When it came time for Laiba Khaqan (BA ’22) to choose where to study, �첥��Ƶ’s distinguished psychology program was an easy decision. It was her time as a York student that would spark her passion to drive systemic change, a commitment that continues to shape her path today as an entrepreneur and mental health advocate bridging mental health, technology and education. 

“I chose to study at York because I think it has one of the best psychology programs,” says Laiba. “I had a professor named Dr. Joel Goldberg and he was very specialized and passionate about schizophrenia, which is something I’m doing my mental health work in today.” 

As a psychology student, Laiba noticed the lack of awareness and conversation around schizophrenia. For Laiba the silence was deeply personal; having a close family member with schizophrenia gave her a first-hand perspective on the impact of the stigma that surrounded it. This motivated her to create the Schizophrenia Society of York, a platform to raise awareness, encourage conversations and build community.  

“I thought I was the only one who had a family member with schizophrenia,” says Laiba. “When I started talking to people on campus, so many people including my close friends shared their experiences. It made me understand that when we create the space to talk, the lived experiences and storytelling is what humanizes people.” 

After graduating from York, Laiba wanted to continue to inspire change and advocate for schizophrenia and mental health beyond the York community. In 2023, she was a founding member of Living Beyond Labels, a non-profit that uses storytelling to reduce stigma around mental health and support individuals affected by schizophrenia and psychosis. Through this initiative, Laiba has reached over 600 people with her advocacy. 

“I think there’s a lot of stigma, no matter how many mental health conversations we have,” says Laiba. “Conditions like schizophrenia and psychosis are never given light to when we have these conversations. I hope we can continue to humanize individuals who have it and provide the spaces to have these conversations.” 

But mental health advocacy isn’t the only domain where Laiba is leveraging her education and skills. She is also a founding member and director of People Strategy and Operations of ConnectED Labs, a tech startup that develops artificial intelligence (AI)-powered 3D environments to enhance online education, hybrid work and workforce training. 

“I think it’s important to have people like myself in these spaces, with a background in psychology, to provide a more humanistic approach,” says Laiba. “We can create something that isn’t so tech-driven and eliminates the human connection.” 

Laiba has grown the team from two people to 25, helped raise over $6.1 million in funding and led multimillion-dollar projects with the Government of Canada. Her leadership has scaled the company as part of a social enterprise with Voilà Learning. 

“I’m kind of excited to see where AI agents are going to go,” says Laiba. “I think with AI, we’re going to lose human connection. It’s going to be interesting to see how we can promote human interactions using AI and not just see it as something that’s going to destroy but facilitate.” 

Today, Laiba is building on this passion as she is currently pursuing her graduate studies in clinical mental health counseling, deepening her commitment to creating digital and institutional systems that prioritize people first. 

Laiba Khaqan is a 2025 recipient of �첥��Ƶ’s Top 30 Alumni Under 30 which recognizes inspiring and diverse alumni 29 years old and younger who are driven to make a difference locally and globally.  &�Բ�����;

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Born in the U.S. and raised in Canada in a Spanish-speaking home with roots in Barcelona, Nuria Madrenas (BA ’16) is deeply inspired by culture, creativity, and community. It took just over two years for this arts enthusiast to fuse her passion and entrepreneurial desire to create positive change and bring Tacit – an online gallery and art consultancy dedicated exclusively to female artists – to life.

With a diverse background and the opportunity to experience life in different cities, Nuria chose to get her major in Psychology at York where she found a progressive environment, learning from esteemed professors and fellow students with similar worldly experiences. 

“York played a pivotal role in shaping my career by allowing me to cultivate a strong network of professionals and career-driven individuals," says Nuria. "It also opened my mind into new ways of thinking. Being able to meet so many people with different life experiences was both inspiring and educational.” 

Upon graduation, Nuria was hired as an account coordinator at a fashion PR agency in Toronto, where she worked for over a year before moving to the U.K. to pursue other opportunities. She later returned to Toronto to take on a role as marketing manager and consultant in the hospitality industry, which involved extensive business travel across Canada and New York. It was this role that planted the entrepreneurial seed that started Tacit. 

Born out of the gender disparity in the art world where work created by women accounts for just two per cent of the art sold, Tacit is an online curated collection of works available to collectors. Nuria's vision propelled Tacit to become a catalyst for change. Under her guidance Tacit has not only provided a platform for female artists to showcase their talent but has also garnered attention from renowned publishing platforms such as Vogue Living, the London Free Press, The Globe and Mail and Forbes. These features have further amplified the reach and impact of Tacit, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the industry. Tacit has also worked with a variety of residential and commercial clients to curate art for their spaces, including condominium buildings, hotels, restaurants, office buildings and beyond. 

