A legacy of York’s 50th Anniversary, the York Circle invites the university’s extended family – including parents of students, alumni, retirees, friends and neighbours – to participate in its academic life. The inaugural event runs from 10:00 am – 3 pm; admission is free. (Please note: registration for members of the public is now closed as all sessions for this event are at capacity.)

The morning lecture will feature Professor Harvey Skinner, Dean of York’s Faculty of Health, discussing the topic, “First Health, Then Medicine: A prescription for personal health and our health care system.”

In the afternoon, Paul Delaney, Professor of Physics & Astronomy, will speak about the search for planets and life in our galaxy. Images from spacecraft and the largest telescopes on and above Earth will be featured.

A concurrent lecture will feature Phillip Silver, Professor, Department of Theatre and former dean of York’s Faculty of Fine Arts. His talk, entitled “Food, Glorious Food,” will offer a lighthearted look at food and drink on stage.

Lorna Marsden, York Circle Coordinator and former president & vice-chancellor, notes that the circle goes beyond the traditional concept of continuing education.

“The idea is that we’re reaching out to the community we serve – and that means making our academic life accessible to our neighbours and to everyone in our extended family,” says Marsden. “The York Circle is unique in that it welcomes everyone.”

Future events will require participants to become members of the York Circle. Membership during York’s anniversary year is free.

Events will take place in the Accolade West Building. For a complete schedule and more information on the York Circle, visit: www.yorkcircle.ca .

York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 200,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 10 Faculties and 28 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation.

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Media Contact:

Melissa Hughes, Media Relations, York University, 416 736 2100 x22097 / mehughes@yorku.ca