Innis College Alumni & Friends Magazine Alumni.Innis.Utoronto.Ca

Innis College 2015/2016 Alumni & Friends inaugural Magazine edition

alumni.innis.utoronto.ca —02

INTRODUCTION INNIS COLLEGE ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE 2015 —03

INTRODUCTION INNIS COLLEGE INNIS COLLEGE ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE 2015 Innis College Over the last 50 years, this place of “humble beginnings” has fostered a rich and diverse community committed to growth and achievement. From the first pioneering cohort in September 1964 to the current generation of 2015, Innis students have been central to forging an identifiable ethos for the College. Innis’s reputation as a small, close-knit learning environment that encourages student participation, innovation and leadership remains strong. Our community of students, faculty, staff and alumni is immensely proud of what has been accomplished over the last five decades. As we embark on a new chapter in our history, we are excited about what the next five will bring. We hope you will continue to be part of helping to build Innis’s storied legacy. —04

MASTHEAD / INNIS COLLEGE TABLE OF CONTENTS ALUMNI & FRIENDS FEATURES / PROFILES / DEPARTMENTS MAGAZINE 2015

Masthead Department

Innis College Alumni & Friends Magazine Fall 2015 Inaugural Edition No. 001

Editor Rolla Tahir

Review Committee Profile Ennis Blentic Maddie Freedman 07 Thomas MacKay Rolla Tahir Benjamin Westrate Looking Forward

Contributors Innis Town Hall Grand Re-opening Jean Marc Ah-Sen with Sarah Gadon Donald Boere Lily Choi By Ennis Blentic Christine Creighton Kathleen Crook Department Jessi Cruickshank Jasmine Denike George Edelstein Sharon English Alexander Fernandes Samii Folliott Sara Gajic Veenu Goswami Hilary Hager Stephen Hutchison Charlie Keil Rashida Abbas Khokhar 20 Katrina Lagace 22 Ryan Lamers Keara Long Mark McDowell Dynamism Community Richie Mehta Shawn Micallef The Genesis of the Innis Film Society An Ambassador’s Journey Janet Paterson By Rolla Tahir off the Beaten Path Robert “Bud” Patrick By Lily Choi Jim Penturn Aneta Perehinets Feature Marion Plunkett Roger Riendeau Jim Sheddon Bart Testa Tim Worgan Khrystyna Zhuk

Cover Image Breaking ground for the construction of Innis College, September 1973 (left to right) University President Dr. John Evans, Founding Principal Robin Harris, ICSS President Sheldon Sinukoff, and Principal Peter Russell.

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Correspondence and Undeliverable Copies To: Innis College, University of Toronto Communications, Alumni, & Undergraduate Assistant

Publisher Innis College, University of Toronto 2 Sussex Avenue, Toronto, ON M5S 1J5 innis.utoronto.ca

Innis College Alumni & Friends Magazine is published once a year by Innis College and is circulated to 15,000 alumni and friends of Innis College, University of Toronto. Innis College at the 10 University of Toronto respects your privacy. We do not rent, trade or sell our mailing lists. If you do not wish to receive this magazine, please contact us. Legacy Innis College: Humble Beginnings By Roger Riendeau —05

MASTHEAD / INNIS COLLEGE TABLE OF CONTENTS ALUMNI & FRIENDS FEATURES / PROFILES / DEPARTMENTS MAGAZINE 2015

Profile Department

Dynamism Inside the Creative City By Shawn Micallef

Feature

Community Richie Mehta: 52 “We Could Control Everything” By Bart Testa Students Peer To Peer 4 By Thomas MacKay Feature Contents

Looking Forward 64 Community Students Lessons in Lifelong Learning 06 By Ben Weststrate with 22 25 Principal’s Note Mojan Naisan Samani An Ambassador’s The Innis and Nic Weststrate Journey off the Herald: Mapping 16 Beaten Path Inconsistency A Short History of 72 By Lily Choi By Aneta Perehinets & the Cinema Studies College Timeline Alexander Fernandes Program/Institute 34 By Bart Testa 74 Mentoring 28 Principal Innisians The Many Masks 70 Janet Paterson By Rolla Tahir & of askastudent Thank You 2005 – 2015 Maddie Freedman Innis Alumni Office By Ennis Blentic 32 36 askastudent Richie Mehta: Timeline Legacy Dynamism “We Could Control Everything” 52 08 20 By Bart Testa Peer To Peer Look Back The Genesis By Thomas MacKay 24 at Innis 50th of the Innis Film 58 Anniversary Society Alumni in Focus: 60 Events By Rolla Tahir Jessi Cruickshank Beginnings By Samii Folliott Students 10 42 62 The Innis Herald: Innis College: Inside the 61 The Great Humble Beginnings Creative City Innis on the Debater Mapping Inconsistency By Roger Riendeau, By Shawn Micallef Bookshelf By Rolla Tahir By Aneta Perehinets & Vice Principal, Innis College 46 69 Alexander Fernandes Inside the Share Your Story 63 Creative City on fastforward Innis Residence By Sharon English at 20 Years By Tim Worgan 50 Ways of Healing By Keara Long

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Looking Forward INNIS COLLEGE Principal’s Note ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE 2015

Principal’s Note

Above: The magazine that you are holding in your hands Innis has much to thank Janet Paterson for, and Charlie Keil is the new principal heralds a new era in Innis College’s outreach to no one more than me, because I have inherited of Innis College. its community. Innis College Alumni & Friends from her a College that is vibrant, enterprising, Photography courtesy of Alice Xue Magazine will replace its predecessor, the Innis and unique. Over the next five years, I look College News, and will appear on an annual basis, forward to becoming even more familiar with the keeping you informed of the full breadth of activi- Innis community, whose talents are on display 4 ties and innovations occurring at Innis College. in this magazine, which combines insight from Fittingly, this new magazine appears at a time faculty, staff, students, and alumni. We hope you of significant change at the College: Innis’s 50th enjoy what Ennis Blentic, Rolla Tahir and the anniversary celebrations have just wound down, entire editorial team have put together and that it and the Cinema Studies Institute is set to begin will prompt you to revisit Innis if you haven’t been a series of events commemorating its 40 years of here lately. Innis will be host to a slate of memo- existence. Equally significant, Janet Paterson has rable events this coming year and we hope to see completed her ten-year term as principal, over- you at many of them. As Innis College Alumni & seeing a period of sustained growth and renewal Friends Magazine shows, there is no better place at Innis, capped by the magnificent refurbishment to be on campus than right here at Innis of Innis Town Hall. The renovation of Town Hall College – that has been true for many years, restores the room to its rightful status as one of and will continue to be for many more. the university’s best lecture halls, a peerless venue for live events, and, of course, the best place to see films on campus. —07

Looking Forward INNIS COLLEGE Sarah Gadon ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE 2015 Sarah Gadon

By Ennis Blentic

Above: In an intimate and varied Town Hall has always been Cinema Studies alumna, Sarah Gadon, Innis Town discussion with CBC’s George “a magical movie place, a speaks to George Stroumboulopoulos, she also teaching space, and the centre Stroumboulopoulos during a post- Hall Grand delved into her numerous of the College and the film screening of Maps collaborations with Cronenberg community,” said alumna to the Stars at the Re-opening re-opening of Innis and her recent roles, the state Pam Fossen. “It wasn’t Town Hall. Acclaimed actress Sarah Photography courtesy of of Canadian cinema, and the known for its comfort or its Gustavo Toledo Gadon, a graduate of the expanding role of women in aesthetic beauty. With the Cinema Studies Institute, film. “I think there are more recent overhaul, it could be recently returned to Innis and more excellent roles for rightfully known for both.” 4 College this past February to women; just consider this celebrate the re-opening of film,” said Gadon referring “The evening was a profound its 200-seat theatre, the Innis to Julianne Moore and Mia expression of the collective Town Hall. Wasikowska playing lead parts spirit of the College and in Maps to the Stars. the many brilliant people Following a screening of David that form its fabric. I am Cronenberg’s Maps to the Before the Q & A, more immensely proud of everyone Stars, which Gadon stars in, she than 250 guests – including involved in this vital project,” reflected on her four years study- Degrassi creator and U of T said Janet Paterson, former ing cinema as an undergraduate alumna Linda Schuyler – principal of Innis College. student and cited her classes in were treated to a special Town Hall as a driving inspira- program demonstrating the Innis College is about to em- tion to pursue a career in front of transformation of Town bark on the 40th anniversary the camera. Gadon, whose first Hall. The extensive renova- of the Cinema Studies Institute. major role came while she was tions included audio-visual Beginning this fall, celebration still a student (in Cronenberg’s enhancements, new lighting, events will be taking place through- A Dangerous Method), said her state-of-the-art projection out the year. time at Innis still influences the equipment and sound-damp- film choices she makes today. ening architecture. —08

Legacy INNIS COLLEGE Look Back at Innis ALUMNI & FRIENDS 50th Anniversary MAGAZINE 2015 Events

Below, far left column: As part of the College’s 50th Deepa Mehta introduces her film Anniversary, the Innis College Midnight’s Children community enjoyed an unprec- Look Back Below, middle column: edented year of outreach and Innis Rhodes scholars achievement: more than 1700 th Aliyyah Ahad and Chloe Walker guests have attended a total of at Innis 50 15 events to date. The celebra- 4 tions have centered around the College’s history and its programs (Cinema Studies, Anniversary Urban Studies and Writing and Rhetoric), covering a variety 6 of interests (urban issues, film, Events music, etc.) and spanning all January 2014 demographics. It has also been 50th Anniversary Launch: Devil’s Knot with Atom Egoyan a year of tremendous student 3 achievement, with two Innis Official launch of Innis students being named 2014 October 2013 College’s 50th Anniversary Rhodes Scholars and a record- Opening of the 2nd Floor Lobby celebrations with special guest, breaking number of Cressy Atom Egoyan. Award recipients (in recognition Richard Kerr donates a lightbox of contributions made to the U of T (otherwise known as a motion community and beyond). picture weaving) that is now the 7 centerpiece of the lobby. He also screens a collection of his films February 2014 in the newly opened Deluxe Advance Screening of Her Screening Room. Advance screening of Her, a partnership event with eOne 4 and CINSSU in Innis Town Hall.

November 2013 8 The Lost Films of Guy Maddin March 2014 Celebrated screenwriter, cinema- The Next Big Idea 1 tographer, filmmaker and distinguished filmmaker in residence The largest Urban Studies event May 2013 at the Cinema Studies Institute, in history is held at Innis Town Midnight’s Children with Hall. Moderated by Toronto Deepa Mehta Guy Maddin delivers a three-part event at Innis Town Hall. Star’s Christopher Hume, it Screening of Midnight’s Children welcomes four of the city’s followed by a Q&A with cel- leading urban experts. ebrated director, screenwriter Conundrums and Disjunctions: and producer, Dr. Deepa Mehta. Innis Film Society The Innis Film Society 2 reunites for a special screening of its biggest hits June 2013 Historic Visit by Harold of experimental films. Innis Family Historic visit by the family 5 of Harold Adams Innis on the occasion of the graduation of December 2013 Rhodes Scholars Announcement Innis’s great-grandson from the College. Led by Innis’s daughter, Innis College students, Aliyyah Mary Ellan Cates, the family Ahad and Chloe Walker are donates $17,000 to the Innis named as 2014 Rhodes Scholars, Town Hall revitalization project the University’s sole recipients of in honour of the visit. the prestigious scholarship. —09

Legacy INNIS COLLEGE Look Back at Innis ALUMNI & FRIENDS 50th Anniversary MAGAZINE 2015 Events

September 2014 Canada’s Man in Myanmar Alumnus Mark McDowell (BA ‘88 INNIS, MA ‘90), Canada’s first ambassador to Myanmar, makes his only public appearance while in Canada, speaking to students at the Innis Residence Events Room. 17

14 May 2015 The Carbon Bubble with October 2014 Jeffrey Rubin Innis College Graduating Awards A discussion and Q & A with Alumnus Mathew Boulos (BSc ‘05 author and economist Jeffrey INNIS) founder of “the Teen Legal Rubin (BA ‘77 INNIS), moderated Clockwise: Helpline,” gives keynote address by CBC Metro Morning business Atom Egoyan speaks 9 at the graduation ceremony. commentator Michael Hlinka. to audience in Town Hall following the screening of Devil’s April 2014 Knot; Panel discus- Enemy 15 18 sion as part of The Next Big Idea; Poster from Richie Mehta’s Enemy, starring former Cinema February 2015 November 2014 Siddharth Studies student Sarah Gadon, Innis Town Hall An Evening with Dr. Alan Bernstein screens in Town Hallm, followed Grand Re-Opening An intimate talk with an inter-

4 by a Q & A with producers A screening of David Cronen- nationally renowned scientific Kevin Krikst and Frasor Ash and berg’s Maps to the Stars is leader and innovator, and one moderated by long-time Innis followed by a Q&A with alumna of Canada’s leading health supporter, Charlotte Mickie. Sarah Gadon and moderated by researchers, Dr. Alan Bernstein, CBC’s George Stroumboulopoulos. 10 O.C. (BSc ’68 INNIS, PhD ‘72). December 2014 May 2014 16 The Divided City Rooftop Garden Re-opening April 2015 A discussion with Dr. Newly renovated Innis Rooftop Seat Holder Celebration: Richard Florida, co-author Garden official opening. Siddharth with Richie Mehta of The Divided City report. Screening of critically-acclaimed 11 filmmaker and alumnus Richie 19 Mehta’s film followed by a Q & A. June 2014 Bob Bossin’s Davy the Punk January 2015 Intimacies: An Evening Alumnus Bob Bossin (BA ‘68 with Ingrid Veninger INNIS) returns to Innis College and performs a series of one-man Universal Screenwriter-in- shows, based on his new book Residence, Ingrid Veninger, Davy the Punk. along with cast and crew, delivers a special lecture on screenwriting, and shows her 12 latest film, The Animal Project. August 2014 Innis College Career Alumni at Orientation Mentorship Launch Nine Innis College panelists The inaugural program officially share their experiences and kicks off with a reception; career paths in front of 200 first- keynote by alumus Rahul year students in the Innis Café. Bhardwaj (BA ‘87 INNIS). 5 —010

Innis College: INNIS COLLEGE Humble Beginnings 2015

Above: Right: Breaking ground More digging fun for the construction at the September of Innis College, 1973 groundbreaking September 1973: ceremony of Innis L to R: Dr. John College. L to R: Evans, U of T Sheldon Sinukoff, President; Robin Harris, Innis College Student Founding Principal, Society President; Innis College; Peter Dr. John Evans, Russell, Principal, U of T President; Innis College; Peter Russell, Sheldon Sinukoff, Principal; Robin Innis College Student Harris, Founding Society President. Principal, Innis College. 5 —11

Legacy INNIS COLLEGE Innis College: ALUMNI & FRIENDS Humble Beginnings MAGAZINE 2015

Innis——Humble College: Beginings----—

o say that the beginnings of Innis College were humble, is truly an understatement. “Ne- glected,” “short-changed,” and “diminished” are other words that come to mind. But “humble” is more polite and politically correct for this golden celebration of Innis College’s rise to prominence at the University of Toronto.

