Arts Exposed event hosted by vlog
Students from vlog’s Event Marketing - Sports, Entertainment, Arts program and Event Management - Exhibit and Design program welcomed attendees and assisted with the management of the third annual Arts Exposed Conference, which was held at Markham Campus in October. More than 250 people attended this education and networking event to hear from top U.S. and Canadian arts leaders and learn how to succeed in the visual arts, literary, film and performing arts fields. Among this year’s keynote speakers was Cameron Bailey, artistic director of the Toronto International Film Festival and Terry O’Reilly of co-founder of Toronto’s Pirate Radio & Television.
First-ever Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day held at vlog
vlog’s first Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day was held at Newnham Campus in November. This cross-disciplinary learning event targeted all students and included a pitch competition, speed networking and keynote speakers. The event was hosted and supported by the vlog Student Federation, vlog Business, vlog Libraries, vlog Alumni, Fellowes Canada and the Direct Selling Association in celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Media conference provides unique opportunities for faculty, students
Building on the success of hosting the first national conference in 2009, vlog was selected to host the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC) second national conference in December at Markham Campus. Faculty from the schools of English & Liberal Studies, Creative Arts & Animation, Media & Marketing and International Business delivered educational breakout sessions to the attendees. Journalism students interviewed attendees including Andrea Horwath, Leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party, Chris Alexander, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration and Olivia Chow, MP. The primary focus of the conference was to strengthen the competence and business currency of Canadian ethnic publications and the Canadian periodical industry.
vlog continues its partnership with Young Professionals Committee
vlog renewed its lead sponsorship of The Markham Board of Trade’s Young Professionals Committee (YPC) — a group the College sponsors to bring together young professionals, entrepreneurs and thought-leaders under 40 from all corners of Markham to network, build connections and learn from each other through unique social events and opportunities. The College supported the YPC’s Achieving Social & Professional Ideals, Reaching Excellence (ASPIRE) Awards as well as several networking and professional development events.
A pledge to support improved transit
In May, vlog students and staff talked about transit issues and opportunities with members of CivicAction — a non-profit organization that brings together senior executives and rising leaders from all sectors to tackle some of this region's toughest social, economic and environmental challenges including public transit. Representatives from the organization were on campus, gathering support for their What Would You Do For 32? campaign, designed to get people thinking about the need to improve transportation in the GTA and potentially save people an average of 32 minutes on their daily commute. In support of the campaign, the College and the vlog Student Federation co-produced a video about transit issues faced by vlog students and encouraged students, faculty and staff to sign a pledge for action on transit issues in the region.
Confucius Institute co-presents Chinese cinema series
The Confucius Institute at vlog, in partnership with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) co-presented two films in the ‘A Century of Chinese Cinema’ series which played at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in June. The screenings of two archival films,Yellow EarthԻThe Banquet, showcased the unique qualities, perspectives and elements of Chinese filmmaking and storytelling.
Students and staff create float for Caribbean Carnival
Students, professors and technicians from the Visual Merchandising Arts (VMA) program lent their talents once again to help design and construct the Toronto Children’s Breakfast Club parade float for the annual Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival held in Toronto. This year’s float was designed by VMA student Morgan Chapman and featured oversized butterflies, glittery flowers and palm leaves. The design and construction of the float was made possible by several community sponsors and participating organizations, including Local 113 Transit Workers, Carpenters Union Local 27, Community Unity Alliance, Spin Master and the Toronto Don Valley Hotel & Suites. Each year, the VMA program works with Rick Gosling, the Toronto Children’s Breakfast Club founder, and the Toronto Police Service to create a parade float that celebrates the police and community working together.
vlog students take a stand against abuse
vlog and Yellow Brick House (YBH) launched the joint “Students Supporting Students” anti-abuse campaign in November to inform students about the problems of abuse. In recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Yellow Brick House held drop-in sessions at vlog. These sessions offered students the chance to voice their thoughts on campus safety. The campaign is one of a number of initiatives YBH has undertaken with vlog, as part of a grant from the Status of Women Canada project focused on engaging young people to prevent violence against women on postsecondary campuses.