After contributing to the Marauder women's volleyball team and featuring in a tense nationals game, first year Lucie Shaver shares her perspective and excitement for whats to come
Among the success and growth of McMaster women’s volleyball this season, first year Lucie Shaver has had the unique task of transitioning from high-school to Ontario University Athletics volleyball. With this, she’s been in many exciting positions throughout the season, including a tense U Sports quarterfinals match.
For Shaver, the transition to OUA athletics has been one filled with learning. She noted the increased speed and power of play that happens in university volleyball.
“The biggest thing I notice is that the game is very much faster. It's much faster. Everybody hits the ball harder, everybody moves faster and the moves are a lot more crisp and more precise. One thing I found in high school was like there's often like two or three good players on the team that have to carry a lot of weight but that is not really the case here,” said Shaver.
Despite the high level of play, Shaver have risen to the occasion this season. The team ended the OUA season by winning the Quigley Cup against Brock University. Shaver has attributed part of the team's success this season to head coach Nathan Janzen.
“Nate's also very like a statistical coach. He's big into stats, so he looks at patterns of the other team and he'll even map out where the other team's hitters hit most and like he'll do like serving charts. So you see like, oh they serve from this angle to this side of the court . . . you can see if they mix up the depth of their serves as well or if they're all serving all long or all super short,” said Shaver.
The team’s achievements this year brought the Marauders to the U Sport’s nationals
In this game, the Marauders lost their first set against the Carbins but impressively won sets two and three. In the game’s fourth set, it seemed as though Janzen wanted to change things up, as the team was struggling to put points up. This is when Shaver entered the match.
As such a young player in a team full of veterans like Sullie Sundara and Emma McKinnon, Shaver is not always put on the court. But, Janzen still had trust in Shaver's abilities and this trust was on full display when he subbed her into such a close match on the national stage. Shaver describes how this moment felt and how it influenced the rest of the tournament for her.
“Yeah, well, there have been a few times throughout the season where Nate's kind of put me in a few high pressure moments and so like going in I was definitely nervous, really nervous. But I kind of knew I could do it, just had to put some serves in. Then when I got subbed in for the rest of the tournament, I was kind of like, okay, I've got a sense of it and I was having a lot more fun,” said Shaver.
The Marauders managed to score a few more points with Shaver in the fourth set, but ultimately lost the it. They then lost the crucial fifth set against the Carabins, losing the game.
This loss put the Marauders into the consolation bracket of the tournament with the chance to finish in fifth place if the team won two consolation games.
“It was definitely upsetting, but I think the biggest takeaway is that we still wanted to finish the season on a high note, especially for our seniors who were leaving, and I think that was just the most important thing for the rest of the tournament,” said Shaver.
. . . we still wanted to finish the season on a high note, especially for our seniors who were leaving, and I think that was just the most important thing for the rest of the tournament
Lucie Shaver, Outside Hitter
McMaster Women's Volleyball
The team did just that; they defeated both Memorial University in the first match and Saint Mary’s University in the second consolation match, earning the Marauders a fifth-place finish. Shaver was able to play in these matches and highlighted how she felt during the games.
“On the times that I did go into the court for the other two games, I was kind of just happy to be there and happy to be playing. It just made me really excited for next season as well to keep playing,” said Shaver.
I was kind of just happy to be there and happy to be playing and then yeah, it just made me really excited for next season as well to keep playing.
Lucie Shaver, Outside Hitter
McMaster Women's Volleyball
As the year has wrapped up, Shaver’s first season has turned out to be one she is happy with. Volleyball fans and the sports community at McMaster will look to see what lies ahead for her and the rest of her teammates in their next season.
Celebrating the diverse voices and talents of BIPOC students shaping the arts and culture scene at McMaster
McMaster University has a diverse group of creative BIPOC students. Through time, effort and dedication, some student creators have garnered significant attention both on and off campus. By showcasing their work at pop-up shops, markets and across social media platforms, they've effectively amplified their commitment to their crafts.
