Winter Wonderland Skate brings together entire OISE community
December 12, 2018
On December 10, over 250 OISE students, faculty, staff, alumni, and their family and friends laced up their skates for OISE’s first annual Winter Wonderland event at the University of Toronto’s Varsity Stadium.
The event was a chance to bring the community together, meet new people, and have some fun before the semester wraps up. With a photo booth, off-ice games, dancing, treats, and hot chocolate, there was something for everyone.
View photos from the event
OISE Dean Glen Jones joined in on the fun, participating in line dancing and giving high fives to attendees as they skated past.
“This was an outstanding community event! I was particularly pleased to see so many children enjoying their time on the ice – many as first-time skaters,” he said. “It was a unique opportunity to bring together students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season.”
From left to right: Qiumei Dong, OISE Dean Glen Jones, Meng Xiao
In between twists and turns, OISE doctoral student Jacquie Beaulieu used her training as a figure skater to teach skating basics to students and faculty. For her, the rink represents a place of community.
“We have a global community here at OISE and it’s really nice to be able to share my favourite sport—something that is such a part of Canadian society—with people from all over the world,” she said. “I feel that when we teach folks from other places how to skate, it’s a form of welcome and inclusion.”
Jacquie Beaulieu (right) helps a friend tie her skates.
For OISE professor Kathleen Gallagher, who attended the event with her son Liam, the event was a chance to bring people together during the holiday season.
“I love that OISE privileges community, and last night felt like a real community night. My son and I really loved the skating, the music, the laughter, and the fabulous range of students, staff, and faculty,” she said. “Bravo to those who envisioned a first-ever holiday skating party—may it be the first of many!”
Dr. Kathleen Gallagher with her son Liam.
Enjoy the magic of OISE's Winter Wonderland and Community Skate with our holiday video:
