Groundbreaking ceremony for Woodsworth Academic Building opens new chapter in the college’s history

In mid-May, guests gathered at the future site of the new Woodsworth Academic Building to usher in an exciting era of improved spaces for teaching and learning.

With the groundbreaking, Woodsworth College took a giant step toward revitalizing its home at 119 St. George Street through renovations to existing spaces and a new six-storey addition. More than just a physical transformation, the new complex will serve as a dynamic hub that brings students, faculty and staff together — reinforcing the strong sense of community that has always defined the college.

“By enhancing this sense of community here at Woodsworth, this new building will strengthen the college system in the Faculty of Arts & Science, which is an important, distinctive and vital part of the experience we offer here on the St. George campus,” says U of T president Meric Gertler.

The new building will offer separate event and common spaces, as well as classrooms, seminar rooms, a learning commons, study spaces and offices to support academic programs.

“Woodsworth College plays an important role in providing a home for U of T students — a special place where they can not only access academic counseling and support services and live in residence, but also feel truly connected through a vibrant, inclusive community,” says Carol Chin, principal of Woodsworth College.

The Woodsworth Academic Building will also enable the college to improve accessibility for students with physical disabilities and house its academic partners, the Centre for Criminology & Sociolegal Studies and the Centre for Industrial Relations & Human Resources.

“Finally, when we voice the college motto, ‘You Belong Here,’ there will be enough 'here' here to make that slogan a reality,” Chin says.

The project also places an emphasis on sustainability and will be 40 per cent more energy efficient than is required by the Ontario building code.

“The university's focus on sustainable building design and related energy efficiencies has contributed to U of T being rated the world's most sustainable university for the second year in a row by the prestigious QS World University Rankings,” says Anna Kennedy, the chair of U of T’s governing council.

The project is a reality thanks to the involvement and financial support of the Faculty of Arts & Science, the college’s own contribution and the support of donors, many of whom attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

“It's so prudent to keep investing in our students’ future,” says Michael Nebesny, vice-president of the Woodsworth College Student Association. “You all had the wonderful foresight to gift something so very tangible that will become their home on campus and will give them further opportunities and make the stressful lives of students that much easier.”

Established in 1974, Woodsworth originally served part-time and mature students.

Over the years, the college has broadened its scope but has remained true to its mission of providing access to students who might not otherwise pursue post-secondary education — and today, the majority of its students enroll directly from high school.

“The college has evolved over the years, but the truth is that it never really strayed from this original mission to create community, to create a collaborative hub and a place to study and socialize,” says Antoinette Handley, vice-dean of graduate education at A&S. “Today, Woodsworth is breaking ground on a transformative new space that will do just that.”

Alex Waugh has seen the entire evolution of Woodsworth College, first as former vice-principal and registrar of the college and now as a donor.

“It’s completely transformative, especially now that the college is primarily full-time students. Student services have always been priority number one,” Waugh says.

If you would like to support the important Woodsworth Renovation and Expansion Project, consider donating or contacting contact Barbara Track, Executive Director, Advancement, Alumni & Communications at 416-978-4197 or barbara.track@utoronto.ca for naming opportunities and other inquiries.

Click here to read the original article on the A&S website.