2020/21 Innis Alumni & Friends Magazine

FIRST LOOK

Now in her second year at Innis College, Raven Stoddart is engrossed in a double major of immunology and human biology. The recipient of a 2020 John W. Browne Admission Scholarship, and a 2020 Innis Admission Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples, Raven has always been drawn to the health sciences. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, dancing, exploring new places, and engaging in community activities.

INNIS ALUMNI & FRIENDS

2020/21 Edition

No. 006

Editor Ben Weststrate (HBA ’08 Innis)

Editorial Committee

Ennis Blentic

Fiona Irvine-Goulet

Charlie Keil

Art Director

Samantha Edwards, RGD, samiamcreative.ca

Contributors

Shayla Anderson, Mark Angelo, Kay Armatage, Jacklyn Atlas, John W. Browne, Michelle Brownrigg, John Cash, Gorav Chaudhry, Lauren Cramer, Amy Daye, Jason Daye, Emily Ding, Stacey Feero, Munro Ferguson, Lynda Finlay, Cassandra Francis, Lisa Francis-Jennings, Eva Gajic, Carol Geffner, Lucas Granger, Didier Ha, Quyen Ha, Kofi Hope, Andrea Johnston, Paul Kaita, Greg Kalil, Jasmine

Kara, Ryuhei Katami, Changmo Kim, Nana Koomson, Christine Kovach, Guntar Kravis, Nadya Kwandibens, Debra Kwinter, Yagnesh

Ladumor, Matthew Lau, Jannick Laurent, Winsy Leung, Michael Lewis, Breanna Lima

Martinez, Lucy Lu, Becky Mai, Marco Mai, Zain Manji, Stephen Marcus, Kathleen McLeod, Merle McMurray, Aditi Mehta, Cori

Meli, Glenn Morrison, Teodora Pasca, Robert Patrick, Daniel Pelech, David Pelech, Rose

Perri, Megan Pham-Quan, Lindsey Poad, Jessica Polis, Natalia Polis, Samuel Rabkin, Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, Lesli Ransom, Rini

Rashid, Peter H. Russell, Emily Sakaguchi, Ana Sardinha, Linda Schuyler, Jesse Sebberas, Nick Shah, Jacky Sin, Garry Spencer, Jess Stewart-Lee, Raven Stoddart, Stephen Stohn, Ken Stone, Jennifer Su, Chiao Sun, Marta Switzer, Bart Testa, Robert Vipond, Hayley Vlcek, Francisca Wiafe-Amoako, Casper Wong, Vivian Xie, Andrew Yin, Angelina Zahajko, Michelle Zhang

Printing is five communications

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Innis Alumni & Friends is published yearly by Innis College and is circulated to 15,000 alumni and friends of Innis College, University of Toronto. Innis College respects your privacy. We do not rent, trade, or sell our mailing lists. If you do not wish to receive this magazine, please contact us at alumni.innis@utoronto.ca.

Raven Stoddart (photo by Shayla Anderson)

“One thing that helped me create connections [this year] was becoming involved in student life at the College. Once I started meeting everyone, I quickly learned it would be challenging to stop making friends. The Innis community is so positive and inclusive, and I couldn’t be prouder to call myself an Innisian.”

– RAVEN STODDART

“

A world of vibrancy, curiosity, and rediscovery: I want to reimagine the world in a new light, fueled by vibrancy, curiosity, rediscovery. The COVID-19 pandemic altered our daily lives, made us rethink our normal. I have hope that the new normal on our horizon will be exponentially better—and not just because the pandemic will be over. In reimagining what is next, we must collectively re-examine our histories to generate honest, transparent understandings and new perspectives.”

—Cover artwork by Paul Kaita (HBA ’21)

“Our support of our students lays the groundwork for a reimagined society that will benefit us all.”

(Left to right) Didier Ha (HBSc ’22 Innis), Dianthi Fernando (HBA ’19 Innis), Francisca Wiafe-Amoako (HBSc ’21 Innis)

(photo by Shayla Anderson)

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

The theme of this year’s magazine is “reimagining”; the idea seemed apt, as COVID-19 has forced us to rethink the basis of everything we do at Innis, from orientation to classroom teaching to alumni events.

As a (small-scale) example, we even had to reconceive the layout of these two pages—given current physicaldistancing rules, we couldn’t take a photo of me with students. Instead, we chose to highlight three inspiring young Innisians.

One, Francisca Wiafe-Amoako, graduated last June, and is one of the inaugural recipients of the Lesra Martin Student Changemaker Award (p. 45).

Another, Didier Ha, now in his fourth year, leads the Innis College Ambassadors, a group of students dedicated to promoting the benefits of the College’s proposed Renewal and Expansion project. Didier is also the author of a story tying into the centenary of insulin’s discovery (p. 34).

Finally, former student Dianthi Fernando is now Innis’s student life coordinator, a new position in which she is reimagining how to deliver effective student-life programming in a largely virtual environment.

Should you walk by the College, you can see Francisca, Didier, and Dianthi, larger than life, on one of the two new banners at the southeast corner of the building (and in the photo on the facing page), reminding us that “We’re Innis Together” (p. 22).

Elsewhere in the magazine, the capacity of alumni and students to reimagine our world manifests itself in diverse ways:

Alumni in the spotlight, Andrea Johnston, Michael Lewis, and Kofi Hope challenge blinkered perspectives and institutional barriers (p. 10).

Another trio—Glenn Morrison, Samuel Rabkin, and Nick Shah—pushes the frontiers of science to bring us new treatments for cancer and dementia (p. 32).

Our students are also showing the way. As Andrew Yin, a student in a remodelled Urban Studies course that paired students and seniors in unique research projects, says in his story (p.26), “I have reimagined my abilities and grown as a person.”

Vivian Xie, a recent Innis alumna (p. 36), who, at 16, is the youngest U of T graduate in at least 40 years, proves that this generation doesn’t lack the ability to rewrite the

rule book: “I chose my path by myself from the beginning,” she proclaims.

Nearly all the stories in this issue were written and/or illustrated by path-charting current students or recent alumni, and I find them an inspiration for envisioning new ways to move forward. I hope these stories also underscore how Innis fosters the tremendous potential of its students, and how that potential is realized in a multitude of ways in the years following graduation. Our support of our students lays the groundwork for a reimagined society that will benefit us all.

Principal Charlie Keil (photo by Chiao Sun)

VIRTUAL EVENTS PACK INNIS 2020/21 CALENDAR

Launches, lectures, screenings, and celebrations!

On Sept. 21, 2020, author Jack Wang (BSc ’94 Innis) launched his acclaimed debut collection, We Two Alone. He was joined in a discussion of the stories by poet and novelist Gil Adamson (BA ’87).

On Oct. 8, 2020, economist and author Jeff Rubin (BA ’77 Innis) presented his national bestseller, The Expendables: How the Middle Class Got Screwed by Globalization, with journalist and Quillette senior editor Jonathan Kay moderating the subsequent discussion.

On Nov. 24, 2020, in a Friends of Innis special event, “America in the Balance,” Jeremy Adelman (BA ’84 Innis), professor of history and director, Global History Lab, Princeton University; Jonathan Fried (BA ’74 Innis, LLB ’77), former Canadian ambassador to Japan and WTO; Carol Geffner (BA ’74 Innis), professor of governance and management, School of Public Policy, USC; and Rob Vipond (BA ’75 Innis, MA ’77), professor of political science and former director, Centre for the Study of the United States, U of T, contributed to a lively panel discussion on the 2020 US election.

Scan the QR codes with your phone to view the Innis online event on YouTube

On Feb. 25, 2021, top criminal lawyer and bestselling author Robert Rotenberg (BA ’75 Innis) presented his latest book, Downfall, in conversation with fellow alumnus and writer/consultant David Israelson (BA ’88 Innis).

On Mar. 4, 2021, Innis College, New College, and the Writing & Rhetoric Program welcomed bestselling author Souvankham Thammavongsa (BA ’03) for a presentation of her 2020 Giller Prize-winning short-story collection, How to Pronounce Knife. Author Jack Wang (BSc ’94 Innis) led the discussion.

Jesse Wente delivers the personal and political in 2020 Harold Innis Lecture

On Mar. 18, 2021, Tzeporah Berman (BA ’92 Innis), internationally renowned environmental advocate and chair of the Fossil Fuel NonProliferation Treaty, delivered the Innis Alumni Lecture, “Pipelines, Politics, and Power: The Future of Fossil Fuels in a World on Fire,” moderated by Thomas HomerDixon, award-winning author and expert on the links between society, technology, and nature.

Through a personal story of trauma uncovered, Jesse Wente (HBA ’96 Innis, Cinema Studies), delivered “A Spot on the Brain: Trauma and Healing in the Age of COVID,” the inspiring 2020 Harold Innis Foundation Lecture. Exploring hidden traumas on the personal, national, and global level, and the urgent need to centre healing in the future, the Anishinaabe writer, broadcaster, activist, and arts leader offered further insights in his followup discussion and audience Q&A with Tanya Talaga (BA ’93), the Lecture’s Anishinaabe moderator and best-selling author.

On Apr. 15, 2021, Innis College and the Urban Studies Program presented “Planning the Post-COVID City: How Should We Build Back Better?” a panel discussion with alumni city builders, including Cherise Burda (BSc ’90 Innis, BEd ’92), executive director of City Building Ryerson; Steve Deveaux (HBA ’99 Innis), executive vice president at Tribute Communities; Kofi Hope (HBA ’06 Innis), co-founder and CEO of Monumental; Gregg Lintern (BA ’84 Innis), chief planner for the City of Toronto; and Judy Matthews (BA ’62), civic leader and former planner. Rahul Bhardwaj (BA ’87 Innis), president of the Institute of Corporate Directors, moderated.

“We must invest in healing in the same way we have invested in trauma.”

Jesse Wente (photo by Jacklyn Atlas)

Tanya Talaga (photo courtesy of Nadya Kwandibens)

Congratulations Class of 2021!

At Innis College’s June 23, 2021 virtual graduation ceremony, 404 proud grads were celebrated with appearances and musical contributions by 52 alumni from around the globe, and 12 staff members.

