What did this year mean to you? How are you different today than from who you were in September? And how are you the same? Now that exams are over, ILead reflects on the top 10 moments of the 2013-2014 academic year for leadership education at U of T Engineering.
#10 – Making teams stronger: software comes to life for Praxis and ESP students.
Praxis II Design Showcase 2014
This year, PhD Candidate Patricia Sheridan (MIE, BASc 0T9, MASc 1T1) piloted the Team-effectiveness Learning System (TELS) in Praxis I and II with Jason Foster, and Engineering Strategies and Practice with Jason Bazylak. This was a big moment for leadership education at U of T Engineering, as we got the chance to test innovative software that provided individualized feedback on team performance.
#9 – 100 students, 4 CEOs, 1 room: APS course students get tips from business leaders.
Dan Rosen of R2 Financial Technologies speaking to ILead students
On October 28, engineering students heard from industry veterans as they shared remarkable personal stories that reveal a deeply human side of engineering. They shared several common themes: paths of self-discovery, navigating the world using your heart along with your brain, learning how to appreciate what other people can bring to the table, and a sense of humility through the journey of life. The panel was part of the curriculum of two ILead-sponsored courses, APS1501 and APS443. Read more about this event.
#8 – Faculty announces new undergraduate academic certificate in Engineering Leadership.
ILead leadership students doing self-introductions in class
Coinciding with ILead offering new academic courses next year, U of T Engineering launched the academic certificate in Engineering Leadership. This new offering by the Faculty allows undergraduate students who take at least three leadership courses to be formally recognized starting September 2014. Read more about the new academic certificate.
#7 – New face at the ILead office: Amy Huynh joins the team!
Amy with Annual Appreciation Night organizing committee
Amy joined the ILead team in November and quickly became a friendly face both online and offline. A masterful planner, Amy ensures that our certificate programs, APS courses, and all other events are a seamless experience for students. Read her short bio here.
#6 – 113 students receive co-curricular certificates!
Students of the Organizational Leadership Certificate Program
We offered more co-curricular certificate programs this year than ever, enabling more students to engage in diverse aspects of leadership. The Organizational Leadership certificate was offered twice due to popular demand, and the Leading From the Inside Out certificate was offered for the first time in four years!
#5 – Annual Retreat for student leaders sets them up for success!
Group presentations at the annual training day
Over 50 students gathered on October 5 for the ILead Department & Division (D&D) Group Retreat. The retreat focused on team development and strategic planning for the year. Representatives from all ILead D&D Groups were present at this energy-filled day!
#4 – Former Toronto Mayor David Miller comes to campus.
David Miller speaking to students in GB202
On March 5, David Miller visited campus to share his leadership journey with students, and to urge them to have a greater voice in the non-profit and political worlds. His openness and honesty made this a definite highlight of the year! Read more about the David Miller event.
#3 – TTC Chief Andy Byford listens to student ideas for improving transit.
Andy Byford hears about transit apps developed by U of T Engineering students
On February 26, Andy Byford of the Toronto Transit Commission came to campus to talk to students about his leadership journey, and share the challenges he’s faced throughout his career. At this event students debated solutions to popular transit topics like “Subways, streetcars or buses?” and “How do you best allocate the TTC’s limited funding?” The event was such a success the Toronto Star covered it in its Big Ideas series. Read more about the Andy Byford event.
#2 – White hot heat: Leadership students across the Faculty’s departments and divisions pull off amazing feats throughout the year.
Students connecting at ILead EngSci’s Professional Networking Event
It was another amazing and inspiring year from the perspective of the ILead Department & Division (D&D) Groups. Here is just a snapshot of what these D&D Groups got up to! ILead ChemE executed very successful and well-attended “Research Days,” which is a showcase of the Department’s research. ILead MSE held their Charity Week, which featured a variety of events (including a “Pie a Professor in the face” event) benefiting SickKids. ILead MIE held an Alumni Spotlight night where they invited MIE alumni to give students a sneak peek on what engineering life is like after graduation. ILead ECE held various skill-based sessions such as “Team Management: Using the Skill/Will Matrix.” ILead EngSci presented an insightful and productive workshop on emotional intelligence. It was ILead CivE’s foundation year, and one of their most successful events was one in which they brought in distinguished alumni from all sectors of civil engineering to address student questions and concerns. ILead Grad had a great workshop in which they were introduced to core concepts of design thinking. Thanks to all the students who’ve made these great things happen!
#1 – All together now: Celebrating a year of evolution at Annual Appreciation Night.
Graduating leadership students recognized at Annual Appreciation Night
Held this year on March 27, Annual Appreciation Night was a special occasion. It’s only once a year that the ILead community gathers to celebrate the end of the academic year, the achievements of our community, and the many stories of engineering leadership at U of T. The night’s theme was “evolution,” recalling the myriad of ways students evolved as leaders over the year. 2014’s celebration was one of the liveliest, with several musical and dance numbers, moving personal stories, and jubilant celebrations of excellence here on campus. Read more about Annual Appreciation Night.
Thanks to everyone for a great year! The ILead team will be busily preparing for another year packed with leadership opportunities in 2014-2015. As courses and other programs wind down over the balmy months, be sure to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook to keep getting news and cool links. Here’s to another great year!