Along with the instructors and the staff of the York University School of Continuing Studies, I was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of one of our students aboard the Ukrainian International Airlines flight which crashed in Iran this week.
A large population of our student body are international students who are excited to start a new chapter in their lives, coming to Canada, studying at a world-class university like York, and taking action to make sure their academic and career ambitions become a reality. Masoud Shaterpour, one of the many victims of the PS752 flight, was one such student.
He was scheduled to begin his studies in our Post-Graduate Certificate in Business Administration this week. Through our correspondences with him and his family, it was evident how excited he was to come to Canada and begin his studies with us, marking the beginning of the next phase of his life, full of possibilities, in a new and welcoming country. Likewise, we were eager to receive him, help guide him in his academic and career journey, witness his growth as a professional, and share in the celebration of his future achievements. Everyone at the School of Continuing Studies is devastated that this will not come to pass due to this tragedy.
On behalf of the School of Continuing Studies, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Masoud’s family and friends during this painful time, as well as to the friends and family of two other York students whose lives were also lost in the crash.
I encourage everyone in the York community to come together during this difficult time to support one another. For anyone who needs support, please know York University has services in place to help those of us who are suffering from this heartbreaking loss and require assistance.
The Student Counseling & Development office offers personal counseling services to all York students. They can be reached by calling 416-736-5297, or visit counselling.students.yorku.ca for more information.
For faculty and staff in need of support, please call the Employee and Family Assistance Program toll-free 24 hours a day, seven days a week for immediate, confidential help at 1-800-268-5211; TTY Service is available at 1-800-363-6270.
