Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends

York University renames celebrated joint JD/MBA to Hennick JD/MBA as it marks 50 years of excellence
In recognition of a transformational $6 million gift from The Hennick Family Foundation, York University is renaming one of its top-ranked programs and designations, the Hennick JD/MBA Program. The gift will provide scholarships and support world-class learning experiences, further elevating the program’s reputation and student outcomes.

Alum Jason Balgopal in dress shirt leaning against a ledge with a dusk sky in the background

Building a community of mental health support
After dealing with his own personal battle with depression, Jason Balgopal (JD, LLB ’97) saw the importance of a support group to help combat a challenge that many deal with in isolation. To address this crucial need, Jason started the Mental Wellness Peer Support Group, a weekly peer-to-peer support group for those who face similar mental health challenges.

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Former minister dedicates career to advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ legislation

Reverend Doctor Cheri DiNovo C.M. (BA ’94) is a queer activist, author and former minister and politician recognized for her transformative leadership in advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and legislation.

Indigenous filmmaker and advocate finds inspiration at York

Lisa Jackson (MFA ’19) is an Anishinaabe (Aamjiwnaang First Nation) award-winning filmmaker who has written, directed and produced films, television and multimedia projects, from a dome film to VR and IMAX. Partway through her film career, she decided to pursue a master’s degree and studied in York’s MFA in Film program.

Top 30 Alumni Under 30 Spotlight: Tinotenda Mutsvangwa (BA ’20, MMgt ’21)

Inspired by his elder brothers who left their home in Zimbabwe to study abroad, Tinotenda Mutsvangwa (BA ’20, MMgt ’21) was determined to carve his own path. Drawn to the university’s multiculturalism and liberty, Tinotenda enrolled in York University’s Political Science program where he would broaden his perspectives and build community.

Top 30 Alumni Under 30 Spotlight: Jocelyn Cadieux (MES ’20)

Growing up in a small town outside of Ottawa, Jocelyn Cadieux (MES ’20) learned the importance of accessibility and mobility. Now, as an urban planner working for the City of Ottawa, he aims to build strong communities by making urban spaces more accessible and developing the surrounding infrastructure.

Top 30 Alumni Under 30 Spotlight: Laiba Khaqan (BA ’22)

When it came time for Laiba Khaqan (BA ’22) to choose where to study, York University’s distinguished psychology program was an easy decision. It was her time as a York student that would spark her passion to drive systemic change, a commitment that continues to shape her path today as an entrepreneur and mental health advocate bridging mental health, technology and education.

Top 30 Alumni Under 30 Spotlight: Valeriy Kostyuk (BFA ’18)

Valeriy Kostyuk (BFA ’18) is a Ukrainian-Canadian producer who has had a successful career in art and entertainment. However, after hearing about the conflict in his home of Ukraine, he set forth to make a positive change in his community.

Entrepreneur tackles gender disparity in the arts

Born in the U.S. and raised in Canada in a Spanish-speaking home with roots in Barcelona, Nuria Madrenas (BA ’16) is deeply inspired by culture, creativity, and community. It took just over two years for this arts enthusiast to fuse her passion and entrepreneurial desire to create positive change and bring Tacit – an online gallery and art consultancy dedicated exclusively to female artists – to life.

York alumna discusses equitable opportunities and the importance of representation in classrooms

Dr. Dionne Stephens (BA ’96), an esteemed alumna whose journey began long before becoming the only black tenure-track faculty member in the department of Psychology at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, discusses opportunities, representation and learning in the University’s dynamic, metropolitan and multicultural stage.

York alumna aims to spur positive change for Black health equity through dementia research

It was life’s twists and turns that led Ngozi Iroanyah (MA ’17) to pursue research dedicated to improving the health status of Black communities. And it’s her passion for creating positive change for Black people living with dementia that has fuelled years of study on the topic.

York alumna breaks barriers as a Black international fundraiser

From the age of 15, York alumna Fatou Jammeh (iBA ’15) was certain she wanted to become a diplomat. Today, Fatou is breaking barriers in the non-profit sector as a Black fundraiser and consultant to various organizations. While she had no clear trajectory to the world of fundraising, choosing to pursue International Studies at Glendon proved to be a pivotal step in her journey.

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From funding desperately needed scholarships and research to creating world-class facilities and groundbreaking teaching methods, donations to York University help make it one of Canada’s leading universities. Your generosity is helping create a new generation of Canadian leaders who will not only go on to change their community, but continue the tradition of supporting York University and its students in the future.

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