Keynote speakers included Casper Wong (HBA ’06 Innis) and Morgan Wyatt (HBSc ’07 Innis). Anne Innis Dagg (BA ’55, MA ’56, Hon LLD ’21), 2021 U of T honorary doctorate recipient, pioneering zoologist, activist, and daughter of Harold Innis, was a special guest speaker. Congratulations to all of our amazing graduates!

RECOGNIZING FALL 2020 GRADS

On Nov. 21, 2020, keynote speaker Aliyyah Ahad (HBA ’12 Innis) was joined by other alumni, students, and staff in a virtual celebration recognizing 75 Innis grads. Congratulations Class of 2020!

EARLY INNISIANS HOLD VIRTUAL REUNION

On May 28, 2021, grads from ’67 to ’74— with special 50th-anniversary recognition for the Classes of ’70 and ’71—came together for an entertaining virtual reunion. Principal Charlie Keil and Briane Nasimok (BA ’73 Innis) hosted with special guests Bob Bossin (BA ’68 Innis), Peter H. Russell, Jack Newman (BA ’68 Innis), and Robert Patrick (BA ’67 Innis, BEd ’72, MEd ’79).

REFUGEE STUDENT FUND BENEFIT CONCERT

In the fourth annual Refugee Student Fund Benefit Concert, held Dec. 4, 2020, students, staff, and faculty from Innis College and the Faculty of Music presented virtual virtuoso music and dance performances, with all donations benefitting the Refugee Student Fund. Principal Charlie Keil, Andrew Zhao (HBA ’20 Innis), and Daniel Li (HBSc '20 Innis) hosted.

From mockumentaries to documentaries, four superb screenings

As part of Innis’s ongoing virtual screenings, on Sept. 10, 2020, creator-writer-actor David Pelech (HBA ’09 Innis, Writing & Rhetoric) presented his new digital mockumentary series, Decoys, which follows five duck decoy carvers pursuing their dreams of winning the illustrious Northern Alberta Carving Cup. Filmmaker and journalist Chandler Levack (HBA ’11 Innis, Cinema Studies) joined for a postscreening discussion.

Documentarians Jeff Kaufman and Marcia Ross offered a free virtual screening of their film, Nasrin, followed by a live panel discussion moderated by Shahrzad Mojab. The Nov. 25, 2020 co-presentation with the Critical Studies in Equity and Solidarity Program, New College, and PEN Canada, also featured Payam Akhavan, member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

On Feb. 23, 2020, in a co-presentation with the Cinema Studies Institute, and as part of Black History Month, filmmaker Yoruba Richen presented her documentary, How It Feels to Be Free. Writer, actor, programmer, and alumna Barbara Mamabolo (HBA ’14 Cinema Studies, MA ’15 Cinema Studies) moderated the discussion that followed.

Innis College presented a screening of Picture a Scientist, and a panel discussion with filmmaker Ian Cheney and U of T scientists Maydianne Andrade, Megan Frederickson, and Molly Shoichet Special guests included Melanie Woodin, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science, and trailblazing zoologist Anne Innis Dagg (BA ’55, MA ’56, Hon LLD ’21).

David Pelech

Eight CFF presentations wow online audiences

A screening of Semi Chellas’s American Woman (starring Cinema Studies alum-actor Sarah Gadon) kicked off CFF 2021. Chellas and Gadon answered audience questions afterwards, moderated by writer Sarah Hagi.

Filmmaker Kazik Radwanski returned to the CFF, with actor Deragh Campbell, to present the acclaimed Anne at 13,000 Ft Award-winning filmmaker Sofia Bohdanowicz moderated the Q&A.

Online viewers enjoyed Jeff Barnaby’s zombie-horror film, Blood Quantum, followed by a discussion with Barnaby moderated by TIFF programmer and producer Peter Kuplowsky (HBA ’09 Cinema Studies, MA ’10 Cinema Studies).

A screening of Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers and Kathleen Hepburn’s The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open enthralled virtual viewers with film critic Radheyan Simonpillai (HBA ’07, MA ’08 Cinema Studies) moderating the discussion.

Filmmaker Albert Shin brought his psychological thriller, Disappearance at Clifton Hill, to a virtual presentation, with a Q&A moderated by film critic Barry Hertz.

Filmmaker Miranda de Pencier virtually presented her awardwinning The Grizzlies, with actor Brandon Oakes moderating the post-screening Q&A.

Filmmaker Atom Egoyan (BA ’83, Hon LLD ’03) returned to Innis for a virtual screening of his latest dramatic feature, Guest of Honour, with fellow filmmaker Patricia Rozema moderating the Q&A.

Filmmakers Shane Belcourt and Duane Murray presented their romantic comedy, Red Rover, with executive producer Mike MacMillan (BSc ’01 Innis) moderating the Q&A.

A special CFF screening

On March 25, 2021, Canadian Film Forum fans received a special treat as Academy Awardnominated filmmaker Deepa Mehta (Hon LLD ’11) brought her coming-of-age drama, Funny Boy, to the virtual series.

Acclaimed actor, novelist, and playwright Ann-Marie MacDonald moderated the Q&A discussion that followed.

“Intimate and beautifully rendered, Funny Boy is a visually lush coming-of-age drama set amidst a vicious ethnic conflict …” —INDIEWIRE.COM

Photo by Jannick Laurent

Photo by Guntar Kravis

I started Johnston Research Inc. in 2001. Neyaashiinigmiing ndojeba, Toronto ndindaa. Mikinaak dodem. I have worked full-time in the field of Indigenous evaluation for over 20 years. I believe strongly in the reconciliation between Indigenous and Western thought in the field of evaluation. This is what drives my work as an evaluator—striving to find better ways to document the truth. As a trainer, my view is we are born as unbiased evaluators; however, we need help as adults to reimagine how to look through an unbiased lens that enables new thinking to be taught.

AHNEEN, ANDREA L.K. JOHNSTON NINDIZHINIKAAZ

As a community program evaluator, Andrea Johnston (BA ’02 Innis) strives to find better ways to document the truth (photo by Shayla Anderson).

–

ALUMNI REIMAGINE...

A RECONCILIATION OF INDIGENOUS AND WESTERN VIEWS

Q: This year’s theme for the magazine is “reimagining.” You are a leader in the Canadian program and policy evaluation field, using an Indigenous lens to improve Indigenous community programming in areas of health, justice, education, culture, and employment. How does evaluating programs using an Indigenous Worldview help to effect a positive reimagining in those communities?

A: An Indigenous lens in evaluation allows the doors to open. It is as if someone had previously only allowed you to partially voice your concerns and thoughts about success. A Clan Mother in Alaska once told me that, “Evaluation is like looking into the mirror, except the reflection is a painted face.” What we do at Johnston Research is teach people to reimagine how to better paint that face, and enable the entire door to be opened.

We do a lot of work in Indigenous communities. They need this training. It allows them to feel like they are being heard, and they can breathe again. They tell me that they feel the truth is finally being heard. The whole reimagining is about opening the doors again, to allow the unheard to be acknowledged, listened to, and to see movement and new actions occurring.

Q: You teach workshops on intersecting Indigenous cultural foundations—including the concept of reconciliation—with conventional Western approaches to program evaluation. Recognizing that our personal evaluation process is shaped by culture and experience, do you see an opportunity to move that intersectional approach beyond the field of program evaluation? How can all of us benefit from an understanding of Indigenous knowledge and practices?

A: I once heard an Indigenous man say that when he walked down the streets of Toronto and gazed into people’s eyes, it was as if they weren’t present in their lives. Applying an Indigenous lens to evaluation is about being entirely present in the moment. It is “thinking on your feet.” And it is as much about personal observation as enabling a real conversation to happen.

My daughter sees the way her school friends hide behind their closed doors. In Indigenous evaluation we allow spirit to enter and support the work. A lot of healing is needed, and it is not just Natives who need to heal and “get over it.” NonNatives can benefit from this type of training to allow them to experience being present, and acknowledge the real harm that can be done with an evaluation practice that hides behind closed doors—just like school-aged children in the playground. Reimagining for non-Natives is to engage in an approach that in a lot of ways turns Western evaluation upside down. It looks at what matters to Indigenous Peoples, and supports self-determination.

Andrea Johnston strengthens communities using an Indigenous lens

Applying an Indigenous lens is about being entirely present in the moment.

I am a partner at Boyden Executive Search, where I lead the Canadian and co-lead the North American financial services practice. Before this I spent nearly 20 years in banking and real estate, working across corporate, commercial and retail banking, commercial real estate financing, and private debt investments. As a member of the Mentorship and Sponsorship Committee of the BlackNorth Initiative, and a co-founder of the Black Opportunity Fund, I am committed to working with partners and the Black community to combat the impact of anti-Black racism in Canada. –

MICHAEL LEWIS

Michael Lewis (HBSc ’05 Innis) believes that mentorship—and sponsorship—are important to Black youth starting careers (photo by Shayla Anderson).

ALUMNI REIMAGINE...

REMOVING ANTI-BLACK SYSTEMIC BARRIERS

Michael Lewis harnesses the power of business and community partnerships to create change

Q: A couple of years ago you had a “reimagining,” moving from a career in financial services management to an executive search role. Why the switch?

A: After nearly 20 years in banking and real estate, I had the privilege of thinking about what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Besides interesting work, it came down to three things: my family, myself, and my community.

Executive search checked all those boxes. The work is dynamic and fulfilling, and it allows me to spend more quality time with my family and on myself, while continuing to do the community work that I enjoy. I enjoy working with companies to fill strategically significant roles and helping people advance in their careers. I also work with companies to establish greater racial diversity on their boards, leadership teams, and within their employee base.

Another important aspect of my role is my active membership in the BlackNorth Initiative and Black Opportunity Fund, both of which aim to combat and eradicate anti-Black systemic racism.

Q: A recent StatCan report showed that although 94 per cent of Black youth aged 15 to 25 said that they would like to get a bachelor’s degree or higher, only 60 per cent actually thought that they could. What can universities, in particular, do to change things?

A: Universities need to do a better job getting into high schools, particularly those in marginalized communities. Many Black youths want a higher education, but they don’t have the means. That was me. I only found my way to U of T because a very attentive teacher took me under her wing, informed me about available scholarships, helped me apply for them, and vouched for me.

