New College Alumni & Friends Magazine: International Edition 2015 Contents New College International 02 Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine
Contents
05 The E. Anthony Ross Fund for Community Engagement in Belize at New College Kaitlin Klaas
Features 06 08 10
Small Cities, Big Challenges Culture Shift Preparing to Launch in Urban Africa Kaitlin Klaas Kaitlin Klaas Dickson Eyoh
Articles 14 18 26
New Growth Notable New Alumni Going Places Cynthia Macdonald Kaitlin Klaas / Terry Lavender / Arielle Vetro / Whitney Wiebe
Around New 27
Then and Now: International Foundation Program Office Arielle Vetro Contents / Contributors New College International 03 Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine
Contents / Contributors
New College Cover Alumni & Friends Magazine: International Edition 2015
PUBLISHER Alison Liddell (New ‘88)
EDITOR Kaitlin Klaas
CONTENT EDITORS Alexandra Guerson Deborah Knott Colin Swift (New ‘80)
CONTRIBUTORS Dickson Eyoh Kaitlin Klaas Terry Lavender Cynthia Macdonald Brenda Registe (Carib. Studies ‘01) Arielle Vetro Whitney Wiebe
SPECIAL THANKS Donna Chang Gillian MacDonald (New ‘13) Bruce Russell Hong Si Terence Van Elslander
COVER ILLUSTRATION New Growth Sködt McNalty 14 Cynthia Macdonald
ART DIRECTION & DESIGN www.typotherapy.com
Articles CORRESPONDENCE AND UNDELIVERABLE COPIES TO: 04 New College Office of Advancement 04 300 Huron Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3J6 Message from the Principal, Yves Roberge This magazine is published once annually by the Office of Advancement at New 22 College, University of Toronto, and is Giving Back circulated to 18,000 alumni and friends in print and digital formats. Published April 2015 www.newcollege.utoronto.ca twitter.com/NewCollegeUofT http://bit.ly/FacebookNewCollege http://bit.ly/LinkedInNewCollege “In today’s world, our identities are defined But internationalization is also happening right by multiple affinities and connections, and our here at New College. Forty-two percent of New daily experience is permeated by both local and College students are international students. Our global relationships. We as a university must think student body comprises a diverse community of ever more strategically about how to leverage and over 4,700 people from 96 countries – and that is, strengthen our international partnerships and reach.” in large part, what makes New College so special.
Those were the words of University of Toronto In this spirit, we welcome international students President Meric Gertler as he took office in the in need of additional English-language learning fall of 2013. opportunities through our International Foundation Program and host economically disadvantaged but President Gertler’s focus on internationalization – high-achieving students from sub-Saharan Africa part of a broader strategy that also includes re-imag - through the MasterCard Foundation Scholars ining undergraduate education, fostering entrepre - Program. As a result, New College is a microcosm neurship and embracing the University’s city-build - of the world; a tight-knit global community at the ing role – is welcome news to us. That is because at corner of Huron and Willcocks streets. New College, internationalization is a proud tradition. Why focus on internationalization? Over 50 years From our Caribbean Studies and African Studies after Marshall McLuhan conceived of the global programs to our international initiatives – such as village, it remains important for our students to the Belize experiential-learning program you can graduate with the knowledge they need to be global read about on the opposite page – the College is citizens. For proof, you need look no further than abundant with opportunities for students to engage page 18, where you will find profiles of alumni who with the world beyond our borders. live and work abroad.
Often, when we think of internationalization, these As you read this issue, I hope it becomes clear that are the sort of outbound activities that come to New College students, faculty, alumni and friends mind – students learning about the world; students are making a positive impact all over the world . studying abroad. And, indeed, our area studies pro - grams and relationships with international partners Professor Yves Roberge are part of the foundation of our community. Principal, New College Community Engagement New College International 05 in Belize Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine
Announcing the E. Anthony Ross Fund for Community Engagement in Belize at New College
WRITER For several years, New College has provided a lot of people of access to opportunity. [Establishing Kaitlin Klaas students the opportunity to travel to Belize to learn this fund] is a little something I could do to give back.” hands-on about indigeneity, health and food sustain - ability – but without stable funding, the program’s Program participants have said it offers “a different future was uncertain. Now, thanks to a generous gift level of engagement with learning”. by Toronto-based lawyer E. Anthony Ross, Principal at the E. Anthony Ross Professional Corporation, “My time in Belize gave me the scope and capacity In these photos (above), Belize experiential-learn - the program will carry on – and students will to apply the concept of food security in a space ing program participants continue to benefit. where I was surrounded by top area scholars and visit the Gulisi Community people who were open to explaining intricate issues School. A newly- announced gift from The E. Anthony Ross Fund for Community that are not always discussed in a classroom,” said Toronto-based lawyer Engagement in Belize at New College will defray Mark Chatarpal (Caribbean Studies ‘14). E. Anthony Ross will the program’s travel costs, ensuring students can support this program. participate in the program without financial burden. Dr. June Larkin, Equity Studies program director Photography and the Belize program’s faculty advisor, has seen Courtesy Mariajosé Lopez During this experiential-learning opportunity, first-hand how the program benefits students. which is offered in partnership with the Center for Engaged Learning Abroad, Belize, 10 upper-year “Students return to the College with new perspec - students in Aboriginal Studies, Caribbean Studies, tives on food and indigeneity issues,” says Dr. Larkin. Equity Studies and the Human Biology program “Mr. Ross’ gift will provide the support needed to spend a week in Belize working with Indigenous ensure our students continue to have access to this and other communities, visiting farms and commu - rich learning experience.” nity organizations and attending talks. Upon their return, students share their experiences with the Ross hopes his gift will empower students to help U of T community, broadening the program’s impact. others and reduce economic barriers for Aboriginal communities in Belize. E. Anthony Ross “Coming from the Caribbean, I recognize there is Photography still a hangover of massive exploitation, not only “It’s up to students to take it, make something Kay Woollam for Aboriginal people, but generally for people in useful of it, and be in a position to give back in the the area,” says Ross. “I could see myself in those very future,” says Ross. “I hope my support gives them a circumstances but for the fact that my father hap - capacity to be free to think, free to dream and free pened to become a developer-contractor, and I was to advance their own causes, whatever they may be.” able to get past the economic barriers which deprive Small Cities, Big Challenges New College International 06 in Urban Africa Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine
