Tom Yun

Topic

Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy

STEM

U of T Community

Women

Christine Allen, a professor at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy and the University of Toronto’s associate vice-president and vice-provost, strategic initiatives, spoke to CBC’s Metro Morning on Tuesday – International Day of Women and Girls in Science – to talk about her book club aimed at supporting female students studying the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Allen told Metro Morning she started the Women in STEM Book Club, which focuses on books about leadership and empowerment, when she was interim dean of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy and was reading books about leadership.

“We’re reading books that are helping us grow as an individual. And it’s not just about the books that we’re reading. It’s about coming together and sharing our stories,” said Allen. “You just walk out feeling great.”

Listen to Christine Allen’s interview on CBC

Travel bans won’t help in the fight against coronavirus, U of T's Vivek Goel writes in CBC op-ed

tom.yun — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 19:02:14 +0000

Travel bans won’t help in the fight against coronavirus, U of T's Vivek Goel writes in CBC op-ed

tom.yun Mon, 02/10/2020 - 14:02

Cutline

(photo by Steve Parsons/PA Images via Getty Images)

Topic

Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Coronavirus

Global

Vivek Goel

In wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak (2019-nCoV), many countries are facing political pressure to implement travel bans. The United States, for example, announced entry restrictions that would bar non-U.S. citizens who had recently traveled to China, and at least 20 other countries have also imposed travel restrictions.

But Vivek Goel, the University of Toronto’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives and a professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, writes at CBC News that these measures “aren't supported by science or evidence-based public health best practices.”

“If travel restrictions had been necessary, the time to have used them would have been much more than two weeks ago, given the lifecycle of the virus,” writes Goel.

On top of that, travel bans can come at a huge economic cost. When the World Health Organization advised travellers to avoid Toronto in 2003 during the SARS outbreak, Goel writes, that the move did little to limit the spread of the virus but cost the tourism industry an estimated $1.1 billion.

Read the full op-ed at CBC

Celebrating Black History Month: Check out these February events

tom.yun — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 20:18:49 +0000

Celebrating Black History Month: Check out these February events

tom.yun Mon, 02/03/2020 - 15:18

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The 18th Annual Black History Month Luncheon, to be held Feb. 28 at Hart House, will feature food, musical performances and a special guest speaker (photo by U of T via Flickr)

Topic

Black History Month

Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education

Faculty of Law

Jackman Humanities Institute

John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture

Multi-Faith Centre

St. Michael's College

U of T Mississauga

U of T Scarborough

University College

Black History Month is upon us, and the U of T community is coming together to celebrate the legacy of Black Canadians. From poetry slams to informative talks, a wide range of events is taking place across all three campuses.

Here's a sample of what's planned for Black History Month as well as other campus events:

Feb. 1

The Gallery Grill at Hart House is one of 200 restaurants in Toronto participating in Winterlicious, which runs until Feb. 13. Enjoy a three-course prix fixe lunch for $28. Reservations can be made over the phone or online.

TEDxUTSC is taking place at U of T Scarborough and will feature a full day of stimulating talks from a diverse lineup of speakers. You’ll have the opportunity to hear from academics, activists, entrepreneurs, students and more.

Feb. 3

The U of T Mississauga Students' Union is kicking off its Black History Month celebrations. All month long, the students' union is holding events, from a discussion on mental health to a marketplace for Black-owned businesses.

Feb. 5

An Afrofuturism dance workshop is taking place at Hart House. Learn about the African and Caribbean diaspora’s rich history of dance and how it shapes pop culture today. Two more sessions will be held on Feb. 12 and 26.

A Black History Month poetry slam is planned at U of T Scarborough’s B-Wing. Poets can sign up to compete for prizes and there will be an open mic for those who just want to share their poetry and spoken word without competing.

Canadian poet Anne Carson will be delivering a lecture at One Spadina as a part of Jackman Humanities Institute’s Strange Weather series.

Wendy Hui Kyong Chun, Simon Fraser University's Canada 150 Research Chair in New Media, will be delivering a lecture at the Faculty of Law on the power of “big data” and algorithms.

Feb. 6

Hart House continues its series on hip hop education with Humanz of Hip Hop, a “human library” of hip hop knowledge and personal stories taking place at Rex’s Den at U of T Scarborough.

