Meet Your O-Team!
August 27 to September 4, 2023 is Orientation (O-week) here at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). It’s the week many first years look forward to as they transition to becoming TMU students. A week full of laughter, connection, exploration and socialization, as well as mouthwatering food and games. Some may consider their Orientation experience one of the best times during their undergrad. Even for people who couldn't experience their Orientation, like me (...thanks COVID), enjoying Orientation however we can in our second, third or fourth year is still equally as fun!
Behind the scenes of Orientation is a group of exceptionally hardworking, passionate student staff that are dedicated to making sure new TMU students start off their university experience with a bang. This year, eight students are working together on the O-Team to create that memorable experience.
Enough talking – let's meet the O-Team!
Jacob Pantuso (He/Him)
Computer Science, third year
Senior Orientation Manager & Special Projects Lead
In charge of overseeing and managing the events going on during O-week, and strengthening the connection between internal faculties, Jacob is keen on getting a more hands-on experience coordinating the event for this upcoming school year. With a bigger role than past years, he's got one goal in mind, and that's making sure TMU students have a blast!
"Where do dads store their dad jokes? In their Dad-A-Base!"
Shankavie Gnaneswaran (She/Her)
Aerospace Engineering, third year
Orientation Crew Lead
Shankavie is working hard with a team of 200+ amazing volunteers while taking the lead in planning exciting events like Indigenous painting! As a previous O-week volunteer, she loved coming out and supporting first years during this jam-packed week. Now, she wants to make sure all students have that same great time she did!
"How do you follow Will Smith in the snow? You follow the fresh prints."
Liana Yadav (She/Her)
Business Management, second year
International Student Support Orientation Events Lead
International students are in good hands with Liana. She’s in charge of getting the best catering, performers and venues and making sure all things related to Orientation are running smoothly. Liana couldn’t attend her Orientation last year, but this only fuels her motivation and excitement to attend this year. Now she’s even got a second-year perspective to add to Orientation!
"Knock Knock! Who's there? Owls. Owls who? Yes, yes they do."
Roger Castelo (He/They)
Professional Communication, third year
Orientation Events Lead
Roger is bringing you amazing, unique identity-based events this Orientation week. To give you all a sneak peak, watch out for details about the Drag Brunch and Beyoncé Renaissance inspired Welcome Party on the first day of Orientation! Roger’s Brazilian background means he loves to see everyone getting together and having a great time, so you better believe he's bringing the energy!
"(Cue poetic sound) I once had a dream that I was floating in an ocean of orange soda… it was more of a FANTA-Sea (ba-dum-tiss)."
Favour-Deborah Adamson (She/Her)
Creative Industries, third year
Orientation Events Lead
Favour is bringing even more vibes this O-week. After experiencing a Black-in-Residence picnic where she met some of her closest friends during her first-year Orientation, she knew she wanted to get involved in future Orientation planning to help others find their new friends! Leading the Fiesta Del Fuego concert, a lip-gloss making event and an intro to Toronto event, expect some great things from Favour! She also loves music, so you know the playlist is going to be good.
"Why was Cinderella so bad at soccer? She kept running away from the ball."
Nika Zinsazborujerdi (She/Her)
Computer Science, third year
Orientation Events Lead
Nika is leading seven events this Orientation Week, helping out with well known SLC Live and the TMU Night Festival. She’s overseeing plenty of events because she wants to make sure everyone has a good time, has abundant opportunities to meet new friends and enjoy time with each other!
"Don't trust atoms…they make up everything."
Ria Roopani (She/Her)
Social Work, third year
Orientation Events Lead for Health and Wellness
Ria is not new to Orientation. Having two great Orientation experiences previously, Ria knows the do’s and don'ts. Hosting the Wellness room throughout the entire week of Orientation for those who want to stop by, the Throwback Movie Night and Karaoke events are some of the events you can expect to see her!
"How do you organize a space party? You PLAN-et."
Ben Van Dine (He/Him)
Creative Industries, third year
Residence Orientation Lead
Ben, as a massive Taylor Swift fan, is bringing events that pay homage to her, as well as the Queer and BIPOC community at TMU. He was previously able to participate in a panel answering questions by first year Creative Industries students. Now, he is excited to continue spreading his knowledge to more of the campus at Orientation!
"Why did the scarecrow get a promotion? Because he was outstanding in his field!"
So, that's the team! A week with great people, great events and even better vibes — yeah, it's one you don't want to miss! Make sure to be on campus this Orientation week, August 27 to September 4, 2023, to start your year off right!