PWrRoITfEeR ssor Dickson Eyoh, African Studies Program Director The rapid growth of Africa’s small cities is leaving many citizens without access to basic services. This semester, Professor Dickson Eyoh is exploring the scope of the problem — and searching for meaning - ful solutions. Small Cities, Big Challenges New College International 07 in Urban Africa Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine
hen envi - 1980s, most states could not ones I grew up in, are incredible. sioning life in pay for basic services, salaries This growth is overwhelming the a modern or public investments. Citizens cities’ infrastructure. African city, increasingly had to rely on you might informal networks to secure In Search of Meaningful Solutions think of a housing and other services. This semester, I am surveying the dystopic city in issues faced by people living in crisis: millions of Abysmal economic conditions – small African cities in general, and people living in sprawling slums. according to World Bank estimates, in Cameroon in particular. WChildren playing in open sewers. Africa’s average GDP per capita Mountains of garbage. shrunk by $11 USD between 1990 I will travel to Cameroon to talk and 2003 – did not moderate to citizens, urban administrators, Yet in these same cities, you urbanization rates, which contin - mayors, councillors and govern - will also find a small class of ued at an annual average of 5 per - ment officials of all levels to privileged people living in circum - cent through 2000. De-regulation uncover more information about In many communities stances no different from what policies meant to open economies the obstacles facing small cities. across Africa, rapid urbanization you might find in any major city to international competition fur - I will conduct the bulk of my is overwhelming the in a more economically-developed ther weakened domestic firms research in Limbé and Kumba state’s capacity to country: people living in modern that could not compete with (populations 84,223 and 144,268, provide basic services and access to formal high-rise apartments and houses cheap imports. Established and respectively). employment for on tree-lined streets; people small-scale entrepreneurs its citizens. shopping in upscale malls; alike foundered. My research will explore a num - A market in Makénéné, people with ready access to ber of open-ended questions. To Cameroon (pictured left). global popular culture. Facing declining wages, urban name a few: What is driving this Photography poor and middle classes turned to rapid urbanization? What are the Sarah Tz/Creative- These contradictory images informal-sector work (self-employ - consequences of this growth? Commons licensed underscore the challenges of ment) en masse, accounting for 90 How do and should administrators, rapid urbanization. percent of all new jobs and 61 per - activists, urban planners and cent of urban employment citizens respond? How do the Africa remains the least-urbanized between 1990 and 2003. problems of small cities mirror populated continent – but it is also and differ from those of major experiencing the fastest rate of Small Cities in Crisis cities? And how can we involve urbanization in the world. The Most research in African urban citizens in city planning? dramatic pace has overwhelmed studies, as well as the work of the state’s capacity to provide international development organi - At the project’s completion, basic services, including trans - zations, is focused on primary I hope to offer empirical evidence portation, sanitation, education cities, the major cities that domi - to support solutions administrators, and access to employment – and nate a nation’s economy. activists and urban planners this is felt most acutely by the can implement to help address citizens of slums, also known But while primary cities’ popula - these issues. as informal communities. tion growth is astounding – between the 1960s and 1980s, Rapid urbanization, with all of its Dickson Eyoh This semester, I have undertaken their populations grew at an annu - consequences, is a long-standing Photography a research project to identify solu - al average of nine to 11 percent – phenomenon that won’t be solved Courtesy Dickson Eyoh tions African cities can use to deal some of the most significant overnight. But by studying the with this tremendous growth and growth can be found in Africa’s issue as it impacts smaller cities create liveable cities. secondary cities. These are the and offering practical solutions continent’s smaller cities, where grounded in empirical evidence, African Urbanization After the challenges of urbanization are we may yet see Africa’s small Colonialism: A Brief History Lesson more severe due to a comparative cities develop the capacity to Between the 1960s and 1980s, lack of municipal resources. provide their citizens the services as colonialism ended, urban they deserve. population growth accelerated My research this semester across Africa. focuses on these small cities. If Excerpted in part from Professor one travels across the continent, Eyoh’s “Citizenship and Livelihood African economies stagnated what becomes clear is a pattern of Struggles in Turbulent Times: in the early 1970s and continued enormous growth in small cities. The City and Ethnic Politics in to decline over the next three Over the last few years alone, the Postcolonial Africa,” from decades despite reform programs range and number of buildings Segmented Cities? How Urban meant to place them on more I have witnessed being built in Contexts Shape Ethnic and positive trajectories. By the early small cities in Cameroon, like the Nationalist Politics. Culture Shift New College International 08 Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine
WRITER CCuullttuuKaitlrirn Klaas ee MacDonald calls this photo of her with Copenhagen’s The Little Mermaid statue “the most touristy photo ever,” but likes it “because it represents my first step into exchange life.” Photography Courtesy Gillian Shift ach year, adventurous New MacDonald College students experience living and learning in a new country through U of T’s international exchange program (40 students participated this year alone). Gillian MacDonald (New ‘13), a social-cultural anthropology and Equity Studies alumna, enjoyed her exchange Eexperience at the University of Copenhagen so much she has since returned there to complete a master’s degree in applied cultural analysis. We asked MacDonald how her exchange affected her outlook on life at U of T – and her future. Culture Shift New College International 09 Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine
Gillian MacDonald What was it like to immerse (pictured top-left) at yourself in Denmark’s culture New College in winter 2014 and language? There were a lot of differences When she returned to from North American culture to Copenhagen for gradu - ate school, MacDonald explore. But because everyone used the local knowl - speaks English, it was quite easy edge she had gained as an exchange student to to get around and I could immerse work as a tour guide myself slowly. Like getting into Did you travel to other countries (pictured top-right). a pool, I could dip my toes into while you were abroad? MacDonald, who played Danish culture first, and then After I was done school, I spent Why did you pursue an interna - roller derby in Toronto jump in after a while. There were two solid months travelling. For for three years, says she tional exchange experience? only one or two times I felt over - two weeks, I volunteered at an sought out a team (Kick I’ve always had a bit of a travel Ass Cuties, pictured mid - whelmed. As an exchange student, orchard outside of Stockholm bug and been curious about the dle-top) as soon as she you have a support network of in exchange for room and board. began her exchange. “In world. In anthropology, you speak other exchange students around I couchsurfed and stayed with roller derby, I was able so much about international expe - to make a network of you that makes the transition friends and family in Iceland, riences. I thought an exchange Danish friends,” she says. not as difficult. Poland, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia was the best opportunity for me and Scotland. Then my mom, aunt For a last-minute tourna - to actually get to have an interna - ment between Danish, and uncle flew in from Canada. Norwegian and Swedish tional experience before I get set - We did a genealogy trip to roller derby teams, tled down and have a job. Luckily, MacDonald and her Brussels, Bruges and Prague, and I my parents are very encouraging. teammates didn’t have showed them around Copenhagen. time to order t-shirts. They sewed Red Whiting Why did you choose the University Hoods patches (pictured Did your experiences abroad middle-bottom) to plain of Copenhagen? tees instead. It’s surrounded by mainland affect how you approached your Europe, so it’s quite a central life at U of T? This Danish flag Danes have a very relaxed, laid - (pictured below) used spot to travel from. They also back culture. So I tried to take a to hang in the apartment had really interesting courses. MacDonald shared little bit of that with me to U of T. I was surprised that a country during her exchange. I did well at U of T, but it’s a “Danes put flags on that speaks a different language stressful school and there’s a lot everything — birthday would offer English-language cakes, Christmas trees,” of work to do. That definitely courses that were quite broad. she says. took a toll on me in my first They weren’t just introductory two years there. Coming back Photography courses and they didn’t just focus Kaitlin Klaas from my exchange I realized I on local culture. I also thought it can take time for myself. Being would be a great opportunity to on exchange also showed me learn a different language. the benefits of being friendly, outgoing and spontaneous.
After graduate school, what’s next for you? Of the courses you took Getting a job. I’d like to stay in Copenhagen, which was in Scandinavia, but because your favourite? I’m in a place in my life where Probably an anthropology course I don’t need to be anywhere on Danish culture and society. It in particular, I’m not going to introduced me to Danish society, close my doors. Because of but also gave me a critical lens on my exchange, I’m not scared Danish society. The final project to move anywhere anymore. on that course ended up being related to the thesis work I’m doing now as a master’s student. Preparing to New College International 10 Launch Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine
KWaRIiTtEliR n Klaas with files from Arielle Vetro
HOW A NEW COLLEGE PROGRAM h HAS GIVEN OVER 600 STUDENTS – AND COUNTING – THE c ACADEMIC AND ENGLISH-LANGUAGE FOUNDATION THEY n NEED TO THRIVE AT U OF T. of T is known for attracting the u best and brightest students from all over the world – but what happens when these students don’t quite meet English fluency requirements? a For New College students Christian Garcia and Yuwen (Constance) Jiang and alumnus Yuechuan Chi, the right solution was New College’s International Foundation Program (IFP). L Preparing to New College International 11 Launch Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine
Pictured left: First-year chosen field and English courses student Yuwen to boost their oral and written (Constance) Jiang felt unprepared to study English-language skills and their abroad. She credits the comfort with the University’s International Foundation academic style. Program with readying her for life at U of T. Photography Kaitlin Klaas Pictured right: Yuechuan Chi (New ‘14) says he gained confidence and honed his critical thinking skills in the IFP's small- class setting. He is now pursuing a master's degree at Oxford University.
Photography Jiang originally hails from Xinhui, U of T lectures are like, what Frances Beatty a city in China’s Guangdong U of T itself is like and what the province. Having attended Canadian education world is like.” Chinese-language schools Chi, a graduate of the IFP throughout her life, Jiang says Since 2009, the International and 2014 New College alumnus her lack of exposure to Western- Foundation Program has helped who is now pursuing a master’s style education left her feeling students brush up on their degree at Oxford University, says unprepared to study abroad. English-language skills and the program’s small-class setting prepare for the academic rigours was key to his academic survival . “I had no experience with learning of the University of Toronto in from an English-speaking teacher a small-class environment. “After I completed the IFP, the or studying English-language first classroom I walked into was academic materials,” says Jiang, Over the course of the fall and Convocation Hall. It had about who is now a first-year student in winter terms, students take disci - 1,200 students sitting there,” says the Rotman Commerce program. pline-specific courses to enrich Chi. “If that was my first-ever “The IFP gave me an idea of what their understanding of their Preparing to New College International 12 Launch Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine
their chosen faculty – with one Pictured left: First-year full credit already completed. student Christian Garcia says the International Foundation Program First-year student Garcia, a native gave him an invaluable of Latacunga, Ecuador, who hopes head start. to specialize in computer science, Photography says his participation in the IFP Kaitlin Klaas gave him an invaluable head start.
“When I began my first year, I already knew what resources were available, how to seek help, how to take good notes and how to approach my assignments,” says Garcia.