“The most fulfilling thing about my job is being able to support women artists worldwide on their journey to monetizing their practice," she says. "The most challenging is maintaining momentum year after year and constantly staying 10 steps ahead."

In addition to her busy days, Nuria just started taking ukulele classes, spends time with her dog, family and friends, and enjoys savouring her fiancé's home cooked Korean meals. Her advice to current York students: “Work hard, don't be afraid to explore different paths than what you may think you have to adhere to, and have fun!” 

Learn more about Tacit and Nuria Madrenas at and on Instagram @tacitcollective. 

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Five outstanding Canadians and members of the �첥��Ƶ community have been appointed to the Order of Canada. The announcement was made on December 18 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 outstanding individuals whose contributions, achievements, and impact have brought meaningful change to communities across the country.  

Order of Canada appointees  

OFFICERS 

Sylvia Beth Bashevkin (PhD ’81), alumna  

Sylvia Bashevkin is a Canadian academic recognized for her research in gender and politics. As one of the first to study the obstacles faced by women, her work examines the consequences of women’s political participation. She’s also strived to increase opportunities for diverse people to engage in politics. 

MEMBERS 

Carol Ann Cowan-Levine (BA ’67), alumna  

Carol Ann Cowan-Levine is a social worker and registered psychotherapist who is recognized for her service to women and youth. Her volunteer work has shaped government, health care institutions and the non-profit sector in Ontario. She has also played a leadership role in the establishment of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.  

Donald A. Dippo, professor emeritus  

Donald Dippo is an educator, former professor in York’s Faculty of Education and co-founder of the Borderless Higher Education for Refugees program. As a dedicated advocate for education equity, Donald has increased the access to education for children in Toronto, eastern Africa, and South and Central America. 

Richard Rose (BFA ’78), alumnus  

Richard Rose is an artistic director and producer recognized for his theatrical productions in Canada. His legacy has helped shaped careers, and his leadership has inspired writers and directors around the world. In 2011, he received the Walter Carsen Prize for Excellence in the Performing Arts, which recognizes the highest level of artistic excellence and distinguished career achievement by Canadian artists. 

Ajay K. Virmani, former member of the Board of Governors 

Ajay Virmani is an entrepreneur and the founding president and chair of Cargojet Airways. He is recognized for his transformation of Cargojet Airways into the largest and most-awarded air cargo airline. In addition to his work in the e-commerce logistics and supply chain industry, he is an advocate for health care and social justice initiatives across Canada.  

For more information about the Order of Canada program and to view the full list of appointments, visit . 

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Six �첥��Ƶ community members are among the 83 new appointments to the Order of Canada announced on June 27 by the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.

The Order of Canada is one of the country's highest honours. It recognizes exceptional individuals whose extraordinary contributions, achievements and innovations have made a positive impact on communities throughout Canada. 

Order of Canada appointees 

OFFICERS

Vaira Vike-Freiberga (LLD ’08), honorary degree recipient

Vaira Vike-Freiberga was the sixth president of Latvia and the first woman to serve as president of the country. She was instrumental in Latria’s entry to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and European Union. She was also appointed Special Envoy on United Nations reform in 2005 and an official candidate for the post of UN Secretary General in 2006. She continues to advocate for human rights, protecting democracy and empowering female leaders around the world. 

MEMBERS

Bruce A. Lourie (MES ’87, PhD ’19), alumnus

Bruce A. Lourie is an entrepreneur, president of the Ivey Foundation and an influential leader in climate change and sustainability. Throughout his career, he has founded several organizations dedicated to climate change and environmental health. He also initiated the campaign to shutdown coal-fired power plants in Ontario, which was considered the largest climate action in North America. In 2015, Lourie received a �첥��Ƶ Alumni Award for Outstanding Achievement.

E. Michael Perley (BA ’70), alumnus

Michael Perley has dedicated the last 40 years to addressing environmental and health challenges. As director for the Ontario Campaign for Action on Tobacco, he advocated for legislation that would limit second-hand smoke and support the decrease of tobacco use. He was also a driving force behind significant legislative changes in Canada and the United States thanks to his leadership in coalitions on acid rain and air pollution.

