Important News

We are accepting applications for the Summer and Fall 2012 term.

2011-2012 Board of Directors


Hailing from Vancouver, BC , Tristan completed his undergraduate degree at UBC.  He is currently in a PhD program in Philosophy at York University and is working on political philosophy and conflict studies.


“As the current President for the Campus Co-op Board of Directors, 2011-2012, I've re-joined the board after a few years of working in committees, or trying to stay away from co-op governance, but I've come back because I think the co-op is moving in a positive direction right now and I want to contribute to the new spirit of competence that seems to be washing over this place. It's something worth sustaining!”

I'm an amateur musician. You might find me playing some of my own tunes at an open-mic night, or more likely a party at Toad Lane. I've been in Co-op longer than I care to admit.

tristan.laing@gmail.com


Jaärleina Nelson is the Sussex Division Rep and Corporate Secretary on the Board. 

After her undergrad, she worked in marketing, public relations, training, mediating, facilitating, coaching, fund-raising and event organizing.  Having spent vacations doing project work in the developing world, and then switching to contract work so she could spend more time there, she realized that’s where her passion lay and is engaged in graduate studies in international development.  In addition she is pursuing TESL/TEFL certification; this will be useful in making money while she is here, and helping those in the emergent world to earn English in order to broaden their opportunities.  Otherwise, she can usually be found working on arts and crafts created from curb scores / dumpster dives / back alley refuse, and small house renovations.

She loves theatre, writing, and is a current events junkie.  She has an enthusiasm for and dedication to co-ops, and the ideals they represent, and views her board service as a chance to have an impact on these principles.

afrijar@gmail.com

 

 

 

James lives in the Annex division and was elected as a Member at Large in this year’s Annual General Meeting in September.  He currently holds the position of Treasurer on the Executive Committee. 

 He has come to Toronto via Vancouver, BC and is pursuing his Master of Taxation at U of T.  He has been living in the Co-op since September 2011 and his hobbies include cigarettes, coffee and whiskey.

 Anything else you would like to know about James?  Just ask!

james_painter@hotmail.com


Marcelo Rodriguez Ferrere (Annex Division Rep and Chair)  Despite the complicated name, I hail from English-speaking New Zealand.  Not that this does much me good: no-one seems to be able to make out what I'm saying through my thick New Zealand accent.  

 I am taking my Masters in Law at U of T; am still amazed and slightly scared by the squirrels here in Toronto; and am happy and proud to be part of the Co-op movement.  I enjoy drinking Ontario's fine craft beer, looking at Ontario's grand art (head down to the AGO if you haven't already!) and riding on my trusty (though creaky) 1981-era bike, Bruce. 

In addition to my position as Annex Division representative on the Board, I am a member of the Membership Committee.  I joined the Board with a particular interest in reforming and improving the house manager system in the Co-op, and generally, I wish to find out how we can ensure that each house has a happy and cohesive atmosphere.  In other words, I want to see each resident have as much fun in the Co-op as I have already. 

 Let me know if you have any Annex or squirrel-related concerns, worries, hopes or dream

Marcelo.rodriguez.ferrere@gmail.com

 


Natasha Novac lived in South and Annex divisions for 3.5 years and is excited to be starting her third year on the CCRI Board as an Alumni director.

She recently graduated from U of T with a degree in English, Political Science and Sexual Diversity Studies and is headed for a master's in September 2012. In the meantime she serves coffee, volunteers with Planned Parenthood, argues about the environment and rides a quick little bike around the city.

natasha.novac@gmail.com

 

 

Kanako currently resides in the North Division and along with being the North Division Rep on this year’s Board she is also the Social Committee Rep. 

Originally from Japan, she has lived in the Co-op for two years now and is a student of Equity Studies, Eas Asian Studies and History. 

When not buried in her books, she enjoys promoting unity and diversity and considers the Co-op a good place to do so "because the Co-op allows great opportunities to make friends from all over the world". 

