V10.03WINTER 2013-14

The Newsletter foralumni and friends of Woodsworth College

University of Toronto

HIGHLIGHTSMessage from the Principal

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Woodsworth College Turns 40

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Calendar of EventsPg. 3

BoundlessUpdate

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BrieflyPg. 4

John Stewart is truly a member of the Woodsworth family: he graduated with a BA and a Certificate in Business in 1995 and then in 2001, he received a Certificate in Human Resource Management. John then went on to serve as president of the Alumni Association of Woodsworth College from 1999-2003 and is currently the chair of the College’s Boundless Campaign Committee. The College is a better place because of John’s engagement and commitment.

John has made a personal commitment to the Boundless Campaign, not only through his role as chair of the campaign committee, but also because he has confirmed his own planned gift to the College and is encouraging others to do the same. His strong belief in the benefits of providing opportunities for students is matched by his actions.

When asked why he chose to give through the option of gift planning John said: “Gift planning is one of the best ways to support the students of our College, and leaving a gift to Woodsworth is easily done in your will. Or, you can go beyond a simple bequest and employ a life insurance strategy, thereby gaining tremendous giving power. Such an arrangement enables you to make significant contributions both in your lifetime and after you are gone, can be a highly effective tax reduction strategy, and creates a truly meaningful legacy. I have the deep satisfaction of having created a legacy for the students of Woodsworth and know that my gift will be a significant benefit to many students.

Many of us are now choosing to leave a final gift to Woodsworth as part of our support plan. In speaking with many others who have done this, I am delighted to say that they are as gratified and pleased with their plans as I am. We are all inviting you to join us in this great way to build a great experience for Woodsworth students, just as others did for us!”

Over the last seven years, Michelle Osborne, Executive Director, Gift Planning, UofT, has worked with the College to assist many Woodsworth alumni and friends plan their gifts. Michelle is “inspired when working with Woodsworth donors. Some have shared that they give back because they appreciate the difference the ‘Department of Extension’ had in their lives, while others feel strongly that it is important for future generations to pursue their academic passions—the common thread being opportunities for all.” Michelle hopes that many more Woodsworth alumni will do as John has done: “With a little planning and foresight, you can leave a significant legacy for generations to come.”

There are many options available to support Woodsworth students – whether you choose to make a future commitment in your will, or take advantage of the significant tax benefits by making a gift of securities or an insurance policy – you will have made a great contribution and helped students who might not otherwise be able to afford a university education, achieve their goals.

For further information, please contact Barbara Track, Executive Director: Advancement, Alumni and Communications at 416-978-4197 or barbara.track@utoronto.ca or Michelle Osborne, Executive Director, Gift Planning, University of Toronto at 416 978-3811 or michelle.osborne@utoronto.ca

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Gift Planning

planned An Alumnus Gives Backgiving

“Giftplanning isone of thebest waysto support

the studentsof our

College”

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A Message from Principal

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The motto for our upcoming 40th anniversary is Looking Forward at Forty. As we enter our 40th year we want to indeed look forward but this will also be a year for celebrating the past and all that has made the College a special institution on the St. George Campus.

Issues of equity, social justice and diversity are integral to the history of this College, so we have much to celebrate. I hope that many of you will participate in our anniversary events.

We have been working very hard these last few months to frame objectives for moving forward. In particular, we will be paying attention to the recommendations that have emerged from the recent review of the College. The review was undertaken with input from many of the College’s stakeholders - students, staff, faculty, and alumni. A total of sixteen recommendations resulted from the review. I would just like to highlight a few of them here: • To continue to strengthen access programing at the College,

with focus on our Academic Bridging Program and our facilitated transfer programs. Currently we have a joint program with Seneca College, but these programs can be developed to include other partners across the GTA.

• To work to enhance our relationships with the Centre for Industrial Relations & Human Resources and the Centre for Criminology & Sociolegal Studies and to foster more engagement between faculty, graduate and undergraduate students at these centres.

• To enhance our Academic Writing Centre to include online options.

• To continue to strengthen and enhance our Woodsworth ONE foundational program.

These are just some of the priorities that staff and faculty at the College are looking forward to working on as we move into our 40th year. It is our privilege to work with students and alumni on all these initiatives.

