Soldiers' Tower

The 91�Թ� will mark Remembrance Day across its three campuses on Nov. 11 – including a ceremony on the St. George campus that will commemorate the 100th anniversary of Soldiers’ Tower.

The 44-metre tower, which houses a 51-bell carillon, was erected beside Hart House in 1924 to honour soldiers and members of the 91�Թ� community who fell in the First World War.

The monument was later expanded to include the names of 1,185 people who fell during either the First or Second World Wars, while the annual Service of Remembrance that takes place at its base honours those who served in both the Great Wars as well as other conflicts.

“The most important aspect of this day is drawing the community together,” says Peter MacLaurin, chair of the Soldier’s Tower committee and a retired lieutenant-colonel in the Canadian Army.

Beginning at 10:25 a.m., the St. George campus service will include carillon recitals before and after the ceremony – and will be followed by a free public reception in the Great Hall of Hart House. The Memorial Room in Soldiers’ Tower will be open until 4 p.m.

Meanwhile, at 91�Թ� Scarborough, the community will honour alumni, students, faculty and staff who fell in the First and Second World Wars, as well as other conflicts. The in-person ceremony begins at 10:45 a.m. at The Meeting Place, Science Wing, and features the UTSC Concert Band, Concert Choir & String Orchestra.

At 91�Թ� Mississauga, an in-person ceremony will take place at 10:45 a.m. in front of the Davis Building, near the flagpole. The UTM Indigenous Centre is also hosting a poppy-beading workshop on Nov. 8.

Flags on all three campuses will be flown at half-mast on Nov. 11.

Soldiers’ Tower

The 44-metre tower, erected beside Hart House in 1924, houses a 51-bell carillon (photo by Laura Pedersen)

Between 1923 and 1924, the 91�Թ� Alumni Association raised $397,141 to build a war memorial and establish scholarships to honour community members who served in the Great War – the equivalent of more than $7 million in today’s currency.

The tower’s carillon is played by three different carillonists, who use their hands and feet to play a keyboard that sounds the bells during spring and fall convocations and other special ceremonies, including on Remembrance Day.

The ranks, names and units of those lost to the university in the First World War are etched in stone on the memorial screen. Other features of the monument include the memorial arch and the Garden of Remembrance.

In the Staircase of Honour, stained-glass windows depict men and women who contributed to the war effort.

Portraits of several illustrious graduates are on display in the tower. They include: Lt.-Col. John McCrae, who wrote In Flanders Fields; Maj. Thain MacDowell, who earned the Victoria Cross in the battle of Vimy Ridge, the only member of 91�Թ� to receive the honour in the Great War; Maj. Fred Tilston, awarded the Victoria Cross for his efforts in Hochwald Forest (Germany), 1945; and the co-discoverers of insulin, Sir Frederick Banting and Charles Best. Both men served in the Canadian Army in the First World War.

91�Թ� to mark Remembrance Day 2023 across its three campuses

rahul.kalvapalle — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 19:56:04 +0000

91�Թ� to mark Remembrance Day 2023 across its three campuses

rahul.kalvapalle Tue, 11/07/2023 - 14:56

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(photo by Johnny Guatto)

Topic

Each year, the 91�Թ� community gathers to mark Remembrance Day with services to pay tribute to those who served and perished in the First and Second World Wars and other conflicts.

With Remembrance Day falling on a Saturday this year, 91�Թ�’s in-person ceremonies will be held across the three campuses one day earlier – Friday, Nov. 10. Flags will be flown at half-mast in honour of soldiers and veterans, including 91�Թ� students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Here’s how 91�Թ�’s campuses will mark Remembrance Day 2023:

St. George

The Service of Remembrance will take place at Soldiers’ Tower at 10:20 a.m. and will include a carillon prelude and postlude.

The ceremony will include words of welcome, a recitation of the poem “In Flanders Fields” – written by John McCrae, a physician and 91�Թ� graduate who served in the First World War – and a historical reading about a 91�Թ� alumnus who perished in the Italian campaign during the Second World War. The reading will be delivered by Capt. Angela Lam of the 25 Field Ambulance medical unit of the Canadian Armed Forces.

91�Թ� President Meric Gertler, Chancellor Rose Patten and Governing Council Chair Anna Kennedy will place wreaths at Soldiers’ Tower, as will 91�Թ� students, faculty and staff and representatives of the government and armed forces.

