How U of T Giving Day ambassadors are building community and creating opportunities

University of Toronto Giving Day provides faculty, staff, librarians and alumni with an opportunity to amplify their support for students and researchers. Time-limited matching opportunities double — or in some cases even triple — the impact of gifts across the university's three campuses.

This year, three ambassadors share how generosity shapes their communities: a Faculty of Music professor preparing students for emerging careers, a student scholarship recipient connecting with alumni, and a U of T Scarborough staff member fostering community on campus.

Read on to meet the ambassadors and learn how you can participate in U of T Giving Day on March 26.

Dr. Catherine Moore

The music industry is changing faster than ever and Moore is helping ensure her students are ready for whatever comes next. As an adjunct professor at the Faculty of Music, she teaches in the Music Technology & Digital Media master's program, where students blend music with digital media, film, video games and more. The program emphasizes hands-on experimentation and creative collaboration across disciplines, preparing students for careers in music that may not even exist yet.

“From classically trained opera singers to students creating immersive audio for video games, our students' talents are incredibly diverse,” she says. “That variety is what makes this program great.”

Support for the Faculty of Music helps remove financial barriers, allowing students to focus on innovation, collaboration and artistic excellence. Moore sees every day how philanthropy gives her students the freedom to take creative risks and build the skills that will carry them into a new creative future.

This U of T Giving Day, she's sharing her story to celebrate and champion the communities that make these opportunities possible.

Jessica Han

Han, a U of T student studying English and environmental studies, has experienced the impact of community generosity from multiple angles: first as a scholarship recipient, then as a student engagement officer connecting with alumni. She knows firsthand how financial aid allows students to focus on learning, growth and opportunity.

Through daily conversations with alumni and donors, Han has learned how philanthropy shapes student success stories across the university.

“Alumni often share how financial aid helped them through tough times,” she says. “Others simply loved their U of T experience and want today's students to feel that same joy.”

These interactions have shown Han the power of being part of a larger, connected community. “I found support, inspiration and belonging here,” she says.

This U of T Giving Day, Han is helping spread the word so more students can access the same opportunities and support.

Norman Javier

At U of T Scarborough, Javier serves as coordinator of campus life and special events, fostering student belonging both in and outside the classroom.

From student clubs to on-campus events, he supports experiences that often form the foundation of students' university journeys, helping them develop confidence, leadership skills and a sense of community.

“When students feel connected and supported, they're more likely to take risks, try new things and reach their potential,” he says.

Javier also contributes to campus life as a donor, understanding how even small acts of generosity can strengthen student experience. This U of T Giving Day, he is celebrating and amplifying the campus community he helps cultivate in his day-to-day work – while encouraging others across the tri-campus to join in and make a difference for students.

Be part of something bigger this U of T Giving Day. 

Give now and double your impact for students and researchers while matching funds last.