Universities can do a better job working with high schools to demystify this journey to higher education and show Black youths that they belong.

Q: You co-chair the Mentorship and Sponsorship Committee of the BlackNorth Initiative. How important is it that youth, particularly young Black people, have mentors to help guide them?

A: The reality is that Black youths are generally on their own, on a trial-and-error basis, in their pursuit of a career. They don’t have access to a network of experienced mentors to guide them. This lack of access perpetuates inequality in the system, one of the reasons the BlackNorth Initiative is so important. But it’s not just about mentorship. It’s also about sponsorship. It’s vouching for someone— putting yourself out there to say: “This is the right person.” That creates opportunity.

Universities can do a better job working with high schools to demystify this journey to higher education and show Black youths that they belong.

I am a 2006 Innis graduate, a community leader, and a social entrepreneur. I am the co-founder of Monumental, a business that works to support major organizations to contribute to an equitable recovery from COVID-19. I am a Rhodes Scholar and Oxford PhD and monthly columnist for the Toronto Star. I explore topics of urban equity as an adjunct professor in U of T’s Geography and Planning Department and as a Senior Fellow at the Wellesley Institute. – KOFI HOPE

Community leader and activist Kofi

Hope says there is a role for everyone advocating for change (photo by Shayla Anderson).

ALUMNI REIMAGINE...

A MORE INCLUSIVE POST-PANDEMIC CITY

Social entrepreneur Kofi Hope says now is the time for a new vision

Q: This year’s magazine theme is “reimagining.” Given that you are a co-founder (along with Zahra Ebrahim) of Monumental, a business dedicated to an equitable recovery from COVID-19, do you see the post-pandemic period as an opportunity for cities to reimagine or reinvent themselves for the better?

A: Yes. The pandemic and the global protests around racial justice that took place after the murder of George Floyd have forced many people to take a hard look at the inequities that still exist in our society, and specifically here in Toronto. We have many things to be proud of, but the reality is the last few decades have been a time when our city has become increasingly unequal and incredibly unaffordable.

We are a city segregated along lines of class and race, with essential workers living predominately on the periphery, many times travelling into the “Old City of Toronto” to provide vital services and supports to the managerial/professional classes whose incomes and privileges only continue to rise.

COVID-19 showed building a society like this lowers our collective resilience and ability to respond to shocks. But it also makes us politically vulnerable to populist leaders who will use our social divisions to fuel politics of resentment. Collectively, this is the moment to chart a different course, but a burning question is will those who have massively benefitted from our current economic and social system be willing to give up some power to help us rebalance?

Q: When you were studying at U of T you were involved in several initiatives for social change. What would you say to today’s students advocating for change?

A: I would say keep pushing the limits of what’s possible. Keep challenging those of us who are more entrenched in the current system and ways of thinking to look at the world differently. But also realize that this is a collective struggle. Ultimately, we must do this work for the benefit of all human beings—and our planet. And recognize that all of us actually understand just a tiny fraction of what’s really going on in the universe.

So be courageous, but also recognize the limits of your knowledge, and realize you can learn and even collaborate with people from all sorts of places, even the “other side” on issues you’re passionate about. Finally, I’d say to also appreciate that we need broad movements for change: there is a role for activists; there is a role for folks working inside the system for change; there is a role for those with privilege and those struggling for justice.

Will those who have massively benefitted from our current system be willing to give up some power to help us rebalance?

FAMILY IN RESIDENCE

Dad and daughter on work and life in Innis Residence

Amy Daye, who works as a visual effects artist in the film and television industry, with her dad, Garry Spencer, former dean of Innis Residence

(photo by Jason Daye).

Garry Spencer Dad, and former dean of Innis Residence

Q: Garry, you were Innis College’s dean of residence until your retirement in 2009, involved in planning, building, and managing the current Innis Residence, as well as establishing awards and scholarships for students in residence. What made the residence such a special place for you—and for students?

A: When I was hired at Innis from Scarborough College in 1983 ... it was abundantly clear more residence space for Innis was a priority, if we were to compete with other colleges to attract the “brightest and best” students. “Build it and they will come” became the watchword of the day. My experience was that if you gave the students a say in what style of residence they wished to live in, it would be a success. Hence, the Innis Residence Committee requested

an apartment-style residence with community living in each unit. This planning turned into the wonderful success story Innis Residence has enjoyed since opening some 30 years ago. Once the bills were paid, it was time to focus on expanding financial assistance to its residents in the form of scholarships—an endeavour that continues to this day.

Q: When your daughter, Amy, chose Innis as her college—and residence— what were your thoughts—especially since you were both her dad and dean while she was living there?

A: I supported my daughter not as dean, but as her dad. I worried if living with her parents in residence was the best thing for her, but she was onboard with the idea, and I was happy to see her every day and be a part of her university experience. One of my proudest memories is when I had the honour of hooding my daughter at her graduation.

Amy Daye

Garry’s daughter and Innis grad (HBA ’04)

Q: Your dad worked at Innis while you were completing your degree in visual studies there. Now your husband, Jason, works at the College. What has it been like having Innis as part of your life for so long?

A: I’ve had Innis as a part of my life since I can remember. I have fond memories of visiting my dad at work on campus when I was little. It evokes a lovely nostalgia. I am fortunate to have had the experience.

Obtaining my degree at Innis was just as much about family connection as it was about education for me. It wasn’t just my dad but also many past and present Innis employees who’ve made an impact on my life that I am thankful for.

My husband working there only extends that strong connection. I can see that connection continuing with our son, James, who attended daycare on campus, and has his name on a chair in Innis Town Hall.

Q: What was it like having your dad as dean of residence while you were living there?

A: As an Innis student, the staff aided me throughout my studies as they would any student, but I thought of Innis Residence as home and its students and staff as my neighbours. I never considered myself to be in “student residence.” I usually participated in extra-curricular student life outside of the College. That separation worked well for me and, fortunately, U of T is very big and offers plenty of experiences. I thought of myself as a commuter student who was lucky to have a very short commute. Sure, I sometimes wonder what it would have been like to live in residence in the typical sense, but I’m grateful I had the unique experience that I did.

Garry Spencer (back-right in tie and coat) stands amid a group of residents on the steps of Vladimir House, c. 1983/84.

SIBLING REVELRY

Brothers and sisters share some Innis love and laughter

Brothers Daniel and David Pelech

“There is a large element of the unknown going to university, particularly as an international student. I’d like to think that my experiences and advice to my younger brother, whether it was where to live (Innis Res, obviously), course selection, or extracurricular activities, made his transition just a little bit easier. Plus, we hung out all the time, which was easily the best part of my experience.” —Daniel (BCom ’07 Innis)

“Following in my brother’s footsteps at Innis made life at U of T so much easier—never once did I wonder where to find a party or a watering hole. His dogged approach to U of T’s (modest) party scene was an inspiration, and helped me arrive at where I am today: nowhere.” —David (HBA ’09 Innis, Writing & Rhetoric)

Sisters Jessica and Natalia Polis

“My husband and I started dating while I was at Innis—we loved the small, tight-knit community in the midst of the big city. My sister and my husband’s brother later attended, and now we have a wonderful group of friends and so many Innis memories!” —Jessica (HBA ’08 Innis)

“After hearing Jessica rave about Innis for years, I had to experience it for myself. It certainly lived up to my expectations! Although our time at Innis never overlapped, we share so many similar experiences that we bond over today.” —Natalia (HBA ’14 Innis)

Siblings Becky and Marco Mai

“One of my favourite things about being in the same college as my little brother was the ability to discuss the new snacks they stocked at Galleria.” —Becky (HBSc ’21 Innis)

“Having an older sister at Innis meant that I could definitely rely on her for food ... but at the cost of living in the same dorm as her. Oh well! The food was well worth it.”

—Marco (HBSc ’24 Innis)

Daniel (left) and David Pelech (photo courtesy of Daniel Pelech)

Becky (left) and Marco Mai (photo courtesy of Becky Mai)

Natalia (left) and Jessica Polis (photo courtesy of Jessica Polis)

BY ANGELINA ZAHAJKO (HBA ’24 INNIS, URBAN STUDIES)

THE FORCES THAT SHAPED US

Innis is currently home to approximately 2,000 students, three sought-after academic programs, and despite its relative youth, a unique history unlike any other U of T college. So how did we get here? Through interviews with grads and other Innisians, current Innis student Angelina Zahajko begins a decadeby-decade unpacking of Innis’s fascinating early history (the sixties through the eighties), revealing how each decade’s social forces shaped both the College and the personal trajectories of Innis alumni.

Innisians hit rewind for a revealing look at the College’s formative years

Ken Stone (middle) with fellow early Innisans Jack Newman (left) and Lesli Rose, at a Class of 1967 reunion (photo by Jess Stewart-Lee).

Innis student committee (circa 1967) featuring Ken Stone (back row, third from right).

Inset: Ken Stone, 1968

1960S: THE SPARK OF STUDENT POWER

Innis is currently one of the more selective colleges upon U of T admission; however, when it was established in 1964, the College begged for applicants. In an interview, former Innis principal (1973-78) Peter Russell explained that, initially, the College was established as a capacity solution for the rapid influx of university applications following the postwar baby boom.

“In the early years, Innis and New College were hardly being chosen by U of T applicants as their first choice,” Russell said. “So, Innis had all the leftover students. … [Rejected by their first choice of college], we knew they wouldn’t be top academic students in any sense … [but] it was always a lively place, always full of life.”

One of those self-described leftovers was Ken Stone (’68), a lifelong activist and key player in some of the College’s most significant early moments.

“I mean, Innis College chose me,” Stone admitted in an interview. “We all had low marks in high school … it really was a biscuit box of a college.”

Nevertheless, Stone would not have traded that experience for anything, as it introduced him to the power of student voice and sparked his steadfast passion for activism. Even through the confines of a Zoom screen, Stone lit up as he described long nights in the common room spent swapping stories about marching against Jim Crow laws in the South, and participating in anti-war sit-ins.

One of the most significant events of the 1960s was the inauguration of student parity within college governance, a victory that both Russell and Stone fought for. On graduation day, Stone famously tore up his diploma on the Convocation Hall stage, protesting students’ exclusion from administrative decisions and rote learning-based classes.

