McMaster’s Varsity Leadership Committee's Mental Health Week offers activities for Marauder athletes to connect and discuss mental health and well being

On Jan. 22, 2025, the McMaster Varsity Leadership Committee kicked off their Mental Health Week with a mental health panel. This event took place in the David Braley Athletic Centre classrooms and featured a number of speakers discussing various topics in mental health.

The panel included McMaster athletics alumni Sam Cooper and Brandon Bernard. Current student athletes Jenine Alkhatib and Sammi Slater, as well as a speaker from the student wellness centre, Jin Byun, were also present. The speakers discussed a range of topics including how to take care of your well-being outside of sport and women’s health in sports

McMaster VLC president Evan Mitchell spoke about his experience in helping to put together the event, “I was able to help create an environment where people could feel like they could share their story and not have any fear about what people were gonna think. It was a really great crowd that we had too and a good audience and some really good questions as well and some real raw emotion that kind of came out of like people just really like going into their story and it's like, like I loved it. I thought it was amazing.”

It was a really great crowd that we had too and a good audience and some really good questions as well and some real raw emotion that kind of came out of like people just really like going into their story and it's like, like I loved it. I thought it was amazing

Evan Mitchell, President
McMaster Varsity Leadership Committee

Proceeding the panel event, the VLC hosted a trivia night event at TwelvEighty Bar & Grill on Jan. 23, 2025. The event allowed student athletes from all sports to enjoy a dinner together and partake in trivia. Mitchell was shocked by the number of student athletes who attended.

“So it was special because we kind of knew what we were capable of, but when everyone comes together and is there for that, it's just like it just reminds you of that the sky's the limit with event planning for athletes because word of mouth spreads so quickly and if you catch a buzz like you're gonna get a lot of people to come out which is pretty cool,” said Mitchell.

Going forward, the success of this event may signal even bigger things for the VLC. Their original goal was to give better opportunities for the OUA and club sports at McMaster, compared to the USports teams. Mitchell believes this has been surpassed.

“I've seen so much change in the department with VLC and what we've been able to achieve. Now, our goal is to create a stronger sense of community amongst athletes and get everyone together more. You should be a Marauder alumni and be able to connect with any Marauder alumni. We want to create more opportunities for people to network and connect with one another,” said Mitchell. 

I've seen so much change in the department with VLC and what we've been able to achieve. Now, our goal is to create a stronger sense of community amongst athletes and get everyone together more.

Evan Mitchell, President
McMaster Varsity Leadership Committee

Mitchell attributes the growth of the VLC and their ability to reach so many student athletes to its wide-reaching executive board, as well as their interpersonal relationships.


“The reason why I think the club has been so successful is because we're all friends. . .It's a big reason why the club is so integrated and we have so many sports like swimming, soccer, basketball, baseball and we used to have a couple others [on the executive board], but even that in itself, four or five sports within your club is huge because you reach like so many networks,” said Mitchell.

The VLC’s mental health week initiatives showcased the team’s commitment to connecting and providing spaces for McMaster student-athletes to make meaningful relationships.

Looking forward, the VLC looks to continue its growth, hosting a number of events including Marauder Momentum, a series of career development workshops. Information can be found here.

Marauders women's volleyball opens year with back-to-back games against Windsor and Toronto Metropolitan University, picking up four wins in four games

Despite losing the last four games of the 2024 portion of the season, the Marauders women’s volleyball team has kick-started 2025 with four consecutive wins in their first four games. Their current record has the team sitting with 10 wins and four losses this season. 

The Marauders lost to the Western University Mustangs on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16, 2024 and lost again to the Brock University Badgers on Nov. 22 and Nov. 23, 2024. The Mustangs sit just below the Marauders in the U Sport rankings at eleventh place, while the Badgers are ranked eighth.

With two tough opponents out of the way, the Marauders entered the season with matchups against the University of Windsor Lancers at home on Jan. 10 and Jan. 11, 2025. The Lancers are ranked twentieth in USports rankings.

The Marauders went on to sweep the Lancers in their first match, with a decisive three to zero scoreline. Outside hitter Emma McKinnon led the team in kills with 11 in total, while setter Chayse Victoria led in assists with 24 in total.

The Marauders went on to sweep the Lancers in their first match, with a decisive three to zero scoreline.

