��οMississauga

��οMississauga / en ��οshines a spotlight on exceptional educators at Excellence in Teaching reception /news/u-t-shines-spotlight-exceptional-educators-excellence-teaching-reception <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">��οshines a spotlight on exceptional educators at Excellence in Teaching reception</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-11/2024-11-04-Excellence-in-teaching_Polina-Teif-9-CROP.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=cI-2VkXz 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2024-11/2024-11-04-Excellence-in-teaching_Polina-Teif-9-CROP.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=1Oa10HYI 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2024-11/2024-11-04-Excellence-in-teaching_Polina-Teif-9-CROP.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=bQoimwph 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-11/2024-11-04-Excellence-in-teaching_Polina-Teif-9-CROP.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=cI-2VkXz" alt=""""> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>rahul.kalvapalle</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-11-27T13:02:53-05:00" title="Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - 13:02" class="datetime">Wed, 11/27/2024 - 13:02</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item"><p><i>��οVice-President and Provost Trevor Young (centre) poses with Cheryl Regehr Early Career Teaching Award recipients, from left to right: Jasty Singh, Spyridon Kotsovilis, S. Trimble and Roberta K. Timothy (photo by Polina Teif)</i></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/rahul-kalvapalle" hreflang="en">Rahul Kalvapalle</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/temerty-faculty-medicine" hreflang="en">Temerty Faculty of Medicine</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/trevor-young" hreflang="en">Trevor Young</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/early-career-teaching-award" hreflang="en">Early Career Teaching Award</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/dalla-lana-school-public-health" hreflang="en">Dalla Lana School of Public Health</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/faculty-applied-science-engineering" hreflang="en">Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/faculty-arts-science" hreflang="en">Faculty of Arts & Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/teaching" hreflang="en">Teaching</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">��οMississauga</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-scarborough" hreflang="en">��οScarborough</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/women-and-gender-studies" hreflang="en">Women and Gender Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>At the University of Toronto, teaching is about much more than just imparting knowledge – it’s an engaging, dynamic and creative process that expands and enriches the way students think, preparing them for future success in academics and their careers.</p> <p>The recent Excellence in Teaching reception hosted by U of T’s Office of the Provost recognized the fundamental importance of teaching to the university’s mission. In particular, it honoured five faculty members who received <a href="https://www.provost.utoronto.ca/awards-funding/university-of-toronto-early-career-teaching-award/#section_0">Cheryl Regehr Early Career Teaching Awards</a>, which were recently renamed in honour of <strong>Cheryl Regehr</strong> – Young’s <a href="/news/incredible-leadership-u-t-provost-cheryl-regehr-leaves-enduring-legacy">predecessor as vice-president and provost</a>, a professor in the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and a longtime champion of teaching excellence and innovation at U of T.</p> <p>“These awards recognize burgeoning talent among our most junior faculty. We expect – and we know from experience – that these recipients will continue to lead and excel in teaching,” <strong>Trevor Young</strong>, U of T’s vice-president and provost said at the Nov. 4 event held at the Faculty Club.</p> <p>The event also featured the presentation of the <a href="https://www.provost.utoronto.ca/awards-funding/university-of-toronto-global-educator-award/">Global Educator Award</a>, which recognizes a faculty member who exemplifies U of T’s global mission by incorporating intercultural and international perspectives.</p> <p>“I’m extremely proud of ��οfor many reasons,” Young said, “and one of them is what’s evident here today, which is the immense talent and experience of our faculty as well as their deep commitment to our university, to our students, to knowledge [and] to research. All that you’re doing is really incredible.”</p> <p><em>��οNews</em> spoke with all six award winners about their approach to educating students:</p> <hr> <h3>Spyridon Kotsovilis</h3> <p><em>Assistant professor, teaching stream – department of political science, ��οMississauga</em></p> <p><em>Cheryl Regehr Early Career Teaching Award</em></p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-11/2024-11-04-Excellence-in-teaching_Polina-Teif-4-CROP.jpg?itok=5qPk70Bo" width="750" height="500" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Polina Teif)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>“I design and conduct my classes so that they engage, motivate and empower our students to connect and interact with the material and their peers in inclusive and respectful ways towards learning and achieving their academic goals.</p> <p>“I feel honoured and humbled by the recognition; as teaching is a collective effort, it also belongs to all those who make it possible – from the administration, to the division, to my department and colleagues, to staff across different units, centres and libraries, to the campus maintenance personnel. Ultimately, this is about our students, and I would like to accept this award on behalf of them.”</p> <h3>Alison Olechowski</h3> <p><em>Associate professor – department of mechanical and industrial engineering and Institute for Studies in Transdisciplinary Engineering and Practice (ISTEP), Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering</em></p> <p><em>Cheryl Regehr Early Career Teaching Award</em></p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-11/0S1A1430-crop.jpg?itok=hq7GULrT" width="750" height="500" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Liz Do)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>“I’m very proud to receive this recognition for my teaching – I believe that teaching is a major channel through which I can have impact in my career, and so I strive to do it well. In my teaching I aim to bring the course content to life, so that my students can understand why they’re learning what they’re learning, and how it connects to the real world and their futures.”</p> <h3>Jasty Singh</h3> <p><em>Associate professor, teaching stream – department of immunology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine</em></p> <p><em>Cheryl Regehr Early Career Teaching Award</em></p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-11/2024-11-04-Excellence-in-teaching_Polina-Teif-5-CROP.jpg?itok=p11tDS0S" width="750" height="500" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Polina Teif)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>“My approach to teaching is heavily influenced by my own experiences as an undergraduate student, and subsequently a graduate student and postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto. I’ve always believed that learning happens everywhere – not just in the classroom. My goal is to create inclusive and engaging learning atmospheres that foster personal connections, encourage interdisciplinary exploration and promote ongoing intellectual curiosity.</p> <p>“Receiving this recognition was both an exciting and a deeply validating experience for me – I see it as a reflection of the collaborative efforts of our administrative and teaching support staff, teaching assistants, colleagues and students in the department of immunology.”</p> <h3>Roberta K. Timothy</h3> <p><em>Assistant professor, teaching stream – Dalla Lana School of Public Health</em></p> <p><em>Cheryl Regehr Early Career Teaching Award</em></p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-11/2024-11-04-Excellence-in-teaching_Polina-Teif-3-CROP.jpg?itok=iiC8L9ub" width="750" height="500" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Polina Teif)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>“I am extremely moved and honoured to be recognized for my teaching, particularly for the work I have dedicated my life to – intersectional, decolonizing, anti-racist, anti-oppression praxis, focusing on Black health and intentionally marginalized populations. </p> <p>“I believe that teaching is one of the most powerful mechanisms to create critical social justice learning and unlearning through creative and actionable change. My teaching is influenced by my over 30 years in community health and activism. It is ancestrally anointed and community led. My hope is that the next generations can continue to create systems and practices that provide healing and wellness for African/Black populations, and that public health can work in solidarity with empathy and deep respect for our health issues and outcomes.”