NEWSWIRE

York launches its largest-ever
fundraising campaign: $200 million

The York University Foundation announced major donations Oct. 18 as it launched an unprecedented fundraising campaign that aims to raise $200 million leading up to the University's 50th anniversary celebrations in 2009. "The campaign will celebrate York's first 50 years of achievement as well as our generous donors and volunteers who have played such a major role in helping us redefine the possible," said Paul Marcus, president & CEO of the York University Foundation. The "York to the Power of 50" campaign has already secured considerable support and was further strengthened by major gift announcements at a kick-off gala for outside friends of York held at the Toronto BMW Centre. The campaign was launched to the internal York community at a celebration Oct. 20 in the Scott Library.

York the shares glitter at 2006 Gemini Awards
Combining business smarts with creative talents, several alumni from York’s Faculty of Fine Arts and the Schulich School of Business came up winners at the 2006 Gemini Awards ceremonies, held Oct. 16-18 in Toronto. A total of six awards went to York graduates and one honorary degree holder in the 21st year of the Geminis.

Ready, set, go: York's United Way Campaign is off and running
York’s 2006 United Way Employee Campaign gets off to a quick start on Sunday, Oct. 29, with the first annual York University 10k for the United Way run. The campaign runs until Nov. 24 and this year’s goal is $190,000.

Two more leaders join ranks of York honorary degree holders
York University conferred honorary doctorates on two distinguished individuals during its fall 2006 convocation ceremonies, held Oct. 20 and 21: Maria Livanos Cattaui, distinguished international corporate leader, and Alison Richard, university administrator and internationally-renowned scholar.

Schulich ranks number one in Canada
The Schulich School of Business at York University was ranked among the top 30 MBA programs in the world and number one in Canada by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the business research and intelligence arm of Britain’s The Economist magazine. Schulich was also listed among the world's top10 international schools in a survey by BusinessWeek magazine.

Education for good governance
There is a new addition to the York family. This past June, the York University Senate and Board of Governors approved the proposal for the creation of a School of Public Policy & Administration, housed in the Atkinson Faculty of Liberal & Professional Studies.

Women's studies instructor launches new book
Sumach Press has published Trans/forming Feminisms: Transfeminist Voices Speak Out, a book by York researcher Krista Scott-Dixon, which was launched at an event Oct. 18 at the 519 Church Street Community Centre.

York Libraries launch a new digital depository of research
To commemorate the upcoming 50th anniversary of York University, the Clara Thomas Archives & Special Collections has compiled a collection of photographs that celebrate York's rapid evolution and growth into Canada’s third largest university.

Nathanson Centre broadens its scope
A world-renowned research centre for the study of organized crime and corruption at York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School is broadening its focus to include the study of human rights and the study of terrorism and counter-terrorism.

School presents faculty awards for research and service
Four professors recently won three new academic awards created by York’s School of Administrative Studies, in the Atkinson Faculty of Liberal & Professional Studies, to recognize research and service by its full-time faculty.

Italian children’s art exhibit anchors childhood education series
Early childhood educators got a glimpse over the weekend of how Italy’s renowned Reggio Emilia approach to teaching preschoolers stimulates their creativity at a world-touring exhibit called The Hundred Languages of Children, 12 wall panels filled with drawings, paintings, sculpture and designs by five- and six-year-old children from Reggio Emilia, the northern Italian town committed to an educational approach that sees children as capable, resourceful individuals.

York issues statement on medical marijuana use on campus
York University issued the following statement on Oct. 20, 2006: The issue of medical marijuana use and the need for on-campus accommodation has recently been raised in the news media. The University wishes to inform members of the York community that we are working with the parties involved to ensure resolution of this issue.

York hosts OUA field hockey championship
York gets set to host the Ontario University Athletics women's field hockey championship this weekend at Lamport Stadium in Toronto. The Lions have a legitimate shot at claiming the OUA title as York finished second in the league with a 10-2-2 record.

York's defending OUA champions advance to soccer quarterfinals
York Lions women’s soccer team, the defending Ontario University Athletics champion knocked off the University of Waterloo Warriors, 1-0, in the first round of the OUA playoffs Wednesday and play MacMaster this weekend.