I welcome any comments and suggestions from our alumni. You can reach me at principal.woodsworth@utoronto.ca or 416-946-0556.

“You can make a direct and positive impact on Woodsworth College and its students”

please give to the Woodsworth College annual Fund today and help support students in need.

For more information call 416.978.0811or visit https://donate.utoronto.ca/wdw

thank you for your support.

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Next month Woodsworth turns 40! While we are celebrating all year by looking forward to our

next forty years, we will also be commemorating the great first 40 years of the college. Speaking of which,

do you remember that time when…Woodsworth was only ten years old in1984

When we had our annual

Book Sale in the old Drill Hall, 2006

We used tomail the

Calendar & Timetable

to everyWoodsworth

student!1995

Joe Desloges

Be in the know! If you would like to receive advance notification of upcoming events and Woodsworth news, simply contact us at events.woodsworth@utoronto.ca and provide us with your preferred e-mail address.The University of Toronto respects your privacy. We do not rent, trade or sell our mailing lists.

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40th ANNIveRSARy On January 1, 2014, Woodsworth College will be celebrating the beginning of its 40th anniversary year.

Alumni Café – Getting the goods on dietary gluten: an overview of the facts, fads, and fallacies.Ann Fox, Senior Lecturer, Dalla Lana School of Public Health and the Community Nutrition Program, will speak on the rise of special diets.When: Tuesday, January 14, 2014Time: Doors open/Refreshments 6:00 p.m./Speaker 6:30 p.m.Where: Kruger Hall Commons, Woodsworth College, 119 St. George St.Cost: Alumni $10/Guests $12/Students $5Register: www.alumni.utoronto.ca/woodsworthMore Info: events.woodsworth@utoronto.ca or 416-978-5301

Alumni Café – Sex, drugs and medals:gender politics and the Olympic industryHelen Lenskyj, former professor at OISE, will speak on the negative social, political and environmental impacts of the Olympic Games.When: Tuesday, February 4, 2014Time: Doors open/Refreshments 6:00 p.m./Speaker 6:30 p.m.Where: William Waters Lounge, Woodsworth College Residence, 321 Bloor St. WCost: Alumni $10/Guests $12/Students $5Register: www.alumni.utoronto.ca/woodsworthMore Info: events.woodsworth@utoronto.ca or 416-978-5301

Woodsworth College Awards Dinner by invitation onlyWhen: Thursday, February 6, 2014Where: Great Hall, Hart House

Alumni Café – Origins of the First World WarPaul Stevens, Professor and Canada Research Chair inEarly Modern Literature & Culture, will discuss WW1 in light of colonialism, nationalism and literature.When: Tuesday, March 11, 2014Time: Doors open/Refreshments 6:00 p.m./Speaker 6:30 p.m.Where: William Waters Lounge, Woodsworth College Residence, 321 Bloor St. WCost: Alumni $10/Guests $12/Students $5Register: www.alumni.utoronto.ca/woodsworthMore Info: events.woodsworth@utoronto.ca or 416-978-5301

Sefton Lecture: Presented by Toronto Star journalists Jennifer Wells and Raveena Aulakh, who will speak about their investigative journalism on the working conditions in the garment factories of Bangladesh.When: Tuesday, March 18, 2014, 7:00 p.m.Where: Kruger Hall Commons, Woodsworth College, 119 St. George St. Reception to follow.Free Lecture - All WelcomeRegister: www.alumni.utoronto.ca/woodsworthMore info: events.woodsworth@utoronto.ca or 416-978-5301

HOLD THe DATe! Alumni Association AGM and 40th Anniversary Spring Reunion event: Thursday, May 29, 2014, 6p.m. More information to follow.

FEBRUARY

MARCH

MAY

JANUARY

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Calendar of Events

Presented bythe AAWC

Presented bythe AAWC

Presented bythe AAWC

Next month Woodsworth turns 40! While we are celebrating all year by looking forward to our

next forty years, we will also be commemorating the great first 40 years of the college. Speaking of which,

do you remember that time when…Woodsworth was only ten years old in1984

When our award-winning college building opened in 1992

The Thomas and Beverley SimpsonGraduate Achievement Award forSingle Parents, 2002.