Here is a closer look into four students that have been honing their crafts and diversifying their academic journeys with their art. These student creators, from various cultural backgrounds, have diverse talents to offer in fields such as jewelry making, nail art and poetry.
Margaret Qin
Margaret Qin is a third-year human behaviour student and organizer of the Grind Market who has transformed what started as a hobby into a full-fledged small business: Earrings by Margaret. During the pandemic, Qin began making jewelry as a way to pass time.
But as time went on, it became a great creative outlet. Every piece of jewelry she creates is handmade, with sustainability and ethical practices incorporated into her work wherever possible as advertised on her business website.
Princess Aina-David
Princess Aina-David, a third-year civil engineering student, runs her small-business called Lap Nailz, a home-based nail studio in Hamilton near McMaster’s main campus.
She offers a range of nail services, including gel manicures, custom press-on nails and acrylic designs. Her work, often showcased on her Instagram page, demonstrates a high level of artistry and attention to detail, attracting clients who seek personalized nail designs.
Ramneek Panchi
Ramneek Panchi, beyond being a student of philosophy and music at McMaster, is a poet. Combining both her academic and creative interests, she is specifically a philosophical poet whose works capture the human experience through soulful exploration of personal and social connections.
She works at Poesy, Canada’s first experiential writing company. She expresses profound emotions through both poetry and piano, with the hope that her work connects with like-minded, passionate souls. Panchi also showcased her talent as a live service-based vendor at the most recent student market at the Grind on Mar. 25, 2025, where she wrote personalized poems for each customer on the spot.
Romielle Villacorta
Last but certainly not least, Romielle Villacorta, an anthropology student, specializes in creating custom press-on nails. Villacorta runs a small business called Bunny Klaws.
She sells her hand-crafted designs at pop-up events, both on campus and in Toronto. Villacorta’s press-on nails are tailored to individual styles and preferences, offering a unique way for people to express themselves through their nail art.
These four McMaster students are combining their academic lives with their creative interests, showcasing how students can simultaneously thrive as creative entrepreneurs across various fields. Whether it’s through handmade jewelry, personalized nail art, meaningful poetry, or custom press-on nails, these creators are finding innovative ways to share their craft and connect with others.
Their work reflects the diversity of talent at McMaster and the potential of exploring creative passions alongside one's academic pursuits.
After 29 seasons of head coaching the McMaster women’s basketball team, Theresa Burns reflects on her long career after deciding to retire
One of McMaster’s most long-standing and successful head coaches has been Theresa Burns. She has been at the reins of the Marauders women’s basketball team since 1992. Along the way, she has won five Ontario University Athletics titles.
Burns began her career coaching at McMaster after a stint at Toronto Metropolitan University, formerly known as Ryerson University. After this, she began her journey at McMaster University.
Burns recounted her introduction to McMaster Athletics and the interpersonal relationships that kept her at McMaster for such a long duration of time.
“McMaster just felt right. I think there's a real collegiality amongst the coaches here, amongst our McMaster coaches, there's a real sense of family, when I came here. Also amongst the athletic departments, so just a really nice environment to be in,” said Burns.
McMaster just felt right. I think there's a real collegiality amongst the coaches here . . . just a really nice environment to be in.
Theresa Burns
Former Head Coach, McMaster Women’s Basketball
Despite these positive feelings, Burns feels that the timing is now right for her to move on from coaching the women’s basketball team. She began thinking about retirement earlier this year and finally decided to go for it after the end of this year’s OUA season.
“It's just time. You know you start thinking about it and I kind of gave myself this year to think about it. And then once we hit the end of the season, I just felt like, yeah, this is probably the best time,” said Burns.
For Burns and her team, the past season has been strong. The team made it to the OUA quarter-finals, before being beaten by Carleton University. For Burns, she believes the team’s current athletes will carry the team forward after she leaves.
“So I think that leadership that they've sort of shown to the group will now be there and now the younger ones who are moving up are going to have that knowledge and experience to draw on. So I think they just left a really beautiful legacy for the athletes coming behind them and that was one of the most special parts of it,” said Burns.
