We’re excited to announce the finalists for this year’s Catherine B. Fogarty Creative Non-Fiction Award at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. 
Created by SCS learner and award-winning author Catherine B. Fogarty, the award celebrates excellence in creative non-fiction and aims to inspire emerging writers to share powerful true stories that deepen our understanding of the world around us. With a $2000 prize and a jury of publishing industry experts, the award recognizes outstanding final project manuscripts from learners in the SCS creative writing program. 

This year’s talented finalists include:
 

The finalists of the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies Pal Saqi Award for Fiction have been announced. Established by author and SCS learner Rajinderpal S. Pal, and named in honour of his father, the Pal Saqi Award for Fiction provides $2000 annually to a Creative Writing Certificate learner with the most outstanding final project. The award’s recipients are selected by a panel of Canadian publishing industry professionals.

This year’s Pal Saqi Award for Fiction finalists are: 
 

Every year, the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies recognizes outstanding instructors who demonstrate excellence in adult education. The SCS Excellence in Teaching Awards are driven by nominations from learners who feel their instructors have gone above and beyond to deliver engaging, meaningful, and supportive learning experiences. 

“The energy and passion these instructors have for their subjects, paired with their unwavering dedication to helping our learners succeed continues to inspire us year after year,” says SCS Dean Catherine Chandler-Crichlow. 

“The nominations we receive from our learners make it very clear that education and support they provide is truly life-changing, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud to celebrate.”

The Excellence in Teaching Award winners for the 2024-2025 academic year are: 

Alyssa Hatfield – Business and Professional Studies 

Learners agree that Alyssa Hatfield in an inspirational instructor who truly loves teaching. She explains complex concepts in her User Experience Design courses in a clear and practical way, always connecting them to real-world examples, and provides thoughtful feedback and a supportive classroom environment to help learners succeed. 

Julie Reid – Business and Professional Studies 

Julie Reid is described by learners as an energetic, creative, and inclusive instructor, who goes above and beyond to ensure the learners in her Speaking Accurately classes are engaged, motivated, and supported. They share that learners continue to meet with each other and Julie after their course has concluded: a testament to her ability to foster a strong sense of community in her classes.  

Andre Kostecki – Business and Professional Studies 

Learners praise Introduction to Lean Six Sigma Methods instructor Andre Kostecki for his vast knowledge and experience, and his encouraging approach to teaching. He provides relevant, real-life examples that help learners connect the knowledge to their work and facilitates meaningful classroom participation. 

Angela Glover – Arts and Science 

In Angela Glover’s art history classes, learners discover a passionate instructor whose sense of humour, patience, and curiosity brings life to each of the artists and pieces she discusses. She goes the extra-mile to align her classes with current exhibits and organize gallery visits so learners can go beyond the classroom to experience the subject matter firsthand.  

Kevin Hardcastle – Creative Writing

Kevin Hardcastle’s learners are impressed with his ability to adapt to the various needs and genres in his creative writing classes. His inclusive, kind, and accessible approach to teaching and his willingness to share his own experiences in the industry create the perfect environment for his learners to flourish. 

Anouck Carsignol – Languages and Translation

Learners are delighted by Anouck Carsignol’s ability to both challenge and support them in her French language classes. They say she is an incredibly kind and encouraging instructor whose teaching gives them the practical skills they need, and that she goes above and beyond to make them aware of further learning opportunities outside of the classroom.

Wendy Peaker – Outstanding New Instructor

Wendy Peaker is recognized by her learners as an exceptional instructor who brings Industrial and Labour Relations to life through her depth of knowledge, passion, and real-world experience. With clear, insightful lectures grounded in real workplace examples, she creates an engaging and supportive learning environment where every student feels encouraged to think critically and apply theory to practice.

Ann Choi – Excellence in Online Teaching

Learners can sense Ann Choi’s love of writing shining through in every creative writing class she teaches. They say her insight into the publishing business helps them set realistic goals, her online classroom is dynamic and engaging, and her enthusiasm is contagious.

