'This is your space now': Academic Bridging Program graduates celebrate their success

Graduates of the Millie Rotman Shime Academic Bridging Program gathered on May 22 in Waters Lounge to celebrate their successful completion of the program and to mark the next step in their academic journeys.

“I used to think I didn’t deserve this as much because my path wasn’t traditional,” said Bridging graduate Tshephiso Gaamangwe, a guest speaker at the event. “And if that sounds like you, I beg of you to stand tall and own your story…You deserve to be here just as much as anyone else, and maybe even more. So take pride in what you’ve accomplished and let that pride carry you forward.”

Gaamangwe, who is set to convocate on June 19 with an honours bachelor of arts, was also a recipient of the Emma Leckey award in February 2025.

A total of 83 students successfully completed the Academic Bridging Program this year, 74 of them in the Arts stream and 9 of them in the Sciences. An access program housed by Woodsworth College, the Bridging Program offers an opportunity for those who do not meet the academic requirements for admission to the University of Toronto to qualify for honours bachelor of arts or honours bachelor of science degree programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science.

Guest speakers included Carol Chin, principal of Woodsworth College, Suzanne Wood, associate dean of student affairs at the Faculty of Arts & Science, and Stephanie Browne, a Bridging graduate currently pursuing an honours bachelor of arts.

It was an inspiring event that highlighted the achievements of this year’s Bridging graduates. Hearing directly from two Bridging alumni served as a powerful reminder of the vital role Bridging students play within the U of T community, and that it’s never too late to pursue university education.

Those who successfully completed the program this year will have the option to begin their degree studies in the fall of 2025. Reflecting on this transition, Gaamangwe offered the following words of encouragement to the new group of graduates: “Don’t count yourself out: explore, make friends, take risks…This is your space now: take it. You didn’t take the easy way in - you took the truest way in. And you’re just getting started.”