News

Welcome to Gryphons Read!

Gryphons Read is a tradition at the University of Guelph, started by the well-known and well-loved author and U of G faculty, Lawrence Hill. 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.

“Manufactured Ecosystems,” a new exhibit at Zavitz Gallery at the University of Guelph examining the climate emergency and our future within it, was recently featured in Guelph Today. Embodying a cross-disciplinary approach, the exhibit bridges the arts and sciences and features collaborations between Canadian and international researchers. Curated by Dr.

Many are familiar with Rihanna and her makeup brand Fenty Beauty, which made headlines for its groundbreaking shade range in foundation. Fewer, however, are familiar with the names of pioneers like Viola Desmond and Madame C.J. Walker, who developed cosmetics for Black women in early 20^th century North America. University of Guelph History graduate Mya Trombley, the College of Arts’ 2025 nominee for the Winegard Medal, the University’s most prestigious undergraduate honour, is working to change that.  

Canisia Lubrin, assistant professor, School of Theatre, English, and Creative Writing, College of Arts, University of Guelph, and coordinator, Creative Writing MFA (Guelph-Humber), has received the Danuta Gleed Literary Award for her publication, Code Noir. The Writers' Union of Canada website notes the award "[recognizes] the best first collection of short fiction by a Canadian author published in 2024 in the English language." 

Alan McDougall's new book on Liverpool FC, Dreams and Songs to Sing: A People's History of Liverpool FC from Shankly to Klopp is coming out with Cambridge University Press this summer (7 Aug in the UK and Europe; 28 Aug in North America).

Dr. Greg Klages, a long-time instructor in the History Department (and also a regular at University of Guelph-Humber), has just launched two publications, Vols.

What is Surzhyk and why is it important? How can we learn from past mistakes? How can the arts improve teaching in higher education? 

All of these questions (and more) were recently answered by College of Arts (COA) competitors at the Three-Minute Thesis (3MT ^®) College Heat on April 11, 2025, held in the Alumni and Heritage Centre in the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph.

How far would you go for success? Seymour, a shy plant owner, finds himself keeping a big, dark secret with his prized plant that only grows from feeding on human blood. 

From February 28 through March 2, 2025, the School of Fine Art and Music (SOFAM) and the School of Theatre, English, and Creative Writing (SOTEC) in the College of Arts (COA) at the University of Guelph presented the College's first musical theatre performance of Little Shop of Horrors at War Memorial Hall to over 1,200 attendees. 

On Saturday, April 5, the University of Guelph Choirs, in collaboration with the College of Arts and the School of Fine Art and Music, will present “Considering Matthew Shepard,” an oratorio by Craig Hella Johnson, at Harcourt Memorial United Church in Guelph. The performance, featuring U of G Choirs, Alumni soloists Lesley Bouza, soprano, and Jordan Scholl, bass, and the Guelph Chamber Players orchestra, will follow a pre-concert discussion at 7:45 p.m. that invites audience members to engage with the work's themes of justice, compassion and remembrance.