ISS program celebrates its 20th anniversary!

On May 6, 2025, MA program in Immigration and Settlement Studies marked 20 years since the first program cohort in 2004-05 commenced their studies in what was, at the time, the first comprehensive immigration and settlement graduate program in North America. Since its start in 2004, ISS program has launched careers of almost 600 graduates at all three levels of government, settlement sector, academia and research, law, post-secondary education and more.  

Current students, program alumni, faculty and staff gathered to hear from the expert panel who talked about the history of the program, its start and evolution over the years. 

The panelists included Professor Emerita, Dr. Kenise Kilbride and Professor Emeritus, Dr. Myer Siemiatycki (first ISS Program Director 2004-2008) who spearheaded the creation of the program, as well as Professor Emeritus Dr. Francis Hare (Program Director 2011-2014) and current Program Director, Dr. Henry Parada, with a special video message from Dr. Harald Bauder (Program Director 2016-2021). 

The program extends gratitude to all panelists for taking the time to walk down the memory lane and to all students, alumni, faculty and staff who attended and took opportunity to share stories and catch up.

(All photos by Tiffany Chen)