Write to us! Send us your photos and memories of what you remember of your time at Woodsworth

B r i e f l y

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119 St. George Street, Toronto ONM5S 1A9 416. 978.5301

Window on WoodsworthWriters/Editors: Barbara Track &

Stephanie WoodsideDesign: PRM inc. www.prm-design.com

Printing: Tower GraphicsPRIVACY STATEMENT:

The University of Toronto respects your privacy. We do not rent, trade or sell our mailing lists.

If you do not wish to receive this publication in the future, please contact us at 416.978.2139

or address.update@utoronto.ca.

Through the generosity of the late Norma Brock, an award was established at Woodsworth in her name. Norma Brock graduated from the Division of University Extension in 1947. She taught school in Toronto for many years at Oakwood Collegiate and continued as a supply teacher after retiring, well into her 80’s.

Norma was part of a very energetic group of students and alumni that advocated for the establishment of a college at UofT for part-time students in the early 1970’s. When this dream came to fruition, she was an early and long-serving member of the Alumni Association of Woodsworth College and was a valued participant in many aspects of the life of the College and the University.

Throughout her life-time she volunteered for a variety of organizations. Her friend and fellow Woodsworth alumna, Chaké Tchilinguirian (’79), said of her: “Volunteering and being there as a trusted friend and colleague, were part of her very busy lifestyle, which was always devoted to useful activities.”

In a commemorative letter, which was shared with many of the students who benefitted from Mrs. Brock’sgenerosity at a lunch in early November, Ms Tchilinguirian, wrote,“Her kindness, her wit, her sense of humour, her helpfulness and empathy will not be forgotten. In our mind her smile will never fade away. May her example be an inspiration, may she be a role model for generations to come.”The award is available for two groups of students: those with financial need who meet a grade point average requirement, with preference given to single parents and/or mature students; and part-time single parents or mature students who wish to study full-time. We are extremely pleased to now be able to offer more financial support to the latter group as going from part-time to full-time studies can be challenging for many. During the first year of the establishment of this award the funds supported thirteen students. Norma Brock also established awards at OISE/UT and Knox College.

Seniors Citizen Students’ Reception: Many of our older adult students attended this annual event which celebrates their collective achievements in pursuing undergraduate degrees. This year the reception was particularly meaningful as it celebrated the many years that Academic Advisor June Straker has been involved with this group. June is set to retire next year and she was thanked for all her efforts on behalf of this student cohort with a special presentation and cake. Principal Joe Desloges was also on hand to congratulate the group on their successes.

Convocation: On November 12th, Woodsworth students convocated with fellow students from OISE/UT and New College. The Honorable Jean Augustine (WDW 73), was the convocation speaker. Prior to the ceremony a reception was held at the College for the students to celebrate their achievements with family and friends. Woodsworth congratulates its newest alumni and hopes that they will remain part of the College as they start on their new paths.

Arbor Awards: Woodsworth alumni Elizabeth Trotter, Natalie Cohen and Ken Davy were honoured with Arbor Awards this year. All have been very active members of the AAWC Board of Directors. Elizabeth and Natalie have been very involved in organizing the Alumni Café series

and Ken Davy was nominated by the Office of Governing Council for his contributions there. Also in attendance was former AAWC president Wiebke Smythe. Woodsworth greatly appreciates and values these volunteers whose contributions add so much to the life of the College. The Arbor Award is the University’s highest award for volunteerism.

Financial Services panel: Sponsored by the AAWC for new and recent alumni and senior students, a panel discussion

featuring Lesley Field, Senior Finance Analyst in the Business Banking group at TD Bank; Genevieve Nixon, Credit Analyst in Credit Centre Operations at TD Bank; and Evan Connell, Sales Consultant, Insurance in Sales & Marketing at Great-West Life, was held on Monday, November 4th. Panelists talked about job preparedness, gave cover letter and interview tips, and imparted much useful advice on entering and working in the financial services industry. The event was well attended and other sessions like this will be presented for our alumni in the new year.

“I was terrified about going back to school as a mature student. This award has been like water to a plant. It has helped me grow.”

AndreeA PArissee, English and Diaspora and Transnational Studies

To find out more, contact michelle.osborne@utoronto.ca, 416-978-3846 or give.utoronto.ca

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BoundlessCampaign

update: one of the gifts received

during the campaign

established an award

that has and will

continue to benefit

many students

for years to come.