Jason Yarmolinsky – Career Impact Award

Jason Yarmolinsky has been teaching with SCS since 2016. His Internal Auditing learners consistently commend him for his ability to make complicated concepts and current industry insights easy to understand.  They say he is passionate both about his subject, and about helping his learners succeed in their careers. 

Congratulations to all of this year’s inspiring winners!

Organizations that invest in employee development see clear returns: stronger attraction and retention of top talent, increased productivity, and higher employee engagement and satisfaction. Just as importantly, ongoing learning ensures teams are equipped with the up-to-date skills needed to tackle the rapidly evolving challenges of today’s business landscape.  

At the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (SCS) we are committed to helping organizations address current and anticipated performance gaps through targeted learning solutions to maximize the impact of their investment in upskilling and professional development.  

Here are three key ways our Organizational and Corporate Training services support teams and drive organizational success: 

1. Guiding your team into our existing courses

With over 700 expert-led SCS courses to choose from, we know selecting the best learning opportunities for your employees can be a challenge. That’s why we are more than happy to work with you to curate the specific courses that fit your organization’s strategy. We can help you identify which training and development competencies are needed to meet your business goals and align those with our existing courses.

To streamline the experience, we create a dedicated portal for your organization. This allows employees to easily enroll in approved courses.

2. Bringing our existing courses to your staff

When your goal is to upskill or reskill a cohort of employees together, SCS can deliver a closed version of an existing course exclusively for your organization, either online or in-person.

Closed courses foster camaraderie and shared learning, while allowing classroom discussions to focus on your organization’s specific context and industry challenges, rather than broad, general examples. They also offer greater flexibility in scheduling. For instance, a traditional course can be redesigned as a more intensive,  program delivered over a shorter period. In addition, closed courses offer leadership visibility into participation and progress so you can better asses the return on your investment in learning.  

3. Customizing courses for your team

For organizations with highly specific needs, our learning design team works alongside industry-expert instructors to create fully customized courses and workshops. Each program is built with clear learning outcomes and aligned directly to your organization’s strategic vision.

For example, we’ve worked with one of the fastest-growing food manufacturers in North America as they underwent an overhaul to bring the latest in robotics and technology into their workplace. They identified a need to embed agile practices into their processes, and they wanted to include everyone from new staff to senior leadership. So, we worked with them to develop a full program on agile leadership, with different streams tailored to different groups within the organization.

We can also create custom micro-credentials that include digital badges, enabling participants to easily display what they’ve learned, while demonstrating your organization’s commitment to learning and development.

Want to know how SCS can support your team’s upskilling and talent development goals? Get in touch with our Corporate and Organizational Training team to start the conversation.

Angélica Zamora Ríos was a Mexican-Canadian linguist, primary teacher, and beloved instructor in the Spanish Language program at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (SCS). She believed deeply in the promise of multilingual education and lifelong learning, both of which she exemplified her entire life.

Now, her family and friends want to support and encourage learners with a similar zest for knowledge through the Angelica Zamora Ríos Award in Spanish Language Studies, the first of its kind at SCS.

Described by husband Michael Lavergne as a dedicated friend, mother and daughter, who lived for her family, Zamora Ríos was the second oldest of four siblings, and a role model to her brothers.

“She was a blessing to all who knew her and were fortunate enough to call her a friend. Over our thirty years together we lived and worked across South America, North America, and Asia, returning home to Canada in late 2010,” Lavergne says. 

It was during their time in Hong Kong, once their sons had both entered formal schooling, that she discovered her passion for teaching. She spent four years as a languages teacher in the public school system and at Hong Kong University Continuing Studies before the family relocated back to Canada.

Zamora Ríos loved to learn and was determined to do so. She pursued her Masters in Hispanic Linguistics, all while continuing her battle with neuroendocrine cancer and working part time. She gained her IB teaching certificate less than a year before her passing in March of 2025.

“Joy was her superpower. She was always the friend called upon to organize and bring life to any event. Angélica's resilience, determination and strength of character have given us an example to live by and to strive for,” Lavergne shares. 

“Her loss has been devastating to those of us closest to her, and widely felt by so many students, peers and friends across the globe.” 

