A summer workshop from St. Mike’s continuing education division will focus on “Exploring the Arts of the Book.”

The program will be led by Andrew Huot, a book artist and bookbinder in Toronto, where he operates Big River Bindery. Huot has taught bookbinding, conservation, and preservation at the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois for 12 years.

In addition to conservation and bookbinding, he teaches bookbinding and book arts in his Scarborough studio, for the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild, and at arts centers around Toronto. He holds a Masters in Book Arts from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and his artists’ books use photographs, linoleum cuts, and text to share the humorous side of everyday life. His artists’ books are in collections including the Art Institute of Chicago, Yale University, Emory University, and Ontario College of Art & Design. See more of his work at bigriverbindery.com and andrewhuot.com

Click here for course details and registration information.

On November 10, the University of St. Michael’s College celebrated Student Capstone Projects, the summative exercise in the Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability Program. These projects are designed to create positive social and environmental impact. The 2022-23 winning projects focused on embedding equity in social and environmental practices, creating shared value in the construction and music industries, and embedding sustainability and social responsibility within small and medium companies, in public institutions and at the country level. 

“These projects exemplify the transformational work initiated by students in this St. Michael’s program, and demonstrate how care for our common home and solidarity with the human family can take root across industries, governments, and corporations,” says University President David Sylvester. “We are proud to see our students produce such outstanding work.” 

The winners of the President’s Capstone Project Award are: 

In the category: Advancing Social and/or Environmental Impact 

• Jessica Bermudez: “A Social Impact Guide for Changemakers”. Mentor: Krista Moroz, Manager, Community Partnerships & External Relations, ENMAX 

• Ignacio Loor-Colamarco: “University-Government Collaboration for Ecological Solutions in Ecuador”. Mentor: Yvonne Jeffery, VP, Sustainability, Vermilion Energy 

In the category: Advancing Social & Environmental Responsibility, Sustainability in their own organization or that of others 

• Jessica Aviva Anderson: “Embedding Equity in our Social and Environmental Responsibility Practices”. Mentor: Antoinette Ellis, CEO & Co- Founder, ACE & Co. Ltd 
• Marley MacDonald: “NSLC Path to Corporate Sustainability – Applying an Embedded Strategies Framework”. Mentor: Susan Kapetanovic-Marr, Director, Sustainability – Energy and Sustainability Services , JLL 

In the category: Advancing Innovative Practices in Social and Environmental Responsibility, Sustainability and/or ESG 

• Nicole Monaco: “Creating Shared Value in Construction Projects”. Mentor: Yvonne Jeffery, VP, Sustainability, Vermilion Energy 
• Dan Scarcelli: “Creating Shared Value in the Music Industry to Drive Artist Sustainability”. Mentor: Tara Knight, Director, ESG Communications, Scotiabank 

Students receiving Honourable Mention:  

• Katherine Alyea: “Menopause Inclusive Workplaces: Expanding Workplace Equity for Canadian Women”. 
• Glory Keong: “Embedding Sustainability Principles in Enterprise Real Estate”.
• Brooke Graham: “Stronger Together in the Frontline: a DEI Insights Report for Hourly Workers”. 
• Stephanie Grant: “Embedding Reconciliation: An Action Plan for KiDrone”. 
• Marcell Lawrence: “Enhancing the Employee Experience to Build a Sustainable Workforce”. 
• Paul McQueen: “Leveraging Canadian Retail Investor Attitudes on Sustainable Investing”. 

Projects considered for the President’s Capstone Award must be distinguished in what they achieve or propose in one or more of the categories.  

Nominated projects were judged by a panel which included: Anna Ritacca, Partner & Strategic Advisor, BEL+RIT urbanism (Graduate and Mentor in G.Dipl. SR&S), Dr. Greg Rupik, Director, Office of the President, USMC, and Dr. Michael Salvatori, Director, Continuing Education, USMC. 

About the Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility & Sustainability — Fourty participants are accepted annually to the St. Michael’s program, which attracts students from across Canada and around the world from sectors as diverse as banking and manufacturing to education and NGOs. This “work as you learn” program enables participants to take their career in Social Responsibility,  Sustainability and ESG to the next level. Participants tackle and resolve a Sustainability/ESG challenge in their company in a major Action Project under the mentorship of faculty and co-learners; learn from global thought leaders; experience practical “real world” change management through the ExperienceChange™ Simulation, and join a prestigious community of St. Michael’s Alumni in continuing education, sharing and networking. Graduates receive the post-nominal letters G.Dipl.SR&S.   

