York U Alumni

York alumnus continues the fight for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion amidst changing tide

Trevor Fairlie (JD ’19) has devoted significant time and energy into promoting inclusion for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. However, with recent changes in the social and political spheres, this cause has faced a new challenge – one that Trevor hopes to meet head on.   Trevor is a lawyer and the former chair for Start Proud, a national non-profit organization that provides support for 2SLGBTQIA+ students during the early stages of their career.  The organization had an enormous impact on his […]

York University Women+ Alumni Network

We’re excited to announce the launch of the York University Women+ Alumni Network—a new community dedicated to connection, empowerment, and engagement among women+ alumni (cisgender women, transgender women, and non-binary or gender-nonconforming people who feel a connection to womanhood) across disciplines, generations, and lived experiences. As we get started, we are currently seeking alumni to serve […]

Glendon alumna dedicates career to equitable health care

La version française suit la version anglaise. When it was time for Carol Cowan-Levine C.M. (BA ’67) to choose where to study, enrolling at Glendon College felt natural. Drawn to the smaller campus and sense of security, it was this supportive environment that became the foundation for a dedicated career in giving back and creating meaningful change.    […]

Charmaine Courtis

Charmaine started her career at York immediately in the Central Admissions office. Her first office was a closet in the basement of Steacie Science Library! In 1973 she was hired at the Faculty of Administrative Studies as the Admissions Officer. Over the next 40+ years she had several roles in Student Affairs and Student Services. […]

Theatre alumna earns recognition for Black-led storytelling 

Growing up, Asha James (BFA ’18) always had a deep interest in the arts, but it wasn’t until she joined musicals in high school that she would discover that the stage was where she felt most at home. As Asha entered the acting industry, she was determined to find stories and cast members that reflected her community. It was this desire that would lead her to land a role in Obsidian Theatre’s FLEX, a project that would shape her career.  “I […]

Alumna opens doors for Black girls and young women 

As a Black youth coming to Canada from Zimbabwe, Tapo Chimbganda (PhD ’17) had a difficult time adjusting to a new country. She felt isolated and saw first-hand many of the barriers that young Black women face. It was this early experience that inspired her to start Future Black Female, an organization that seeks to guide and empower Black girls and young women to achieve […]

Award-winning alumna challenges systemic barriers

Desaraé Dee (BFA ’12) is a Canadian fusion artist, pianist, composer, producer, and educator whose work centres on instrumental and genre-blending music that explores emotion, spirituality, and storytelling. Like many alumni, Desaraé’s career path was not a straightforward one, and she credits York University as a key influence in becoming the successful, award-winning instrumentalist she […]

Nine York community members named to the Order of Canada

Nine members of the York University community have been honoured with the Order of Canada. The announcement was made on December 31, 2025 by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of  Canada. Recognized as one of the country’s highest honours, the Order of Canada acknowledges Canadians whose contributions, service and dedication has […]

Glendon green space named in honour of former chancellor Greg Sorbara 

La version française suit la version anglaise. A tranquil space on the grounds of York’s Glendon Campus now bears the name of a former chancellor dedicated to giving back to the University he attended in the 1970s and 80s.   The area commonly referred to as the quad, directly across from Glendon Manor, will now be […]

New entrance award to support future tech leaders  

Former Board of Governors Chair Paul Tsaparis to match donations up to $100,000  A new entrance award established in honour of dedicated York alumnus and former Chair of the Board of Governors Paul Tsaparis (MBA ’84) will enable deserving students to pursue leadership opportunities in the technology sector. President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton recently announced […]