![Students in graduation robes, sitting in an auditorium.](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2024-10/53300215898_a22b365949_o.jpeg.webp?itok=4BUbAZY8) ![Two smiling people holding a frame around their torsos.](/sites/default/files/styles/1_1_5_medium/public/2024-10/53797772662_cb4510d313_o.jpeg.webp?itok=b4RV4E1G) version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"? # After OCAD U Explore the many supports, services and benefits available to OCAD U graduates [More alumni stories](https://www.ocadu.ca/alumni/alumni-news-and-stories) [Alumni benefits](https://www.ocadu.ca/alumni/benefits-and-services) [Become a student](https://admissions.ocadu.ca/) rgb(0,0,0) ## Meet our alumni rgb(0,0,0) .container { display: flex; justify-content: center; } iframe { aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; width: 100% !important; border: 0px; } rgb(0,0,0) .container { display: flex; justify-content: center; } iframe { aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; width: 100% !important; border: 0px; } rgb(0,0,0) .container { display: flex; justify-content: center; } iframe { aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; width: 100% !important; border: 0px; } ![](/themes/custom/ocad/img/decor/ripped-paper-whitebg.png) rgb(255,255,255) ## Benefits rgb(255,255,255) ### There are lots of perks and supports for grads, including: [ Explore more benefits .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/alumni/benefits-and-services) rgb(255,255,255) 01 Career advising and support: [one-on-one advising ](/student-services/centre-emerging-artists-and-designers/career-advising)for up to five years after you graduate 02 Access to[ ](/student-services/centre-emerging-artists-and-designers/student/alumni-jobs)[job boards](https://ocadu-csm.symplicity.com/) and employment opportunities. 03 Invitations to[ alum events](/alumni/alumni-events) like socials and networking events. 04 Attending our annual[ Cultural Community Expo](/student-services/centre-emerging-artists-and-designers/career-development/cultural-community-expo) connecting you with notable alums, studios and production facilities. rgb(255,255,255) 05 Invitation to our annual [Design Career Fair ](/student-services/centre-emerging-artists-and-designers/design-career-fair)attended by top design firms looking to recruit OCAD U talent 06 Opportunities for travel, learning and volunteering. 07 Preferred rates for home, auto, medical, dental, travel and art insurance after you graduate. 08 Extended subscriptions and discounts on software like Adobe Creative Cloud, Office 365, FreshBooks accounting and Format portfolio builder. ![](/themes/custom/ocad/img/decor/ripped-paper-whitebg.png) rgb(0,0,0) ## Alumni news [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2026-09/Mary%20Ratcliffe%20-%201920%20x%201080.png?itok=PITS3K-r) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2026-09/Mary%20Ratcliffe%20-%201920%20x%201080.png?itok=PITS3K-r) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_small/public/2026-09/Mary%20Ratcliffe%20-%201920%20x%201080.png?itok=CvKD_fFo) ### Alum Spotlight: Mary Ratcliffe (BDes ’11) – What happens after the big idea? For OCAD U alum Mary Ratcliffe (BDes, Environmental Design, ’11), bringing an idea to life is only the beginning. The Toronto furniture designer shares what it takes to turn creativity into a lasting practice. September 15, 2026 ](/news/alum-spotlight-mary-ratcliffe-bdes-11-what-happens-after-big-idea) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2026-04/Matthew%20Thomas%20-%201920%20x%201080.png?itok=b5DO-2Qh) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2026-04/Matthew%20Thomas%20-%201920%20x%201080.png?itok=b5DO-2Qh) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_small/public/2026-04/Matthew%20Thomas%20-%201920%20x%201080.png?itok=CwoX61Y7) ### Alum Spotlight: Matthew Thomas (MDes ’20) – Expanding Access to Nature Through Design Matthew Thomas (MDes ’20) is reshaping how people experience the outdoors through design, expanding access to nature and strengthening tourism systems. May 6, 2026 ](/news/alum-spotlight-matthew-thomas-mdes-20-expanding-access-nature-through-design) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2026-01/Knitting%20Echoes%20EXC_0.jpeg?itok=csok2Ihk) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2026-01/Knitting%20Echoes%20EXC_0.jpeg?itok=csok2Ihk) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_small/public/2026-01/Knitting%20Echoes%20EXC_0.jpeg?itok=dzhjo7sx) ### Open call for emerging youth artists, aged 18 to 29 DXC and OCAD University, in partnership with the EU Delegation to Canada, invite emerging youth artists, aged 18 to 29, from Canada and EU to participate in the DemocracyXChange 2026. January 6, 2026 ](/news/open-call-emerging-youth-artists-aged-18-29) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2025-11/I-AM-THE-ART-NOBUO-KUBOTA1-1600x1146_0.webp?itok=tRpWHeQW) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2025-11/I-AM-THE-ART-NOBUO-KUBOTA1-1600x1146_0.webp?itok=tRpWHeQW) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_small/public/2025-11/I-AM-THE-ART-NOBUO-KUBOTA1-1600x1146_0.webp?itok=r9c3gQXw) ### Alum’s film presents poignant portrait of OCA faculty member The world premiere of Annette Mangaard’s film, I Am the Art: Nobuo Kubota, is Dec. 7 at Ted Rogers Hot Docs Cinema. November 21, 2025 ](/news/alums-film-presents-poignant-portrait-oca-faculty-member) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2025-10/Inaugural%20Chancellor%27s%20Lifetime%20Achivement%20Award%20-%2034.jpg?itok=rSpKEvB9) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2025-10/Inaugural%20Chancellor%27s%20Lifetime%20Achivement%20Award%20-%2034.jpg?itok=rSpKEvB9) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_small/public/2025-10/Inaugural%20Chancellor%27s%20Lifetime%20Achivement%20Award%20-%2034.jpg?itok=R55cbp1H) ### Rosalie Sharp honoured with inaugural Chancellor’s Lifetime Achievement Award The OCAD U award recognizes Rosalie Sharp’s extraordinary contributions to the advancement of art, design and culture in Toronto and across Canada. October 22, 2025 ](/news/rosalie-sharp-honoured-inaugural-chancellors-lifetime-achievement-award) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2025-10/Brian%20Hawkins_1.jpeg?itok=Eb0XpBrM) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_large/public/2025-10/Brian%20Hawkins_1.jpeg?itok=Eb0XpBrM) ![](/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_small/public/2025-10/Brian%20Hawkins_1.jpeg?itok=C8Xd2VRb) ### Alum Spotlight: Brian Hawkins’ global journey in media and advertising From humble beginnings in Hamilton, Ontario, to making waves in television and advertising worldwide, Brian Hawkins’ career has been nothing short of groundbreaking. October 9, 2025 ](/news/alum-spotlight-brian-hawkins-global-journey-media-and-advertising) ## Alumni events [### Evening life drawing – October 15th October 15, 2026 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.Annex Building (MCC)Event ![life-drawing-archives](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_medium/public/2026-09/39_5_150_041%20%281%29.jpg.webp?itok=0ERd6cw3)](/events-and-exhibitions/evening-life-drawing-october-15th) [### Morning life drawing – October 17th October 17, 2026 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.Annex Building (MCC)Event ![group-life-drawing-archive](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_medium/public/2026-09/57_004_367_015%20%281%29.jpg.webp?itok=7IUZ2HHN)](/events-and-exhibitions/morning-life-drawing-october-17th) [### Evening life drawing – October 22nd October 22, 2026 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.Annex Building (MCC)Event ![life-drawing-archives](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_medium/public/2026-09/39_5_150_041%20%281%29.jpg.webp?itok=0ERd6cw3)](/events-and-exhibitions/evening-life-drawing-october-22nd) [### Evening life drawing – October 29th October 29, 2026 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.Annex Building (MCC)Event ![life-drawing-archives](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_medium/public/2026-09/39_5_150_041%20%281%29.jpg.webp?itok=0ERd6cw3)](/events-and-exhibitions/evening-life-drawing-october-29th) #### Pagination - Page 1 - [ Next page ›› ](/markdownify/node/245?page=1 "Go to next page") ![](/themes/custom/ocad/img/decor/ripped-paper-whitebg.png) ## Featured alumni 01 Previous item Next item ![Ali Mapara](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2024-11/Ali-Mapara.jpg.webp?itok=bcJOvADe) ![Ali Mapara](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-11/Ali-Mapara_0.png.webp?itok=9OUH-1PD) Watch ### Ali Mapara Industrial Design Ali, a 2018 graduate of OCAD U's Industrial Design program and a sports enthusiast, created the first design for Movemate as his final thesis project. [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/profile/ali-mapara "Visit Ali Mapara profile page") ![Danielle-Kim](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2024-10/Danielle-Kim.jpg.webp?itok=B6HUt3Js) ![Danielle-Kim](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-10/template.png.webp?itok=aeWFqJkl) Watch ### Danielle Kim Environmental Design After graduating from OCAD U’s Environmental Design program in 2016, Danielle Kim is bringing her passion for functional design to life at RioCan. Her biggest takeaway from her time at OCAD U? 