</p> <h3>S. Trimble</h3> <p><em>Assistant professor, teaching stream – Women & Gender Studies Institute, Faculty of Arts & Science</em></p> <p><em>Cheryl Regehr Early Career Teaching Award</em></p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-11/2024-11-04-Excellence-in-teaching_Polina-Teif-6-CROP.jpg?itok=Q3lxwGbS" width="750" height="500" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Polina Teif)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>“As a teacher I always try to meet students where they are and unlock new ways of connecting with them. To do this, I’ve had to learn to be more vulnerable and playful in and beyond the classroom. This award is a welcome affirmation of my belief that play, creativity and community building are crucial components of teaching excellence.”</p> <h3>Phani Radhakrishnan</h3> <p><em>Associate professor, teaching stream – department of management, ��οScarborough</em></p> <p><em>Global Educator Award</em></p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-11/2024-11-04-Excellence-in-teaching_Polina-Teif-2-crop-.jpg?itok=v4d5Y-iB" width="750" height="500" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Polina Teif)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>“I did not expect in my humblest dreams to receive the Global Educator Award from U of T. I grew up in Hyderabad, India, a big city that instills openness to different cultures. I encourage my domestic and international students at the University of Toronto to be open-minded when doing business in a multi-cultural environment. My goal is to instill a global and sustainable mindset in my students.”</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Wed, 27 Nov 2024 18:02:53 +0000 rahul.kalvapalle 310652 at First-year student to highlight ��οMississauga's sustainability initiatives on a global stage at COP29 /news/first-year-student-highlight-u-t-mississauga-s-sustainability-initiatives-global-stage-cop29 <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">First-year student to highlight ��οMississauga's sustainability initiatives on a global stage at COP29 </span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-11/1107VeraAllue006.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=dg2oA8uR 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2024-11/1107VeraAllue006.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=aCvvHpIx 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2024-11/1107VeraAllue006.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=fJI1PWIQ 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-11/1107VeraAllue006.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=dg2oA8uR" alt=""""> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>rahul.kalvapalle</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-11-11T10:14:23-05:00" title="Monday, November 11, 2024 - 10:14" class="datetime">Mon, 11/11/2024 - 10:14</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item"><p><em>Vera Allue, a first-year ��οMississauga student from Spain, is heading to the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/megan-easton" hreflang="en">Megan Easton</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/climate-change" hreflang="en">Climate Change</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/international-students" hreflang="en">International Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/sustainability" hreflang="en">Sustainability</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">��οMississauga</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/undergraduate-students" hreflang="en">Undergraduate Students</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-subheadline field--type-string-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Subheadline</div> <div class="field__item">“What’s happening at UTM is truly inspiring, and it’s an honour to spread awareness about it in the global community” </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>When <strong>Vera Allue </strong>learned that she would represent the University of Toronto Mississauga at <a href="https://cop29.az/en/home">COP29 in Azerbaijan</a>, it reaffirmed her belief that she made the right choice as an international student dedicated to climate action. </p> <p>A first-year student from Spain, Allue says she didn’t realize the scale of U of T’s leadership in <a href="/news/tags/sustainability?page=0">sustainability</a> until she came to the university.</p> <p>“I knew everything here was very modern, and I noticed all the small but important ways that the campus promotes sustainability in areas like waste management and food services – but I didn’t know about the systems and infrastructure behind it,” says Allue, who is pursuing a double major in economics and political science with a minor in environmental law and policy.</p> <p>“Then I read <a href="https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/green/transforming-our-campus">UTM’s [Climate Positive Plan]</a> to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2043.”</p> <p>The plan, which includes a commitment – <a href="https://sustainability.utoronto.ca/operations/climate-positive-tri-campus-commitment/">adopted by all three campuses</a> – to become climate-positive by 2050, is one of several initiatives that Allue will spread the word about at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference, beginning Nov. 11 and ending Nov. 22.</p> <p>She’s also going to showcase ��οMississauga’s local strategies to address climate change, in addition to its array of educational and research programs on environmental issues – efforts that have contributed to ��οbeing named the most sustainable university in the world <a href="/news/u-t-named-most-sustainable-university-world">in the 2024 QS World University Rankings</a>.</p> <p>“What’s happening at UTM is truly inspiring, and it’s an honour to spread awareness about it in the global community,” says Allue, who also looks forward to sharing her learnings from the conference with the ��οMississauga community when she returns.</p> <p>For Allue, attending the pre-eminent global gathering on climate change is a culmination of her efforts to engage with and raise awareness about climate issues.</p> <p>When she was only 15 years old, she started a recycling and wastewater project in her hometown of Soria in northern Spain. “I wanted to educate my peers about what they could do, because climate action is often perceived as something that belongs to powerful stakeholders,” she says.</p> <p>Allue has also been involved with several international organizations that encourage youth to participate in politics and civil society, with a strong focus on environmental issues: she’s currently a European Union (EU) Young European Ambassador and a member of the European Youth Energy Network, which she will also represent at COP29.</p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-11/1107VeraAllue004.jpg?itok=_tGvwSxQ" width="750" height="500" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>Vera Allue started a recycling and wastewater management project in her community when she was 15 (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>During her short time at U of T, Allue has gotten involved in several sustainability initiatives, including the UTM Sustainability Ambassador program and the Student Association for Geography, Geomatics and the Environment (SAGE).</p> <p>She says the support she has received from ��οMississauga’s Sustainability Office in attending COP29 is proof of the university’s steadfast belief in students’ potential to effect change.</p> <p>“What I'm really looking forward to is bringing to COP29 the sense of belonging and pride that I feel in UTM’s climate action,” says Allue. </p> <p>“When I first started contributing to the environmental field, I felt like my voice was barely heard. Now I feel so much optimism because I’ve found spaces like UTM that actively encourage young people to speak up and participate.”       </p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Mon, 11 Nov 2024 15:14:23 +0000 rahul.kalvapalle 310549 at ��οto mark Remembrance Day across its three campuses /news/u-t-mark-remembrance-day-across-its-three-campuses <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">��οto mark Remembrance Day across its three campuses</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-11/UofT14428_20171110_RemembranceDayStGeorgeCampus2017_002-crop.jpg?h=98fe528d&itok=mFcQVsPg 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2024-11/UofT14428_20171110_RemembranceDayStGeorgeCampus2017_002-crop.jpg?h=98fe528d&itok=YxDoz7kB 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2024-11/UofT14428_20171110_RemembranceDayStGeorgeCampus2017_002-crop.jpg?h=98fe528d&itok=G-gYK_Cz 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-11/UofT14428_20171110_RemembranceDayStGeorgeCampus2017_002-crop.jpg?h=98fe528d&itok=mFcQVsPg" alt="view under soldier's tower during a remembrance day ceremony"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Christopher.Sorensen</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-11-06T16:45:25-05:00" title="Wednesday, November 6, 2024 - 16:45" class="datetime">Wed, 11/06/2024 - 16:45</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item"><p><em>(photo by Laura Pedersen)</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/adam-elliott-segal" hreflang="en">Adam Elliott Segal</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/city-culture" hreflang="en">City & Culture</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/soldiers-tower-0" hreflang="en">Soldiers' Tower</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/remembrance-day" hreflang="en">Remembrance Day</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/st-george" hreflang="en">St. George</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">��οMississauga</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-scarborough" hreflang="en">��οScarborough</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-subheadline field--type-string-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Subheadline</div> <div class="field__item">A ceremony on the St. George campus will commemorate the 100th anniversary of Soldiers’ Tower</div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The University of Toronto will mark Remembrance Day across its three campuses on Nov. 11 – including a ceremony on the St. George campus that will commemorate the 100th anniversary of Soldiers’ Tower. </p> <p>The 44-metre tower, which <a href="https://alumni.utoronto.ca/community/soldiers-tower/soldiers-tower-carillon">houses a 51-bell carillon</a>, was erected beside Hart House in 1924 to honour soldiers and members of the ��οcommunity who fell in the First World War. </p> <p>The monument was later expanded to include the names of 1,185 people who fell during either the First or Second World Wars, while the annual Service of Remembrance that takes place at its base honours those who served in both the Great Wars as well as other conflicts.</p> <p>“The most important aspect of this day is drawing the community together,” says <strong>Peter MacLaurin</strong>, chair of the Soldier’s Tower committee and a retired lieutenant-colonel in the Canadian Army. </p> <p>Beginning at 10:25 a.m., <a href="https://alumni.utoronto.ca/community/soldiers-tower/service-of-remembrance">the St. George campus service</a> will include carillon recitals before and after the ceremony – and will be followed by a free public reception in the Great Hall of Hart House. The Memorial Room in Soldiers’ Tower will be open until 4 p.m.</p> <p>Meanwhile, at ��οScarborough, the community will honour alumni, students, faculty and staff who fell in the First and Second World Wars, as well as other conflicts. The <a href="https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/principal/remembrance-day">in-person ceremony</a> begins at 10:45 a.m. at The Meeting Place, Science Wing, and features the UTSC Concert Band, Concert Choir & String Orchestra.</p> <p>At ��οMississauga, <a href="https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/faculty-staff/remembrance-day-ceremonies">an in-person ceremony</a> will take place at 10:45 a.m. in front of the Davis Building, near the flagpole. The UTM Indigenous Centre is also hosting <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFaQpCwxQAVHzu8jnzxOvoYg_y8J1poevm3aes70sTZY_bfQ/viewform">a poppy-beading workshop</a> on Nov. 8.</p> <p>Flags on all three campuses will be flown at half-mast on Nov. 11. </p> <h4>Soldiers’ Tower</h4> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-11/UofT14434_20171110_RemembranceDayStGeorgeCampus2017_008-crop.jpg?itok=qm888w-z" width="750" height="518" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>The 44-metre tower, erected beside Hart House in 1924, houses a 51-bell carillon (photo by Laura Pedersen)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Between 1923 and 1924, the University of Toronto Alumni Association raised $397,141 to build a war memorial and establish scholarships to honour community members who served in the Great War – the equivalent of more than $7 million in today’s currency.</p> <p><a href="https://alumni.utoronto.ca/community/soldiers-tower/soldiers-tower-carillon">The tower’s carillon</a> is played by three different carillonists, who use their hands and feet to play a keyboard that sounds the bells during spring and fall convocations and <a href="/news/soldiers-tower-carillon-played-remembrance-queen-elizabeth-ii">other special ceremonies</a>, including on Remembrance Day. </p> <p>The ranks, names and units of those lost to the university in the First World War are etched in stone on the memorial screen. Other features of the monument include the memorial arch and the Garden of Remembrance. </p> <p>In the Staircase of Honour, stained-glass windows depict men and women who contributed to the war effort. </p> <p>Portraits of several illustrious graduates are on display in the tower. They include: Lt.-Col.<strong> John McCrae</strong>, who wrote <em>In Flanders Fields</em>; Maj. <strong>Thain MacDowell</strong>, who earned the Victoria Cross in the battle of Vimy Ridge, the only member of ��οto receive the honour in the Great War; Maj. <strong>Fred Tilston</strong>, awarded the Victoria Cross for his efforts in Hochwald Forest (Germany), 1945; and the co-discoverers of insulin, Sir <strong>Frederick Banting</strong> and <strong>Charles Best</strong>. Both men served in the Canadian Army in the First World War.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Wed, 06 Nov 2024 21:45:25 +0000 Christopher.Sorensen 310445 at In photos: ��οgraduates celebrate fall convocation 2024 /news/photos-u-t-graduates-celebrate-fall-convocation-2024 <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">In photos: ��οgraduates celebrate fall convocation 2024</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-11/2024-10-30-Convocation_Polina-Teif-25-crop.jpg?h=2b06e2e8&itok=HREPcHzE 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2024-11/2024-10-30-Convocation_Polina-Teif-25-crop.jpg?h=2b06e2e8&itok=xGeaUQQK 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2024-11/2024-10-30-Convocation_Polina-Teif-25-crop.jpg?h=2b06e2e8&itok=9yWjptgv 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-11/2024-10-30-Convocation_Polina-Teif-25-crop.jpg?h=2b06e2e8&itok=HREPcHzE" alt="two female graduates are seen from the back as they take a selfie on front campus after their convocation ceremony"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>davidlee</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-11-05T13:08:02-05:00" title="Tuesday, November 5, 2024 - 13:08" class="datetime">Tue, 11/05/2024 - 13:08</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item"><p><meta charset="UTF-8"><em>Graduates capture their big day from every angle on U of T's Front Campus (photo by Polina Teif)</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/u-t-news-team" hreflang="en">��οNews Team</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/convocation-2024" hreflang="en">Convocation 2024</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/eagle-feather-bearer" hreflang="en">Eagle Feather Bearer</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/wesley-hall" hreflang="en">Wesley Hall</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/convocation-hall" hreflang="en">Convocation Hall</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/factor-inwentash-faculty-social-work" hreflang="en">Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/st-george" hreflang="en">St. George</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">��οMississauga</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-scarborough" hreflang="en">��οScarborough</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>As the leaves changed colour across the University of Toronto’s three campuses, more than 4,000 members of the Class of 2024 embarked on a new chapter in their lives by crossing the stage inside Convocation Hall.</p> <p>They were among more than 5,700 ��οgraduates to receive their ��οdegrees this fall and among more than 21,500 to graduate this year – many having begun their studies during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p> <p>Here are some of the highlights of fall convocation ceremonies as captured by ��οphotographers:</p> <hr> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-11/2024-10-30-Convocation_Mac-04-crop.jpg?itok=tJacpeRL" width="750" height="500" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Mac Pattanasuttinont)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>With the autumn leaves providing a burst of colour overhead, graduates gather outside Convocation Hall with their friends and families.</p> <p> </p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-11/Convocation-SR-Nov-1-feather-bearer-crop.jpg?itok=r5a39Dr6" width="750" height="500" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Shauna Rempel)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Eagle Feather Bearer <strong>Kaitlin Phillips</strong>, Indigenous student support specialist at ��οMississauga, leads the chancellor’s procession into Convocation Hall.