Experience the culmination of a third-year drama class’s final project: a one-act play explores a theme of their choosing at U of T Mississauga. The Devised Project runs from Feb. 6 to 9 at Deerfield Studio A.

Feb. 8

University College’s signature event, Fireball, returns to commemorate the 130^th anniversary of the great fire of 1890. Bring your best formal look for a night of dancing, food, drinks and dessert in the historic University College building.

Feb. 11

Theatre technicians from the George Ignatieff Theatre will be holding a theatre tech workshop. Learn the technical components that go into producing a show, from the lighting and sound programming to technical design.

What does it mean to be both visible and invisible at the same time? LaToya Brackett, a visiting assistant professor at the University of Puget Sound, will discuss her experience navigating academia as a Black woman. She’ll be joined by Janelle Joseph, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education.

Catch a screening of Sophia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette in the Coop at St. Michael’s College. The award-winning film looks into the life of the last queen of France in the years leading up to the French Revolution.

Feb. 12

Come to U of T Scarborough’s Winter Market, where local vendors will be gathering at the Meeting Place in the S-Wing to sell fresh food and artisanal crafts.

Feb. 13

The St. Michael’s College Troubadours is putting on a production of Guys and Dolls. See this classic Broadway musical at Hart House Theatre from Feb. 13 to 15. Tickets are $13 for students and $20 for adults.

As a part of the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design’s “Hindsight is 20/20” programming series, sound artist Christine Sun Kim will be delivering an audiovisual performance that explores her experiences as a Deaf person.

Feb. 17

The university will be closed on Family Day, which will be followed by Reading Week. Classes resume on Feb. 24.

Feb. 25

The Scarborough Campus Students’ Union is holding an art auction in support of the student refugee program at U of T Scarborough. Artwork reflecting the refugee experience will be showcased and available for sale.

As a part of Hart House’s Black Futures Series, this month’s $5 lunch will feature African-inspired flavours.

Feb. 26

Have questions for the school administration? U of T Mississauga’s Acting Vice-President and Principal Ian Orchard will be taking your questions and updating the U of T Mississauga community on campus news at a town hall meeting at the William G. Davis Building.

Feb. 27

The Faculty of Law’s annual Morris A. Gross Memorial Lecture will be delivered by Indigenous rights lawyer Jean Teillet, who is also the great-grandniece of Louis Riel.

Feb. 28

Catch Hart House Theatre’s production of Oh, What A Lovely War!, which runs from Feb. 28 to Mar. 7. There will also be a post-show talk with the actors and the artists after the Feb. 29 show. Tickets are $15 for students and $28 for adults.

A free Creole Caribbean vegan breakfast will be served at the Multi-Faith Centre. This is being done in partnership with the U of T Students’ Union, the Veg Club and Hart House.

More free food will be offered at Hart House's 18th Annual Black History Month Luncheon. The event will feature musical performances along with a special guest speaker.

A new year, a new semester: Check out these January events

tom.yun — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 21:38:56 +0000

A new year, a new semester: Check out these January events

tom.yun Mon, 01/06/2020 - 16:38

Cutline

(photo by Roberta Baker)

Topic

Climate Change

St. Michael's College

Happy New Year and welcome back! The new decade is being ushered in at the University of Toronto with fun and informative events, from doughnut-decorating workshops to panel discussions about climate change.

Here's a sample of what's happening on campus this month:

Jan. 6

The university officially re-opens for the winter 2020 session.

Jan. 11

Celebrate the Year of the Rat with the UTChinese Network. A charity classical music concert is taking place at the Isabel Bader Theatre. Tickets start at $30 for students and $45 for the general public. The event supports organizations such as UNICEF Canada, health-care crowdsourcing platform Watsi and Love Through Education International.

Jan 13.

The Blackwood Gallery at U of T Mississauga is welcoming its latest exhibit, Other Life-formings, which aims to capture the magic of living things and their capacities for everything from movement to empathy. The exhibit will feature sculptures, animations, video installations and more. Other Life-formings runs until March 7.

As part of their Frost Week festivities, the U of T Students' Union is holding an open house with free hot chocolate at their office.

Jan. 14

Famine, natural disasters and forced migrations are becoming more common as a result of climate change. What can be done about the climate emergency? Danny Harvey, a professor in geography and planning, will be moderating a panel including climate activists as well as Richard Sandbrook, a professor emeritus of political science.