As well as being a dedicated lifelong learner herself, Angélica was genuinely excited for others to learn Spanish and to share her knowledge and experiences of Mexican culture and tradition. She endeavored to use language to help others to better understand and appreciate other cultures.

For Lavergne, it is important to find positive ways to redirect his loss and grief, and to honour Angélica's work and achievements in the areas she was most passionate about: rescuing and caring for abandoned dogs, improving treatment access for neuroendocrine patients and in bringing Spanish to as many people as she could. 

“This award offers a unique way to ensure that Angélica's love and passion for learning will not be forgotten, and at the same time ensures that more of those learners who share her passion for Spanish will be both inspired and able to follow,” he says. 

The Angélica Zamora Ríos Award in Spanish Language Studies is open to SCS learners who have successfully completed at least one Spanish Language course at SCS to continue their learning journey in the program. 

If you would like to donate towards this award, please visit: https://engage.utoronto.ca/site/SPageServer?pagename=donate#/fund/2358  

For more information about this award, please visit our awards page.

The University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (SCS) is pleased to announce the establishment of the Access Fund for Internationally Educated Professionals, a new initiative designed to help internationally educated professionals overcome barriers and build meaningful careers in Canada. 

This groundbreaking fund will empower internationally educated professionals as they navigate the Canadian job market, seek assessments, pursue targeted professional development, and gain essential upskilling through the School of Continuing Studies. By reducing financial barriers, the Access Fund aims to support smoother integration into the Canadian workforce. 

“We know the immense value that people educated outside of Canada bring to this country every year, and how important it is to create pathways that allow them to contribute to our society and economy to their full potential,” says SCS Dean Catherine Chandler-Crichlow. 

“I am certain that this fund will be the beginning of a very positive ripple effect.”

Ten recipients per year will be selected through a competitive adjudication process to receive up to $1,000 in funding to access courses and services offered at SCS. These funds may be applied to courses, credential evaluation services, and career services, providing recipients with flexible support aligned to their professional goals.  

“We are deeply grateful to our lead fund donor, Andree Shore, for making the launch of this impactful fund possible,” says SCS Associate Director of Advancement, Muneeb Syed. 

“We can’t wait to see what doors it opens for internationally educated professionals in Canada.”

The Access Fund for Internationally Educated Professionals at the School of Continuing Studies will be available to the following individuals:

• Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons residing in Ontario at the time of application who are eligible to work in Canada and take educational courses in Canada. And,
• Individuals who have completed their education outside of Canada, currently reside in Canada, and are seeking meaningful integration into the Canadian workforce. They will be required to provide documentation confirming their international educational credentials.

Recipients will be required to utilize their earmarked funds (of up to $1,000) within 12 months towards:

• SCS Assessments, such as:
  • English Language Proficiency Assessment
  • Foreign Credential Assessment
• Blueprint Career Services, such as:
  • Career Wayfinding
  • CliftonStrengths Assessment
  • One-on-One Career Exploration Sessions
• Upskilling courses related to their profession 

To learn more about the fund, or to apply, please visit our Access Fund for Internationally Educated Professionals page.

If you’re interested in contributing to the Access Fund, please visit our donation page.
 

When Emmanuel Ohiri enrolled in the Risk Management Certificate at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies, his goal was to deepen his expertise and gain a broader, more structured understanding of risk management. What he didn’t expect was that the program would also lead directly to a new career opportunity.  

“I specifically chose the School of Continuing Studies at the University of Toronto because of its prestige, academic credibility, and strong reputation for helping bright professionals advance in their careers,” Ohiri says. 

“I was also inspired by my desire to network with professionals and grow my connections within the industry. The program offered the perfect blend of technical learning, professional development, and community, which aligned with both my career and networking goals.”

From the outset, Ohiri was looking for a program that balanced theory with practical application. He hoped to gain a comprehensive understanding of risk frameworks and tools that he could apply immediately in the workplace. 

“The program exceeded my expectations, especially in how it connected academic concepts to real-world scenarios,” he says. “It also provided strong opportunities for collaboration and networking, which supported my goal of expanding my professional relationships.”

