Massey is Community
One month into my tenure as Principal of Massey I am reminded that Massey is Community. The gathering of different generations and different disciplines to discuss the big issues — this is what makes our institution like no other in Canada.
Over a beautiful meal in the Ondaatje dining hall, in front of the fire in the Junior Common Room, and across the snow-covered Quad, I see our bright Junior Fellows mingling with professors, business leaders, artists, and innovators, all in pursuit of a common goal for the Public Good.
Last week, for instance, the Massey College Book Club saw a marvelous turnout in the Upper Library, including a surprise visit from the author himself, Elamin Abdelmahmoud. I encourage you to partake in the many dialogues and events on offer or just drop in for coffee (it’s free!). You’ll never know who you might meet!
Best wishes,
Dr. James Orbinski
Principal
Author Elamin Abdelmahmoud with the Massey College Book Club
THE JCR Podcast
The latest episode of the JCR is out now.
Dissertations and Diapers
Balancing the demands of an intensive graduate program while stepping into parenthood is no small feat. Junior Fellows Omni Elebyary and Sonali Ravi join host Sara Maqsood to share their personal experiences, challenges, and insights on navigating this transformative journey—and the changes that could better support student parents.
Listen here, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Registration for a number of important conferences this term is now open. Please RSVP and spread the word among your networks:
Thursday, February 27 – Empowering Afghan Women for Global Justice
Massey College is hosting a high-level strategic session bringing together Afghan women leaders, policymakers and international human rights advocates. Marking the 5th anniversary of the Doha Agreement, this event will address the Taliban’s systemic oppression of Afghan women and explore legal and policy responses to hold the regime accountable. Discussions will focus on Afghan women’s role in international justice efforts, global advocacy, and Canada’s policy strategy.
With leadership from our Chair in Human Rights, Payam Akhavan, and the High-Level Expert Group on Gender Persecution and Gender Apartheid.
Thursday, March 6 – Language, Identity, and Resilience: Exploring the Importance of French in Minority Language Communities
This conference will build bridges between anglophone and francophone communities and dive into the role of the French language in Ontario’s Francophone communities.
Friday, March 14 – Walter Gordon Symposium – Equity in Peril: Immigration, Urban Planning, and Energy
This Junior Fellow led symposium brings together leaders to explore how Canada can navigate complex issues while forging a more equitable and inclusive path forward.
Tuesday, April 15 – Liberal Democracy in the Rear-View Mirror?
This conference examines the causes and consequences of democratic backsliding at home and abroad.
FEBRUARY EVENTS
Wednesday, February 12 – Alumni Dinner (2015-2024 cohort)
Former Junior Fellows reconnect with the Massey community over a signature three-course meal.
Wednesday, February 12 – Massey Grand Rounds
Join MGR from 6:00-8:00pm in the Private Dining Room for an informal discussion about science, research, careers, and the like over dinner.
Monday, February 24 – Saving Journalism: Can Community Building Counter AI and Polarization
McLuhan Fellow Pia Ranada, from the Philippines will speak to how community-driven journalism can help the industry survive.
Wednesday, February 26 – Junior Fellow Lecture Series
Explore Gender and Sexuality from diverse academic perspectives.
BOOK CLUB
Join us for wonderful discussions at the last two book clubs of the year:
- March 3, 2025 – Hello Beautiful: A Novel by Ann Napolitano.
- April 7, 2025 – Native Nations: A Millennium in North America by Kathleen DuVal, winner of the 2024 Cundill History Prize. Join author Kathleen DuVal in conversation with the LRC’s Editor-in-Chief Kyle Wyatt to discuss. Read more here.
MUSIC SALON
Wednesday, March 5 – Women from Space: Exploring the Art of Visionary Women in Music
MARCH EVENTS
Highlighting some events coming up next month. Be sure check the Masseycollege.ca calendar for more events.
Tuesday, March 4 – Jack McClelland Writer-In-Residence reading and reception
The 2024-2025 Writer-in-Residence is George F. Walker, one of the most prolific playwrights and screenwriters in Canada. The event is presented by Massey College and the University of Toronto’s Department of English.
Friday, March 7 – International Women’s Day High Table
Join us for an evening of community, reflection, and celebration. Over a shared meal, we will honour the women of Massey and beyond, welcoming new Fellows, scholars, and community members.
Saturday, March 15 – Wine Grazing: The Voice of the Volcano
Enjoy a selection of fine wines from Mount Etna, carefully paired with a gourmet tasting menu and a special performance by Toronto’s own Opera Revue. This Massey tradition brings together all members of the community and their guests. Brought to you by the Massey College Wine Grazing Committee.
March 24 – Cancel Culture & Anti-Racism: A Double-Edged Sword?
Join us for a moderated debate with members of Massey College’s Anti-Black Racism Counsel, hosted by Junior Fellow and Equity and Inclusivity Secretariat Co-Chair Kejah Bascon. This timely and thought-provoking conversation will explore the complexities of holding individuals accountable while fostering both personal and systemic growth and change.
Sending our sincere condolences to
- Senior Fellow Carolyn Tuohy whose husband Walter passed away last month. You can read his obituary here, and sign the guest book to share messages with Carolyn.
- Senior Fellow Dorothy (Dot) Pringle’s husband Jack passed away in December. Read his obituary here.
Book History Print Culture’s Transcribe-a-thon
On Wednesday, March 5, explore recipes in a seventeenth-century manuscript cookbook while learning about early modern handwriting, paleography, and digital scholarship. The event will take place from 2:10–4:00pm. Registration is free and open to all U of T students, faculty, and staff, although space is limited; to request registration, please complete this form by February 19.
COMMUNITY NEWS
AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS
Junior Fellow Chukwunonso Nwabufo has been named Drug Metabolism and Disposition Highlighted Trainee Author for the January 2025 Issue of American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) News.
NEWS
Junior Fellow Otuto Chukwu co-wrote an article on how risk capital can transform clinical outcomes in Nigeria.
Senior Fellow the Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson recently published an adapted version of her remarks from the Clarkson Laureateship High Table last month, in the Globe and Mail. Read it here.
Senior Fellow Ron Deibert discusses his book about cyber espionage on CTV.
Alum Lisa Levin was quoted on smaller nursing homes. Read here.
Journalism Fellow Alum Jonathan Montpetit sat in as the host of CBC’s Front Burner last week. Listen here.
Research on machine learning and nano-3D printing by Alum Peter Serles was featured in U of T’s Engineering News.
Fellows are talking about US-Canada tariffs:
- Senior Fellow Dimitry Anastakis comments on the impact of tariffs on Detroit’s automotive industry.
- Listen to Senior Fellow Janice Stein on Metro Morning.
Alum Christine Tran was quoted in Rolling Stone on whether social media activism trends can create meaningful change.
Senior Fellow Shafique Virani was quoted in CBC on the passing of the Aga Khan.
REMINDERS
The Dr. Aubie and Esther-Rose Angel Leadership Prize
If you are connected to a Junior Fellow enrolled in medicine or related sciences (eg. nursing, bioethics, biomedical engineering, etc.), who has supported the Massey community through their leadership abilities and accomplishments, please consider nominating them for this prize of $2,000. This prize will be conferred to the recipient at the Convocation High Table in March.
The deadline to submit: March 3, 2025. Nomination form.
William Southam Journalism Fellowship Applications
Mid-career journalists are invited to apply for the 2025–2026 cohort of the WSJF at Massey College. This transformative fellowship offers the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect at the University of Toronto. Applications are open until March 31.