All members of the 91�Թ� community are welcome to attend.

91�Թ� Scarborough

91�Թ� Scarborough’s Remembrance Day ceremony will begin at 10:45 a.m. in the Meeting Place.

The service, which will be attended by Wisdom Tettey, 91�Թ� Scarborough principal and 91�Թ� vice-president, will feature performances by 91�Թ� Scarborough’s concert band, concert choir and string orchestra.

91�Թ� Mississauga

Members of the 91�Թ� Mississauga community are invited to join the 2023 Service of Remembrance in front of the Davis Building, near the flagpole.

Alexandra Gillespie, 91�Թ� Mississauga principal and 91�Թ� vice-president, will attend the ceremony, which will commence at 10:45 a.m.

In photos: 91�Թ� commemorates Queen Elizabeth II’s life of service with ceremony at Soldiers’ Tower

mattimar — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 19:09:19 +0000

In photos: 91�Թ� commemorates Queen Elizabeth II’s life of service with ceremony at Soldiers’ Tower

mattimar Mon, 09/19/2022 - 15:09

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Students from the Faculty of Music perform at a 91�Թ� ceremony commemorating the life of Queen Elizabeth II on Sept. 19, 2022 (photo by Johnny Guatto)

Topic

The 91�Թ� commemorated the life and service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her funeral with a ceremony at Soldiers’ Tower on the St. George campus.

The ceremony was attended by President Meric Gertler, Vice-President and Provost Cheryl Regehr and members of the 91�Թ� community.

At approximately 12:45 p.m. on Monday, bagpiper Rory Sinclair began the ceremony by performing Mist Covered Mountains while standing in front of a small stage flanked by two yellow and white wreaths.

(Photo by Johnny Guatto)

In his remarks, President Gertler acknowledged the Queen’s selfless devotion to duty, commitment to young people and said she was a vital source of solidarity and continuity.

“Her example will stand as an inspiration to many, and for generations to come,” he said. “This is already evident in the global outpouring of grief and gratitude that we have seen in recent days.”

“The virtues she personified have earned her tremendous loyalty, respect and affection among people of all ages around the world.”

(Photo by Johnny Guatto)

Earlier in the day, the Royal family gathered in London alongside prime ministers, presidents and dignitaries, to say a final goodbye to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch in a service attended by more than 2,000 people – and watched by millions across the country and around the world. The Queen died on Sept. 8 at the age of 96.

At the end of the Westminster Abbey ceremony, two minutes of silence was observed across Britain. The Queen’s coffin then travelled to Windsor Castle. She was buried alongside her husband, Prince Philip, her parents and the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret, in the King George VI Memorial Chapel.

At 91�Թ�, students from the Faculty of Music performed songs composed by British artists following President Gertler’s remarks.

(Photo by Johnny Guatto)

“We had two kinds of groups,” said conductor Michael Denomme. “There was a string duo, which was violin and cello. Then we had our vocal octet, which was made up of undergraduate and graduate students, majoring in voice studies at the Faculty of Music.”

(Photo by Johnny Guatto)

Denomme, who is completing his master’s in choral conducting at the Faculty of Music, said it was a “true honour” to participate in the ceremony.

“There aren’t many funerals for royalty, especially for someone who had been so imperative in the development of our country through the last hundred years,” he said. “I wanted to make sure that we did the pieces justice.”

(Photo by Johnny Guatto)

At 1 p.m., 96 seconds of silence was observed to signify the Queen’s age. The students from the Faculty of Music then performed O Canada.

(Photo by Johnny Guatto)

Roy Lee, a 91�Թ� carillonist, played God Save the King on the 51-bell carillon housed in Soldiers’ Tower before ringing the four-ton bourdon – the largest of the carillon’s bells – 70 times to reflect each year of the Queen’s reign.

“It’s always an honour to play for official university events,” said Lee.

(Photo by Johnny Guatto)

The tribute ended with the president and provost being escorted to Soldiers’ Tower Memorial Wall by Special Constable Jason Quan and Staff Sergeant Albert Hastings – both of 91�Թ� Campus Safety. There, they laid wreaths.

