February 2025 Sheridan Student Union Recap
February was an inspiring celebration of culture, creativity, and community at the SSU. We honoured Black History Month with events like the Afro Meets Bana Bazaar and meaningful perk partnerships like our first Black Excellence Steering Committee SSU student savings partner, The Villij! Meanwhile, we rang in the Lunar New Year with vibrant campus-wide pop-ups, bringing students together to share in the joy of new beginnings. This month was a beautiful reminder of the power of community and the connections we build when we come together.
Let’s take a look back at what else made this month at the SSU so special!
Updates From Our SSU Board of Directors
The SSU Board of Directors is dedicated to meeting students' needs across all aspects of their well-being. That is why, in February, the SSU Board approved an $800,000 donation to create two new positions aimed at further supporting the college's students: an International Student Engagement Coordinator and an Off-Campus Housing and Community Resource Coordinator.
This donation was announced and celebrated during the Annual General Meeting, where students had the opportunity to engage in discussions, share their insights, and learn more about the SSU Impact Report 2023-2024 – a reflection of everything we accomplished together over the past year.
“This gift and the creation of the new roles will improve both domestic and international students' social determinants of health and well-being.”
– Ganyo Soh, SSU President.
Updates From The SSU Executive Team
Our Executive Team at Sheridan College during the Black History Month Kick-Off event.
In honour of Black History Month, our Executive Team proudly hosted the Black History Month Kick-Off event, led by SSU President Ganyo Soh. The event brought together around 100 students for a powerful celebration of Black culture, resilience, and creativity. The evening featured an inspiring keynote, student performances, and a dynamic mix of singing, poetry, and dance. A standout moment of the night was the Sheridan College Black History Dance Performance, where two expressive pieces honoured the richness of African heritage through movement. The first, African Rhythms & Roots, was a high-energy traditional African dance, paying tribute to the strength, unity, and ancestral spirit of African communities. The second, Rise – An Inspirational Journey, blended contemporary and liturgical movements to embody themes of resilience at times of adversity. These inspiring performances reminded us of the power of movement as a means of storytelling, connection, and liberation.
The Sheridan College Black History Dance Performance reminded us of the power of movement as a means of storytelling, connection, and liberation.
Meanwhile, we also embraced cultural traditions through our Lunar New Year celebrations, which saw over 350 students across all three campuses joining in the festivities. From traditional decorations to interactive activities, the event was a beautiful way to ring in the new year and share in the joy of new beginnings.
Our SSU President, Ganyo, our Vice President of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Vincent, and our SSU Volunteers.
Basket Making Workshop with Bonnie Hill at Trafalgar Campus.
Another highlight of the month was the Basket Making Workshop with Bonnie Hill at Trafalgar Campus, hosted in collaboration with the Centre for Indigenous Learning & Support. Students had the unique opportunity to learn the traditional Haudenosaunee weaving process and the cultural significance of Black Ash baskets. This hands-on experience reflects our Executive Team’s commitment to preserving and uplifting Indigenous traditions, offering students a meaningful way to connect with history and culture.
Building on this commitment, SSU President Ganyo and VP Vincent Tsang visited the newly opened Indigenous Office at Trafalgar Campus. The visit began with a powerful drumming ceremony led by Eddy Robinson, followed by a warm welcome featuring cedar tea, strawberry juice, and bannock. A highlight of the space was a replica of the Two Row Wampum, symbolizing the ongoing journey of Truth and Reconciliation. This soft launch was a meaningful step in creating connection and understanding within our Sheridan community.
Alongside honouring cultural traditions, the Executive Team and Sheridan Community helped raise awareness for our AGM and InnocaS.E, a 7-day case-study competition for critical thinkers. These efforts led to a successful virtual launch of InnocaS.E. in collaboration with Sheridan EDGE, followed by the 2024-2025 Annual General Meeting, which saw an impressive turnout of 116 students.
Updates From Our Services Team
Our Services Team has been busy expanding student offerings, making sure our community has access to resources that enhance both their academic journey and overall well-being.
One of the standout moments this month was our First Aid Classes, where 54 students gained hands-on emergency training during Reading Week. Having this knowledge can make all the difference in an emergency, and we’re so proud to have been able to provide this opportunity for our students.
Aligned with celebrating Black History Month, the Services Team introduced some inspiring new perk partners this month, giving students even more ways to practice self-care and save money while supporting Black business owners:
Nüd Body + Wellness now offers 10% off on sauna, cold plunge, and red light therapy sessions.
VIIBE Hair Studio is bringing fresh cuts to Sheridan students with $25 haircuts every Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Villij, a movement and wellness studio for women of colour, is offering 50% off the first yoga or mat Pilates class.
As seasons change, our commitment to supporting students strengthens! Through programs like Dressed For Success, the services team makes sure to provide students with lightly used garments whenever possible.
🗣️ Staff Shoutout to Ashley Mony from Davis who did an amazing job at capturing CSR moments throughout the month! Here’s some behind-the-scenes of the Service’s staff keeping everything smooth and running!
Sheridan Student Union Events
Micah Nelson with Sheridan Students during Paint Nights at Sheridan College HMC campus.
