St. Mike’s newest alumni descended on St. Mike’s campus one last time as undergrads to celebrate their academic achievements. St. Mike’s hosted a BBQ for graduands and their families on Thursday, June 13. The BBQ, held in the break between St. Michael’s College’s two convocation ceremonies for the Faculty of Arts and Science, gave the former students a chance to proudly show their loved ones their “home” while they attended the University of Toronto.
When asked why it was important that she celebrate her accomplishment at St. Mike’s, Katrina Schulz said, “I think seeing my friends, seeing my family, getting to my family to meet my friends that I met at university, and just to see the campus again to show them what I love about it.” She earned her Honours Bachelor of Arts.
Heart of the campus, Elmsley Lane, proved to be the perfect venue for the outdoor reception.
“I think it’s one of the smaller colleges, so you really have that opportunity to meet a lot of people, especially in your first year,” said Oscar Haofei Wang, who was awarded his Honours Bachelor of Arts.
In addition to lunch, members of the graduating class picked up their grad gifts and pointed out the familiar faces in the class composite.
“[St. Mike’s] offered me the opportunity to meet so many people. I think through friendship, sportsmanship and spirit, that’s how [it] supported me throughout,” said Iris Tu, who received her Honours Bachelor of Arts.
“When you’re having a hard time with school, your friends are the people who get you through it and, like I said, a lot of our friends are from St. Mike’s, so it’s nice to be here and celebrate all together after we went through everything all together,” said Stephanie Menezes who earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts.
St. Mike’s faculty and staff joined the festivities. After supporting the graduates in their academic journeys, they offered the graduating class their best wishes as they embarked on life after St. Mike’s.
“St. Mike’s gave me my first job. I was the groundskeeper here with [John Scarcelli], and I’ve come to know everybody here by name. This place has a special place in my heart, and like I said, it was pivotal to my growth, and me being me today,” said Gabriel Edward Naidoo, who graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts.
“In my first year, having a learning disability was very hard, so I met with a lot of learning advisors at St. Mike’s, and that was so helpful. Growing up, a lot of people told me I probably would never graduate, but I did, and I graduated with high distinction,” said Nicola Schmidt, who earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts.
The occasion called for a cheers!
The beautiful campus provided many locations to capture picture-perfect moments. It truly is an oasis in the city!
The event was the perfect setting for graduates to create some final St. Michael’s memories as their undergraduate careers come to a close and they anticipate what the future will hold.
Congratulations Class of 2024!