Burns discussed she will be taking time to reflect on what she wants for her future and fondly acknowledges the memories she has made from her tenure as head coach.
“I'm gonna sit down over the summer and catch my breath and like I said, I've got a wealth of memories to keep me company all summer and as I sit back and reflect. And then like no firm plans for what's next yet, but I think I just need a little bit of quiet headspace to start thinking about that and so I'm gonna take that for myself this summer,” said Burns.
I've got a wealth of memories to keep me company all summer . . . I just need a little bit of quiet headspace to start thinking about [what’s next].
Theresa Burns
Former Head Coach, McMaster Women’s Basketball
Who will lead the McMaster women’s basketball team after Burns is yet to be announced. Though, Burns rests assured that the skills she has left her team with will prime them for success regardless
O'Brien shined in his first year for the Marauders, but he still has more he wants to accomplish
On Tuesday, Mar. 4, 2025, rookie men’s volleyball star and first-year commerce student Seth O’Brien was named to the OUA All-Rookie Team. The team comprises some of the best rookies from the OUA season.
O’Brien, an opposite hitter, finished with the second-highest number of kills and points for the team.
“Making OUA First Team rookie honours hit home and made me realize that the opportunities I got to show were for a purpose. It was a great feeling to know all the hard [work] paid off and went towards something,” said O’Brien.
Earlier in the season, O’Brien spoke to The Silhouette after performing greatly at competitions shortly after joining the team. Reflecting on where he began and his journey up until now, he commented on how far he has come.
“I said I wanted to go out there and show my abilities. The progression I’ve seen from myself was something I didn’t expect was going to happen. Being able to progress from that first interview we had to now making First Team All-Rookie OUA honours was definitely something I didn’t have in mind, especially going from starting a few games to now being one of the main starters,” said O’Brien.
The Marauders men’s volleyball team did not finish this season with eight wins to 12 losses and fell short of winning their fourth OUA title in a row. But O’Brien looks back at his first year with the team as a great experience.
“To get in the gym and play, practise and socialize with the team was amazing. To be a part of such a great group, as much as we fell short of our goal, meant a lot to me. I can confidently say this year was my favourite year for sports and I’ve been playing sports since I was four. I love these guys,” said O’Brien.
This year was my favourite year for sports and I’ve been playing since I was four. I love these guys.
Seth O’Brien
Opposite Hitter, McMaster Men’s olleyball
O’Brien looks forward to returning to the court next year and improving his technique. He especially wants to be a better mentor for next year’s rookies.
“Moving to second year, helping the new guys come in, being more of a role model would be something I’d love to do. On the physical side of the game, I’d like to play smarter in terms of the shots I take and where I hit my serves. This summer I am going to focus on hitting the correct shots,” said O’Brien.
Reflecting on the season, O’Brien said the sense of camaraderie felt on the team is unlike anything he has experienced before.
“Our team this year, we were all so close and shared so many bonds . . . This has been the best team I’ve probably ever been on,” said O’Brien.
To sum up his season, O’Brien had one word that he felt best described the year he had: cohesiveness. Coming off a great rookie season, O’Brien is prepared to be a focal point of the team for next year. When asked if there’s any pressure that comes with it, he said he is not going to back down.
To sum up his season, O’Brien had one word that he felt best described the year he had: cohesiveness.
With the significant reduction in alumni funding, organizers of McMaster’s annual Light Up the Night event explore alternative funding options
The McMaster Students Union is working to secure additional funding for the end-of-year festival Light Up the Night after a significant reduction in financial contributions from McMaster's Alumni Association.
The event is the MSU's annual year-end celebration, featuring live music and entertainment. MSU president Jovan Popovic spoke to The Silhouette about the event and this year's reduction in funding, stating that the event has grown substantially over the last eight years, with over 11,000 attendees last year.
Traditionally a partnership between the MSU and the Alumni Association, the event has relied on external funding to accommodate its increasing scale. This year, Popovic says the MSU was informed that alumni contributions would be reduced by one-third from the usual.