A couple of years later, Innis established student parity in college governance, and transitioned to Stone’s preferred thematic teaching style. “My biggest regret about that day was that I didn’t prepare my mother,” Stone confessed with a laugh. “She was mad at me for 36 years after that!”

Left: Peter Russell speaks on the value of the college system at a 1966 “MacPherson Committee” hearing (photo by Robert Patrick). Right: Peter Russell delivers a public lecture in Innis Town Hall in 2017 (photo by Jennifer Su).

Left: Kay Armatage teaches at Innis College in the mid-70s.

Right: Kay Armatage in Innis Town Hall (photo by Alice Xue).

Left: Ceta Ramkhalawansingh teaches an early women’s studies seminar in 1975 (photo courtesy of U of T archives by Robert Lansdale). Right: Ceta Ramkhalawansingh (photo by Jacklyn Atlas).

Left: Bart Testa loads a film projector in 1984.

Right: Bart Testa in Innis Town Hall (photo by Alice Xue).

Stone asserted that he and his fellow graduates left Innis hoping to change the world rather than pursue wealth. He has served as a member of the Canadian Party of Labour throughout its full 20-year duration, and, since 2002, has been a dedicated leader of the Hamilton Coalition to Stop the War. In both roles, he continued to advocate for an uprooting of Canadian systems, just as he did in his university days.

1970S: THE FEMALE FLAME

On-campus counterculture continued to rage throughout the 1970s, particularly within U of T’s second-wave feminist movement. Key figures included Ceta Ramkhalawansingh, pioneer of New College’s Women and Gender Studies Institute (WGSI), and long-time member of the Innis College Council, as well as Kay Armatage, co-founder of both the Cinema Studies Institute, and the WGSI.

“The principle is having a sense of place within the university in which you can pursue your interests—women didn’t have that,” Ramkhalawansingh explained.

Carol Geffner (’74) felt the effects of the fight for that sense of place: “The 70s formed the foundation of my values, values like civil rights and justice. … During my PhD, I naturally grew into my feminist identity in my early 30s, as I was constantly reflecting on my life and where I wanted to dedicate my energy in my future.”

Geffner continues to abide by the feminist ideas that have followed her throughout her university career;

a professor of public policy at the University of Southern California, she is currently writing a book on women in leadership in male-dominated fields, a subject based on her career in business and academia.

“Innis played a really formidable role in my younger years. The personal community of Innis nurtured freedom and independence of thought. … It made a huge difference in my life,” she said.

1980S: BURNING EMBERS AND NEW ERAS

Founded in 1976, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)— originally known as the Festival of Festivals—put Toronto, and Canada, on the film industry map. As TIFF slowly began to garner more global recognition, another institution was growing and developing under the supervision of Bart Testa and Kay Armatage: Innis’s Cinema Studies Institute (CSI).

Bart Testa, associate professor, CSI, and fixture of the CSI and Innis community, explained that there was a symbiosis between TIFF and Innis’s CSI: “As Toronto transformed into a cinema city around the mid-80s, we saw higher enrolment rates for the Cinema Studies Institute. … Actually, TIFF was a very common job prospect for graduates.”

Debra Kwinter (’87) was a product of this culture within CSI, finding her home under the TIFF umbrella from 1990-95 and, again, from 2017-20. She maintains that the 80s were not an ideal time to graduate with “a critical thinking degree.”

“The 1960s and 70s produced the rise of counterculture; whereas, the 1980s produced greed and Wall Street. Baby boomers were hustlers, [and] cinema studies was not an employable commodity. … I was very nervous about job prospects at the time!” Kwinter said.

According to Testa, the hustle culture that plagued Kwinter was part of a larger shift within Innis College: “Innis was a scruffy little college that was very experimental throughout the 60s and 70s; however,

in the 80s, things were normalized, professionalized—people were there to get their certification.”

Kwinter, who has since exited the industry and now runs a successful consulting firm, maintains that there was an artistry in the 80s that breathed new life into the city: “The energy of TIFF fed on itself; suddenly there was an explosion of restaurants, bars, and bigger venues. The global impact of TIFF forced Canada to strengthen its communications infrastructure, journalism, everything!”

TODAY: THE ENDURING SPIRIT OF OUR FIRST GRADS

It is this enduring spirit of resilience, passion, and innovation that defines Innis College’s tradition—a shared legacy found in the different personal trajectories of Ken Stone, Carol Geffner, and Debra Kwinter.

“I think [Innis College’s legacy] is its openness to new ideas, and its creativity,” Russell concludes. “It is an academically and socially creative beacon for the University of Toronto and, as part of one of the largest universities in the world, [Innis’s] influence is magnified! Its creativity and openness are also an indicator of a great community of students and scholars.”

Stay tuned for the second instalment of “The forces that shaped us” in next year’s edition of Innis Alumni & Friends.

Debra Kwinter

Carol Geffner

1. Even the College’s lower level will be expanded. Here, natural-light wells permeate the raised ceiling, illuminating much-needed student lounge space and bookable studios.

2. The beloved Innis Café will be doubled in size and flooded with natural light, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows along bpNichol Lane (pictured on left) and the Innis Green. A relaxing reading area—complete with fireplace—caps the northern end. 3. Innis’s Office of Student Life will find a new home at 2 Sussex beside the Student Learning Centre—a fittingly central hub to offer valuable co-curricular programming and support services. 4. Combining the library, writing centre, computer lab, and suite of private study spaces, the new Student Learning Centre will be a modern, accessible academic-support hub for thousands of students.

WE’RE INNIS TOGETHER

Alumni invest in future student success with donations to the $10-million Innis College Renewal and Expansion Campaign

We are at a crossroads. For over 50 years, Innis has been a destination for students because of its warmth, inclusion, and focus on student success. Now the building designed for 800 students struggles to accommodate over 2,000—a tremendous challenge for Innis as it continues its tradition of fostering a remarkable academic community that brings out the best in students. The Innis College Renewal and Expansion Campaign will transform our student experience by providing:

• 30,000 sq. ft. of bright and airy new space over five levels

• New Student Learning Centre with the library and writing centre in one central hub

• Hi-tech classrooms designed for today’s learning demands

• Large Commuter Student Lounge for the 85 per cent of students who live off campus

• Green rooftop terrace, and many other environmentally friendly building features

WE’VE ALWAYS BEEN INNIS TOGETHER

Join fellow alumni in supporting the Renewal and Expansion Campaign

Read on to see more of the $10-million Renewal and Expansion Campaign renderings— and discover why your fellow alumni are supporting this transformational project in exciting and innovative ways.

Ready to support your Innis community now?

Visit https://innis.utoronto.ca/ renewal or reach out to Ennis Blentic, associate director— advancement, at ennis.blentic@ utoronto.ca or 416-978-3424

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

Linda Schuyler (BA ’74 Innis, Hon LLD ’16) and Stephen Stohn (JD ’77) hope their legacy donation will encourage other Innisians

Dedicated to the art of storytelling, Linda Schuyler is best known as executive producer and co-creator of the multi-award winning Degrassi television franchise. Her work has garnered international recognition, including the prestigious Peabody Award and two International Emmys.

She maintains an active involvement in a range of community and professional organizations, currently serving as vice chair of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. She is a Member of the Order of Canada, and, in 2012, was appointed to the Order of Ontario. She has received honorary doctorate degrees from

Open for more details about the exciting Renewal and Expansion of Innis College

Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Toronto.

Stephen Stohn has worked in the entertainment industry for over 50 years, and is a founding partner in the entertainment law firm Stohn Hay Cafazzo Dembroski Richmond LLP. Longtime executive producer of the Degrassi franchise, he was also a director and then chair of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS).

His many accolades include 14 Canadian Screen Awards, and in 2011, induction into the Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame. Currently serving as chancellor of Trent University, Stephen is also the author of Whatever It Takes: Life Lessons from Degrassi and Elsewhere in the World of Music and Television

“Innis has always managed to embody a sense of intimacy combined with innovation. Indeed, when I attended Innis in 1974, it was the only college in the country that offered courses in both film and women’s studies—and in a real sense, this helped forge the foundation of what became a lifelong career combining film with social issues as the Degrassi franchise evolved.

My husband, Stephen Stohn, and I have chosen to make our legacy donation not just because of Innis’s past and ongoing accomplishments, but also because we are impressed by the degree of student involvement in the planning and financial commitments embodied in the Innis College Renewal and Expansion Campaign—plans which put future students first. We hope our gift can prompt others to donate, in amounts large and small. The world needs more Innisians!”

Linda Schuyler and Stephen Stohn are impressed by the student involvement in the Innis College Renewal and Expansion Campaign (photo courtesy of Wildbrain).

AFTER

The Innis Green, as seen here from the north, will undergo major transformation, bordered by the west wing expansion. More purposeful furnishings and access routes and walls of glass will bring life and functionality to our courtyard.

Casper Wong grew up in Vancouver, and initially came to U of T to pursue a career in law. He met his wife here, Daisy Singla, currently a scientist at CAMH, and assistant professor at U of T. After graduation, Casper worked in investment banking at BMO Capital Markets, and eventually co-founded Financeit in 2011, Canada’s leader in the point-of-sale financing industry. In 2020, Casper founded United Nation of Cyclists, a cycling team focused on promoting diversity and inclusivity.

“I had a great experience at Innis College and have stayed in touch with both Charlie [Keil] and Ennis [Blentic], who have done a fantastic job of keeping in touch with alumni. Throughout the years, I have been fortunate enough to contribute to the Innis student experience by participating in panel discussions, fireside chats, and most recently, as the virtual keynote speaker for the 2021 graduation ceremony. The natural evolution of this journey was to help contribute financially to the continued growth and expansion of the College. Innis gave me a strong foundation to start my professional life, and I made some incredible lifelong friends. I hope future alumni will see success and pass along their support to the next generation as well.”

Greg Kalil is the founder of Stormont Partners, a Toronto-based merchant bank focused on real asset advisory and investment. Greg entered the real estate business one week after graduating from U of T in 1983, and has spent his entire career in this industry.

Greg is a reformed sailor, mediocre golfer, sometimes wood craftsman, and pretty good cook. In addition to serving on Innis’s Campaign Cabinet, he is a past board chair of Trellis Housing Initiatives, a not-for-profit provider of supportive housing; a past board member of Toronto Community Housing, FRPO, and Holy Trinity School; and an advisor to the board of Anishnawbe Health.

