Anthropology 50th Anniversary brings together generations of alumni

In the end, it was almost, fittingly, an act of anthropology in itself. Over two days in late September, half a century of history was celebrated as the department of anthropology threw open its doors to celebrate its 50^th anniversary.

The celebrations, on September 20 and 21, gave alumni the chance to revisit their old stomping grounds and meet current faculty and staff with a packed schedule including a tour of the Sustainable Archeology Lab, founded in 2011.

During the event, we caught up with three former students to reminisce about their time at McMaster, how their studies prepared them for their careers, and what it was like coming back to campus.

Thomas O’Neill, ’92 and ’97 

What were your favourite memories from your time at McMaster?

I really enjoyed the comradery in the anthropology department throughout my ten years there. I had great student colleagues, professors and support staff that made me feel that I belonged to something larger than myself.

What are you up to now?

I am a retired Professor from the Brock University Department of Child and Youth Studies. I live in Hamilton with my wife, McMaster Anthropology Professor Tina Moffat, and we have two adult children who are making us proud. I am currently a regular at the MacSeniors fitness program, a volunteer at the Newcomer Learning Center at the Hamilton Public Library and am pursuing a passion for urban photography.

How did your Anthropology studies help in your career?

Anthropology gave me a career, as well as an important perspective on the world I live in.

How was the anniversary celebration?

It was great meeting some of my colleagues from past years and to be able to meet several of the program’s new students and faculty.

What was it like being back on campus for the celebrations? Were there any surprises?

My only surprise was that I was still able to get lost in the basement of Kenneth Taylor hall. I guess I will never learn!

Esther Farr ’05

What were your favourite memories from your time at McMaster?

I was involved with McMaster Musical Theatre’s productions of Jesus Christ Sperstar, The Wiz and Pippin. It was so much fun putting on those productions with other people who loved theatre.

I also worked at the graduate student pub, the Phoenix before it moved locations. I have lots of fond memories especially of the patio and karaoke nights.

What are you up to now?

I lead the People Analytics & Technology team at Meridian Credit Union. My path to this career wasn’t exactly a straight line. I had plans to complete a PhD in Anthropology at York but after a year in the program, I wasn’t sure how I was going to make it work financially and I was eager to start a career. I ended up doing a post-graduate certificate in HR and built a career out of helping HR better understand its employees.

How did your Anthropology studies help in your career?

What I appreciated most about my Anthropology education was that it trained me to bring curiosity to any situation. I find at work I’m often asking unusual questions or proposing alternate interpretations because I’m seeking to understand a situation or behavior in terms of the meaning in which it exists. Working in the corporate world, there is a huge push for making data-driven decisions. And while my team is responsible for providing a lot of that data, we also can help with interpretation or contextualization of the information as an imperfect representation of real people. My training in Anthropology often reminds me to look for the stories, the meaning and the power structures around the problems we are trying to solve.

How was the anniversary celebration?

I enjoyed hearing about the history of the department, particularly the reflections on how it has changed over the years. I think there’s a lot of value in recognizing what a pivotal role the department has played in so many people’s lives.

What was it like being back on campus for the celebrations? Were there any surprises?

The buildings that I remember running between seemed a lot closer together! Parking is more confusing now but generally I was surprised how familiar everything felt. Even with the new buildings, it still feels like McMaster. I love how the campus feels tucked away, nestled next to the woods. It still felt that way coming back, even with all the changes.

Myriam Nafte, ’94 and ’14

What were your favourite memories from your time at McMaster? 

My favourite memories from my time as an MA and PhD student [between 1990-1993 / 2011-2013] revolve around all of the incredible and long-term friendships forged with colleagues and professors in the department. McMaster Anthropology not only provided great resources and opportunities for fieldwork/research, but a rich network of support that often evolved into long lasting friendships.

What are you up to now?

I continue to consult as a forensic anthropologist, and lecture to various alumni groups alongside a research project that looks at changes within dissection pedagogy in anatomy schools.

How did your Anthropology studies help in your career? Anthropology studies formed the basis and trajectory of my entire career.

How was the anniversary celebration?

It was very heartwarming to both come back to McMaster for my current research project and then reunite for this year’s 50th anniversary. McMaster has always been ‘home’ for so many of us.  

What was it like being back on campus for the celebrations? Were there any surprises?

It was great to see that McMaster hasn’t really changed in terms of the warmth of its campus, its diversity, and the quality of research taking place. At the same time, there is a nice infusion of new life, populated with new buildings and renovated spaces.

The big surprise for me – and one which I especially loved – was seeing the Sustainable Archaeology facility! Wow. I have to express my gratitude to Scott Martin for his time and energy. He gave a very insightful talk on the current status of housing / maintaining artifacts, and provided a tour of the facility. He’s continued to provide information and links to many of my queries since.