Ohiri also credits the program’s instructors for bringing depth, innovation, and industry relevance to the classroom. He says all his instructors demonstrated strong expertise and creative approaches to teaching, with instructor Lekan Akindele standing out in particular for this engaging and practical style. “He had a talent for breaking down complex risk concepts into simple, real-world examples that made the lessons immediately useful,” Ohiri adds. 

“The assignments involving risk treatment planning and scenario analysis were also memorable, as they mirrored the kind of structured decision-making required in both compliance roles and underwriting in the Excess Casualty segment.”

Equally impactful was the diversity of professional backgrounds represented in the classroom. Ohiri says learning alongside classmates from diverse industries like finance, tech, insurance, and government brought unique perspectives to class discussions. 

“Their real-world insights deepened my understanding of how risk is viewed across sectors,” he says. 

“Many of these relationships have continued beyond the program; I still meet up with some classmates for coffee and lunch to this day, which reflects how supportive and lasting the SCS community can be.”

The skills Ohiri developed through the certificate have improved how he evaluates, communicates, and responds to risk. He says he now takes a more holistic, enterprise-focused view of risk and that the program strengthened his decision-making skills and boosted his confidence when engaging with stakeholders. 

The impact on his career was immediate. After completing the certificate, Ohiri shared the milestone on social media, an action that led directly to his current role. 

“Shortly after completing the certificate, I shared it on LinkedIn, and that single post directly led to being recruited for my current role. Beyond the technical content, the program expanded my visibility and strengthened my network, which was one of my motivations from the start,” he says.  

“It also broadened the scope of roles I now feel equipped to pursue, from enterprise risk to governance and compliance leadership, thanks to both the academic foundation and the industry perspectives I gained.”

Ohiri encourages prospective learners to fully engage with both the coursework and the SCS community to get the most out of the program. 

“The learning is practical, but the networking opportunities are equally valuable, some of my closest professional relationships began in this program, and we still meet for coffee and lunch. For those coming from legal, compliance, or underwriting backgrounds, the program is especially impactful as it bridges theory with real-world application,” he advises. 

“Participate actively, apply the lessons immediately, and don’t hesitate to share your progress publicly.” 

If you’re ready to strengthen your risk strategy and management skills, explore the Risk Management certificate and courses at the School of Continuing Studies.

I recently had the honour of attending a Land-based Workshop at the University of Toronto’s Ziibiing, which is a gathering place to learn, reflect, and celebrate Indigenous history and culture. Named using the Anishinaabemowin word for “river,” Ziibiing marks the path of Taddle Creek, a buried stream running under the St. George campus. Ziibiing grew out of the first call to action in Answering the Call: Wecheehetowin the Final Report of the Steering Committee for the U of T Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada which called for “the creation of significant dedicated Indigenous space on the St. George Campus” including “outdoor space appropriate for Indigenous spiritual needs.” 

This workshop, which I attended twice, offered me profound reflection and humility. With a focus on Indigenous teachings and connection to the land, the experience was informative and grounding. It reminded me of the importance of community, connection, and the responsibility we all have to contribute to reconciliation. It also led me to reflect on how learning can support belonging across many communities, including the ones we serve at SCS. 

At its heart, learning is more than the pursuit of knowledge; it’s an act of connection. When people come together to learn, they share stories, ideas, and experiences that bridge differences and deepen understanding. In a world that can sometimes feel divided, education remains one of the most powerful ways to bring people together. 

At SCS, learners with diverse backgrounds come together with a common purpose: to grow. Some are advancing their careers. Others are exploring new interests or returning to learning after many years. Beyond professional or academic goals, many discover something even more meaningful; that they are now a part of a supportive, enriching community. 

Learning builds bridges 

Classrooms, whether in person or online, are unique spaces where perspectives meet. A project manager may find herself collaborating with a newcomer to Canada who brings a global point of view. A writer might find inspiration in the lived experiences of a classmate from another field. These exchanges remind us that learning is not just about mastering a subject, it is about understanding others and seeing the world through a wider lens.