According to Popovic, the Alumni Association had initially withdrawn nearly all funding early in the winter term. But, following discussions, they have since decided to continue funding the event—though not to the same extent as before. While the Alumni Association remains an important financial partner, the reduction in support has made it necessary for the MSU to seek additional revenue sources.
Hence, the MSU is pursuing alternative funding strategies, including increasing sponsorship revenue and securing support from sources such as the Office of the President and Facility Services.
Despite initial concerns about scaling back the event, Popovic expressed confidence that Light Up the Night will match last year's in terms of scale.
"At this point in time, I have full confidence that the event will be able to continue as it did before; we fully escaped crisis mode," said Popovic.
At this point in time, I have full confidence that the event will be able to continue as it did before; we fully escaped crisis mode.
Jovan Popovic
President, McMaster Students Union
Popovic said the MSU has learned from this experience and will prioritize diversifying funding sources to avoid reliance on single donors. While optimistic about this year’s event, he admitted that funding uncertainties create risks that future MSU leaders will inherit.
Popovic also commented on the Homecoming and Large Events Referendum held earlier during this year's MSU presidential election, which proposed adding $20.00 to the MSU operating fee to secure long-term funding for major student events. The referendum ultimately did not pass, meaning events like Homecoming and Light Up the Night will have to rely more on alternative funding sources.
“Seeing 40 per cent having voted in favour, I think it was a fairly close referenda that told me the students largely support the mandate, but that the fee was maybe just a little bit high . . . Perhaps if we do end up creating a partnership with university partners where perhaps they increase the contribution and that fee comes down, maybe there's a path forward in which the concept can be reintroduced at a lower cost to students and I would hope that we could potentially garner support there," said Popovic.
Seeing 40 per cent having voted in favour, I think it was a fairly close referenda that told me the students largely support the mandate, but that the fee was maybe just a little bit high.
Jovan Popovic
President, McMaster Students Union
Despite the challenges, the MSU remains committed to making this year’s Light Up the Night a success. Popovic emphasized his excitement for another year of the event, calling it a staple of campus life and a key part of the student experience. This year's Light Up the Night will be held on Apr. 8, 2025, starting at 6 p.m.
MSU's Diversity + Equity Network releases the findings of its research on student perspectives on racism and belonging at McMaster University
On Jan. 31, 2025, the McMaster Students Union’s Diversity + Equity Network announced the release of findings from its research study titled Understanding Student Perspectives: Racism, Belonging and Discrimination in an Ontario University Environment.
The study was conducted in collaboration with DEN’s student research team and professor Jeffrey Denis from the faculty of social sciences. It examined student experiences with racism at McMaster to inform efforts to create a more inclusive campus.
In the fall of 2023, DEN ran an Instagram poll asking followers if they had experienced discrimination on campus. Of the approximately 120 students who responded, 43 per cent reported experiencing racism.
Leilani Xue, a third-year sociology student and assistant director of DEN who worked on the research study, told The Silhouette that first-year students reported the highest instances of racism.
Xue noted that, upon reviewing other research studies on university campuses, the team identified a lack of open discussion and information about racism and discrimination at the undergraduate level. This, combined with the poll results, prompted the development of a larger research study examining how students of diverse backgrounds experience belonging, perceive discrimination and racism, and how these perceptions shape their overall comfort and sense of safety on campus.
From March 1 to 22, 2024, DEN’s research team collected 283 survey responses. The survey explored participants’ demographics, personal experiences with racism or discrimination, instances where they had witnessed racism, and their awareness of and satisfaction with campus services and resources.
The finalized report found that 16 per cent of students reported personal experiences with racism, while 37 per cent reported having witnessed it on campus.
Middle Eastern or West Asian students, followed by Black students, were most likely to report experiences of racism. Black, Middle Eastern, Latin American and South Asian students were most likely to report witnessing it.
Among religious groups, Jewish and Muslim students were the most likely to report experiencing discrimination, followed by Sikh and Hindu students, who reported feeling more affected than Christians or those without religious affiliations.
