George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
In celebration of Canada's college system, George Brown College (GBC) is showcasing its unique blend of academic excellence and practical skills as the first college to host the Congress of the Humanities, with the theme "Reframing Togetherness," from May 30 to June 6, 2025. Moving beyond traditional academic presentations, the college is emphasizing applied learning in action through immersive experiences, student-designed sustainable mementos, and hands-on demonstrations that highlight the distinctive value of college education.
Sustainability meets skilled trades through student-designed mementos
Breaking from conference tradition, George Brown has reimagined the concept of conference swag. Working closely with School of Design students and the IN Store, the college has developed a sustainable approach to commemorative items that reduces waste while showcasing student talent.
"Rather than distributing generic keepsakes that often end up in landfills, we've created a system where attendees receive vouchers redeemable for student-designed items at the Congress expos and campus stores," explains Dr. Margrit Talpalaru, Academic Convenor for this year's Congress. "This approach embodies our commitment to sustainability while demonstrating the real-world applications of our design programs."
The collection of student-designed mementos includes Congress-themed made-in-Canada tote bags, custom socks, branded notebooks, and distinctive keychains. The creation of these items was led by Lori Endes, Special Project and Lab Coordinator, and a group of Graphic and Brand Design students and alumni, including Sabina Willmott, Sara Vargas Nessi, Jeffrey De Leon, Emily Chau, Tannia Guttierrez, John Hanchar, and Esabelle Chen.
All items will be available at the Congress Expo at 51 Dockside Drive, and the GBC Campus Store at 200 King Street East, starting May 30.
In support of sustainability efforts at Congress, GBC has also partnered with Friendlier to provide reusable event cups for the social zone. This visible initiative highlights the College’s ongoing commitment to sustainable practices and represents a step towards reducing single-use plastics on campus, making Congress a more environmentally responsible event.
Experiential learning showcased through interactive programming
"What makes this year's Congress transformative is that participants won't just hear about the practical and real-world skill development that colleges offer—they'll experience them firsthand through student-led demonstrations and interactive sessions," said Dr. Eileen DeCourcy, Vice President Academic at GBC.
"This hands-on engagement demonstrates how the college system is bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing a new generation of professionals who can both think critically and create tangible solutions. We're not just talking about the future of education—we are showcasing applied learning in action."
The experiential programming includes wine tasting sessions, gelato-making demonstrations, student panel discussions, and design exhibitions. These interactive elements reflect the college's emphasis on practical, hands-on learning that prepares students for successful careers in the real world.
Alumni excellence on display
The conference will also feature "The Home I Never Knew," a captivating light installation by School of Design alumna Sara Vargas Nessi. Previously showcased at Nuit Blanche, Toronto’s annual citywide nighttime art festival, the exhibition explores connections to places never visited through representations of Venezuela's vibrant landscapes and culture.
The installation will be displayed at the college's Daniels Waterfront Campus throughout the conference, providing attendees with an immersive artistic experience that complements the academic discussions.
Highlighting the breadth and impact of GBC alumni, conference attendees will enjoy digital slide shows, “Celebrating Alumni Success,” at the Waterfront Campus.
As the first college to host the Congress of the Humanities in its history, GBC is redefining the academic conference experience by integrating practical skills demonstrations with scholarly discourse, student engagement with academic tradition, and sustainable practices with commemorative traditions.