Innis College was founded with great expectations, an outgrowth Tof the post-war baby boom; indeed, the majority of students who enrolled at Innis College in its first year of existence were born in 1945, the year that World War II ended. As early as 1954, U of T President Sidney Smith warned that the rapidly rising high school enrolment would soon have a profound impact on university enrolment, which the residential facilities of the existing four colleges on the St. George campus did not have the capacity to accommodate. Estimating a growth in enrolment from about 12,000 to upwards of 25,000 students, in June 1956, a University committee recommended “establishing two new colleges on the [St. George] campus, each to be the nucleus of residences to accommodate 500 students.” As a an alternative to the college residential system, another University committee proposed the construction of six buildings of eight to ten storeys in height to be located in the block bounded by Willcocks Street, Huron Street, Harbord Street, and Spadina Avenue to accommodate students from all faculties within the University. By Roger Riendeau, Vice Principal, Innis College 5 —12

Legacy INNIS COLLEGE Innis College: ALUMNI & FRIENDS Humble Beginnings MAGAZINE 2015

beside the old observatory in “the freshmen themselves were Hart House Circle. But Principal Harris and Registrar Payzant forced to organize themselves; to were optimistic that the Univer- decide how their society should sity would soon provide more ample and suitable quarters in be governed” which to house a multidisci- plinary academic program. Fortunately, Professor Claude was a proposal to name the new Bissell, an alumnus of Uni- college in honour of Robert With an inadequate academic versity College who served as Falconer, the fourth president building, no residence, no president of the University of of the University who served academic program, and only Toronto from 1958 to 1971 was from 1907 to 1932. Accord- three admission scholarships one of the strongest advocates ingly, on 23 January 1964 the of $350, Innis College offered of the college system: “Resi- University’s Board of Gover- little inducement to prospective dence had always been consid- nors approved the establish- undergraduates compared to ered part of the academic life ment of a second new college. the more established colleges. of the colleges. I was deter- Not surprisingly, Robin Harris So, admission to the College mined to fight the proposals was appointed the College’s first in its inaugural year was re- for faceless dormitories.” He principal. And in somewhat of a stricted to “freshmen” students. was able to solidify support for surprise, the College was named As Principal Harris explained, the college system by recom- after the late Harold Adams “Innis College is a new venture mending that the new colleges Innis, a renowned University of and it is perhaps as well that we would be multi-faculty in nature, Toronto political economist and should all start from scratch.” housing students not just from a pioneer of communication This reality prompted Principal the Faculty of Arts and Science studies. The governors decided Harris to introduce an inno- but also the growing profes- that the Falconer name was vation known as the Writing sional faculties. The proposal already on two of the current Laboratory, which had the to create two new multi-faculty buildings, and they were influ- distinction of being not only colleges was approved by the enced by Vincent Massey, the the first academic offering of University’s Board of Governors first Canadian-born Governor- Innis College but also the first in October 1961, and New Col- General of Canada (from 1952 academic support service of its lege opened its doors to under- to 1959), to name the College kind, not just at the University graduates in September 1962. after Innis. The college became of Toronto but at any Canadian On 2 October 1963, President the first and only one at the university. David King was Bissell appointed a committee University to be named after hired to provide direction for “to begin the planning for a a scholar. the Writing Laboratory and in second ‘new’ college.” To serve 1967 succeed Professor Pay- as Chairman of the Committee Principal Harris immediately zant to become the College’s on “Newer” College, President appointed Professor Geoffrey S. second registrar. Bissell called upon Robin S. Payzant of the Department of Harris, Professor of English, Philosophy to serve as registrar. Innis College opened its doors who was then acting principal Principal Harris told President to 278 students who regis- of University College. Bissell that, “the registrar of tered on September 16 and Innis College will in effect who started their classes on In November 1963, the Newer be its vice-principal, and his September 23. The “freshman” College Committee recom- responsibility will be corre- status of these “pioneering” mended to President Bissell spondingly large.” Together, the students did deter them from a plan to integrate it into the two “founders” assumed their responding vigorously to the substantial New College com- administrative offices after July challenge of shaping the char- plex, the first phase of which 1 in a pre-fabricated one-storey acter and style of Innis College. was nearing completion, and building constructed in the late Principal Harris noted in his suggested its preference for 1940s as a temporary book- first annual report: “the fresh- three names: Baldwin College, store. Eric Arthur of the School men themselves were forced to Edward Blake College, and of Architecture complained Innis College. Also considered about this modest, box-like structure “butchering” the lawn 5 —13

Legacy INNIS COLLEGE Innis College: ALUMNI & FRIENDS Humble Beginnings MAGAZINE 2015

Top left: Bottom left: Innis students Student and participate in the Innis Pub Manager, College’s Moving Day Dovy Waldie, 1978. Parade, 1973.

organize themselves; to decide A committee was struck to how their society should be serve as an interim Executive governed; to work with a fresh- and to draft a constitution for man principal, a freshman reg- the ICSS that was ratified by istrar and a freshman council the student body on October on the problem of what kind 26 and by Innis Council the fol- of college Innis should be.” lowing day. The first ICSS election was held on November 3 The seeds of the Innis College with the late John Bayly being Student Society (ICSS) were elected president and Robert sown only a week after classes Patrick, vice president. Top right: Bottom right: had started. On 29 September, Vice-Principal, Founding Principal Innis students were invited The ICSS did not have a direct Arthur Wood and Robin Harris (R) with Principal Peter U of T Chancellor to discuss the formation of a voice in the governance of Russell review Omond Solandt model for Innis reviewing the Innis student organization with the Innis College. Indeed, at the College, 1972. College crest, 1966. newly-hired administrative time, student participation or assistant, Mary Pat McMahon, a representation in University recent graduate of St. Michael’s governance was little more College, who performed the than a pipe dream associated roles of assistant registrar, with the student radicalism dean of men and women, and fomenting at the University student affairs counsellor. of California at Berkeley and 5 —014

Legacy INNIS COLLEGE Innis College: ALUMNI & FRIENDS Humble Beginnings MAGAZINE 2015

Above: Top right: showing signs of spreading to year progressed, however, Innis Harold Adams Innis Early years of Innis (1894-1952) College, 1975 other university campuses in showed its tendency to be un- North America and Western like the other colleges or divi- Below: Bottom right: Innis College Women’s Innis students Europe. With Innis comprised sions with respect to the role of Ice-Hockey Intramu- participate in the ral Team, 1969 College’s Moving Day exclusively of first-year stu- students in College governance. Parade, 1973 dents in 1964-65, the prospect In January 1965, by mutual of student participation in Col- agreement with the ICSS, lege governance seemed even College Council established more unrealistic. Innis College the Staff-Student Committee Council, consisting of 15 to serve as a liaison between faculty members (including a Council and the ICSS. The young Professor Peter Russell), Committee, composed of three selected by the president in representatives of Council and consultation with the principal three from the ICSS, effectively initially invited the president of became a sub-committee of the ICSS to report on matters Council, presenting a report at pertinent to student affairs. each regular meeting. It soon The idea of regular student at- became traditional for the Staff- tendance, let alone voting, was Student Committee report to not even contemplated. As the be presented to Council by a student, usually the president of the ICSS, who would be 5 —15

Legacy INNIS COLLEGE Innis College: ALUMNI & FRIENDS Humble Beginnings MAGAZINE 2015

asked to remain at the meeting if other matters directly affect- “When the whole plan ing student affairs were to be discussed. Indirectly, then, the was shelved in 1970, the seeds of student-staff “parity” Innis College community were sown early in the life of Innis College. felt betrayed.”

Another expression of the Innis College. By January 1966, the later in the implementation of student voice was The Paper, University decided that such the first and still only parity the first issue of which was a massive complex located in governance structure at the published on 12 January 1965. the same block as New College University of Toronto. The inaugural four issues of the was not feasible, so Innis was Innis student newspaper were given its own building site – the Meanwhile, bursting at the modest in appearance, consist- north side of Sussex Avenue seams with an enrolment of ing of a few single-sided, double- between St. George and Huron over 700, the College moved columned, legal-sized pages streets. The appointment of Hart into larger quarters at 63 St. reproduced by a Gestetner Massey, son of Vincent and one George Street in 1968. The machine (prominent before of Canada’s leading architects, to move was timely because the the age of photocopying) and design Innis College was hailed College’s nascent academic stapled together in the top left- as a sign that the University of program would be bolstered hand corner. Toronto was truly serious about by the launch of its first four providing a formidable building. credit courses in September As student enrolment increased 1969. But it soon became clear to 400 in the second year In developing user plans for its that the move to 63 St. George (1965-66) and 685 in the third new state-of-the-art building, would not be so “temporary” year (1966-67), it became ap- the Innis administration once as promised when the award- parent that the College’s one- again resorted to what was then winning Massey plans for storey building amounting to considered an outrageous idea Innis College began to unravel less than 465 sq. metres could by insisting that students serve because of a sudden cutback not accommodate a nearly on the Building Committee. in federal and provincial 250 per cent growth rate. But The valuable contributions of government funding. When Principal Harris and Registrar these students to the planning the whole plan was shelved Payzant could take comfort in process opened the way for in 1970, the Innis College the University’s big plans for the even more outrageous idea community felt betrayed. Much Innis College, which as early that students should be given a of the supposed radicalism as February 1965, included voice in College governance. By of the College in the 1970s an academic building of at April 1967, Innis College Coun- stemmed from this feeling of least four storeys to accom- cil had drafted and approved betrayal, but that is a story modate an eventual enrolment its first constitution under for another time. of 2,000 students. An adjoin- the terms of the University of ing residential complex of two Toronto Act. The new constitu- From its humble beginnings, eight-storey buildings would tion, which included a provi- the Innis College community accommodate over 550 sion for five student representa- realized that it would have to students. Indeed, Innis was tives and three administrative rely continually on its innova- expecting no more and no less representatives on the 25-mem- tive and resourceful spirit to than the physical resources ber Council, was authorized by survive and thrive in the face of that the University was in the the Board of Governors in July limited resources. Fifty years process of bestowing upon New 1967 and was implemented after its founding, Innis’s success in September 1967, the first in achieving this is evident in its occasion when students at the vibrant and accomplished staff University of Toronto became and student community. full members of a governing council. The unique brand of Innis College democracy would culminate three years —16

Looking Forward INNIS COLLEGE Forty Years of Film: ALUMNI & FRIENDS A Short History of Cinema MAGAZINE 2015 Studies at Innis College Forty Years of Film: A Short History of Cinema Studies at Innis College

By Bart Testa for three years; during that time he also “O ver 30 years became co-editor and co-publisher of the pioneering Canadian film journal Take One. later, the program The impulse for his film course came from saw its status Innis College Council, already looking ahead to building a multi-media lecture theatre, which changed: would become Innis Town Hall. Founded in 1964, and already home to a variety of “ex- it became an perimental” courses at U of T (meaning that Institute and first they moved beyond traditional departmental disciplines), Innis College faculty viewed the developed graduate cinema course initiative as “a serious teaching commitment.” Medjuck’s course adopted programs...” a basic historical approach, with one semester devoted to silent films and the other to sound Cinema Studies is celebrating its 40th year films; a strong dose of classical film theory fur- in 2015, for it was four decades ago that the ther enhanced his approach. He followed this cluster of film courses taught at the University course with a study of auteur directors, “Film- of Toronto was granted the status of a college makers: the Personal Vision,” and a course in program. As of 1975, Cinema Studies was film theory soon thereafter. Kay Armatage, officially housed at Innis College, where it has then at the forefront of developing Women’s remained ever since. Over 30 years later, the Studies at U of T, and a leading figure in the program saw its status changed: it became an burgeoning scholarship devoted to “women’s Institute (Cinema Studies Institute or CSI) cinema,” began teaching a course on the topic and first developed graduate programs for in 1974 and, by 1978, she had introduced a MA students (in 2007) and then Ph.D. students course in contemporary theory as well. (in 2013). During this time, the Institute also experienced considerable growth in its full-time Both Medjuck and Armatage began teaching faculty while also gaining graduate instructors film courses as doctoral students in English, from the other campuses. and, on graduating, continued to build the program as part-time tutors. Their courses For a number of years before Cinema Studies reflected the growing sophistication of film became a program in 1975, film courses were studies in the academy and the important taught at U of T, beginning in 1969-1970, with role that film theory played in that develop- Joe Medjuck’s first iteration of what would ment. Meanwhile, across the campus, other become the program’s introductory course, instructors, many of them professors in language under the title “Modern Arts: The Cinema.” departments, were offering film courses focus- Medjuck was then a graduate student in ing on cinema from Italy, France, Spain, Poland English who had already been teaching a film- and Czechoslovakia. There were also courses heavy arts course for the Faculty of Architecture offered in the Department of Sociology, and —17

Looking Forward INNIS COLLEGE Forty Years of Film: ALUMNI & FRIENDS A Short History of Cinema MAGAZINE 2015 Studies at Innis College

Clockwise from right: Current Director of the CSI, Corinn Columpar; Cin- ema Studies class today, 2015; Dr. Kay Armatage, early trailblazer of Cinema Studies at Innis Col- lege; Professors David Clandfield and Joe Medjuck touring the projection booth in Town Hall; Cinema Studies class in Town Hall’s early days

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Looking Forward INNIS COLLEGE Forty Years of Film: ALUMNI & FRIENDS A Short History of Cinema MAGAZINE 2015 Studies at Innis College

the celebrated Czech novelist-English professor “Innis College became a Josef Skvorecky. These instructors provided additional variety to the Cinema Studies nexus for the study of film offerings, initiating such courses as Novel at the University, but also a into Film, Film Comedy, From Sound to CinemaScope, Melodrama, and a hybrid hub of film culture, in part film theory-production course. because of the wealth of The program’s popularity had grown to the extracurricular film activi- point that Victoria College and New College mounted their own introductory courses, ties on offer there, including taking enrollment pressure off the Innis course. However, after the opening of Innis Town Hall, screenings arranged by an these classes held joint screenings there, at active Film Society driven by the same time that Cinema Studies achieved program status. Eventually, a greatly enlarged a particular interest in avant- Innis introductory course stood alone. Most courses were taught at Innis, in which recently garde filmmaking.” constructed building housed the necessary equipment and offered office space. Innis College became a nexus for the study of film at the university, but also a hub of film culture, in part because of the wealth of extracurricular film activities on offer there, including screenings arranged by an active Film Society driven by a particular interest in avant-garde filmmaking.

By 1980, after a decade forging the core courses of the program and editing Take One, Medjuck left U of T. (He soon became a successful Hollywood producer, often collaborating with Ivan Reitman.) He was replaced by Bart Testa, a scholar with theological training, a breadth of intellectual interests, and catholic tastes in film, who added an array of challenging the esteemed aesthetician Francis Sparshott courses to Medjuck’s roster. The program regularly taught a film course in the Philoso- started by mounting a minor and then a major, phy Department. One of the most popular before eventually offering a specialist desig- film courses, at St. Michael’s College, dealt nation. Kay Armatage expanded her course with religion and film. The faculty mem- offerings, adding further academic rigour to bers teaching these courses soon formed the program’s curriculum. Innovative in their a Cinema Studies Committee to coordinate design, Armatage’s courses responded to the the offerings and began publishing a Cinema key developments in the quickly expanding Studies brochure. They also began coordinat- field of cinema studies, including different cur- ing with the Audio-Visual Library (AVL) (now rents of poststructuralist theory, and attention Media Commons) to amass a collection of film to issues of race and gender. Enrollment contin- materials at the University. While most films ued to climb through the 1980s. One result shown were 16mm rentals, the AVL began was that the program required teaching building up a film collection for classroom assistants (TAs), one of whom was Charlie use; this repository of titles now resides in Keil. (Future hire Kass Banning would also the vaults of the Media Commons Special serve as one of the program’s early TAs.) Collections. Some of the department faculty An English student at first, Keil left to do negotiated release time in order to branch graduate work in film study at the University out into pure cinema courses. These included of Wisconsin-Madison and then returned to French professor Cam Tolton (later a program a tenure-stream cross-appointment with the director), English professor Barrie Hayne and graduate Drama Centre years later, further —19

Looking Forward INNIS COLLEGE Forty Years of Film: ALUMNI & FRIENDS A Short History of Cinema MAGAZINE 2015 Studies at Innis College

Institute and establishing an M.A. and a Ph.D. “The long 40-year career program was pursued in earnest, culminating in CSI welcoming its first doctoral cohort in of Cinema Studies at U of T, 2013. Simultaneously, Cinema Studies hired starting with a smattering of new faculty, including Rob King (departing for Columbia University in 2012), James Cahill, courses regarded as interdis- Kass Banning, and Brian Jacobson (the latter starting in July 2015), while University of ciplinary experiments of the Toronto Mississauga appointed Brian Price and late 1960s, and held to- Meghan Sutherland, who teach in the graduate programs. The Institute also hosts post- gether by a dedicated group doctoral fellows, both through the Jackman Humanities Institute and various granting of tutors and professors, has bodies. The undergraduate program has led to its present status as attracted distinguished guest instructors from Canadian cinema, including Atom Egoyan, the Cinema Studies Institute, Guy Maddin, and Cameron Bayly, and offers offering both undergraduate a bi-annual Screenwriter in Residence program (funded by Universal Studios). The enrolment and graduate degrees.” in Cinema Studies courses now nears 1500 overall, with more than 228 majors and specialists. Graduates of Cinema Studies at U of T now hold leading positions in film and media companies, work in areas of law, education, and publishing, and are film critics, directors, writers, and producers. A sizable group has gone on to become film professors themselves.

The long 40-year career of Cinema Studies at U of T, starting with a smattering of courses regarded as interdisciplinary experiments of the late 1960s, and held together by a dedicated group of tutors and professors, has led to its present status as the Cinema Studies Institute, offering both undergraduate and expanding the program’s undergraduate reach graduate degrees. While Cinema Studies has through a diverse series of fourth-year seminars. experienced numerous struggles and more Initially, the Drama Centre had been desig- than a few setbacks, its growth has largely nated as a possible home for graduate study of been steady. Cinema Studies owes its current cinema, and both Keil and Caryl Flinn were success to the engagement of its teachers and hired there in the 1990s to provide the neces- the enthusiasm of its students. While many of sary teaching power. Unfortunately, that initia- the early students in Cinema Studies settled tive was abandoned. Flinn, now a professor at on the program after discovering a course that the University of Michigan, departed U of T caught their interest, the program itself now soon thereafter, and Keil’s appointment was serves as a magnet for incoming students, and reconfigured to allow for a cross-appointment continues to be one of the defining features of between History and Cinema Studies. the Innis College experience.

