Representing graduates of the Master in Environmental Science Planning program (MES-Planning), the MES @ York Planning Alumni Committee (MYPAC) was awarded Alumni Network of the Year for 2022 by the York University Alumni Board.
MYPAC remains committed to creating positive change both in the York community and the world at large. The award selection committee was impressed by the multitude of initiatives launched by MYPAC, as well as its general dedication to Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change students, past and present.
"It takes a lot of effort and commitment to keep networks engaged, and MYPAC's work in actively supporting and leading their members in being proud supporters of the alumni community makes them worthy recipients of the Network of the Year recognition," said Michelle Dagnino (BA '02, MA '03, LLB '06), Chair of the Alumni Networks Committee on the York University Alumni Board.
"MYPAC was established in 2004 and has since made an impact to alumni of the MES planning program and to current students. We strive to support and create connections for the alumni and student communities through engagement and the various events we host," said MYPAC Chair Patrycja Jankowski (BFA '13, MES '17).
"It is an honour to be the Chair of MYPAC and continually engage with the York U Alumni community and current students," Jankowski added. "Planning is a small community with few schools who provide an accredited program option like the MES does, so creating a strong alumni network is important in such a unique field to keep our alumni network closely woven together."
MYPAC's case competition, an event designed for MES-planning students, is an experiential initiative that connects students with alumni, professors and professionals in the field of urban planning. Its Peer Learning & Alumni Networking (PLAN) connector program links MES-planning alumni and students with one another for a mentorship opportunity, facilitating meaningful connections between the alumni and student communities.
Beyond these initiatives, MYPAC also offered their MYPAC Prize scholarship, hosted numerous workshops, and had a range of in-person events. "I am so grateful for the efforts and enthusiasm of our MYPAC committee members over the years. MYPAC builds community by bringing together current and former students and staff and professors to learn and have fun," notes Associate Professor Laura E. Taylor, who is also the planning program coordinator. "As professional planners, our alumni are real changemakers helping to shape the cities and suburbs in which so many of us live. This award recognizes the impact MYPAC is making to collaborate, connect, and reconnect."
Associate Dean Philip F. Kelly, Research, Graduate and Global Affairs, attests to the importance of alumni networks post-graduation. "MYPAC does a remarkable job of connecting current MES-planning students with the wisdom and expertise of the program's alumni. The association is entirely run by volunteers' effort and we are enormously grateful for their work and generosity. This award recognizes that work and is richly deserved."
The York University Alumni Association would like to congratulate the entire MYPAC 2021-22 executive team:
Chair: Patrycja Jankowski (BFA 13, MES 17)
Vice-Chair: Jocelyn Cadieux (MES 20)
Communications Lead: Paul Berkun-Drevnig
Alumni Event Coordinator: Orli Schwartz (BES 14, MES 18)
Treasurer: Adam Zendel (BA 08, MES 13)
Secretary: Chinoye Sunny (MES 21)
Sponsorship: Mallory Nievas (MES 19)
York University Alumni Liaison: Ying Gu (BES 15, MES 19)
2nd Year MES Student Representative: Dasha Litviniuc, Peri Dworatzek, Amber Guidice
1st Year MES student Representatives: Elijah Leotaud, Rudia Nam
YorkU Alumni Officer, Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change: Joanne Huy (BES 15)
Faculty Liaison: Laura Taylor (MES 91)