Jan. 15

U of T Scarborough’s Winter Market returns for 2020. Local vendors will be gathering at the Meeting Place in the S-Wing selling fresh food and artisanal crafts.

Looking for a job after graduation? Current students and recent grads can come to the Get Hired job fair at U of T Mississauga’s Recreation, Athletics and Wellness Centre. Over 80 employers will be in attendance.

Is following your passion the path to success? Trinity College and St. Michael’s College are facing off at the annual alumni debate, which will tackle this question. Participants include Joy Fitzgibbon, who is the associate director of the Margaret MacMillan Trinity One program, and Randy Boyagoda, principal and vice-president of St. Michael’s College.

Jan 16.

The U of T Students' Union is hosting a doughnut decoration workshop at the Medical Sciences Building. Free gourmet doughnuts will be provided to decorate and eat.

Jan. 17

See the Broadway hit, Legally Blonde, live at U of T. Hart House Theatre’s production of the musical is running until Feb. 1. Tickets are $15 for students, or $12 for students on Wednesday evenings. There will also be post-show chats with the cast and crew on Jan. 8 and 23.

Jan. 22

Tina Malti, a professor of psychology, is being honoured with the Desmond Morton Research Excellence Award and will deliver the annual research excellence lecture at U of T Mississauga. Her research has looked into how to help children and adolescents be kinder and less aggressive. A reception will follow the lecture.

Jan. 28

Enjoy the unique flavours of South American wines – from Bolivian dry muscat to Brazilian bubbly – at a Hart House wine tasting. Tickets are $15 for students and $25 for everyone else.

Jan. 29

Start your morning right with a free breakfast at U of T Scarborough, courtesy of the Scarborough Campus Students’ Union. All of the meals will be vegetarian or vegan.

Join the U of T Scarborough Women’s and Trans Centre for an evening of performances, music and art. The location for the event will be announced on Facebook at a later date.

Learn the art of DJing at Hart House’s Skool of Beatz. This five-week workshop hosted by professional DJ Craig Brooklyn will help you hone your technique on the turntable as well as introduce you to the history of DJing.

Should the United Nations be abolished? That's the question on the agenda at Hart House’s annual CIC Foreign Affairs Debate. The Hart House Debates & Dialogue Committee will face off against Ryerson University’s debate team. A catered post-reception will follow.

Jan. 30

If you have a knack for music, poetry, comedy or anything else, show off your talents at the Hart House Music Committee open mic night. The show takes place at the Hart House Music Room.

'Tis the season to study, reflect and share a meal with family and friends: Check out these December events

tomyun — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 18:52:24 +0000

'Tis the season to study, reflect and share a meal with family and friends: Check out these December events

tomyun Mon, 12/02/2019 - 13:52

Cutline

The semester is almost done, but there's still plenty to do on campus this month (photo by Laura Pedersen)

Topic

Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Centre for Drama

Ontario Institute for Studies in Education

December is here, which means the holidays are right around the corner. Get into the festive spirit with an array of holiday-themed events taking place on all three campuses.

December also means it's exam season at the University of Toronto. Fortunately, there are plenty of events to help you de-stress and do your best.

Here are some events to check out this month:

Dec. 2

From Dec. 2 to 19, the U of T Students’ Union will be offering free snacks and stress-relief kits for your late-night study sessions. UTSU’s Got You service is taking place at various buildings across the downtown campus, starting with the Dentistry Building on Dec. 2.

Ahead of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, several memorial events are taking place at U of T Mississauga in honour of the 14 women who lost their lives three decades ago at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal. A smudging ceremony is taking place at the Student Centre board room followed by a vigil outside and hot drinks and desserts at the Communication Culture & Technology Building’s atrium.

Dec. 3

Get into the holiday spirit at Robarts Library Holiday Market. You’ll find a wide array of U of T merchandise perfect for stocking stuffers, as well as free holiday treats.

Renowned Canadian film director Director X, who has directed music videos for artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Drake and Rihanna, will be joining several hip-hop artists and activists for Humanz of Hip Hop, a “human library” of hip hop knowledge taking place at Hart House.

