A Milestone Worth Celebrating: Access Program Students Cross the Convocation Stage

On June 17, more than 35 graduates who entered the University of Toronto through Woodsworth College's access programs crossed the convocation stage to receive their Honours Bachelor of Arts degrees. 

Representing the Millie Rotman Shime Academic Bridging Program, the Diploma to Degree Program and SEE (Support, Engage, Experience) U of T, these graduates reached a milestone that once may have seemed out of reach. Entering university through these non-traditional pathways allowed them to overcome barriers to higher education while balancing work, family responsibilities and other life commitments.

Their achievements were celebrated at two Woodsworth College convocation ceremonies and a reception held at the Myhal Centre, where graduates, families, friends and members of the Woodsworth community gathered to mark the occasion.

For decades, Woodsworth's access programs have provided pathways into higher education for students from diverse backgrounds and experiences. This year's graduating cohort reflects what can happen when opportunity is paired with determination, perseverance and support.

For graduates of the Academic Bridging Program, convocation marked the culmination of years of hard work, personal growth and academic achievement.

"Woodsworth has been essential to my progress and achievements at the university," said Candice Ann Juttlah. "The Academic Bridging Program was a great experience to help prepare me for what I would be dealing with in my studies, and I am so grateful for the experience. I will take the skills I have learned into all my future endeavours."

For Julia Baskin, recipient of the Brookfield Peter F. Bronfman Award, the Academic Bridging Program demonstrated what meaningful access to education can look like.

"The Bridging program is the rare place where diversity and equality aren't just talking points; they're put into practice," said Julia. "Bridging gave me access to an education I was never handed, and that privilege is now mine to pay forward."

Sam Payne described the program as a turning point in her life.

"Taking the Academic Bridging Program was the first academic step that truly transformed my life," she said. "The 'old me' would hardly recognize the person I am today - a graduate with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree."

For Madison Hein, graduation represented more than earning a degree.

"Graduation has brought a sense of fulfillment that reaches beyond academic achievement," she said. "It has reinforced my ability to dedicate myself to goals and causes that truly matter to me."

MaryJo O'Connor also entered U of T through the Bridging program and then went on to support incoming students as a Bridging mentor. 

"I wanted to give back to the program because it gave me so much," said O'Connor. "As a Bridging mentor, it was incredibly rewarding to help students build confidence and realize they were capable of pursuing goals they once thought were out of reach."

Among this year's Academic Bridging Program graduates was Grace Nyabol Kuol who entered U of T as both a Bridging student and a Morneau McCain Scholar. Kuol said her degree represents far more than academic success.

"As a former refugee and first-generation university student, graduating from the University of Toronto is a powerful reminder that dreams are valid, regardless of where you come from," she said. "This milestone represents years of perseverance, growth, and the unwavering belief that education can change lives."

Students from Woodsworth's other access pathways were also among this year's graduating class.

Michael Saleki began his U of T journey through the Diploma to Degree Program after completing studies at Seneca College, one of Woodsworth's partner institutions. Designed for students coming from select college diploma programs, the pathway enables them to continue their academic journeys at U of T.

Reflecting on the transition from undergraduate studies to the next stage of life, Saleki said:

"As an undergraduate student, I turned many pages in a given week for my fields of study. Now that I'm a graduate student, the only page I have to turn to is a new life."

This year's graduating class also included Adeola Oladimeji (pictured at top of page), a graduate of the SEE U of T program who went on to complete her HBA through St. Michael's College. Designed to introduce racialized and historically underrepresented secondary school students to university life through experiential and academic learning, SEE U of T helped launch Oladimeji's academic journey at the University of Toronto.

For Oladimeji, graduation is both a celebration and a reflection on the challenges overcome along the way.

"Graduation to me is evidence of all the hard work, resilience, and persistence that a student has put in their academics," she said. "It is also a celebration of the triumph over the hardships a student encountered during their studies and recognition of the student's achievements while studying."

While convocation marks the end of one chapter, it also marks the beginning of another. Many of these graduates will now embark on new careers, graduate studies, professional programs and leadership opportunities in their communities.

Woodsworth College congratulates all graduates who entered U of T through its access programs and celebrates the resilience, determination and accomplishments that brought them to convocation. Their success reflects the transformative impact of creating pathways to higher education that enable students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to thrive.