Innis College News - Winter 2009

INNIS COLLEGE NEWS

Winter 2009

Srinivas Krishna Goes Universal F

or a third year, students enrolled in the Cinema Studies program at Innis College have the opportunity to learn screenwriting skills from an expert Canadian screenwriter. Thanks to a generous gift in 2002 from Universal Studios Canada, the Universal Screenwriter-in-Residence program was established at Innis College for the benefit of students enrolled in the Cinema Studies Institute (CSI).

The Universal Screenwriter-in-Residence program supports an in-Residence position held by different Canadian screenwriters. The Screenwriter-in-Residence teaches a non-credit course to students interested in developing their writing skills for film. With a maximum Srinivas enrollment of 15 students, the Krishna brings course offers an intimate to the environment -fostering the creativity of tomorrow’s Screenwriterfilmmakers. in-Residence

“

program a wealth of experience in diverse modes of film and television writing

Krishna is well-known as the writer and director of feature films Masala, Lulu, and A Tryst with Destiny (in preproduction), along with numerous short dramatic films, television series episodes, and mini-series.

He is currently in postproduction on his first feature documentary,

Ganesh, Boy Wonder and is adapting Robert Sawyer’s novel, the sci-fi thriller, The Terminal Experiment, to the screen.

“The Universal Screenwriter-inResidence program enhances students' learning in two important ways: through a one-on-one mentorship with a highly respected professional in the field, and through the experience of writing for film.

This program offers a superb addition to the offerings of the Cinema Studies Institute,” says Professor Kay Armatage, Acting Director of the Institute.

Masala, Krishna’s debut feature, premiered at the

In 2004, Don McKellar, the Tony and Genie Award-winning Canadian actor, writer, filmmaker, and U of T grad, served as the program's inaugural Screenwriter-in-Residence.

In 2007, the CSI appointed Norman Snider, well-known filmmaker, author, critic, and journalist.

says Professor Kay Armatage.

”

Toronto and Sundance Film Festivals and garnered rave reviews. The film won the ‘Best Contemporary Drama’ Award at the Birmingham International Film Festival and in 2002, it was voted ‘Best South Asian Film’ of the 20th century by the British Film Institute.

To welcome Krishna to Innis College, the CSI hosted a reception and screening of Masala for students and faculty. “Srinivas Krishna brings to the Screenwriter-inResidence program a wealth of experience in diverse modes of film and television writing, infectious personal charm, and professional dedication to the project. The CSI is delighted with his contributions to the program,”

Krishna’s own excitement and enthusiasm for the program matches that of the students: “They are a bright, talented group who are exploring their commitment to writing”. He adds, “I am enjoying the class very much, as I believe the students are as well.

This past January, the CSI welcomed Srinivas Krishna as the 2009 Universal Screenwriter-in-Residence. Krishna was born in Madras, India, but grew up in Toronto and studied Art and Art History at the University of Toronto. Upon graduating from U of T, he enrolled at Philadelphia's Temple University where he earned a Masters in Fine Art in film.

As a result, I hope they make writing a lifelong pursuit.”

Urban Studies: Beyond The Classroom Message from the Principal Janet M. Paterson

Many exciting events have taken place at Innis College in the last few months. The Cinema Studies Institute has welcomed Srinivas Krishna, well-known director and writer of feature films, as this year’s Screenwriter-in-Residence. The Urban Studies Program continues to expand its experiential learning component bringing students to City Hall as well as to the KingSpadina redevelopment area. Students in the Writing and Rhetoric Program have enjoyed a series of informal talks with instructors – writers and editors -- from the Writing Centre. Our students have also brought new dynamism to the College by forming the Innis Environmental Society.

Their buzz word is: Go Green!

I

nnis College’s Urban Studies program is home to one of the longest running, experiential learning courses at the University. Experiential Learning in Toronto and the GTA is a seminar course combined with a weekly off-campus internship. Students are placed at urban-focused, non-profit organizations, including city councillors’ offices, urban planning departments, city-building initiatives, and community development organizations.

Undoubtedly, new students are anxious yet eager to begin what is often their first foray into ‘professional’ life as interns.

