Principal’s message
What I expected. What I found.
As I set about on my “Listening and Learning” period in December, unexpected issues of serious financial concern for Massey College were revealed. Over the holidays, with the sound (and pro bono) expertise of Deloitte auditors and the tireless effort of board and staff members, we identified the problem, and have formulated a strategy for realigning our way forward toward our vision. With my fullest thanks to the Quadrangle Fund, which was set up in 1966 by the Massey Foundation for just such a need, the College will receive major support to help us realign and see us into this next inspiring chapter.
In my first days and months as Principal, I had not planned for this bracing moment of serious concern. And yet, as I settle in to the living beauty of this precious Massey space and community, I am even more deeply inspired. And I am even more committed to cultivating civility and leadership for the public good around issues of contemporary concern. Indeed, I am delighted that this January 20, we will be hosting a conference on Canada-US relations in the Age of Trump.
I also very much look forward to seeing you all at the first High Table of 2025: The Clarkson Laureateships, which recognise exemplary service to the public good. Inspiration will indeed be on full display this coming special night!
Dr. James Orbinski
7th Principal of Massey College
Please join me on Friday, January 24 for the Clarkson Laureateships High Table. RSVP here.
2024 Clarkson Laureate High Table with Laureates (L-R) Sara Maqsood, Dr. Samir Sinha, Thomas Ayouti and Michael O’Keefe. Madame Clarkson is in the centre. Photo: Lisa Sakulensky
Junior Fellow Applications
Applications for new Junior Fellows are open until January 31! We are seeking individuals committed to the public good who will make outstanding contributions to our vibrant interdisciplinary community. We encourage you to refer graduate or professional students at the University of Toronto to apply.
The JCR Podcast
Building big ideas through entrepreneurship: Leveraging your academic skills for real-world impact
In this episode, Junior Fellow Nancy Tahmo talks with Mary Aglipay, a PhD candidate in Epidemiology and co-founder of Pippen AI. Mary shares how her training in machine learning and artificial intelligence led to the creation of an AI platform that simplifies administrative tasks for family medicine physicians. Together, they discuss how academic training can fuel impactful innovations and provide practical tips and resources for students looking to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.
Be sure to listen to past episodes, as well.
JANUARY PROGRAMMING
Monday, January 20 – Public Policy Conference – What’s Next: US Relations in the Age of Trump
The conference is fully booked for in-person attendance. But you can still join us online—live or on-demand.
Join Amanda Lang, award-winning business and economics journalist, and Tom Axworthy as they examine how a potential second Trump term could reshape Canada’s trade, defense, and policy landscape. With discussions on foreign policy, national security, and economic challenges, this event is a must-watch for those concerned about the future of Canada-US relations.
See full agenda, speakers and livestream details.
Monday, January 20 – Junior Fellow Lecture Series on Climate Emergencies. RSVP
JFLS is open to all community members! Join us for the following presentations:
- Chaitanya Ahuja: Reducing the climate impact of urban infrastructures: Urban form pathways to minimize the embodied greenhouse gas emissions of water systems
- Carlos Sanchez-Pimienta: Which Human? Whose Nature? Re-thinking Contemporary Climate Emergencies
- Emmanuel Taiwo: Fostering Justice and Equity in Energy Transitions: The Power of “Community”
- Kaushar Mahetaji: TikTok and ByteDance
RSVP for formal dinner and start your night over an excellent meal.
Tuesday, January 21 – Ethics Series: Misinformation/Disinformation on Social Media: How Large is the Threat to Democracy? (ONLINE ONLY)
Social media’s impact on democracy is undeniable. Join experts to explore its role in fueling polarization and harm. Featuring:
- Sabreena Delhon, CEO of Samara Centre for Democracy & Senior Fellow, Massey College
- Marcus Kolga, Renowned Journalist & Cybersecurity Expert
- Sophie Socilotto, Analyst, Debunk.org
Moderated by Tom Axworthy, Chair of the Ethics Series and Public Policy. RSVP for a reminder.
Wednesday, January 22 – Exploring Architecture of Anxiety: A Conversation with Senior Fellow Heba Mostafa
Join Professor Heba Mostafa as she discusses her book Architecture of Anxiety: Body Politics and the Formation of Islamic Architecture. She will explore caliphal anxieties, political survival, and new perspectives on Islamic state formation and sacred spaces, in conversation with Junior Fellow Sanniah Jabeen. A reception will follow. RSVP
Wednesday, January 22 – Alumni Dinner (1984-1994 Cohort)
Join us for the Alumni Dinner, where all members of the College community are welcome. It’s a chance for members of the 1984-1994 cohort to reconnect, meet Junior Fellows, and enjoy a memorable meal together. RSVP by 2pm the day before.