A community where everyone belongs

For many learners, SCS becomes a home for curiosity and connection. It is a place where adults at every stage of life can feel seen and supported. Whether in a classroom discussion, a group project, or an online forum, learners often find a shared sense of purpose and mutual respect. 
This spirit of belonging is central to the SCS experience. By fostering inclusive learning environments where everyone’s voice is valued, SCS helps learners build the confidence to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and grow together. 

Our approach is grounded in the belief that human rights and dignity must shape every learning environment. These principles guide how we design courses, support learners, and build community. 

Accessibility and support for every learner

Belonging also means ensuring that everyone has access to learning opportunities. SCS offers open enrolment, non-degree courses and certificates. There is no application process. So anyone who wants to learn at U of T can benefit from the knowledge of our expert instructors and meticulously designed curriculum. 

SCS has a range of bursaries and awards that help remove financial barriers and make education more accessible. These supports recognize that learning should be open to all, regardless of circumstance. By investing in accessibility, SCS helps ensure that anyone with the desire to learn can develop the tools and knowledge to shape their future. 

Continuing education as a foundation for an inclusive society

As Canada continues to evolve as one of the most diverse nations in the world, continuing education plays a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive society. It provides accessible pathways for lifelong learning, empowering people to adapt, participate, and thrive no matter their background or life stage. 

When adults return to learning, they not only invest in themselves, but also contribute to the collective growth of their communities. They become better communicators, collaborators, and citizens who help build a Canada where diversity is celebrated and everyone belongs. 

At SCS, that vision is woven into everything we do. Learning here is not just about where you want to go next, it’s about who you connect with along the way. 

The lessons I learned at Ziibing reminded me that learning is always a shared journey. At SCS that journey opens pathways to connection, understanding, and ideally, a deeper sense of belonging for all. 

To learn more about SCS’ commitment to creating inclusive classrooms and communities, please visit our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion page. 

To learn more about SCS accessibility services and learner accommodations, please visit our accessibility page.

Major facilities and services initiatives at the University of Toronto (U of T) require a unique combination of technical expertise and strategic understanding. For mechanical engineer Al Amin, who supports several of these projects, it became clear that strengthening his knowledge of energy systems would help him perform his role more effectively. 

The U of T School of Continuing Studies (SCS) Energy Management certificate offered exactly the kind of structured, in-depth training he was seeking. 

“I support several major initiatives, including Project LEAP, Project RISE, and the King’s College Circle geoexchange system,” he explains. “The certificate felt like the right way to connect my day-to-day responsibilities with the bigger sustainability goals of the university.”

Amin was particularly interested in understanding the “why” behind the design and operational decisions he encounters in his work. 

“The program exceeded my expectations by giving me a fuller picture of energy economics, building systems, and Canada’s energy landscape,” he says. “It helped me connect theory to what I see every day in our capital projects.”

The Energy Management courses at SCS offered the perfect balance of technical topics, policy, economics, best practices, and real case studies with a practical and organized approach, says Amin. “The lessons on commissioning, energy economics, and Canadian energy trends stood out the most,” he adds. 

“They helped me understand both the technical and policy sides of energy management. The OISE building assignments that walked through real audit-style thinking were especially useful because I could relate them to challenges in large institutional projects.”

Amin’s classmates brought a variety of perspectives from utilities, engineering firms, municipalities, and operations teams. Hearing about their experiences helped him to understand how similar energy challenges show up in different sectors. He says their questions and examples made discussions richer and more grounded in real scenarios.

The skills and knowledge Amin gained in his classes have changed the way he participates in project coordination. “Now I approach design reviews, shutdown planning, and operations discussions with a stronger understanding of energy implications,” he explains. “I can communicate better with design consultants and operators, and I can see how my small role contributes to sustainability goals across campus.”

In terms of his career prospects, Amin says his confidence and his awareness of where his skills could take him have expanded significantly since completing the certificate. 

“I now see energy management, sustainability planning, and commissioning as areas I would enjoy contributing to more in the future. It also made me feel more confident supporting U of T’s major low-carbon projects,” he says. 