If you haven’t already, bring your TCard and get your flu shot on campus. Vaccinations will be available from at Robarts Library and St Michael’s College on Dec. 3 and 4, respectively.

Dec. 4

Victoria College’s student newspaper, the Strand, is celebrating the launch of its magazine at the Goldring Student Centre. The theme of the magazine is “Space” and there will be free snacks courtesy of Caffiends.

A holiday buffet featuring herb-roasted turkey and stuffed acorn squash is taking place at U of T Scarborough’s Miller Lash House. Tickets are $42 for seniors and students and $45 for everyone else.

Dec. 5

Exam Jam is taking place all day at U of T Mississauga. Instructors will be hosting review sessions alongside therapy dogs, crafts, board games and more.

U of T Student Life is hosting a winter social at the Sussex Clubhouse. Decorate gingerbread cookies, meet new people and learn about the various clubs housed at 21 Sussex.

Santa Claus is coming to town! The U of T Mississauga’s Communication Culture & Technology Building atrium will be turned into Santa’s workshop in support of the United Way. U of T Mississauga principal Ulrich Krull and dean of student affairs Mark Overton will both be dressed as Santa. There will also be a re-gift shop where you can donate or purchase new or lightly used gifts.

See the critically acclaimed animated film Spirited Away with the Students of English Literature and Film (SELF) as part of their fall film screenings at U of T Scarborough. Free pizza will be served. On Dec. 6, SELF will also be screening Crazy Rich Asians.

Dec. 6

The U of T community will come together for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women to mark the 30^th anniversary of the École Polytechnique massacre. The Office of Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre will be holding a memorial event at Hart House at noon. In addition, the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering will join 13 other engineering schools across Canada and shine a light into the sky in solidarity. This will be part of a at 5 p.m. ceremony taking place on Front Campus in front of Convocation Hall. Later in the evening, an outdoor vigil will be held at Philosopher’s Walk. There will be speakers, musicians and a ceremonial laying of the roses.

A memorial event will also take place at U of T Scarborough, where members of the campus community will have an opportunity to have conversation on gender-based issues.

Seek some stress relief along with academic review sessions at U of T Exam Jam at Sidney Smith Hall. There will be snacks, massages, button making, a therapy dog and a photo booth.

Dec. 7

Celebrate Christmas in the Valley. Over 30 artisan vendors will be selling handmade crafts and transforming U of T Scarborough’s Miller Lash House into a holiday market.

Dec. 8

Students from the Centre for Drama, Theatre & Performance Studies will be performing Eurydice at the Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse. This modern re-imagining of the ancient myth of Orpheus will be told from the perspective of Orpheus’s wife, Eurydice. Tickets are free and the show runs from Dec. 6 to 8.

Dec. 11

Hit the ice at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education’s Winter Wonderland and Community Skate at Varsity Stadium. Free helmet and skate rentals are available, although supplies are limited. There will also be off-ice activities, dancing and treats. Registration is required.

Dec. 12

If you need a break from studying for your exams, check out the Beck Festival at U of T Mississauga’s Theatre Erindale. The festival will feature a variety of one-act plays curated and produced by students. The show runs from Dec. 12 to 14 at the MiST Theatre.

Join U of T Mississauga’s Centre for Student Engagement for Giizhiitaa, an Indigenous Spirit Journey Celebration. The event is taking place at Maanjiwe Nendamowinan and will feature smudging, drumming, a multimedia showcase and a light lunch.

Dec. 16

Kick off the festive season with a feast at Hart House's Gallery Grill, which runs until Dec. 20. Choose from a menu including Arctic char, crispy kabocha squash rice cakes, cassoulet and more. Just remember to save room for dessert. You don't want to miss out on the warm chocolate olive oil cake with brandy butter ice cream. Reserve a spot soon before the dates sell out.

Dec. 23

The university is closed for the winter break through Jan. 3. Happy holidays!

Celebrating Hart House's 100th birthday: A photo gallery

davidlee1 — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 05:00:00 +0000

Celebrating Hart House's 100th birthday: A photo gallery

davidlee1 Mon, 11/11/2019 - 00:00

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A view of Hart House in April of 1925 (photo courtesy of University of Toronto Archives)

Topic

Hart House celebrates its 100^th birthday today, but the building has served as a focal point at the University of Toronto – and, indeed, the city – for more than a century.