Soldiers’ Tower carillon played in remembrance of Queen Elizabeth II

Christopher.Sorensen — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 21:40:08 +0000

Soldiers’ Tower carillon played in remembrance of Queen Elizabeth II Christopher.Sorensen Fri, 09/09/2022 - 17:40

Topic

The carillon bells on the 91�Թ�’s St. George campus sounded in solemn remembrance of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at noon on Friday.

First, Roy Lee, a 91�Թ� carillonist, and his former students and certified carillonists Elisa Tersigni and Naoko Tsujita, all 91�Թ� alumni, rang the four-ton bourdon – the largest bell of the 51-bell carillon housed in Soldiers’ Tower – 96 times to signify the Queen’s age when she passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland one day earlier.

Following the tolling of the bourdon, Lee, who has been a 91�Թ� carillonist for 20 years, played the royal anthem and O Canada as roughly 100 people gathered outside Soldiers’ Tower to listen.

The anthems were arranged for carillon by Gordon Slater, former Dominion Carillonneur of Canada.

Lee said the fact the carillon is housed in the Soldiers’ Tower – which commemorates 91�Թ� community members who served in the World Wars – added special poignancy to the tribute.

“As a teenager during the Second World War, Elizabeth was an active-duty member of the same allied forces that included 91�Թ� alumni, students, faculty, librarians and staff – some of whose names are inscribed in the walls at the base of the tower,” said Lee. “Their sacrifice and service to others set an example to all of us: the torch is now ours to hold high.”

The performance also held special significance for Lee personally.

“As someone who immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong as a young child, Queen Elizabeth II was, for my family, a visible symbol of the shared Commonwealth ties that made the transition a bit easier.”

Which 91�Թ� campus is best for you? A quick look at what makes each one unique

Christopher.Sorensen — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 18:16:50 +0000

Which 91�Թ� campus is best for you? A quick look at what makes each one unique

Christopher.Sorensen Fri, 08/13/2021 - 14:16

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91�Թ�'s three campuses boast many unique attributes – from 91�Թ� Mississauga's natural setting to St. George's historic architecture and 91�Թ� Scarborough's world-class facilities (photos by Nick Iwanyshyn, 91�Թ� Staff and Ken Jones)

Yanan Wang

Topic

Our Community

Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus

Soldiers' Tower

Entrepreneurship

Faculty of Arts & Science

Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education

Hart House

MaRS

St. George

Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre

91�Թ� Mississauga

91�Թ� Scarborough

Undergraduate Students

When students apply to the 91�Թ�, it can often be difficult to choose between the three campuses: St. George, 91�Թ� Mississauga and 91�Թ� Scarborough – all of which boast the university’s globally-recognized academic excellence and exceptional employment outcomes.

Yet, when it comes to factors such as location, program offerings and campus culture – even the likelihood of a deer sighting – there is much that sets one campus apart from another.

Here is a quick rundown of some of the attributes that make each 91�Թ� campus unique, and how some students made their decision.

St. George

(Photo by 91�Թ�)

Situated in the heart of downtown Toronto, the St. George campus is steeped in 91�Թ�’s nearly 200-year-old-history.

Harry Potter fans will feel right at home amid the Gothic Revival-style architecture, characterized by tall, sloping arches, relief sculptures and steep-gabled roofs of many of the buildings that dot the campus, particularly near King’s College Circle. While there’s no magical sorting hat, undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts & Science belong to one of seven colleges, each housing a unique community with its own slate of academic and extracurricular offerings.

Students at St. George can walk along Hoskin Avenue, which features Hart House, a hub of student activity, and Soldiers’ Tower, a bell and clock tower that pays tribute to university community members who perished in the First World War. Condé Nast Traveler has named the avenue one of the most beautiful places in Canada.

For Norah Rahman, 91�Թ�’s distinct buildings were a fixture in her life long before she decided to enrol a life sciences program this coming fall. Since she was 10 years old, she says she has attended lecture series hosted by local Muslim organizations in 91�Թ� classrooms.

(Photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

“I was actually able to experience the campus as if I were taking classes there, and I loved the environment,” Rahman says.

Hailing from North York, Rahman says she was also drawn to the vibrancy of neighbourhoods downtown.