The two teams' second meeting was closer in score, ending with a three to two scoreline. Outside hitter Maddy Lutes stepped up, leading the team in kills with 16 total and Victoria continued leading in assists with 40 total.  

The team then took on Toronto Metropolitan University on Jan. 17 and Jan. 18, 2025. Similarly to their first game against the Lancers, the Marauders swept TMU in their first match. The second game was decisive as well, as the Marauders won with a score of three to one.

As the Ontario University Athletics season continues, the Marauders will face the University of Ottawa on Jan. 24 and Jan. 25, 2025, at home in the Burridge Gym, where the volleyball team will hope to continue its recent success. 

David A. Robertson discusses new book, All the Little Monsters: How I Learned to Live with Anxiety, offers powerful advice on mental health at Playhouse Cinema

On Jan. 23, 2025, award-winning author David A. Robertson was invited for a discussion about his new book at Playhouse Cinema, organized by gritLIT.

In a world where mental health is often misunderstood or stigmatized, Robertson offers a candid and compassionate look at his own battle with anxiety and depression in his new book, All the Little Monsters: How I Learned to Live with Anxiety.

Robertson offers powerful insights on finding strength in struggle and the importance of embracing mental health challenges. Through his book and conversation, Robertson aims to connect with others who may feel isolated in their own mental health battles, providing hope and wisdom to navigate the difficult yet transformative journey of living with anxiety and depression.

"If someone's going to look at me in my career and just see me hear me talk or read my book they might think that I've got it all together. And I think it's important to hear it sometimes that I don't and if I can struggle and if I can live with those struggles and I can still do what I'm doing then I think anybody can," said Robertson.

If someone's going to look at me in my career and just see me hear me talk or read my book they might think that I've got it all together.

David A. Robertson, Author
All the Little Monsters: How I Learned to Live with Anxiety

Robertson highlights the power of community by sharing lived experiences, underscoring how deeply stabilizing this connection can be for one’s mental health journey. He emphasizes that feeling understood and supported by others can play a vital role in healing and growth.

"The more we share with each other and the more we listen to each other, I think the more we were able to build a community of support for each other. And I think that's probably what I hope I'm able to do with the platform I have is maybe be a part of that community-building process," said Robertson.

Robertson understands discussing personal struggles or mental health challenges can often feel difficult, as vulnerability is frequently associated with embarrassment or shame. Robertson used an analogy to explain how opening up becomes easier with practice, emphasizing that the more we share, the less intimidating it becomes.

"It's like going off a diving board. You know you go up to the 15-meter platform and it takes you an hour to jump and you finally jump and you realize, oh, this isn't so bad. Then you get up again and you go again and that this time it takes you a minute. And then you jump next time you just don't even hesitate you just jump off. But I feel like that the more I talked about what I was going through and the more I was really open and honest . . . it actually was something I began to embrace," said Robertson.

The more I talked about what I was going through and the more I was really open and honest . . . it actually was something I began to embrace.

David A. Robertson, Author
All the Little Monsters: How I Learned to Live with Anxiety

Robertson believes that anxiety isn’t something that can be cured. Instead, he advocates for adopting a mindset focused on learning to live with mental illness, rather than striving for a permanent solution.

"You can't burn off your mental health struggles. You can't have them surgically removed, right? And so what's the next best thing? You have to learn how to live better with it, cause it's there. And so you have to carry it with you in a better way," said Robertson.

Robertson explained that for those who struggle in silence or avoid seeking help for their mental health, their concerns will only intensify over time and eventually catch up with them.

"I think that eventually will lead to a spiral and it'll kind of present itself in a destructive way. Eventually, the more you push it down, the more you ignore it, the more you pretend that it's not there; it just bubbles and it grows," said Robertson.

Mental health is a deeply personal journey, one that looks different for everyone. However, you don’t have to face it alone. By seeking support, you can find a community that becomes your lifeline.

If you ever need support, there are many mental health services available to help you through difficult times. Accessible resources for McMaster students such as crisis hotlines, counseling services and student support services offer confidential support and guidance. Do not hesitate to reach out to a professional who can provide the care and understanding you deserve.

If you're interested in normalizing conversations around mental health and challenging the stigmas that surround it, you can purchase All the Little Monsters: How I Learned to Live with Anxiety, where Robertson shares his hard-earned wisdom in hopes of making others' mental health journeys feel a little less lonely.

