A new hub for York University's Faculty of Science students will offer critical supports for student success by strengthening advising services and offering additional study spaces.
The new Taihua Wang Science Student Success Centre, which officially opened on May 26, is located on the main floor of the Life Sciences Building at the Keele Campus and offers an improved space for academic and social enhancement.
Funded by a $1.6-million gift by Taihua Wang, founder and CEO of Cell Biotechnology Co. Ltd., students can access the 3,843-square-foot space that features a more functional hub for student advising and support, along with new and revamped study and social spaces. These new features include new seating, a lounge area and bookable study pods that students can reserve online.
Faculty of Science student Amna Imran, Taihua Wang, President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton and Faculty of Science Dean Rui Wang at the opening ceremony of the new student success centre.
"This incredible gift by Dr. Wang, a Chinese Canadian business leader and stem cell scientist, will benefit all Faculty of Science students," said Rui Wang, dean of the Faculty of Science. "It will help strengthen our advising and counselling supports and add much-needed study and social space for students to flourish academically and personally. In doing so, it will help accelerate our mission of educating our students to become active members of our global scientific community."
The welcoming space will allow students to study individually or in groups and takes advantage of the expansive light from wrap-around windows in the Life Sciences Building. At the opening ceremony, Amna Imran, a third-year student double majoring in biology and psychology, spoke about what impact the centre would have. "It's not just a physical space, it's a supportive environment designed to help students grow, ask questions, and connect," she said. "Having a centralized hub where we can study, seek guidance, and build relationships with our peers will make an enormous difference in how we experience our time at York."
Considered to be a pioneer of the clinical application of stem cells in China, Taihua Wang says York is a "great university" and that "this initiative aims to provide enhanced student services, nurturing them to become future global leaders."
York University President and Vice-chancellor Rhonda Lenton says the Taihua Wang Science Student Success Centre allows York to support students pursing education in the sciences.
"York University is proud to mark the opening of the Taihua Wang Science Student Success Centre, a space that reflects our core commitments to access, excellence and positive impact," says Lenton. "This centre, made possible by Dr. Wang's transformative gift, will strengthen York's ability to empower students and help them reach their full potential in science and beyond."
The May 26 opening ceremony was attended by the donor and his family, science students, faculty members and staff.
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter.