The second and ultimately successful foray into graduate expansion was preceded by the growth of the Cinema Studies faculty base. Under the leadership of Director Peter Fitting, sever crucial appointments were made, including Corinn Columpar, Angelica Fenner and Nic Sammond. When Keil became director in 2005, the process of Cinema Studies becoming an —20

Dynamism INNIS COLLEGE The Genesis ALUMNI & FRIENDS of the Innis Film MAGAZINE 2015 Society The Genesis of the Innis Film Society

By Rolla Tahir (HBA ‘09 INNIS) on St. George St. When we went to the SAC “Officially, the for funds to subsidise the 36-hour screening festival, we were told that they wouldn’t Innis Film Society fund a party for a class but, if we were a operated between Film Society for the University, they would help us. Hence, we created the U of T/Innis 1985 and 1993...” Film Society, which we ran for the next few years. We screened mainly classics On the evening of March 28, 2014, to celebrate such as Les Enfants du Paradis, La Belle et Innis College’s 50th anniversary, the long La Bete, Peckinpah films, Godard, etc., all disbanded Innis Film Society (IFS) reunited accompanied by a synopsis/interpretation/ to present a special program of experimental commentary sheet and followed by post films hosted by original members Bart Testa, screening discussions. Jim Shedden, Kate MacKay and Dave Morris. They shared a few recollections and screened Interestingly, one of my former high school a generous selection of the IFS’s greatest hits, students, Jim Shedden, later helmed the including Joyce Wieland’s Sailboat, Keewatin Innis Film Society and, in his research into Dewdney’s Maltese Cross Movement and Hollis its history, came across a feature article in the Frampton’s Gloria! Varsity about it by Henry Mietkewitz. This led Jim to contact me as he hadn’t realised that I George Edelstein, one of the founding members, had been a founder or even involved and we remembers the genesis of the IFS as essentially have maintained sporadic contact ever since. an excuse to have a party! When asked He has since made a documentary entitled about his experience with the IFS, George I Drink the premiere of which I attended. Edelstein wrote: So all this seems to have stemmed from a What an impressive development from the party idea. Five dollars got attendees 36 seedling that John Lang and I planted when hours of films, pop, beer and popcorn until it all we wanted was an all-night party for Joe all ran out, a deal indeed even in those days Medjuck’s film course at Innis College then and one I doubt you could match today! —21

Dynamism INNIS COLLEGE The Genesis ALUMNI & FRIENDS of the Innis Film MAGAZINE 2015 Society

Above: Jim Sheddon, who has been a good friend of daily showings of movies, other free films Jim Shedden (L) and Bart Testa (R) the College and the Cinema Studies Institute, exclusively for members, a library of books at the Innis Film and is now Manager of Publishing at the Art on film, discussion groups, assistance avail- Society Reunion in March 2014 Gallery of Ontario writes about Edelstein, the able for any questions you might have, and IFS and other reasons that sparked his interest an opportunity for the amateur to show his in attending Innis College: own film and have it discussed. “It is clear 4 that this is not just another club, but a George was also one of my teachers in high complete centre on the film art. We’re try- school and is one of the reasons I went to ing to be comprehensive and educational” Innis. That is, he was enthusiastic about the said George Edelstein, the co-organizer of Film Society (which had a few incarnations the Society. The Society is a complement it’s true), and spoke about Joe Medjuck and to the CIN 204 course which was formed Kay Armatage. Another reason I went is that last year for the first time at Innis College. I knew who Bart Testa was: he was review- This year, about 270 students were unable ing jazz in Maclean’s, and had had stints at to get into the one-year course. The Society Rolling Stone and Crawdaddy. Finally, I was will keep those students still interested in attracted to it by a brochure called “Innis cinema involved. “York U. has a full 4-year Isn’t for Everyone,” an ethos that was course on film. We’re just filling in the gap” anathema to Principal John Browne, but says Edelstien. The Film Society is co-or- definitely true enough that I knew it was dinated with the Hart House film-making for me. club. Membership is open to anyone on or off campus.” An excerpt from The Varsity in 1970 reads: Officially, the Innis Film Society operated Innis group to form centre for film art. between 1985 and 1993 and was the prede- The growing demand and enthusiasm of film cessor to the Cinema Studies Student Union buffs has resulted in the formation of the first (CINSSU). CINSSU is known among students major Film Society of the University. Besides and cinephiles for its long running series of showing a wide range of films by directors Free Friday Films, a student-curated program of such as Hitchcock, Peckinpah, Eisenstein, films screened in 35mm at Innis Town Hall free Welles, Godard, Truffaut, there will be free of charge to everyone. 5 —22

Community INNIS COLLEGE An Ambassador’s ALUMNI & FRIENDS Journey off the MAGAZINE 2015 Beaten Path

McDowell’s prolonged interest in the country By Lily Choi (HBA ‘13 INNIS) long before being officially stationed in Burma Trade Policy Officer, Department of was evident in his frequent trips there during Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development his posting in Bangkok. He reckons he must have visited about 20 times. That, combined with the extensive knowledge and contacts Ambassador Mark McDowell he had cultivated in the region, made him the (BA ‘88 INNIS) describes his logical choice for the role of ambassador. efforts during this time as His first year at the Embassy – or rather, the first year of the Embassy, as he is the first “either having gotten nothing Canadian ambassador to the country – was dedicated to physically building the office done or an incredible thing from the ground up. Ambassador McDowell done,” laying the groundwork describes his efforts during this time as “either having gotten nothing done or an incredible for the future work of thing done,” laying the groundwork for the the mission. future work of the mission. Then, during the second year, he was able to get programs up and running as envisaged. mbassador Mark McDowell (BA ‘88 With national elections and an anticipated INNIS, MA ‘90) speaks of Burma, ceasefire paving the way to a process of peace- his current home of two years, making, the next year alone will see Burma with great pride. He has been undergoing tremendous changes. Canada’s role at the head of the Embassy of in these developments will consist of supporting Canada to Burma (Myanmar) democratic processes as well as acting as human in Yangon since June 2013, rights defenders and watchdogs. Canada will following a posting at our embassy in Beijing. also provide technical assistance to the Bur- And it seems the admiration is reciprocated mese government in areas like institutional by the Burmese people – out of the 4 million A modelling and drafting laws, crucial at a time people online in Burma, 40,000 follow the when the country is starting from scratch. Embassy’s Facebook page (that’s 1 per cent Canada’s execution of federalism and ethnic of all Burmese who have an online presence and linguistic rights will also serve as guiding – an incredible fan base indeed). The work of examples at this time of transition. Canadians to help the Burmese rebuild their economy, engage with their culture and support McDowell is particularly proud of the relation- the development of labour standards in the ship he has helped build between Canada and 50-year isolation and persecution of Myanmar’s Burma in a relatively short amount of time. populace has not gone unnoticed by the This has involved organizing several high-level Burmese people. (Neither do the musical visits, strategically engaging a wide network of stylings of one Justin Bieber, whom the government officials, opinion leaders, human ambassador swears is the most popular foreign musician in Burma.) 5 —23

Community INNIS COLLEGE An Ambassador’s ALUMNI & FRIENDS Journey off the MAGAZINE 2015 Beaten Path “If you get an A+ in all your courses, it’s an indication that Right: Friends and you’ve misallocated Innis grads (L to R) Derek Archer, your time.” Mark McDowell and Daniel Garber

Ambassador McDowell impresses upon students to keep an open mind about their academic and career path, and to not focus on trying to identify a linear or singular path to a career destination. Having taken his time to travel abroad, switch majors, and take a breather during his eight-year undergrad career, McDowell by no means took the most direct route to the foreign service. He advises students to try to do something completely unplanned (he chose to study Chinese), and to make use of their time at university to broaden their horizons, rather than letting it constrict their path. Take rights workers, and figures in the political advantage of the extracurricular opportunities opposition, as well as developing a strong social presented by the University and by Toronto, media presence. At this speed, he claims, “we he advises. To sum up, he echoes a sentiment are starting to overcome the lost decades in the that a dean at Harvard, his grad school, once Canada-Burma relationship.” relayed in a speech to incoming students: “If you get an A+ in all your courses, it’s an indication The fact that he and his team have accomplished that you’ve misallocated your time.” this – with HQ input – while maintaining a lean operation is a particular point of pride for Perhaps more controversial still, McDowell McDowell. A staff of ten (up from its initial advises those interested in pursuing a career in four) comprise the mission, with their work foreign affairs not to feel obliged to take courses supported by a number of interns. Innisians, in international relations. Instead, he suggests take note: McDowell points out that none of prioritizing learning a language – extra points if them have been from Innis as of yet. it’s one of the more difficult languages identified by the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Of course, knowing Ambassador McDowell’s Development (DFATD) as being a strategic fondness for Innis and his time with the College asset, such as Arabic, Chinese, or Korean (the as a student, this is likely something he seeks to exhaustive list of these particularly sought-after remedy (while being an equal opportunity em- languages can be found on the DFATD website). ployer, of course!). Although he admits he was Students would also benefit from experience in convinced by his older brother to choose to join a practical area of specialization, such as law, Innis for its glorious social scene, which at the in addition to possessing strong skills in written time revolved around Innis Café’s $1 beer nights, communication, he says. McDowell came to develop some of his most meaningful and longest-lasting relationships Not an hour-and-a-half before our meeting, with fellow Innisians: two of his closest friends Ambassador McDowell received confirmation and even his wife, whom he met by chance at of a third year at his posting, “which is such Robarts Library, happen to be Innis alumni – a relief,” he says. “This is such a unique and perhaps a testament to the sort of character interesting job... if they offered me another found in the Innis community. three years, or even five, I would take it.” 5 —024—24

StudFEATUREents INNIS COLLEGE The Innis Herald: ALUMNI & FRIENDS Mapping Inconsistency MAGAZINE 2015 Praesent nibh odio, vela vitae luctus vitae, luctus ut ante. Mauris a lorem magna. In sed nunc purus.

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Right: Left: 4 Innis College arcu Innis College arcu et dolor tempor et dolor tempor mentum ante eleifend mentum ante eleifend vitae Nullam quis vitae Nullam quis ultricies purus. ultricies purus. Donec aliquam dolor Donec aliquam dolor id metus and fews id metus and fews estibulum porttitor. estibulum porttitor. © and courtesy of tibus © and courtesy of tibus de loma crovers stands. de loma crovers stands. 5 —25

Students INNIS COLLEGE The Innis Herald: ALUMNI & FRIENDS Mapping Mapping Inconsistency MAGAZINE 2015 Inconsistency The Innis Herald:

______Preface The Innis Herald is the chameleon of publications at the University of Toronto. As new groups take over, it changes in form, content, and the audience that it attracts. In the current student editorial team’s inaugural January 2015 issue, we coincidentally came into the 50th anniversary of The the Innis Herald and, of course, sought to celebrate its history. Looking through all of our archives, Innis we realized that the paper itself has continually evolved. It represents a student voice that has been constantly changing, with little to no similarities from one decade to the next. Compiling a mosaic Herald: of covers from the past, we tried to identify a more cohesive voice throughout the changing face of Innis Herald history.

and focusing on the develop- Innis Herald coverpage, Vol. 41 ment of the community and Nov 2005. its representative voice. Talk © Copyright Innis College Student Society of sports teams, academic updates for students, and news of scholarships and position appointments filled the pages. Looking more closely, however, one can trace an emergence of social commentary. In Volume 1, Issue 3, a student wrote of the changing roles of women: “[some] women try to evade a choice of identity by taking the easy way out, i.e. early marriages for the wrong rea- 1960s Founding of a student voice sons. Once, however, a choice is made, the blank feeling disap- Every issue of the 1960s pears and some dimensions of Innis Herald was printed in happiness found.” Stressing basic typeface, with a great the idea of women’s choice, the deal of text and fewer pictures. earliest editions of the paper The content was reflective of seem to value a form of feminist the state of the College at the thought, perhaps one still valu- time. In its beginnings, Innis able to modern readers. This students and staff were col- decade also saw the discussion lectively finding their footing of faculty-student parity – an important feature of Innis’s identity today. Fifty years later, Innis has become one of the most By Aneta Perehinets, Editor-in-Chief & Alexander Fernandes, Managing Editor Innis Herald student-inclusive colleges. 5 —26

Students INNIS COLLEGE The Innis Herald: ALUMNI & FRIENDS Mapping Inconsistency MAGAZINE 2015

1970s 1980s 1990s Emergence of a concerned A versatile, intellectual and Identity crisis: Re-assessment and unified community artistic student body of the student voice

The 1970s saw a major shift As an established campus The 90s were a complicated for the paper. It became more publication at this time, the time for the Innis Herald. community-oriented, where Innis Herald saw its most active The paper seems to have tweet-sized tidbits of information decade in the 80s. It switched gone through somewhat of were often directly presented from offering worldly perspec- an identity crisis. Aspects of to students on the cover. These tives back to pages filled with every past decade filled the short comments ranged from student news, campus updates, pages, with solely visual covers, personal details and jokes to and features on professors, resi- content regarding world issues, sports updates and student dences, and course information. student politics, and artistic successes. The range is best The paper became distinctly thought pieces. It embodied exemplified by updates like: Innisian – it represented the what the 1980s simply couldn’t “There’s a broken Xerox College and seemed to become bring together in one issue. machine on the 3rd floor of a trusted, consistent source of This decade can be labelled Robarts Library where you can student news. Then, in 1986, as the Herald’s chameleon get free copies” and “Patsy is (presumably with a change in years, in which it was adapting off her diet” both featured in the staff cycle) the paper rein- to fit the minds of all types of Volume 10, Issue 4. The 70s also vented itself once again. Gone brought a more intellectually were the structured covers and savvy, socially conscious Innis student news, replaced with voice. Editorials on war and the artistic covers featuring only mistreatment of workers, and illustrations. The news instead political thought pieces were became creative writing, music blended with arts and culture. reviews, and thought pieces. The Volume 11, Issue 5, for example, illustrations were accompanied featured a piece on Marshall by catchy taglines like “Suc- McLuhan’s theories, cultural cess without college” (Volume representations around the 21, Issue 1) and “I’m completely world, and an article on the degraded in this issue” (Volume work of Jackson Pollock. It 20, Issue 4). This shift in content seems the creators left Col- and aesthetic revealed a more lege updates to the cover page, artistic side of Innis. The staff reserving the majority of space of the time embraced their within the paper for reviews and creativity, forming a new look perspectives on world issues. that would become the norm for quite a few years, recurring frequently in the 90s and for much of the 2000s onwards. 5 —27

Students INNIS COLLEGE The Innis Herald: ALUMNI & FRIENDS Mapping Inconsistency MAGAZINE 2015

students. Prior to the 90s, Student news and information it appears that either student took a back seat to major inter- politicians and intellectuals or national news and pop culture artists had taken the reins, but coverage. Stories of Darfur, this decade seems to exhibit celebrity scandal and a short the most diversity on staff. two pages of film reviews filled Articles on film were featured Volume 4, Issue 2, showing a most predominantly through- shift from the previous decade. out these years. This is not A lot of this could be attributed surprising to many, considering to the advent of the digital age. the long affiliation between In- New access to information and nis College and Cinema Studies, a growing culture of getting but the uniqueness lies in the everything on-demand brought sheer size and breadth of cover- with it a newspaper that age. Most papers dive in with attempted to provide informa- film reviews or star features, tion just as quickly. Aestheti- but the Innis Herald took it cally, the Herald consistently much further. It contained embraced colour for the first Although the current paper in-depth features regarding film time, with a lot of futuristic- focuses on thought pieces, style, the rise of independent looking features early in the short guides to campus life, film, and intensive studies of decade. The end of the decade and reviews, we want to try film form. In Volume 27, Issue saw some aesthetic experimen- reflecting the Innis community 1, a surprising 10 pages were tation. There was a time when instead of only projecting our dedicated to film alone – a clear each issue had one blank page interests onto it. Incorporating testament to the interests of with only a colourful frame more profiles of students the current student body (or lining the edges. Despite this making a difference, interviews perhaps just student newspa- interesting choice, one thing with important members of per staff). Despite this specific was clear throughout the 2000s: the Innis community, and subject matter taking up the visually, the paper was striking. coverage of student politics are largest amount of space, the upcoming areas of focus for Herald of the 90s, in one way or the Herald. Of course, any new another, catered to all. directions would only be inte- grated into the innate uniqueness of a paper that has never tried to take itself too seriously. The Innis Herald is defined by its framers – and likely always will be. This adaptability, however, is exactly what has allowed the publication to change in tandem with a community that inevitably alters and re-creates itself over time.

