Fresh into 2021, we're reflecting on some of the world's recent events and responses from our community in education. While the coronavirus may have crippled how the world-at-large got together to collaborate and celebrate this past year, the OISE community worked diligently to make 2020 a fruitful, connective one for faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends. Here are some of the year's most memorable moments at OISE. More here.
What's New at OISE

The 2020 R.W.B. Jackson Lecture featured alum and literary giant, Dionne Brand, in conversation with her dear friend and renowned Black studies scholar, Prof. Rinaldo Walcott. Watch here.

They're saving us from COVID-19, speaking up for equality and shining bright with resilience. Meet Fernanda Yanchapaxi, Marcus Singleton, Melissa Sariffodeen and more of our OISE alumni heroes of 2020. Read more.

Professor Megan Boler explains how Trump's presidency impacted the social media landscape, and what the future holds for him and his supporters in the online world. Read more.

PhD student Robin King Stonefish, who carries on the traditions set by her auntie and mother in her academic work, has been named winner of the 2020 Scholarship for Research in Violence Against Indigenous Women. Read more.

Postsecondary schools are offering social and mental health supports, but students most in need of help are struggling to get it with multiple barriers, says Prof. Chloe Hamza. Read more.

Child and youth worker and OISE PhD student Tanitia Munroe shines light on the ways COVID-19 has further exposed anti-Black racism in the lives of the youth she serves. Read more.

Charles Pascal has led a decades-long career as a leader in education, policy and mentorship. He recounts this journey in his new book, "Leading From The Inside Out: Hard-Earned Lessons from Education, Government and Baseball" - and shares his insights. Read more.

Help create a more resilient community! When you give to the OISE Psychology Clinic, you help ensure more students and community members in crisis receive the care they need.

Your gift will be put to work immediately to help the more than 130 people — triple that of this time last year — currently waiting for support. Together, we will help provide positive outcomes for members of our community during this unprecedented time.
Celebrating Our Own: Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Dr. Caroline Cole Power (MEd '11), Founder and CEO, Canadian HR Solutions Inc., and Melissa Sariffodeen (MEd '20), Co-founder and CEO, Canada Learning Code, have been named Top 100 of Canada's Most Powerful Women by Women's Executive Network. Read more.

During the holidays, Matt Stodolak (MT '17), president of the OISE Alumni Association, was on a mission to create the perfect Hallmark movie. The twist? It's a musical! "Chris, Mrs." has all the snow and twinkling lights you can jam into a TV screen. Plus a love story and catchy tunes. Read more.

In 1971, cognitive psychologist Frank Smith revolutionized reading theory. At the same time, Smith joined the faculty at OISE as new challenges emerged in the world of pedagogy – from immigration to French immersion. Read more about his influence on children's education. Read more.

Dean Glen Jones (MEd '88, PhD '91), Merli Tamtik (MA '09, PhD '13) and Roopa Desai Trilokekar (PhD '06) have been recognized by CBIE for leading a new book project: the award-winning and boundary-pushing text, "International Education as Public Policy in Canada." Read more. 
Virtual Events & Webcasts
Last month's R.W.B. Jackson Lecture featured OISE alum and literary giant, Dionne Brand, in conversation with her dear friend and renowned Black studies scholar, Professor Rinaldo Walcott. Watch here.

Webcast – Night of the Arts
Our first student-alumni Night of the Arts brings you a set of talented musical acts, spoken word poets, actors, visual artists, and more. Sit back and enjoy the show! Watch here.

On this episode of the OISE Stay At Home Club, Elizabeth Buckner shows you a few homemade crafts she uses to decorate her home for winter solstice. Watch here.

Traditional Ojibwe Teacher and Gokoomis, Jacque(line) Lavalley holds two-hour drop-in sessions on alternate Wednesdays between 6 - 8 p.m. via Zoom. All OISE community members are welcome. Learn more.

For Black History Month, join OISE's Equity Committee for the second installation of its Black Faculty in Conversation series. Hear from George Dei, Njoki Wane, Ann Lopez, Fikile Nxumalo, Lance McCready, Rosalind Hampton and Andrew Campbell. Register here.

Do you know that organic beer contributes to a more sustainable future? Join in a sustainability-focused social event where OISE community members can learn about organic beers from local brewmasters. Register here.

Save the date! OISE Graduate Student Research Conference (GSRC) is an interdisciplinary academic meeting that provides an opportunity for grad students to share their research with you, network with leaders, and connect with the OISE's support networks. Learn more.
Alumni Giving Back
The whyPAR Podcast brings youth participatory action research practitioners, including OISE faculty, graduates and alumni, together in discussion about issues, opportunities and ethical dimensions in the field. Listen here.
Born visually impaired, OISE alum Daniel Zingaro, a math and computer science professor at U of T Mississauga, connects with students by sharing his own trials at school - and his triumphs. Read more.
Alumni Perks & Services

Enjoy U of T alumni email for life and showcase your connection to your alma mater, a world-leading institution. Access your alumni email. Learn more.

U of T alumni receive a complimentary subscription to the popular University of Toronto Magazine in print and through email! The magazine prints twice a year, in April and October. Learn more.

Take advantage of special discounts for alumni on popular, award-winning mindfulness, sleep, meditation and mental health apps. Learn more.

Access our highly popular community webinar, Mindfulness Practice as a Training Ground for Resilience led by OISE instructor Dr. Shelley Murphy. Watch here.
What to Read

Prof. Njoki Wane has been researching Black feminisms, African Indigenous knowledge, and doing anti-racism education for more than 20 years. She explores her African roots and recounts her upbringing in Kenya in her new memoir, "From My Mother's Back." She recently spoke about it on CBC Radio.
We hope you enjoyed this edition of the OISE Alumni and Friends Newsletter. Until next time...stay connected! Come to a virtual event, join our OISE Alumni Facebook group, or follow us on social media.