“Ever since I was in the ninth or tenth grade and I was allowed to go places by myself, I always gravitated towards going downtown,” Rahman says. “There’s something about the hustle and bustle and the opportunity to try different things, to eat different things. I’m kind of a foodie.”

The downtown campus is within walking distance of a wide range of city attractions, including Queens Park, the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario – not to mention shopping, restaurants, Kensington Market and professional sports venues. Aspiring thespians can also take advantage of the neighbouring Theatre District.

The St. George campus, not surprisingly, also boasts state-of-the-art research facilities, close connections to local research hospitals, several entrepreneurship hubs and will soon be home to the new Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus, which will be directly across the street from the MaRS Discovery District.

Isaiah Gardner, who is about to begin his first year as a student in the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, says he chose St. George because it is the only campus that offers a bachelor’s of kinesiology degree. While at 91�Թ�, he will also run for the Varsity Blues in track and field.

Gardner says he fell in love with the team during a track meet in 2019, when he ran along the blue track at the Varsity Centre with the CN Tower in the background.

“I wanted to live downtown in the energy and life that radiated from Toronto,” he says.

91�Թ� Mississauga

(Photo by Randy Landicho)

For nature lovers, 91�Թ� Mississauga is hard to beat.

The bucolic campus is set on 225 acres of protected greenbelt along the Credit River, which is home to a variety of wildlife – from the great blue heron to the Jefferson salamander. And, since 2017, tens of thousands of honeybees have lived on the roof of 91�Թ� Mississauga’s Instructional Centre, producing honey for campus kitchens and other initiatives.

Deer are particularly beloved members of the 91�Թ� Mississauga community.

The antics of the deer on campus are closely monitored by students and faculty alike, as evidenced by a Twitter account dedicated to the animals. One deer by the name of “Hartley Fawn” even got its own ID card.

(Photo by 91�Թ� Mississauga)

“91�Թ� Mississauga has a very relaxed atmosphere because it’s a bit secluded,” says Fatima Azahraa Al Saadie, a recent graduate who was recognized as the top undergraduate student across 91�Թ�’s three campuses.

“Any time I felt overwhelmed or stressed, I’d just go outside, take a deep breath and appreciate the natural environment. Seeing a deer or two on campus is a bonus!”

Al Saadie added that she appreciated the smaller classes at 91�Թ� Mississauga, where the largest max out around 500 students. The relatively small campus helped ease the transition from high school to university, Al Saadi says.

(Photo by Drew Lesiuczok)

Sustainability is a key theme at 91�Թ� Mississauga. Among the campus’s landmarks is Maanjiwe nendamowinan, a recently built six-storey building that boasts rainwater recycling, green roof space and a name that was chosen in collaboration with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, on whose traditional territory the campus now stands. 91�Թ� Mississauga also has the distinction of being Canada’s first Silver Fair Trade Campus, with fair trade coffees, teas and chocolate bars sold throughout.

The diverse food choices don’t stop there: 91�Թ� Mississauga was also the first university campus in Canada to host a certified gluten-free food station.

91�Թ� Mississauga is renowned for its forensic science program, which is the oldest in the country. The program’s faculty include a forensic anthropologist, a lawyer and a police officer who have worked on some of Canada’s most high-profile criminal cases. There is even a “crime scene house” where students can perfect techniques for blood splatter analysis and fingerprinting. The campus is also the principal home of 91�Թ�’s biomedical communications program – the only one of its kind in Canada and one of the largest in North America – as well as Jessica Burgner-Kahrs’s Continuum Robotics Lab, where researchers are building slender, snake-like next-generation machines for surgical and other applications.

The campus benefits from its strategic location in the city of Mississauga, which is the home base for more than 60 of Canada’s Fortune 500 companies and is a short drive to the Toronto region’s main international airport.

There’s even a free shuttle bus that whisks students to and from the St. George campus, although service was temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.

91�Թ� Scarborough

(Photo by Randy Landicho)

Located in Toronto’s vibrant east end, 91�Թ� Scarborough’s Brutalist architecture has the honour of being the backdrop of a The Weeknd music video – as well as numerous movies and television shows – and a parody Instagram account @UofTDrizzy that is followed by Drake himself.

The superstar rapper is also a fan of Scarborough’s culinary offerings. As one of the most multicultural communities in the Greater Toronto Area, the neighbourhood’s eclectic food options are in abundance. From halal restaurants to East Asian comfort food to stuffed patties recommended by Drake, culinary adventures are always around the corner in Scarborough.

