Join us for a very special virtual gathering to celebrate the launch of Precious Moments, an art-quality coffee table book made of the finest materials, showcasing the fine art nature photography of Dr. Neville G. Poy, accompanied by the observations of nature and the gardening tips of The Hon. Dr. Vivienne Poy.

Precious Moments explores the stunning Ontario gardens of Neville and Vivienne Poy. The larger and more elaborate of their two gardens, where most of these photographs were taken, is on their property in Muskoka, and the other surrounds their beautiful Toronto home. Together they exemplify the wonderful vistas possible in the most conscientious horticulture.

In this intimate fireside chat, Neville and Vivienne Poy sit down with Paul Roth, director of the Ryerson Image Centre, to discuss Precious Moments.

Proceeds from book sales are being generously donated to Ryerson University by Neville and Vivienne Poy. The proceeds will support students exhibiting in the gallery at the Ryerson Image Centre (RIC). Visit the Precious Moments book website to purchase your copy today.

Link to purchase Precious Moments: https://www.preciousmomentsbook.com/

This is an online event. Details about how to access the live broadcast will be emailed to registered attendees 48 hours in advance and on the day of the event.

Program

Welcome

Dr. Mohamed Lachemi, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ryerson University

Greetings

Janice Fukakusa, Chancellor, Ryerson University

Fireside Chat

Dr. Neville G. Poy, Co-Author of Precious Moments OC, O.StJ., B.Sc., M.D., C.M., M.Sc., FRCS(C), FACS

The Hon. Dr. Vivienne Poy, Co-Author of Precious Moments O.StJ. Dip., B.A., M.A., Ph.D. Former Senator

Paul Roth, Director, Ryerson Image Centre

Closing Remarks

Justin Poy, President and Creative Director, The Justin Poy Agency

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Captioning will be provided at this event. Please contact Laura Greflund at laura.greflund@ryerson.ca if you require any accommodations.

About the Authors:

Dr. Neville G. Poy, Co-Author of Precious Moments, OC, O.StJ., B.Sc., M.D., C.M., M.Sc., FRCS(C), FACS

Dr. Neville Poy received his medical degree from McGill University in 1960. He completed his training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the same university and practiced his specialty in Toronto until his retirement in 1995.

He played leadership roles in both medical and non-medical communities, receiving recognition for his contributions to medical education, the visual and the performing arts, military philanthropy and voluntarism. Some of these include: finalist judging and mentorship of winners of the Top 20 Under 20 contestants, and mentorship of Massey College Junior Fellows; serving on the boards of the Royal Conservatory of Music and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection; endowment support of McGill University plastic surgery residents in training; appointment as Honorary Colonel of the Queen's York Rangers Regiment (Army); and presiding at Canadian citizenship ceremonies.

Dr. Poy is also a recipient of the following honours: the Order of Canada (Officer) for medicine (health care), the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Order of St. John (Officer), a Grant of Arms (Coat of Arms), the Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from the Scarborough Hospital, and the Chinese Canadian Legend Award.

Dr. Poy had a childhood hobby of photography, which he nurtured over his entire lifetime. He enjoys a consuming and gratifying post-retirement career in photography, displaying his work and presenting public audiovisual presentations.

The Hon. Dr. Vivienne Poy, Co-Author of Precious Moments, 0.StJ. Dip., B.A., M.A., Ph.D. Former Senator

The Honourable Dr. Vivienne Poy, Ph.D. (History, University of Toronto), is an author, entrepreneur, historian, fashion designer (Fashion Arts, Seneca College), board member of for-profit and non-profit institutions, and community activist.

In 1998, she was the first Canadian of Asian heritage to be appointed to the Senate of Canada where she focused on gender issues, multiculturalism, immigration and human rights. She was instrumental in having the month of May recognized as Asian Heritage Month across Canada. She is Chancellor Emerita of the University of Toronto and the author/co-editor of numerous publications. Since her retirement from the Senate in September 2012, she remains an active participant in communities across Canada.

Despite a very busy public life, Vivienne treasures the tranquility that nature provides. Gardening is her favourite pastime. She uses her design talent in all her pursuits, including her gardens, creating useful items with material retrieved from natural surroundings, as well as arranging floral displays.

Vivienne is a recipient of many honours and awards, including numerous honorary degrees and professorships from universities in Canada, the USA, China, Hong Kong and South Korea.