This month was all about celebrating Black culture, connecting to our creativity and stepping outside our comfort zones. Students tried new art mediums, solved mysteries, and trekked through the snow. February’s event lineup surely had something for everyone!
🎨 Paint Nights with Micah Nelson celebrated Black History Month through creativity and self-expression, bringing together over 60 students across all three campuses. The room was overflowed with inspiration as students created their own masterpieces under Micah’s guidance.
🌍 Afro Meets Bana Bazaar was a beautiful tribute to Black entrepreneurship and culture, featuring student vendors, cultural performances, and the delicious flavours of Stush Patties – one of the many ways we supported Black-owned businesses this month.
Q&A with Stush Patties Founder: Opal Rowe
Founder of Stush Patties and SSU’s patty supplier shares her inspiring business journey and the importance of community in a Black-owned business.
❄️ Weekend Getaway to Crawford Lake gave students a true Canadian winter adventure. Snowshoeing through the scenic trails was the perfect way to unwind, connect with nature, and experience something new.
🐶 One of the biggest highlights of the month was the Pawsitive Vibes Yoga, a partnered event with Sheridan Athletics. This event raised funds for the Canadian Cancer Society while helping students relax. Featuring adorable puppies that turned an ordinary yoga session into the ultimate nervous system regulator. The response was overwhelmingly positive, so we’re making sure to bring this back again next month!
🎭 Death by Chocolate: Murder Mystery Night brought an exciting twist to Valentine’s Day. Over 115 students gathered at The Den for a night of mystery, laughter, and a delicious all-you-can-eat pasta bar – because what’s better than solving a crime with a happy stomach?
At the SSU, we know that creating spaces for creativity and relaxation is essential for our student’s success! That is why we started hosting the Creative Corner Comic Pop-Ups! Each month, we provide comic templates, art supplies, and an open-ended theme to inspire our students to draw and reflect on. Check out what students came up with during February’s Pop-Up!
SSU Team during the Creative Corner Comic Pop-Up at Sheridan College HMC campus.
Creative Corner Comic Pop-Up: Student Comic.
We look forward to finding more ways we can support and uplift our students at Sheridan through events all year round!
Sheridan Student Union Clubs
This month, our Clubs Team hosted their Winter Clubs Fair and it was one of the most successful Clubs Fair yet! Students packed the event at all three campuses, meeting club leaders, signing up for new groups, and finding their community. If you’re still looking for your people, it’s never too late to join a club!
In February, SSU’s clubs organized 35 events. Including career workshops like Pathways to Success: Career Development Workshop by Sikh Student Association, and the Black Hat Bureau CTF 2025 by ISSessions Club.
February also welcomed three new clubs:
1. Sheridan Figure Skating Club (TRC): The club will offer opportunities to watch figure skating-related movies or shows, learn about the technical elements of the sport, and ultimately go skating together!
2. Indigenous Club (TRC): The Indigenous Club at Sheridan College focuses on uniting and uplifting students who identify as First Nations, Metis, and Inuit. We are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive space for all members interested in Indigenous culture in Canada.
3. Haryana Student Association (DAV): Our aim is to promote and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Haryana, fostering a sense of community, inclusivity, and pride among students.
Coming Soon! 🔜 The Tea Club and Gardening Club are two prospective clubs open for new members! stay tuned for their official launch!
Sheridan Student Union Food Services
The love and effort of our Food Services were present throughout the month, serving an all-you-can-eat pasta bar at Valentine’s Murder Mystery and over 600 Jamaican Patties from our dear partner and local business, Stush Patties at the marketplace events in both HMC and Davis.
Our Food Services Team kept students well-fed all month long! Making sure to provide warm drinks and snacks for the Winter Clubs Fair and the Annual General Meeting, because nothing brings people together like good food and sweet treats.
Q&A With SSU Assistant Food & Beverage Manager: Topher
Ever wondered what it's really like to work in Food Services at the SSU? Check out this and other food blog content at our SheridanLife blog!
📣 February’s Menu Spotlight! – Say hello to the Espresso Canadiano! 🇨🇦 Our freshly rebranded espresso isn’t just a fun name change, it’s a reflection of our commitment to supporting local suppliers like Spirit Bear Coffee, our ethically and locally sourced coffee partner. Try it for yourself at Station Express and Bruin Coffee House! Visit thessu.ca/food to stay up to date on hours of operation, menus, deals and more!
Sheridan Student Union Spaces
Campus spaces are getting some exciting improvements!! Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in the works:
This month, The Marquee went through significant progress and it’s almost ready for students to use! We are very excited for you to see our Trafalgar campus space come to life – stay tuned for the next updates!
To learn more about our hours across all campus options visit thessu.ca/our-spaces!
That’s a Wrap on February!
We’re grateful for the incredible community that made this month’s events and initiatives so meaningful! As we step into March, we’re bringing even more exciting events, opportunities, and student initiatives your way. So, stay connected and continue making the most of your #SheridanLife!
February flew by and we’re excited to share all the exciting events and relevant discussions from this month! From the excitement of celebrating Black History Month by dancing and painting to reflecting on essential topics around Truth and Reconciliation, this month we honoured our community’s cultural roots and created spaces for fun and reflection. Read the full recap now!