It got its start before the First World War when Vincent Massey, a University College alumnus who would become U of T's chancellor and governor general, convinced his family to fund a building that would serve as a place for recreation and co-curricular activities. The Hart in Hart House comes from Massey's grandfather, Hart Massey.

Construction began in 1911, with Hart House officially opening its doors on Nov. 11, 1919. But before that official opening, during the First World War, the building was used as a training and rehabilitation facility for soldiers.

There have been controversies over the century – women weren't given full access to Hart House until 1972 – but Hart House is now an inclusive space and continues to this day to be a focal point for recreation, wellness, music, visual arts, theatre, literary arts, dialogue and more.

"Today, as we embark on our 100^th anniversary, Hart House is fully committed to ensuring that every student of this university – regardless of identity, background or ability – feels welcome at Hart House and sees themselves, their stories and their priorities reflected in what we do,” says John Monahan, the current warden of Hart House.

“If we do that, I am excited by the potential for the 100^th anniversary year to create unforgettable new memories for everyone who has ever engaged with the magic that is Hart House, as well as for those many who will be encountering Hart House for the first time.”

Read about Hart House's first century and its celebration events

This undated photo shows the land on which Hart House was built. Hart House was constructed on top of the buried Taddle Creek, which had been an important gathering place for Indigenous groups, including the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (photo courtesy of Hart House)

Under construction: This photo was taken after 1911. Massive foundations were needed to support the building, which pushed construction costs at the time from $500,000 to $2 million (photo courtesy of University of Toronto Archives)

Vincent Massey, his wife, Alice, and their two children pose in front of the Hart House cornerstone. The years 1911-1919 are inscribed on the cornerstone to mark the eight years of construction (photo courtesy of Hart House)

Before construction was finished, Hart House was used to help Canadian soldiers train during the First World War. Veterans used the building as a rehabilitation facility and are seen here playing badminton in the gymnasium in this photo taken between 1917 and 1919. Hart House officially opened its doors on Nov. 11, 1919, exactly one year after the war ended (photo courtesy of U of T Archives)

Hart House and Soldiers’ Tower in the 1920s: Although Hart House was opened in 1919, Soldiers’ Tower was not completed until 1924 (photo courtesy of Hart House)

Alumni gather in Hart House’s Great Hall for a convocation banquet in 1938 (photo courtesy of U of T Archives)

Attendees dress up for the Hart House Masquerade Ball in 1939, organized by the Sketch Club. The Sketch Club, which would later become the Hart House Art Committee, used the ticket sales from the ball to fund their art acquisitions, some of which are still part of the collection today (photo courtesy of Hart House)

By 1939, the world was at war again. Hart House became a place of refuge for hundreds of British children who came to Canada to escape the war. Children learned to sketch and paint at the art gallery while the gym was turned into a games area and the Debates Room was turned into a children’s library. In this photo from 1943, students in military uniforms lounge in the Hart House Library (photo courtesy of U of T Archives)

Under the conditions of Vincent Massey’s donation, Hart House was initially restricted to men. In 1954, permanent female washrooms were installed and women were allowed access to the Arbor Room, but only after 3:30 p.m. It wasn’t until 1972, five years after Massey’s death, that women received full access to Hart House. It took another 25 years for Hart House to see its first female warden, Margaret Hancock. In this photo, taken in the 1950s, women protest their exclusion (photo courtesy of Hart House)

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip stand outside of Hart House in 1951 during their month-long royal visit to Canada (photo courtesy of U of T Archives)

Over the past century, Hart House has been a forum for debate and dialogue, and has played host to prime ministers, world leaders, premiers, cabinet officials, diplomats and more. Perhaps the most famous debate took place in 1957 between a young Stephen Lewis and then-senator John F. Kennedy, who is sitting third from the left in the first row in front of the table. This debate also attracted protesters demanding that women be allowed to become full members of Hart House (photo courtesy of Hart House)

Long-distance runner Bruce Kidd (right) trains at the indoor running track alongside other student athletes in 1963. Kidd would compete in the 1964 Summer Olympics and later become the 11^th warden of Hart House. He also served as vice-president and principal of U of T Scarborough (photo courtesy of U of T Archives)