Students gain a wide variety of experiences which include: writing reports on urban-related issues, assisting local residents in accessing services at City Hall, and organizing and attending conferences and meetings with guests that have included the Prime Minister of Canada and the Mayor of Toronto, among other political and business leaders.

In addition to traditional in-class meetings, some class sessions are devoted to field trips geared at encouraging students to develop a broad and in-depth perspective on critical issues facing the city. This past fall, the class spent a day at City Hall attending a controversial meeting of the Toronto & East York Community Council regarding planning and budgetary matters. Students will also visit King-Spadina to observe how redevelopment and revitalization of this former manufacturing district has dramatically changed the area. Through field trips, student presentations and class discussions, students explore both the diverse nature of Urban Studies and how their role as interns in urbanfocused organizations contributes to the city overall.

Readers will find new content in this Newsletter. We now have an Alumni Spotlight featuring interviews with some of our most accomplished graduates. There is also a profile on one of our talented graduating students Rolla Tahir.

We welcome back our alumna Karen Papazian as the new Associate Director of Advancement for the College. Having gained tremendous experience since she graduated, Karen is well poised to expand our alumni and fundraising activities.

In June, we will say a fond farewell to Garry Spencer, our Dean of Residence. For hundreds of students and staff members, Garry has embodied the heart and soul of Innis College. Students describe him as “awesome”, “caring”, “terrific”, “approachable” and “funny”. I would simply say that he has been a “fantastic” Dean!

.. .. Students from the 07/08 Experiential Learning in .. .. Toronto and the GTA class bundle up for a cold day .. on the rooftop of 401 Richmond Street. .

In return for their hard work, some students have been offered employment opportunities; some have been taken to lunch; and others are brought muffins by thankful constituents! All students who participate in the course gain valuable professional experience that supports their post-university activities which include volunteerism and travel, employment in urban studies and other fields, and graduate school opportunities.

Lights,

A

Camera,

Atom!

generous gift of $50,000 from critically acclaimed filmmaker Atom Egoyan will provide scholarship support for graduate students enrolled in the Cinema Studies Institute at Innis College. Matched by the University’s Graduate Student Endowment Fund, Egoyan’s $50,000 donation will create an endowment of $100,000.

Announcement of the gift was made at a pre-screening of Egoyan’s newest film, Adoration. Innis College Principal Janet Paterson announced the gift to a packed Innis Town Hall. Students, faculty, and members of the wider Innis and University communities crowded in for a chance to see Adoration (before its Canadian release in Spring 2009) and to participate in a Question and Answer session with Egoyan following the film.

“We are extremely grateful to Atom Egoyan for his continued generosity to Innis College,” says Principal Janet Paterson. "His gift is a validation of the importance and success of the Cinema Studies Institute and we couldn’t be prouder to have Atom associated with the program and the College.”

Atom Egoyan, an alumnus of the University of Toronto, was appointed the Dean’s Distinguished Visitor in Cinema Studies, Theater, Music and Visual Studies at the Faculty of Arts and Science in 2006. As the Dean’s Distinguished Visitor, Egoyan teaches a course entitled, Transgressions: An Approach to Interdisciplinary Practice an undergraduate seminar for students enrolled in music, cinema, visual arts, and drama programs.

“

We are

extremely grateful to Atom Egoyan

for his continued generosity to

”

Innis College

"The Cinema Studies Institute has benefited immensely from Atom Egoyan's presence on campus over the past three years. Our students have had the opportunity to interact with Atom and his work in a variety of contexts—in the classroom, at Question and Answer sessions held after his lectures and film screenings, and during Nuit Blanche,” says Charlie Keil, Director of the Cinema Studies Institute. He continues: “In his encounters with them, Atom has always generously given his time and attention. In the spirit of that generosity, The Atom Egoyan Cinema Studies Scholarship is a wonderful way for Atom to extend his meaningful connection with Cinema Studies students for many more years to come. We thank Atom for enriching the life of the Cinema Studies Institute."

Deluxe Gift Funds Innis Classroom Renovation

T

hanks to a generous gift from Deluxe, students top undergraduate Cinema Studies program,” says enrolled in courses at the Cinema Studies Institute Cyril Drabinksy, CEO and President of Deluxe. “With its will be enjoying first-class screening impressive roster of faculty and room facilities as early as Fall 2010. students, a new Masters program, Deluxe Entertainment Services and a diverse and rich curriculum, Group is the leading provider Deluxe’s $250,000 gift to Innis I have no doubt that Innis College of a broad range of College will fund the renovation of and the Institute will make their entertainment industry classroom 222 – one of the permanent mark on the industry.” services and technologies.

