Alumni Spotlight: Brandon Hay (MES '16)

In 2001, Brandon Hay (MES ’16) discovered he was going to be a dad for the first time. After visiting community centres seeking out help for Black fathers, he realized there were no resources available for him. While working at his factory job overnight, Hay came up with an idea in response to the isolation he felt as a new Black father as well as to the lack of spaces for Black men to discuss parenting issues and concerns facing the Black community as a whole.

Alumni Spotlight: Evan Morgan (BFA ’08)

While in the York film and video program, Evan Morgan (BFA ’08) developed his voice as a writer and filmmaker while part of a tight-knit community. With “a penchant for dark humour,” he embraced his fate as a director, as the modest beginnings of a dark comedy short film loomed in the background. After becoming […]

Join Natasha Ramsahai, Cynthia Loyst, Melissa Grelo and others for a virtual celebration of York and its outstanding alumni

For 20 years, York University's Bryden Alumni Awards have celebrated alumni who have changed the world for the better. The tradition of recognizing their contributions will continue at The York U Alumni Celebration: Honouring 20 Years of Bryden Awards on Nov. 19 from 7-8 pm ET. All alumni and friends are invited to join the university […]

Alumna Nadine Spencer (BA ’04) sparks monumental change in Canada’s Black business community

On Sept. 10, York alumna Nadine Spencer (BA ’04) – along with many Canadians – got some monumental news that was a long time coming. The federal government announced the installment of the Black Entrepreneurship Program, the first of its kind, that will provide $221 million in capital to Black entrepreneurs and business owners in […]

Alumni Spotlight: Marnie (BA ’01, BEd ’01) and Rena Schwartz (BA ’01, BEd ’01)

Identical twin sisters, Marnie (BA ’01, BEd ’01) and Rena Schwartz (BA ’01, BEd ’01), are certified Ontario teachers, kinesiologists, and owners and artistic directors of ViBE Dance & Fitness Studio in Thornhill, Ont. ViBE is a recreational dance and fitness studio that has a unique performance-based approach and a non-competitive inclusive philosophy. Together with their enthusiastic and energetic staff, Marnie […]

Alumni Spotlight: Amanda Martinez (IMBA ’99)

After graduating from York, singer-songwriter Amanda Martinez (IMBA '99) started working in the International Trade Finance Department at TD Bank. But things changed when she decided to pursue music taking a big risk by "jumping off a cliff to follow her heart." She's since headlined the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York, the 2010 FIFA World […]

Alumnus and award-winning author Jesse Thistle (BA ’15) on his journey, his memoir, and his time at York

On Aug. 18, Alumni Engagement and York University Libraries hosted a virtual fireside chat with alumnus Jesse Thistle (BA ’15), author of the award-winning memoir, From the Ashes: My Story of Being Métis, Homeless, and Finding My Way. During the virtual event, moderated by Dean of Libraries Joy Kirchner, Thistle shared his journey writing his […]

Meet the student recipients of the 2020 Alumni Awards and Scholarships

The York University Alumni Board has recognized four distinguished York students for their academic excellence and student leadership. We are proud to share the recipients of the 2020 Alumni Awards and Scholarships, and their incredible academic journeys, below. Olivia Beltrano (BBA candidate ’24) – 2020 Harry W. Arthurs Alumni Families Entrance Scholarship recipient  Attending York […]

Alumni Spotlight: Cynthia Loyst (BFA ’98)

Cynthia Loyst (BFA ’98) is a sex educator and media personality. She is a co-host on CTV’s The Social and the creator of Find Your Pleasure, an online destination and author of a published book of the same title that inspire people to find things in their lives that bring passion and joy.  Q: Why […]

Alumni Spotlight: Gail Teixeira (MA ’76)

We recently interviewed Gail Teixeira, Chief Whip/Member of Parliament of the Government of Guyana, to discuss her experience at York as a student and her career since graduating with a degree in political science. Q: Why did you choose to attend York for your Master’s in Political Science?A: I was involved in politics since I […]