Combining art and coaching on fostering positive mindset change, McMaster's Museum of Art workshop offers a unique perspective on future-focused thinking

On Jan. 23, 2025 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the McMaster Museum of Art hosted Reimagining Mindsets for the Future, an interactive workshop designed to help participants explore new ways of thinking and approaching challenges. By blending visual arts, group coaching and education, the event aimed to inspire personal growth and equip attendees with tools and strategies to stay positive and navigate uncertainty in today’s world.

Co-created by executive, leadership and team coach, Amanda Calzolaio, alongside Nicole Knibb, a senior educator at the McMaster Museum of Art, the workshop took place in the museum’s gallery space. Attendees were invited to engage with art, participate in discussions and reflect on how mindset shifts could shape their perspectives on the future.

Calzolaio and Knibb, drawing on their experience in coaching and arts education, designed the workshop to integrate three core elements: visual arts, group coaching and education. According to Calzolaio, this blend creates a “dynamic interplay” that deepens awareness and fosters connection.

“Art allows for expression of values, perspectives and identity. Education invites new knowledge. And coaching deepens the awareness of self, others and the world. So, collectively, these components shift mindsets and inform how we see ourselves and the world,” explained Calzolaio.

Art played a significant role in fostering self-awareness and connection during the workshop, with the museum environment enhancing the experience.

“Being in the gallery, surrounded by artwork, creates a unique space for reflection and connection. It’s a really great way to get to know yourself, your place in the world and be with other people in the same space,” said Knibb.

The workshop also placed a strong focus on the concept of futures thinking, a creative and analytical approach to envisioning what the future could look like and how to shape it positively.

“Artists are really good at seeing things others might not. They spot signals that help us think about what might happen and how to prepare for it,” said Knibb. “Futures work offers hope and optimism and encourages us to imagine better possibilities rather than focus on dystopias."

Artists are really good at seeing things others might not. They spot signals that help us think about what might happen and how to prepare for it.

Nicole Knibb, Senior Educator: Academic & Professional Engagement
McMaster Museum of Art

The workshop also emphasized the importance of building momentum as part of future thinking, a concept central to the coaching process.

“In coaching, our goal is to move from the present into the future. Future thinking is about creating forward-facing momentum that’s relevant to each participant, helping them build a vision of what’s possible,” said Calzolaio.

For many participants, the workshop offered a chance to engage with new perspectives and rediscover creativity. “We want participants to leave with a sense of curiosity and connectedness—with themselves, others and the world. It’s about tapping into something they didn’t know was possible or maybe forgot about,” Calzolaio said.

We want participants to leave with a sense of curiosity and connectedness—with themselves, others, and the world.

Amanda Calzolaio, Leadership and Team Coach

Knibb added that the museum's central location on campus makes it an ideal setting for such an event. “It’s accessible for students and others and it’s a great way for young people to spark creativity, imagination and optimism about the future,” she said.

As the second workshop in what the McMaster Museum of Art hopes will become an ongoing series, Calzolaio noted, “This is just the beginning. We hope to continue this work and bring it to even more people in the future." Reimagining Mindsets for the Future reflects the museum's commitment to blending arts-based education and group coaching to foster growth and collaboration.

Details about upcoming workshops and events can be found on the McMaster Museum of Art's social media and website.

A look at what sports will run this winter through the intramurals program, and how its programming supports equity, diversity and inclusion for all participants

The McMaster athletics and recreation department has just kicked off the winter league for intramural sports. This semester features a variety of sports to participate in, including indoor cricket, dodgeball, innertube water polo and many others.

The leagues began as early as Jan. 12, 2025, giving McMaster students a space to play as the semester began. McMaster’s intramurals offer a variety of categories for participants of different skill levels. These range from PlayFun, for which cooperation and learning of the sport is the main focus, along with PlayCompetitve, for which, as the name would suggest, scoring and winning is the main focus. 

There are also open, co-recreational, women’s and men’s leagues for participants to choose from. Open leagues have no gender-based roster requirements. Co-recreational leagues allow players of all gender identities to share a roster, while women’s and men’s leagues provide spaces specifically for women-identifying and men-identifying players to form their respective teams.

These league styles and rosters are just one way Andrea Maxwell, the inclusion and gender equity advocate for McMaster Intramurals, has aimed to make intramurals more inclusive.

Maxwell creates programming in which all players feel welcome.

