NEWSWIRE

Let freedom ring: governor general
opens new research institute

The sound of freedom rang out at York University Sunday as Canada's Governor General Michaëlle Jean helped open a new research centre at York University and commemorate the 200th anniversary of the British abolition of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. During the ceremony, Jean received an honorary doctorate of laws degree from York. She then officially opened the University’s new Harriet Tubman Research Institute on the Global Migrations of African Peoples by ringing a replica of the historic Buxton Liberty Bell.

York's March Gala draws 7,000 prospective students
Despite the lack of sunshine, the Keele campus sparkled with energy as more than 7,000 future students and guests roamed its precincts on Saturday, March 10. For many, experiencing York began right at Downsview station or in York's parking lot 1A as red-jacketed student ambassadors provided a distinctive high-powered welcome.

Osgoode team wins the Sopinka Cup
A York team has won the Sopinka Cup national trial advocacy competition, which took place on March 16 and 17 in Ottawa. It is the first time Osgoode has won the Sopinka Cup and the win represents the law school’s fourth first-place finish this year.

A boost for children with autism
An American foundation has made a $180,000 donation to the York University Foundation in support of a new study on two treatments for autism that will be conducted by researchers at the University's Milton & Ethel Harris Research Initiative.

York team exceeds 200 members on the World Community Grid
In just over a month, the York University Research team on the World Community Grid has exceeded 200 members, placing York in the top 70 of more than 14,000 teams on the grid worldwide. Members of the York team have return results equal to almost five years of accumulated research.

Four profs read their poetry at Stong
Stong College is celebrating the arrival of spring with a poetry reading, titled Poetry’s Everywhere: A Celebration of Spring, by four York professors, March 27 from 4:30 to 6:30pm in the screening room, Stong 112.

For whom the Buxton Bell tolled
At a ceremony on March 25 to mark the opening of York's Harriet Tubman Institute for Research on the Global Migrations of African Peoples, a replica of the historic Buxton Liberty Bell was rung.

Career options for sociology grads
Is there life after sociology? Many sociology students might worry about being unable to find work after graduating but speakers at the Sociology Undergraduate Student Association’s Career Day last week were on hand to reassure them.

Glendon hosts conference on bilingualism in Canada
Forty years ago the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism published its report on education. Glendon College will host a conference on Thursday and Friday where scholars, civil servants, lawyers and educators will explore the report’s legacy and examine Canada’s language policies since the 1960s.

Faculty of Arts celebrates research highlights of 2006
The Faculty of Arts celebrated its 2006 research successes – two professors won fellowships, five won research-related awards, and dozens more published books and articles, on March 8.

Credit union donates $40,000 to business program
A $40,000 gift from Alterna Savings and Credit Union Ltd. has been used to create a scholarship in social economy and a fund for Business & Society Program projects. The Alterna group presented the $40,000 to the York University Foundation at a ceremony Feb. 26 in York’s Senate chambers.

Last call to see The Rocky Horror Show live on stage
Only a few tickets remain for York students and alumni to see The Rocky Horror Show live on stage at the Bluma Appel Theatre in Toronto March 27. There will be a reception from 6:30 to 7:45pm. Showtime is 8pm.

How has a globalized media affected national identities?
Acclaimed scholars of film, music, literature, history and television will converge on York March 30 for an international symposium on Ethnonationalism, Transnationalism and Media Culture.