</p> <p> </p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-11/2024-10-30-Convocation_Polina-Teif-22.jpg-crop.jpg?itok=dBwm6bh7" width="750" height="500" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em> (photo by Polina Teif)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Graduates from the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work’s <a href="https://socialwork.utoronto.ca/admissions/msw-itr/">master of social work, Indigenous trauma and resiliency program</a> pose for a group shot on Front Campus. </p> <p> </p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-11/2024-10-30-Convocation_Mac-12-crop.jpg?itok=YxHyZlv6" width="750" height="500" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Mac Pattanasuttinont)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>New beginnings: A smiling grad shakes the hand of <strong>Wes Hall</strong>, who was <a href="/news/profound-sense-responsibility-wes-hall-installed-u-t-s-35th-chancellor">officially installed as U of T’s 35th chancellor</a> at the outset of this year’s fall convocation ceremonies. </p> <p> </p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-11/2024-10-30-Convocation_Mac-13-crop.jpg?itok=8aXCLOPy" width="750" height="500" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Mac Pattanasuttinont)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Smartphone-toting friends and family members strain to capture graduates’ big moments inside Convocation Hall.</p> <p> </p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-11/2024-10-30-Convocation_Mac-30-crop.jpg?itok=QB2mr7cm" width="750" height="500" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Mac Pattanasuttinont)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p><a href="/news/eagle-feather-introduced-convocation-ceremonies-symbol-u-t-s-commitment-reconciliation">Eagle Feather Bearer</a> <strong>Adrianna Lewis,</strong> left, a master’s student in the Faculty of Information, shares a laugh with <strong>Sheree Drummond</strong>, secretary of U of T’s Governing Council.  </p> <p> </p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-11/2J0A7650-utsc-crop.jpg?itok=NKV-KOH5" width="750" height="500" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Marc Alolod)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Proud ��οScarborough graduates celebrate their achievement with a photo op outside of Convocation Hall.</p> <p> </p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-11/2024-10-31-Convocation_Mac-03-crop.jpg?itok=0s94dCA7" width="750" height="500" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Polina Teif)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>A graduating student gets a helping hand in making a heart-shaped gesture following his convocation ceremony.</p> <p> </p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-11/2024-10-30-Convocation_Polina-Teif-26-crop.jpg?itok=DDzlhiMK" width="750" height="500" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Polina Teif)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>��οconvocation celebrations are often family affairs. This joyful embrace, with the tiniest family member joining in, says it all.</p> <p> </p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Tue, 05 Nov 2024 18:08:02 +0000 davidlee 310243 at ��οMississauga grad aims to 'understand people on a deeper level' /news/u-t-mississauga-grad-aims-understand-people-deeper-level <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">��οMississauga grad aims to 'understand people on a deeper level' </span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-10/credit-Anmoal-Midha-4-3-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=4C7zOJvn 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2024-10/credit-Anmoal-Midha-4-3-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=52lzLgJ_ 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2024-10/credit-Anmoal-Midha-4-3-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=JiOqBSAB 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-10/credit-Anmoal-Midha-4-3-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=4C7zOJvn" alt=""""> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>lanthierj</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-11-01T15:59:56-04:00" title="Friday, November 1, 2024 - 15:59" class="datetime">Fri, 11/01/2024 - 15:59</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item"><p><em>Nirmol Midha, an international student from India, says studying psychology at ��οMississauga gave her insights into human emotions and behaviours </em><em>(photo by Anmoal Midha)</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/sharon-aschaiek" hreflang="en">Sharon Aschaiek</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/convocation-2024" hreflang="en">Convocation 2024</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/global" hreflang="en">Global</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/mental-health" hreflang="en">Mental Health</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/psychology" hreflang="en">Psychology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">��οMississauga</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-subheadline field--type-string-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Subheadline</div> <div class="field__item">Nirmol Midha studied psychology and volunteered with campus groups that offer mental health and wellness supports</div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>As she prepares to graduate from the University of Toronto Mississauga, <strong>Nirmol Midha</strong> is taking time to reflect on the meaningful lessons, rich experiences and diverse connections that punctuated her journey – including a passion for supporting mental health. </p> <p>“It’s a really emotional time, because at UTM I developed so much, not only academically but as a person,” says Midha, an international student from India who completed an undergraduate degree in psychology. </p> <p>“It was a time of self-exploration, growth and discovering my resilience.”</p> <p>Midha specifically chose to study at the ��οMississauga campus because of its serene natural surroundings and the option to have two minors – in biology and political science.</p> <p>She says majoring in psychology was a way for her to better understand human motivations and behaviours – and to learn how to support mental health. </p> <p>“I felt a deep calling to understand people on a deeper level and support their emotional and mental well-being,” she says.</p> <p>“I think that’s really important in today’s world.” </p> <p>Midha says she was fascinated to learn about the how the mind develops, the structure and function of the brain, the evolution of cognition in children and how to conduct quantitative research.</p> <p>She says her professors skillfully brought the topics to life. </p> <p>“All of the professors at UTM taught really well. They made the concepts so engaging,” she says. “They were helpful, accommodating and always trying to offer a helping hand.” </p> <p>Midha complemented her classroom learning with mental health-related extracurricular activities.</p> <p>She served a term as the vice-president of the student club Mending Minds, for which she organized mental health awareness events. She also worked as the education and communication lead at<a href="https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/health/our-services/health-education-promotion/wellness-programming/wellness-den"> The Wellness Den</a>, a space connected with the Health & Counselling Centre that provides wellness services to support students. There, she created an escape room game to bring awareness to the Den’s offerings. </p> <p>“The goal at the Den was to let students know that we all deal with academic and life pressures – and sometimes it’s a lot, but everything’s going to be fine,” she says. </p> <p>Like other Class of 2024 grads, Midha’s education was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic that forced ��οto hold many classes virtually for an extended period. Missing out on so much campus life was difficult, she says, but notes she was able to find her stride with online learning and maintain her circle of friends.</p> <p>She says remote learning also allowed her to attend her nephew, who was unwell. </p> <p>“Everything’s going to have its positives and negatives,” she says. “You just have to look at the positive side and move on with it.” </p> <p>While Midha is considering future studies in social work and speech-language pathology, she is currently focused on research, administration and mental health roles. </p> <p>What she knows for sure is that she wants to apply what she has learned about human psychology and wellness so she can help others. That includes through her volunteer role as vice-president of marketing for <a href="https://sop.utoronto.ca/group/utmcampusconnections-utmcc/">UTM Campus Connections</a>, a club that supports community members with intellectual disabilities. </p> <p>“I want to use what I’ve learned at UTM to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives,” she says. “I hope to contribute to something bigger than myself in the future.” </p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Fri, 01 Nov 2024 19:59:56 +0000 lanthierj 310170 at Congratulations Class of 2024! ��οprepares to celebrate graduates at fall convocation /news/congratulations-class-2024-u-t-prepares-celebrate-graduates-fall-convocation <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Congratulations Class of 2024! ��οprepares to celebrate graduates at fall convocation</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Christopher.Sorensen</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-10-23T12:02:24-04:00" title="Wednesday, October 23, 2024 - 12:02" class="datetime">Wed, 10/23/2024 - 12:02</time> </span> <div class="field field--name-field-youtube field--type-youtube field--label-hidden field__item"><figure class="youtube-container"> <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9Gpem9HDhNw?wmode=opaque" width="450" height="315" id="youtube-field-player" class="youtube-field-player" title="Embedded video for Congratulations Class of 2024! ��οprepares to celebrate graduates at fall convocation" aria-label="Embedded video for Congratulations Class of 2024! ��οprepares to celebrate graduates at fall convocation: https://www.youtube.com/embed/9Gpem9HDhNw?