university class, I would have Admission to the 24-week The IFP aims to address the been lost. But at IFP, the first program includes conditional numerous challenges international class I walked in was about 15 acceptance to the University’s students face when studying students. We got to know each Faculties of Arts & Science, abroad. According to the IFP’s other really well and the small- Applied Science & Engineering, Academic Director Bruce Russell, class size really helped me start Music or Architecture, Landscape the greatest issues tend to be to gain confidence and develop & Design. After successfully reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.” completing the IFP, students begin written expression, language full-time undergraduate studies in comprehension during lectures
List of countries AZERBAIJAN MALAYSIA IFP students and CANADA MEXICO alumni have come CHINA MOLDOVA from (25 in total): ECUADOR MONGOLIA FRANCE POLAND HONG KONG RUSSIA INDONESIA SAUDI ARABIA 60% 40%
IRAN SOUTH KOREA ITALY TAIWAN JAPAN TUNISIA
KAZAKHSTAN TURKEY n h KENYA UKRAINE i VENEZUELA
r 60% are from China c
a 40% are from the other n
d countries n e
a r
14 native F M languages Azerbaijani Ukrainian Russian Spanish Cantonese Preparing to New College International 13 Launch Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine
and challenges communicating Beyond academics, the program “A lot of the time, people are afraid with students, faculty and staff. also instills a sense of community – of asking tough questions,” says International students need important for any university Chi, whose master’s research competence with academic student, but even more critical focuses on tumour hypoxia (can - language to complete course for those studying far from home. cerous tumours with low levels of requirements, but also with oxygen, which often make them everyday language and cultural “It’s really nice to see familiar faces resistant to treatment). “But in conventions to successfully around campus,” says Garcia. “It the IFP and at the University of reach their academic goals. feels good because we are going Toronto, students were encouraged through the same problems and to ask questions and challenge Garcia credits the program we are striving together.” professors in an academic way. As with easing his transition to a graduate student, I’m really ben - life in Canada – both culturally Nearly a year after completing the efitting from that training.” and academically. International Foundation Program, Garcia and Jiang say they continue After a tremendously successful “It took me some time to get to benefit from the knowledge start, the International Foundation accustomed to the environment, they gained from the program. In Program has expanded. A graduate- to the cultural differences, to the addition to their academic success, studies version of the program weather – especially the weather,” they are both busy with extra- was launched in 2012, and in 2014, says Garcia. “But the IFP helped curricular activities such as peer a condensed, summer-only version me survive the transition. Our mentorship programs. of the program was launched for instructors became role models students whose English-language and they really knew how to And Chi’s experience shows skills fall just shy of U of T’s answer my questions and concerns.” the program’s benefits have English fluency requirements. the potential to last well beyond the undergraduate years .
197 fall 2014 IFP undergraduate 17 students fall 2014 IFP graduate students 1summ4 er 2014 IFP
undergraduate students h y
k a a l
41 z a 607 graduate IFP alumni
a undergraduate IFP alumni
M K Polish Italian Korean Japanese Turkish New Growth New College International 14 Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine NEW GROW A GROUNDBREAKING SCHOLARSHIP IS EMPOWERING SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA’S BEST AND BRIGHTEST TO STUDY AT NEW COLLEGE – AND FLOURISH IN COMMUNITIES BACK HOME.
ith her Fortunately, Bart-Plange discov - love of read - ered a brand new initiative that ing and solid could help her do just that. The work ethic, MasterCard Foundation Scholars Vanessa Grace Program has given her the educa - Bart-Plange was tion she had once thought was always a natural beyond reach. Now in her second student. year at New College, she is study - ing international relations and WGrowing up in the coastal city political science, with a minor of Takoradi in southern Ghana, in African Studies. her dreams of one day becoming a university professor were strongly It’s a gift she plans on paying
WRITER encouraged by teachers impressed forward after graduation, which Cynthia Macdonald by her drive. she hopes will eventually include
ILLUSTRATOR a doctorate. Sködt McNalty But without money, encourage - PHOTOGRAPHER ment simply wasn’t enough. “I want to inspire other students The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Bart-Plange’s father had five other to think about great things, about Program/Pawel Dwulit children to support, and couldn’t what they can also do with their afford to further her education talents,” she says, smiling warmly. after high school. New Growth New College International 15 Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine
WTH New Growth New College International 16 Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine
“I’m not just interested in mining, Vanessa Grace Bart- but in community development,” Plange (pictured left), a MasterCard Foundation she says. “How do we make sure Scholar and second-year we give back? We must always international relations, remember that the resources political science and African Studies student, belong to the people, and that wants to inspire other they should see benefits, too.” students to make the most of their talents. Giving back is a theme that recurs in conversation with the two stu - dents. A key program requirement is that they will spend the summer after their third year interning in their home countries. After gradu - ation, their ultimate plan is to return to where they came.
This is no small point, as sub- Saharan Africa suffers from a “brain drain”: for example, even though few people living there can take advantage of medical training, in many African countries, the majority of locally-trained doctors The MasterCard Foundation With 60% of its citizens under ultimately take their skills else - has committed $500 million over the age of 25, sub-Saharan Africa where – instead of staying home ten years to provide disadvantaged is rich with the potential and where they are often badly needed. students, primarily from sub- promise of youth. Unfortunately, Saharan Africa, the opportunity fewer than 7% are ever educated So Bart-Plange knows she to study at universities around the beyond high school. Within that can make a difference where she world. Bart-Plange is a member small group, far fewer than half started, and always has those who of the first cohort, and one of 23 are female. can’t take advantage of scholarship such Scholars currently studying opportunities in her thoughts. at U of T. Which is why brilliant students like Sylvia Mwangi are true trail - “What I hope to do for them,” she In addition to covering tuition and blazers. Like Bart-Plange, Mwangi says, “is to found an organization books, MasterCard also supports is also a MasterCard Foundation where they can use skills like Bart-Plange’s living expenses, and Scholar. She was raised in the sewing and beadmaking, then per - helps her source internship, volun - mountainous central highlands haps set up an online shop where teer and social activities. Calling of Kenya, and developed a passion they could sell their products to it “the greatest thing that ever for science and math early on. international markets.” happened to me,” she is ever-mind - Now in residence at New College, ful that her education can’t be she’s in the second year of a And she has already embarked taken for granted. Her diligence program in industrial engineering. on that teaching career. Upon is proof of this: already a recipient completion of her first year of multiple academic awards, Mwangi first heard of the at U of T, she returned to gain she served, until recently, as MasterCard Foundation Scholars experience teaching social studies secretary on the Foundation Program while interning at a bank at a junior-high school in Ghana. Scholars council, and social in Nairobi, and also considered “It was a very deprived school, with convenor on her residence floor. studying law or pharmacy. But over 200 students and only one as a result of studying in Toronto, teacher,” she says ruefully. “So I she is newly motivated by the helped out.” prospect of working in health care or the relatively new area of oil and gas exploration back home. New Growth New College International 17 Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine
Rotoract Club. For her part, Bart- Plange also writes poems and short stories.