“So my role is fairly new. It focuses on creating a welcoming an actively inclusive environment within sports and I really aim to increase participation particularly among groups who have been discouraged from playing sports like marginalized groups such as people with minority gender identities, disabilities, sexualities, other cultures or races,” said Maxwell.

One of the main aspects of providing a welcoming space has been the introduction of the aforementioned open league. Providing a league with no gender-based requirements has opened the door to more people to enjoy intramurals at McMaster.

“We also have an open league where you don't have to identify with any gender identity at all, which is really a step forward. I know a lot of other universities don't really have that at any level of their sports, but this is an opportunity. You don't have to fit in a box to be able to play and be welcomed with our program,” said Maxwell. 

We also have an open league where you don't have to identify with any gender identity at all . . . You don't have to fit in a box to be able to play and be welcomed with our program.

Andrea Maxwell, Inclusion and Gender Equity Advocate
McMaster Intramurals

In addition, Maxwell has helped to facilitate single-day tournaments which provide a space for marginalized groups. These events also aim to provide a space for people who may not be signed up for intramurals and who may want to try a new sport. 

“We have a wheelchair basketball tournament coming later in the semester. We have an International Women's Day tournament coming up, a Black History Month tournament; We have a lot going on just trying to reach as many different groups on campus as possible just to encourage them to play. We want you here, you're welcome here, it's a safe space,” said Maxwell. 

We have a wheelchair basketball tournament coming later in the semester. We have an International Women's Day tournament coming up, Black History Month tournament . . . We want you here, you're welcome here, it's a safe space.

Andrea Maxwell, Inclusion and Gender Equity Advocate
McMaster Intramurals

Maxwell's efforts are aimed at making members of the McMaster intramurals community feel more welcomed, as well as to decrease any nervousness preventing people from joining. For Maxwell, the rewards of joining intramurals are immense.

“I know some people may be nervous to play intramurals, but I would say if you can go for it, it's a fun time. We have prizes, of course, but I guess the real prize is, you know, the friendships, the time and space to get active. It's a rewarding experience,” said Maxwell.

McMaster intramurals has aimed to provide a space for everyone to participate. Anyone can play and enjoy their time while doing so. If you are interested in participating in any of the single day tournaments, information can be found on the intramurals leagues' website.

In his campaign for MSU president, Olami Olalere aims to introduce an MSUTV, create a back-to-school event day and promote housing accessibility

Olami Olalere is a third-year Honours Life Sciences, and one of three students running for the McMaster Students Union 2025 presidential election. The three main pillars of his platform emphasize improving student life, fostering student engagement and promoting student expression. 

Olalere refers to these pillars as the "iSee" framework. His campaign slogan is "this is on me, all for you!"

Student Life 

The first pillar of Olalere's campaign focuses on improving student life. Olalere highlights four key areas of action under student life: bettering engagement with and access to MSU services by improving advertising, addressing housing accessibility, advocating for better transit and events designed for enrichment and fun.

Olalere proposes increasing access to MSU services through enhancing advertising. Olalere plans to raise awareness of the services and resources the MSU offers, ensuring that students are better informed. To achieve this, in his campaign platform he proposes "partnering more" with MSU affiliated centres, such as the Women and Gender Equity Network, the Pride Community Centre and the Student Health Education Centre, to drive more traffic towards MSU services

With the goal of improving helping students find housing, Olalere proposes holding a housing fair where landlords would showcase their properties. He also plans to collaborate with the municipal government to uphold student tenant protections and establish a route of direct communication between students and the municipal government. He has indicated an intention to introduce a housing budget to fund these initiatives.

Olalere's next priority is improving transportation on and around campus. He plans to engage with Metrolinx to increase the frequency of GO busses during rush hours. He also wishes to arrange monthly buses for students to attend away Marauder sports games to foster school spirit.

Lastly, Olalere wants to introduce new events that enrich the student experience by planning additional events for homecoming, including a halftime show at the football game and to build on the night concert by including a fair featuring local vendors.

He also proposes a smaller "Back-to-School Day" event on campus, offering entertainment and activities to celebrate the return to campus at the start of the academic year. 

Student Engagement 

The second pillar of Olalere's campaign focuses on engaging students with campus events that promote inclusivity, empower student voices and encourage civic participation. 

Olalere proposes introducing a culture festival or month featuring various cultural events, performances and exhibitions to address what he perceives as a lack of events that represent the diverse student body.

