A new student bursary is Maureen Somerville’s latest way to give back

May 11, 2023

*Maureen Somerville graduated from U of T Scarborough in 1969 and has maintained a connection to her alma mater ever since.*

When Maureen Somerville (BA 1969 UTSC) first walked through the doors of U of T Scarborough in the 1960s, it looked significantly different than it does today. In fact, the Scarborough campus didn’t exist at the start of her first year. She was also one of the few female students pursuing an undergraduate degree at Scarborough at a time when women weren’t encouraged to pursue higher education. But Somerville was more than up for the challenge.

In the five-plus decades since, both the campus and Somerville have contributed to each other’s growth in meaningful ways.

Somerville went on to the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education and enjoyed a career as a high school teacher, first in English and later in drama. She retired in 2001 and has given back to UTSC through extensive volunteering and donations. The UTSC campus and students have benefited too, from Somerville’s remarkable gifts of time and student support. We asked her to share a few nuggets of wisdom from a life of giving back.

“I started by volunteering at events, mostly on the St. George Campus. I’ve been on numerous committees and boards, including a term as an alumni member of Governing Council, part of the Senior Alumni Association executive, and chair of Hart House’s music committee.

I hope this bursary will lessen the burden by helping with books, transportation and other necessities. It’s available to recipients for four years, and a new student is chosen every year.

I love coming out to the UTSC campus. Seeing the growth gives me joy. I’m proud of the achievements of the students and staff.

I established a bursary for UTSC undergrads who are first in their family to attend university. It tops up the Somerville Family Bursary which I established some years ago. I hope it will lessen the burden by helping with books, transportation and other necessities. It’s available to recipients for four years, and a new student is chosen every year.

I hope this bursary will lessen the burden by helping with books, transportation and other necessities. It’s available to recipients for four years, and a new student is chosen every year.

I would tell my first-year self to work harder!

Words I live by: stay active mentally and physically, be involved, support the arts, enjoy life as much as you can, travel!”

Defy Gravity: The Campaign for the University of Toronto has a goal of achieving one million volunteer engagements by our graduates. These engagements range from mentoring, event attendance, and countless opportunities to give the gift of time to help U of T, our students, and our alumni community.

Join your fellow alumni by sharing your time and expertise with the University.

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