“The program helped me connect my daily work to the bigger energy and sustainability picture at U of T. It made me a better communicator, a better coordinator, and more aware of how every project decision affects long-term performance.”

Learn more about the Energy Management Certificate at the U of T School of Continuing Studies and explore how you can advance your skills in sustainability and energy systems.

From an early age, Safayat Moahamad was intrigued by AI and cybersecurity. As he grew up and explored these areas, privacy emerged as a natural fit for his interests and legal background, but he struggled to find a program that delved into the skills and knowledge he wanted to develop. 

“When the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (SCS) launched the Privacy Management in Digital Enterprise certificate, it was exactly what I’d been looking for,” he says. 

“When I started the program, I wanted to understand the day-to-day reality of a privacy professional, something I didn't have full visibility into. That insight proved invaluable, allowing me to hit the ground running in my first role. But the most important lesson I took away was the need for a constant learning mindset. Privacy, and the disciplines it touches like AI and Cyber, are evolving at an incredible pace. Staying relevant means embracing continuous learning as part of the job.”

Moahamad’s course instructors brought the industry into the classroom, sharing real-world examples, current events, and regulatory updates.

“Their approach was highly practical. Assignments mirrored real work, from strategy hypotheses to PIAs, and even preparing board-level executive presentations. In fact, I still apply each of these concepts in my day-to-day work,” he says. “They were also exceptionally accessible, both during and after the program. We’ve collaborated on special projects since graduating, and intend to keep working for the privacy cause, closely.”

This practical approach to teaching ensured learners like Moahamad could immediately apply the new skills and knowledge gained in class to help them start or advance their careers. 

“The SCS courses were pivotal in launching my career. I started as a Privacy Analyst at BMW Canada immediately after completing the program, and the skills I gained were critical in demonstrating my technical abilities during the interview and executing my mandates with confidence from day one,” Moahamad explains. 

Beyond what he learned in class, Moahamad also had the opportunity to build a strong professional network with the help of his instructors. Amalia Barthel introduced him to fellow SCS instructor Carlos Chalico. Together they went on to develop a Privacy Mentoring Program at ISACA Toronto. That collaboration later opened the door to a privacy consulting role on his team at EY Canada.

Encouraged by his instructors, Moahamad remains deeply engaged with professional communities. Since completing his SCS courses, he has gone on to earn the CIPM and AIGP designations from the IAPP. 

“These milestones have been possible with the support and mentorship I received from Amalia, Constantine Karbaliotis, and Carlos,” he says. 

Currently a Research & Advisory Director at Info-Tech Research Group, where he works closely with C-suite executives, senior leaders, and technical teams to advance privacy, cybersecurity, data and AI governance programs, Moahamad says the skills he learned at SCS are embedded in almost every engagement he leads. 

“The strategy hypothesis methodology, in particular, has been invaluable. I have applied the methodology to design an AI Compliance Strategy Framework, which I later co-presented with Amalia and Carlos at the IAPP Canada Privacy Symposium 2025. The program didn’t just give me tools, it gave me a structured way of thinking that I use daily,” he adds. 

For anyone hoping to get into the field of cybersecurity and privacy, Moahamad says that in addition to being fluent in governance, risk, and compliance, having a learning mindset is key to thriving. He adds that contributing to community initiatives can set you apart and that IAPP, ISACA, and DAMA are excellent places to start.

“New beginnings rely on strong support systems, and UofT SCS gave me exactly that. The instructors brought deep expertise and genuine mentorship, guiding me through a curriculum that mirrored real-world challenges. That foundation gave me the capability to step into my first privacy role and build a career at the intersection of data, cybersecurity, and AI governance.” Moahamad says. 

“For me, SCS wasn’t just a place to learn, it was the launchpad for everything that came next.”

Visit our Privacy Management in the Digital Enterprise page to learn more about this certificate and its related courses. 

Visit our Cyber Security Management page to learn more about our cybersecurity certificate and courses.

Karan Saraf has a clear vision for his career. He sees his future self as a Chief Communications Officer, and he’s not just dreaming about it; he’s working towards it at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (SCS). 