Olalere also proposes creating a "Maroon Wall," a place for students to express themselves and engage with peers. He intends to collaborate with McMaster Athletics to create a McMaster student-only stand for home games. 

With the goal of showcasing student creativity, he proposes hosting a gallery and art exhibition where students can display their work, participate in a bidding process and win prizes.

With the goal of fostering engagement with MSU politics, Olalere proposes student town hall meetings in the McMaster University Student Centre atrium to discuss key issues with the MSU. He also proposes collecting the opinions of students through surveys, suggestion boxes and monthly MSU outreach booths in MUSC.

Additionally, Olalere wants to encourage civic participation by educating students on the importance of voting and providing peer support resources to address what he refers to as "election anxiety." 

Student Expression

The third pillar of Olalere's campaign focuses on student expression.

In his platform, Olalere proposes hosting a Halloween festival. The festival would feature events for both on and off-campus students, including a haunted house in the Hub.

If elected, he claims he would create "MSUTV", a student-run media outlet dedicated to showcasing the vibrant life of campus. The platform would live-stream sporting events, student governance coverage and highlights of campus events, allowing McMaster students to see their stories come to life.

More information on Olami's campaign can be found via Instagram.

Along with the approaching McMaster Students Union presidential elections, students will soon vote on three critical referenda that could impact campus life

McMaster students will soon vote on three referenda alongside the McMaster Students Union presidential elections, with the voting period running Jan 28. to 30. Depending on their outcome, these referenda could change the allocation of financial resources within the MSU. These referenda are for the Food Accessibility Initiative, Homecoming and Large Events and funding for Engineers Without Borders.

Food Accessibility Initiative

The Food Accessibility Initiative, proposed by current MSU President Jovan Popovic, seeks to combat food insecurity on campus by delivering a free soup and bread meal program to students. Initially presented in February 2024 with a proposed $5.00 increase to the MSU organizational fee to fund it, the first attempt at the referendum fell short of the quorum of 10 per cent, with voter turnout reaching 9.4%.

The updated proposal now requests a $6.50 increase, adjusted for the Consumer Price Index. If approved, the fee would fund the Soup & Bread Initiative, which would provide free soup and bread for two hours a day, four days a week, throughout the academic year in an effort to increase accessibility to food on campus.

The Food Accessibility Initiative, proposed by MSU President Jovan Popovic, seeks to combat food insecurity on campus . . . The updated proposal now requests a $6.50 increase, adjusted for the Consumer Price Index.

This initiative, modelled after the Loaded Ladle program at Dalhousie University, is projected to serve over 75,000 portions annually. When reintroducing the motion on Nov. 17, 2024, Popovic emphasized that the fee would be mandatory, with no opt-out option, to ensure the program's sustainability and maximize its benefits for students in need.

Kooper Zacharczuk is leading the campaign for the Food Accessibility Initiative. After learning about the proposal from Popovic last year, Zacharczuk became committed to addressing food insecurity. He emphasized the program’s affordability and universal benefit, pointing out that the one-time cost is less than the cost of a regular meal on campus.

Zacharczuk emphasized that supporting the initiative is a straightforward choice, describing it as "common sense" to vote yes. "We're just feeding students in need," said Zacharczuk, stressing that the program’s affordability and potential impact as a free meal service make it a solution to address food insecurity on campus.

Homecoming & Large Events

The referendum on Homecoming and Large Events proposes a $20.00 increase to the MSU organizational fee, also subject to Consumer Price Index adjustments. If approved, the fee is expected to generate over $500,000 in additional revenue annually, which would enable MSU to continue hosting large-scale campus events, such as homecoming which returned to campus in 2024 for the first time since 2019.

The referendum on Homecoming and Large Events proposes a $20 increase to the MSU organizational fee, also subject to Consumer Price Index adjustments.

The MSU aims to use the additional funding to maintain these events while ensuring affordability for students.

If passed, 50 per cent of homecoming tickets will be priced between $10.00 and $20.00, starting in Fall 2025 and continuing through Fall 2027. Popovic noted that the current $43,000 event allocation is insufficient to sustain the growing demand for such events.