The Reverend Michael Creal, professor emeritus 

The Reverend Michael Creal is an educator, activist, and faith leader. In 1965, he was appointed a professor of Humanities at �첥��Ƶ and has played a crucial role in the development of the University and its programs, including the Centre for Refugee Studies. He is also a founder and leader of the Sanctuary movement in Canada and has contributed to several journals and newspapers. His dedication to supporting historically marginalized people and refugees is evident through the various initiatives he has participated in throughout his career.

The Honourable Susan Elizabeth Lang (LLB ’74), alumna 

Susan Lang is the first woman to become president of the Canadian Superior Courts Judges Association and is the co-founder of an all-woman law firm. She has served as a judge in Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice from 1989 - 2004 and Court of Appeal from 2004 - 2013. As the leader of the Motherisk Hair Analysis Independent Review, she has influenced how scientific evidence is handled and inspired the Ontario Forensic Laboratories Act, the first legislation of its kind in Canada.

Wiliam James Gordon Kirby, former visiting professor

William James Gordon Kirby is the founder and executive director of the Centre for Contemporary Canadian Art. He is also recognized for developing the Canadian Art database and for his archival work, which has contributed to the recognition of contemporary Canadian art and artists. 

For more information about the Order of Canada program, visit .

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The �첥��Ƶ Magazine has won eight awards – a record number for the publication – as part of the 15th annual Canadian Online Publishing Awards (COPAs), the largest digital publishing award program in Canada. It’s only the latest success in its award-winning journey.

“This is a great recognition for what we strive to achieve in every issue of The �첥��Ƶ Magazine – quality storytelling combined with dynamic visuals that inspire and instil pride in members of the �첥��Ƶ community,” says the publication’s editor, Deirdre Kelly.

Going into the announcements of winners, the magazine had earned eight nominations in submitted categories. It won six of those nominations, including – for the fourth year in a row – the top prize, Best Digital Edition Publication, for .  

The magazine also won gold for Best Feel Good Story (“”) and Best Industry Feature (“”), as well as three silver awards for Best B2B Website, Best Investigative Feature (“”) and Best Company Feature (“”).

For the 2022 awards, the COPAs also introduced a Top 10 ranking that recognizes entries that received the highest scores from the judging panel. Last year, The �첥��Ƶ Magazine earned fourth place for its Best Digital Publication win. This year, not only did it earn the first-place spot for its win in that category, but the Best Feel Good Story winner, “Hope in a Bag,” received the ninth highest rating.

“We're thrilled that our winning content has also merited the No. 1 spot on the judges’ Top 10 list of all nominees from across the country, as it validates the work we do when spotlighting excellence at York,” says Kelly.

The magazine’s success at the COPAs adds to its recent award-winning momentum. Since Kelly became editor of the magazine in 2018, following overseen by James Nixon, senior graphic designer and art director, The �첥��Ƶ Magazine has won 22 COPAs.

In the past year alone, Kelly won a National Magazine Award for “Forward Focus,” of Kaleb Dahlgren, and the publication garnered five Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Awards.

Kelly credits the magazine’s success to the originality of its stories, as well as Nixon’s proprietary in-house design, which helps bring them to visual life.

The latest issue of The �첥��Ƶ Magazine .

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Seven members of the �첥��Ƶ community are among the recently-announced Order of Canada and Order of Ontario recipients. The announcements were made on Dec. 28 and Jan. 1, respectively, by the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada and the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario. 

The Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario recognize the exceptional achievements and contributions of individuals that have left a lasting legacy in the province and country. These individuals come from all walks of life and have played an important role in shaping our country.

Order of Canada appointees 

OFFICER

Wenona Giles, faculty/professor emerita 

Wenona Giles, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, was appointed for her significant contributions to refugee and migration studies and for her efforts to increase access to higher education among those living in refugee camps. 

MEMBERS

Patricia Sybil Pritchard Fraser, (BA ‘75, MA ’12), alumna

Patricia Sybil Pritchard Fraser, a retired artistic director of the School of Toronto Dance Theatre (now the Dance Arts Institute) was appointed for her lasting contributions to Canadian contemporary dance as an artist, dancer, educator and artistic director. 

Flavio Volpe (MBA ‘99), alumnus

Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association was appointed for advancing Canada’s automotive and technology industries on an international scale as a leading policy expert in national trade and industry competition. 

Sara Joy Angel, affiliated faculty 

Sara Joy Angel, a former journalist and now executive director and publisher at the Art Canada Institute, was appointed for her significant contributions to Canadian art history as a visual arts journalist and founder of the Art Canada Institute, which makes Canadian art history accessible online. 