Not to be outdone on the nature front, the 91�Թ� Scarborough campus sits on 300 acres of lush green parkland, with a system of trails showcasing the splendor of the Highland Creek Valley.

(Photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

“I saw that there was this beautiful trail in the campus, and since I’m an outdoor person I’ll probably be there every day,” says Emeka Okolo, an incoming life sciences student from Oshawa who will be living in residence.

An avid football player, Okolo is also looking forward to finding a gym buddy. 91�Թ� Scarborough boasts the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre, a sprawling athletics facility that hosted diving, fencing and swimming and other competitions during the 2015 Pan American Games. In 2017, former U.S. President Barack Obama and current President Joe Biden joined Prince Harry at the centre for the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded military servicepeople.

The campus is one that aims to reflect the diversity of the Toronto region in which it operates, as evidenced by its strategic vision: Inspiring Inclusive Excellence. It is also playing an important role in promoting equity, diversity and inclusion well beyond 91�Թ�. To take one recent example: Wisdom Tettey, vice-president and principal of 91�Թ� Scarborough, played a key role in helping to co-ordinate the National Dialogues and Action for Inclusive Higher Education and Communities, which brought together colleges and universities across the country to address anti-Black racism.

(Photo by Ken Jones)

When it comes to academic programs, 91�Թ� Scarborough has the distinction of being the university’s co-op campus, with co-op programs offered in over 80 programs across the arts, science and management disciplines. The curricula combine 91�Թ�’s hallmark academic excellence with eight to 12 months of paid full-time work or research experience during your degree – giving graduates a precious leg up in the job market.

91�Թ� Scarborough also has plentiful resources for budding entrepreneurs (as do all three 91�Թ� campuses). The campus’s startup incubator, The Hub, has helped students and recent alumni launch more than 150 businesses. Meanwhile, the next generation of corporate innovators can hone their skills at The BRIDGE, a business research space complete with an advanced trading lab and state-of-the art boardroom.

At the height of the pandemic, when few employers were hiring, Melody Bagaa, who graduated in 2020, told 91�Թ� News she harnessed the practical experience she gained through 91�Թ� Scarborough’s co-op program and other employment-focused resources to land a finance job that she loved.

Remembrance Day to be marked at 91�Թ� with virtual ceremonies

rahul.kalvapalle — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 17:06:00 +0000

Remembrance Day to be marked at 91�Թ� with virtual ceremonies

rahul.kalvapalle Fri, 11/06/2020 - 12:06

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(photo courtesy of 91�Թ� Mississauga)

Members of the 91�Թ� community are invited to come together virtually to honour soldiers and veterans via online Remembrance Day events organized by the university’s three campuses.

The annual services on Nov. 11 were modified this year to protect the health and safety of the community during COVID-19 pandemic, and to help curb the spread of the virus.

As a result, the number of people participating in the ceremonies has been reduced and the ceremonies themselves have been adjusted – all in order to respect public health guidelines while paying tribute to the students, faculty, staff and alumni who fell in the First and Second World Wars and other action.

Here’s how Remembrance Day ceremonies will be observed at the three campuses this year:

St. George

The Service of Remembrance will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 11 and will be streamed online, with members of the university able to register in advance to view the livestream.

President Meric Gertler and Chancellor Rose Patten are expected to attend the ceremony – which will not be open to the public – at Soldiers’ Tower.

The ceremony will feature: the recitation of the poem In Flanders Fields, written by University College and Temerty Faculty of Medicine alumnus John McCrae, who died in the battlefields of France towards the end of the First World War; the laying of wreaths; the observation of two minutes of silence; and the playing of hymns and the national anthem.

Campus police will be on site to ensure that people don’t gather. Road and pedestrian access will be restricted around Soldiers’ Tower before and during the ceremony.

Scarborough

At 91�Թ� Scarborough, the virtual service will be made available online on Nov. 11 at 10:30 a.m.

The service will begin with opening remarks by Wisdom Tettey, vice-president and principal of 91�Թ� Scarborough, followed by the playing of The Last Post, the observation of a moment of silence, and the playing of Reveille. After the recitation of In Flanders Fields, Tettey will recite the Act of Remembrance and offer closing remarks before the national anthem is played.