“Innis was my initial connection to U of T. I lived in the old Vlad House residence in my first and second years, ate most of my meals at the College, went to pub nights, and generally had the time of my life. Looking back, I realize how often I think about my time at U of T and Innis and how formative it was for me as a young person.

The [Renewal and Expansion] project immediately appealed to me as a way to perpetuate the kind of experience that I enjoyed. To achieve our philanthropic intentions, we are using a combination of assets, including proceeds from insurance, which allows us to fulfil our philanthropic objectives in meaningful ways. Our family is very pleased to be able to support Innis’s expansion with our gift.”

Casper Wong (HBA ’06 Innis) sees his donation as “a natural evolution” of his connection to Innis

Greg Kalil (BA ’83 Innis) believes his legacy donation will give students the kind of Innis experience he enjoyed

Greg Kalil and his partner, Bo, are fulfilling their philanthropic goals with a gift to Innis (photo by Shayla Anderson).

Casper Wong found Innis gave him a strong personal and professional foundation for his life ahead (photo courtesy of Casper Wong).

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED

U of T Student Leadership Award recipients reflect on their time at Innis

BY MICHELLE ZHANG (HBA ’21 INNIS, URBAN STUDIES)

Eva Gajic

Years ago, I talked for hours with a student I was mentoring about how to overcome her struggles adapting to university. She later told me that our talk had encouraged her to start making friends, change career paths, and finally enjoy university. I’ll never forget that moment—when I realized how far a bit of compassion can go.

Lucas Granger

It is hard to choose just one moment or event that I’ll never forget. Something that has left a lasting impact on me has been seeing the friendly faces of my friends, colleagues, and fellow residents while I was working at the Innis Residence front desk. Everyone made an effort to be part of a large and welcoming college community, and I was so happy to be part of that every day.

Paul Kaita

I never expected that I would be one to lead Innis College during the annual parade at Orientation Week. Shouting "Innis loves you" down Bloor Street and being incredibly proud of all my team’s accomplishments was extremely rewarding. In that unexpected moment, I realized I was no longer this shy and quiet architecture student, but a passionate and confident leader who could accomplish anything I put my mind to.

Jasmine Kara

Over the five years I studied and worked at Innis, I formed relationships with staff, students, alumni, and donors through college events. I’m also proud that, as the online editor and social media coordinator for The Innis Herald, I revamped the paper’s social media strategy and increased engagement by 200 per cent.

In Lewis Carroll’s Alice Through the Looking Glass, Alice, upon being asked who she is, replies, "I know who I WAS when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then."

Like Alice, many of us have grown, changed, and taken many unexpected turns over the past few years. I asked my fellow 2021 U of T Student Leadership Award (UTSLA) recipients, “Looking back at your time at Innis, what is one impactful moment you will always remember?”

Breanna Lima Martinez

Looking back, my first day of Orientation was not only my introduction to Innis life, but it also set me on a path that would impact my whole university experience. I was recruited to ICSS that day, which allowed me to make many lifelong friends and have the opportunity to make a greater impact on the Innis community than I ever thought possible.

Megan Pham-Quan

The Innis community has challenged and shaped me in so many ways. One particularly impactful moment was the day of the Resistance Art Gala that I co-hosted with Michelle Zhang. We spent weeks agonizing over floor plans and honorariums, and to see it materialize inspired me to keep creating.

Hayley Vlcek

One of the most impactful moments I will always remember is last year’s Commuter/International Orientation. My coexecutives and I poured months of work into this event. Bearing witness to the establishment of new connections and a sense of community—despite the physical distance—was incredibly rewarding.

Michelle Zhang

I remember standing on the rooftop during the Orientation boat cruise, watching a new generation of Innisians burst into a throwback song. Our team had spent the day preparing: wrangling buses, untangling fairy lights, and catastrophizing about thunderstorms. Lightning did flash, but no rain fell. We were once strangers on a boat, and now here we were defying weather together!

REIMAGINING OF URBAN STUDIES COURSE

A student and a senior connect through cross-border research project

BY ANDREW YIN

“Oh, that’s wonderful!” This is a phrase that you might not hear often during a pandemic, but it was one I heard almost weekly in the fall of 2020, during my conversations with MaryEve, a retired American teacher in Columbus, Ohio.

I met MaryEve through INI342 (now URB342), a qualitative research course in Innis’s Urban Studies Program. Taught by Assistant Professor Aditi Mehta, the course was completely redesigned to fit the pandemic context.

“Instead of sending students out into the city to investigate public spaces as I had done in the past,” Aditi explains, “I partnered with True Davidson Acres Home for the Aged in Toronto and Village in the Ville, an elder community network in Columbus.” Through one-to-one, intergenerational connections, students were asked to develop an urban-themed research project based on their elder partner’s life experiences.

One reason I was drawn to the course was I thought it might help ease my social isolation during the pandemic. I was not alone. “Many of the elder partners were particularly vulnerable and isolated during this unprecedented time, and the course provided them with meaningful social activity,” recalls Aditi.

While I was excited to take this course, I was also nervous. As an immigrant from China, I have always felt self-conscious about my Englishspeaking skills.

What would MaryEve and I talk about? Would we connect? I was anxious. However, her warmth and excitement immediately calmed me.

In our initial exchanges, I was surprised to learn of MaryEve’s unique connection to China. In the late 70s, she and her students became pen pals with a group of students in Wuhan, China. She visited them in 1982, a time when few foreigners travelled there. I was enthralled by her stories. As I learned more about MaryEve, I discovered more commonalities, despite our age difference. The bond between us was building.

MaryEve later told me that the most memorable aspect of the course “was the fact that you and I discovered many things that we had in common.”

Our discussions often revolved around education, based on MaryEve’s experiences as a dedicated teacher. In my project, I decided to connect education, urban studies, and MaryEve’s life experiences. One day I felt especially stuck on an assignment asking us to create a map for the project. How could I creatively map schools and neighbourhoods? As MaryEve and I talked, a light bulb went on. I set to work, creating a layered series of maps on tracing paper that showed school ratings and socio-economic indicators in two Columbus neighbourhoods.

MaryEve had inspired me. And though I was

(HBA ’22 INNIS, URBAN STUDIES)

Two stories in the city: Depictions of neighbourhood conditions through mapped word clouds from Andrew Yin’s oral history project presentation. Right: Andrew Yin (photo courtesy of Andrew Yin)

barely seeing anyone due to lockdowns, I was never alone because MaryEve was my partner.

Weeks later, I presented “Educating Students, Benefitting Communities: A Tale of Two Neighbourhoods” on Zoom with MaryEve in attendance. It was a moment of pride, and it allowed her to “look at my city through your lens.”

As the semester ended, we knew our friendship would continue. We have stayed connected, kept each other updated on our vaccination progress, reflected on anti-Asian discrimination, and shared new dimensions of ourselves. Whatever we talk about, optimism is always present.

“I feel that we have become stronger, more resourceful, and more optimistic just knowing that we MADE IT [through] a whole year,” MaryEve wrote me. I, on the other hand, have reimagined my abilities and grown as a person through a course that, as Aditi aptly reflects, “demonstrated the multidimensional value of intergenerational partnerships for student and elder wellbeing, intergenerational allyship, and mutually beneficial knowledge production.”

MaryEve agrees. “Each generation exists in an evolving environment,” she says, “the fact that we were able to have this experience during a pandemic added depth and a different dimension. A valuable historical document, to be sure.”

A Zoom screenshot of MaryEve and Andrew discussing Andrew’s Urban Studies qualitative research project, “Educating Students, Benefitting Communities: A Tale of Two Neighbourhoods”

MaryEve with pen-pal students on her 1982 trip to Wuhan, China

Andrew Yin as a child in Fuzhou, China

WORLD VIEWS

Alumni began their international journeys at Innis

LISA FRANCIS-JENNINGS (BA ’82 Innis)

Innis, and its spirit of community and exploration, shaped the very fabric of my career. I learned to be an active listener at Innis. That skill is the red thread that links all my work. Over the years, I’ve worked in France, the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, Kazakhstan, as well as Canada and the US. My interventions have been characterized by sensitive inquiry and collaboration, allowing me to help clients engage meaningfully with stakeholders, and to successfully accomplish high-risk change initiatives.

Today, I use this same approach in my work, from running my firm, StratAffect SA, to writing about and productizing business ideas for clients, to being the leadership development partner for Odgers Berndtson in Luxembourg.

Being a consultant focused on the human side of large-scale technology implementations (Enterprise Resource Planning) and green-fields start-ups for most of my career, is what brought me to Europe. I’m now a Luxembourgish citizen. I’ve made my home here because I discovered the same community, openness, and future-focused outlook that I so enjoyed during my years at Innis.

QUYEN HA (HBA ’02 Innis)

I work in communications for global food and drink brands, and I host online Italian cooking classes from the heart of the Italian food valley—Modena, Italy.

I am originally from Canada, but my heritage is Vietnamese. I studied political science and history at U of T. Early on I took a strong interest in my history classes and participated in the summer-abroad exchange program in Hong Kong. Before arriving in Modena, my interest in international business and culture brought me to London, Dublin, and Paris, where I worked for global beverage companies.

After years of working in public relations for food and drink brands, I decided to retrace my family roots in Vietnam, and meeting my grandfather for the first time inspired me to follow my culinary dreams. I put aside my laptop for chef whites, and went to study patisserie at Le Cordon Bleu.

Now you’ll find me in beautiful Italy learning about all things Italian—from parmesan cheese to wine to balsamic vinegar. There is never a dull moment.

Lisa Francis-Jennings is a change management consultant based in Luxembourg (photo by Cassandra Francis).

Quyen Ha transitioned to a career in Modena, Italy (photo courtesy of Quyen Ha).

MATTHEW LAU (HBSc ’06 Innis)

I am a partner at an international law firm in Hong Kong, where I make a living by saying “no” to people on most things they try to do—similar to raising children, or working at a dean of students’ office, I think.

