The 2023-2024 academic year brought forth many exciting opportunities and strong engagement from government officials from all levels of government and parties.
Minister Kamal Khera Announces Federal Funding for Jean Augustine Chair
On November 10, 2023 the York community joined Jean Augustine for Minister Khera’s announcement that the Government of Canada will contribute $1.5 million to the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora. Augustine was the first Black woman ever elected to the House of Commons, representing Etobicoke-Lakeshore from 1993 to 2006. Among her many endeavours, she was a member of the York University Board of Governors from 1991 to 1994.
Mayor Steven Del Duca Attends York Panel Discussion
On November 6, 2023, experts from York University and the Mackenzie Health held a panel discussion in collaboration with the City of Vaughan. The event explored the fundamental themes of health equity, empowerment and the significance of relationships between health-care providers, communities and families. Thanks to all those who attended, including Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca.
Minister Michael Kerzner visits York University and ADERSIM
In June 2023, York University President Rhonda Lenton provided a tour of the Keele Campus to Ontario’s Solicitor General and MPP for York Centre Michael Kerzner (BA LA&PS ’86). Minister Kerzner had the opportunity to visit the Advanced Disaster, Emergency, and Rapid Response Simulation (ADERSIM) Lab which aims to enhance disaster and emergency planning across various sectors. The minister also had the opportunity to hear from the University’s Emergency Management experts.
Tour of Glendon Campus with Deputy Minister Roda Muse
In July 2023, President Rhonda Lenton and Principal Marco Fiola provided a tour of the Bilingual Glendon Campus to Ontario’s Deputy Minister of Francophone Affairs Roda Muse. DM Muse had an opportunity to speak with students and researchers from the biology and psychology programs about their research and discuss the importance of bilingual education in Ontario.
Markham Campus Hard Hat Tour
In September 2023, President Rhonda Lenton provided a Hard Hat Tour of the Markham Campus to the Mayor, City Councillors, and senior staff at the City of Markham. The attendees were provided with an update on Academic programming as well as updates on the construction.
