Earlier this month, the 快播视频 Black Alumni Network (YUBAN) and 快播视频 Sexuality and Gender Advocacy (SAGA) Alumni Network held the third annual Black and Rainbow graduation celebrations. Graduates, alumni, faculty, staff, friends and allies gathered at Keele campus to celebrate and honour the achievements of the Class of 2025.  

The graduating class of Black-identifying and 2SLGBTQIA+ identifying members were celebrated in a supportive and inclusive environment while providing the graduates with the opportunity to network with alumni. 

Hosted by Zoey Wyeld (BFA 鈥�16), Chair, Sexuality and Gender Advocacy Alumni Network, the Rainbow Grad Celebration included inspirational words by graduating student Freddie Wraight (BFA 鈥�25) and moments of nostalgia and reflection for alumni.  

鈥淚t was a very reflective and poignant moment for me to have come back to York tonight as an alumni,鈥� says Wasifa Noshin (BFA 鈥�22). 鈥淚t鈥檚 a privilege to get to sit amongst many fellow alumni and celebrate the graduates from 2025.鈥�  

Graduates from the class of 2025 were also acknowledged in a celebration ceremony to commemorate their hard work and dedication and highlight their success.  

鈥淭he Black and Rainbow Grad Celebrations remind us of the power of community when we honour and recognize not only achievements, but identity and resilience in a space where Black and 2SLGBTQIA+ graduates are seen, celebrated and supported,鈥� says Heather Auden, Director, Alumni Engagement. 

The Black Grad Celebration was hosted by Fikayo Aderoju (BA 鈥�22), Chair, 快播视频 Black Alumni Network, a few days later and included powerful words by Professor Uzo Anucha (BSW, MSW 鈥�98), Assistant Vice President of Faculty Affairs at York, followed by an inspiring performance by Kayla Jones (BA 鈥�25), a fourth-year interdisciplinary Social Science student and 快播视频 student ambassador. 

鈥淭he third annual YUBAN Black Grad Celebration was truly a success. The energy in the room was electric, the stories were powerful, and the atmosphere was one of genuine celebration and pride,鈥� says Fikayo. 鈥淭he celebration was not just an event; it was a reflection of what is possible when community, commitment and culture align.鈥� 

The graduates also connected with the leaders of YUBAN, who welcomed them to the alumni community and shared words of encouragement. 

鈥淕etting feedback from the graduates on how happy they were to cross the stage made me happy that YUBAN is fulfilling its mandate to support graduating students from their last days at York to becoming successful alumni,鈥� says Aisha Imran (BPA 鈥�22), Career and Mentorship Coordinator, YUBAN. 鈥淭he success of the third annual Black Grad Celebration is a testament to the resilience and strength we get from working together and lifting one another up.鈥� 

If you are interested in learning more about YUBAN, SAGA or our other alumni networks, please reach out to Yasmine Mensah (BA 鈥�20), Alumni Engagement Officer at mensahy@yorku.ca.   

The post 快播视频 community honours Black and 2SLGBTQIA+ graduates聽聽 appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

On June 28 and 29, 快播视频's Black Alumni Network (YUBAN) and Sexuality and Gender Advocacy Alumni Network (SAGA) held the inaugural Black and Rainbow graduation celebrations. Many alumni, family and friends came to campus to celebrate the resilience and achievements of the Black and 2SLGBTQIA+ graduates of the class of 2023.   

Hosted by Fikayo Aderoju (BA 鈥�22) and Reni Odetoyinbo (BBA 鈥�18), the Black Grad Celebration was marked by inspirational words from Professor Carl James (BA 鈥�78, MA 鈥�80, PhD 鈥�86), Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora, and a rousing performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing by York student Ayokunmi Oladesu, a member of Vanier College Productions. 

鈥淔or many Black university students, Black graduation ceremonies are opportunities not only to reflect on their journey through university, but also to celebrate the fact that despite the odds, challenges, doubts, and setbacks, they want to celebrate how they managed to obtain their post-secondary credentials that once seemed elusive and unobtainable,鈥� said Dr. James. 

New graduate Kobe Cargill (BA 鈥�23) also took to the stage, sharing his experience as a Black international student, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the achievements of Black graduates.

鈥淚 am the first in my family and in my high school to leave Jamaica and get a university degree. I am doing this first and foremost for my family and friends back home,鈥� he shared. 鈥淵ork is a large university with an extensive alumni network, and as Black alumni, we are laying a foundation for those to follow.鈥� 

An evening of celebration and recognition was held the following day for the 2SLGBTQIA+ class of 2023. On behalf of SAGA, Sara Elhawash (BA 鈥�15) hosted the event, welcoming recent grads and alumni, while acknowledging their accomplishments and challenges in getting where they are today. The event featured food, music and remarks delivered by Alice Pitt, Interim Vice-President Equity, People and Culture, and alumnus/current PhD student Gin Marshall (MES 鈥�20) of , York鈥檚 committee responsible for advising and advocating around issues and concerns of sexual and gender diversity.  

鈥淚 was truly honored to witness the power of unity and authenticity within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Having graduated in 2015 without a supportive network, it was heartwarming to celebrate alongside my fellow graduates who finally had the opportunity to embrace their true selves,鈥� said Elhawash. 

The evening provided an opportunity to network in a safe space and share words of encouragement and advice for future grads. Marshall spoke about his experiences as a queer-identifying university student and his challenges in the workforce. 鈥淲e know the pendulum is swinging back towards more discrimination, and there is lots of work to be done. Recognize yourself, frame your degree and make sure it represents who you are. It is essential for you to recognize this accomplishment,鈥� he said. 

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, and had participation from faculty and staff across the university.  

Click here to learn more about York鈥檚 many alumni networks. If you are interested in joining either YUBAN or SAGA, please reach out to Evan Goldenthal, Alumni Engagement Officer at mensahy@yorku.ca.听听

The post 快播视频 celebrates Black and 2SLGBTQIA+ graduates appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

We can't wait to welcome our alumni and 2022 graduands back to campus this month for the first in-person Convocation ceremonies since 2019! If you're planning on taking a stroll down memory lane before or after your Convocation ceremony on York's Glendon campus, here are a few outdoor locations that would make great photo backdrops. Or check out our list of photo locations on the Keele campus!

Outside Glendon Hall

Affectionately known as The Manor, this is a Glendon classic. Built as a home for the Wood family in 1924, these ivy-covered walls hold nearly 100 years of history.  As the first building of 快播视频, who wouldn't choose this iconic backdrop?

In the Bruce Bryden Rose Garden

With colourful flowers and a beautiful fountain, the Rose Garden is a perfect oasis of Mrs. Wood鈥檚 own creation. There are so many photo opportunities in this garden, we've included it on this list twice!

In the Bruce Bryden Rose Garden gazebos

Want a photo with a close group of friends? Head over to the gazebos in the Rose Garden for the perfectly framed shot!

With the Whole Person sculpture

Are you an art lover? Designed in the 1960鈥檚, the Whole Person sculpture in the East Quad might make the perfect backdrop for your grad photos.

In the beautiful green space across campus

A green oasis, there's no shortage of beautiful outdoor spaces on York's Glendon campus! Set up your shot in the West Quad or along some of Glendon鈥檚 tree-lined footpaths.

In the Centre of Excellence

The newest building on campus makes the perfect photo location thanks to crisp white walls and tons of natural light.

With the Glendon Crest and YU letters

Don鈥檛 miss your chance to strike a pose with GL鈥檚 classic crest and the YU letters outside the Centre of Excellence!

Last but not least, the building you spent the most time in

Whether it鈥檚 a lecture hall, Hilliard or Wood Residence, the Frost Library, or the Glendon Athletic Club, snap a photo here to save it for the memories.

What would you add to the list? Let us know! Email us at alumni@yorku.ca with your ideas.

Les meilleurs endroits pour prendre vos photos de graduation sur le campus Glendon de York.

Nous avons h芒te d鈥檃ccueillir nos dipl么m茅s et finissants de 2022 de nouveau au campus ce mois-ci pour les premi猫res c茅r茅monies de remise des dipl么mes depuis 2019! Si vous avez l'intention de faire une promenade dans le pass茅 avant ou apr猫s votre c茅r茅monie de remise des dipl么mes sur le campus Glendon de York, voici quelques endroits en plein air qui pourraient servir de toile de fond pour vos photos.

Devant le Manoir Glendon

Commun茅ment connu sous le nom du Manoir, cet endroit est un classique de Glendon. Construit par la famille Wood en 1924, ces murs couverts de lierre renferment pr猫s de 100 ans d'histoire.  En tant que premier b芒timent de l'Universit茅 York, qui ne choisirait pas cette toile de fond embl茅matique?