Tettey will be joined at the remote ceremony by representatives of 91�Թ� Scarborough’s students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Mississauga

91�Թ� Mississauga will also be holding a livestreamed ceremony in honour of members of the armed forces.

The service will be live-streamed from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 11, with students, faculty, staff and members of the surrounding community able to view the ceremonies on Microsoft Teams.

In photos: 91�Թ� pays tribute to the fallen during snowy Remembrance Day ceremonies

rahul.kalvapalle — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 17:22:26 +0000

In photos: 91�Թ� pays tribute to the fallen during snowy Remembrance Day ceremonies

rahul.kalvapalle Mon, 11/11/2019 - 12:22

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Cadets hold wreaths outside Hart House during the Service of Remembrance on 91�Թ�'s St. George campus (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Topic

Undeterred by freezing temperatures and the first major snowfall of the season, hundreds of people made time to attend Remembrance Day services across the 91�Թ�’s three campuses on Monday.

At the St. George campus, Soldiers’ Tower – constructed 95 years ago as a memorial to those who served during the First World War – served as the centrepiece of the annual Service of Remembrance.

Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland, former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd and 91�Թ� President Meric Gertler laid wreaths in honour of the fallen, as did James O’Brian, a retired flight lieutenant and veteran of the Second World War, and representatives of 91�Թ� students, faculty, alumni and families.

The ceremony featured solemn memorial prayers from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths; a powerful recitation of the wartime poem In Flanders Fields, written by 91�Թ� alumnus Lt.-Col. John McCrae, who perished in the battlefields of France towards the end of the First World War. There was also a moving reading that recounted the sacrifice of flying officer Robert Lesley Edwards, a Victoria College graduate who was the first member of the Royal Canadian Air Force to lose his life in Second World War combat.

The service started and ended with the playing of the Soldiers’ Tower carillon, and was punctuated throughout with hymns performed by the Hart House Chorus.

91�Թ� Mississauga, meanwhile, held its Remembrance Day ceremony in front of the new Maanjiwe nendamowinan building, while 91�Թ� Scarborough's service took place at The Meeting Place at the heart of the campus.

Here’s how 91�Թ� marked Remembrance Day 2019:

Piper Rory Sinclair plays the Lament during the Service of Remembrance on the St. George campus (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

People gather to mark Remembrance Day services in front of the Maanjiwe nendamowinan building at 91�Թ� Mississauga (photo by Drew Lesiuzok)

Imam Yasin Dwyer of the Muslim Chaplaincy of Toronto recited a memorial prayer during the Service of Remembrance on the St. George campus (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

President Meric Gertler and Vice-President and Provost Cheryl Regehr lay a wreath on behalf of the university (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Members of the Hart House Chorus perform a hymn during the ceremonies that took place at Soldiers’ Tower (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

There was a sea of poppies at 91�Թ� Scarborough's Remembrance Day ceremonies (photo by Matthew Wells via Twitter)

Flight Lt. (retired) James O'Brian is escorted by a cadet as he prepares to lay a wreath on behalf of the Old Comrades at Soldiers’ Tower (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Chrystia Freeland (right), minister of foreign affairs and member of Parliament for University-Rosedale, and Jessica Bell, member of provincial parliament for University-Rosedale, lay wreaths on behalf of the government during the Service of Remembrance on the St. George campus (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Attendees braved the cold and snow during the Service of Remembrance on the St. George campus (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

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

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

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

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

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A view of Hart House in April of 1925 (photo courtesy of 91�Թ� Archives)

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Hart House celebrates its 100^th birthday today, but the building has served as a focal point at the 91�Թ� – and, indeed, the city – for more than a century.