A natural communicator and problem-solver, it was only after moving to Canada and taking a professional writing course in 2021 that Saraf realized he could hone his gift for communication into a sought-after skill, and a career. 

Now, he’s stacking the deck further in his favour by attending Strategic Public Relations courses at SCS. 

“I got my first role as a Communications Coordinator at Humber College, mostly working in internal comms. It was a great start, but I knew I wanted to grow into a strategic leadership role — one where I could shape stories, build trust, and lead,” he shares. 

“That’s why I took this course. I want to become a Chief Communications Officer someday, and this program is helping me get there. Honestly, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made.”

Taking these classes has challenged Saraf’s previous understanding of the role of Public Relations (PR) and communications, from the fact that the best crisis communication starts long before the crisis, to the importance of understanding how to use emerging AI tools effectively and ethically.

“In our Public Relations: Advanced Practices and Case Studies class, we had a discussion about reputation management. One line really stuck with me: ‘If you manage your reputation well, you won’t have to manage a crisis.’ That hit home,” he says.

“It made me realize that great PR isn’t just about reacting, it’s about being consistent and intentional every day. If you’ve built trust with your audience, they’ll give you the benefit of the doubt when something goes wrong. Reputation isn’t just what you say, it’s what you’ve already shown people through your actions. That’s been a big shift in my thinking. That mindset will stay with me throughout my career.”

Saraf says his SCS instructors have gone above and beyond to ensure he and his classmates are able to put into practice what they’re learning in the classroom. 

“The instructors have been amazing — they don’t just teach theory, they make sure we understand how to apply it in the real world. The feedback I’ve received has helped me grow, especially when it comes to thinking more strategically and seeing the big picture,” he explains.

In addition to his SCS instructors’ wealth of knowledge, for Saraf connecting with his peers in the classroom was one of the most rewarding parts of attending class.

“Everyone comes from different industries and backgrounds, which brings so many fresh perspectives,” he explains.

“We’ve shared ideas, job leads, and lots of encouragement. It feels like a real community, not just a class.”

For anyone on the fence about taking Strategic Public Relations courses or working towards the Strategic Public Relations Certificate at SCS, Saraf has some words of encouragement: “If you’re on the fence — go for it,” he says. 

“This program isn’t just about learning PR tactics, it’s about growing into the kind of communicator who leads with confidence. Whether you’re switching careers or levelling up, it gives you the skills and support to move forward.”

To learn more about SCS Strategic Public Relations certificate and courses, please visit our program page.

Each year, the Penguin Random House Canada Student Award for Fiction is awarded to an SCS creative writing learner whose work and commitment to creative expression inspires us. This year’s first place prize has been awarded to Laura Reznick.

Two prizes have also been awarded to this year's runners-up: Zhirong Chen and Joanne Lam.

WINNER ($2,500 PRIZE):

Laura Reznick, The Therapist

Laura Reznick is a social worker and has a private therapy practice in Toronto. She spent most of her life in New York and holds a BA from Kenyon College in English literature, and an MFA in poetry from Hunter College. She began a PhD program in English literature at the CUNY Graduate Center before deciding to leave academia to become a therapist. She lives with her husband, three children, and a very loud puppy. She is currently working on her first novel. 

HONOURABLE MENTIONS ($1,000 PRIZE EACH):

Zhirong Chen, 4096

Zhirong Chen moved to Canada from South China at eighteen and now lives in Toronto. She spent her childhood buried in books and scribbling stories of her own. At ten, she declared—on national children’s television, no less— that she wanted to be a writer. She hasn’t stopped since. With a background in engineering and science, Zhirong works in data and regulatory roles for the Government of Canada. She writes fiction in the quiet hours between careers, languages, and time zones. 

Joanne Lam, Queen Mother

Joanne Lam was born in Hong Kong and immigrated to Canada with her parents when she was eleven. Since she was a child, she has loved using her imagination. She is a registered architect and co-founder of Picnic Design, an architecture and interior design firm based in Toronto. In both her design work and her writing, she is interested in weaving the past and present into the creation of future stories.