Alumni and graduating students gather at the Hart House quadrangle to listen to the legendary Northrop Frye as part of Hart House’s 50^th anniversary celebrations. Frye was named University Professor in 1967, U of T's first (photo courtesy of Hart House)

Varsity Blues athletes perform warm-up exercises on Back Campus before a football game in 1974. Hart House and Soldiers’ Tower stand in the background (photo courtesy of U of T Archives)

Acclaimed author and U of T alumna Margaret Atwood at the International Festival of Poetry in 1975, which was hosted at Hart House. Atwood graduated from U of T's Victoria College in 1961, later returning to serve as writer in residence. She has donated her papers to U of T Libraries, including the first handwritten draft of The Handmaid's Tale (photo courtesy of Hart House)

Convocation, Remembrance Day and Hart House’s centennial celebrations: Check out these November events

noreen.rasbach — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 04:00:00 +0000

Convocation, Remembrance Day and Hart House’s centennial celebrations: Check out these November events

noreen.rasbach Fri, 11/01/2019 - 00:00

Cutline

(photo by Lisa Lightbourn)

Topic

Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy

Convocation 2019

John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture

Innis

Innis College

OISE

Remembrance Day

Rotman School of Management

Sexual & Gender Diversity Office

Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

The temperatures may be dropping, but the number of events at the University of Toronto’s three campuses remains high as we enter the final stretch of 2019.

Here’s some of what's taking place this month:

Nov. 1

Celebrate Diwali on campus with U of T’s Hindu Student Council. A pooja (prayer ritual) followed by a casual social will be held at the Multi-Faith Centre to mark the Hindu festival of lights.

Kick off November with U of T Scarborough’s drama society at their fall open mic night. Talented students and faculty will be acting, singing, dancing, performing comedy and more. There will be snacks and refreshments.

Come to the U of T Scarborough Library Makerspace for a zine workshop with the Scarborough Studies Collective and explore the stories of Scarborough though a creative lens. Workshops will take place on Nov. 1 and 8.

Nov. 4

Convocation ceremonies are taking place this week at Convocation Hall. Visit our Convocation 2019 hub for more information and stories.

The Fields Institute is organizing its 2019 Fields Medal Symposium at the Isabel Bader Theatre. Brazilian mathematician and 2014 Fields medallist Artur Avila will deliver the public lecture. Admission is free and open to the public.

U of T Scarborough’s artist talk series continues at the Doris McCarthy Gallery. Filipino-Canadian artist Patrick Cruz will be speaking about his work, which tackles issues of decolonization and globalization.

Nov. 6

The U of T Scarborough cricket club is hosting an India vs. Pakistan match at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre. The game will also be livestreamed.

Nov. 7

Visitors explore the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

The Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library is opening its doors for its biannual open house. The library is the largest publicly accessible collection of rare books in Canada, with materials from as far back as the 16^th century.

See the opening of New Circadia, an installation at a new, 7,500-square-foot gallery in the lower level of the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design. The exhibition runs until April 20.

U of T’s Sexual & Gender Diversity Office is marking its 20^th anniversary at Hart House. The event will feature a panel discussion on LGBTQ+ communities, moderated by Lance McCready, associate professor of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, followed by a reception.

The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival is taking place from Nov. 7 to 15, showcasing films by filmmakers from Asia and the Asian diaspora around the world. Films will be screened at various locations throughout the city, including U of T's Isabel Bader Theatre and Innis Town Hall.

Former Liberal Party leader and writer Michael Ignatieff, the rector and president of Central European University in Budapest, will be speaking at the Munk School of Global Afffairs & Public Policy about populism and liberal democratic institutions. The event, which is sold out, will be livestreamed.

Nov. 8

The ancient Greek tragedy, The Oresteia, is being performed by Theatre Erindale at U of T Mississauga on Nov. 8 to 10 and 15 to 17. Tickets are $5 at the door.

Nov. 11

An orchestra plays during a Remembrance Day ceremony at U of T Scarborough (photo by Ken Jones)

It’s Remembrance Day and the U of T community will pause to reflect on the sacrifices that Canada’s veterans have made.

A service of remembrance will be held at Soldiers’ Tower on the St. George campus, followed by a reception at Hart House.
At U of T Mississauga, a ceremony will be held inside the Innovation Complex.
There will also be a ceremony at the Meeting Place at U of T Scarborough that will feature the U of T Scarborough concert band, concert choir and string orchestra.