4 To view the complete collection of past issues of the Innis Herald visit: 2010s archive.org/details/inniscollege Looking forward 2000s Pop cultural invasion By the end of the 2014-15 in the digital age term, we will have released

two issues, and we hope to put A new millennium spurred the Herald online in early Fall a novel form for the Innis 2015. Our goal this past year Herald. The creators took an has been to bring a consistent approach that was unseen in student voice back to Innis, the newspaper until this point. while ensuring its longevity. 5 —28

Students INNIS COLLEGE The Many Masks of ALUMNI & FRIENDS askastudent MAGAZINE 2015 The Many Masks of

Simply put, it’s a website askastudentin which University of Toronto students answer questions from other University of Toronto students. It’s a place to talk candidly about the university. 5 —29

Students INNIS COLLEGE The Many Masks of ALUMNI & FRIENDS askastudent MAGAZINE 2015 As any past aska will tell, to ask aska about askastudent, it’s most prudent to inquire in the form of electronically-submitted questions (with hints of desperation and/or effusiveness for good measure).

uring the So, for those in the dark: at Innis, Donald Boere. With summer what is askastudent? the help of Assistant Registrar of 1999, Thomas MacKay and IT Coordi- Innis student Simply put, it’s a website where nator Jason Daye, askastudent askastudentDuncan Hill University of Toronto students has had a home in the College designed answer questions from other for nearly two decades now. an online University of Toronto students. forum for University of Toronto It’s a place to talk candidly In addition to providing guid- students as part of a summer about the university. ance to aska about everything Dposition. It was a seminal from voice to website layout, move – though most students Since 1999, 14 students MacKay and Daye – as well never knew it happened. have written for askastudent, as the rest of the staff at taking on the mantle of “aska,” the Registrar’s Office – have Despite having operated a snarky character who quips helped provide answers to the continuously for 16 years, most and pokes fun as much as he/ most obscure and finicky of people at the University of she answers questions. university-related questions. Toronto have never heard of When aska doesn’t know the the student-operated site With its casual, even brash, answer, they have always been askastudent.utoronto.ca. The tone of voice, askastudent able to fill in the blanks. site’s minimal advertising has could pass for a personal blog been cryptic at best. A few run by an especially disgrun- Not only is askastudent the snappy lines of copy and a web tled undergraduate student. cumulative effort of a team of address to askastudent’s web However, since its inception, students and staff at Innis, but site on a bookmark have been askastudent has operated its intentions are nested in a the extent of its marketing. under the helm of Registrar legacy of innovation and re- and Assistant to the Principal spect for student voice, which 5 —30

Students INNIS COLLEGE The Many Masks of ALUMNI & FRIENDS askastudent MAGAZINE 2015

Better yet, aska was encouraged to join this virtual conversation with little to no threat of censorship from the powers that be.

has characterized the College As any past aska staffer helping my compatriots at the since its inception. The web- will tell, to ask aska about University to make friends, settle site arose as the first student- askastudent, it’s most pru- into their new surroundings, find voiced, University-endorsed, dent to inquire in the form of easy classes, and to get more student-to-student, online electronically-submitted ques- involved in their own student advice forum at U of T. tions (with hints of despera- experience. And as one of the tion and/or effusiveness for first writers for the site I had Akin to a Dear Abby for good measure). This is exactly the pleasure of also building the digital age, askastudent what the aforementioned sup- version 1 of the website, a demonstrated keen initia- porter of the website, Thomas skill I would turn into a full- tive (read: opportunism) by MacKay, has done. What time thriving business upon enterprising into cyberspace. follows is a virtual conversa- graduation from U of T. Aska met students within the tion between Mackay and four emerging medium where they incarnations of aska, based But it wasn’t until almost a were already asking questions on the order in which they decade later – when I started and conversing. assumed the role. making film – that I really discovered how much I had Better yet, aska was encour- learned on the job at askastu- 4 To read the full interview, aged to join this virtual visit the digital edition of the dent. I became a producer; magazine, now available on conversation with little to no the Innis Alumni website. a job that requires skill in threat of censorship from alumni.innis.utoronto.ca/ dozens of disciplines. Pitching, magazine/the-many-masks- the powers that be. Aska has of-askastudent creative development, fund- never been a double agent raising, grant writing, budgeting, on a 16-year inside job for story editing, networking, the University to trick stu- Thomas MacKay: What has marketing… the list goes on dents into listening to official, askastudent meant to you/ and on. All of these were institutional messaging. No, what did the job do for you elements I had touched on askastudent is premised upon personally? while developing askastudent. the belief that student voice itself is a credible one. aska 2: The job was a big one It was easily one of the best for me. At the time, I thought jobs I ever had. I was learning how to help students and how to build web- aska 6: askastudent is sites. Certainly both of those pretty much the ideal job are true. And certainly both of for any aspiring writer. The those helped me in a variety of ways. I took a lot of pride in 5 —31

Students INNIS COLLEGE The Many Masks of ALUMNI & FRIENDS askastudent MAGAZINE 2015

The irreverent, jokey DGAF tone empowered you to develop your voice, using the website as a platform to speak your mind honestly about navigating the heavy emotional terrain of an undergraduate education.

irreverent, jokey DGAF (Don’t aska 10: It feels funny to to retrospect about it. Neither Give A F***) tone empowered look back on my experience can I muse about how it might you to develop your voice, with askastudent as a job. affect my future. Certainly, it’s using the website as a platform Perhaps it was the prospect daunting for me even to con- to speak your mind honestly of a humble work-study wage sider attempting to match the about navigating the heavy that first piqued my interest. professional accomplishments emotional terrain of an under- However, the resultant profes- of my predecessors, who have graduate education. sional and personal develop- established a legacy of excel- ment retains my fond affection lence – in writing, design, It can be hard to give advice for the website to this day (and and general warmth of heart – when you’re also a stressed my shameless commitment on askastudent. out undergrad, coping with to promoting it!). FACT: I student loans and term papers would not be a practising web So, what has askastudent and roommates that sing the designer today if Donald and meant to me? In some ways, Rent soundtrack on repeat. Tom hadn’t given me free rein only time can tell. Askastudent showed me that to self-teach and then redesign the best writing has personality askastudent. FACT: I would not However, one thing is for and a clear voice, that it’s okay have a job in University com- certain. No matter what to be funny and honest and munications today if askastu- askastudent may mean for me a little sassy. dent hadn’t demonstrated the in the future, it has been the value of disseminating acces- best thing to happen to my On a personal note, I couldn’t sible, honest information to undergraduate career. Maybe imagine kinder co-workers, students. FACT: My circuitous askastudent is the start of who were incredibly empa- path from Innis to grad school many greater things for me - thetic and helped me through to workplace would have been but even it is isn’t, this will all kinds of personal upheavals a lot more anxiety-laden had have been more than enough. on the long (six years!) journey it not been for the constant, towards finishing my Cinema generous, positive and ener- Studies degree at Innis College. getic mentorship shown to Their support and the educa- me by my askastudent boss, tion I received through that job Donald Boere. alone was a formative experience that I’ll always be grateful for. aska 14: As the current aska, Long live askastudent. I am uniquely handicapped in trying to answer this question. Since askastudent is my current job, it’s impossible for me 5 —32

Students INNIS COLLEGE askastudent ALUMNI & FRIENDS Timeline MAGAZINE 2015 askastudent

Timeline askas 10 and 14 sought to illustrate the diverse history of askastudent voices by curating a pictorial timeline, or ______aska VI, the Wit family tree, of askas 1 through 14. Trace the Quote: “all of us askastudents chronological thread from 1999 to today to are actually renowned super- get acquainted with models. sure i’m a current cin- our proud pantheon of masked askas. ema studies student during the Illustrations by askas day, but even claudia schiffer 10 and 14 has to learn sometimes right?”

______aska III, the Gentle “if you want to date the askastu- Quote: “don’t use askastudent dent staff, let’s not play games ______aska I, the Original as a venting space without being here. let’s face it, we’re pretty Quote: “you may not enrol in prepared for a little mocking. hot/cool and in demand. don’t any post-secondary courses any- that’s what your momma’s for! toy with our hearts asking for where on earth, or you will have in any case, here’s a better rant information about who we are, to re-apply to come back to so that if you’re going to use or hitting us up for photos, u of t. surprisingly enough, there up my time for your therapy, like some disgusting craigs list is a fee attached to this process- at least you have a quality ‘casual encounters’ post.” sixty dollars… who knew there model from which to work.” – September 26th, 2006 were fees attached to every single – July 4th, 2002 process, administrative or otherwise, at u of t?” – January 24th, 2000

______aska IV, the Quiet Editor’s Note: too quiet to provide a quote.

______aska II, the Irreverent ______aska VII, the Righteous Quote: “the true key to drinking Quote: “this site is a univer- and partying at U of T is balance. sity of toronto website. though HOW-TO-BE-A-HAPPY-DRUNK- we’re happy giving the kinds WHILE-STILL-PASSING- of answers that no one else will YOUR-COURSES-AND-NOT- give, the law is pretty clear on SPENDING-ALL-YOUR-CASH the whole no-drinking while 101 should be a mandatory underage thing, and we’re not class for all first years.” able to instruct students on – October 5th, 2000 how to break the law. personally, aska never needed a fake ______aska V, the Sarcastic id: older siblings and their G1’s Editor’s Note: too sarcastic to are the best thing ever.” provide a quote. – July 4th, 2007 5 —33

Students INNIS COLLEGE askastudent ALUMNI & FRIENDS Timeline MAGAZINE 2015 understand[s] your question, which is why I have to do the car- dinal sin of U of T – referring you to someone else…The place to talk to would be Admissions and Awards. They will know exactly what you’re talking about and how it pertains to your program of study. Sorry that I don’t!” – September 23rd, 2010 ______aska X, the Verbose Quote: “While askastudent may be criticized (by idiots) for being insensitive, offensive, and aska VIII, self-indulgent, no one has ever ______the Strawberry Shortcake questioned its honesty. In keeping Quote: “I’m afraid my outpour with this reputation, I am letting of sympathy has made me everyone know that the beloved seem too ‘vanilla’. My super- Aska that you have grown to visor just informed me that love/hate over the past year has if I keep up the Strawberry gone into retirement, and a new Shortcake shtick I’ll be put incarnation (me) has been born.” on question probation.” – May 22nd, 2009 – January 15th, 2008

______aska XIII, the Stern Quote: “Madeline, for your sanity’s sake, I’m going to be very blunt with you. Stop talking to upper years. We enjoy making newbies squirm.” – July 15th, 2013

______aska IX, the Dad Quote: “I know that frosh may seem like a big thing, but it’s really just one big dorky party. Actually, who am ______aska XI, the Alien I kidding, I have no idea what Quote: “And yes, it is spelled it’s like, but it seems like a OUAC, not UOAC. Come on. dorky party to me. So for your Even I remember that and it’s questions: go to St. Mike’s. been a few years since I’ve gradu- Wear clothes. Act natural.” ated from my uh………….high nd school. What did you say? No, I’m – August 2 , 2008 ______aska XIV, the Current not an alien… where did you get Quote: “aww man – we don’t that idea? *nervous laughter*” actually hate admissions ques- – January 28th, 2010 tions, y’all. it’s just a bit of teas- ing. if you guys stopped sending us questions, where would aska be? at home in a big t-shirt and no pants, probably, eating mac n cheese and watching totally spies on netflix.” – March 26th, 2015

______aska XII, the Mannerly Quote: “Unfortunately neither I nor anyone at the Innis Registrar 5 —034

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Community INNIS COLLEGE Mentoring ALUMNI & FRIENDS Innisians MAGAZINE 2015 Mentoring

When asked about her thoughts on the Mentor- Innisians A Look at the ship Program, Plunkett stressed the importance of it and praised Innis College for taking this Inaugural Innis initiative to bridge the gap between academia and the business world. She says most universi- Mentorship ties do not go the extra miles to provide students with real world experience, which then leads to Program students enrolling in community college to get it. Mentoring can help give a snapshot of the “big By Rolla Tahir (HBA ‘09 INNIS) and bad world” instead of just being thrown into Maddie Freedman (Class of ‘15) the real world following graduation. External mentorships provide practical knowledge and Left: he Innis Mentorship Program, expand the mind to better arm students with Student the knowledge they need and offer a glimpse of Jasmine Denike the first of its kind at the College, (L) with her has received much praise from the real world. mentor, Marion Plunkett (R) both alumni and mentees. The program, which ran between The mentorship program has surpassed January and April 2015, was Denike’s expectations. Getting to know Plunkett meant to provide an opportunity and knowing how she achieved her success for students to gather valuable and individual helped Denike to learn how to be successful in career advice from successful Innis alumni her future. Talking with Plunkett has given her through one-on-one meetings. a different perspective on what she wants to do T after graduation; her advice and mentorship has We sat down with Jasmine Denike and her made Denike less fearful about the fact that she is mentor Marion Plunkett to get their thoughts on unsure what her future holds. participating in this initiative. A major lesson Denike has learned from Plunkett Marion Plunkett who was the Director of Research is to take opportunities as they come, and not at Ogilvy, part of WPP, the largest communica- worry too much about what happens next. tions company in the world, set up her own communications company a few years ago. Denike Plunkett provided Denike with new ideas and a is a fourth-year English major with minors in different path that exposed her to possibilities Drama and French as a second language. Denike that she was unaware of previously. For Plunkett, got involved in Innis during her second and third the mentorship was not simply a formal obligation year with FROSH, council and politics as VP but rather a more personal one, where the two External UTSU 2015/16. Like many prospective participants helped each other grow. As a final students, Denike was attracted to Innis College thought, Plunkett praises the flexibility of the because of its “awesome residence,” film culture, program in allowing relationships to form and flow and its intimate but strong community, which organically between mentors and mentees, while was less daunting coming out of high school. Denike stresses the importance of the mentees’ Innis offers a small number of students the same commitment to the program. amount of opportunities as a larger college with more resources, something Denike really loves about the college. 5 —36

Community INNIS COLLEGE We Could Control ALUMNI & FRIENDS Everything MAGAZINE 2015 Following a special screening of his latest work at Innis Town Hall in the spring, filmmaker and Cinema Studies grad, Richie Mehta, talks about the planning and experience of making his films with his former professor, Bart Testa “We Could Control Every-

Introduction and interview by Bart Testa

Right: Richie Mehta addresses the audience prior thing.” to the screening of his film 5 —037

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Community INNIS COLLEGE We Could Control ALUMNI & FRIENDS Everything MAGAZINE 2015

Siddharth was well received by a full house in Town Hall this spring, as was Mehta’s winning and warm presence when discussing the film with Charlie Keil and the audience:

You said some very kind things about your film education in the discussion at Innis after the Town Hall screening of Siddharth. How was it a help? Would you have not discovered the films you saw in the Cinema Studies courses anyway? Was knowing the history of films, and the interpretations they inspired an aid to discovering your way as a filmmaker?

In a way, you’ve answered the first question with the follow-ups. I would not have discovered many of the films I saw in Cinema Studies had they not been shown to me. And I don’t mean the standard ‘intro to cinema’ films, though these were all essential viewing. But the more obscure ones, known among cinephiles, but not to me. Some of the lesser-known films of Howard Hawks, the early Kubricks, things I would have let slide. And certainly, the interpretations they inspired helped immeasurably. I don’t think I can make a film now without ichie Mehta graduated from directly referencing some of these films, University of Toronto where and how they conveyed in the most subtle he studied Art History and and cinematic way certain ideas. I design my Cinema Studies, taking these films with the utmost care, and indeed, won’t courses at Innis College. even tackle a project if it doesn’t have as deep He then attended Sheridan a meaning as some of these films that were College for an intensive shown to me. Of course, this is all subjective!. post-BA production program. His 2004 film, Amal, grew out of his Sheridan shorts. He You said that the films in your Cinema courses Rexpanded it into a feature in 2008, also titled were well curated. What did you mean by this? Amal. Then, in 2013, Mehta completed two features simultaneously. The science fiction I’ll As I mentioned above, it was some of the choices Follow You Down, was made in Toronto with an of films that my profs – you included – made international cast including Gillian Anderson (The that I never would have discovered. I recall that X-Files), Haley Joel Osment (Sixth Sense) and you showed us Letter from an Unknown Woman veteran Canadian character actor Victor Garber. (1948, directed by Max Ophuls) – to this day The film deals with time travel and a family one of my favourite films - after class, as one whose father has not returned from an appoint- of the elective film screenings. I made sure to ment he set for himself with Albert Einstein. attend all of those, and found that often times Mehta’s other film, Siddharth, was shot in they were the real delights, both as a viewer India and concerns a street tailor who sends just wanting to enjoy a film, as well as someone his son away to work. The boy, Siddarth, looking for deeper meaning and hoping that disappears and the rest of the film concerns much of that embedded depth was by design. his search for his son, aided by friends and Of course, we cannot watch every film we’d strangers alike. Siddharth quickly earned like to in these courses, so often times I only Mehta a reputation for sensitive handling of know what was curated. I also recall seeing my actors, in this case a mix of professionals first Chinese film through Kass Banning’s Film and non-actors, and achieving a meticulous Theory course, which was an eye opener, and and polished look on a small budget. to this day has informed much of what I see. 5 —39

Community INNIS COLLEGE We Could Control ALUMNI & FRIENDS Everything MAGAZINE 2015

Right and bottom: Was there further training Screen photos from Richie Mehta’s after your undergraduate award-winning film, degree that was helpful in Siddharth © Courtesy of Poor finding your way? Man’s Productions Yes. I completed a post-graduate film production program at Sheridan College, focusing on directing, editing, producing, and writing. It was a one-year intensive, and really provided the space for me to experiment with some of the ideas above. At first I wanted to do and say so much in the short films I was making. But over time I learned brevity (I hope) and how to be concise and more respectful of the audience.

You have made three feature the credits are inaccurate. films since 2007. Amal grew Did you originate the story? from a short film. I’ll Follow Did you originate the project? You Down (2013) seems to have been a “studio“ film, as Strangely, I began writing you suggested in your remarks I’ll Follow You Down at Sheri- at Innis. And a science fiction dan, as a thesis script. It was film does seem incongruous something very personal, based being bolstered by Amal and on my views and perception Siddharth, which are down- of family dynamics in conflict to earth realist dramas. How with personal desires and was the experience different passions. It took me a while — generally? How was dealing to wrap my head around – 12 with experienced actors, like years of writing with long Gillian Anderson, Victor Gar- breaks in between to make ber and the grown-up Haley the other films - and was an Joel Osment? And a larger extraordinary challenge to technical crew? Was it enjoy- execute, simply because my able, whatever the outcome? team and I were overextended. You had co-writers on your We had too little money and more personal two films, while time to do what was required, you wrote Follow alone, unless and yet, we pulled off exactly 5 —40

Community INNIS COLLEGE We Could Control ALUMNI & FRIENDS Everything MAGAZINE 2015

Right: course, acknowledgment Screen photo from Richie Mehta’s of what has preceded my award-winning film, attempts (especially those that Siddharth © Courtesy of Poor merit comparison or grouping) Man’s Productions is crucial. But for me I’m finding that my own experiences, which I try to keep as varied and diverse as possible, are the best way to inform my work, and hopefully, allow others to relate.

