Held once a year, Red & White Day brings together the York community to share their York spirit and pride across campus. To help kick off the day’s events, York staff and faculty who are also alumni gathered to celebrate their colleagues at the Campus Alumni Breakfast.

L-R: York President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton, Maureen Barnes, Gregory Langstaff, Patricia Gagliardi-Ursua, and VP Advancement Jeff O'Hagan.

“York has provided me with so many wonderful experiences in my life and this morning is yet another moment for me to cherish,” said Patricia Gagliardi-Ursua (BA ’99). “As a Faculty of Arts graduate, I was able to gain employment and had a finer appreciation for what it meant to be an adult; as an alumna, I am proud of this school and all that it has to offer. My devotion to this school stems from the fact that York University helps provide so many people with so many opportunities – as an institution we are the sum of all our people, and our people are some of the best people. I do quite love being part of this incredible team.”

Gagliardi-Ursua spoke to a room of almost 100 alumni gathered together at Founders Assembly Hall. She was one of three recipients of the Bryden Local Hero Award for her dedication to her role as Executive Assistant at Ancillary Services, and her many contributions to the university.

Two other Bryden Local Hero Award recipients, Maureen Barnes (BEd '93, BA '94), Director of Student Accessibility Services, and Gregory Langstaff (BA ’12) Coordinator, YU START New Student Transition Program Student Engagement & First Year Experience, were also celebrated at the event. The attendees made up a very diverse group, with alumni who graduated from varied programs and faculties over the last several decades.

“There are nearly 1,500 alumni currently working at York on both of our campuses, and across our faculties and departments, and you are part of a strong and growing staff and faculty community, proving what a great place York is to get an education and build a career,” Vice-President Advancement Jeff O’Hagan said as he addressed the crowd. “You are also part of an alumni network nearing 325,000 strong around the world, and I want to personally thank you for the important role each and every one of you play in this vibrant community.”

To see photos from the event, visit our Facebook page.