A Business Advisory Committee ensures the Diploma program is relevant and experiential across the field of social responsibility, sustainability and ESG.  Members are Sustainability/ESG Leaders, representing a broad range of business sectors, who provide advice and input to this leading program. 

The Diploma will start applications for 2024/25 Cohort in January. Only 40 applicants are accepted. To apply, go to the Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability website.  First intake deadline is March 31, 2024. Contact: Kathryn A. Cooper, Program Manager, Diploma in Social Responsibility & Sustainability 

The University of St. Michael’s College is pleased to announce a new equity-focused award for participants in the Diploma in Social Responsibility & Sustainability Program offered by its Continuing Education division. Ivy Lumia, CEO & Founder, Best in Governance Inc. (BIG), announced the $25,000 commitment at the SR&S Alumni event on October 26. The donation will provide a $5,000 Award each year for five years.

“We are so pleased to announce the BIG Award in Social Responsibility and Sustainability,” said Ivy Lumia, “This award supports students from equity-deserving groups and students who are committed to advancing an equitable and inclusive social responsibility and sustainability practice through the Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability at the University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto. This award is an expression of our BIG values of Integrity, Diversity and Inclusion of Thought, Accountability, and Best in Class Service.”

“The University of St. Michael’s College is grateful for BIG’s commitment to support our students’ journey,” noted Michael Salvatori, St. the University’s Director of Continuing Education. “Many students transitioning to the social responsibility and sustainability field face significant financial barriers, and this is particularly true of equity-deserving groups. Awards like this empower our students to develop their unique gifts and carry them forward in service to the world.”

The first BIG Award in Social Responsibility and Sustainability will be awarded to a student in the SR&S 2024/25 Cohort. Applications will open in January, 2024.

About Best in Governance (BIG) — Best in Governance Inc., commonly referred to as BIG, is a boutique firm specializing in sustainable corporate governance and ESG solutions, driven by Integrity, Diversity and Inclusion of Thought, Accountability, and Best in Class Service.  

About the Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility & Sustainability  — The BIG Award in Social Responsibility and Sustainability joins the Ron Knowles Bursary and the University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto Award for Indigenous Students at Indspire. The SR&S Program hopes to build the complement of awards available to students, to increase accessibility of the program with an emphasis on Black, Indigenous, and other equity deserving groups. 

Forty participants are accepted annually to the St. Michael’s program, which attracts students from across Canada and around the world from sectors as diverse as banking and manufacturing to education and NGOs.  This “work as you learn” program enables participants to take their career in Social Responsibility and Sustainability to the next level. Participants tackle and resolve a Sustainability/ESG challenge in their company in a major Action Project under the mentorship of faculty and co-learners; learn from global thought leaders; experience practical “real world” change management through the ExperienceChange™ Simulation, and join a prestigious community of St. Michael’s Alumni in continuing education, sharing and networking. Graduates receive the post-nominal letters G.Dipl.SR&S.   

Dr. Michael Salvatori, a career educator and author with extensive experience in university administration and teaching as well as at the secondary and primary school levels, has been named the new Director of Continuing Education at the University of St. Michael’s College.  

“As an alumnus of St. Michael’s College (SMC 8T9) I am delighted to take on this role and to have the opportunity to serve the university community that has played such an important role in my personal and professional development,” Dr. Salvatori says. “As a committed life-long learner and career educator I look forward to the opportunities to enhance St. Mike’s role in providing meaningful, engaging, and contemporary ongoing learning opportunities for students, alumni, and the greater community. “ 

As Director, Dr. Salvatori will lead the renewal and expansion of the University’s Continuing Education division. While overseeing existing programs such as the Diploma in Social Responsibility & Sustainability and the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Certification, he will also design, deliver, and administer new non-degree courses, workshops, and other learning opportunities for a broad audience of adult learners, including Catholic teachers. His role includes responsibility for advancing the mission and strategic objectives of the University by developing new sustainable programming based on the needs of the community and grounded in market research.  

