OCAD University Marks 150 Years With Scholarship Campaign

Toronto's OCAD University kicked off its 150th anniversary year with a gala event at the Princess of Wales Theatre, drawing roughly 800 attendees including alumni, faculty, and business leaders. University president Ana Serrano spoke to the crowd about the vital role creative institutions play in defining national identity, culture, and sovereignty.

Founded in 1876 as the Ontario Art School with a mere 14 students, the institution eventually gained university status in 2002. Over the decades, its faculty and alumni have produced numerous recognizable national cultural symbols, ranging from classic wilderness paintings to corporate logos and currency designs.

To celebrate the milestone, the university initiated the 150 FUTURES program, backed by a $6-million fundraising campaign to establish 150 four-year undergraduate tuition scholarships. Organizers noted that half of the targeted funds have already been secured through significant donations from prominent supporters.