Most students who experienced racism said it significantly impacted their mental health, while many were unaware of campus resources. Those who knew about them often did not use them or report incidents.
Most students who experienced racism said it significantly impacted their mental health, while many were unaware of campus resources.
The report also provides recommendations for McMaster University to foster a more inclusive campus. These include increasing diversity among faculty, staff and university leadership and encouraging instructors to diversify curriculum content and discuss available resources. The team also suggested evaluating anti-racism and cultural competency training initiatives and raising awareness of the reporting process for racial discrimination.
Now, DEN’s research team is preparing for a second phase of research, set to launch between March and April 2025. This new study will collect qualitative data through focus groups, allowing researchers to engage directly with students, particularly those who identify as Black, Indigenous or as people of colour.
“Our first study helped us get a general understanding of [racism and discrimination on campus] . . . but now we want to actually talk to students and hear about their experiences on a lived experience level,” said Xue.
Our first study helped us get a general understanding of [racism and discrimination on campus] . . . but now we want to actually talk to students and hear about their experiences on a lived experience level.
Leilani Xue, Associate Director
Diversity + Equity Network
Their goal for this second study is to collaborate with students, faculty and staff on campus to inform inclusive, student-centred policy changes.
The full study, published earlier this year, can be read online. For more information about DEN and the work it does, interested students can visit its website and Instagram.
The Black Student Success Centre welcomes new wellness counsellor to support Black students in overcoming mental health barriers
Foluke Akinboyo, the Black student wellness counsellor at the Black Student Success Centre, recently transitioned into her new role. Previously, she was a wellness counsellor in student affairs in Undergraduate Medical Education.
Akinboyo is a registered psychotherapist with over a decade of experience in community mental health, student support and culturally considerate care. In this new role, she focuses on providing a supportive space where Black students can address their mental health needs and feel understood.
The BSSC is a dedicated space for Black-identifying students, aiming to support and uplift their academic, personal and professional success. It is a space that aims to combat racial isolation and connects Black students to resources, peers, programs and faculty to foster their academic and personal growth.
Akinboyo currently offers individual counselling and group wellness programs for Black-identifying students.
Akinboyo’s motivation to take on this role at the BSSC came from her own experiences as an immigrant student. She reflected on the difficulties she faced, such as feeling isolated, struggling with unfamiliar systems and lacking adequate support. Her own journey led her to realize the importance of creating spaces that help students overcome these barriers.
“Even if I cannot impact everybody, even if it was just one little tear at a time that we could change, let me try,” said Akinboyo.
Even if I cannot impact everybody, even if it was just one little tear at a time that we could change, let me try.
Foluke Akinboyo, Black Student Wellness Counsellor
Black Student Success Centre
Akinboyo discussed the stigma surrounding mental health within the Black community. According to her, mental health concerns are often viewed as a sign of weakness.
“How dare you not have that mental toughness to be able to function? What is really bothering you that you cannot function?” said Akinboyo, describing some of the thought processes behind this stigma.
She explained that these attitudes can discourage individuals from seeking help. She further elaborated that the cultural expectation that Black individuals should remain strong and resilient in the face of adversity often leads to mental health issues being minimized or ignored.
The 2017 Pan-Canadian Health Inequalities Data Tool found that between 2010 and 2013, 64 per cent of young Black women aged 12-17 reported their mental health as excellent or very good. However, this was significantly lower than the 77.2 per cent of young white women who reported excellent or very good mental health.
Akinboyo also pointed to a long-standing mistrust in health care systems among many Black communities, stemming from historical injustices such as unethical medical experimentation.
“When we look at the history of unethical experimentation, the Tuskegee Syphilis Study . . . our parents and our ancestors raised us to be wary of things that are like that because we could be thrown into spaces that we don't understand,” she explained.
When we look at the history of unethical experimentation, the Tuskegee Syphilis Study . . . our parents and our ancestors raised us to be wary of things that are like that because we could be thrown into spaces that we don't understand.