It got its start before the First World War when Vincent Massey, a University College alumnus who would become 91�Թ�'s chancellor and governor general, convinced his family to fund a building that would serve as a place for recreation and co-curricular activities. The Hart in Hart House comes from Massey's grandfather, Hart Massey.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Under construction: This photo was taken after 1911. Massive foundations were needed to support the building, which pushed construction costs at the time from $500,000 to $2 million (photo courtesy of 91�Թ� Archives)

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

Before construction was finished, Hart House was used to help Canadian soldiers train during the First World War. Veterans used the building as a rehabilitation facility and are seen here playing badminton in the gymnasium in this photo taken between 1917 and 1919. Hart House officially opened its doors on Nov. 11, 1919, exactly one year after the war ended (photo courtesy of 91�Թ� Archives)

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

Alumni gather in Hart House’s Great Hall for a convocation banquet in 1938 (photo courtesy of 91�Թ� Archives)

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

By 1939, the world was at war again. Hart House became a place of refuge for hundreds of British children who came to Canada to escape the war. Children learned to sketch and paint at the art gallery while the gym was turned into a games area and the Debates Room was turned into a children’s library. In this photo from 1943, students in military uniforms lounge in the Hart House Library (photo courtesy of 91�Թ� Archives)

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

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip stand outside of Hart House in 1951 during their month-long royal visit to Canada (photo courtesy of 91�Թ� Archives)

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

Long-distance runner Bruce Kidd (right) trains at the indoor running track alongside other student athletes in 1963. Kidd would compete in the 1964 Summer Olympics and later become the 11^th warden of Hart House. He also served as vice-president and principal of 91�Թ� Scarborough (photo courtesy of 91�Թ� Archives)

Alumni and graduating students gather at the Hart House quadrangle to listen to the legendary Northrop Frye as part of Hart House’s 50^th anniversary celebrations. Frye was named University Professor in 1967, 91�Թ�'s first (photo courtesy of Hart House)

Varsity Blues athletes perform warm-up exercises on Back Campus before a football game in 1974. Hart House and Soldiers’ Tower stand in the background (photo courtesy of 91�Թ� Archives)

Acclaimed author and 91�Թ� alumna Margaret Atwood at the International Festival of Poetry in 1975, which was hosted at Hart House. Atwood graduated from 91�Թ�'s Victoria College in 1961, later returning to serve as writer in residence. She has donated her papers to 91�Թ� Libraries, including the first handwritten draft of The Handmaid's Tale (photo courtesy of Hart House)

Where and when to attend 2019 Remembrance Day events across 91�Թ�’s three campuses

Christopher.Sorensen — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 20:13:00 +0000

Where and when to attend 2019 Remembrance Day events across 91�Թ�’s three campuses

Christopher.Sorensen Fri, 11/08/2019 - 15:13

Cutline

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Topic

Each year, the university community gathers on Remembrance Day to remember the faculty, staff, alumni and students who fell in the First and Second World Wars and other action.

The university is holding events across its three campuses on Nov. 11 to honour soldiers and veterans.

All are welcome to attend.

St. George campus

10:20 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Soldiers’ Tower

The annual Service of Remembrance will be held at Soldiers’ Tower, followed by a reception at Hart House. The carillon will be played before and after the service, which includes the singing of hymns, laying of wreaths and the recitation of the poem In Flanders Fields, written by 91�Թ� alumnus John McCrae. The Memorial Room museum in the Soldiers’ Tower will also be open for visitors.

91�Թ� Mississauga campus

10:40 a.m. at the Maanjiwe nendamowinan building

Faculty, staff, students and visitors are invited to attend the annual Remembrance Day ceremony in front of the Maanjiwe nendamowinan building.

91�Թ� Scarborough campus

10:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Meeting Place

The Remembrance Day service will feature the 91�Թ� Scarborough concert band, concert choir and string orchestra.

Craft beer sampling and wellness workouts: Check out these August events

Romi Levine — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 04:00:00 +0000

Craft beer sampling and wellness workouts: Check out these August events

Romi Levine Wed, 07/31/2019 - 00:00

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Take an outdoor yoga class this August at 91�Թ� Mississauga (photo by Rui Dias via Pexels)

Isabel Armiento

Topic

City & Culture

Soldiers' Tower

Health & Wellness Centre

Family Care Centre

School of Cities

Centre for International Experience

Undergraduate Students

The new school year might be just around the corner, but you don’t need to get bogged down by textbooks just yet. Spend August taking advantage of the many events happening at all three 91�Թ� campuses and in and around the GTA, from sampling brews at the Hart House Craft Beer Festival to white water rafting with 91�Թ� Scarborough.

You can also use this final summer month to prepare for the coming semester. From drop-in yoga to a Health & Wellness Facebook livestream, all three campuses offer opportunities to garner tools for practising self-care throughout the school year.