Dans la roseraie Bruce Bryden

Avec ses fleurs color茅es et sa magnifique fontaine, la roseraie est une oasis parfaite cr茅茅e par Mme Wood elle-m锚me. Il y a tellement de possibilit茅s de photos dans ce jardin que nous l'avons inclus deux fois dans cette liste!

Dans les abris de la roseraie Bruce Bryden.

Vous voulez prendre une photo avec un groupe d'amis proches? Dirigez-vous vers les abris de jardin de la roseraie pour prendre une photo parfaitement cadr茅e!

Devant la sculpture Whole Person

Vous 锚tes un amateur d'art? Con莽ue dans les ann茅es soixante, la sculpture Whole Person, situ茅e dans le Quad Est, pourrait constituer le d茅cor id茅al pour vos photos de fin d'茅tudes.

Dans les magnifiques espaces verts du campus

Une oasis de verdure, ce ne sont pas les beaux espaces ext茅rieurs qui manquent sur le campus Glendon de York! Prenez vos photos dans le Quad Ouest ou le long des sentiers bord茅s d'arbres de Glendon.

Dans le Centre d'Excellence

Le b芒timent le plus r茅cent du campus est l'endroit id茅al pour prendre des photos gr芒ce 脿 ses murs blancs et 脿 son 茅clairage naturel.

Avec l'茅cusson de Glendon et les lettres YU

Ne manquez pas l'occasion de prendre la pose avec l'茅cusson classique de Glendon et les lettres YU 脿 l'ext茅rieur du Centre d'Excellence!

Enfin, le b芒timent dans lequel vous avez pass茅 le plus de temps.

Qu'il s'agisse d'un amphith茅芒tre, des r茅sidences Hilliard ou Wood, de la biblioth猫que Frost ou du Club athl茅tique Glendon, prenez-y une photo pour la garder en m茅moire.

The post Best spots for grad photos on York's Glendon campus appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.

Outside of Sobeys Stadium with the convocation banners

A classic. Don鈥檛 miss this chance to snap a few photos with friends and family in your full convocation regalia in front of some of the 快播视频 convocation flags and banners!

Stong Pond

Is nature more your vibe? Swing on over to Stong Pond and pose with the willow tree. If you鈥檙e lucky you may even be able to spot some of our resident geese in the background! The pond, located right behind Stong College, is only a short walk from Sobeys Stadium and is one of the most relaxing places on campus.

Or check out the garden tucked in beside the Health, Nursing & Environmental Studies building off of Library Ln.

Bergeron Centre For Engineering Excellence

Looking for a flashier background? The Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence makes for a stunning backdrop with its incredible architectural design and floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

Second Student Centre and Roy McMurtry Green

Head over to Second Student Centre and Roy McMurtry Green for another flashy backdrop. With a really dedicated photographer, you might even be able to fit in the 快播视频 sign down by Pond Rd. This is also the perfect place to pop across the street to grab a snack or a drink at the Quad.

Campus Walk

Are cobblestones and ivy-covered buildings your vibe? Head over to Campus Walk and snap some shots with the leafy backdrop between the greenhouse and Stedman Lecture Halls, on the east side of Ross building or the foliage between Lassonde and Farquharson Life Sciences buildings.

You can find ivy on walls across campus including on Ignat Kaneff building (Osgoode Hall Law School) and on the south side of Scott Religious Centre.

Vari Hall and Harry Arthur Commons

The photo possibilities are endless! Snap some photos in front of the iconic Vari Hall building, on the steps by the Commons, by the willow trees, near the arches or on the grass!

The Gates

Want a photo with a 快播视频 sign? You can find them at all of the entrances to Keele campus including the intersections at: Keele St. and York Blvd., Keele St. and Pond Rd., Keele St. and Chimney Stack Rd., Steeles Ave. and Founders Rd., Steeles Ave. and Northwest Gate, Shoreham Drive and Murray Ross Pkwy., and where Sentinel Rd. meets Assiniboine Rd.

The art installations across campus

Are you an art lover? One of the many outdoor art installations across campus would be the perfect backdrop for your grad photos. .

Last but not least, the building you spent the most time in

Whether it鈥檚 a faculty building, a residence, a library, the Athletics Centre or York Lanes, snap a photo here to save it for the memories.

What would you add to the list? Let us know! Email us at alumni@yorku.ca with your ideas.

The post Best spots for grad photos on campus appeared first on Division of Advancement - Alumni and Friends.