“In Dr Salvatori St. Michael’s has a Director of Continuing Education who has an impressive understanding of pedagogy and program management, extensive practical experience in the classroom, and a passion for St. Mike’s. These skills and talents will serve him well as he re-envisions our Continuing Education division, offering our alumni and other members of our community exciting learning opportunities,” says University President David Sylvester. 

For more than a decade, Dr. Salvatori served as CEO and Registrar of the Ontario College of Teachers.  He has served as President of the board of directors for the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation (CLEAR) and French for the Future and is a lifetime member of the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers and the Ontario Modern Languages Teachers’ Association. He is currently a faculty member of CLEAR’s Executive Program for Regulators and a member of Western University’s Alumni Association Board of Directors. Dr. Salvatori comes to St. Michael’s from Niagara University Ontario where he has served most recently as Vice-President.  An Associate Professor in the NU College of Education, he has been teaching a foundations course on legal principles in education in Ontario and an elective course on contemporary issues in education in the Bachelor of Professional Studies program which leads to teacher certification in Ontario. 

Dr. Salvatori earned a PhD in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. He also holds MEd and BEd degrees from the University of Western Ontario and a BA from the University of Toronto. Long a champion of second language education, he is fluent in French, Italian, English, and German and is author and co-author of numerous textbooks and teacher resources. He assumes his new role on October 2, 2023. 

TORONTO, Canada May 4 – A name change, a new award and an enhanced academic designation mark a season of transformation for the Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability program at the University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto.

Graduates of the highly regarded program, now called the “Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability” receive a Diploma and a designation marked by the post-nominal letters G.Dipl. SR&S (Social Responsibility & Sustainability).

“These changes reflect how the program has evolved since its beginnings almost 20 years ago,” says Program Manager Kathryn Cooper. “Meaningful, long-term social impact of business and not-for-profit partners has never been as important as it is in this time of COVID-19.”

“This program has evolved in response to the global trend toward embedding environmental, social and governance issues in business,” Cooper says. “To survive and thrive, organizations must focus beyond their bottom line, and create positive, long-term social impact.”

President’s Capstone Winners Announced

Graduates at the November, 2019 convocation were the first awarded the new diplomas. This convocation also marked the introduction of the new President’s Capstone Project Award, recognizing exceptional work in summative assignments. The inaugural winners were:

• “Indigenous Impact Report” by Alexandra Biron, recently promoted to Manager, Indigenous, Deloitte Canada.
• “A CSR Strategy for the Canadian Real Estate Association” by Sarah Thirnbeck, recently promoted to Associate Director, Strategic Impact, The Canadian Real Estate Association.

“The calibre of work produced by our CSR students is truly outstanding,” says University President Dr. David Sylvester. “The ethical concerns being discussed in this program reflect the long-standing values of St. Michael’s. CSR and Sustainability is a great example of how universities can have a transformational impact on society.”

Learning to Make a Difference in a Rapidly Changing World

Participants in the Graduate Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability work full time while earning this university credential through a blended learning approach. Participants:

• tackle and resolve a CSR and Sustainability challenge in their company in a major Action Project under the mentorship of faculty and co-learners;
• learn Next Generation Practices from global thought leaders on the forefront of Sustainability and CSR (aligned with International Society of Sustainability Professionals Certification Body of Knowledge, the Embedding Project and the Transformational Company);
• use practical tools to assess, measure and integrate CSR and Sustainability into their organization;
• experience the practical real world application of CSR and Sustainability and change management through ExperienceChange™ Simulations; and
• join a prestigious community of Michael’s Alumni in continuing education, sharing and networking.

The Diploma is now taking applications for 2020/2021. Only 35 applicants are accepted. Join participants from Deloitte, Secure Energy, Tata Group Retail, SMART CENTRES, Dundurn Press, Chevron, Genuine Health, Civic Works Consulting, Candela Strategies, Children’s Hospital Foundations and more in the upcoming 2020/2021 Cohort. To apply, go to the Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Website. Second Intake Deadline is June 30th.

Participants start their learning in July, 2020 through an online Learning Management System and monthly live learning seminars. Module 1 in class will be held in Toronto, Canada, October 14 to 16, 2020. Module 2 and 3 in class will be held May, 2021 and November, 2021 respectively. To apply, go to the Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Website. See the program schedule, testimonials, past graduates and news about the program.

About the University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto

The University of St. Michael’s College (USMC), federated with the University of Toronto, is a Catholic institution of higher learning founded by the Congregation of St. Basil, whose motto, “Teach me goodness, discipline and knowledge,” sets the tone for campus life.