After Innis, I went to Columbia Law School because I wanted to be in New York City. I stayed there to work for a prestigious firm. It was like the TV show Suits, except a lot more work and none of anything else in the show. After a few years, an opportunity opened up in Hong Kong, where my family is, and here I am!

I had a wonderful time in NYC. But eventually, family became a more important consideration. Fortunately, Hong Kong is similar to Toronto and NYC in many ways, which makes the transition easier. I am also amazed by the number of Innis alumni that I come across around the world—yes, even here in Hong Kong!

RINI RASHID (HBA ’10 Innis)

I recently served as a Brexit and trade policy officer in London at the Canadian High Commission. I provided analysis and guidance to the Canadian government on the UK’s new trade policy agenda, answering the question, “What does it mean for Canada and Canadian businesses?”

Amidst the pandemic, the role took on a new dimension with concerns about nations employing protectionist policies for therapeutics, and vaccine production and supply. My work was often finding the real story and identifying the issues that could inform Canadian policy.

I conducted research abroad and pursued summer exchange programs while I was a peace and conflict studies student at U of T—supported in part by funding from Innis. So, the College has been a part of my international journey from the beginning. After Innis, I focused on international law and trade law at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, working in the public service after graduation.

London has given me an exciting opportunity to take a more global view and follow my heart as my partner also accepted a position there. I’ll soon be returning to legal practice, joining a global law firm in its London office, advising on trade law and related matters.

JACKY SIN (HBA ’06 Innis)

Greetings from Hong Kong! I’m a corporate associate at Weil, Gotshal & Manges, a law firm headquartered in New York. Although I received my degree in international relations, I never really sought to work and live in Asia and ended up here by chance.

After graduating from Innis, I completed a law degree from the University of British Columbia. After a few years in Toronto, I was sent on secondment to London, England. While there, I visited museums all over Europe—places which I had only read about in my history texts. That was when I picked up an earnest wish to work and live abroad.

During a temporary posting in Hong Kong, I decided to stay and explore Asia. I’d like to think that my time at Innis prompted my curiosity and impulse to travel. This curiosity has certainty helped me engage with clients around the world and navigate cultural and commercial nuances. More importantly, it has driven a desire to be part of wherever I am, rather than simply being a tourist.

Matthew Lau pursued his law career in Hong Kong to be closer to family (photo courtesy of Matthew Lau).

Jacky Sin is a corporate lawyer in Hong Kong (photo courtesy of Jacky Sin).

Rini Rashid lives in London, England, where she practises trade law (photo by Gorav Chaudhry).

TALKING TECH AND SCIENCE CAREERS

Young alumni share what excites them in their work

Stacey Feero (HBA ’09 Cinema Studies, MA ’10 Cinema Studies) Product lead for

Loblaw Digital (eCommerce customer experience)

The job of a product management leader is all about problem solving. Every day is a different challenge! I collaborate with a team of talented product managers, designers, and developers. With a clear vision for the outcomes we’re aiming to achieve, I ensure our teams stay focused on building digital experiences that serve our customers in a way they find valuable, yet also propels our business forward. There is nothing more exciting than creating a product that solves a problem for a customer.

Ryuhei Katami (HBA ’11 Innis, Urban Studies) Product development producer for PlayStation

The best parts [of my job] are working with amazing creative talents across the globe and seeing players enjoy a game after its release. As a producer I have the privilege of interfacing across multiple teams. Beyond the typical game development areas, I could also be on a motion-capture set in Seattle (I was captured for some of the animation in Ghost of Tsushima !) or helping a composer in Tokyo bring their vision to life. Challenges along the way outnumber the fun days, but these small moments make it all worth it!

Photo by Jesse Sebberas

Photo courtesy of Ryuhei Katami

Yagnesh Ladumor (HBSc ’16 Innis)

PhD candidate at SickKids and host of Raw Talk Podcast

Science at the cutting edge can often be very difficult to understand, even with a scientific background, and so I think scientists have a duty to inform the public about our research and to communicate why it's important. Through Raw Talk Podcast, I can access research leaders at U of T and beyond to explore science topics. I also get to highlight community and patient voices that are often overlooked when discussing these topics through other media.

Zain Manji (HBSc ’16 Innis) Co-founder of digital product studio Lazer

The most exciting part of my job is being able to work with incredibly smart engineers and founders on challenging problems and solutions that can change the world. It's uncommon to get to work on and support projects from so many industry leaders in fields such as healthcare, fintech, consumer, and others, and be part of their overall growth and success.

Poad (HBSc ’17 Innis) Multiplayer systems designer at 31st Union

With the world in lockdown this past year, more and more people turned to video games as a way of connecting with loved ones. Combining my creativity with my technical skills in order to create these experiences that connect people is what excites me as a video game designer. And I have to mention that the first video game I ever worked on actually took place at Innis! It was basically a student-zombie fighting game with my suitemate Lucy Lin doing the art, and me doing the coding.

Lindsey

Photo courtesy of Zain Manji

Photo by Changmo Kim

Photo courtesy of Lindsey Poad

FOLLOWING THE SCIENCE

Alumni scientists pursue medical breakthroughs through innovation

ILLUSTRATIONS BY WINSY LEUNG (HBSC ’21 INNIS)

GLENN MORRISON

(BSc ’92 Innis, MSc ’94, PhD ’00)

The underlying causes of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are not fully understood, despite the fact that it is the most common cause of dementia, suffered by 50 million people worldwide. AD remains the only top-ten cause of death that cannot be prevented, cured, or even significantly slowed; an effective treatment for AD remains an urgent unmet medical need.

I recently led clinical development for AD for a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering immuno-neurology, a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Immuno-neurology targets immune dysfunction as a root cause of multiple pathologies that are drivers of degenerative brain disorders.

The company is conducting clinical trials in AD, frontotemporal dementia (the most common cause of dementia in people under 60), and Amyotrophic

Lateral Sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease), testing compounds designed to functionally repair genetic mutations that cause dysfunction of the brain’s immune system, and enable the rejuvenated immune cells to counteract emerging brain pathologies.

I now have a new role as vice president of clinical development for neuroscience and rare disease at Recursion—a clinicalstage biotechnology company decoding biology to radically improve patients’ lives by industrializing drug discovery, development, and beyond through disruptive innovation.

Photo courtesy of Glenn Morrison

SAMUEL RABKIN

(BSc ’76 Innis)

I am a virologist in a neurosurgery department seeking to use viruses to treat disease. My laboratory has been converting disease-causing viruses into cancer killers, so-called oncolytic viruses.

The virus we work on is herpes simplex virus (HSV), which causes cold sores, but also lethal diseases like encephalitis. To make HSV safe for patients, we delete the viral genes necessary for disease but not those for growth in cancer cells. We have constructed a number of new oncolytic HSVs; two of these, G207 and G47D, have entered clinical trials for patients with brain cancer.

In order to study these new therapeutics, we have been establishing tumour models that mimic features of the patient's tumour. So far, oncolytic HSV has not caused any serious adverse events in cancer patients. These HSVs have exhibited efficacy in early-phase clinical trials, and one oncolytic HSV, T-Vec, similar to our design, has been approved in the US and Europe for the treatment of advanced melanoma. This translational work is only possible because of basic studies to understand HSV biology, the function of its genes, and interactions with its host, humans.

NICK SHAH

(HBSc ’01 Innis, PhD ’08)

Pursuing the discovery and development of novel medicines has been scientifically engaging, profoundly challenging, and ultimately rewarding for me.

My role in drug discovery has been focused on the development of biological tools that enable good decision making at the earliest stages. I’ve worked in the areas of biochemistry, biophysics, and cell biology to discover a number of drug candidates at multiple start-up companies.

I worked with a small team at Flexus Biosciences to discover Linrodostat (BMS-986205), a drug that led to a major acquisition by BMS, and is currently in

phase-III clinical trials for cancer. While at FLX Bio (now RAPT), we discovered FLX475, currently in phase II for cancer, and RPT193, about to enter phase-II trials for atopic dermatitis.

I currently lead the in vitro pharmacology group at DiCE, a drug discovery start-up devoted to addressing unmet medical needs in immunology. Our lead program—an orally administered IL17 antagonist—is approaching the clinic.

My career so far has reinforced the idea that a strong foundation in teambased problem solving can be powerfully applied to many areas, especially to the collaborative science of drug discovery.

Top: photo courtesy of Samuel Rabkin. Bottom: photo courtesy of Nick Shah

INNOVATING THE LEGACY

Alumni work to transform diabetes treatment on the centennial of U of T’s discovery of insulin

BY DIDIER HA (HBSC ’22 INNIS)

This past year marked a century since Frederick Banting and Charles Best discovered insulin at the University of Toronto in 1921. It is inspiring to see how one discovery has changed the path of medicine in diabetes treatment, and saved millions of lives. Drug discoveries such as this inspired me to study pharmacology at U of T.

That sense of discovery and innovation in diabetes treatment and management is still going strong today with accomplished Innis alums Rose Perri and Mark Angelo. I had the honour of speaking with them both about their work.

ROSE PERRI (BA ’90 Innis)

After graduating from Innis College in 1990, Rose Perri held several leadership positions in the start-up biotech space. She is now the CEO of EastGate Biotech, a producer and distributor of innovative nutraceuticals, including their flagship sublingual insulin tablet.

What is your company doing to transform the way we currently treat diabetes?

We have developed a technology platform for enhanced drug delivery that allows known drugs currently administered via injection to

be delivered in a non-invasive format (oral and sublingual routes).

We are focused on the delivery of insulin via a liquid insulin mouth solution based on a proprietary composition. This is targeted towards patients with Type 2 diabetes, and because it is non-injectable, will allow patients to take insulin earlier. (Needle-averse patients and particularly those who are facing multiple injections a day often put off this type of treatment as late as possible.)

We believe our liquid insulin will provide a safe, effective, and cost-effective alternative to treating diabetes.

Why is it important that we change the way we administer diabetes treatments?

The status quo has often been to treat patients when they become sick. The problem with this is that when they become too sick there is an increase of strokes, heart attacks, dialysis, amputations, etc. Not only is the quality of life compromised, but the financial impact of all of the diabetes side effects can become insurmountable. Insulin is a well-known drug, and it is safe. Finding a non-injectable alternative will increase its use and allow doctors to convince patients to treat themselves early in the treatment trajectory.