They have found Canada to be safe and friendly, and appreciate the range of viewpoints on offer in a diverse city like Toronto. This is something Mwangi has absorbed through the frequent group work in her engineering classes, something she’d never done in Kenya: “That was a whole new concept for me,” she says.
Bart-Plange’s African Studies minor and international relations major have allowed her to see issues such as foreign aid through a different lens than she would have had at home.
“I loved the way my professor, who’s South African, was able MasterCard Foundation This situation reflects profit from the lessons she will to present things from both Scholar and second-year both the good and bad news bring back from her classwork industrial engineering the European and African per - student Sylvia Mwangi emanating from countries and internships. In a way, teach - spectives,” she says. “We’ve also (pictured above), who like Ghana and Kenya. On ing her means teaching many covered similar material in my lives in residence at New the one hand, government other Africans as well. College, is considering political science courses, too, but applying the knowledge funding and newly booming in a different way. That balance she's gaining at U of T to economies have resulted “Canada has the resources, and a career in Kenya's bur - has been perfect.” geoning resource sector. in greater school enrollment we students have the skills,” she at early levels (the MasterCard says. “This program gives a perfect Bart-Plange and Mwangi have Foundation also funds opportunity to match the two. I already learned a great deal in secondary education). But really look forward to going home Canada – but Canada has much lacking teachers, school and sharing what I’ve learned.” to learn from them, too. Their buildings, transportation courageous journey is a powerful and money for school fees, MasterCard Foundation Scholars reminder that North Americans there is a limit to how far are also offered counselling and should never be complacent, bored education can currently go mentorship, to help them adjust or cynical about the rewards of for most students. This is to the culture and climate shock education. And that even a young especially true for girls, who of their home away from home. person is capable of taking on the are often forced to give up Though they’d never travelled biggest challenges. school in favour of domestic from their infinitely warmer responsibilities. homelands before, neither student “I cannot change Africa on my has had much trouble fitting in. own, but I can start that change,” So it is up to the brightest Bart-Plange told viewers in a of these students to create Both gregarious, kind and funny, recent television appearance. change. Because Canada has they’ve adjusted easily to their Across the continent in Kenya, a well-established mining “home away from home” (while Mwangi will be helping her. industry, Mwangi knows admitting they could certainly do that many in the burgeoning without the cold of winter). On “Big things are going to happen resource sector in Kenya can top of studying and volunteering, in Africa,” she says. “There’s so Mwangi has tried her hand at much energy there, and so much martial arts and leadership to do.” opportunities through the Notable New Alumni New College International 18 Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine
Notable New Alumni From Hong Kong to Ghana, you’ll find alumni thriving all over the world. We are proud to feature three alumni who have found rewarding lives and careers abroad.
Ryan Pyle (New ‘01): Ryan Pyle (pictured Anthropologist with a Camera below) on his Guinness World Record-winning motorcycle ride around Many students dream about mak - China. ing a career of their passions. For Photography New College alumnus Ryan Pyle, Courtesy Ryan Pyle this dream has become a reality.
Pyle is an adventurer, photogra - pher, journalist and Guinness World Record-holder best known for his epic motorcycle journeys around China and India with his brother Colin. The two brothers documented these journeys for their television series Tough Before creating these documentary Rides: China and Tough Rides: series, Pyle lived and worked in India . (A third series, Extreme China as an award-winning photo - Treks: Sacred Mountains , captured journalist for international publi - Pyle’s adventures in remote cations including Time, Fortune Chinese mountain communities.) and The New York Times . Despite Pyle’s entrepreneurial spirit and his success as a photojournalist, hard work have allowed him to Pyle decided to pursue a career thrive since he graduated with a in documentary production. He political science specialist degree created Tough Rides: China to from the University of Toronto. expose a more complete image of China, providing an expansive representation of regions he felt were largely ignored by media outlets in favour of stories on “the economy, pollution and exposing sweatshops”.
“The best way I thought to do that was to ride a motorcycle all around the country and show people the deserts, the grasslands, the nomad families, massive mega-cities, mountain base camps, everything China has to offer,” he says. “When I talk to people about [Tough Rides: China ], the number one feedback I get is, ‘I had no idea China looked like that.’ That is exactly what we were going for.” Notable New Alumni New College International 19 Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine
Fighting Ebola in West Africa Pyle’s interest in China, which he calls his muse for Q&A with Stefanie Carmichael How long will you be in Ghana? photography and storytelling, (African Studies ‘04 & SMC ‘04) UNMEER was created due to the came about by mere chance. As Public Information Officer, United urgent need for fast action, but an undergraduate student, he Nations Mission for Ebola we don’t plan on being here long. enrolled in an introductory class Emergency Response As soon as the outbreak is under in Chinese history and politics – control, all of us at UNMEER will primarily because it fit into his The Ebola epidemic may no pack up and go. That’s not to say schedule. This random choice longer be front-page news in North the work will be over – there is would turn out to greatly America, but the threat persists in going to be a long recovery impact the course of his life. West Africa, where new cases are process after everything these still being confirmed each week. As countries have been through – “That class introduced me to the crisis continues, many people but the emergency needs will a whole way of life in China, are trying to help out however they have been met. Carmichael (pictured a history that I had had no can, including Stefanie Carmichael, right) covers the early- exposure to until that point,” an African Studies alumna now Why did you go to Ghana morning departure of UN peacekeepers from Pyle says. working for the United Nations. to fight Ebola? Liberia, who were being I had been living abroad for sent on loan to the UN Carmichael left a communications almost eight years – in Rwanda, Mission in South Sudan In the remaining years of his to help protect internally- undergraduate degree, Pyle con - position at UN headquarters in Congo, Thailand, Libya and Liberia displaced-person camps. tinued taking classes related to New York to return to Ghana, – and thought it would be nice to where she’s working with an Ebola be closer to my family in Toronto Photography China, and from then on knew Courtesy Stefanie that he had to visit. Staying true response team. We interviewed her again, so I accepted a short-term Carmichael to his vision, Pyle travelled to by email about her role. position in New York last summer. China following his graduation But when I was called to join the for a three-month trip, later relo - What is your role in Ghana? Ebola response, I couldn’t say no, cating to Shanghai to establish I work as a public information especially as I used to work for the a life and career there. officer with the United Nations UN Mission in Liberia. The issue Mission for Ebola Emergency and the people it was affecting Pyle’s story is proof that a Response (UNMEER). We are a were very close to my heart. My career can be made out of a small team that helps get the word family and my team in New York passion – and ambition helps. out about what all of the Ebola understood that I had to go. Response partners – the UN and “I’ve learned that the more others – are doing to stop the out - Did U of T help prepare you for you try to do and the bigger break. We try to both help raise your current career? bites you take out of life, no awareness about the situation, and In my second year, I was living on matter what it is you do with also keep up the momentum and campus with some students from your life, the bigger the reward public support for all of our part - Tanzania. They kept telling me and the better your confidence ners, so they have the resources such amazing stories about their will be,” he says . they need to keep up the fight. country that over Christmas break I decided to go visit. I was 19 and Another adventure is under - way for Pyle; he began produc - tion on his next series, Tough Rides: Brazil in March. It is the latest move in a career that has taken Pyle far beyond the bor - ders of his home country – and that suits him just fine.
