You Belong Here: Academic Bridging Program celebrates 82 graduates

Students, families, faculty and staff gathered at Woodsworth College on June 22 to celebrate this year's graduates of the Millie Rotman Shime Academic Bridging Program.

Designed for adults returning to education after time away from formal studies, the program prepares students for university-level learning and provides a pathway into undergraduate studies in the Faculty of Arts & Science.

The celebration took place at Waters Lounge, where graduates beamed as they received their Certificates of Completion before joining classmates and instructors for an afternoon reception. The event drew a multigenerational crowd, with many students accompanied by family members. Approximately 70 attendees filled the room, where conversations quickly filled the air as students introduced loved ones to instructors and peers who had been part of their journey.

Throughout the afternoon, the College's trademark "You Belong Here" banner became a gathering place as graduates proudly posed for photos with their certificates alongside their classmates. At times, a steady line formed as groups waited their 

turn for selfies.

The reception was followed by remarks from faculty, staff and alumni. A common thread throughout the afternoon was the idea of belonging.

Carol Chin, Principal of Woodsworth College, reflected on welcoming many of the graduates at the beginning of the academic year, when they were taking their first steps back into higher education. Recalling the uncertainty that often accompanies a return to school, she reminded students of the message she had shared months earlier: "You may be wondering if you really belong here, if you can do it." Gesturing toward the "You Belong Here” banner, Chin told graduates, "Now here you are; you have done it, and you have proven that you do indeed belong here." 

Woodsworth’s Vice-Principal Jennifer DeSilva congratulated the graduating class of 82 students, including 14 graduates from the Math and Science stream, 15 from the full-time Arts stream and 53 from the part-time Arts stream. Reflecting on her own mother's decision to return to school when she was a child, DeSilva spoke about the significance of educational milestones for both graduates and their loved ones.

Brittney Bergen, Academic Bridging Program Director for the Woodsworth College Students' Association, echoed the day's message of belonging. "Academic Bridging is more than a pathway into degree studies - it's an opportunity to build confidence, develop academic skills, and realize that you belong at the University of Toronto," she said. Completing the program, she added, is evidence of students' "resilience, determination, and capability.”

Offering the perspective of an alumnus, Michael Gibson, President of the Woodsworth College Alumni Association board of directors, reflected on how the Academic Bridging Program changed the course of 

his life. After completing the program, he went on to study computer science before building a career as Associate Director and Senior Enterprise IT Architect at Capgemini. He credited the program with giving him the confidence and preparation he needed to succeed at university, telling graduates that he would not have enjoyed the opportunities he had throughout his career without first coming through Academic Bridging.

Following the speeches, the celebration continued for well over an hour. The room remained lively as graduates caught up with their classmates and instructors, introducing loved ones to members of the Woodsworth community and reflecting on the year they had shared together. Among those celebrating was Motahira Afzali who smiled for photos while holding her Certificate of Completion alongside a bouquet of roses.

For Afzali, the celebration marked the beginning of a new chapter. "Every step in education is an investment in the future I'm building," she said. This fall, she will begin studying business with the goal of growing her jewelry brand. Looking ahead, she said she is “grateful to everyone who supported me along the way" and is excited for "the opportunities, challenges, and growth that lie ahead." 

For many graduates, like Afzali, the Academic Bridging Program marked the beginning of a new chapter. Many will continue into undergraduate studies in the Faculty of Arts & Science this fall, while others will pursue new educational and career opportunities. As they left the celebration, the graduates carried with them not only their Certificates of Completion, but also the confidence, skills and sense of belonging they had built over the past year.