On the other hand, Follow is an unusual sci-fi film in being a family drama that orbits (sorry!) around a missing and perhaps irrecoverable family member, which is not what I hoped and dreamed thing. There is no hand-holding, entirely unlike Siddharth. of. So in order for that to have because they have far more (It also resembles some happened, it required every set experience than I do. That recent Canadian sci-fi, like ounce of focus, attention, and can be a wonderful thing. And Spliced, which also takes on a energy I could muster. Of it can backfire too if they sniff family drama aspect.) Does the course, all films do, but that out your lack of confidence or resemblance strike you as true one also was the third film I preparation!. Was it enjoyable? or nonsense? shot (and second film I finished, Sometimes yes. Sometimes the as I was doing Siddharth at pressure can be immense, and You know, we scored both films the same time). And if I hadn’t this was one of those instances. at the same time, in London. shot two films prior to that, I But with each film, I’m learning (Andrew Lockington composed wouldn’t have had the confi- to deal with the stress better. I the music for both films, and dence or knowledge to pull it enjoyed it 100 per cent when I we recorded back-to-back in off. With respect to the actors was a student. I hope I can get London). It was strange to and crew, I suppose shooting back to that someday. switch hats so quickly, one day in India (for Siddharth) in observing the orchestra play ever-changing conditions can In some respects the plot the score for Siddharth, and prepare you for anything. But, situation in Siddharth then the next day for I’ll Follow I was thrown off when we began resembles the one in Hou You Down. After it was all over, I’ll Follow You Down, as it was Hsiao-hsien’s Sandwich one of the players approached the first time I shot in Canada Man – in effect Hou’s artistic me, having just played her since I was a student, and I was debut, after three studio heart out on violin, and having amazed that we could control assignments. Do you know seen only sound-less images everything (the light, the extras, that film? Or did you come here and there of both films, the environment, the frame!). upon these characters and and said to me “I don’t know Even though I trained that their circumstance by obser- what these two films were way, I forgot that’s normally vation (as did Hou himself)? about, but I think yesterday’s how films are made! And with was about a father searching respect to the crews and actors, I actually do not know that for a missing son, and today’s it is indescribable to work with film but will be sure to track about a son searching for a people who are so professional it down! Rather, I came upon missing father?” I blanched. It and experienced, that anything the characters in Siddharth never even occurred to me that you desire can be done. We by observation and interac- this was the case! So while it need the sun to shine at two tion. And in fact, I’m trying as certainly is true, I didn’t know a.m.? No problem, give them much as possible to not inform it beforehand. And again, I an hour. We need an actor to the themes and subjects of my can’t really comment on the cry on cue, four times in a row films from other films. Tech- comparison to other Canadi- for takes and coverage? Sure nique, craft, execution, and of an sci-fi, other than I find that 5 —41

Community INNIS COLLEGE We Could Control ALUMNI & FRIENDS Everything MAGAZINE 2015

most filmmakers in Canada are based in the succeed in the Mumbai industry (season two three largest cities. And with that, their experi- airs this September on OMNI). I never thought ences are going to be urban, perhaps domestic I would star in a reality series – I’m certainly even. That’s something that tends to show up in not qualified to direct them – but it’s been a a lot of Canadian cinema, regardless of genre. great experience.

Are the market prospects of your films Do you think that you can build sufficient known beforehand or is it a case of casting momentum professionally on the strength of bread upon the waters? films like Siddharth to sustain a career? Do you hope to? In the case of a film like IFYD, yes. I mean, one never really knows, but the producer is This is the key question really, for sustainability. required to put together proposals and pack- I always say that ‘success’ in this business is ages that state they do know, so we all try. And making a living pursuing the vocation you love. then afterwards you see where and how it lands. So far so good for me. And with Siddharth, it’s With Siddharth, it was done as an experiment, been really wonderful. I’m running with it, and so I never even considered it would be a coher- hope to parlay the success to the next project. ent film! We made up its market prospects as But, as with any other contract-based career, we observed them. it will always be job-to-job.

Are you negotiating – or even being Your films, and Siddharth especially, seem approached – on further projects, either traditional and realistic in terms of your commercial ones, or those of your own? style. This seems an obvious aesthetic Are you in a position of choosing or do choice given the stories that attract you. Are you have to be rustling up work? you thinking of continuing along these lines or does experience (or your imagination) I am being approached to direct other projects, seem to be pushing in a different direction? often more commercial. There are a few I’m in development on, which may or may not see I’ll Follow You Down was the opposite the light of day. And while those proceed, I con- of Siddharth. Every frame, every shade of tinue to research and write my own projects. colour and light, every camera move was It’s a nice place to be in, surely, but I’m also controlled, mapped out and planned. Again, keeping my eye on the prize, which is to make that’s how I trained, and that was the intended my own work, write my own stories, based on goal. The India projects changed all of that, my observations and ideas. I figured if I’m going and now I’m continuing along both routes, and to spill this much blood in my work, at least try want to explore the extremes of each, as well to make it original and meaningful to me. as the hybrids. The hybrids interest me the most in fact, which is what Siddharth really Do you do in-fill work between projects, like is. Every shot in the film was planned in that I TV work, commercials, etc.? TV, and especially knew where the camera would go, how it would high-quality drama, seems to have sustained a generally move, and where our actors would be remarkable number of Canadian directors. in the frame. Whatever else was happening in the frame was a gamble, and that’s where life I do. I’ve been lucky to do some TV documentary intervened. I love this, and hope to continue work here and there, which is a great way to learn exploring it. and explore with technique. I recently directed my first commercial (for Unicef Canada, which was a massive campaign for [reducing] child mortality). I haven’t gone into the high-quality drama world just yet, but am holding my breath, as it seems to be a promising path as you’ve pointed out. I was also lucky in the past two years, as I was an on-screen judge for a Ca- nadian reality program titled “Bollywood Star,” in which Canadians audition for a chance to —42

Dynamism INNIS COLLEGE Inside the ALUMNI & FRIENDS Creative City MAGAZINE 2015

Right: “In The City” Image tied for Best Visual Piece in 2015 Innis Review Inside the © Photography by Shuiyao Wang Creative City: 4 Shawn Micallef, Writer and Instructor, Innis One Program A Look at the Instructors and Writing of two of the Innis One Courses

Launched in 2012, Innis One: The Creative City draws from the College’s three academic programs – Cinema Studies, Urban Studies and Writing & Rhetoric – and encourages students to develop their creative and critical capacities by exploring the dynamism of the urban environment.

By Shawn Micallef, Instructor, Blogging the Just City teaches at University College and joined us at “The job of Innis One this past year. We asked him about the writer is to “writing about a place,” and writing to make a pull more people difference. One of your students was really struck by into the issue” the exhortation to “make people care” when writing. What do you want your audience to care about, and has it changed much since you Shawn Micallef presents his findings and first began writing? critical reflections as an explorer of Toronto in numerous ways. He is the author of Stroll: I see this course as two things: an exploration of Psychogeographic Walking Tours of Toronto; the city and a course on writing. The students Full Frontal TO, nominated for a 2013 Toronto are exploring issues they (presumably) care Book Award; and most recently The Trouble about, and as a writer of any kind, not just blog- With Brunch, a Globe and Mail best book of gers, part of why you write is to get other people 2014. He is also a columnist for the Toronto interested in the issue. Since the lens this Star and is both co-owner and senior editor of course looks at the city through is justice, getting the influential and ground-breaking magazine, readers to care about the issue is important, but Above: Spacing. Shawn also co-founded the [murmur] simply writing about it isn’t enough, even if we Shawn Micallef, media project, a curation of memory-rich city think that laying it out there should be good Instructor, Blogging the Just City sites coupled with recordings of memories and enough for people to care. The job of the writer © Photography by Beth Darbyshire reflections, accessible by mobile phone. Shawn is to pull more people into the issue and get —043

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them to connect to it, so we discuss various Your class focuses on the blog as a medium for tactics to do that in blog posts. Sometimes you reflection and criticism. How have you seen have to be a little entertaining, as a writer, to blogging develop in the past decade as a mode of get people to care about an issue they might not writing? What is the goal of dedicated networks choose to read about on their own. I think of of blogs, such as the one hosted by Spacing? this kind of writing as being a bit sneaky. Useful, ethical sneakiness. Of course, each student will Blogs, even serious ones (whatever that means), write in their own way, with their own voice, were largely considered amateur or hobby terri- which can also help pull people in. When some- tory 10 years ago. It was hard for people writing body writes passionately about something they blogs to get press passes or on media lists, let care about, people pay attention. alone respectful access to people. There’s been a real professionalization of blogs since then, and I want my own audience to care about the city, by that I mean they’re taken seriously as a place to embrace it, and to live it. Many people live where news is sometimes broken and opinions their entire lives in a city just allowing it to pass that need to be listened to are expressed. Some- them by. My greater hope is that if people are times they’re still part time or “amateur” but the engaged in their city, even in a fun way, it might idea of what journalism is has expanded. Stan- lead to deeper connections and a sense that they dards are still important, but you don’t have to can contribute or change the city for the better; work for a major organization to be considered a they don’t just have to ride it out. journalist. One-person operations can get a lot of respect now, and that allows for a lot of diversity in voices. —44

Dynamism INNIS COLLEGE Inside the ALUMNI & FRIENDS Creative City MAGAZINE 2015

What’s your assessment of the vitality of Your course aspires to bring a diversity of conversation around the city, about the city? voices into a conversation about city, space, Are there conversations that you feel keenly and social justice. Have you found yourself need to happen more actively and widely? challenged and/or surprised by the voices emerging in your class? There are lots of conversations around the city, more than in most places I think. This is a city Yes! That’s what I really like about this course. of panel discussions that draw big audiences Even in Toronto with so many media outlets and and a robust media, despite the problems in Twitter feeds, it’s easy to get in a bit of a pattern, the industry. reading the same people. Here I’m “forced” to read all these perspectives, which is great. New I want to say we need more conversations about voices lack the cynicism that often comes with income inequality and the affordable housing professional journalism; new angles too. One crisis in the city, but those conversations happen student wrote a great piece about being from but political will and action remain elusive. rural Ontario and the contentious relationship I hope that more voices writing about this from with wind turbines, which many city people, various perspectives and geographies might begin including me, think are great things. Reading to tell a wider story that can relate to more people all the student work has enriched my view and impress upon them why they should care. of things, and is a bit of pulse-taking of what students feel about certain things, what they What kinds of questions or guidelines did you think is important. present to your students to encourage their engagement in their urban environment, and What themes or lessons from your Innis One to encourage reflection on that environment? course might be a good take-away for anyone who might want to enrich their stake, and We did a survey of a dozen or so urban issues sense of citizenship in the city? and I tried to balance the field trips and guest speakers with a mix of scholarly articles on each I’d really like people to see the city as an acces- subject and journalistic pieces, so the students, sible thing, that you don’t have to just live here when writing their responses to the issues on and ride it out, that there are dozens – hundreds their blogs, could pull from all of that as well as – of ways to engage with the city, whether directly whatever their own experience with an issue political or through another means, perhaps the might be or additional evidence they found. arts. My favourite class this past term was when we went to a city hall meeting. I pointed out to “Experiential learning” is ever-increasingly the students I made no special arrangements: we a focus for U of T and all universities, though simply showed up at (their) city hall and went up in fact has a relatively long history at Innis into the chambers, with only a brief bag check on College, especially in Urban Studies. What the way in. There are of course many barriers in does the phrase mean to you, and how does the city, some of which we discuss in class, but it play out in your course? I hope they leave with the notion that making change in the city isn’t off limits to them. In Blogging the Just City it means going out to see places in the city where some of the issues Coach House Books is basically an Innis brought up in the course play out on the streets. College neighbour, on bpNichol lane. Does it This way the students both study the theory evoke a particular sense of place to you? and also act as first person reporters out in the field. The blogs they produce are hybrids that slide along a scale between academic papers and Yes! bpNichol Lane is a great physical connection a piece of journalism, depending on the subject between some landmarks of Canadian informa- matter. Their own unique voice is encouraged; in tion theory and experimentation. Harold Innis this case, that the city can be both a public and is here in the middle, with Coach House’s now personal object of study. 50 year history of producing Canadian books —45

Dynamism INNIS COLLEGE Inside the ALUMNI & FRIENDS Creative City MAGAZINE 2015

just up the way. Giant bookends are Robarts minorities, and it would require four times Library at one end, a mountain of thought, and that number to achieve statistical equity” (Siemi- the experiment in education that was Rochdale atycki, p.12). There’s hardly any ethnic diversity College on the northern end. There ought to be found in Toronto’s city council, and yet it has a more plaques here! huge population that identifies as “non-white.”

An Excerpt from Student Work: One of the solutions Myer raises is that there ______Hilary Hager needs to be some sort of, “election reform such Hilary Hager is an Innis College student enter- as addressing the under-representation of the ing second year, pursuing her Honours Bachelor GTA in federal parliament” (Siemiatycki, p.ii). of Arts in Anthropology and History. She has The lack of diversity in City Council seems to be allowed us to reproduce her reflections on a rather complicated problem Toronto faces, and sitting in a Toronto City Council meeting. Myer recognizes that it’s the elections that need to change. There’s no doubt that individuals who ______50 Shades of All The Same identify with “ethnic minorities” can and should Last week, we went out on a class field trip to run; however “[i]n the absence of political par- Toronto’s City Hall and sat in on a City Council ties, municipal elections largely hinge on name meeting. I’d never been to a City Council meeting recognition [which]…gives incumbents a huge before, but I have been to many school-based advantage” (Siemiatycki, p.18). council meetings, and they’re essentially run the same way. So it wasn’t too difficult for me to One of the ways that Torontonians could address follow along and get the gist of what they were this issue among others, as WiTOpoli—Women working through. When we went, council was in Toronto politics—points out, is to either write going through a number of discussions on the to or present you issue publicly to Toronto City agenda, many of which they had addressed Council committees (WiTOpoli). In this way, the in more detail previously, and were voting on voices of Torontonians can be heard directly by how to proceed with each point. There were people who then report to Toronto’s City Council. topics ranging from more affordable housing to It’s a great way to get involved with the city of restoration and improved protection of Toronto’s Toronto and to initiate a change within your own historical buildings and sites. All in all, it was an community or even the city as a whole! Actu- uneventful meeting which, in light of the fame ally, while we were on the field trip the members Toronto has acquired via Rob Ford, was nice. present gave recognition to a young girl in the “audience” who’d earlier that day raised the Toronto’s “catch phrase” or slogan or what have issue of affordable housing and homelessness (I you is “Diversity our Strength.” In one way this believe). Even Toronto’s youth has a say in what defining phrase of Toronto expresses the very happens, so why is it we’re still not representing true diversity of Torontonians. We are a tiny our diversity? mini-world in a sense, encompassing people literally from all around the world. The state- For a city that boasts about its diversity, there are ment, however, doesn’t reflect Toronto’s political an awful lot of “white guys” on its council. body. As Myer Siemiatycki points out, “[j]ust five of Toronto’s 45 council members are visible

Resources: Dotan, H. Dotan, H. Siemiatycki, M. (n.d.). WiTOpoli. (n.d.). 4 (2012, May 17). (2012, September 28). THE DIVERSITY 4-Step Guide to Toronto’s Most Governance in the GAP: The Electoral Deputations at Remarkable, Age of Rob Ford. Under-Representation Toronto City Hall. Unremarkable Day. In Torontoist. of Visible Minorities. In WiTOpoli: Women In Torontoist. Retrieved February 20, In Diverse city: The in Toronto politics. Retrieved February 20, 2015, from greater Toronto lead- Retrieved February 20, 2015, from torontoist.com/2012/09/ ership project. 2015, from torontoist.com/2012/05/ governance-in-the-age-of- Retrieved February 20, witopoli.com/resources/ torontos-most-remark- rob-ford/ 2015, from deputation-guide able-unremarkable-day diversecitytoronto.ca/ wp-content/uploads/Final- Report.pdf —46

Dynamism INNIS COLLEGE Inside the ALUMNI & FRIENDS Creative City MAGAZINE 2015

Right: “Tree Lights” © Photography by Inside the Michelle Gu Creative City: 4 Sharon English, Writer and Instructor, Writing and Rhetoric Program A Look at the Instructors and Writing of two of the Innis One Courses

By Sharon English, Instructor, Telling the Stories of the City: Writing Creative Non-Fiction

in Britain. She has recently completed a novel “Increasingly I’m about finding home in a time of ecological crisis, drawn to write called What Has Night to Do with Sleep? stories that explore In my fiction writing I’ve always been intensely interested in exploring place as the ground our disconnected for story and character, whether that place is suburb, city or forest. Increasingly I’m drawn and abusive rela- to write stories that explore our disconnected tionship with the and abusive relationship with the non-human world: what is usually called ‘nature,’ as if non-human world” nature is somehow ‘over there’ or ‘out there,’ while we’re someplace else. This disconnect, lying at the heart of our civilization and its Sharon English teaches creative writing in the imperialist mindset, urgently calls for repair. Writing and Rhetoric Program at Innis, where Beginning that work requires enlarging our she’s also taught in the Writing Centre since perspective on the world. 2000. Her publications include two collections Above: of short stories: Uncomfortably Numb (2002) For quite a while I’ve been interested in essays Sharon English, Instructor, Telling and Zero Gravity (2006), which was long- by contemporary (so-called) nature writers, the Stories of the City: listed for the Giller Prize. Her work has also yet frustrated by their tendency to focus on Writing Creative Non-Fiction appeared in numerous literary journals such as natural places far from daily modern life. Best Canadian Stories and Dark Mountain 5 When I heard that the Innis One program —047

DEPARTMENT INNIS COLLEGE ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE 2015

was to be called The Creative City, I felt this that students new to the city are overwhelmed was an opportunity to help connect students by its size and complexity, and I was asking (many of them from elsewhere) to the place them to view the urban environment through they are living more deeply by having them an additional lens, so to speak. As well, write about their real experiences of Toronto students – like everyone in this culture – are as a place. For the program’s first two years pulled constantly towards the abstract and the course was titled “The Natural City”; virtual more than the physical and real. students worked on exercises and writing that Some students in the class literally could not focused on perceiving the natural world in this perceive the natural world in the city. Nor did urban environment, exploring the interplay they know why it mattered. between ‘the culture of nature’ and the culture of humanity. Students wrote papers on places Wanting the course to be inclusive, fun and such as the lake, the island, ravines and parks, rewarding, I decided to abandon my concept gardens, marginal spaces like alleys and aban- and broaden the theme, changing the course doned industrial sites, wildlife such as birds, title to the current one. In essence, what I and elements such as darkness and snow. They teach hasn’t changed: we focus on connecting wrote about technology and its effects on the to the world more deeply by paying attention, senses and perception. asking questions and noticing our reactions – the essential tools of writing well in any genre. During these two years, I found that many We focus on writing that shows the interplay students struggled with the course concept. of self and world by balancing the vivid and They signed up, but often resisted approaching sensory with the writer’s reflections. the city in this way. Partly, the problem was —48