A Business Advisory Committee ensures the CSR & Sustainability program is relevant and experiential. CSR and Sustainability Leaders from a broad range of industries from insurance to mining, including: The Co-operators, BMO Financial, Scotia Bank (ret.), Vermillion Energy, Centerra Gold , Aurora Cannabis, Kin&Co and Rotman School of Management (University of Toronto) provide advice and input.

For More Information Contact

Kathryn A. Cooper, Program Manager, Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability

Phone: (519) 855-9491

Website: https://www.csr-stmikes.ca/

Toronto, Nov. 11 – A name change, a new award and an enhanced academic designation mark a season of growth and transformation for the Corporate Social Responsibility program at the University of St. Michael’s College.

Graduates of the highly regarded program, now called the “Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability”, will receive both the diploma and a designation marked by the post-nominal letters G.Dipl. SR&S

“These changes reflect how the program has evolved since its beginnings almost 20 years ago.” says Program Manager Kathryn Cooper.

“Sustainability has been added in response to a global trend toward embedding environmental, social and governance issues in business,” Cooper says. “To survive and thrive, organizations must focus beyond their bottom line, and create positive social impact.”

Graduates at the Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019 convocation are the first cohort awarded the new diplomas. The Senate of the University of St. Michael’s College approved the change at its meeting earlier this month in recognition of the increased academic focus of the program.

This convocation also marks the introduction of the President’s Capstone Project Award, recognizing exceptional work in summative assignments. The inaugural winners are:

• “Indigenous Impact Report” by Alexandra Biron
• “A CSR Strategy for the Canadian Real Estate Association” by Sarah Thirnbeck

“The calibre of work produced by CSR students is truly outstanding,” says University President Dr. David Sylvester. “The ethical concerns being discussed in this program reflect the long-standing values of St. Michael’s. CSR/Sustainability is a great example of how universities can have a transformational  impact on society.”

About the University of St. Michael’s College

The University of St. Michael’s College (USMC), federated with the University of Toronto, is a Catholic institution of higher learning founded by the Congregation of St. Basil, whose motto, “Teach me goodness, discipline and knowledge,” sets the tone for campus life. 

A Business Advisory Committee ensures the CSR/Sustainability program is relevant and experiential.  CSR/Sustainability Leaders representing a broad range of industries from insurance to mining, including: The Co-operators, BMO Financial,  Scotia Bank (ret.),  Vermillion Energy, Centerra Gold , ESG Ledger, Conference Board of Canada,  and Rotman School of Management (University of Toronto) provide advice and input.

For More Information Contact

Kathryn A. Cooper, Program Manager, Graduate Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability

Phone: (519) 855-9491

Website: https://www.csr-stmikes.ca/

Sustainability, Social Responsibility and related ESG job opportunities are on the rise. Millennials and Gen Z  want purpose in their lives. And sustainability and social responsibility is transitioning to be strategically embedded in organizations. New skills and practices are in critical demand for today’s CSR & Sustainability jobs.

Companies are Embedding Purpose, Responsibility, Sustainability

According to a May 29, 2019 Gallup report, Millennials want meaning in their work. They want to work for organizations with a mission and purpose. The emphasis for this generation has switched from paycheck to purpose — and so must organizational culture, products and services. Meanwhile the Next Generation CSR/Sustainability Jobs and Competency Development studies conducted by University of St. Michael’s College, Strandberg Consulting and The Conference Board of Canada’s Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Institute indicate that Sustainability and Social Responsibility practices are actively transitioning. A survey of 156 CSR/Sustainability Professionals across North America indicated that:

• 68% are developing a medium to long term sustainability/CSR strategy, including goals and targets.
• 68% are improving their company’s value chain & external operating environment thru external collaborations and tackling impacts that they can influence.
• 50% are working with stakeholder collaborations on shared value initiatives.
• 46% are embedding sustainability at the enterprise level & into functional, business unit & departmental level strategies and mandates.
• 41% are developing customer engagement tools & initiatives to improve customer sustainability performance and add value to business segments.
• 38% are advancing innovation to address sustainability barriers.

