Gryphons Read 2023 - What Strange Paradise, Omar El Akkad
2023-09-26 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Toronto) | McLaughlin Library, 480 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Join us for the 2023 Gryphons Read event:
Omar El Akkad
What Strange Paradise
Public Talk: Tuesday, September 26th @ 7 PM
Robert Whitelaw Room, 2nd Floor, McLaughlin Library
Register for this public event on Eventbrite!
U of G’s annual common reading project – Gryphons Read – celebrates its seventh iteration. This year’s novel is What Strange Paradise, by Egyptian-Canadian author and journalist, Omar El Akkad. It is the story of two children finding their way through a hostile world. But it is also a story of empathy and indifference, of hope and despair – and about the way each of those things can blind us to reality.
About Gryphons Read
Gryphons Read is a tradition at the University of Guelph, started by the well-known and well-loved author, U of G Creative Writing faculty, Lawrence Hill. With help from then Provost, now President Charlotte Yates, the College of Arts Dean’s office, and McLaughlin Library. The program functions thanks to the year-round logistical support from the Experiential Learning Hub.
Each year, a book that explores diverse identities and lived experiences, and is authored by a Canadian writer, is selected to be shared and read by the campus community. Gryphons Read hosts the author on campus for a few days in late September where they meet with students, staff, faculty, and community members in various classes and public events.

Omar El Akkad is an author and journalist. He was born in Egypt, grew up in Qatar, moved to Canada as a teenager, and now lives in the United States. He has won numerous journalism awards in addition to the multiple awards he has received for both his debut novel, American War, and What Strange Paradise.

Schedule of Events
September 5-7 (Orientation Week), 11 AM – 1 PM
Bring your U of G ID card and pick up a free copy at the Gryphons Read registration tent beside Raithby House by Branion Plaza (while supplies last). Limited e-books and audio books are available for those with accessibility needs.
September 25, 5 PM – 7 PM
Join us for an intimate dinner and facilitated discussion event with the author, Omar El Akkad. Information on how to sign up to participate in this limited event will be sent to those who register for Gryphons Read at the Gryphons Read Tent during Orientation Week.
September 26, 7 PM
Main event: Come meet the author, in conversation with Carrianne Leung. All are welcome to attend this free event.
Robert Whitelaw Room, McLaughlin Library. Refreshments will be provided. This event will have ASL interpretation.
Register for this public event on Eventbrite!

Deep Dish Dialogues explores Indigenous food education
2023-10-12 12:00 - 13:30 | MacDonald Institute, 68 MacDonald Street, Guelph, Ontario, N1G1Y1, Canada
On October 12, Deep Dish Dialogues will be exploring ways to learn about Indigenous food and culture through food. Ted Norris from Further Education Society of Alberta will be sharing details about the Cooks with Stones program. In addition, Red River Métis Chef Dean Herkert from Bistro on Notre Dame will be sharing how he educates people about Indigenous food at his restaurant. Throughout the event, Chef Dean will be preparing a wildflower risotto with smoked duck breast. If you are attending in-person, you’ll receive samples of Chef Dean’s dish!
Register now to attend this event in-person at the Anita Stewart Memorial Food Lab (MINS 214) or online on Thursday, October 12 from 12 to 1:30 p.m.

Get to know your campus Athletics & Recreation Facilities!
2023-10-16 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE, Ontario, Canada
Looking to start a new fitness or wellness journey? Did you know that all staff/faculty on campus have access to a subsidized rate to use the on-campus facilities? Join us on a tour of what programming/services and equipment is available to our staff/faculty members and why the Athletic facilities might just be the best fit for you!
Attendees of this tour will receive a free day pass for recreation in the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre, including access to the Fitness Centre and / or a fitness class, to use at their convenience!
Register through Qualtrics!

Hopper Lecture 2023 - Theories of Water
2023-10-19 16:00 - 18:00 | OVC Lifetime Learning Centre, 25 McGilvray Street
Join us for the 30th Anniversary Hopper Lecture – Theories of Water!
What does it mean to listen to water? What does it mean to believe in water?
Guest speaker Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, renowned Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg scholar, writer and artist will consider these questions and explore what it means to challenge systems of colonialism through work that is deeply connected with the land.
In her work, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson breaks open the intersections between politics, story and song to bring audiences into a rich and layered world of sound, light, and sovereign creativity.
Learn more and register to attend: https://csahs.uoguelph.ca/events/2023/10/hopper-lecture-2023-theories-water

Meal Planning Made Easy: Staff & Faculty Edition
2023-10-26 12:00 - 13:00 | University Centre, 150 Research Ln, Guelph, Ontario, N1G2W1, Canada
What is meal planning? Slaving away over the stove for hours on a Sunday afternoon? Eating the same meal exclusively every single day? Meal planning can actually be many things and tailored to meet individual lifestyles and needs.
Join Jessie Trupp, Hospitality Services Registered Dietitian, to learn about:
Meal planning strategies, cooking methods, resources and recipes
Tips for eating on a budget
Steps to reduce food waste and save time and effort in the kitchen
Considerations for allergies, other dietary restrictions and preferences
Jessie will also answer attendee questions related to the subject!
Register now!
Wellness@Work will be providing a dry ingredient meal kit to all workshop attendees for a recipe shared during the presentation to test out your new skills! Space is limited to 25 attendees so make sure to register now through Qualtrics!

Spring Social for Faculty and Staff
2026-04-30 11:30 - 13:00 | University Centre, 150 Research Ln, Guelph, Ontario, N1G2W1, Canada
Thursday, April 30
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
University Centre
Join President Rene Van Acker for lunch and to connect with your colleagues as we celebrate the end of the academic year.
Lunch will be served in the courtyard with seating available throughout the main floor of the University Centre, in Branion Plaza, and Thornbrough atrium. Menu will be posted on U of G Insider closer to the event.
Get your free ticket.
Tickets will be required to attend the event.
Before claiming your ticket, faculty and staff will need to log into the ticket platform using the button in the top right corner that says “Log In / Register.”