Finish your summer strong with these August events.

Aug. 1

The Hart House Craft Beer Festival is back, featuring more brews than ever before. Head to the Hart House quad for beer sampling, prizes and all-you-can-eat barbecue (as well as a selection of vegan options). Student tickets are discounted at $34.95.

Aug. 5

Visit the historic Soldiers’ Tower and watch world-renowned carillonneur Tin-Shi Tam play the 91�Թ� carillon’s 51 bells. Enjoy the outdoor seating and the unique musical experience with free admission.

Aug. 7

If the summer holidays have you itching to learn something new, stop by 91�Թ� Scarborough for weekly drop-in ukulele sessions, every Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome, from ukulele aficionados to total beginners.

Check out Cities by Design: The Future of Urban Mobility to examine how transportation infrastructure affects the way Torontonians live and move within the city. Hear Shoshanna Saxe, an assistant professor of civil and mineral engineering, speak about transportation infrastructure, and William Denning of Walmer Consulting on the economics of providing transit services.

Aug. 8

Drop in to Beyond Books, a talk on how to optimally use 91�Թ�’s 44 libraries as a grad student, including information on research resources and digital services.

Exhausted by a fruitless job hunt? The LinkedIn Lab focuses on refining your LinkedIn profile to attract potential employers and help you score that coveted job interview. Located at 91�Թ�’s Career Centre, this workshop will help you navigate social media and personal branding strategies and integrate them into your career networking practice. Register for the workshop on Aug. 8 or Aug. 30.

Aug. 14

The third annual Smarti Gras at 91�Թ� Mississauga is this summer’s hot ticket event celebrating undergraduate research. The event will feature top students’ presentations on diverse research topics – along with ice cream, music and a barbecue lunch.

Aug. 15

Nothing says peaceful more than a free half-hour session of outdoor mindful yoga. Stop by 91�Թ� Mississauga on any Thursday in August to de-stress, connect with the outdoors and learn some new poses.

Aug. 21

91�Թ� parents and their children are invited on a walk through Riverdale Farm, hosted by the Family Care Office. Register for this unique opportunity to spot feathery and furry farm animals, while forging new friendships.

Aug. 22

Summer’s almost over – have you checked everything off your summer bucket list? If not, join the 91�Թ� Scarborough community for a white water rafting expedition. Spend the final days of summer camping and making memories at the scenic Wilderness Tours Resort. Students can register for the trip, which takes place from Aug. 22 to 24, for only $150.

Aug. 23

Join fellow fossil lovers for this year’s Canadian Paleontology Conference. Hosted by 91�Թ� Mississauga, the conference will run from Aug. 23 to 25 and tickets can be purchased for as little as $20.

Aug. 25

For those looking for a last-minute place to stay during the school year, there’s no need to panic. Head over to the Student Success Centre for the final housing fair before orientation, where students can network with landlords and potential roommates.

Anyone who thinks raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens are worth celebrating – and singing about – should stop by the Hart House East Common Room for the Hart House Chorus’s free showcase, titled A Few of Our Favourite Things.

Aug. 26

Spread your metaphorical wings at Social Butterflies: Reclaiming the Positive Power of Social Networks. Michael Sanders’ lecture aims to harness the hyper-sociality of the modern social media moment to create a space of positivity, connectivity and happiness. Registration is $32 and includes a hardcover copy of Sanders’s book, Social Butterflies.

Aug. 29

Calling all new students: Staff from 91�Թ� Health & Wellness are hosting a live stream to answer the top ten questions asked by students during orientation and over the first few weeks of university. Watch the presentation live on Facebook.

Aug. 31

Undergraduate residence move-in days begin for all students living at 91�Թ� Mississauga, 91�Թ� Scarborough and Loretto College on the downtown Toronto campus. If you’re moving on this day – good luck!

International and exchange students are welcome to drop by the Centre for International Experience (CIE) Services Expo, where they can learn about the resources and supports available to them, including information about phone plans, banking and more.

End the summer on an academic note with the one-day conference, Invisible Challenges in Medicine. Listen to keynote speeches and attend workshops that will spotlight discrimination in the medical field and spark a dialogue around promoting equity in clinical settings. Tickets are $5 and lunch is provided.