area. “The unit organizers were great and their efforts are what made this event happen,” said McMillan. “We hope participation continues to grow in the future since there is always more that can be done to improve our campus.”
Left: Prof. Tony Wallis of the Department of Computer Science & Engineering joined the cleanup
Participants in this year’s cleanup included volunteers representing many of the University’s departments, including: Communications, Computer Science & Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Information Technology Services, Office of the University Registrar, Sport York, Centre for Student Community & Leadership Development, University Secretariat, York is U, York University Co-op Daycare Centre, Admissions, Scott Library, and Security, Parking & Transportation Services.
This article was submitted to YFile by Ross McMillan, administrative officer in the Office of the University Secretariat.