Dynamism INNIS COLLEGE Inside the ALUMNI & FRIENDS Creative City MAGAZINE 2015

In class, students now focus more on con- female voice. In fact, we would be hearing the necting to their own wells of experience: the story right from the people themselves: guards stories that they most want to explore. Activi- and prisoners who once shared a past here and ties in class help them discover memories now opened it up to us. that have particular bearing on the present, while exercises take them into the city to I forgot about the world outside and the one write about new places and connect them inside. I even forgot about myself. It wasn’t to their own histories. Students may write intentional, but I naturally became immersed about anything they wish as long as the writing in the place and its stories. The tour began emerges from their own experience and vividly with introducing us to the rules of the prison conveys the world. This approach has been very and the conduct that was required from all successful – and shows me yet again that, prisoners. Uniforms that must be worn at all often, teaching means knowing when to stop times, showers on particular days, schedules steering the boat! for manual labour, leisure time in the island park, and the list went on. The tour guided us An Excerpt from Student Work: towards a row of jail cells with historic plaques ______Rashida Abbas Khokhar put up at places where we would be asked by Rashida Abbas Khokhar is now a second the guide to stop while he explained. There year Innis College student from Mississauga were many rows of jail cells, each with a second who is planning not only a very interdisciplinary level. It felt like a never-ending labyrinth of degree in both English and Mathematics, but doors that would keep leading you to the same also furthering her skills as a writer of fiction. future and reality: no escape. The following is an excerpt from The Other Side, an essay written for the Innis One We were guided to cells that were decorated course Telling the Stories of the City. with items for the prisoners like toothpaste, paintings, an accordion and chessboard. The ______The Other Side voice explained these valuable items as some The line moved at a slow pace, so much so of the inmates’ hobbies. One guard recounted that if it had been nightfall we wouldn’t have listening to the accordion. Another one admitted realized for the lack of windows. This got us playing chess with an inmate to pass time. It wondering what time to the prisoners meant. was very unusual to know that the relationship Not a clock that ticks off every second to- between prisoners and guards wasn’t abusive, wards death, but an expansive route towards as we might assume. It seemed like the place freedom? Maybe there was freedom in death, had its own community, as if whatever time but then again maybe there was freedom in was spent there did not go in vain. In fact, not having to assimilate into society. Living far there was a feeling of camaraderie between away from a stable society, these prisoners must them. Even now their voices breathed life into have built their own unusual community and a the prison cells, making them come alive with life they could call their own. songs, laughter and murmurs shared between the inhabitants. Finally we got to the front of the line, received our headphones and proceeded with our One interesting tale told to us was, of course, tour. We put on our headphones which were one of the most famous on the island and in attached to a remote control and pressed the the world: Escape from Alcatraz is the title green button. Instantly, I was welcomed into of the Hollywood movie. How true are those another dimension where it was just me, the events portrayed in the movie no one can voices of the tour guide and the prison. I was know, but being in the actual place, hearing very surprised to find that our tour would not the story from actual people, made it feel like be guided by an objective, distant and robotic —49

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one we belonged to and could somehow The guide claimed that the prisoners detested relate to – a feeling that a movie could never looking through the window, as it served as a recapture, because it’s only a reimagining of reminder of what they couldn’t reach or gain. the past and not a retelling. However, I found that piece of information to be misleading, as it would make people think that This most famous escape was cleverly executed having a window was torture for the prisoners. by three inmates who carved a hole in their No one thought that maybe it was because of cell for over a year with a spoon and crafted the window and the ability to see the outside dummy heads using soap and toilet paper. The world through the glass that the prisoners were dummies were supposed to fool the guards, able to take comfort in knowing that they were which they did, and the hole in the cell was not alone. There was a future out there and supposed to lead to ventilation shafts, which that fueled their determination to live through it did as well. It was a brilliant escape on the the present. inmates’ part and a foolish misstep on the guards’ part, but the ending is still inconclusive. The tour ended on the lush green field outside the prison. I finally took my headphones off To this day, the FBI haven’t figured out whether and returned to the world, the present. All those three men are alive or not, as they could around me, families enjoyed the beautiful, have died from swimming in the cold water or sunny day with their children. Laughter and could have craftily maneuvered their way into shrieks from the excitement of children were a life on the run. Either way, standing in front flowing through the air. Some stood close to of the jail cells that belonged to those three the wall that looked over at San Francisco city men and peeking into the ventilation shaft that and others returned their gaze to the two- helped their escape, I could only imagine what storey, off-white, ancient building, admiring it must have been like to escape in the dark of what it stood for. night. Exhilaration mixed with fear and hope created a dangerous concoction, one that Wonder in their glowing eyes displayed an resulted in these three men’s determination awe at how this one building meant so many to escape. different things to different people: a cage, a hope for freedom and rights, and a non-reverberant It boggled my mind to know that a place echo of a past momentarily forgotten. that once meant death and despair for a people was now just a place where people pass I, too, stared at the prison house one last through. Wherever those men are, would they time, hoping to feel a fleeting sense of history be delighted to know that people flock to their playing out around me. I saw the prisoner’s story like bees to a hive, or disappointed to misery, angst and sorrow, but also their joy recognize that their story merely serves as when they got to be out in the field enjoying an escape? A tale heard in a makeshift place the view. I saw myself there too. I saw manly, made of stone that ultimately serves as a gruff men smiling and laughing as they watched purgatory for the future: we’re not really the innocent children playing around them. What learning, just passing through to get out. they saw was a future that would release them from the past, so they could join us in the mo- At one point during our tour, we were led to ment. Even as I imagined, I saw parents looking a small, square window located near the cells. and smiling at those men, welcoming them with Looking through, you could see the parallel grateful smiles and recognizing them to be roads running up the hill of San Francisco city, the stone wall. cutting across equidistant from each other. The sun’s bright rays shone through as well, transmitting a block of light on the prison floor. A lone square of light in the trench of darkness. —50

Dynamism INNIS COLLEGE Ways of Healing ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE 2015

______02. “I think that’s essential to being a First Nations person in Canada these days.” On the podcast Ways of they’re talking about A Tribe Called Red. They’re discussing the DJ group’s political messages. “That’s what Taiaiake Alfred always says, is Healing that being born is a political act if you’re an Indigenous person.

By Keara Long You’re always going to have politics and identity issues attached to you, no matter what. Above: “Ephesus Cat” Image tied for Best This piece was In a lot of circles you’re going to be the ambas- Visual Piece in 2015 Innis Review written in Sharon sador for a long history and for a wide, diverse © Photography by group of people that gets lumped together.”1 Sonia Sobrino. English’s class, ______03.

4 Creative Writing and My stomach contracts and I feel pain stab at my the Natural City. sides as I write. There’s something here about who I am, but I can never express anything. ______01. I know I am broken in many ways. I spend my Scoop out a handful of medicine from the jar. time trying to heal. When I eat, my stomach Sweetgrass, cedar, sage. Place it in the abalone rejects and retaliates. I go through the day and shell and fetch a lighter. Click, spark, flame. Bits I am so tired. Something is tense inside and out, of cedar, leaves of sage and twigs of sweetgrass but here, nothing is expressed. There’s no energy, flame up in their different ways. They quickly die and yet that repressed person builds up. down to embers, releasing a cloud of smoke. It smells like home. ______04. At the back of the classroom, my eyes brim with tears. Breathe deep. The lecture continues and I try to focus. The professor is explaining —51

Dynamism INNIS COLLEGE Ways of Healing ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE 2015

the history of land treaties. I remember every ______08. time I’ve heard people complain about the Indi- There’s one other Aboriginal student in the class. ans: their free school and special hunting rights. He answers: She says, we are not just another interest group in these areas. She says, we are not a conquered “I don’t think that matters. I didn’t grow up on people. I like hearing this. Still, the room spins. my reserve, but I still identify myself as Native. If I had grown up there, well, I wouldn’t be ______05. here.” I want to reply but I’m drowned out in There’s an anger that I can’t express. There’s a continuing conversation. frustration. I’ll never be able to explain it to those people who’ve only seen Indians in their history At least there’s always space for me on paper. textbooks, those who’ve only seen reserves in crime reports on their nightly news. I’m grateful ______09. for my education funding, but I’m not grateful While I was walking in a forest in Ireland, I to the government. I don’t think my education heard a buzzing unlike anything I’d ever heard. compensates for the damage they’ve done. It seemed to come from all directions, like I’d been immersed in noise. I couldn’t see a single ______06. bee. I felt small and powerless, and I imagined “It’s like he’s speaking for them. Who gave this an unseen hive descending. white person permission to write this?” When I listen, I still hear that buzzing alive This question provokes entertained smiles in my veins, lying in wait: a restlessness, only around the group. The boy talking is dark more insidious. skinned and sassy. I’m in a tutorial for an Aboriginal Studies class, and we’re discussing The buzzing wants expression. It wants sat- readings in small groups. isfaction, but the hunger is endless. Chasing grades, chasing boys. They run; I think they I’m troubled, and I try to bring my thoughts hear that buzzing too. It’s the same habit: go together and speak: anywhere and have a drink and have another – trying to drown something I can’t reach. “I really like this article... I recognize a lot of the traits he talks about as people that I know. And I The buzzing lies in wait. relate to it, I guess because I’m Native, but I’m not really, because I didn’t grow up on-reserve. ______10. Look: “A Queen’s University professor is In a way, he’s spent more time on-reserve, but he studying how much students know about isn’t Native, so we’re both kind of halfway.” indigenous issues, and why they might not know them... Early results show ‘a lot of very ______07. well educated people know very little at all I think a lot about the readings and lectures in about First Nations, Inuit and Métis people this class, but I don’t often speak in the tutorials. in Canada... That suggests a social structure It’s strange being in a class where everything is that supports, and promotes, really, a lack personal. I worry about speaking too much, both of knowledge.’’”2 for myself and for others. Every reading about Native culture brings to mind stories about family 4 The full feature can be and people whom I know. If I open my mouth, I found in the online version of the magazine. spill my stories everywhere. alumni.innis.utoronto.ca/ magazine/ways-of-healing

Works Cited 2Porter, J. Berube, Chris. “Piyesis.” (n.d.). “Suicide Prevention.” 4 “University students “#20: Electric Powwow.” Online Cree Dictionary. First Nations & 1Berube, Chris. surveyed on knowl- The Walrus Podcast. Web. 25 Nov 2014. Inuit Health. “#20: Electric Powwow.” edge of indigenous (2014). The Walrus www.creedictionary.com Health Canada, 08 Nov. The Walrus Podcast. issues.” Project. 2013. Web. 25 (2014). The Walrus CBC News. CBC, December 2013. Porter, J. (2014). Nov. 2014. Project. 12 November 2014. Web. 25 Nov 2014. “University students December 2013. Web. 25 Nov. 2014 surveyed on knowl- Web. 25 Nov 2014. “Osawaw.” (n.d.). edge of indigenous Online Cree Dictionary. issues.” Web. 25 Nov 2014. CBC News. CBC, 14 www.creedictionary.com Nov 2014. Web. 25 Nov. 2014. 5 —52

Students INNIS COLLEGE Peer To Peer ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE 2015 Peer —

To Peer: The following are edited excerpts of a conversation A on May 11th 2015 between three student leaders of Innis College: Robert “Bud” Conversation Patrick (BA ‘67 INNIS) was in the first class of Innis on the College students and served as Vice-President of the History of Innis College Students’ Society (ICSS) in those formative years, and is Student credited with, among other things, coming up with the Leadership title of the Innis Newspaper, the Innis Herald. Ryan Lamers (Class of ‘15) served at Innis as President of the ICSS for 2014–2015 after many years of student leadership and advocacy. Khrystyna Zhuk (Class of ‘16) is the current ICSS President for 2015– 2016 and also previously has served in leadership roles in the ICSS for several years. We asked them to talk about student engagement at Innis College, past and present. Right: 4 Student leadership at Innis, past and present (L to R): Rob- ert “Bud” Patrick, Khrystyna Zhuk and Ryan Lamers

By Thomas MacKay 5 —053

FEATURE INNIS COLLEGE ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE 2015 5 —54

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That was Robin Harris, September of 1965. So The we’re looking almost exactly 50 years from the Mandate time that he wrote that, and it is absolutely from the true then as it is today. I’m looking at John Bayley, writing in the same Start document, a message from the President of the In- nis College Students’ Society, and he says in part:

There’s nothing magical about our approach at Innis. However, we do stress participation. We are the newest college on the St. George Campus and I think I can definitely say, the most enthusiastic on campus. We all pitched in last year to get the experiment started, but it is by no means finished. We look to you, the new freshman class, for help in this challenge. And there is much you can do not only to help obert “Bud” Patrick: the college but also to get the maximum value This is the Freshman Hand- out of the university. First of all, take an interest book, 1965. The first year in things going on around the college and the students got together over campus. Second, take care not to neglect your the summer, and we thought studies; they are after all your prime reason that we would like to put out for being at the university. Thirdly, give a little some sort of a handbook to of yourself to college activities; they were students coming in, in 1965, and the President planned with you in mind. Finally, I wish you of the Innis College Students’ Society, John as much happiness and success in your first RBayley, and also the Principal of Innis College, year at Innis as I had in mine. Robin Harris, wrote a nice introduction, but there’s a paragraph or two here that I’d like to So again, both from the President of the ICSS read into the record. It says that: and Robin Harris, they’re really encouraging student involvement. And because Innis College But the outline as yet is vague and it is not started with something like 250 students, it at all clear in what direction the College is was easy to get involved, and that’s probably going. Most of the major decisions have yet to how I got involved in the constitution, and be made. naming the Innis Herald, and being the first Vice-President of the Student Society. One decision that has been made is that the students of the College must have an active Ryan Lamers: Wow. Yeah, I guess with 250 role in all its affairs. The College is not the people it’s a little easier to get high involve- Principal, nor the administrative staff, nor ment. But last year, Khrystyna and I were even the College Council, though the Council reading old Innis College Council minutes, is constitutionally the supreme authority. The and old – what was the book they wrote, the College is the whole membership, and this now principals wrote in each year? It was just like includes each of you. And it is a life-long term a review of the year that each principal had – you will remain members of Innis College written. And they said that one of the biggest when you graduate, and there will be a role for issues was the turnout for events and getting you to play as alumni. Whatever Innis College people involved. So while we had this huge has become, ten, twenty, fifty years from now, population of really involved students, like it will still be your College, and what it is will you, apparently, there was still a very high in part be determined by the contribution you population – or so it seems, just from reading make during the next few years. the stuff that we’ve read – that wasn’t getting 5 —55

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involved. So of those 250 people, how many “We are the do you think were really getting involved and newest college really getting out there? on the St. George RP: Well the ones that were involved were around us; the ones who weren’t involved we Campus and I didn’t see, so it’s hard to give a number. We certainly got involved with as much as we think I can defi- could, and I think there were probably some nitely say, the students who didn’t get involved, but there was a core who really became very, very active, most enthusiastic in letter writing, and getting involved with parity, student council, the Writing Lab was on campus. a big draw… all of those things got us going. We all pitched in And I think also having Mary Pat McMahon, who was only a few years older than us, she last year to get the graduated from St. Michael’s College, she was experiment started, from the States initially, I think, but a very young energetic, enthusiastic liaison between but it is by no means the administration and students. I mean she finished. We look to was just a spark-plug, she just kept us going. you, the new fresh- So we got involved – we had to. ______Dividends of Involvement man class, for help RP: I think the size of Innis College for us was beneficial because it was small, and because in this challenge.” it was small there was lots to be done and there were just so few people to do it; and therefore we spread ourselves as far as we could across the spectrum to get all of these things done. And if I had gone to another college like Victoria College or University College (UC), I would be just a single student among so, so many. And I think the growth for me was stepping into an area I probably would never have stepped into. If I went to UC or any of the other colleges they would have had a constitution, they would have had a student council, and I probably would have just been a student, going to my lectures, coming back, doing my study in the library, and that would have been my circle of activity – and maybe picking up one sport. I look back on Innis College and the impact that it’s had on my life is just incredible, just incredible.

