Message from the Dean
Dear Alumni,
Winter is a time when the world seems to move just a bit slower, giving us a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come and where we will be heading next. As we look ahead to warmer days that will soon be getting longer, we refocus and ensure we’re on the path to achieving our Strategic Academic Plan, guided by our vision, purpose and values.
In December, I was in London and South Africa where I had the opportunity to meet with York alumni and partners to discuss plans for growth and interdisciplinary collaboration for Lassonde. It was inspiring to see the incredible things that our alums have been up to since graduating, and I always appreciate the opportunity to have these discussions. This journey also allowed me to connect with colleagues from the Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC), for which I was recently appointed to the Executive Committee.
As you may know, our new fully work-integrated degree program in Digital Technologies (BASc), launching in September, brings our vision for a better future to life. This program is a truly innovative take on learning and a first in Canada, led by world-class faculty members, where students will work full-time for four years while earning their degree. We’re still accepting new employers to join us as a part of this program. If you work for an organization that may be interested in taking on learners, you can find out more about the benefits on our website.
This program aligns with our larger commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at Lassonde. As engineers and scientists, we can appreciate firsthand that the challenges of the future represent opportunities that will be met by the people and knowledge we develop today. That’s why we’re focused on creating a more diverse community in STEM by breaking down barriers.
Recently, we’ve been acknowledged for doing just that through our k2i academy, which received a Minister’s Award of Excellence in the category of Equality of Opportunity. As we work towards creating a more inclusive future in STEM, these initiatives and their impact will help us attract and recruit a more diverse prospective student base that will make up the face of engineering and science tomorrow.
In a busy world, it’s important to pause and take time to reflect on significant occasions. February is Black History Month, a time for us to celebrate the important contributions made by Black scientists and engineers. I invite you to browse through our social media channels, including LinkedIn, to see stories from Black creators at Lassonde. In March, you can also look forward to highlights about our powerful women for International Women’s Day and various stories from our current and future engineers as we mark National Engineering Month.
As always, we would love to connect with you, our alumni, and hear about everything you’ve been up to since graduating. Please be sure to visit our alumni page for more information about how you can continue to stay involved at Lassonde.
Thank you for taking the time to browse through our newsletter.
Jane Goodyer
Dean
Lassonde School of Engineering