Apply Now – Graduate Certificate in CSR & Sustainability Delivers Critical Embedding Skills and Practices 

The Graduate Certificate in CSR & Sustainability delivers the new skills and practices that are in critical demand for today’s jobs. In this “work as you learn” program, active practitioners and thought leaders guide participants through:

• One-on-one mentoring, with a subject matter expert, throughout the  13 months of the program;
• An Action Learning Project related to your company or professional development;
• Gap assessments, critical thinking and application of embedding practices for CSR/Sustainability; and
• Practical, real world application of CSR and Sustainability change management frameworks through ExperienceChange™ Simulation.

Apply now to the 2019/2020 Cohort of the Graduate Certificate in CSR & Sustainability to gain the skills you need.

Join participants from Sysco, The Body Shop, Aviso, BMO Financial Group, Concordia University, Red Cross and Nature Conservancy, Foundation for Atlanta Veterans Education & Research and many more. Become part of a Community of Practice in CSR/Sustainability for professional development, sharing and networking.

Check out the program schedule, past graduates, testimonials and latest news. Module 1 will be held in Toronto, Canada, October 23-25, 2019.  Module 2 and 3 will be held May, 2020 and November, 2020 respectively.

The second intake Application Deadline is June 30th, 2019.

Gifted Educator and Founder of the first program providing executive education in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility recognized by University of St. Michael’s College alumni

Dr. Mimi Marrocco (Class of 1969) has received the 2019 Alway Award, an honour in recognition of her decades of service and important contributions to the life and reputation of the College. As her former students and colleagues attest, her work—especially in the area of Continuing Education—has influenced the lives of thousands of people.

Former University of St. Michael’s College President Sr. Anne Anderson, CSJ said Dr. Marrocco “gifted USMC with her passion for Continuing Education.” That passion, Sr. Anne said, yielded “innovative, cutting-edge programs across a broad spectrum of interests,” including “our internationally known Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility.”

Over 300 participants from across Canada and over 20 countries have gone through the CSR program, and over 250 alumni from the program hold positions as VP, Director, or Manager in CSR and Sustainability capacities.

“Mimi is the heart and soul of the CSR Certificate Program,” CSR Program Manager Kathryn Cooper said. She described Dr. Marrocco’s contribution to the field in Canada as decisive: “Dr. Marrocco developed an innovative collaboration with the Conference Board of Canada to launch in 2002 the first program providing executive education in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility. This program created the platform for the very first developments of the body of knowledge, best practices, mentorship and action learning projects in business for Corporate Social Responsibility.”

As the first recognized, professional University Credential in Canada related to CSR, the St. Michael’s program Dr. Marrocco founded has also created a network of alumni and mentors in the field. Program participants receive mentorship support for 13 months, which helps them achieve first-time success in implementing the CSR/Sustainability projects they undertake during the program. To date, participants have implemented over 200 action-learning projects at their companies and organizations, including numerous CSR, Sustainability and Community Investment strategies.

Dr. Marrocco’s former students describe her as a dynamic leader whose talent for teaching is matched by her care for them. “Mimi is so lovely and insightful,” said one, while another said that Dr. Marrocco “has been instrumental in helping me to open my mind to different perspectives.”

After earning a BA from St. Mike’s, Dr. Marrocco received an MA in 1970 and a PhD in 1978, both from the U of T, where she later taught as a member of the English Department. Dr. Marrocco worked for over a quarter century as Director of Continuing Education at St. Michael’s, and served as faculty leader for the CSR Certificate program.

An industry leader as well as an educator, Dr. Marrocco has served on academic and community boards, including stints as president of both the Ontario Council for Lifelong Learning and the Canadian Association of University Continuing Education.

She has served in many roles for Catholic educational and charitable institutions, and she continues to serve in board and/or committee member roles with organizations such as the Arts and Letters Club or Toronto, the Toronto Hunt Club, and the Advisory Committee of the Canadian Business Ethics Research Network at York University.

Named for past St. Michael’s President Dr. Richard Alway, a member of the USMC Class of 1962 and our first lay president, the Alway Award is given in recognition of alumni whose significant contributions to society bring esteem to them and to the College.

For her pioneering work in the field of Continuing Education in Canada, for her support of the mission of the University of St. Michael’s College, for the way she has helped shape the lives of her students, and for her many other achievements, St. Michael’s is proud to call Dr. Mimi Marrocco one of its own. The Alway Award is a small token of the College’s gratitude for her life and work.