Order of Ontario Appointees &�Բ�����;

The Honourable David Collenette (BA ‘69, MA ‘04), alumnus, faculty, donor  

The Honourable David Collenette is the current Chair of the NATO Association of Canada. He has served as a Member of Parliament and cabinet minister under three prime ministers. Among his many achievements, he helped bring former Warsaw Pact nations into NATO, changed federal policy toward racial equality and diversity and led Canada’s security response to 9/11. He has also contributed countless hours to numerous not-for-profit projects, including the arts and as chair of the NATO Association of Canada. Collenette has also served on several Glendon Campus committees and has been a �첥��Ƶ Alumni Award recipient. 

Michael Latner (BA ‘76), alumnus  

Michael Latner is the CEO of Shiplake Properties, one of the province’s most successful family-owned companies. He is recognized for his significant contributions to Ontario’s social and economic prosperity through business and philanthropy. As CEO, he has made transformational investments in local business, innovation and job creation.  

Dwayne Morgan (BA ‘97), alumnus 

Dwayne Morgan is a poet, spoken word artist, motivational speaker and founder of production company Up From The Roots which creates opportunities for other racialized artists. He lobbied the League of Canadian Poets to include performance poets, produced North America’s two largest spoken-word events and has performed globally. 

Gervan Fearon, former faculty, donor 

Gervan Fearon is currently president of George Brown College and previously served as the president and vice-chancellor at Brock University and Brandon University. He is a veteran educator who has a vision for equity, inclusion and community empowerment.  

For more information about the Order of Canada and Order of Ontario program, visit  and .

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Kathleen Taylor Installed as York's 14th Chancellor

In May, York alumna Kathleen Taylor was officially installed as the university’s first woman chancellor. 

A graduate of the JD/MBA program offered by Osgoode Hall Law School and the Schulich School of Business, she became the first woman to Chair the board of one of Canada’s big five banks and served as the first president and CEO of the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts chain. 

Kathleen’s first public act as chancellor started in June conferring degrees on thousands of new graduates at spring convocation. 

Learn more about our newest chancellor.

Convocation

This year’s convocation ceremonies were modified to embed some of the principles of Decolonization, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion within our events, and to ensure alignment with our institutional values. 

The modifications included:

• The order of ceremony
• The position of the mace
• Student performers
• Professional name readers
• Alumni speakers to welcome graduates

Jean Augustine Chair funding announcement

In November, community members joined the Honourable Jean Augustine to celebrate an announcement of funding from the federal government to support the endowed university Chair in her name. 

The $1.5 million federal contribution represents a major milestone for the endowed Chair – now fully funded with more than $3 million, thanks to the years of grassroots fundraising efforts led by Augustine. 

Learn more about the fundraising efforts led by Jean Augustine.

First Black and rainbow grad celebrations

In June, �첥��Ƶ’s Black Alumni Network (YUBAN) and Sexuality and Gender Advocacy Alumni Network (SAGA) held the inaugural Black and rainbow graduation celebrations. The celebrations provided an opportunity to network in a safe space and share words of encouragement and advice for future grads. 

Along with YUBAN and SAGA, these two inaugural events were supported by the Division of Advancement, the Division of Students and the Office of the VP Equity, People and Culture. 

Learn more about the Black and rainbow grad celebrations. 

Desjardins gift to Innovation York

A new gift from Desjardins to �첥��Ƶ’s Innovation York was announced in September. The gift will expand two critical accelerator programs that provide training and support in entrepreneurship and help promote innovation. The funding will continue both Desjardins and York’s commitment to fostering positive change for diverse local communities and uniquely global perspectives.

Following the announcement, Guy Cormier, President and CEO of Desjardins Group visited Keele campus to share his personal and professional journey with students, aspiring entrepreneurs and members of the �첥��Ƶ community.

Learn more about York's entrepreneurial programs.

Markham Campus Construction milestone and gift from alumnus Howard Sokolowski 

In February, �첥��Ƶ President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton, together with dignitaries, University leadership, local community members and philanthropists, marked an important phase in the building of its new Markham Campus with a topping-off ceremony. 

The event also celebrated a $5-million donation toward capital construction costs from Metropia and Howard Sokolowski, a York alumnus and the company’s founder and CEO. 

Top 30 Alumni Under 30 networking event

In May we held our Top 30 Alumni Under 30 networking event to celebrate York's inspiring group of changemakers. Top 30 Alumni Under 30 recipients from previous years joined the 2023 cohort for an evening of celebration, recognition, and networking.

Meet the Top 30 Alumni Under 30.