McMaster Engineers without Borders

The third referendum concerns Engineers Without Borders' annual fee of $0.44. This fee supports Engineers Without Borders McMaster, which contributes $12,500 annually to EWB Canada's fellowship program. However, concerns over financial accountability have prompted the referendum. A November 2024 Student Representative Assembly review revealed that EWB McMaster's budget lacked clarity and did not include their actual spending from the previous fiscal year.

The third referendum focuses on the Engineers Without Borders' annual fee of $0.44 . . . A recent SRA review revealed that EWB McMaster's budget lacked clarity and did not include their actual spending from the previous fiscal year.

Additionally, funds allocated to the fellowship program are used to support students from other universities if no McMaster students are selected. While EWB representatives assured the SRA that financial oversight issues have been resolved, some members expressed their concerns about fees collected from McMaster students going to fund a fellowship program that does not always accept a McMaster student.

Jialiang (Kevin) Hu, leading the campaign to cancel the fee, emphasized these concerns, pointing out that EWB’s financial oversight issues include losing access to bank accounts and cancelled trips due to organizational restructuring. “This referendum sends a message that students will not tolerate the misuse of their money,” stated Hu to The Silhouette.

He argued that EWB McMaster could continue its activities, such as workshops and team-building events, through alternative funding sources like grants, sponsorships, or support from the McMaster Engineering Society, rather than relying on student fees.

Students will have the opportunity to cast their votes during the 2025 MSU presidential election period, deciding the outcome of these initiatives and their implementation on campus. Voting will occur online via the SimplyVoting platform from Jan. 28 to 30, 2025.

Half a century after its official introduction, McMaster's anthropology department celebrates a legacy of research and transformation

In 2024, the department of anthropology at McMaster celebrated its 50th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the department welcomed keynote speakers to explore historical connections and reflect on how the discipline has changed and evolved. Four colloquia were held during the winter 2024 term and the main celebration took place from Sept. 20 to 21, 2024.

Although McMaster University first opened in 1887, it was not until 1974 that anthropology was officially welcomed to McMaster as its very own department.

Professor Andrew Roddick, the chair of the department of anthropology, explained that anthropology was originally a subject within the sociology department, not quite able to set itself apart. "The anthropology department had a series of fits and starts before it became formalised," said Roddick.

Despite a rough start, the legacy of anthropology at McMaster is rich. Roddick noted that the 50th anniversary was an opportunity to learn a lot about the department's history.

“We’ve learned a lot about some of those connections back to prominent anthropologists, including Franz Boaz. We even had some of his students working here in the 1970s,” said Roddick.

Anthropology at McMaster has grown significantly over the last 50 years, becoming both a dynamic and adaptive department. Over the last five to 10 years, Roddick has seen an influx of many young instructors into the department. Their teaching and research methods have been modernised, propelling the department of anthropology in an upwards direction.

Roddick explained that the disciplines of anthropology at McMaster now range from societal issues such as contemporary politics to very scientific topics such as ancient DNA and biological anthropology. “There is a little bit for everybody in anthropology," said Roddick.

There is a little bit for everybody in anthropology.

Dr. Andrew Roddick, Department Chair
Anthropology Department, McMaster University

2024 was packed with celebrations, including talks from alumni and former faculty and the creation of an anthropology bursary.

Additionally, Roddick and his team put together a 50th-anniversary virtual yearbook that aims to unite the community in celebration. The anthropology department's 50th anniversary webpage states, "the virtual yearbook serves as a repository for our "memory work" and highlights our lived experiences." While official celebrations are over, information can still be found on the department's website.

Roddick expressed that the celebrations culminated in a capstone event on Sept. 20 and 21, 2024, featuring prominent anthropologist Professor Susan Erikson from Simon Fraser University. Erikson gave an impactful keynote speech on the changing nature of anthropology, covering not only the rich history of anthropology within the walls of McMaster but also Canada as a whole.

Additionally, "the event offered lab tours and lots of opportunities for alumni to gather and reflect on memories of the department," said Roddick. The lab tours provided a chance for alumni to see the department’s current facilities, allowing them to see how their old school has evolved and changed over time. Alumni were given an opportunity to reconnect with their peers sharing both their experiences and appreciation for anthropology.

2024 was an important milestone for the McMaster anthropology department. It was a time for celebration and a time to reflect on the past and plan for the future. Roddick and his team have been extremely proud to celebrate and promote the rich history of anthropology at McMaster University and hope for its continued growth.