One of her favorite past times includes hot yoga where she can re-center and find her zen.

kanako.hagiwara@utoronto.ca

 

 

Andrew Lucid is a member-at-large on the Board of Directors and this is his first year in Campus Coop.  

He's doing his Bachelor of Education at OISE after being inspired by Whoopi Goldberg in Sister Act II: Back in the Habit. 

When he's not inspiring students by taking traditional church songs and turning them into a medley of contemporary music and dance ensemble, he's reading Jorge Luis Borges.  And there lies the dual nature of this man.  

andrewlucid@gmail.com

 

My name is "Captain" John Morgan and I am an exchange student from Glasgow in Scotland.  I am currently studying Law at U of T in classes with people much older and wiser than myself. 

I live in South Division and am a Board Representative on the Facilities Committee. It is my first year in the co-operative and first year on the Board. I have a particular interest in co-operatives offering an alternative to the corporatist business structure.  

In my spare time I worry about surviving the Canadian winter, I get a little too enthusiastic about red cups at parties and I enjoy listening to sad British pop music.

johnjenry.morgan@utoronto.ca

 

 

Hi everyone! my name is Fayi and I am your South division rep on the Board of Directors.

 I'm currently studying Mineral Engineering at the University of Toronto and I went to highschool in Mississauga. I am Chinese and I have been living in Canada for about 7 years. This is my first year living in Co-op and I am absolutely thrilled to be here.

 I joined the Co-op because like many others, I needed a place to live. But after I understood what a Co-op really was, I was convinced that this is the place I belong. The Co-op is a large residence community run by students and for students. It is a beautiful community and I am proud to be a part of it, hence, I joined the Board.  I am completely new to it but I am willing to learn whatever I can to make the Co-op a wonderful experience for everyone.   

My favourite sport is football.  Other than that, I like music, food, sleep and my cellphone. Who doesn't? I have a stomach for anything and everything. Please don't hesitate to approach us  if you have any questions or concerns.  I look forward to meeting you all!

f.lin@live.ca

 

Nathaniel Thomas is an American who grew up in various other places and has lived in co-op since 2008. 

He recognizes that moving into Co-op can be difficult and hopes that as Lowther Divison rep he can help shape an environment where the "most cooperative" division encourages that co-operation.  He himself had to adapt to Co-op life and was a particularly poor housemate in his first year in Co-op.

Nathaniel is taking a break from studying German and Medieval Studies at the University of Toronto.  His main interests are the historical epochs of feudalism, capitalism and communism, and the transitions that existed or may come to exist between them.  His other interests include physical exercise and social activities like playing games, watching movies together and talking. 

Nathaniel's main reason for being on the Campus Co-op board is to work for a sustainable Co-op that prominently provides an affordable and accessible housing option for students and one that is more representative of Toronto's population, particularly when it comes to race and class (while appreciating exchange students too!) and believes that Campus Co-op should strive to be a leader in this area.  

nathaniel.thomas@utoronto.ca

 Hello Co-op!

My name is Gunn, Bonnie Gunn. But have no fear, despite my name, I am not a CSIS spy sent to watch the inner working of the coop. Rather I am a Masters student studying Economics at the University of Toronto. And while many people may find that even more terrifying; I on the other hand think it’s cool.  Economics is not just a study of money but a means of understanding how families, individuals, communities, countries and regions can better themselves. It is the study of using what we’ve got to maximize the amount of what we want. How cool is that!

My interest in cooperative living is very similar.  Our coop is a socially responsible corporation because it exists to serve the needs of its members. And I am interested in making our coop a utility maximizing environment (or if the lingo bores you to tears, I want to make our coop great for everyone!)

Other random facts about me: I lived for a year and a half in Wuhan China and I can speak Mandarin. I am a vegan but sometimes I cheat with milk chocolate or truffles. I moved into co-op in August and joined the Board in December as a member at large. I’m originally from Sudbury, Ontario and I’m really into Battlestar Galactica.

Want to know more just email me (unless you’re a cylon) – bonniegunn@gmail.com