Nov. 12

As part of Hart House’s 100^th anniversary, artist team Rebecca Belmore and Osvaldo Yero will be unveiling their public sculpture entitled waabidiziiyan doopwining at the Hart House Great Hall. The name means to see oneself at the table and the sculpture seeks to honour the past from an Indigenous perspective and to imagine the future. The work will be unveiled at the 100^th anniversary gala on Nov. 12 and the artists will host a discussion about their work on Nov. 13.

Nov. 13

Wendy Schmidt, the president of the Schmidt Family Foundation and the co-founder of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, will be delivering a keynote on issues relating to the ocean health as well as how scientific breakthroughs are helping restore our marine resources. Registration is free and the talk is taking place at the Health Sciences Building.

Explore the history of rap at Hip Hip 101 Café. Salman Rana, also known as YLook, will be leading a conversation on the role of faith in hip hop. The talk is taking place at U of T Mississauga’s Maanjiwe Nendamowinan Building and is presented by Hart House and the Centre for Student Engagement and Inter-Faith.

Nov. 14

Acclaimed poet, author and documentarian Dionne Brand will be delivering the 2019 Harold Innis Lecture at Innis College. Her talk, “To look again: Fragments, history, fiction,” will be followed by a discussion moderated by Marieme Lo, U of T associate professor and African studies program director.

Nov. 15

Catch the opening night of Hart House Theatre’s production of Portia’s Julius Caesar, which offers a feminist perspective of the classic Shakespearian tragedy. The play runs from Nov. 15 to 30. Tickets are $28 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for students.

Nov. 17

Hart House is pulling out all the stops for its centennial year. A concert series is being held throughout the school year to celebrate its 100^th anniversary. The Hart House Singers will be performing on Nov. 17, followed by the Hart House Chorus on Nov. 24 and the Hart House Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo on Nov. 25.

Nov. 18

As part of the Faculty of Arts & Science’s 2019 Wiegand Memorial Foundation Lecture, Cornell University professor and U of T alumnus Andrew Hicks will take you on a journey through the sounds of the cosmos, from the “hushed woosh of gravitational waves” to the big bang. The free lecture is taking place at 6 p.m. at the Campbell Conference Facility.

Nov. 19

With populism on the rise, Stephen Lewis will be delivering a keynote at Hart House to talk about global engagement in the age of Trump. Lewis has been a UN diplomat and the leader of the Ontario NDP. He’ll also be joined by CBC Radio’s Shelagh Rogers and journalist and activist Michele Landsberg. Admission is $10 and free for students with a TCard.

Nov. 20

Woodworth College is holding the annual Saul Goldstein Memorial Lecture. Anna Shternshis, a professor and director at U of T’s Tanenbaum Centre for Jewish Studies, will discuss how the Holocaust was documented through music.

Winter Market returns to U of T Scarborough. Local vendors will gather at the Meeting Place in front of the Science Wing and will be selling fresh produce and artisanal crafts.

Nov. 21

This Is War is a play that follows four Canadian soldiers who struggle to deal with the psychological toll from their service in Afghanistan. The play opens at U of T Mississauga’s Theatre Erindale on Nov. 21 and runs until the 24^th and again from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1.

Nov. 22

(photo by Drew Lesiuczok)

A ceremony will be held for the official opening of U of T Mississauga’s newest building, Maanjiwe Nendamowinan, which houses many humanities and social science departments. The building bears an Anishinaabemowin name that means “gathering of minds.”

Nov. 27

What’s fair in the age of #MeToo? Globe and Mail investigative journalist Robyn Doolittle will be at the Rotman School of Management talking about her new book, Had it Coming, which looks into the culture shifts that have come as a result of #MeToo.

Nov. 28

Is the future of meat plant-based? U of T’s Lisa Kramer will be delivering a talk om Brampton on the marketplace for meat alternatives as well as the groundbreaking technology being used to develop these products.

From foreign development to climate activism: Meet U of T’s 2019 Loran Scholars

Christopher.Sorensen — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 04:00:00 +0000

From foreign development to climate activism: Meet U of T’s 2019 Loran Scholars

Christopher.Sorensen Fri, 10/25/2019 - 00:00

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From left to right: Chan-min Roh, Abnash Bassi and Shiqi Xu (all photos by Johnny Guatto)

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Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Hart House Farm

Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy

Munk One

Undergraduate Students

Victoria College

Chan-min Roh, Shiqi Xu and Abnash Bassi are three students who have shown leadership in high school and made a difference in their communities.

