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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
From celebrating our exceptional alumni community to strengthening alumni and donor engagement through programs and events, here are our top stories and highlights from 2025. Transformational gift from the Mirkopoulos family In March, York University celebrated a transformational gift from the Mirkopoulos family that will strengthen film education at York University and support the next […]
The York University Education Alumni Network (YUEAN) has been named the 2025 Network of the Year by the York University Alumni Board (YUAB). This annual award is given to a network that has demonstrated its dedication and commitment to York through engagement, impact, and mentorship. Through influential programming, YUEAN has strengthened relationships, expanded professional pathways, and […]
After dealing with his own personal battle with depression, Jason Balgopal (JD, LLB ’97) saw the importance of a support group to help combat a challenge that many deal with in isolation. To address this crucial need, Jason started the Mental Wellness Peer Support Group, a weekly peer-to-peer support group for those who face similar […]