“I think the more you see, the more you know yourself,” Pyle says. “Every time I see a new part of the world, I get a better understanding of who I am and how I fit into the bigger picture.”
Arielle Vetro with files from Whitney Wiebe Notable New Alumni New College International 20 Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine
but instead hoped to work as a teacher or counsellor. Photography my parents thought I was nuts Courtesy Michelle Poon – I think they even called the She learned the ropes of higher- RCMP when they didn’t hear education administration as a from me for the first few days – U of T admissions counsellor, but it was the best experience. but found she missed her family When I came back, I couldn’t in her hometown of Hong Kong. wait to finish my studies and She decided to move back to Hong get back overseas. Kong in 2008 with no job lined up – but fortunately, the uncer - I added a major in African tainty was short-lived. Studies to my program, started Michelle Poon (New ‘05) volunteering with NGOs all over “Within a week of arriving in Hong the place, even started studying Associate Director, U of T Asia- Pacific Advancement Office Kong, I was offered a three-month Swahili at New College, and temp job at the U of T Asia-Pacific never looked back. Yes, I caught They say you can’t go home again, Advancement Office to work on the bug and love working over - their Asia-Pacific Graduation seas – you meet so many amaz - and in some ways that is true. But what if you never left? For every Ceremony,” Poon recalls. “As people ing people from all over the would say, the rest is history.” world. And every day is some - alum who finds a fulfilling career thing new – you don’t get stuck beyond the borders of campus, it seems you will also find an alum Poon says in many ways, the in any kind of routine. Nothing connections and memories she beats it. I really do owe my who has flourished right here at the University of Toronto. made at New College – she lived career to the diversity of U of T in Wilson Hall for over three years, and those international students served on Johnson House’s I used to live with. Among this sizeable population of alumni-cum-staff is Michelle committee and joined a variety Poon. Unlike most of her of clubs during her time at the How has your African Studies colleagues, Poon works some University – prepared her for education made an impact on 12,500 kilometres away in the her current role. your career? I have to say, [African Studies University’s Hong Kong-based Asia-Pacific Advancement Office. “I loved U of T and my time there, Program Director] Dickson and met some of my best friends Eyoh was one of the best pro - Poon’s role, alongside two there,” she says. “I could never fessors I ever had. Everything imagine doing this type of work he taught me, and the way he colleagues and a team of dedicated alumni volunteers, is to coordinate without believing in and loving taught us to think, will always the institution I work for.” stay with me. Studying Swahili all fundraising, event planning for two years has also come in and alumni engagement activities across the Asia-Pacific region, as From presidential alumni recep - handy in the most random of tions to the Asia-Pacific convoca - places that I never would’ve well as administer the University’s Hong Kong Scholarship. tion, and from faculty seminars to imagined. The African Studies alumni association events, Poon’s program at New College “Getting to meet alumni across Asia portfolio of events keeps her in completely reaffirmed my constant contact with her fellow decision to start up the career and hear how their U of T experi - ence has shaped their lives is so alumni. She says it has made an that I have. And unlike other enormous impact on her life. programs, it really felt like a rewarding,” says Poon. “I’ve heard family, which was nice. so many inspirational stories – some about family, friendship and “I’ve always kept in touch with love, and some about how small friends from my residence days at Where will you go next? experiences at U of T suddenly New College, but being able to con - I don’t know where I’ll go next! nect with the larger alumni com - I know I want to stay with the took an alum on an unexpected and successful career path.” munity in Hong Kong has given UN – it’s in my blood now, and me a sense of pride and belonging,” I love what it stands for. But I As so often happens, Poon’s career she says. “Even after seven years, gave up my job in New York to whenever I walk into a room of come here, so I don’t have any - isn’t what she had imagined as an undergraduate student; she earned U of T alumni, I’m always thing to go back to. We’ll see reminded how great U of T is. where the world takes me. an Honours B.Sc. in environmental management and psychology and I get extremely nostalgic even after all these years and all these events.” Terry Lavender with files from had no aspirations to work in fundraising or alumni engagement, Kaitlin Klaas Kaitlin Klaas New College by the Numbers New College International 21 Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine
A statistical look at New College’s New College by globe-trotting the Numbers community
23,826 alumni Found in 34 countries around the world*
Alumni NorthNorth AAmericamerica & CCaribbeanaribbean 16,16,609609 82% AsiaAsia 662121 EEuropeurope 6633 93% 3% live in Canada live in USA A whopping 82% AAfricafrica 1144 of alumni still live in the Greater AAustraliaustralia aandnd NNewew ZZealandealand 1100 Toronto Area
