As we are making preparations for the fall semester just ahead of us, I wanted to take this opportunity to salute Dr Karl Froschauer and Dr John Bogardus who are retiring at the end of August. Karl and John have been with us for a long time and we are thankful for their unique contributions to the development of two vibrant disciplines.

I, for one, will miss exciting discussions with Karl about the contemporary art scene and with John about the latest trends in teaching.  

I wish them both a happy retirement!

I would also like to welcome Dr Amanda Watson and Dr Lindsey Freeman to our department. Amanda will not likely be on campus before Summer 2017 as she is currently on parental leave. Lindsey, however, will teach to 306 students enrolled in her Intro to Sociology this September. Do drop by her office to encourage her!

It has been an exciting and productive summer on many fronts. Congratulations to SA students who successfully defended their theses:

• Sarah Mitchell (Sociology) defended her MA Dissertation entitled: Volunteers on the Threshold: Fragile Opportunities and Fractured Selves on August 8.
• Mohammad Ferdosi (Sociology) defended his MA Dissertation entitled: The Historical Development of Labour Standards on August 10.
• Jakub Burkowicz (Sociology) defended his PhD Dissertation entitled: Peripheral Europeans: The History of the Racialization of Slavs in Canada on August 16.

Congratulations to those who had babies: Sonya Luehrmann and her partner celebrated the birth of their son, Lukas Vinkovetsky, born June 19th. Amanda Watson and her partner celebrated the birth of their son, Cormac Watson, who arrived June 22nd.  

Finally, congratulations to those who tied the knot: Chantelle Ryerson married her partner Marc Lorieau & Natasha Ferenczi married her partner Sebastien Ouellette (July 30th).   

As you know, I will be on leave until September 2017. I thank Dr Wendy Chan for agreeing to be Acting Chair during my absence. I wish her, the new Executive Committee, and all of you a peaceful and productive year.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!