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> </figure> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/mariam-matti" hreflang="en">Mariam Matti</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/convocation-2024" hreflang="en">Convocation 2024</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/eagle-feather-bearer" hreflang="en">Eagle Feather Bearer</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/wesley-hall" hreflang="en">Wesley Hall</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/convocation-hall" hreflang="en">Convocation Hall</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/meric-gertler" hreflang="en">Meric Gertler</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/st-george" hreflang="en">St. George</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">��οMississauga</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-scarborough" hreflang="en">��οScarborough</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-subheadline field--type-string-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Subheadline</div> <div class="field__item">More than 4,000 students are expected to attend ceremonies in Convocation Hall between Oct. 28 and Nov. 1 - while more than 5,000 students are expected to graduate in total</div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The autumn air at the University of Toronto is filled with excitement as students prepare to don hoods and gowns to cross the stage at Convocation Hall, marking the end of an academic journey and beginning of a new chapter.  </p> <p>Between Oct. 28 and Nov. 1, more than 5,700 students will graduate from U of T, with more than 4,000 of them expected to cross the stage at Convocation Hall during <a href="https://governingcouncil.utoronto.ca/convocation/event-meeting/fall-2024-convocation-dates">10 scheduled ceremonies</a>. </p> <p>Students graduating this fall represent 77 countries, including Canada, and range in age from 18 to 77. By the conclusion of the final ceremony, more than 21,500 students from across U of T’s three campuses will have graduated this year – and most of them began their studies just as the COVID-19 pandemic was taking hold.  </p> <p>“On behalf of the University of Toronto, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the members of the Class of 2024,” said ��οPresident <strong>Meric Gertler</strong>. “You have persevered in the face of an extraordinary challenge – and the strength, creativity and determination you have shown in your pursuit of excellence have inspired all of us.”</p> <p>Throughout this week, staff and faculty will be putting the final touches on preparations, checking the printed parchments and placing them into envelopes, and readying Convocation Hall for the arrival of graduating students and their guests – <a href="https://governingcouncil.utoronto.ca/convocation/page/graduation-and-convocation/rsvp-and-guest-tickets">up to two family members or friends per student</a>. The convocation readers, meanwhile, will be practising and <a href="/news/name-who-they-are-how-convocation-readers-train-pronounce-grads-names">preparing to read aloud the names of each student who crosses the stage</a>. </p> <p>Fall convocation kicks off with the Faculty of Arts & Science on Oct. 28, with the installation of <a href="/news/wesley-j-hall-elected-serve-35th-chancellor-university-toronto">the new chancellor – <strong>Wes Hall</strong></a>. At the morning ceremony on Nov. 1, students from the School of Graduate Studies, the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design, and the Faculty of Arts & Science will be joined by honorary degree recipient <strong>Jane Corkin</strong>, an internationally renowned gallerist. </p> <p>The ceremonies wrap up on Nov. 1 with ��οMississauga students the last to cross the stage, for what will mark the final convocation ceremony for <strong>John Tuttle</strong>, who is retiring after serving as the official organist for the university for 45 years.  </p> <p>All ceremonies will be livestreamed throughout the week on <a href="/convocation">U of T’s Convocation Hub</a> with archived versions of each ceremony available for later viewing. Viewers in mainland China can watch the broadcasts on MyMedia a day or two after the original ceremony date.</p> <p>The ceremonies will feature numerous traditions, some dating back more than a century. They include colourful hoods and flowing gowns, a bedel carrying U of T’s gold-plated mace, a 51-bell carillon ringing out from atop Soldiers’ Tower, and the chancellor’s procession. </p> <p>The procession will be led by an Eagle Feather Bearer carrying a ceremonial Eagle Feather – a tradition that symbolizes the university’s deep respect for Indigenous Peoples and cultural traditions and was <a href="/news/eagle-feather-introduced-convocation-ceremonies-symbol-u-t-s-commitment-reconciliation">first introduced to U of T’s convocation ceremonies in spring 2022</a>. </p> <p><a href="/news/we-belong-here-indigenous-beaded-stole-be-introduced-u-t-s-spring-convocation-ceremonies">The beaded stole worn by the Eagle Feather Bearer</a>, which symbolizes the enduring partnership between the university and Indigenous Peoples, made its inaugural appearance in convocation ceremonies this past spring. </p> <div class="align-center"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-oembed-video field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item"><iframe src="/media/oembed?url=https%3A//youtu.be/VkjuwOqW1RM&max_width=0&max_height=0&hash=VwvvBKI8wn8AcaJ4lq3GZ-t-HmxborNw3toOTeSn9YQ" width="200" height="113" class="media-oembed-content" loading="eager" title="First-ever Indigenous beaded stole introduced to U of T’s convocation ceremonies"></iframe> </div> </div> <p> </p> <p>Throughout the week, the Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship will serve as the main hub for students before the ceremonies, with <a href="https://governingcouncil.utoronto.ca/convocation/page/graduation-and-convocation/graduation/arrival-assembly">graduands collecting their gown and hood</a> from the lobby of the building. At Alumni Plaza outside Convocation Hall, there will be designated gathering spaces for graduates and their guests, as well as pin giveaways and contest draws. Diploma and portrait framing services and a photobooth will be available at the ��οBookstore. More information is available in a list of <a href="/convocation/frequently-asked-questions">FAQs on the Convocation Hub</a>.</p> <p>Chancellor Hall expressed his enthusiasm at presiding over convocation for the first time in his new role. </p> <p>“I’m excited to confer the degrees and to see the joy on the graduates’ faces as they cross the stage,” he said. “It’s a tremendous honour and privilege.</p> <p>“On behalf of the university community, I want to congratulate each and every member of the Class of 2024 for achieving this important milestone. I’m immensely proud and I can’t wait to see what they will accomplish in their lives and careers.”</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Wed, 23 Oct 2024 16:02:24 +0000 Christopher.Sorensen 310058 at In photos: 2024 All-Nations Powwow at ��οMississauga /news/photos-2024-all-nations-powwow-u-t-mississauga <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">In photos: 2024 All-Nations Powwow at ��οMississauga</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-10/0928POWWOW038-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=nXYUayPP 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2024-10/0928POWWOW038-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=WgQ4uCCP 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2024-10/0928POWWOW038-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=JIE6SkhU 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-10/0928POWWOW038-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=nXYUayPP" alt="""> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Christopher.Sorensen</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-10-16T11:48:42-04:00" title="Wednesday, October 16, 2024 - 11:48" class="datetime">Wed, 10/16/2024 - 11:48</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item"><p><em>Emilee Ann Pitawanakwat, a hoop dancer from Wikwemikong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island, was the head dancer at the second-annual All-Nations Powwow at ��οMississauga (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/u-t-mississauga-staff" hreflang="en">��οMississauga staff</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/city-culture" hreflang="en">City & Culture</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/all-nations-powwow" hreflang="en">All-Nations Powwow</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/indigenous" hreflang="en">Indigenous</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">��οMississauga</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The University of Toronto Mississauga recently welcomed hundreds of participants and attendees from as far away as Aotearoa New Zealand, for the second annual All-Nations Powwow.  </p> <p>Scattered showers didn’t stop the outdoor event from going ahead on Sept. 28.  </p> <p>It was the first time the All-Nations Powwow was held outdoors. The event, which took place on the north field in front of Maanjiwe nendamowinan, was free to attend and open to all.  </p> <p>��οMississauga photographer <strong>Nick Iwanyshyn </strong>was on hand to capture the day:</p> <hr> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-10/0928POWWOW023-crop.jpg?itok=5_F9jZ6N" width="750" height="500" alt="Dan Secord performs a dance during the powwow" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>Dan Secord of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation performs a dance while spectators look on (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>More than 30 dancers in regalia competed in the Traditional Men’s and Jingle Dress Dance Specials and took part in intertribal spot and exhibition dances.  </p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-10/0928POWWOW035-crop.jpg?itok=hRhqc3CC" width="750" height="500" alt="Portrait of Celeste Pedri-Spade in traditional dress for the Jingle Dress Dance" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p><strong>Celeste Pedri-Spade</strong>, who is an Anishinaabe scholar and artist from northwestern Ontario and a band member of Lac des Milles Lacs First Nation, took top prize in the Jingle Dress Dance. Pedri-Spade has a PhD in visual anthropology and travelled to the All-Nations Powwow from Montreal, where she is the associate provost of Indigenous initiatives at McGill University.</p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-10/0928POWWOW009-crop.jpg?itok=1CL-5-Lz" width="750" height="500" alt="Maori visitors doing a haka for the assembled crowd" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Members of a Māori delegation, visiting from Aotearoa, New Zealand, demonstrated Haka, a ceremonial dance in Māori culture, for the assembled crowd.  </p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-10/0928POWWOW027-crop.jpg?itok=R0uvqC35" width="750" height="500" alt="people browse the goods on sale by various Indigenous vendors" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Outside of the dances, All-Nations Powwow attendees were invited to browse the vendor stalls, which featured a variety of canned goods and other food along with clothing, accessories and wellness products.  </p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-10/0928POWWOW041-crop.jpg?itok=w4gvzmx6" width="750" height="500" alt="people raise their hands to form a tunnel while participants dance through it" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>All attendees were invited to participate in intertribal dances. Intertribal dances are for all ages, backgrounds and abilities, with no set dance style. </p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-10/0928POWWOW043-crop.jpg?itok=Wt7tZC7X" width="750" height="500" alt="A member of the Manitou Mka Singers plays a drum while another sings" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Members of the <a href="https://manitou-mkwa-singers.weeblysite.com" target="_blank">Manitou Mkwa Singers</a>, Juno-nominated hand-drum performers from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, were among the invited drummers in attendance.  </p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-10/0928POWWOW071-crop.jpg?itok=9KHlBXtk" width="750" height="500" alt="John Hupfield dances during the powwow" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p><strong>John Hupfield</strong>, who is Anishinaabe from Wasauksing First Nation and one of the All-Nations Powwow Head Dancers, took part in a grass dance during the event. Hupfield, who has a PhD in education from York University, has researched the roles that Powwows play within Anishinaabe contexts of education and pedagogy. </p> <p>He welcomed the chance to lead dancers and to share Powwow traditions with the ��οMississauga community.  </p> <p>“It is a space to work and gather together, share and pass tradition with everyone,” he said of the All-Nations Powwow. “That’s the beautiful aspect of it and I hope it continues to grow at UTM.”   </p> <div class="align-center"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-oembed-video field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item"><iframe src="/media/oembed?url=https%3A//youtu.be/w3j-CmSdpuM%3Fsi%3D6OI5Cs58W4IhH-be&max_width=0&max_height=0&hash=MCoO0eT5zq_HKwRSg4MAVKbAXOK4bx4RW-LSlmTFLOo" width="200" height="113" class="media-oembed-content" loading="eager" title="UTM All-Nations Powwow 2024"></iframe> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Wed, 16 Oct 2024 15:48:42 +0000 Christopher.Sorensen 309795 at ��οresearcher tracks 1,000 years of sea ice /news/u-t-researcher-tracks-1000-years-sea-ice-change <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">��οresearcher tracks 1,000 years of sea ice</span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-10/Minoli-Dias-by-Natasha-LeClerc-CROP.jpg?h=520a578a&itok=CuhxuOba 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2024-10/Minoli-Dias-by-Natasha-LeClerc-CROP.jpg?h=520a578a&itok=9Xmvs1cq 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2024-10/Minoli-Dias-by-Natasha-LeClerc-CROP.jpg?h=520a578a&itok=5XtzzZCm 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-10/Minoli-Dias-by-Natasha-LeClerc-CROP.jpg?h=520a578a&itok=CuhxuOba" alt=""""> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Christopher.Sorensen</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-10-15T13:18:44-04:00" title="Tuesday, October 15, 2024 - 13:18" class="datetime">Tue, 10/15/2024 - 13:18</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item"><p><em>Minoli Dias, a PhD student at ��οMississauga, examines coralline algae, which live for approximately 1,500 years and grow in annual layers, to construct a record of changes in sea ice cover over time (photo by Natasha Leclerc)</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/kristy-strauss" hreflang="en">Kristy Strauss</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/arctic" hreflang="en">Arctic</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/climate-change" hreflang="en">Climate Change</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/earth-sciences" hreflang="en">Earth Sciences</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/graduate-students" hreflang="en">Graduate Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/research-innovation" hreflang="en">Research & Innovation</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/sustainability" hreflang="en">Sustainability</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">��οMississauga</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-subheadline field--type-string-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Subheadline</div> <div class="field__item">Minoli Dias says the baseline data she and her fellow researchers are constructing could "inform model projections that predict what future conditions will look like” <br> <br> </div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>Minoli Dias</strong>’s interest in sea ice began in an unlikely place: polar bear poop. </p> <p>She was studying microplastics in polar bear feces and intestinal tracts as part of a research project during her undergraduate years at Queen’s University.</p> <p>“It was a smelly job, but it was really interesting,” says Dias, who is now a PhD student in the department of Earth sciences at ��οMississauga.</p> <p>Her early work revealed some troubling trends: for instance, declining sea ice levels meant that certain species of polar bears were being driven inland – with garbage and landfills increasingly serving as their food sources. At the same time, members of northern communities, particularly the Inuit, had noted in their own experiences, observations and research that declining sea ice levels had impacted access to essential needs – such as transportation, food security through hunting, and other culturally important activities. </p> <p>It wasn't long before Dias decided she wanted to pursue sea ice research – and ultimately chose to study at ��οMississauga after speaking with <strong>Jochen Halfar</strong>, a paleoclimate and paleontology professor and researcher in ��οMississauga’s Climate Geology Research Group. “UTM gave him a wonderful lab, and we have incredible facilities. But his research and his passion for the work was what really drew me,” she says.  </p> <p>Now part of Halfar’s research group studying changes in sea ice cover in northern Labrador, Dias and her co-researchers are developing sea-ice cover records for the past 1,000 years off the coast of Nunatsiavut and are examining coralline algae as part of their research.  </p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-10/Sea-Ice-Minoli-Dias-crop.jpg?itok=zEWiH9VV" width="750" height="500" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>Minoli Dias's view from the research vessel off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador (photo by Minoli Dias)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Dias says that coralline algae live for approximately 1,500 years and they grow in annual layers (like tree rings). The growth, she explains, is dependent on light. When the algae have more light, meaning there’s less sea ice in the water, they grow a lot thicker. When they have less light, meaning there’s more sea ice cover, the layers grow thinner. By examining these variations and growth over time along with chemical tracers, the research team can essentially watch the sea ice cover change. </p> <p>Dias conducted field work in the community of Agvituk (Hopedale), N.L. this past summer. The lab also explored multiple sites in Greenland, Norway, Nunavut and the Labrador coast.  </p> <p>“If we can create a network of these types of ocean reconstructions, we’ll be able to have this baseline data going back several centuries that can then hopefully inform model projections that predict what future conditions will look like,” she says. </p> <p>Since joining the lab, Dias says she has had some incredible experiences – including a recent opportunity to work with members of the Hopedale community. </p> <p>“We’re not the experts. We don’t live there. It’s the people who live along the coast – and actually live the change and see the change – who are the experts,” she says. “When you speak to community members, they have a clear understanding of how changes occurred over time, and what is the importance of sea ice to these ecosystems.” </p> <p>Once she completes her PhD, Dias hopes to continue pursuing climate research by either working directly with impacted communities or working to address the effects of pollution or climate change. </p> <p>Dias says she feels inspired by the many women scientists who came before her, including her female professors who have served as role models in what traditionally has been a male-dominated field.   </p> <p>“They paved the way for us to be able to do the work that we do, and to do it in relative comfort,” she says. “Having these women to look up to is what makes it possible for me to do the type of work that I do, and I hope I can make a similar contribution and pay it forward to the women that are coming after me.” </p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Tue, 15 Oct 2024 17:18:44 +0000 Christopher.Sorensen 309798 at ��οcommunity commemorates Orange Shirt Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation /news/u-t-community-commemorates-orange-shirt-day-national-day-truth-and-reconciliation <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">��οcommunity commemorates Orange Shirt Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation </span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-09/2024-09-30-National-Day-for-Truth-%26-Reconciliation_Polina-Teif-4-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=rn4xTZJf 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2024-09/2024-09-30-National-Day-for-Truth-%26-Reconciliation_Polina-Teif-4-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=ylo-2vVu 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2024-09/2024-09-30-National-Day-for-Truth-%26-Reconciliation_Polina-Teif-4-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=XgNEUfAl 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-09/2024-09-30-National-Day-for-Truth-%26-Reconciliation_Polina-Teif-4-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=rn4xTZJf" alt="audience members at the Hart House Orange Shirt Day event"> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>mattimar</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-09-30T11:32:22-04:00" title="Monday, September 30, 2024 - 11:32" class="datetime">Mon, 09/30/2024 - 11:32</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item"><p><em>Attendees wear orange shirts during a ��οtri-campus event, held at Hart House, to mark Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (photo by Polina Teif)</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/mariam-matti" hreflang="en">Mariam Matti</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/national-day-truth-and-reconciliation" hreflang="en">National Day for Truth and Reconciliation</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/orange-shirt-day" hreflang="en">Orange Shirt Day</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/wesley-hall" hreflang="en">Wesley Hall</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/ziibiing" hreflang="en">Ziibiing</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/faculty-music" hreflang="en">Faculty of Music</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/hart-house" hreflang="en">Hart House</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/indigenous" hreflang="en">Indigenous</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/meric-gertler" hreflang="en">Meric Gertler</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">��οMississauga</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-scarborough" hreflang="en">��οScarborough</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-subheadline field--type-string-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Subheadline</div> <div class="field__item">“Reconciliation cannot be an afterthought”</div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>Shirley Cheechoo</strong> doesn’t want to be recognized as a residential school survivor, a term commonly used to describe Indigenous Peoples who were subjected to Canada’s horrific residential school system. </p> <p>“We should be identified as residential school warriors,” said the Cree actor, artist, filmmaker and founder of Weengushk Film Institute. </p> <p>“Calling us warriors, you empower us. You empower our children and you empower communities across the country.” </p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-09/2024-09-30-National-Day-for-Truth-%26-Reconciliation_Polina-Teif-21-crop.jpg?itok=FlvHh-l8" width="750" height="500" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>Shirley Cheechoo, Cree actor, artist, filmmaker and founder of Weengushk Film Institute, shared the horrors and abuse she endured in Canada’s residential school system (photo by Polina Teif)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Cheechoo delivered the keynote address at a University of Toronto event to commemorate Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The tri-campus event, held at Hart House on the St. George campus, was streamed <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/0Npwa4iuYaY?si=INzLyJOxlj6SZXtA">live on YouTube</a>.</p> <p>She shared the horrors and abuse she endured after being kidnapped from her parents at age six and placed in a residential school. With a long-standing passion for working with young people, Cheechoo encouraged universities like ��οto partner with Indigenous leaders to fund and support Indigenous students and youth. </p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-09/2024-09-30-National-Day-for-Truth-%26-Reconciliation_Polina-Teif-3-crop.jpg?itok=iTmM50Uy" width="750" height="500" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>Jay-Daniel Baghbanan, a student at the Faculty of Music and vice-president of student life at the faculty’s undergraduate association, said “Reconciliation cannot be an afterthought” (photo by Polina Teif)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p><strong>Benji Jacob</strong>, a fourth-year psychology student from ��οMississauga, introduced Cheechoo at the event, while <strong>Jay-Daniel Baghbanan</strong>, a student at the Faculty of Music and vice-president of student life at the faculty’s undergraduate association, emphasized the critical nature of the work ahead.</p> <p>“There are 94 calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. ��οhas 34 of their own published,” said Baghbanan. “Reconciliation cannot be an afterthought.” </p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-09/2024-09-30-National-Day-for-Truth-%26-Reconciliation_Polina-Teif-10-crop.jpg?itok=hqYAmXBf" width="750" height="500" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>Benji Jacob, a fourth-year psychology student from ��οMississauga, was among the speakers at the event (photo by Polina Teif)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Attendees also heard remarks from several ��οleaders, including ��οPresident <strong>Meric Gertler</strong> and <strong>William Gough</strong>, acting vice-president of ��οand acting principal of ��οScarborough.</p> <p>President Gertler, for his part, said the ��οcommunity is committed to advancing reconciliation across its three campuses, including by: expanding the presence of Indigenous students, staff, faculty and librarians; incorporating Indigenous content into U of T’s curriculum; supporting Indigenous research programs; and creating physical spaces that honour Indigenous Peoples’ tradition and histories.</p> <p>Flags were lowered to half-mast across U of T’s three campuses on Sept. 30 for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which is formally recognized across Canada. </p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-09/2024-09-30-National-Day-for-Truth-%26-Reconciliation_Polina-Teif-5-crop.jpg?itok=MpFBHQpc" width="750" height="500" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>��οcommunity members attend the ceremony in Hart House’s Great Hall while others tuned into the livestream (photo by Polina Teif)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Hart House Warden <strong>David Kim</strong> thanked ��οMississauga student <strong>MJ Singleton</strong> for <a href="/news/anishinaabe-student-shares-inspiration-behind-u-t-s-2023-orange-shirt-day-design">designing the orange shirts worn by many at the ��οevent</a>, which depicts a mother holding hands and walking forward with her two children beneath the words “Every child matters.”</p> <p>After the ceremony, a sacred fire was held for ��οcommunity members at the <a href="/news/photos-u-t-marks-opening-indigenous-landscape-project-hart-house-green">newly opened Ziibiing</a>, an Indigenous landscape project near Hart House. </p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-center"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/scale_image_750_width_/public/2024-09/gertler-hall.jpg?itok=hFVnmxkS" width="750" height="500" alt="""" class="image-style-scale-image-750-width-"> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>��οPresident Meric Gertler and Chancellor Wes Hall deliver remarks to attendees in Hart House’s Great Hall (photo by Polina Teif)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Earlier this month, ��οScarborough hosted <a href="https://edio.utsc.utoronto.ca/programs-events/walk-of-reconciliation">a reflective walk for reconciliation</a> from the ��οScarborough flagpole to the Ma Moosh Ka Win Valley Trail. In addition, Orange Shirt Beading Workshops were held across the three campuses, while ��οMississauga live-streamed the Hart House event in the Grand Hall at Maanjiwe nendamowinan. </p> <p>In his closing remarks at Hart House, ��οChancellor <strong>Wes Hall</strong> encouraged the audience to continue sharing their stories, no matter how difficult, to ensure we do not repeat the past.  </p> <p> </p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Mon, 30 Sep 2024 15:32:22 +0000 mattimar 309658 at ��οprepares to mark Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation /news/u-t-prepares-mark-orange-shirt-day-and-national-day-truth-and-reconciliation <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">��οprepares to mark Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation </span> <div class="field field--name-field-featured-picture field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="eager" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-09/varsity-truth-and-reconciliation-3-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=aq9EvkVe 370w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_740/public/2024-09/varsity-truth-and-reconciliation-3-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=6Nd9J689 740w, /sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_1110/public/2024-09/varsity-truth-and-reconciliation-3-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=tMrpJRXQ 1110w" sizes="(min-width:1200px) 1110px, (max-width: 1199px) 80vw, (max-width: 767px) 90vw, (max-width: 575px) 95vw" width="740" height="494" src="/sites/default/files/styles/news_banner_370/public/2024-09/varsity-truth-and-reconciliation-3-crop.jpg?h=81d682ee&itok=aq9EvkVe" alt=""""> </div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Christopher.Sorensen</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-09-27T09:06:56-04:00" title="Friday, September 27, 2024 - 09:06" class="datetime">Fri, 09/27/2024 - 09:06</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-cutline-long field--type-text-long field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Cutline</div> <div class="field__item"><p><em>The Survivors' Flag, raised at ��οVarsity Stadium on Sept. 20, will be lowered to half-mast on Sept. 30, when the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed across Canada (photo by Jill Clark)</em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author-reporters field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/jelena-damjanovic" hreflang="en">Jelena Damjanovic</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-secondary-author-reporter field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/authors-reporters/melinda-mattos" hreflang="en">Melinda Mattos</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Topic</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/topics/our-community" hreflang="en">Our Community</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-story-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/national-day-truth-and-reconciliation" hreflang="en">National Day for Truth and Reconciliation</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/orange-shirt-day" hreflang="en">Orange Shirt Day</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/faculty-kinesiology-physical-education" hreflang="en">Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/indigenous" hreflang="en">Indigenous</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/st-george" hreflang="en">St. George</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-mississauga" hreflang="en">��οMississauga</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/tags/u-t-scarborough" hreflang="en">��οScarborough</a></div> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Survivors’ Flag, which honours Indigenous lives and communities impacted by the residential school system in Canada, has been raised across the University of Toronto’s three campuses as the community prepares to mark Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30.<br> <br> On the St. George campus, the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education (KPE), in partnership with First Nations House and the ��οOffice of Indigenous Initiatives, raised the Survivors’ Flag at Varsity Stadium earlier this month. </p> <p>It will be lowered to half-mast on Sept. 30 when the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is formally recognized across Canada.</p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/2024-09/Image-%281%29-crop.jpg" width="350" height="438" alt=""""> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>��οMississauga (photo by Julia Le)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Flags have also been raised at ��οScarborough and ��οMississauga.</p> <p>“Recognizing the painful history of Canada’s residential school system, and the tragic consequences that are still being felt today, is a vital component of the reconciliation process,” said Professor <strong>Gretchen Kerr</strong>, dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education.</p> <p>“It’s also a time for settlers to reflect on what they can do to strengthen relationships with Indigenous Peoples in order to build a better future together.”<br> <br> The ��οcommunity is invited to honour the experiences of residential school survivors by joining <a href="https://people.utoronto.ca/event/2024-orange-shirt-day-and-national-truth-reconciliation-day/">a tri-campus event</a> being held in the Great Hall at Hart House on Sept. 30 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Participants will have the option to register to attend the event in person or register to watch the live-stream on YouTube.</p> <p>The event will feature a keynote address by <strong>Shirley Cheechoo</strong>, Canadian Cree actor, artist, filmmaker and founder of Weengushk Film Institute, who will be introduced by <strong>Benji Jacob</strong>, a fourth-year psychology student from ��οMississauga. There will also be a land acknowledgement by <strong>Jay-Daniel Baghbanan</strong>, a student at the Faculty of Music and vice-president of student life at the faculty’s undergraduate association, welcoming remarks from <strong>David Kim</strong>, warden of Hart House and remarks by ��οPresident <strong>Meric Gertler </strong>and <strong>William Gough</strong>, acting vice-president of ��οand acting principal of ��οScarborough. ��οChancellor <strong>Wes Hall </strong>will deliver closing remarks.</p> <figure role="group" class="caption caption-drupal-media align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/2024-09/uncropped-21-crop.jpg" width="350" height="438" alt=""""> </div> </div> <figcaption><em>��οScarborough (photo by Harry Xu)</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>While wearing any orange shirt is a show of solidarity, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives has partnered with the ��οBookstore on a limited supply of orange t-shirts that feature <a href="/news/anishinaabe-student-shares-inspiration-behind-u-t-s-2023-orange-shirt-day-design">an award-winning design</a> by <strong>MJ Singleton</strong>, an Ojibwe, two-spirit student from Migisi Sahgaigan First Nation who is studying at ��οMississauga. All proceeds from the sale of the shirts will be directed to the Orange Shirt Society.<br> <br> Members of the ��οcommunity are also encouraged to use the Orange Shirt Day <a href="https://people.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-Orange-Shirt-Day-background-scaled.jpg">virtual background</a> and <a href="https://people.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-Orange-Shirt-Day-icon.jpg">profile icon</a>, featuring Singleton's design.</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-home-page-banner field--type-boolean field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">News home page banner</div> <div class="field__item">Off</div> </div> Fri, 27 Sep 2024 13:06:56 +0000 Christopher.Sorensen 309625 at