University of St. Michael's College President's Capstone Award Winners Celebrated

TORONTO, November 18, 2020 /3BL Media/ - This week the University of St. Michael’s College is celebrating 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. This year’s winning projects focused on an innovative lifecycle perspective in mining, youth employment during COVID 19, and purpose enablement in responsible investing. 

“These projects are an excellent reflection of the important work taking place in this program, and speaks to many of St. Michael’s, core values, whether it’s a question of environmental sustainability, social justice, or simply the need to care for one another,” 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:

• Break with Tradition by Sahin Hirji, a groundbreaking exploration of incorporating sustainability holistically throughout the life cycle of a mining project (Social/Environmental Impact Category)

• Developing a Theory of Change: Pathways to Employability Initiative, by Shawna Peddle, which activates social purpose in business by addressing youth employment during a global pandemic (Advancing Sustainability/ESG in an Organization Category)

• Purpose Enablement, by David Rutherford, which offers a compelling and elegant presentation of the case for—and practice of—responsible investment (Innovative Practices in Sustainability/ESG Category)

Celebrated nominated projects also include:

• Sowing the Seeds of Sustainable Cities by Gina Castillo, a decision support framework for cities around the world for uses and outcomes for urban agriculture

• Sphere – Reimaging New Ways of Living and Working Together, by Paula Murphy Ives, which has created a philosophy and tool to bridge the gap from “one” to “oneness”

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 Wendy Mitchell, 2016 Graduate of the Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability, past member of the CSR Education Council and Founder of a Social Purpose Consultancy; Yvonne Jeffery, 2013 Graduate of the Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility, current member of the CSR Education Council and Director of Sustainability, Vermilion Energy; and Jennifer Niece, 2017 Graduate of the Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility, Mentor for the 2020/21 Cohort and Director, Sustainability and Services, 360 Energy.

About the Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility & Sustainability

Thirty-five 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 for the Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability.

The Diploma is now taking applications for 2021/2022.  Only 35 applicants are accepted.  To apply, go to the Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability Website.  First Intake Deadline is April 30, 2021.

About the University of St. Michael’s College

The University of St. Michael’s College (USMC) is a Catholic institution of higher learning federated with the University of Toronto. USMC strives to offer students a transformative educational experience in a diverse and engaged community, encouraging and supporting students and graduates to share their gifts in the cause of the greater good.

A Business Advisory Committee ensures the Diploma program is relevant and experiential. Sustainability/ESG Leaders representing a broad range of business sectors provide advice and input.

 For More Information Contact

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

Phone: (519) 855-9491

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