*geographic statistics are based on the 17,317 2% 2% alumni for whom we have current addresses. live in Hong Kong live in Other 4% Students South Korean 4,705** 6% citizens Citizenship of Other Students (from Afghanistan 1% each: current New to Zimbabwe) American, Taiwanese, enrolled Indian, Hong Kong, College 9% Pakistani, Turkish, Bangladeshi, Russian, students from 96 Nigerian citizens 23% (totalling 9%) countries Chinese citizens **not including International Foundation Program or incoming exchange students. 58% New College students are Canadian citizens Giving Back New College International 22 Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine
Giving Back
Thanks to the support of our alumni and friends, New College is closer than ever to our $7 million goal as part of Boundless: The Campaign for the University of Toronto. Our annual donor listing recognizes the generosity of donors who have made new gifts or pledges to New College of $100 or more between January 1 and December 31, 2014.* New College would like to thank the following benefactors who contributed to the Boundless campaign in 2014, impacting our students, faculty and academic community:
$25,000+ $500-$999 $100-$499 Bernard D. Cooperman Richard Rooney Arts & Science Giuseppe J. Aiello Sherry L. Daniel E. Anthony Ross Students’ Union Oswald Almasi Chandler and Jean Augustine Stephen N. Altbaum Natalie Davis $10,000 - $24,999 Keren Brathwaite Steven Baldassarra Michael W. Des Roches Robert Bruce Richard Chow Charles Barrett Dulcie Dixon Veena Daddar Ryan Edson Baxter Colin R. C. Dobell $1,000 - $9,999 Roy Dorombozi David Berger Robert C. Douglas Marvin M. Bernstein Clifford E. Dresner Donald Boere Bartosz J. Dworak Fares Boulos Denise Duhaime D. Edwin Boeve R. H. Farquharson Glenn H. Carter Judy M Earl Melva G. Bowman Ronald Ginsberg Kerri Huffman Deborah Knott Alexander J. Brown Barry Lloyd Glaspell Donald G. Ivey June Larkin Andrew J. Brown Paul W. Gooch and Knox College Microsoft Corporation Caroline Yoon Hee Pauline Thompson Missionary Society New College Brown Peter A. Grunwald Yves Roberge and Student Council Linda Bubenko Guy Aime Hamel Diane Massam Robert M. Nishikawa Paul Byam W. Jason Hanson Jeffrey Newman Kathleen Mary Elsa Maria Cabral Patricia Harris Norm Paterson O’Connell David Cameron Sally Hill Poupee University Lodge 496 Ceta Ramkhalawansingh Rosemary Cameron Audrey Hines Awards Fund Harris M. Rosen Fong Wah Betty Chan Monica Chung-Yan Ho Luc A. Vanneste Kathryn L. Seliga Ivy M. Chan Dolores C. Iaboni Paul and Sally Walker Elaine She Donna Chang Kelly Jay Anonymous (1) Sheryl Stevenson and The Charlton Family Michael Joel Kam Alan Witkin Hoe Kooi Cheah Frank K. F. Yeung Magdalene Cheung Anonymous (5) Damon Chevrier continued on page 25 Philip Charles Chin-Sam David and Sandra Clandfield “A gift to higher education education higher to gift “A Your bequest will give future future give will Your bequest New College students the the students College New people they are meant to be.” to meant are they people fulfill to opportunity precious is an enduring contribution. contribution. enduring an is their potential and become the the become and potential their Join the Boundless campaign for New New for campaign Boundless the Join BSc in Pathobiology, 2015 Pathobiology, in BSc To find out more, contact contact more, out find To Your bequest is a powerful way to to way powerful a is bequest Your Samuel Killackey Samuel 416-978-3846 416-978-3846 [email protected] College by including a gift in your will. will. your in gift a including by College support the limitless potential of future future of potential limitless the support clinical researchers like Sam Killackey. Sam like researchers clinical or give.utoronto.ca or
BOUNDLESSLEGACY Academic Focus New College International 24 Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine Yes! I will support New College
Ways to give: Complete the form below and send your donation to: Office of Advancement, 300 Huron Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3J6 using the attached envelope.
Contact Alison Liddell by phone 416-978-0310 or email: [email protected]
Donate online at donate.utoronto.ca/new The Presidents’ Circle: Individuals giving annual combined donations totalling $1,827 or more become members of this U of T recognition program with many exciting benefits.
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Solicitation code: NEW15ANNANEWCOALLAFF Charitable reg. BN 108162330-RR0001 ** A receipt for income tax purposes will be issued for all donations. Your Privacy: The information on this form is collected and used solely for the administration of the University’s advancement activities, undertaken pursuant to the University of Toronto Act, 1971. If you have any questions, please refer to www.utoronto.ca/privacy or contact the University’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Coordinator at 416.946.7303, McMurrich Building, Room 201, 12 Queen’s Park Crescent West, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8. Giving Back New College International 25 Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine
Your donations make a tremendous difference to the entire New College community. They support students through scholarships and bursaries; new and improved spaces to learn, connect and live; and enhanced academic and community outreach programs. Because of your generosity, New College students enjoy an unparalleled educational experience. New College is deeply grateful to all of its donors. Every effort has been made to ensure all donor names are listed correctly. Please contact us at 416-978-0310 if there are any errors or omissions so we can update our records accordingly.