MARK ANGELO (BASc ’03)

Mark Angelo graduated from Innis in 2003, going on to receive his MBA at Harvard. He is now the CEO of LMC Healthcare, Canada’s largest multidisciplinary specialist provider in diabetes care.

What is your company doing to transform the way we currently treat diabetes?

Our goal is to help patients with diabetes lead healthier and happier lives. Our specialists care for the most complex of diabetes patients who have multiple health issues, and who require intensive treatment strategies.

We take a multidisciplinary, integrated approach that takes into account a patient’s unique context, risk factors, and challenges. Typically, diabetes patients receive care from multiple specialists and healthcare professionals, and the patient is left with the burden of coordinating their own care amongst these experts. By bringing a group of experts together that can work as one patient-centred team, we

hope to reduce the burden and stress of diabetes management and provide more effective and convenient care to patients.

Over the past year, LMC has begun to expand beyond medical care to provide patients access to health coaching and mental health support. Besides patient care, we are also a leader in clinical research, and we work closely with industry to bring new and innovative therapies to market.

How are you and your company making diabetes care more accessible?

Our goal is to provide effective and accessible care to all Canadians living with diabetes. Due to our team-based approach and streamlined workflows, our specialists are able to manage 100,000 patients per year and offer wait times that are 75 per cent lower than the national average.

It is important to note that not all diabetes care is covered by government-funded programs; certain drugs, devices, supplies, and preventative health screenings are only covered by private insurance and/or require out-of-pocket payments. We are working with industry, government, and Diabetes Canada to provide better coverage and access to diabetes care. Accessible, affordable care for all Canadians with diabetes is a reality that we are working towards.

Left: Rose Perri (photo by Cori Meli, Extensia Studios). Right: Mark Angelo (photo by Emily Ding). Illustration by Forden/Shutterstock.

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER

At 16, Innis grad Vivian Xie keeps her learning fun

BY EMILY SAKAGUCHI (HBA ’24 INNIS, URBAN STUDIES)

When people hear that 16-year-old Vivian (Qiao) Xie has just graduated from the University of Toronto with a double major in biology, and cell and molecular biology, they might immediately picture a hyper-focused academic who exhibits superhuman efficiency. But that's not Vivian Xie. Xie’s young age (she is the youngest U of T grad in at least 40 years) is remarkable, but it’s her attitude towards learning that sets her apart.

“I’m learning-fun inclined,” says the Innis College alumna. “The way I learn is that if it’s not interesting to me, I will probably procrastinate. That’s also why I skipped grades. I was just bored.”

She also admits that learning isn’t always fun for her. When this happens, she reads about landmark scientific experiments to rekindle her sense of fun.

“I owe a lot to my grandmother,” says Xie, who thinks of her as “the main educator” in her life. Xie says her grandmother taught middle-school and high-school chemistry, biology, physics, and math. “She’s a great teacher. You don’t really notice when she’s teaching you something.”

Xie is careful to note that, while her grandmother encouraged her love of learning, she was never pressured in her academics. “I chose my path by myself from the beginning,” Xie says.

This path led her to transfer from the University of Prince Edward Island to U of T at the age of 12. From there, she found a community at Innis College. Xie says that Innis seemed more willing to take on a younger

student. “I feel like Innis overall is really accepting of unique cases. Innis provided a really safe and comfortable environment for me.”

Now, Xie is beginning her master’s in applied immunology at U of T. Although she has sped through her education so far, she affirms that it’s better not to go too fast. “I might take a gap year before I do my PhD. There’s no rush for me.”

She is also interested in eventually taking on projects to help students who, like her, are academically ahead, and might need a little social support. In the meantime, her personal projects include learning Mandarin, doing digital art—and relaxing.

Vivian Xie and her grandmother vacation on Vancouver Island (photo courtesy of Vivian Xie).

Vivian Xie (photo courtesy of Vivian Xie)

“

I owe a lot to my grandmother. She’s a great teacher. You don’t really notice when she’s teaching you something.”

MEET THE 2020 ARBOR AWARD RECIPIENTS

● Savtaj Brar (BSc ’01 Innis), alumni mentor and keynote speaker at the Innis Student Awards Ceremony

“I really valued Sav’s approachability and positive demeanor during our time in the Innis Alumni Mentorship Program. To a third-year student who was still trying to figure out her next steps, the candid conversations were both helpful and refreshing.” —Lucy Lu (HBSc ’19 Innis), Sav’s past mentee

● Asha Daniere

(BA ’90 Innis), alumni mentor, and member of the Campaign Cabinet for the Innis expansion project

“It was very meaningful for me to meet an alumna so accomplished in her field. I appreciated being able to ask questions about her career path and get her advice in a friendly and close-knit setting at Innis.” —Teodora Pasca (HBA ’18 Innis, MA ’21, JD ’21), Principal’s Dinner attendee

● Susan E. Helwig (BA ’69), long-time Later Life Learning volunteer

“Susan’s time on our LLL board was dedicated to making our members aware of the importance of their donations to the scholarship funds. By Susan’s example, our funds continue to support refugee, Indigenous, and worthy students each year.”—Merle McMurray, past LLL president

● Stephen Hutchison

(HBA ’06 Innis, MA ’07, JD ’11), dedicated mentor and contributor to the mentorship program since 2014

“Stephen was such an approachable and supportive mentor! He helped me understand how my skills were relevant to the job market and taught me crucial networking skills that I still use today.” —Marta Switzer (HBA ’16 Innis), Stephen’s past mentee

● Terese Mason Pierre (HBA ’17 Innis), tireless volunteer for many Hart House initiatives

“Terese embodies what Hart House is here to do—to create a space where students can connect to themselves and with others, in areas that inspire them, and enhance their learning and student experience … . She is an inspiration to me.”—Michelle Brownrigg, senior director and chief program officer, Hart House

● Joseph Uyede (BSc ’69 Innis), long-time volunteer; current co-chair of the Campaign Cabinet for the Innis expansion project

“Joe’s devotion to Innis and our entire community is a great source of inspiration for me and many others who work with him.” —Ennis Blentic, associate director, advancement, Innis College

ILLUSTRATIONS BY LESLI RANSOM (HBA ’18 INNIS, CINEMA STUDIES)

JAMES CAHILL

The Cinema Studies Institute director and associate professor’s co-edited book, Cinema of Exploration: Essays on an Adventurous Film Practice, was released December 2020.

RECOGNIZING OUR OWN

Celebrating a year’s worth of awards and achievements from alumni, faculty, and staff

SIMON LEWSEN

The Innis One instructor received a Gold Digital Publishing Award in the Best Feature Article (Long) category for “A LongTerm Tragedy” (The Local, November 2020), for which he also received a National Magazine Award nomination.

TOM CARDOSO (HBA ’12 Cinema Studies) was named Journalist of the Year at the 2020 National Newspaper Awards.

JAREN KERR (HBA ’17 Innis, Writing & Rhetoric) was awarded (as part of a team) the John Wesley Dafoe Award for Politics at the 2020 National Newspaper Awards.

SHARON LEWIS (BA ’89 Innis), producerdirector of the series Paranormal Nightshift, received a 2021 Canadian Screen Award for Best Direction, Factual.

STEVE MASSE

The Innis dean of students received the Jill Matus Award for Excellence in Student Services.

RICHIE MEHTA (HBA ’01 Cinema Studies), creator of the Delhi Crime TV series, won Best Drama Series at the 2020 International Emmy Awards.

MIKE MENEGHETTI

The Cinema Studies Institute instructor’s book, Martin Scorsese’s Documentary Histories: Migrations, Movies, Music, was published in March 2021.

Photo by Chiao Sun

Photo by Alice Xue

Photo by Kathleen McLeod

Photo by Shayla Anderson

Photo by Shayla Anderson

Photo by Shayla Anderson

CYNTHIA MESSENGER

The Writing & Rhetoric Program associate professor (teaching stream) and Innis Writing Centre director received a 2021 OCUFA Service Award.

SHAWN MICALLEF

The Innis One instructor received a 2021 Superior Teaching Award for Sessional Instructors from the Faculty of Arts & Science.

KEN OPPEL (BA ’89 Cinema Studies) released his latest novel, Hatch, in September 2020.

MICHELLE ORANGE (HBA ’98 Cinema Studies) published her memoir, Pure Flame, in June 2021.

SANDY PEREIRA

(BA ’00 Cinema Studies), film editor of the TV series Cardinal, received the 2021 Canadian Screen Award for Best Picture Editing, Drama, and the 2020 Director’s Guild of Canada Award for Best Film Editing, Movies for Television and Mini-series.

SCOTT RICHMOND

The Cinema Studies Institute associate professor received the 2021 Distinguished Service Award from the Society for Cinema and Media Studies.

ROBERT ROTENBERG (BA ’75 Innis) released his novel, Downfall, in February 2021.

PETER H. RUSSELL

Innis’s second principal published his latest book, Sovereignty: The Biography of a Claim, in February 2021.

RACHEL SAMUEL

(HBSc ’18 Innis) received a 2021 Outstanding Recent Alumni Award from the U of T African Alumni Association.

JACK WANG

(BSc ‘94 Innis) received the 2021 Danuta Gleed Literary Award for We Two Alone

ALBERTO ZAMBENEDETTI

The Cinema Studies

Institute assistant professor released his book, Acting Across Borders: Mobility and Identity in Italian Cinema, in March 2021.

Photo courtesy of Jack Wang

Photo courtesy of Rachel Samuel

Photo courtesy of Scott Richmond

Photo by Chiao Sun

Photo by Shayla Anderson

Photo courtesy of Cynthia Messenger

REMEMBRANCES AND REFLECTIONS

MARY LYNN WEYLIE, NÉE HUTCHINGS (BA ’69), 1945-2021

A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Lynn was an ESL teacher in Toronto. She and her husband, John, were long-time supporters of the Innis College Alumni Association.

“I have known Lynn for many years since we were classmates in high school. Both of us applied to attend Victoria College, but, fortunately for us, we were accepted by Innis College as founding frosh in September 1964. Lynn (aka "Pinchy") became quickly and deeply involved in many activities during the formative years of the College. Her enthusiasm, energy, and smile were infectious to all who had the good fortune to be near her. I know that Lynn's heart was in Innis College, and it never left.”

