Each year, YURA holds an annual meeting of its members. While this is a constitutional requirement of our Association, the event has normally provided an opportunity for members to listen to a dynamic, sometimes provocative speaker; engage in a period of questions and answers with the speaker; and participate in a business meeting of the Association.
The business of the AGM generally includes:
• Minutes of the previous year's meeting
• Report of the Nominating Committee and affirmation of officers
• YURA finances
• York pension information
• Retiree benefits information
• Activities and events sponsored by YURA
• Student awards sponsored by YURA
• Other matters relevant to York University retirees
2025 YURA AGM, Friday November 21
The AGM on Friday, November 21st will be a virtual event held via Zoom teleconferencing. The day's proceedings will be as follows:
9:45 am - Online log-in for attendees
10:00 am
- Opening and Land Acknowledgement - Diane Woody, YURA Co-President (academic)
- Welcome from York University - Dr. Laina Bay-Cheng, Vice-President, Equity, People & Culture
- Introduction of Guest Speaker - Diane Woody
10:10 am
- Guest Speaker, Dr. Christine O’Kelly, Dublin City University (Ireland), Co-ordinator of the Age Friendly University Global Network. "Positive Ageing, Intergenerational Solidarity, and the Role of Higher Education.”
10:40 am - Questions and Answers
10:55 am - Break
11:05 am - AGM Business Meeting - moderator, Steve Dranitsaris, YURA Co-President (non-academic)
12:45 pm - Adjournment
Guest Speaker, Dr. Christine O'Kelly
Dr. Christine O'Kelly is an accomplished Network Coordinator and strategic leader with a distinguished career spanning the community and voluntary sector and higher education for over 35 years. Since 2014, she has played a pivotal role in advancing the Age-Friendly University (AFU) initiative, developing and leading a global network of over 100 universities across Europe, North America, South America, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Her work has significantly contributed to fostering international collaboration and embedding age inclusivity in institutional frameworks.
Dr. O'Kelly's expertise encompasses organisational management, strategic planning, change leadership, conflict resolution, event coordination, capacity building, and the development of sustainable community university partnerships. She has a particular interest in institutional transformation, with a focus on promoting inclusive, age-friendly practices in higher education. Dr O'Kelly is a committed advocate of servant leadership, leading with empathy, purpose, and service to others.
She holds a Master’s degree in Community and Voluntary Leadership and a Doctorate in Education (Leadership). Her doctoral research, "The Influencing Factors and Process of Becoming and Remaining an Age-Friendly University," explores the institutional dynamics that support age inclusivity and leadership-level commitment to inclusive lifelong learning. A published author and sought-after consultant, she has contributed to both national and international publications, offering strategic insights and practical tools for institutions seeking to implement and sustain the AFU model. Her work bridges academic research and practical application, supporting policy development and systemic change.
Guided by values of social justice, intergenerational solidarity, and transformative leadership, she continues to champion the global integration of age-friendly principles in higher education, aiming to reshape the narrative around ageing and inclusion in academic
settings.
AGM BUSINESS MEETING - AGENDA, MINUTES AND REPORTS
As of November 11, 2025, the agenda, minutes and reports are now available by clicking on the link above or here.
REPORT ON THE 2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Click here for background reports, photos and to view the slide show from the business meeting.
Recent AGM Guest Speakers