Nicolle Katz Lesley Riedstra and Boundless Leadership Laura Kerr Rian Mitra New College would like to thank the following Andrew F. Kovac Shirley Roberts benefactors, who have contributed $25,000 or Glenn A. Loney Lara M Roccatani more to the Boundless campaign in benefit of the Rosanne G. Lopers- Walter V. Rojenko College, for their remarkable generosity. Thank you Sweetman Paul Russell for investing in the boundless potential of the Mark J. Lukasiewicz Klaus H. Schaedlich University community. Peter J. MacDonald Sohely Shafique Michael J. Maikawa Cheryl Shook Willem O. Kwant English Testing Linzi Manicom Sandra E. Speller V. Lobodowsky Canada Ltd Sinisa Markovic June Straker Kerrie MacPherson The MasterCard Susan McDonald Clarence J. Swanton Richard Rooney Foundation Sandra J. McEwan Regine Tabor E. Anthony Ross Minto Foundation Inc. Josephine T. McMillen John Tepelenas In Memory of Northwater Capital Gary M. McQueen Thomas Tran Hammed Shahidian Management Inc. David M. Mocek Michael Vachon Luc and Steelworkers Dean E. Moratz Richard J. Walter and Pamela Vanneste Toronto Area Colin Morningstar Susan Suzuki Frank Walwyn Tamil Studies A. Elaine Nielsen Georgina L. White Christopher Woodford Coordinating Gary R. Norton E. Ann Yeoman Marion Woodman Committee John and Penelope Adrian S. Zenwirt Buddhist Education Pepperell Anonymous (20) Foundation for Carol E. Percy Canada George J. Pilar Gifts-In-Kind Canadian Tamil Morton B. Prager Ian Lancashire Congress Ontario Keerthiga Rajaratnam F. Michah Rynor Chung-Hwa Institute of Celestia Richards Buddhist Studies of *Payments toward New Taipei City previously-recognized Dream Maker Realty gifts are not included in this list. Going Places New College International 26 Alumni & Friends Edition Magazine
Going Places Have you moved lately? We love hearing great news and Changed phone numbers? hope you’ll tell us all about it! Gotten married or received a promotion and want to Please email us at share the good news? [email protected] to keep us in the loop.
New College Staff and Faculty Updates
Dr. Stanley Doyle-Wood was appointed Acting Director, Equity Studies, during Dr. June Larkin’s leave (January to June 2015) Cori Hanson, Student Services Assistant, has accepted a position at U of T’s Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering Kate Johnson was appointed Acting Librarian during Librarian Jeff Newman’s leave (January to June 2015) Deborah Knott, Writing (New ‘84) joined (New ‘09) mar - (New ‘79), Centre Director, was Robert Herjavec Dr. Manveen Puri David Scrymgeour appointed Vice-Principal the cast of ABC’s Dancing With ried Nymisha Sridhara (May 2014) founder and owner of Green effective July 1, 2014 the Stars Standards Ltd., was appointed Alison Liddell (New ‘88) Ceta Ramkhalawansingh (New ‘77) Executive-in-Residence at the was appointed Associate Sandra McEwan (New ‘83) retired was appointed interim city University of Toronto’s Rotman Director, Advancement, after a 30-year career as a teacher councillor of Toronto’s Ward 20 Commerce program (March 2014) in December 2014 for the Durham District School (Trinity-Spadina) (July to Dr. Anne McGuire was Board (June 2014) November 2014) Richard Tse (New ‘91), Analyst, appointed to the rank of Institutional Equity Research at Lecturer in Equity Studies in July 2014 Paul Nazareth (New ‘99) Lesley Riedstra (New ‘95) Cormark Securities Inc., received was named Vice President, was appointed Director, Mass Brendan Wood International’s Angela Santos, was appointed Assistant Community Engagement of Affluent Platform Strategy at TopGun designation (August 2014) Coordinator, International Canada Helps (August 2014) CIBC (August 2014) Programs effective Chris Woodford (New ‘06) married February 2015 Marin Pavlic (New ‘03), his Ali Rizvi (New ‘10), co-founder Sarah Woodford (August 2014) Vince Tropepe, Human wife, Maja, and son, Adrian, of Flarian Inc., received the Top Biology Director, has welcomed a new baby boy, 30 Under 30 Future Leaders in been appointed Chair Dr. Manveen Puri (New ‘09) of the Department of Luka (September 2014) Manufacturing Award from the and Nymisha Sridhara Cell & Systems Biology Society of Manufacturing (pictured left) effective July 1, 2015 Engineers (July 2014) Photography Dr. Ramon (Arturo) Courtesy Dr. Manveen Puri Victoriano-Martinez was appointed Acting Chris Woodford (New ‘06) Director, Caribbean and Sarah Woodford Studies, during Professor (pictured right) Melanie Newton’s leave (2014-2015) Photography Courtesy Chris Woodford Professor Rinaldo Walcott was appointed Director, Women & Gender Studies Institute, effective July 1, 2014 International Foundation Program Office
The basement renovation conference room and private necessitated moving the IFP office offices. The challenge was ampli - into a room on the main level of fied by having to design around Wetmore Hall, which at the time the natural curve of Wetmore Hall was the New College Student and its interspersed columns. Council (NCSC) headquarters. As a result, the NCSC relocated to “New College has fantastic modern a new office in the College’s 45 buildings and the New College Willcocks Street building. community respects that heritage,” Van Elslander says. “The changes Transforming the space to suit that have been made to the build - the IFP’s needs presented Van ing all attempt to reach the same Elslander with a series of chal - design level as the original build - lenges, the first being converting ing and to modernize things.” AWrRiIeTEllR e Vetro The office of the International the room’s unique design, with its Foundation Program (IFP), collection of small nooks, into a The new IFP office is now New College’s English-language- more open-concept space. in an ideal location, with ample The room was transformed into an learning program, is nearly natural light and a picturesque open-concept, modern unrecognizable compared to its “It was a challenging and difficult- view of the quadrangle. space (pictured top). pre-renovation design. to-use space,” says Van Elslander. Prior to the renovation, “It’s on two levels and is not “Now they have a space that’s the former New College Led by architect Terence Van easily accessible.” full of light, high ceilings and Student Council office (pictured bottom) contained Elslander of Van Elslander + great views that work well for the a number of inconvenient Associates Architects Inc., this Adding to the list of obstacles, collaborative work they do,” says nooks and dark corners. project was just one piece of a the office’s mechanical system had Van Elslander. “They can bring Photography larger, multi-stage renovation to be separated from the neigh - their students into a space they Courtesy Van Elslander + brought about by the 2011 trans - bouring dining hall for fire-safety can be proud of.” Associates Architects Inc. formation of the Wetmore Hall purposes. The office also necessi - basement, the original location tated the introduction of an of the IFP office. acoustic barrier, reception area,