Alumni and Career Lounge opens in York Lanes

The Alumni and Career Lounge, a collaboration between Alumni Engagement, the �첥��Ƶ Career Centre and YSpace, opened this year. Students, alumni and friends had the opportunity to ask questions, access career services and learn more about alumni programs and benefits. 

Learn more about the Alumni and Career Lounge.

Public launch of Connecting YU platform

Connecting YU, our virtual mentoring and networking platform, officially launched to the public in June. Students and alumni of York can leverage our virtual network to establish meaningful relationships, find valuable mentoring opportunities and cultivate professional and personal relationships that will enhance their learning and development. &�Բ�����;

 

Record number of regional events and outreach

With a vast network of approximately 370,000 York alumni making significant contributions around the globe, the Division of Advancement hosted a series of socials and receptions engaging esteemed alumni across five continents, eight countries and 14 cities. 

View upcoming regional events.

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In November, community members joined Augustine at York’s Keele Campus to celebrate an announcement of funding from the federal government to support the endowed university Chair in her name.

The Hon. Kamal Khera, Canada’s Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities delivered the news, “Having access to equal opportunities and a brighter future should not depend on the color of your skin or your origins. Our government is committed to dismantling systemic barriers wherever they persist in our country,” she said. “Partnering with organizations like the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community, and Diaspora, we are creating pathways to education for Black youth and future Black scholars, thereby building a stronger, more prosperous Canada.”

The $1.5 million federal contribution represents a major milestone for the endowed Chair – now fully funded with more than $3 million, thanks in large part to many years of dedicated grassroots fundraising efforts led by Augustine, supported by her devoted network, and backed by matching funds provided by the University.

President Rhonda Lenton delivered heartfelt remarks on behalf of York, reflecting on the importance of the work the Chair will support, including scholarly research, programs, partnerships and new opportunities for Black communities in Toronto and beyond.

“We are grateful for the generous support of the Government of Canada which will build on Jean Augustine’s legacy and vision and enable the Chair to continue in perpetuity — fostering the success of current and future Black scholars and students, and addressing systemic barriers to advance access, equity and inclusivity in education,” Lenton said.

Augustine paid tribute to those who have supported her vision over the years, “Since 2008, we have been diligently raising funds to secure this vital community resource. The generous donation we received has allowed us to reach our goal, and our community is deeply grateful for this invaluable contribution,” she said.

The announcement follows a history of determined fundraising since the Chair was established. Efforts led by Jean Augustine herself, and community-inspired efforts like the  in 2021 ensured success in raising $1.08 million towards the endowment, which was then matched with a further $1.08 million by the University.

Prof. Carl James, who currently holds the Chair, and Faculty of Education Dean Robert Savage also spoke to those gathered, including Member of Parliament Arielle Kayabaga, and former Dean of the Faculty of Education Paul Axelrod, among many esteemed community members, partners and advocates.

James is the current Chair and a recently appointed distinguished research professor in the Faculty of Education. His work builds on Augustine’s vision. A renowned researcher and prolific writer, James is widely recognized for his research contributions and for leading efforts to enhance educational and social outcomes for Black youth across Canada. His groundbreaking research on streaming – the exercise of choosing between ‘applied’ or ‘academic’ courses, found to disproportionately affect Black students – ultimately led to the provincial government ending the practice in Ontario high schools.

The real-life impact of this work was evident at a free documentary film screening later in the day at the Price Family Cinema on York’s Keele Campus, where students from James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School and Monsignor Percy Johnson Catholic School cheered in a standing ovation after receiving news that the Chair had been fully funded.

The documentary Steadfast – The Messenger and the Message, follows Augustine’s journey “from Happy Hill to Parliament Hill,” and traces her beginnings as a teacher in Grenada and deep connection to her Caribbean roots. The film highlighted how her early experience informed her work and social activism in Canada – from establishing Black History Month in Canada in 1995, to the community-engaged work the Jean Augustine Chair advances today.

Initiatives like the Day at York program (providing Black students enrolled in grades 7-12 an opportunity to explore their post-secondary education options) or the Black Internship Program (Co-op) Credit (designed to increase Black leadership and education engagement through skills development and experiential learning) are only two examples of how Augustine’s legacy has shaped the University and neighbouring communities in positive ways.

In a post-screening conversation with bestselling author and fellow , Augustine reflected on both her age and her impressive list of accolades and accomplishments: “You can’t put 86 years into 57 minutes, but we tried.” More than 60 years since arriving in Canada, Augustine’s impressive legacy continues to grow – outpaced only by her passion for public service, community, and the power of education.

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