At York University’s Fall Convocation ceremony on the morning of Oct. 16, an honorary degree was presented to financial services executive Mark Beckles, vice-president of social impact and innovation at the Royal Bank of Canada.
During 2024 Fall Convocation – running from Oct. 16 to 25 – York University will award honorary doctor of laws degrees to four individuals recognized as changemakers and leaders in their fields.
Organized by three York University professors, a two-day conference titled “Psychosocial Transformations: The School, The Clinic, and The Archive” will consider the connection between psychological and social change in challenging times, while honouring the impact that Distinguished Research Professor Deborah Britzman has had on the field.
Faculty of Education professors Gillian Parekh and Carl James were recognized at York’s annual Research Awards Celebration.
York alumnus Matthew R. Morris (BEd ’11) is an educator, anti-racism advocate, writer and public speaker based in Toronto. In his recent national best-selling book, Black Boys Like Me: Confrontations with Race, Identity, and Belonging, Morris tackles the issues of identity that young Black students experience as they navigate their way through the education system.
With “Abena’s Adventures,” Blessing Owusu (BEd ’19, MEd ’24) embarked on a journey that blended her passion for education with a mission to fill a crucial gap in children’s literature.
Natalia Balyasnikova, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Education at York University, says common generalizations that adults 65 and older are hopeless with new technology or particularly gullible against online misinformation serve only to increase the digital divide between seniors and other demographics. Balyasnikova weighs in on the importance of age-appropriate training to help seniors do daily tasks and avoid misinformation.
In navigating the transformative path of international education, Liam Bekirsky’s (BEd ’18) story is a testament to the enriching power of studying and working abroad.
Reeta Roy, president and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation – an international non-governmental organization focused on empowering young Africans with education – offered several calls-to-action to Faculty of Education graduands to help shape the future of education.
Three York University faculty members will be recognized during the 2024 Spring Convocation ceremonies with President’s University-Wide Teaching Awards for enhancing quality of learning and demonstrating innovation and excellence in teaching.