Alumni Notes

PARIS ALUMNI EVENT

Summer In Paris: (left to right) View from the Varis' "backyard"; vice-president Gary J. Smith is flanked by Ambassador Jacques Roy, Helen and George Vari and Ambassdor Jacques Demers; Alumni mingling at the Canadian Embassy.

The Eiffel Tower, the Seine, beautiful gardens, a warm day, cool drinks and wonderful company. Paris in the summertime was the perfect setting for our inaugural European alumni event. Over 70 alumni and friends of York University spent June 25 in Paris at both a luncheon and reception reconnecting with old and new friends. Alumni from all over Europe were in attendance with strong support from both France and England.

The luncheon, generously hosted by the Honorable George and Mrs. Helen Vari at their residence, offered alumni the chance to meet Gary J. Smith, vice-president (University Advancement) as well as the Varis and put a face to the name behind Vari Hall. The setting could not have been more scenic since the Eiffel Tower was almost in the Varis' backyard.

Special thanks and congratulations go to the Varis for taking the lead in the organizing the day and for the wonderful luncheon.

After a couple of hours to enjoy the sights and sounds of Paris, a reception was held later that day at the residence of the Canadian Ambassador to France. His Excellency Mr. and Mrs. Jacques Roy opened up their stunning residence to York University's alumni for a spectacular finish to an already engaging day. Again warm thanks go out to the Ambassador and his wife for a fabulous evening.

With such an overwhelming response to our inaugural event in Europe it was not surprising to find a need for a permanent branch of the YUAA in Paris as well as England and perhaps even in Italy and Germany. For those of you who missed out on this event but would like to become involved in a Branch in your area, please contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at (416) 736-9675 or alumni@yorku.ca. Look for further information about events in your area in upcoming editions of Profiles.

ALL-CANADIAN PUB NIGHT IN LONDON, ENGLAND

Alumni from all Canadian universities are invited to a pub night on Monday, August 30th, 7 pm at the Maple Leaf Pub on Maiden Lane near Covent Garden. The nearest tube stations are Covent Garden, Charing Cross and Embankment. Come meet fellow Canadian university grads for a night of fun and networking opportunities. Don't forget to bring your business cards and wear York clothing to identify yourself. To RSVP or for more information please contact Dan Ruben at daniel.ruben@glencore.co.uk or phone (171) 515-9225. If you are
unable to attend, look for future notices on this page or check out our web-site at www.yorku.ca/alumni.

VANIER CUP '99

Saturday, Nov. 27 Skydome

Tickets available at all Ticketmaster outlets or call (416) 872-5000

STONG COLLEGE 30TH ANNIVERSARY

Thirty years ago Stong College (College "E" as it was known in those days) was an exciting place. It had just hosted the First Annual James Joyce Seminar; and Allan Ginsberg had given a poetry reading. Lucille Herbert and Irving Layton were Fellows. John Sewell and Robert Fulford were Associate Fellows. Le Restaurant francais, tucked into a corner on the second floor offered chilled aperitifs on the rocks, escargots and cuisses de grenouilles for discriminating diners. The coffee shop (later named The Orange Snail billed itself as a place to sing, play guitar, show underground films, read poetry, "rap" and drink coffee. Annual tuition was a mere $560 with $27 going to Stong's student funds.

On November 20, Stong is throwing a banquet, which will include a re-dedication of the College to celebrate 30 years of hard, productive work, and life-long friendships and associations. Ticket information is available by calling the Master's office at (416) 736-5132, or email stongcol@yorku.ca. Your attendance will make the night one to remember.

by Gillian Sewell

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR DEAR ALUMNI and friends of York University, As the new Director of Alumni Affairs and Executive Director of the York University Alumni Association, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support of your alma mater as we approach the second-half of our 40th anniversary year. York University and its alumni team are moving in concert towards a very critical phase in development. As a University, we have 40 years of academic excellence, community involvement, opportunity development and innovation to celebrate. As a growing alumni team, York graduates have become one of the largest and most recognized alumni forces in Canada, with more than 140,000 graduates to date, and a total of 200,000 alumni anticipated within the next seven years. York University and its alumni family jointly play an important role in responding to the present and future needs of York students, as well as in facilitating and responding to the challenges which face both private and public sector employers on a national and international scale. The Alumni Affairs Office staff and I look forward to working with the York University Alumni Association Advisory Board, our growing team of alumni and students, our dedicated network of alumni chapter volunteers and members, our international roster of alumni branches and, of course, all on-campus and community constituencies. Together we will blend the interests and strengths of York University and its alumni towards reaching our common goals. Best wishes, André Beaudry