And Innis College was set up for what they called “late bloomers”: people who were marginal in their academic studies, and that was for me, I was a late bloomer. I couldn’t 5 —56

Students INNIS COLLEGE Peer To Peer ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE 2015

write an essay to save my soul, the Writing Lab Frosh Week, and then right after Frosh Week I saved my bacon, because literally I was not doing had to leave, and that no one would remember very well writing. And every year, I got stronger me, because I would come back a month later, in my writing, got stronger in my academic and no one would know who I was. And, well, marks. I finished one university course and went I came back and that wasn’t the case at all, on to another university, onto another university, everyone had remembered me. and I did four degrees, and my final degrees were all straight-As. You know? So if I went back to But when I got back I was planning to join my high school teachers who taught me grade different sports teams and be really active, 13, and I’m getting 51 or 52 in trigonometry, and that’s where I was going to spend my time and my Latin mark isn’t all that great, they outside of the classroom. But my heart surgery would look at me and say, “I don’t think you’re wasn’t successful, so I couldn’t go play sports. university bound.” Then I would show them my And then about a month after I had gotten final marks, straight-As at the university, they back here, a student who was living in the wouldn’t believe it and I wouldn’t have believed residence who was very involved with things – I it either. And I attribute that to Innis College and just walked by one day and he said, “Hey Ryan, getting involved. You just stepped up to the bat. we need you to do this.” And I was like, “Eh, I don’t really want to…” And he was like, “It’s Khrystyna Zhuk: I feel like I can attest to too late, we put your name in. You have to do that as well. I think that Innis College has this …” Yeah, it was a charity function, they really helped me grow and develop as a person. needed to wax my back for charity… I wasn’t very engaged in high school at all, I just didn’t feel like it was the right place for me KZ: I just want to quickly comment on, Ryan, to get involved. But I feel that when I stepped what you said, about the way you were pushed into this atmosphere it was just – there was to get involved, as in someone picked you, and such a community feeling and there was you have to do this. I sort of got involved the definitely such a push from upper years to get same way. I ran for First Year Rep; I didn’t win, involved. I think it has really, I think it has but the way I got picked to do it, or pushed to definitely helped me grow as a person. do it, was just the vice-president at the time, Mary Stefanidis, who went on to be president, RL: I guess I kind of felt kind of in the middle just came up to me and was like, You have to of this, somewhere. When I was on the Stu- run, like, you have to do this. It was such a dent Council at Lawrence Park [High School], weird – not a weird – it was such a different and I ran for president in my last year, and concept to me at that time just because I had I lost, and after that I was like, OK, I’ll go to never been involved in student leadership in university, and I’ll just focus on other things. high school, so I was like, I can’t do this! I And I had this whole big plan: I had a heart don’t know anything about this! How am I sup- condition (well, I guess I still do), but right af- posed to represent these students? But I ended ter Frosh Week, the very first day of classes, of up running, I didn’t win, but I still stayed fairly my first year, I was set to go off and have heart involved in the ICSS throughout the year, and surgery. And so at first I remember being really then ran again the next year, and the next nervous that I’d met all these people during year, and here I am.

But I think that idea of upper-year students pushing first-year students to get involved is so crucial, because a lot of them walk into university and they think, I’m not going to have time for anything, except for school work, especially since U of T, you know… they get these scary stories about how your GPA is going to plum- met, all this stuff. They think: I’m not going to have time to be involved; I’ll barely have 5 —57

Students INNIS COLLEGE Peer To Peer ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE 2015

enough time for friends; I can’t do any of this “I think the size stuff. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for those students who pushed me to get of Innis College involved. And you know, we need someone for us was ben- to replace us when we decide to leave too, so eficial because it that’s really important as well. ______Parity and Identity was small, and be- RL: I was lucky enough to get a job in the cause it was small residence as a porter, working the front desk, and part of the job was giving tours. When I there was lots to was taught how to give tours, it was: show the residence off, but also, while you’re walking be done and there around, talk a bit about the community, make were just so few people see more than the physical space. And when I first started talking about it, I would talk people to do it; about how fun it was to be with people living and therefore we in a residence, and whatnot; then I got really involved at the College, and my community talk spread ourselves that I would give started to be about student parity, and how important it was to have stu- as far as we could dents sitting on Bursary Committee meetings across the spectrum and to have students sit in pretty much any to get all of these decision-making meeting. RL: And parents in those tours… like, jaws things done.” dropped, and the kids they were bringing in for the tours were like, Oh, this seems kind of cool. And the parents were like, That is amazing! It’s driven people to come here.

One of our – I don’t want to use the word best, but – one of our best students, like, overall students at this College, who (you see him everywhere) is Graham Coulter. He’s a National Scholar and I gave him his tour, and he always says that what brought him here was the tour that I gave him, talking about student parity here, and now he goes and gives tours to students every year. He’s always nailing in that fact, that we have student parity here, and you just see eyes light up in the room. And it’s something that, as I said, I think died down a little bit in terms of the appreciation for it, on the student side, but has quickly risen back up and has become a huge part of our identity again.

4 The full interview can be found on the online version of the magazine. alumni.innis.utoronto.ca/ magazine/peer-to-peer 5 —58

Community INNIS COLLEGE Alumni in Focus: ALUMNI & FRIENDS Jessi Cruickshank MAGAZINE 2015 Graduating student Samii Folliott (Class Alumni of ‘15) sits down with fellow Innisian and mentor Jessi Cruickshank (BA Alumni ‘04 INNIS) to reflect on her time at Innis in Focus: and her successful Alumni career in the tele- Jessi in Focus: vision industry.

Cruickshank s a recent Innis Cinema Studies graduate, I am told more and more By Samii Folliott, Class of ‘15 how essential personal connections are, and how important having leadership experience is. Through the Innis Mentorship Program, I met Jessi Cruickshank, TV personality and host extraordinaire. As it turns out, we have quite a bit in common. Other than the Afact that we are both proud gingers, we also have a passion for the television and film biz, a fascination with celebrity gossip, and many fond memories from Innis College. It was a perfect match.

Shortly after graduating from Innis College, Jessi’s career boomed. Getting her big break cohosting MTV’s The Hills Aftershow, Jessi now works for Etalk as its L.A. correspondent, and is the host of Canada’s Smartest Person. Aside from her work in front of the camera, Jessi also works as a TV writer and producer. Jessi was kind enough to answer a couple of questions about her time at Innis and how it impacted her future success in the television industry.

What is your fondest memory at Innis College?

Jessi Cruickshank: I LOVED being a part of the Residence Council – I was the first floor rep for two years in a row! Of course it was TERRIFYING the first year to put myself out there and run for the 5 —59

Community INNIS COLLEGE Alumni in Focus: ALUMNI & FRIENDS Jessi Cruickshank MAGAZINE 2015

Aside from partaking in the Innis Mentorship Program (and mentoring me!), you also work with the Free The Children organization. Why is it important for you to give back to Innis and this particular charity?

JC: I LOVE mentoring you! When I was at Innis, I only WISH I had someone in my business to ask questions to and get advice from; it is truly my pleasure to be that for you.

I have always been deeply involved in volun- teerism. I think giving your time and energy to someone who could benefit from it is the most position but all the nightmares and the anxiety valuable thing you can do with your life. Even and the profuse sweating was worth it! I helped when I was a busy student at Innis I made the organize so many memorable events for my time to volunteer at a local elementary school floor, the residence, and the college and it teaching Drama. I still volunteer weekly working felt so good to contribute and give back to with people with intellectual disabilities in L.A. Innis in that way. and yes, I am a long time ambassador for Free The Children! The work they do internationally How did your time at Innis help you to build is nothing short of incredible and I urge ALL up skills needed for your career path? Are students to be a part of the U of T chapter and there any skills you learned at U of T, either go on a volunteer trip with Me to We. It will through academics or extracurricular, that shift your perspective for life! you use in your day-to-day life? If you could give Innis students a piece JC: Absolutely! Being so involved in my col- of advice, what would it be? lege and residence taught me leadership skills that I still use as a television producer. Work- JC: GET INVOLVED!! There is so much ing in TV is such a group effort – I work with more to Innis than just going to class, study- producers and writers and directors who all ing and writing essays or exams. See how you have different visions for the show but the goal can be a part of extracurricular activities in is always to try and work together to create your college, your residence, in intramural something that we will all be proud of. I think sports, on-campus theatre, clubs, events, I learned the foundation of that kind of team ANYTHING! Because when you graduate, its work on the Innis Residence Council. likely the things you did outside of class – the people you met and the activities you were Not to mention living in an apartment-style involved in, that you’ll remember the most residence. It was my first time living on my and that may just teach you the most valu- own and sharing a space with other people – I able life lessons! quickly learned how to compromise, how to manage different personalities… and how to As her mentee during the past six months, do my dishes. I have gained insightful advice, guidance and a whole lot of support. Jessi’s vivacious What is it like being a Canadian living personality and her encouragement have and working in Hollywood? taught me many lessons that I will reflect on in the future. Additionally, her willingness JC: It’s definitely an adventure! I feel so lucky to mentor me even while living in L.A. with that I started my career in Canada – I learned her extremely busy schedule, has proven so much during my time at YTV and MTV so to me how strong a bond Innis has with its when I made the move to Hollywood I had a community members. One of the best parts really good foundation and sense of who I was of the Innis community, no matter when you as a TV personality. That has proven to be graduated, is that everyone cares deeply for incredibly valuable. Plus, there are SO many the College and the individuals who are a part Canadians working in all facets of the enter- of it. Through Innis, I have gained not only a tainment industry, you never feel alone! All mentor, but also a friend. of my closest friends here in Hollywood are Canadian, it’s borderline discrimination! —60

Students INNIS COLLEGE BEGINNINGS ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE 2015

year. We got together in summer Beginnings 2005, while on a summer abroad program in Oxford, England. We asked three Innis As a consequence of being Christine and I also went to couples to tell us a bit constantly at Innis, I trans- law school together at U of T. about how they met and how ferred over in second year. We We were married on July 14, their love bloomed at Innis. both studied Political Science, 2012. Christine is also a lawyer; Here are their stories… and Jim, Economics as well. she practices banking law at a We also became very involved business law firm called Blake, with the ICSS and Jim served as Cassels & Graydon LLP. I prac- president in his second year. tice energy law for an Ontario government agency. Innis has a unique governing system with the College Council having parity between student and staff representation; both of us were active on the Council and Jim served as co-chair. I ended up serving on two search committees for new Innis College principals and we’ve both continued to support Innis as donors and volunteers. Oh, and we got married in 1986!

Above and right: Kathleen and Jim as student leaders Katrina Lagace at Innis in the early (HBA 2010 INNIS) & 1980s and on a recent trip to Venice. Jean Marc Ah-Sen ______(Cinema Studies, 2010) Middle right: I met my husband while I was Christine and Stephen at their wedding in editor-in-chief of the Innis Her- 2012 and (below) ald and he was in his third year during their student days in 2005. Jim Penturn of writing for the publication. (BA 1981 INNIS) & It was an eventful final year for Far right: us at Innis to the say the least: Jean Marc and Kathleen Crook Katrina in the Innis ______(BA 1982 INNIS) CINSSU was in the middle of an commuter lounge eclectic and at times controver- in 2009 By the time we arrived at U of T in September 1977, we sial film screening program, and 4 had already been dating since the viability of the Herald was March of that year after having aggressively being called into known one another from pri- question. In many ways, this was mary school. I was accepted into a life-changing year for us both Victoria College. Jim enrolled professionally and personally. We at Innis College and promptly commemorated this history last became involved with the Innis year by giving our first baby the Stephen Hutchison middle name of Herald. College Student Council (ICSS) (BA 2006 INNIS) & taking on the role of social con- Christine Creighton venor. Back in the day, the ICSS ______(BA 2008 INNIS) threw great parties at which food Christine and I met in fall of 4 Did you meet your partner as and beverages were provided for 2004, while working at the iconic students at Innis? Well, we’d love to hear about it! Write us at a nominal admission fee (Rocky student newspaper, the Innis [email protected] Horror Picture Show became a and we would be happy to Herald. At the time, I was in share your story with the alumni recurring favourite at the party). third year and she was in first community. —61

Community INNIS COLLEGE Innis on the ALUMNI & FRIENDS Bookshelf MAGAZINE 2015 Innis on the Bookshelf

From fiction to young adult The Boundless literature to current affairs, Innis by Cinema Studies grad, College is immensely proud of Kenneth Oppel the many members of its com- Best-selling young adult writer, munity with a recent publication. Kenneth Oppel, released his Slow Mountain Train latest book The Boundless, a Below are just a few… by Roger Greenwald thriller set aboard the most mag- Long-time faculty member Roger nificent train ever built. Oppel’s Greenwald published his second other books inlcude the Silver- book of poems, Slow Mountain wing trilogy, which sold over a Train. Roger taught creative million copies around the world writing at Innis College for many and Airborn, winner of the 2004 years, founded and edited the in- Governer General’s Award for ternational literary annual WRIT Children’s Literature. Magazine, and served as director of the Writing Centre. Three poems from the book and video of The Rise & Fall of Great Powers the launch at Ben McNally Books by Cinema Studies grad, can be found on Roger’s website: Tom Rachmann www.chass.utoronto.ca/~roger. The Rise & Fall of Great Powers is Tom Rachman’s second book and tells an intriguing time-machine story Pax Technica: How the of identity crises, travel and a Internet of Things May Set mystery through a character Us Free or Lock Us Up searching for her beginnings. by Philip N. Howard (BA ‘93 INNIS) It follows his bestselling debut, The Imperfectionists Author and Professor, Philip N. released in 2012. Howard (BA ‘93 INNIS), recently published his latest book, Pax The Carbon Bubble: What Happens To Us When It Bursts Technica: How the Internet by Jeff Rubin (BA ‘77 INNIS) of Things May Set Us Free or Lock Us Up. In this original and Jeff Rubin (BA ‘77 INNIS), provocative book, Howard envi- former chief economist at CIBC sions a new world order – a Pax World Markets, published his Technica – emerging from the third book, The Carbon Bubble, great transformations from the with a launch event held at Innis technologies around us. Town Hall in the spring. Jeff is American Indians at Risk the author of Why Your World by Jeffrey Ian Ross (BA ‘85 INNIS) Is About to Get A Whole Lot Smaller, a #1 national bestseller Jeffrey Ian Ross (BA ‘85 and the winner of the National INNIS), professor at the Uni- Business Book Award. His second 4 Have a recent publication you would like to tell us about? versity of Baltimore and award- book, The End of Growth, was Please contact the Innis winning author, published his also a #1 bestseller and made Alumni Office at [email protected] twentieth book, American multiple best book of the year and we will be pleased to include it in our next edition Indians at Risk. lists in 2012. of the magazine. —62

Students INNIS COLLEGE The Great ALUMNI & FRIENDS Debater MAGAZINE 2015

Topics assigned cover a broad spectrum of areas, from politics to international relations, from economics to social policy. Depending on where The Great the competitions are held, one or two topics often tend to favour the host country and by extension the teams from these countries. Goswami Debater explains that the most challenging topics are ones that involve countries he is unfamiliar with where he is required to stretch his knowledge base. By Rolla Tahir (HBA ‘09 INNIS) Topics can also be challenging if they force participants into sides that they do not believe are Above: Last year, at the World University Debating Veenu Goswami at persuasive or that require arguing for something Kensington Market Championships in Malaysia, Veenu Goswami, that they are fundamentally against. in Toronto an Innis alumnus, was named third-best speaker. © Photography by Rolla Tahir Goswami graduated with a major in Political Needless to say, competitive debating builds Science, and minors in Philosophy and History excellent public speaking skills. However, contrary from U of T. Now in law school, Goswami

4 to what many people believe, competitive debate gives us some insight into the world of is first and foremost about listening. Listening is competitive debating. essential in order to understand ways in which to respond to the counter arguments presented. Competitive debating is an activity in which As well, deconstructing arguments is a skill that two teams, consisting of two participants each, is useful in many areas in life beyond debat- present arguments for or against a given topic pre- ing. Moreover, to broaden their knowledge base, sented to a panel of judges. The topics are usually participants must possess excellent research assigned only 15 minutes before the teams are skills. A great debater in Goswami’s opinion is set to debate. The participants are allowed one who is a good listener. After all, someone a single binder with external material that who is not listening cannot accurately respond they have prepared beforehand. Goswami, and to arguments. Equally important is to be willing his partner Joe McGrade, specialize in Political to question basic assumptions. Good debaters do Science and Economics, respectively. not have to be loud and forceful; they are usually more soft-spoken. —63

Legacy INNIS COLLEGE Innis Residence ALUMNI & FRIENDS at 20 Years: MAGAZINE 2015 Innis Residence at 20 Years:

By Tim Worgan From 1994 to 2009, the first and information sessions From dean of residence at Innis around skills for academic College was Garry Spencer, who success, “personal skills devel- Residence lived in the residence with his opment” and the beginnings Life to the family. It was through his initial of leadership and mentorship oversight of the Innis Residence groups within the residence Innis Office of that made it financially and community. operationally successful, with a Student Life strong student community, and Looking forward to the next The Innis Residence just cel- was a model for future suite- five to ten years, the dean of ebrated its 20th anniversary as style residences on campus and students & residence, along the best residence on campus! across Canada. with the assistant dean, student life at Innis, must The Innis Residence was built Around the year 2005, the address the needs of all of in 1994 as the first apartment- Innis Residence began focus- Innis College’s residential, style residence at the University ing on organizing and framing off-campus and commuter stu- of Toronto. With 85 suites of the variety and diversity of its dents. With the support of Innis four-and-five bedroom apart- programming events. Above College’s new principal, Charlie ments, the Residence was the and beyond the successful Keil, and in collaboration first fully accessible residence community-based social events with the Innis College Student on campus, and it continues to hosted by the Innis Residence Society (ICSS) and the IRC, be the most requested residence Council (IRC), Innis began to they will continue to develop, for incoming U of T students. offer structured “Residence implement, deliver and assess Life” programming through curricula for student life pro- more formalized workshops gramming for Innis students. 5 —064

LFegEATUREacy INNIS COLLEGE Lessons in Lifelong ALUMNI & FRIENDS Learning MAGAZINE 2015

Legacy INNIS COLLEGE Lessons in Lifelong ALUMNI & FRIENDS Learning MAGAZINE 2015 Lifelong

1A social group om · mu · ni · ty1 – Ask of any size whose Learning anyone at Innis what makes members reside in a specific locality, share our College unique and the government, and often have a common word community will invari- cultural and historical heritage. ably come up. The Innisian sense of community can be described as tight-knit, friendly, and familiar. Innis is a local campus hub, around which numerous aspects of academic and student Clife revolve. Our community is an open and highly interconnected one, linking campus life to myriad groups across the city.

