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Excitement mounts as Orientation Week kicks off at University College. This past weekend, hundreds of new students arrived on college grounds to participate in orientation activities at UC and beyond, marking the beginning of their undergraduate journeys.
Comprising the student-run, week-long UC Orientation and the college-administered and academically-focused Thrive Orientation, for many students, Orientation Week is the first opportunity to set foot on campus and understand key elements of college life.

UC alum Loren Freid is thriving in retirement after a nearly 40-year career as a leader in the not-for-profit health care, anti-poverty and community service sectors. “I sought a new road to heal, recharge and grow,” says Freid, who graduated in 1983 with his honours bachelor of arts degree as a member of University College.

From co-authoring seminal research papers to co-founding the research organization that developed ChatGPT, few people have been as influential in shaping the artificial intelligence landscape – and conversations around the technology’s responsible use – as UC alumnus Ilya Sutskever.

Days before donning her cap and gown, recent University College and Rotman Commerce graduate, Kiara Andrade, reflected on a transformative four-year journey marked by academic excellence, leadership, and community impact.

From the High Arctic tundra to the red carpet in Cannes, filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk has redefined Indigenous storytelling in cinema and changed how the world sees Inuit life. Two weeks ago, for his acclaimed achievements in the arts and entertainment as one of Canada’s most internationally celebrated filmmakers, Kunuk receive a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from the University of Toronto at UC's afternoon convocation ceremony.

UC graduate Elžbieta Chernyak has never shied away from a challenge. When she first started university, she had an interest in pursuing both biology and drama. Now, after four years of study and several productions later, her heart is set on a career as an actor — something she’s ready to take on after all that she's accomplished at U of T.

"U of T is a great school to be in, and I appreciate the opportunity to be here. I have really enjoyed being a UC student. My college has such a great team that is always ready to help, and I have felt at home." Originally from South Sudan, Athok Abuoi Chol fled her country in 2008 during a time of renewed violence and instability in the nation. Despite the challenges of starting a new chapter during a global pandemic — she completed a major in health and disease, with double minors in immunology and statistics.