With a crisp winter chill in the air and our campuses now concealed by soft layers of white snow, it's clear that the holiday season is upon us. As we ready ourselves for the weeks ahead, which will no doubt be busy with visits from family, friends and loved ones, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for continuing to be York University's most important and passionate ambassadors, and for keeping the red-and-white spirit alive for more than 55 years.

While preparing this message it occurred to me that these words will traverse a remarkable distance to reach our more than 275,000 alumni living in 170 countries around the world, as well as those here in Toronto and the GTA, and elsewhere in Canada. Wherever you live, your participation and support make you a special part of our University community. I invite you to stay connected with York and the many alumni events, services, programs, perks and events at your disposal by visiting alumniandfriends.yorku.ca.

I am exceptionally proud of everything York has achieved in 2014, and I am grateful to be part of this unique and growing community. As we prepare for the completion of state-of-the-art development projects such as the CIBC Pan Am/Parapan Am Athletics Stadium, the Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence and the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Expansion, I have no doubt that we are equipped to continue distinguishing ourselves as one of the world's leading teaching and research universities.

Though there are many exciting things to come, the holidays are a time to re-energize and reflect on the past year, and to recognize all of the good things in our lives.

I wish you a joyous holiday season and best wishes for a healthy and prosperous new year.

Mamdouh Shoukri
President & Vice-Chancellor
York University