When Maureen Somerville (BA 1969 UTSC) first walked through the doors of UTSC in the 1960s, it looked significantly different.
In fact, the Scarborough campus was not yet open at the start of her first year. Since then, both the campus and Maureen have come a long way, and each has contributed to the other’s growth over the past five decades.
One of the few female students pursuing an undergraduate degree at Scarborough at a time when women weren’t encouraged to pursue higher education, Somerville wasn’t one to be shy of taking the road less travelled.
“The bursary has helped a lot with anxiety related to the financial burdens of university.” — Andy PhyLim, fourth-year student
After graduating from UTSC, Somerville went on to the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) and enjoyed a career as a high school teacher in English and dramatic arts. She retired in 2001 and has volunteered extensively at U of T since. “I started by volunteering at events, which led to involvement on the St. George campus,” she says. Somerville has served on numerous committees and boards, including three terms as an alumni governor and a volunteer for Hart House’s music committee. She has also been a regular donor to U of T and a member of the President’s Circle.
As a sign of her ongoing commitment to bringing about positive change, Somerville generously included a legacy gift for UTSC in her will. She then decided she wanted to start helping students right away and created a student award that would be supported eventually by her estate gift.
The Somerville Family Bursary supports undergraduate students at UTSC who are the first in their families to attend university. “I wanted to establish a bursary for this unique type of student who is in need of support,” she says. “I hope it will lessen the burden by helping with books, transportation and other necessities.” The award is available to recipients for four years, and a new student is chosen every year.
One of the bursary recipients, Andy PhyLim, is a fourth-year computer science student. “The bursary has helped a lot with anxiety related to the financial burdens of university,” he says. “It also gave me the opportunity to explore different ways of using money, such as building a sticker business and buying tools to aid with my career. I am grateful for the improvements the bursary had on the quality of my life.”
When asked about what motivates her to give back to UTSC, Somerville says: “Scarborough is my alma mater. I love coming out to the campus. Seeing the growth gives me joy. I’m proud of the achievements of the students and staff.