Foluke Akinboyo, Black Student Wellness Counsellor
Black Student Success Centre
In addition to stigma and mistrust, Akinboyo noted that mental health issues in Black individuals are often overlooked or misunderstood, as they may be seen through a lens shaped by
“Some women may show aggression—quote-unquote this ‘aggressive Black woman’ type of talk. However, what if she's actually depressed?” said Akinboyo.
Akinboyo also pointed out that Black men in particular face barriers to seeking therapy and are less inclined to reach out in comparison to Black women. The cultural expectation of Black men to be strong, protective figures can make it difficult for them to embrace vulnerability.
“Black men are supposed to protect, provide, serve, you know, be the person that we women or society could lean on,” said Akinboyo, detailing the cultural and societal expectations of Black men.
This societal pressure leads to emotional challenges being viewed as a sign of weakness, creating additional obstacles to accessing mental health support.
“We’re all emotional beings. So why can't they be emotional?” said Akinboyo, emphasizing that creating safe spaces for Black men to express their emotions and seek support is essential.
Akinboyo emphasized that her role now focusing on Black students is not meant to exclude other students or invalidate the work of other counsellors. Instead, it is aimed at helping Black students who feel vulnerable or misrepresented and combating the unique barriers they face in accessing mental health support.
“The work that we're doing is tapping into the minds who are very vulnerable, who are questioning, who are scared to raise their hand up, who don't have a voice, who are afraid to even use their voice, because their voices have been misrepresented many times,” she said.
Akinboyo has several initiatives in mind to support Black students. One of her upcoming services is titled Power Emotion, a wellness group designed to help Black men connect with their emotions and seek mental health support.
Akinboyo also hopes to introduce a program titled Success Beyond the Degree, which would help upper-year and graduate students transition from academic life to their professional careers, while maintaining a strong sense of self.
“You can still be you beyond that degree that you have,” she said.
Ultimately, Akinboyo believes that the presence of Black wellness counsellors is essential for creating inclusive and supportive environments for students who may feel overlooked. She argued that without adequate representation, universities risk failing to provide the quality of care their students deserve.
“There is a lack of not just representation, [but] a lack of voices on tables that matter . . . And when we continue to remove voices or not create spaces for the voices that are represented in the student body, especially on those types of tables, then we run the risk of pretty much failing our students. We take the money, but we don't give the quality,” said Akinboyo.
There is a lack of not just representation, [but] a lack of voices on tables that matter . . .
Foluke Akinboyo, Wellness Counsellor
Black Student Success Centre
For anyone who connects with Akinboyo, she wants to leave them with the following message:
“Stop bullying yourself . . . Be gentle with yourself as you forgive yourself . . . You have to start forgiving yourself so you can actually love yourself again.”
Akinboyo’s role at the BSSC focuses on supporting Black students’ academic, emotional and mental well-being. Through initiatives aimed at fostering safe and inclusive spaces, she works to help students navigate challenges and build resilience.
To learn more about the work that Akinboyo and the BSSC are doing, visit their Instagram and website. Students interested in booking a session with her can email [email protected].
Despite the impacts of slavery that still permeate today, the richness of Black history deserves to be platformed and taught
As a Black person, when I was younger, I never questioned who we were before slavery. However, I had a general understanding that most people, including myself, saw Black history largely through the lens of slavery, its repercussions and the decades of institutionalized and systemic racism that followed.
As I grew older, I began to question this narrative and way of thinking, especially as I became increasingly drained by the constant stream of racist content and controversial debates in the news and on social media.
These debates often force people to relive and explain the pain they’ve endured to ignorant audiences who refuse to understand that we don’t want to live with this reality. Yet, we are forced to learn it, endure it and overcome it, only to explain it again and again.
Even when it wasn’t blatant racism, the ongoing discussions about issues like racial disparities in health care, beauty industries or employment felt exhausting. While extremely important, I felt these conversations would continue to go in circles without addressing the root issue: education about Black history, or rather, the lack thereof.
Education boards and universities must reflect the crucial perspectives that only Black people or people of colour can provide. If an educational institution is to adequately deliver education about marginalized communities, it is essential that it includes marginalized voices.