College’s most popular screening Deluxe film and digital rooms. “Deluxe’s incredible The Cinema Studies Institute companies are strategically generosity will allow us to offer our introduced a Masters degree in located around the world students the very best picture and 2007, welcoming an inaugural class providing the complete service sound experience with state-ofof 13 students. Over the next few matrix from script to screen. the-art equipment, tiered theatre years, the Institute plans to expand seats, and handicap accessibility,” its Masters program and will says Principal Janet Paterson. eventually offer a PhD stream.

“We are delighted to support Innis College and the Cinema Studies Institute already home to Canada’s

Student Profile: Rolla Tahir (HBA 2009)

Ready,

F

Set,

Go

...

Green The Innis

Environment Society (IES), founded in 2008 by Innis College students Zannah Matson, Zexi Wang, Laura Southcott and Leora Rich, aims to bring the voices of Innis students into the ongoing, university-wide dialogue about campus sustainability. The IES envisions a leadership role for Innis College in the campus environmental movement.

The IES is currently working with administration, staff, and student groups to generate a sustainability policy for governing college-based and college-related activities. The IES has also joined forces with environmental groups at Victoria, Trinity, and University Colleges to organize the first ever collegebased week of environmental events (Envirofest). Envirofest (March 13-20, 2009) featured several Innis-sponsored events, including an Environmental NonGovernmental Organizations Fair and movie screenings at Town Hall.

ilm at a University? It was not something that occurred to fourth year Cinema Studies student, Rolla Tahir. “It’s not something you think about pursuing academically and professionally,” admitted Tahir. In fact, Tahir did discover the academic subject of Cinema Studies as well as an engaged community with a shared passion for film.

Originally from Egypt, Tahir went to Towson University in Maryland before transferring to U of T Scarborough. Flipping through calendars, she discovered the introductory course in Cinema Studies and took it as an elective. She found her passion, and transferred to Innis College the next year.

Finding that academic and community niche was crucial in helping Tahir make a transition to U of T and Innis College. “Discovering what I wanted to do and getting involved in the community, beyond just going to class, was a tremendous help,” says Tahir. The core of that community was the students of the Cinema Studies Students’ Union (CINSSU).

Through CINSSU, Tahir could dive into fierce arguments about film, help organize screenings, collaborate with festivals, serve on the CINSSU academic journal committee Camera Stylo (and eventually publish there), and meet a wide range of academics and film professionals, all bound by their shared love of the medium. Tahir’s dedication to CINSSU was capped by her election as President.

Tahir’s enthusiasm and engagement was not limited to CINSSU. She worked for the Toronto International Film Festival for three years, and she has honed her writing skills with the Innis Herald. Tahir has Discovering what also worked at Innis Town Hall and at the College’s Registrar’s Office. After I wanted to do and she graduates this June, Tahir will getting involved in work and pursue her own projects in the community, the film world. She will take away from Innis, most of all, the people: beyond just going her CINSSU peers, the wide network of people met through festivals, and to class, was a the inspiring and encouraging faculty tremendous with whom she hopes to keep in help contact in years to come.

FUN Factory

The Fun

T

o celebrate the release of Professor Rob King’s new book, The Fun Factory: The Keystone Film Company and the Emergence of Mass Culture, the Cinema Studies Institute hosted a colloquium with guest speakers, Charlie Keil (Professor, Cinema Studies Institute and Department of History; Director, Cinema Studies Institute, University of Toronto), Paul Moore (Professor, Sociology, Ryerson University) and author Rob King (Professor, Cinema Studies Institute and Department of History, University of

“

”

Rolla Tahir

News from the Writing and Rhetoric Program

T

he Writing and Rhetoric Program is pleased to announce the introduction of two new first-year courses: INI 103H: Writing Essays, and INI 104H: Writing Reports. A new fourth-year course in the Special Topics category is also being offered. Students in INI 409H: Rhetoric and Public Affairs: Writing a Conference Paper are learning to research, write, and present a paper. The course teaches students to acquire deep knowledge of a topic and focus that knowledge in a conference paper to be presented to a scholarly audience.