—Robert Patrick (BA ’67 Innis, BEd ’72, MEd ’79)

DAVID FINLAY (BCom ’84 Innis), 1959-2020

A loving father, accomplished businessman, entrepreneur, chef, and avid Leafs, Blue Jays, and Ti-Cats fan, David was known for his encyclopedic knowledge and humour.

“I first met Dave when we were living at Vlad House in the late 70s. The first thing that impressed me was the fact that he was a pretty good-looking guy who didn’t act at all like he thought he was. He was warm and welcoming and told the silliest jokes. He was friendly with everyone in the house, no matter how uncool you might be. We will really miss him.”

—Ana Sardinha (BA ’81 Innis)

“[Dave’s] natural gifts of loyalty, generosity, humour, entrepreneurial spirit, kindness, and competitiveness made him a genial host and a world-class party planner! In 1978, he threw the first Vlad House toga party, which became quite a tradition for the residence.” Christine Kovach, fellow Vladnick

“Dave was always a smiling, engaging presence at Vlad House. Whether we were plotting a scheme to raid the New College cafeteria or invite 'Honest' Ed Mirvish to a just-created Young Entrepreneurs Association, Dave was always keen for whatever mischief we could dream up. He was someone that we all looked up to—a great guy and a force of nature.” —John Cash (BA ’84 Innis, MA ’85)

Lynn Weylie with Dave Barnes (left) and Robert Patrick in the Innis Common Room in 1965 (photo courtesy of Robert Patrick)

David Finlay, 1979

PETER ALLEN

Professor of English at Innis from 1977-96 (1935-2021)

A devoted husband, dad, and grandpa, Peter was a respected teacher, accomplished professor of Victorian literature, jazz fan, cyclist, and paddler.

“Peter was one of the first professors to join the College, and he brought to Innis a great respect for students as well as a deep commitment to good teaching. … I believe Peter came to consider the College to be an extension of his ‘neighbourhood’ and therefore deserving of his attention and care. … Peter’s students returned his respect by selecting him as an outstanding teacher, a well-merited distinction. I always found Peter to be an involved and thoughtful colleague who kept the betterment of the College and of his students among his primary concerns.”

—John W. Browne, Innis’s fifth principal

IVAN (GRAEME) FERGUSON

ARTHUR WOOD

Assistant to three Innis College principals during the 70s (1942-2021)

Art was a medieval scholar and a farmer, a storyteller and dog lover, former chair of the AIDS Committee of Toronto, and board member of numerous charitable and political organizations.

“Art Wood had an outsized presence in the common room of the old Innis at 63 St. George during my undergraduate years. Gregarious, witty, engaging, and deeply learned about the exotic world of the Middle Ages—Art modelled the scholarly life I aspired to. I will always be grateful to him for that.” —Professor Robert Vipond (BA ’75 Innis, MA ’77)

“Thinking back to my first year at U of T, Art Wood comes sharply into focus. Art was warm and welcoming and helped make me feel at home. He had a great sense of humour and an infectious laugh, which I can still hear 50 years later.”

—Stephen Marcus (BA ’74 Innis)

Film industry pioneer and IMAX co-founder (1929-2021)

Artist, filmmaker, writer, co-founder of IMAX Corporation, and co-inventor of the IMAX Experience, Graeme believed that his greatest success was the relationship with his wife, Phyllis, and his family.

“Graeme was a student of Harold Innis, and he knew Marshall McLuhan. He also took classes taught by Northrop Frye, as did I. Wonderful training for someone destined to create a new medium. One of my friends who met my

father, Professor Rachel Barney, described him as ‘the perfect advertisement’ for the University of Toronto. Graeme had an incredible life: filming in the jungles of Africa, India, and the South Pole and sending IMAX cameras into space. He was a good father— very kind to me—a great teacher, and a voracious reader. Always curious, always engaged, he treated everyone he met with respect and courtesy.” —Munro Ferguson, son of Graeme Ferguson

Graeme Ferguson operates an IMAX camera (photo courtesy of Munro Ferguson).

Peter Allen, 1980

Art Wood, 1978

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

SHAYLA ANDERSON is Innis’s events and mentorship coordinator and a recent graduate of the College and its Urban Studies Program (HBA ‘19).

Shayla is passionate about photography and has worked with many Innis students, alumni, and faculty over the years. In her free time, Shayla enjoys the creative direction and styling of her for-fun photoshoots and exploring the world of film photography.

Photography: inside front cover, pp. 1, 2, 10, 12, 14, 23, 38-39, 44-45

DIDIER HA is a fourth-year student pursuing an HBSc in pharmacology and statistics. At Innis, Didier is currently the lead student ambassador for the Innis College Renewal and Expansion, and was part of the Innis Residence Council (IRC) and Innis College Council (ICC). Outside of school, he runs the Mahjong Club and cooks as often as he can.

Writing: “Innovating the legacy” (pp. 34-35)

PAUL KAITA is a recent U of T grad (HBA ’21) from the Daniels Faculty, where he studied architectural and visual studies and discovered his love for design. Paul served as an Innis College orientation coordinator, student representative on the Innis College Student Society (ICSS), and was an intern with the Innis Office of Student Life. Currently, Paul is in the Master of Education Program at OISE, U of T. Illustration: cover

Join our team of contributors

Calling all writers, illustrators, designers, and photographers— Innis Alumni & Friends is a proudly collective effort. And we would love to include your voice in the next edition.

Please reach out to editor Ben Weststrate (HBA ’08 Innis) at ben.weststrate@utoronto.ca.

Every page reflects the creative contributions of talented Innisians

WINSY LEUNG is a recent Innis grad (2021) with an HBSc in health and disease, and ecology and evolutionary biology. She was actively involved with the ICSS as well as Innis Orientation during her undergrad. Winsy is passionate about science communications because she enjoys using visuals to express herself, and sharing information with others in an accessible manner.

Illustration: “Following the science” (pp. 32-33)

LESLI RANSOM is an Innis grad (2018) with an HBA in linguistics, cinema studies, and semiotics and communication studies. Lesli is now a graphic designer and illustrator in her last year of the Graphic Design Program at George Brown College, focusing on visual identity and motion graphics. She is passionate about helping people tell their stories through design.

Illustration: “Meet the 2020 Arbor Award recipients” (p. 37)

EMILY SAKAGUCHI is a second-year Innis student pursuing a degree in human geography and urban studies. Both in and out of class, she dabbles in journalism, where, as in geography, she can engage with topical, human stories. Emily is currently working as a research assistant with U of T’s School of Cities and is volunteering with Youth Challenge International to broaden the discussion surrounding heat-reflective pavements.

Writing: “Age is just a number” (p. 36)

ANDREW YIN is a fifth-year Innis student double majoring in economics and urban studies and minoring in political science. He concurrently works at the Innis Registrar’s Office and is the founder of the WeChat platform of StarterKit. Two reasons he loves Toronto are Doors Open in May and TIFF in September.

Writing: “Pandemic prompts reimagining of Urban Studies course” (pp. 26-27)

ANGELINA ZAHAJKO is a second-year Innisian pursuing an HBA in ethics, society, and law, urban studies, and political science. On campus, she is creative director for The Innis Herald, a news contributor to The Varsity, and a lead analyst for the G7 Research Group. She is passionate about the storytelling of everyday life and what that looks like from the intersectional perspectives of historically marginalized communities. Writing: “The forces that shaped us” (pp. 19-21)

MICHELLE ZHANG is a recent Innis grad (HBA ’21) from the Urban Studies and Peace, Conflict, & Justice Programs. She has been an active student leader, starting in first year on the IRC and later holding positions on the ICSS, ICC, The Innis Herald, and as orientation coordinator. Michelle began her MSc in planning degree at U of T this fall, where she will continue to work with the community.

Editing: “Moments that mattered” (pp. 24-25)

CHANGING BLACK LIVES

Two exceptional students receive inaugural Lesra Martin Student Changemaker Awards

Kassia Neckles (HBA ’22 Innis, Cinema Studies)

“I am delighted that one of the inaugural recipients of the newly established Lesra Martin Student Changemaker Award is Kassia Neckles, a student who responded to the urgent call for action in the midst of the converging crises of a global pandemic and renewed attention to anti-Black violence.

“In addition to the absolute pleasure of teaching Kassia and watching her quietly encourage the class to pursue more complex questions, I had the opportunity to work with Kassia during the time we both served on Innis’s Black Student Experience working group. Throughout that process we again benefitted from Kassia’s quiet leadership, and her skill as a published writer specializing in the representational concerns facing Black communities.

“In her activism and her journalistic and creative writing, Kassia exhibits a commitment to imagining the expansive possibilities of Black visual culture. The patience and generosity she demonstrates in her research and writing reveal something more sustainable and impactful than quick or easy answers to the challenges we face: the power of thinking and acting in solidarity.”

—Lauren Cramer, assistant professor, Cinema Studies Institute

Francisca Wiafe-Amoako

(HBSc ’21 Innis)

“As a Black student at the University of Toronto, one is always trying to find spaces where they not only feel represented but can express themselves in culturally relevant ways. Throughout the years, I often heard Francisca speak about how much she loves dance and her desire for a community in the University where she could showcase African culture through artistic expression.

“Francisca not only took the initiative to create such a space, but through the formation of the Afro Dance and Culture Club, she created an inclusive environment where others could learn about Black culture.

“In the last few years, the Afro Dance and Culture Club has grown into a space where Black U of T students can express themselves through dance and music, and come together to share the vast array of Afro cultures. It is a space where Black students can discuss Black struggle, Black success, and foster connections based on the Black student experience. I could not think of anyone more deserving of the Lesra Martin Student Changemaker Award.”—Nana Koomson, (HBSc ’22 Innis)

BE A CHANGEMAKER: DONATE NOW

Donations to the Lesra Martin Student Changemaker Award at Innis College will directly support a returning or graduating Innis student who uses creative and innovative scholarship and/or co-curricular activity to effect change for Black lives.

To make a secure online donation, please visit https://donate.utoronto.ca/ changemaker. For more info, please email ennis.blentic@utoronto.ca or phone 416-978-3424.

Photography by Shayla Anderson