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FROM THE EDITOR

MY CITY, MY CLASSROOM

It was a fall morning and my journalism class was scrambling to find a decent court case to cover for our reporting class. There was a rush of adrenaline as we hit the streets, excited about uncovering a real story at Queen Street and University Avenue (once we located the courthouse). Finding the case was only the beginning of the assignment, of course. We also needed to report on it according to journalistic standards while not breaking any laws.

At Ryerson we learned how to navigate city council, the courts (including bankruptcy court, a fine place for juicy stories) and cultural touchstones such as the long-playing Rocky Horror Picture Show (the subject of my group video report).

Yes, there were other journalism schools, but they didn’t compare to practising journalism in downtown Toronto. The city was our classroom, and we learned to knock on doors and write to deadline.

Nowadays, the journalism curriculum includes an internship with a news organization, one of many incredible opportunities for students in programs across the university. They learn through placements and extracurricular projects, many in partnership with local and international organizations.

The city as living lab is part of President Mohamed Lachemi’s vision for education at Ryerson – a symbiotic relationship between students, faculty and the city that allows students the opportunity to contribute to the real world while learning skills that will enrich their careers.

In this issue, you can read more about Lachemi’s plans in his column on page 3 and the cover story on page 12. Then read the stories of students and alumni who have experienced the city as classroom in “Living Lab” on page 14.

We’d love to hear how you learned in the city and how it made a difference to your education. Contact us at ryemag@ryerson.ca.

COLLEEN MELLOR, JOURNALISM ’86

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

THE POWER OF INCLUSION

I recently received an issue of Ryerson University Magazine with the theme of diversity and inclusion. I wanted to say that I was happy to see this content, as this is a great time to be discussing creating more diverse and inclusive environments in all workplaces and schools. I am looking forward to seeing the next issue!

Michelle Jaelin, Nutrition and Food, ’13

GO GREEN!

HELP US REDUCE OUR PAPER USE BY SUBSCRIBING TO RYERSON UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE’S DIGITAL EDITION

If you prefer to receive a digital edition instead of a printed copy of the magazine, just visit ryerson.ca/alumni/news/Ryerson-University-Magazine/ and complete the form to select delivery via email. When each edition is ready, we’ll email you the link instead of sending a print copy by mail. You will be able to read the stories online, on your iPad or mobile phone.

View the current edition online at www.nxtbook.com/dawson/ryerson/alumni_2017winter/

THANK YOU FOR HELPING US GO GREEN!

2 Ryerson University Magazine • WINTER 2017