Now, the University of Toronto has welcomed them as Loran Scholars.

The three students were among just 35 students selected by the Loran Scholars Foundation from over 5,000 applicants for the prestigious scholarship program in 2019.

Offered to high school students in their graduating year with a minimum cumulative average of 85 per cent who demonstrate “character, service and the promise of leadership,” the Loran Scholarship is valued at $100,000 and includes matching tuition waivers, an annual stipend of $10,000 and funding for summer internships.

Now, almost two months into their first year at U of T, here’s a look at the journeys taken by Roh, Xu and Bassi to become student leaders:

Chan-min Roh, Regina

Roh, a Victoria College student, has a keen interest in politics and diplomacy. He was on the leadership team of the Saskatchewan Youth Parliament. As captain of his debate team, he participated in debate conferences as far away as Finland and China and says debate and public speaking “has been a big part of my life.”

He also travelled to Tijuana, Mexico with his church to build houses for local families and was the captain of his soccer team.

Roh, who is currently in the Munk One program, says the small class options for first-years drew him to U of T.

“The Munk One allowed me to experience not only the big school environment of U of T, but also the small classroom setting,” he said.

Roh is considering majoring in political science or contemporary Asian studies and hopes to one day work in the field of public policy or diplomacy.

Continuing his passion for debating, Roh has joined Hart House Debating Club. He is also involved with U of T’s chapter of the HanVoice Support Association, an advocacy group for North Korean human rights, and a taekwondo club.

Shiqi Xu, North Vancouver, B.C.

Xu was student council president in high school and played piano for her school choir. Her passions also lie in animal rights and environmental issues.

She started a club that worked with the food service provider in her school’s cafeteria to develop and promote “Meatless Monday” specials and increase the number of plant-based food options.

“Eventually, that spread to a school district-wide level as well,” said Xu. “We connected with kids at other schools, where the same food service provider – Amaga Food – was incredibly supportive of the initiative and began serving specials at all the schools.

“We saw the sales increase as kids began to make more conscious food choices, whether it was for health, environmental, ethical or personal reasons.”

Xu’s activism was also trained on animal dissections. After she found out some students had a difficult time opting out of the animal dissection assignment in biology classes, Xu got over 250 of her peers to sign a petition calling for an opt-out policy on dissections and brought the demand forward to her school board, which resulted in her school district implementing a student-choice policy.

At U of T, Xu is in the engineering science program and has already gotten involved in the U of T Aerospace Team and the Chestnut Residence Council social commission.

Abnash Bassi, Delta, B.C.

Passionate about renewable energy and environmental issues, Bassi was drawn to U of T by the sense of community and the multidisciplinary nature of the engineering science program.

“I found it particularly interesting that, even in such a large community where there’s three different campuses and each campus is pretty large, there’s an ability to foster a sense of community across so many students,” Bassi said.

As a high school student, Bassi was a climate action fellow with Be the Change Earth Alliance, a Vancouver-based charitable organization, and was co-president of her high school’s sustainability club.

She led environmental workshops for neighbouring elementary schools and helped spearhead sustainability campaigns with other high schools.

“For me, growing up, my family always placed an emphasis on the interactions that I have with my surrounding environment,” she said.

Bassi was also a member of Delta, B.C. Member of Parliament Carla Qualtrough’s constituency youth council, participated in robotics competitions and coached basketball for elementary school students.

In her first year at U of T, Bassi has gotten involved with Engineers Without Borders, the U of T Aerospace Team and marched with fellow U of T students during the climate strike in September.

For aspiring U of T physicist, meeting with Nobel Prize winners a rare chance to learn from world's brightest

noreen.rasbach — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 21:06:16 +0000

For aspiring U of T physicist, meeting with Nobel Prize winners a rare chance to learn from world's brightest

noreen.rasbach Wed, 10/09/2019 - 17:06

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Patrick Pallagi, a second-year student studying physics, recently travelled to Germany for the annual Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, where about 40 Nobel Prize winners gathered to meet the next generation of scientists (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

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