Toronto).

The Fun Factory: The Keystone Film Company and the Emergence of Mass Culture: From its founding in 1912, the short-lived Keystone Film Company - home of the frantic, bumbling Kops and Mack Sennett's Bathing Beauties- made an indelible mark on American popular culture with its high-energy comic shorts. Even as Keystone brought 'lowbrow' comic traditions to the screen, the studio also played a key role in reformulating those traditions for a new, cross-class audience. Rob King explores the dimensions of that process, arguing for a new understanding of working-class sensibilities within early cinematic mass culture. To purchase a copy of the book, please visit amazon.ca.

A new non-credit seminar entitled, Writing, Talk, and Tea, is part of a series of seminars led by instructors in the Innis College Writing Centre. The seminars engage Writing and Rhetoric students with various kinds of prose (stories, scholarly articles, essays) and exercises (editing); encourages students to talk about writing in small groups; fosters learning in a social setting; and, introduces students to the fine instructors in the Writing Centre.

Alumni Noa Alon graduated from Innis College in 1975. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto, Noa went to work at the Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids) – Canada’s most research-intensive hospital and one of the world’s largest and most respected pediatric academic health sciences centres.

What do you do at the Hospital for Sick Kids?

I work in a cancer research laboratory as a technician, but I have also spent time in a biochemistry research lab as well as a genetics research lab. I work on scientific research projects under the direction of my principal investigator.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

When the research yields some exciting results. I was part of the Sick Kids team that cloned the cystic fibrosis gene in 1989 and I played an integral role in the project.

How did your U of T education influence who you are today?

My Bachelor of Science degree was the prerequisite for my being hired for this position. The work has been so interesting that I’ve never wanted to leave the hospital or this field of work.

What motivates you at work?

Understanding how disease works, and hoping that the research conducted here at the hospital will directly impact the lives of children.

What advice would you offer Innis College students today?

Pursue something that you really enjoy. I am one of those lucky people who wakes up each day and is happy to be going to work. It’s so important to like what one does, especially since we spend so much time at our jobs.

Spotlight Dr. André Czeglédy, Innis College alumnus (HBA 1987) is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Anthropology at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.

What attracted you to teaching?

Teaching has always been an important part of how I see myself, particularly in terms of communicating ideas that others reshape in their own ways, but also drawing on a level of intellectual enthusiasm and reflection to which I try to give forceful impetus.

How did your education or experience at Innis College influence who you are today?

At Innis College, I was given so many opportunities to excel, not simply in academic terms, but also as a person working within an institutional framework that necessitated the balance of innovation and responsibility. Innis allowed me to do what I wanted, yet to accomplish this in ways that built on teamwork, collegiality, and collective achievement. The element of mutual respect at Innis gave us all a head start in becoming comfortable with self-expression, expectation, and leadership.

What do you remember most about Innis?

The genuine sense of community that was apparent from my very first day. It was abundantly clear that whether student, faculty member, or College staff, everyone was willing and interested in the collective project of creating a common space, place, and identity that actively drew on a vibrancy of differences in background, perspective, and opinion. This level of acceptance was one of the most liberating and creative dimensions of my undergraduate career at U of T; it taught me many lessons in how to deal with the diversity of people that I routinely encounter in my teaching, research and consultancy.

Mark Weisdorf, Innis College alumnus (BCom 1979) and generous benefactor to the College, is a managing director and CIO of JPMorgan Asset Management’s Infrastructure Investments group in New York City. He has almost 30 years of investment experience, including more than 12 years in real estate and infrastructure.

What attracted you to JPMorgan and your current position?

The challenge and opportunity to develop and implement a new and interesting investment strategy, and build a fast growing business for a leading global financial institution.

With continued layoffs, downsizing and hiring freezes, what skills will make tomorrow's workforce competitive in the marketplace?

A positive attitude, a level of inquisitiveness, hard work, perseverance, and dedication.

What do you see as the biggest challenge that recent graduates face when entering the workforce?

