InsightOut: My Journey from U of T Graduate to Professor

Hassan Khan is an award-winning project management professional. A distinguished member of the Project Management Institute and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, Khan was honoured as a Member Spotlight in 2015. He serves as Project Director at AsemBl Design and Construction. Khan has a track-record of working on Multi-Residential and Hotel projects. Hassan is also a professor at Fanshawe College. Born and raised in Toronto, Hassan now resides in Milton, Ontario, with his wife, Naela, and their four children: Eisa, Yusuf, Zayn, and Leena.


Looking back at my time as a student at the University of St. Michael’s College, I could never have imagined the journey ahead. Today, as a Project Director at a leading Development Firm and an Adjunct Professor at Fanshawe College @ILAC Toronto, I often reflect on the many twists and turns that shaped my career, but perhaps more importantly, shaped me as a person. My story is not just one of professional achievement; it is a story of resilience, humility, and an unshakable belief in the power of perseverance. It’s a journey I am honoured to share with the students of U of T, a place that played such a vital role in who I am today.

Like many students, I worked hard to be the first in my family to attend university. My parents instilled in me the values of dedication and hard work, though they did not have the financial means to support me through my academic journey. As a student, I had to juggle part-time work and my studies. Little did I know that my life was about to change in ways I could never have anticipated.

In my final year at U of T, a series of personal tragedies struck. My father became gravely ill, and I had to take on full-time work to support my family while continuing my studies. The long days, sleepless nights, and overwhelming pressure began to take its toll. But nothing could have prepared me for the news that came during my father’s heart surgery. The surgeon came out to the waiting room with an assistant. His news changed our lives forever. The surgeon told my family that he tried his best in the surgery but he did not think that my father would survive. The surgeon went back into the operating room to reconvene.

An hour later my father had passed away on the operating table. His sudden passing was a blow I couldn’t fathom, and my world crumbled beneath me. To add to the turmoil, the 2008 economic crisis hit, and I lost my job. Financial instability, grief, and the strain of trying to complete my studies weighed heavily on me.

At that time, I was also engaged. Our plans for a future together seemed increasingly uncertain as I struggled to keep my head above water. Graduation felt like a distant dream, and I wondered whether I would ever make it. But St. Mike’s was not just a place where I attended classes—it was a community that came together when I needed it most. I was struggling academically and financially, so I reached out to St. Mike’s for support. The administration listened to my situation with compassion, offering me a bursary that helped alleviate the immediate financial strain. More than just financial aid, St. Mike’s provided me with the encouragement to keep going, to persevere through adversity.

I graduated with a renewed sense of purpose, and soon after, I secured a job in construction project management. My wife and I married, and over the years, we were blessed with four children. Life was by no means easy, but the challenges I faced had taught me to push through difficult times with resilience. As I continued to grow professionally, I pursued further education, eventually earning my PhD in Architecture. Along the way, I also earned my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, received industry recognition, and became a proud member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC).

But beyond the titles and accomplishments, what has stayed with me is the humility that came from my experience. The hardships I endured were a powerful reminder that we are not defined by the setbacks we face, but by how we rise from them. This is the message I now carry into my work as a Project Director and as an Adjunct Professor. In both roles, I am deeply committed to fostering a culture of resilience, leadership, and growth, especially among young professionals and students who are navigating their own challenges.

My position as a professor is more than just teaching; it’s an opportunity to pay forward the lessons I learned in university. I empower my students to dream big but remain grounded. I remind them that setbacks are not roadblocks—they are stepping stones to something greater. Just as U of T and St. Mike’s were there for me when I needed it, I strive to be a source of guidance and support for my students. Construction Project Management, much like life, requires both a vision for the future and the ability to overcome obstacles. It requires resilience, teamwork, and most of all, humility. These values were instilled in me during my time in university, and they continue to shape the way I lead today.

To the students of St. Michael’s College, my message is simple: dream big but be prepared for the ups and downs that life will inevitably throw your way. You are stronger than you know.

And when things seem darkest, remember that there is a community around you that is ready to help. Don’t be afraid to ask for that help. Whether it’s your peers, professors, or the administration, St. Mikes is a place where compassion and support can make all the difference.

Looking back, I am profoundly grateful for the kindness shown me. It is the same kindness that I now try to pass on in every interaction I have with my students and colleagues. I am living proof that with resilience, humility, and the right support, even the most difficult circumstances can lead to a future filled with success, purpose, and fulfillment. St. Mike’s was the foundation for my journey, and I will forever be proud to call myself an alumnus.


Read other InsightOut posts.