The new student market, located in the Hub, offers students easy access to fresh pastries and snacks between classes

In an interview, Jovan Popovic, the MSU president shared details about the recently opened student market on the second floor of the Hub. The market offers fresh pastries, beverages and snacks, catering to students looking for a quick bite between classes or while studying and socializing with friends.

Popovic mentioned that the goal of opening the student market is to enhance food accessibility by providing more options to students at an affordable price. 

“Given how much time students spend in the student centre exploring food options, we understand that adding a food and beverage operation in the Hub isn’t necessarily replacing meals . . . It’s about having something available for students when they start to feel hungry, whether it's because they’re studying, hanging out with friends or playing ping pong, there’s something there for them,” said Popovic. 

It’s about having something available for students when they start to feel hungry, whether it's because they’re studying, hanging out with friends or playing ping pong, there’s something there for them.

Jovan Popovic, President
McMaster Students Union

Popovic emphasized that the student market is primarily focused on offering fresher food options, such as sandwiches, salads and bagels instead of simple snacks. He also noted that the market is exploring the inclusion of culturally diverse food options to better reflect and cater to the needs of the student body.

In 2017, the construction of the Hub was approved by full-time undergraduate students through a referendum. It was built to address the lack of student and collaboration spaces on campus due to a growing population. A survey conducted by the MSU in 2016 found that approximately 80 per cent of respondents indicated a desire for more space on campus to work on projects, eat and socialize with friends. 

Additionally, Popovic mentioned that through the referendum and student consultations, there was a clear demand for expanded food and beverage operations, as well as more affordable food options on campus.

With the opening of the student market, Popovic mentioned that they are currently focusing on student feedback.

“What are they saying to our cashier? What is interesting to them? What are students actually looking for? Even within Union Market and the student centre, there are times where a student will come up and say "I was really hoping you’d have this product," and then two weeks later we now stock it. We’re really sensitive to student feedback and are always trying to hear more and see how we can improve,” said Popovic.

Popovic highlighted that, in a time where food insecurity has become a prevalent issue, the MSU has been actively addressing it by offering low-priced food and beverage options at Union Market and subsidizing TwelvEighty Bar & Grill to provide high-quality, large portion sizes.

“Hopefully, the market helps create a dent in this issue, where students feel a little more comfortable and realize they have more options on campus, without having to go to a specific place. We’re trying to address this as effectively as possible. And while it’s a much larger issue, every dent we make is significant right now,” said Popovic. 

Hopefully, the market helps create a dent in this issue, where students feel a little more comfortable and realize they have more options on campus

Jovan Popovic, President
McMaster Students Union

Popovic highlighted that the inventory of the student market would be shaped by purchasing patterns. He explained that if students express a demand for meal options like those at La Piazza Grab and Go and Union Market, those could also be added.

The student market will be open Monday to Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Fridays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

With their introduction to the 2025 season, the McMaster men's volleyball team split games with the top-seeded Windsor Lancers

The 2024 portion of the season for the McMaster men’s volleyball team could be described as disappointing. They lost six Ontario University Athletics season games, and won only four. 

As the team came into the 2025 season, they’d have a mountain to climb in terms of attaining winning results. Their first two games of the new year were against the University of Windsor on Jan. 10 and Jan. 11, 2025.

For the struggling Marauders, this was a test. The Lancers came into the game against the Marauders with only one loss during the OUA season and in the first place position. Comparatively, the Marauders sat in ninth place. 

The Lancers came into the game against McMaster with only one loss during the OUA season and in the first place position.

The first game saw the Marauders lose to the Windsor team, as the Lancers won three sets with the Marauders only able to win one set. In this game, Maxime Gratton and Seth O’Brien lead the Marauders in kills, with Gratton picking up 17 and O’Brien contributing 15. 

The Marauders opened the new year on a loss, but took on the Lancer’s again the following day. In their second meeting, the Marauders were able to secure a win, beating the Lancers with a score of three sets to two. 

In their second meeting, the McMaster side were able to secure a win, beating the Lancers with a score of three sets to two. 

Leaders in total kills, Gratton and O’Brien, in game one performed strongly again in game two against the Lancers, helping the Marauders to pick up points. Gratton finished the second game with 25 total kills, with O’Brien following up with 14 of his own kills. 

This result is one to be proud of for the Marauders, as their win marks only the second loss of the Lancers', who have proven themselves to be a very strong team.

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