Friday, January 24 – Clarkson Laureateship High Table. RSVP
Saturday, January 25 – Anishinaabemowin Lessons
Led by father and son duo Jason and Marcel Donio, classes will be held in the Private Dining Room on Saturdays: January 25, February 1, 8, 22, and March 1 from 10:30am-12:00pm.
In-person attendance is preferred, but remote participation via Zoom is available. All levels welcome.
Monday, January 27 – LP Launch – Discount Everything
Join us to celebrate the launch of Discount Everything – the debut LP from Bluebloods, featuring Junior Fellow Sam Little with bandmates Courtney Fox and Conrad Sweatman. Enjoy videos of select tracks and live performances, followed by a conversation with music historian Michael Barclay about the album and the band’s journey. RSVP
Wednesday, January 29 – Massey Dialogues: Healthcare Barriers for People with Disabilities with David Lepofsky
Join disability rights advocate David Lepofsky as he delves into the systemic barriers in healthcare for people with disabilities, offering insights into actionable solutions for a more inclusive system. Junior Fellows Alison D’Cruz and Rachel Tyli will join him for a discussion, moderated by Senior Fellow Jillian Kohler. RSVP
LOOKING AHEAD
Monday, February 3 – Book Club: Son of Elsewhere
Following formal dinner (insert link), join the discussion of Son of Elsewhere by Elamin Abdelmahmoud. This memoir reflects on Blackness, faith, identity, and the journey of finding belonging, blending humour and insight. RSVP for in person or join via Zoom.
Begin your night over a fantastic meal. RSVP for formal dinner.
Wednesday, February 5 – Massey Dialogues – Don’t Call Me Resilient (podcast recording)
Wednesday, February 5 – Music Salon – The Colour of Joy: Celebrating Black Art Song in Canada
Join us following formal dinner (insert link) to celebrate Black History Month with Soprano Jonelle Sills, accompanied by Steven Philcox, will perform The Colour of Joy by Maria Thompson Corley, followed by a conversation with co-lyricists Kanika Ambrose and Christene Browne. RSVP.
Start the evening with a wonderful formal dinner meal prior to the Music Salon. RSVP.
Friday, February 7 – Black History Month High Table
Massey’s High Table dinners are a place for our community to unite in celebration and solidarity. We invite you to join us as we honour Black communities within Massey and beyond. Enjoy a delicious meal while we introduce new fellows, scholars, and community members. RSVP
SAVE THE DATE for the other High Tables of the term:
- March 7 – International Women’s Day
- March 28 – Convocation High Table
COMMUNITY NEWS
AWARDS
The Samara Centre for Democracy, directed by Senior Fellow Sabreena Delhon, was nominated for Best Podcast in the Consumer category at the Canadian Online Publishing Awards! This time for their French podcast, Les Personnages de la Chambre! (Humans of the House). Listen in French | Listen in English
NEWS
- Senior Fellow and Chair in Human Rights Payam Akhavan was quoted in a op-ed in National Observer on court ruling to hold Canada’s feet to the fire on climate change.
- Senior Fellow Andrew Boozary co-authored research in Canadian Journal of Public Health on development and assessment of a new community-driven overdose prevention site in Toronto. Read here.
- Alum Jack Cunningham talks about retaliatory tariffs on the United States on Global.
- Alum Christine Koch has a painting placed in the Canadian Embassy in Washington DC called Never Melting Ice I: Cirque, in the Collection of Global Affairs. The 2015 mixed media painting depicts one of the glaciers in the Torngat Mountains, where Christine worked with geographers from Memorial University who were conducting climate change research. The name is a translation of a local Nunatsiavut word for glacier.
- Senior Fellow Merrijoy Kelner discuss the importance of social interactions as we age in the Globe and Mail.
- Senior Fellow Janice Stein discusses the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas on CBC’s The National.
We love learning about your good news and sharing it with the community. Please email our communications team with links to your news (awards/recognitions, career highlights – new roles, research publications, articles, podcasts, interviews, op-eds, art exhibits, publishing books/book events, etc.)
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
From Dr. Peter N. Lewis, Senior Fellow and Interim President of Friends of Canadian Institutes of Health Research (FCIHR), they are having a Call for Nominations for the 2025 Janet Rossant Lectureship. Deadline: February 7.
In case you missed it, the first Massey Dialogues of the term took place this week on University Autonomy bringing together a Senior Fellow, Visiting Scholar, Junior Fellow and Principal Emeritus. You can watch it here.
Massey is Lunch
Please continue to sign up for Massey is Lunch to connect with Junior Fellows over a delicious lunch in-hall.
Massey College Choir
Finally, a reminder that the Massey College Choir rehearsals have changed to Sunday evenings from 7:00-8:00pm in the Colin Friesen Room. No registration required. All levels are welcome.