Misunderstandings and a lack of awareness of Black history highlight an education system that overlooks these vital topics in primary, secondary and post-secondary education. Correcting misrepresented history and integrating accurate, comprehensive accounts of Black and BIPOC experiences could shift these often polarizing debates toward a more informed, constructive dialogue that fosters understanding and empathy.
Many Western countries profited from slavery and to this day profit from the work of immigrants. The enduring consequences have left other countries economically disadvantaged following the era of colonialism. Yet, the knowledge of how our ancestors survived before these traumatic events is rarely discussed or acknowledged. Why is this important history so often left out of mainstream conversations?
Black history, both before and after slavery, is vast. Its influence continues to shape the world today in countless ways.
Including Black history before slavery in education could help humanize Black communities by shifting the narrative from one of pity to one of strength and depth. It would show just how devastating the impact of slavery was, highlighting the rich cultures and histories that were interrupted.
Including Black history before slavery in education could help humanize Black communities by shifting the narrative from one of pity to one of strength and depth.
The more Black history is omitted from education, the more I question whether there is genuine intent to create change. Black history should not be confined to Black people; it is part of the broader history of humanity and must be taught to everyone. A country that profits off a community’s culture and boasts diversity should teach the full history.
Black history should not be confined to Black people; it is part of the broader history of humanity and must be taught to everyone.
Including this history would help us better understand concepts like cultural appropriation versus cultural appreciation. It would create a space for other BIPOC communities to also share their histories. Canada, as a diverse nation, is home to vastly different lived experiences based on race, and this diversity is not accurately reflected in the education system.
History is essential because it shapes our present. Without understanding our history—its beliefs, systems and laws—we are doomed to repeat the same mistakes. Slavery and colonization left deep scars on BIPOC communities, dismantling Black culture in profound ways—economically, systemically and culturally.
But what was taken from us? How did our ancestors live before slavery? What were the beauty standards? What religions did we practice? How was wealth measured, and who was considered wealthy?
These questions should be explored in more classrooms at all levels of education—not only in Black history courses but across various disciplines. This is not just to uplift or educate Black students, but to offer a new perspective to non-Black communities and highlight the beauty of Black cultures that existed before they were nearly erased by the colonial period.
It is time to make these discussions more productive and less divisive.
With the Academy Awards just behind us, here’s how to further explore your interests when course selection rolls around
By: Scarlett Sapieha, Arts and Culture Contributor
The 97th Academy Awards nominees for Best Picture explore a variety of fascinating subjects, and McMaster has an extensive catalogue of electives that dive deeper into these interests. Here are the courses to take next year, based on your pick for Best Picture.
Frequently described as an “American Cinderella story,” Anora is a film about a sex worker who marries a Russian oligarch. CMST 2H03: Gender and Performance explores how gender and sex inform different performance texts through feminist lenses, leaning into the themes of the film about autonomy and sex as a transaction rather than pleasure.
The Brutalist tells the epic saga of a Jewish architect escaping Europe during the Second World War to start a new life in America. Though Adrien Brody’s character specializes in the brutalist style, GKROMST 2BB3: Constructing the Ancient World is your chance to learn about the fundamentals of architecture that still influence design today.
Timothée Chalamet’s performance as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown wowed audiences with the research and detail put into the role. MUSIC 2II3: Popular Music in North America and the United Kingdom: Post-World War II is your opportunity to learn about the musical greats of the era at the same critical level. Study everything from Chuck Berry to Madonna—record labels to production studios.
Visually stunning and technically masterful, Conclave follows the College of Cardinals as they vote to elect a new pope. It dives into what values a Catholic figurehead should have and how they shape the global politics of the church. Gender, race and sexuality have all historically been loaded concepts in religion—explore why and how in SCAR 2RD3: Religion and Diversity.
Dune: Part Two continues the story of Paul Atreides on the desert planet of Arrakis. ANTHROP 3SS3: Sacred Journeys is a study of pilgrimages and secular relationships. With a film about false prophets, manipulation and a whole lot of walking, it’s hard to find a better companion course.
