U of T Alumni Reunion to highlight Lesra Martin’s inspiring story

Christopher.Sorensen — Thu, 25 May 2023 15:51:35 +0000

Christopher.Sorensen Thu, 05/25/2023 - 11:51

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(photo by Matthew Sherwood)

Advancement Staff

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Alumni Reunion

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Innis College

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Martin will be the keynote guest in a virtual event on May 31

University of Toronto alumnus Lesra Martin has uplifted scores of people through his book The Power of a Promise – and through the 1999 Hollywood film The Hurricane, which took inspiration from Martin’s own inspiring journey as a teenager.

Now, Martin will be the keynote guest at U of T’s Alumni Reunion on May 31, when he’s scheduled to speak at a virtual alumni event that will give the audience a chance to submit questions.

“I believe we all have, in our DNA, a desire to be the best we can be,” Martin says.

“To make a meaningful, positive impact when and where we can. Like orbs of light, set out on a mutual mission, U of T alumni are achievers, doers, believers and leaders.”

Martin’s journey began in New York City, where he was working to help feed his family at the age of 10. He was offered a chance to go back to school in Canada when he was 15. He began learning to read for the first time, despite his fears that he couldn’t succeed academically.

Martin went on to attend U of T’s Innis College and earned a degree in anthropology in 1988.

His activism was sparked after reading The Sixteenth Round written by former boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter. It told the story of how Carter had been wrongfully imprisoned for murder in the 1960s.

Moved by Carter’s story, Martin wrote a letter of support – sparking a friendship with the former boxer. Soon, Martin was convincing his foster family to advocate on Carter’s behalf. Five years of activism later, Carter walked free.

Martin’s story of resilience and perseverance provided a foundation for his career as a lawyer, the making of The Hurricane film, his advocacy for literacy and an invitation to speak at the United Nations.

“I believe that sharing our stories can help shore each other up,” he says.

“When we share our lived experiences, we learn from one another and strengthen our resolve to forge new paths forward.”

Seven ways to celebrate U of T’s Alumni Reunion

siddiq22 — Tue, 16 May 2023 16:07:50 +0000

Seven ways to celebrate U of T’s Alumni Reunion

siddiq22 Tue, 05/16/2023 - 12:07

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University of Toronto graduates can take part in more than 100 events across the three campuses during Alumni Reunion, which runs May 31 to June 4 (all images supplied)

Adina Bresge & Alice Lawlor

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Our Community

Academic + Campus Events

From a street festival to topical lectures and an Ontario Science Centre gathering, there are plenty of ways University of Toronto graduates can reconnect with tri-campus life at Alumni Reunion this spring.

The annual celebration, which runs from May 31 to June 4, is expected to attract thousands of alumni to catch up with old friends, make new memories and come together as a global community.

The festival features more than 100 events across the three campuses and online, including fun activities for kids, special events organized by faculties and colleges as well as milestone celebrations for those who earned their diplomas in a year ending in 3 or 8.

“Alumni Reunion is a wonderful opportunity to renew our bonds to the university and to one another as a community – with a wide array of planned in-person and online events,” says Barbara Dick, assistant vice-president, alumni relations.

“We see our alumni community as ambassadors of U of T and look forward to celebrating their continued success while helping them foster connections – both old and new."

Here’s just a small sample of the many events and activities on offer in 2023:

Alumni Fest is back

Hit the streets for some food, music and entertainment at this family-friendly outdoor event. Alumni Fest takes place in downtown Toronto along St. George Street.

Give the kids a passport to hands-on learning

Best suited to children aged four to 12, the Kids’ Passport event on the St. George campus gives young explorers a chance to earn stamps for participating in hands-on activities such as a bookstore scavenger hunt, catching Pokémon and investigating a pretend crime.

Get back to class (without worrying about grades)

This year’s Stress-Free Degree lectures cover a broad swath of subjects ranging from the buzzy TV show Squid Game to the legal side of AI. There are nine lectures on offer by experts from U of T Mississauga, U of T Scarborough, OISE, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and more, available in-person and online.

Learn from racial justice champion Lesra Martin

The activist and acclaimed lawyer who helped secure the freedom of Rubin “The Hurricane” Carter is also a U of T alumnus from Innis College. In this online conversation, Lesra Martin shares his origin story, journey to U of T and the insights that shaped his successful career. The University of Toronto Alumni Association’s Annual General Meeting will follow the talk.

Party like a scientist

New and new-ish grads take over the Ontario Science Centre for the biggest SHAKER event of the year. Admission is $20 and includes all non-alcoholic beverages, treats and one alcoholic drink ticket. Shuttle buses from the St. George campus are available.

Kick off Pride month with Italian eats

Head to Eataly Toronto for an evening of cocktails, fine cuisine and mingling with alumni and friends at the 2SLGBTQ+ Spring Soirée.

A big anniversary deserves a big celebration

Take a trip down memory lane at invite-only events for alumni celebrating their 50th, 55th, 60th, 65th, 70th, 75th, and 80th anniversaries of graduation, including the Chancellor's Breakfast and the 50th Anniversary Ceremony at Convocation Hall.

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