I graduated in 1979 and the late 70's and early 80's had the highest interest rates, inflation, and unemployment levels since the Second World War. The period we are entering may be as difficult or even more challenging. It is important that recent graduates and current students stay positive, and remain confident that this period will pass, as it did then. If you are a student of David Foote, U of T's well-known demographer, you will know that Baby Boomers are retiring, and the Echo Boom represents a smaller wave of new entrants to the workforce. As a result, the medium-term trend (once through this recession) is positive for employment opportunities and wages.

What do you remember most about Innis?

It was a place with an eclectic group of students with varied interests –academic and extra-curricular– where everyone got along. It was a place where students who had the interest and the time, could participate in college life and governance through a parity college council. I served as the first student Chairperson of Innis College Council in 1978-79. (Innis College is proud to celebrate almost 40 years of a parity governance system that gives equal say and vote to its students.)

What advice would you offer Innis College students today?

Get involved and take advantage of what the University has to offer. Continue to pursue your passions and interests. This is a once in a life-time opportunity to expand your mind and pursue your passions.

You have been an annual donor to Innis College since 1981. Why do you give back?

My time at the University was some of the most enjoyable and important years of my life. It has shaped me and given me the self-confidence and education that has allowed me to pursue a career of my choice. I believe in giving back as a way to help students enjoy the same opportunities and advantages that my UofT experience and Innis College in particular, afforded me.

A fond farewell to Dean Garry Spencer Flashback to 1983. Had Dean Garry Spencer accepted an offer to work in the Purchasing Department at Robarts Library, the College would have never known this man of great integrity. Instead, he accepted an offer to be Residence Life Coordinator at Innis College.

Fast forward to June 2009 when we will be saying a very difficult goodbye to a long time friend. After 15 years as the Dean of Innis Residence, Garry Spencer will be retiring.

Dean Garry Spencer began his tenure 40 years ago in the Purchasing Department at U of T Scarborough, and spent the last 26 years working at Innis College. In 1986, Spencer took on the added responsibility of serving as Dean of Devonshire House, a men’s residence. Residence and college life was a labor of love for Spencer. His experience, expertise, and dedication positioned him to become the first Dean of Innis Residence. In 1994, under Spencer’s leadership, Innis opened its doors to the first suite-style residence at U. of T. Spencer not only played a key role in solidifying the residence project, but also in its development from ground-up –literally. As Dean of Residence, Spencer worked tirelessly in the planning of Innis Residence. It is this incredible dedication to Innis and its students that will no doubt be his legacy. “Garry’s leadership, loyalty, generosity, and tireless energy will be deeply missed,” says Principal Janet Paterson. “On behalf of Innis College, I want to express my deepest gratitude for Garry’s dedication and for his outstanding contribution to Innis College.”

While faculty, staff, students and alumni will deeply miss Spencer, his name will remain synonymous with student life. Generations of students will recognize the name and know the legend -whether through Spencer’s Taddle Creek Student Life Award or from the Inspirational Innisian plaque that hangs in the College in honour of his commitment to Innis.

So what will Spencer miss most when he retires? “I will miss the action. The toughest part is letting go.” When asked why he stayed at Innis for all these years, Spencer replies, “It was the people –especially the students. I really liked working with young people. It was the best thing that ever happened to me.” It was also the best thing that happened to Innis College.

INNIS COLLEGE NEWS

Alumni and Development Office News

Karen Papazian (BA 2002 Innis) has joined Innis College as the new Associate Director, Advancement, responsible for the College’s alumni, communications, and fundraising activities.

Karen comes to Innis from the Rotman School of Management and worked at the Division of University Advancement from 2002-2004.

Karen dedicates much of her free time to volunteering with a number of non-profit organizations. She is a Cabinet Member of the Young Patrons' Circle at the Royal Ontario Museum, a member of the organizing committee of the Pomegranate Film Festival, and Vice-Chair of the Armenian Young Professionals of Toronto.

Please feel free to contact Karen at 416-978-3424 or alumni.innis@utoronto.ca.

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Editor Karen Papazian Contributors Shauna Brail Thomas Mackay Cynthia Messenger Janet Paterson Zexi Wang

Our thanks to Kay Armatage Nina Haikara Charlie Keil Roger Riendeau

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Keep in touch and stay involved. alumni.innis@utoronto.ca

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