With a film about false prophets, manipulation and a whole lot of walking, it’s hard to find a better companion course.
Emilia Pérez follows a cartel leader who fakes her death to have gender-affirming surgery. The film has been criticized for poor writing, its use of AI, a transphobic narrative and racist depictions of Latinx communities. SOCIOL 3U03: Sociology of Sexualities examines how sexuality and identity have been shaped by historical and social contexts.
Based on a true story from life in the Brazilian military dictatorship, I’m Still Here centres on the forced disappearance of Rubens Paiva and the struggles his family faces in the aftermath. POLSCI 1AA3: Government, Politics, and Power examines how power shapes political structures and the ideas and events that have shifted modern politics.
Shot almost entirely from a first-person perspective, Nickel Boys is an impressionistic film that captures a feeling more than a linear narrative, pairing well with IARTS 1PA3: Perspectives A: Arts in Society: Social Constructions of Class, Race and Gender. This course examines how art shifts narratives around social issues and how artists communicate through different mediums.
The Substance follows Demi Moore as an aging actress pushed out of the industry, who finds an experimental drug that will split her consciousness in two—one as she is now, and one as her so-called best self. Examining sexism and ageism in entertainment, GENDRST 3BB3: Gender and Visual Culture explores how gender is expressed and interpreted in visual mediums.
A critical study of how so-called villains are made, Wicked gives audiences a backstory for the iconic Wicked Witch of the West and how she became so despised. GERMAN 2FT3: The Fairy Tale (Taught in English) studies the history behind the fairy tales we love, starting with the Grimm Brothers and pushing forward to myth and modern folktales.
Regardless of their wins and losses at the Oscars, these films introduce relevant themes that stand strongly on their own. What better way to discover a new interest and inspire your studies than through cinema?
Regardless of their wins and losses at the Oscars, these films introduce relevant themes that stand strongly on their own.
At the Royal Botanical Gardens, Wonderland comes to life through vibrant blooms and whimsical design
Winter at the Royal Botanical Gardens is anything but dull. From Feb. 1 to March 30, 2025, the garden’s newest curated botanical exhibit, Alice in Bloomland, transforms the season’s cold and grey atmosphere into an escape where orchids bloom in abundance, whimsical art installations play with scale and colour, and visitors are invited to step into a world that feels both surreal and familiar.
The exhibit brings to life the whimsical imagery of the 1865 novel by Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Kim Viney, chief operating officer at the RBG, shared that the theme was born from a year-long focus on nostalgia, tapping into a story recognized across generations.
As the RBG’s first large-scale floral showcase, the exhibit goes well beyond simple arrangements. Viney explained that the team carefully balanced natural and built elements, incorporating lush florals and plants into elaborate set pieces, creating a space where nature doesn’t just decorate but becomes part of the storytelling.
Unlike traditional exhibits, Alice in Bloomland invites visitors to experience the spirit of Lewis Carroll’s imagined Wonderland in their own way. Some may be drawn to the playfulness of the props, while others may focus on the artistry of CoBALT Connects’ textile installations.
“We didn’t want to dictate how people should enjoy it,” said Viney. Instead, the space is designed to surprise—every visit offers something new to discover.
We didn’t want to dictate how people should enjoy it.
Kim Viney, Chief Operating Officer
Royal Botanical Gardens
As the winter brings bare outdoor gardens, the RBG aimed to create a warm and lively experience to contrast the season’s grey skies.
“People have told us they walk in and immediately feel lighter, like they don’t need to escape to the south,” said Viney.
People have told us they walk in and immediately feel lighter, like they don’t need to escape to the south.
Kim Viney, Chief Operating Officer
Royal Botanical Gardens
Located at the RBG Centre at 680 Plains Rd. W. in Burlington, Ont., Alice in Bloomland is just 15 minutes from McMaster University by car or 30 to 40 minutes by public transit. With the semester wrapping up and exams approaching, students can immerse themselves in a whimsical and natural scene.
