Principal’s Message
Join me later this month for an unforgettable cinq á sept with Margaret Atwood, Canada’s most celebrated literary voice, who will give a captivating reading from her newly-published memoir, Book of Lives, followed by an intimate conversation and Q&A.
This exclusive event in support of the Massey College Visiting Scholars and Fellows Program also celebrates the appointment of our new Atwood-Massey Visiting Fellow, Kamal Riahi.
Each guest will receive a copy of Book of Lives, signed by Ms. Atwood, as well as a tax receipt for the charitable portion of the ticket price. Spaces are extremely limited, so I recommend you secure yours now.
With very best wishes,
James
Dr. James Orbinski, OC, MSC, MA, MD, MCFPC
Principal, Massey College
Professor, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto
MEETING OF MINDS AT MASSEY
Massey College recently hosted the Meeting of the Minds Reception, recognizing the mentorship program that pairs Junior Fellows with Senior Members from across the University of Toronto.
The program reflects Massey’s commitment to supporting leadership development and academic excellence through interdisciplinary collaboration. By fostering mentoring relationships rooted in guidance, reflection, and shared inquiry, Meeting of the Minds helps graduate students expand their networks and advance their academic and professional growth.
We thank all participants for contributing their time, expertise, and lived experience. Your engagement strengthens our community and supports the next generation of scholars and leaders.
EVENTS
What the Edge Knows: An Artist Talk with Natia Lemay
Massey College and OCAD University invite you to a special artist talk with Natia Lemay, joined in conversation by Visiting Scholar Ilene Sova, Senior Fellow Sarah Robayo Sheridan, and Junior Fellow Emma Avery. The event will open with a multimedia presentation by Lemay, followed by a discussion exploring her creative practice and its resonances within broader cultural contexts.
Raised in Winnipeg and now based in New Haven, Lemay works through an interdisciplinary, autoethnographic approach, examining the intersections of mind, body, memory, and space. Her work has been widely exhibited across North America and is held in major public collections, including the Art Gallery of Ontario, the High Museum in Atlanta, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. She is a graduate of OCAD University (BFA, 2021) and Yale School of Art (MFA, 2023), and has held residencies at The Fountainhead (Miami) and the Royal Drawing School (Scotland).
Monday, November 17 | 4:30-6:00pm
Junior Common Room | RSVP
Book Launch & Panel Discussion – Two Presidents respond to What Could A University Be? Revolutionary Ideas for the Future, by Senior Fellow Robert Gibbs
This new book imagines a university where all students in all levels and across all faculties, including professional schools are learning how to do research.
David Naylor, President Emeritus of U of T, and Rhonda McEwen, President of Victoria University will share their reflections on the future of research universities in relation to this book.
Panel 5:30-6:45pm
Reception 6:45-8:00pm
Tuesday, November 18 | 5:30-8:00pm
Junior Common Room | RSVP
SAVE THE DATE
German Canadian Media Symposium
Join us on the morning of Wednesday, November 19 for the German Canadian Media Symposium. Speakers and topic to come!
The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Threat or Opportunity?
Join us for the first Ethics Series of the term.
Artificial Intelligence has rapidly emerged as one of the most transformative forces of our time—capable of solving complex problems while introducing new ethical challenges. This panel will explore the broader implications of AI, with a particular focus on how it is being used within Canada’s immigration system. The discussion will feature Kevin Newman, journalist and former anchor of Global National News; Gurpreet Malhotra, CEO of Indus Community Services; and Sara Maqsood, Junior Fellow and Co-Chair of the Massey Law Society. The conversation will be moderated by Don Gibson, Co-Chair of the Massey Ethics Program.
Margaret Atwood: Book of Lives
Margaret Atwood, Canada’s most celebrated literary voice, joins Principal James Orbinski for an intimate conversation and a captivating reading from her newly-published Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts.
Proceeds of this exclusive event will support the Massey College Visiting Scholars and Fellows Program (tax receipts provided). Each guest will receive a copy of Book of Lives, signed by Ms. Atwood.
Tickets are $150, which include complimentary refreshments, a signed copy of Margaret Atwood’s new book, plus a tax receipt for $120.
Friday, November 28 | 5:00-7:00pm
Junior Common Room | RSVP
COMMUNITY NEWS
AWARDS & APPOINTMENTS
- Junior Fellow Rayan Awad Alim has been invited by the Office of the Provost and Vice-President to the Advisory Committee for the Dean, Faculty of Arts & Science. She was also recently elected to the Arts & Science Council as a graduate member.
- Senior Fellow Sheena Josselyn has been named as the recipient of the 2025 Peter Seeburg Integrative Neuroscience Prize. The 100,000 USD prize honours scientists who successfully connect molecular and cellular events to brain circuits and systems to explain cognitive and behavioural processes.
- Senior Fellow The Right Honourable Julie Payette CC CMM COM CQ CD FCAE has been elected President of the International Executive Committee of the Association of Space Explorers (ASE), the international professional organization composed of astronauts who have completed at least one orbit of the Earth.
NEWS
Senior Fellow Sharry Aiken is quoted in The Toronto Star regarding Canada’s new immigration plan. Read here.
Senior Fellow Lily Cho is quoted by CBC on artistic work documenting changing Chinatowns across North America. Read here.
Journalism Alumni Mujtaba Haris has co-authored an op-ed in the Globe and Mail, featuring CJFE Journalism Fellow Mostafa Al-A’sar. Read here.
Senior Fellow Mojgan Hodaie is featured on CTV for her work helping individuals with essential tremors regain movement and function.
Read / watch here.
Senior Fellow Sarah Kaplan is quoted on CTV regarding Canadian worker support for equity initiatives. Read here.
Ogimaa-Kwe Claire Sault, Chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, together with Senior Fellows Nurjehan Mawani and David Zimmer, joined Carol Anne Hilton, Chief Executive Officer of the Indigenomics Institute, and her team, to close the market at the Toronto Stock Exchange during the annual Indigenomics on Bay Street Conference (November 6). See the TSX highlight.
Senior Fellow Samir Sinha discusses new Alzheimer’s treatments on CBC Radio’s Here & Now.