Perhaps no other constituent reflects our diverse community better than Later Life Learn- ing (LLL). To the reader who is unfamiliar with this organization, LLL is a non-profit educational program for retired individuals, whose total membership is approximately 1400. In the Fall and Winter semesters, members register for 10-week lecture series that are held in the Innis Town Hall. Program topics are as varied as they are instructive, ranging from Toronto: Made for the 21st Century, by former Toronto Mayor David Crombie, to Galileo’s Legacies, by renowned astronomer, Dr. John R. Percy. The scholastic quality of the program is complemented by an enthusiastic sociability and pride of association. By extension, Innis College serves as a weekly gathering point for friends, under mutually-held values of intellectual challenge and lifelong learning. This has been the case for over three decades.

By Ben Weststrate (HBA ‘08 INNIS) with Mojan Naisan Samani (HBSc ‘15 INNIS) and Nic Weststrate 5 —66

Legacy INNIS COLLEGE Lessons in Lifelong ALUMNI & FRIENDS Learning MAGAZINE 2015

In more intangible terms, how does LLL impact the Innis community and the culture around the College?

Mojan: LLL has a huge presence within the College that is not only seen through sharing spaces within our buildings, but also through their participation alongside students at College events and screenings. In my opinion, this prominence certainly gives students much In light of the integral role that LLL plays in to think about. The conversations that are the Innis community, we sat down with two had between LLL members and students span (non-LLL) members of the College community a wide range of topics and beliefs that are not to reflect upon the impact of, and the possibili- discussed among most undergrads. This exposes ties for, LLL engagement at Innis. Recent Innis Innis students to new perspectives that can be graduate, Mojan Naisani Samani, is a Psychology hard to find within classroom walls. specialist, the outgoing president of the Innis Residence Council, and a mentee in the inaugural Because LLL members and Innis students are Innis Mentorship Program. Friend of the College, learning in the same spaces, we students are Nic Weststrate, is a PhD candidate in the Depart- reminded that learning never ends, and just how ment of Applied Psychology & Human Develop- important it is to have diversity within higher ment at nearby OISE, and he is Samani’s mentor education. It’s fantastic to walk around our Col- in the aforementioned Mentorship Program. lege and see such diverse groups of people, both in terms of cultures and life stages. This really adds How does Later Life Learning impact to the university atmosphere. The success of LLL Innis College students? to date, in terms of size and longevity, and how integral it is to the Innis community as a whole, Mojan: Later Life Learning is a huge part of stands to show just how important the program is Innis College, and has had a very positive impact to both the College and the students within it. on the students. LLL has worked in collaboration with the student body and the administration As Psychology students, how does this conver- to help make necessary changes for many sation relate to your academic interests and years, including one of the largest and most your personal values? recent initiatives, the Innis Town Hall renovation, which has provided a better classroom for Mojan: I think this conversation is a very impor- students and a great gathering point for events tant one to have, specifically within the university and film screenings. Even more, LLL has been a setting. I am sure Nic would agree. I have previ- huge supporter of Innis College students, with an ously worked in an Adult Development Lab in the endowment that gives out countless scholarships Department of Psychology. It was eye-opening to to the students every year that encourages and learn what a great divide exists between people recognizes all of their hard work.1 in different life stages, and the uninformed views and prejudices that many people have regarding Nic: As Mojan pointed out, the LLL community older adults. I think LLL is one of the only groups has tangibly impacted student lives through its on campus to actively break down the stereo- inspired advocacy and generous financial support. types, through leading by example. As a student, To further the point, I would imagine that LLL’s witnessing these common misconceptions being 1Established in impact extends beyond concrete acts of kindness. 1984, the Later Life proven wrong in real life, rather than being told Learning Scholarship Through formal and informal interaction with LLL about it in a classroom, is an amazing experience. has grown into an members, the potential for co-curricular learning endowed fund with a value exceeding one is astounding. As change agents and financial Academically, I aspire to become a professor. To million dollars. In recent years, this fund donors, the LLL collective has demonstrated to see such passion for learning from LLL has been has awarded over 70 Innis students the spirit of community, the very inspiring for me. I hope to be able to inspire scholarships to Innis College students on benefits of reciprocity, and the importance of others to want to learn as much as LLL members the basis of academic thinking beyond oneself. This just scratches the merit, with a subset do, and I hope to be in their very shoes some day. of these awards (LLL surface of what can be learned through meaningful OSOTF Scholarships) intergenerational engagement! I am completely factoring in student financial need. energized to be having this discussion here! 5 —67

Legacy INNIS COLLEGE Lessons in Lifelong ALUMNI & FRIENDS Learning MAGAZINE 2015

Nic: As a PhD student in the satisfy the need for generativity and lessons for students to con- area of lifespan developmental among retired individuals. And sider and grow from. As exem- psychology, this topic is incred- for many of us, who are pursuing plars of successful aging, through ibly important to me. Groups higher education far away from lifelong learning, the LLL group like LLL are totally obliterating our parents, aunts, uncles, and is a vast personal resource to the harmful stereotypes associ- grandparents, opportunities to students, and students to them. ated with aging. We are witness- connect with older adults in such ing social change in real time! a meaningful way are rare. Mojan: As we have discussed, In- Rather than perpetuating the nis students are already benefit- stereotype that retired adults are How do you feel LLL’s place ting a great deal through their idle, resigned, and disinterested, within the Innis community, interactions with LLL members, LLL shows younger people just and its impact on the student who are such a vital part of how busy, engaged, and thirsty experience, could be reinforced our community. However, I for learning older adults can be! and enhanced? believe there are some very big Which is exactly LLL’s mission – opportunities that would build to promote lifelong learning. Nic: With the “aging boom” on upon the spontaneous conversa- our doorstep, we should ask tions already happening with the I wonder if the members of ourselves: What else can we do LLL membership. Even greater LLL realize they are dramatically to harness the transformative interaction can definitely be changing young people’s attitudes power of intergenerational facilitated through co-curricular every time they enter Innis exchange? This is important for programming, such as the “inter- College? The future of our aging so many reasons. As I’ve alluded generational classroom” concept population hinges on this type of to above, part of my research that Nic has just described. attitudinal change, otherwise, examines the transmission Both students and LLL mem- financial resources, human of lived wisdom through bers possess large and diverse capital, and other forms of sup- intergenerational storytelling, amounts of knowledge, life expe- port may be difficult to broker which, in our research, we riences and points of view. Bring- in our time of need. define as the exchange of stories ing them together around shared between grandchildren and their interests, in a manner that pro- Now, with all of this said, inter- grandparents. We believe that vokes meaningful conversation, generational engagement is not intergenerational storytelling would be phenomenal. I suspect a means to another end, it is, of is mutually transformative you would see tremendous re- course, an end in itself. One of for younger and older adults sults for all involved. Passion the goals of my fledging research in terms of their personal for learning in students would program is to promote happiness development and quality of increase very quickly, and an and personal growth among older life at all ages. Imagine an even greater connection between adults. I will pick one of many “intergenerational classroom” LLL and the Innis community possible examples to illustrate where Innis students and LLL would develop. I think this would how LLL also achieves this aim: members learn together in be a very rewarding direction for Aging research has shown that a some curricular or co-curricular Innis College! persistent concern among older program that enables the sharing adults is the desire to embolden of personal stories! As Mojan has future generations – what psy- pointed out, these conversations 4 Thank you Mojan and Nic for sharing your insights and chologists call ‘generativity.’ Gen- are often perspective-shifting in personal reflections on the value of lifelong learning, and erativity is expressed in many a way that transcends textbook for your words of gratitude to our ways, such as the scholarships learning. Really, the sky is the fellow Innisians in the Later Life Learning program. It is through provided by LLL. It’s also ex- limit! Right now I’m imagining conversations such as this that pressed through intergenerational a Cinema Studies course on, our rich sense of community is illuminated, and from which dialogue; a context in which say, the Golden Age of Cinema, new, innovative opportunities for older adults advise, instruct, and where undergraduate students learning can emerge. To learn more about the Later Life Learning share wisdom about life and liv- view and discuss these films with program, visit their website at ing that they have accumulated members of LLL, who can, in sites.utoronto.ca/innis/lll. over the years. It’s a legacy leav- turn, provide a rich cultural- ing process that matters so much historical perspective on the 4 The full interview can be to both young and older people. topic. These conversations will found on the online version of the magazine. I love that LLL is an outlet to be naturally infused with stories alumni.innis.utoronto.ca/ magazine/lessons-in-lifelong-learning —68

Students INNIS COLLEGE Boundless ALUMNI & FRIENDS Campaign MAGAZINE 2015 RyanSybil Lamers HBAIn 2015Memoriam (Urban Studies, Cinema Studies) President of the Innis College Student Society (2014-15)

Join the Boundless Campaign by supporting the “S upport from ongoing revitalization of critical student spaces at Innis College and increasing the number of alumni and friends merit and needs-based scholarships available plays an instrumental to our students in Cinema Studies, Urban Stud- ies and Writing and Rhetoric. Your gift will part in relieving help students like Ryan reach their bound- students from a less potential at Innis and beyond. heavy financial burden, allowing them to concentrate on what really matters – following their dreams to become global citizens and work on things 4 If you would like to make a gift to Innis College, please visit donate.utoronto.ca/innis that are of importance or contact the Innis Advancement Office at to ordinary people.” [email protected] or 416-978-3424. —69

Community INNIS COLLEGE Share Your Story ALUMNI & FRIENDS on fastforward MAGAZINE 2015 Share Your Story on fastforward

Fastforward.innis.utoronto.ca is a new alumni career fields. The fastforward team at the exploration web tool being piloted by Innis Innis Registrar’s Office will then use this infor- College. It allows students to learn about the mation to create a personalized profile for you. unique paths that Innis alumni have taken throughout and beyond their undergraduate As our catalogue of alumni profiles grows more years. Visitors to the site are able to search robust and diverse, so too does the value of through a growing online catalogue of alumni the web tool for students. We hope that by profiles. By applying search filters based on discovering the myriad paths that can extend different facets of student experience, they from an undergraduate degree, students can can learn about alumni whose undergraduate project their own potential pathways, effec- and professional paths interest them. tively fastforwarding themselves to the many possibilities beyond Innis College. This is where you come in! If you would like to have your alumni path featured on fastforward, please take five minutes to fill out the intake form, currently available on the Contact page of the website. This form gathers such information as your programs of study, co- 4 fastforward.innis.utoronto.ca curricular involvement, and postgraduate If you have any questions about this initiative, feel free to contact fastforward Coordinator (and fellow Innis alumnus!), Ben Weststrate, at [email protected]. Thanks in advance. We look forward to (re)connecting with you! —70

Looking Forward INNIS COLLEGE THANK YOU ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE 2015 Thank You For your support in revitalizing our beloved Innis Town Hall.

Thanks to contributions from more than 1,500 donors and volunteers, Innis College can now boast a state-of-the-art screening facility and lecture space that rivals any theatre in the city. As the centre of life at Innis, Town Hall will continue to play host to thousands of students, as well as countless film festivals, special screenings and public events.

We look forward to hosting you at an event in the near future so you can experience the transformation yourself. Please contact us to receive invitations to special events held at Innis Town Hall.

4 Innis Alumni Office e. [email protected] p. 416-978-3424 alumni.innis.utoronto.ca —071 ! SECTION TITLE INNIS COLLEGE ARTICLE TITLE ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE 2015 YES, I will support Innis College and its students

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Complete the form below and send your donation to: Innis College Advancement University of Toronto 2 Sussex Ave Toronto ON M5S 1J5. Contact the Innis Advancement Office at 416-978-3424 or email [email protected]. Donate online at donate.utoronto.ca/innis or send cheque payable to “Innis College, University of Toronto.”

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Student financial aid and scholarships Charitable Registration Numbers: Improvement of student spaces BBN 108162330-RR0001 Area of greatest need Thank you for your generosity!

! Other______—72

Legacy INNIS COLLEGE College Timeline ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE 2015 College Timeline

4 1956 1966 1970 Innis College Council becomes first (student) Innis College parity governance body has a rich and at U of T colourful 1970—1971 history – Prize-winning Innis College building plans spanning cancelled for lack University of Toronto of funding Senate recommends five decades, establishment of two Peter H. Russell is new colleges on the appointed as second here are a few St. George campus Innis principal of its seminal moments and 1964 1972—1973 key develop- Hart Massey is New Innis College appointed as architect 1968 building is approved for College building and construction begins ments to replace “pre-fab” structure in Hart House Circle

1967

[Jan] Innis College is established

[Sept] Innis College opens its doors to 278 “freshmen” students with Robin Harris as principal

Innis College launches first writing laboratory Innis College moves to (now Writing Centre) at 63 St. George Street. any Canadian university 1974

Innis College Student First Innis graduating Urban Studies Society is formed class forms Innis Col- 1969 program is launched lege Alumni Association as first College-based (now Innis College interdisciplinary Alumni Network) Harold Innis Foundation academic program 1965 is established at U of T Innis College Council welcomes first student Innis College offers Innis students first representatives – first first credit courses publish The Paper, student involvement in 1975 which will become the U of T governance Vladimir House Innis Herald on Spadina Avenue is designated as Innis Cinema Studies College residence, program is launched housing 40 students —73

Legacy INNIS COLLEGE College Timeline ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE 2015

4 1976 2003 2012—2013 Minor Program in Cinema Studies Writing and Rhetoric Institute launches is renewed PhD program

2005

William G. Saywell is appointed as third 1993 Innis principal

Innis College Minor program in moves to new building Writing and Rhetoric at 2 Sussex Ave. is discontinued

1978 1994

Environmental Studies program is launched

Janet M. Paterson 1979 is appointed as seventh, 2014—2015 and first female Innis principal Dennis Duffy is Innis Town Hall under- appointed as fourth Environmental Studies goes major revitalization Innis principal program joins Centre for Environment Innis College launches first credit courses in 2015 academic writing at Innis Residence U of T opens as first suite- 2007 style undergraduate residence at U of T, housing 327 students Cinema Studies 1983 program becomes Cinema Studies Institute, with M.A. Minor program in program Writing and Rhetoric is 1999 launched as first credit- based writing program at U of T Askastudent is established as first 2009 inter-student online assistance network at U of T Innis Office of Student Charlie Keil, first 1983—1984 Life is launched Director of Cinema Studies Institute, is appointed as eighth Later Life Learning Innis principal moves to Innis College 2000 2012

John W. Browne is appointed as fifth Frank Cunningham Innis One: The Creative Innis principal is appointed as sixth City is launched Innis principal —74

Legacy INNIS COLLEGE Principal Janet Paterson ALUMNI & FRIENDS 2005 – 2015 MAGAZINE 2015 Principal Janet Paterson 2005 – 2015

By Ennis Blentic program. The alumni commu- Ten Transformative nity has been energized and engaged with special opportunities Years of Leadership, to reconnect with their alma Excellence and Growth mater through the introduction of new programs and high- profile events and reunions. On June 18, 2015, faculty, staff, including the evolution of the students, family and colleagues Cinema Studies program into Through it all, Principal gathered to celebrate Principal an Institute and the expan- Paterson has always exhibited Janet Paterson and her remark- sion of a robust student life her trademark charm and her able contributions to Innis Col- program that serves as a model unfailing kindness, humour lege and our entire community. to other divisions. It is exem- and warmth. She leaves behind Punctuated by musical perfor- plified in the revitalization a lasting legacy of dedication, mances and moving tributes, it of student spaces, from the excellence and growth. was a fitting, joyous celebration much-needed reclamation of of an incredible career. the Innis Green to the transformative renovation of Innis Innis College has benefited Town Hall. Taken collectively, To celebrate Janet’s term as immensely from Principal this vast improvement of the principal, a scholarship in her Paterson’s leadership. For student experience at Innis is name has been established by a decade, she has given the the direct result of Principal members of the Innis commu- College a strong and distinct Paterson’s commitment and nity. Named after the College’s voice, one that has become resolve to ensuring students seventh principal and first synonymous with her ethos have the very best in services, female principal, The Principal of community building, engage- facilities and academic support. Janet Paterson Scholarship ment and outreach. She has Generations of Innis College seeks to recognize academically been its most loyal advocate, students will reap the benefits outstanding young men and a champion of its faculty and of her many contributions. women and encourage them to staff and an unwavering sup- aspire to leadership roles. porter of its students. Over the last ten years, the College has experienced a To support The Principal Her dedication to students’ renewed sense of vision and pur- Janet Paterson Scholarship, success is evident everywhere pose. Led by Principal Paterson, please contact: you look at Innis College. It can it has forged new relationships be witnessed in the tremen- and strengthened partner- 4 Ennis Blentic dous growth and development ships with some of its key Associate Director, Advancement of Innis’s academic landscape, historical allies and supporters, Innis College [email protected] like the Later Life Learning 416-978-3424 —75

Legacy INNIS COLLEGE Principal Janet Paterson ALUMNI & FRIENDS 2005 – 2015 MAGAZINE 2015

This page: Tribute event for former Innis College Principal, Janet Paterson, June 2015 Courtesy of Alice Xue

4 4

Breaking ground for the construction of Innis College, September 1973 (left to right) University President DR. John Evans, Founding Principal Robin Harris, ICSS President Sheldon Sinukoff, and PrincipAL Peter Russell. alumni.innis.utoronto.ca