'Form follows function' — a design principle that guides her every step. [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/index%2ephp/profile/danielle-kim "Visit Danielle Kim profile page") ![Lucas-Kschischang](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2024-10/Lucas-Kschischang.jpg.webp?itok=gqBCtVmV) ![Lucas-Kschischang](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-10/Lucas-Kschischang_1.png.webp?itok=r1_Ks_1d) Watch ### Lucas Kschischang Photography Since his days in OCAD U’s photography program, Lucas Kschischang @kschischang has worked for the Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, and more. We followed Lucas around for a day as he captured the action as the club photographer of the Toronto FC [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/profile/lucas-kschischang "Visit Lucas Kschischang profile page") ![Sharene-Shafie](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2024-10/Sharene-Shafie.jpg.webp?itok=CtzjddKn) ![Sharene-Shafie](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-10/Sharene-Shafie_3.png.webp?itok=QT_Ofe-h) Watch ### Sharene Shafie Strategic Foresight and Innovation (MDes) OCAD U alum Sharene Shafie wants you to feel empowered by growing your own food! Sharene earned her Master’s in Strategic Foresight and Innovation at OCAD U and is using her skills as Project Lead for the City of Toronto’s Climate Action Team. [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/profile/sharene-shafie-0 "Visit Sharene Shafie profile page") ![Mathew-Schoefield](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2024-10/Mathew-Schoefield.jpg.webp?itok=SW5LXOOb) ![Mathew-Schoefield](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-10/Mathew-Schoefield_0.png.webp?itok=fx_AuKSd) Watch ### Matthew Schofield Drawing & Painting Matthew Schofield is using the skills he learned in OCAD U’s Drawing & Painting program in the digital world of TV and film VFX, entering the industry thanks to lifelong friends made during his time at OCAD U. Matthew has contributed to films such as Scott Pilgrim vs. [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/profile/matthew-schofield "Visit Matthew Schofield profile page") ![Alex McLeod](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2024-10/Alex-McLeod.jpg.webp?itok=lkqUTfby) ![Alex McLeod](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-10/Alex-McLeod.png.webp?itok=OgbNTVyy) Watch ### Alex McLeod Drawing & Painting OCAD U alum Alexander McLeod (@alexander\_mcleod\_) thrives in crafting imaginative worlds for his clients – from concert visuals for Celine Dion and Kelly Rowland to murals at Harbourfront Centre. [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/profile/alex-mcleod-0 "Visit Alex McLeod profile page") ![https://live-ocad-dpl.pantheonsite.io/profile/samuel-kwan](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2024-11/Samuel-Kwan.jpg.webp?itok=v2sYfokT) ![Samuel Kwan](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-11/template.png.webp?itok=GtX_fv7V) Watch ### Samuel Kwan Industrial Design Learn more about the Industrial Design program: [](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2gtNlVSeE1mRXNQYjJEclJXMVkxNmlzZjZhUXxBQ3Jtc0ttZXJScUZYR21CS0dmMkxxNUNGVUJuNDRKM2pPaDRUSjZkWmNHamJTcnhZb1ZxZlVpX1Y3NDVfeDZRdTdueDFOT2NVWHJpekZmM3FtOU1EcEdZR1VnMHZJdnk1b1lGYTAtNk5tZ0I2) [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/profile/samuel-kwan "Visit Samuel Kwan profile page") ![Ethan Platt](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_wide/public/2024-10/Ethan-Platt.jpg.webp?itok=zZvwUT9_) ![Ethan Platt](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_large/public/2024-10/Ethan-Platt.png.webp?itok=y3HsTjlY) Watch ### Ethan Platt Drawing & Painting Ethan Platt graduated from OCAD U’s Drawing & Painting program in 2023 and has already achieved his first major goal post graduation – participating in The Artist Project showcase. [ Read more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/profile/ethan-platt "Visit Ethan Platt profile page") ## Giving We foster lifelong relationships with donors, organizations, alums, parents and friends to strengthen engagement and cultivate a culture of philanthropy to drive forward the transformative work happening on campus. [ Learn more .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](/giving)rgba(242,99,35,1) rgba(255,255,255,1) ![Two people sitting in front of easels painting with brown and orange.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_4_large/public/2024-10/53840537898_5cfcc99d51_o.jpeg.webp?itok=J1DJvv3t) ## Continuing Studies OCAD U grads get a 15% discount on courses offered by our [School of Continuing Studies](/academics/school-continuing-studies)! We offer courses, certificates and micro-credentials designed to meet your professional and lifelong learning goals. Take courses based on your schedule, either online or on-site, evenings or Saturdays. Programs and courses include: - Studio courses like photography, screen printing, sewing skills, oil painting and woodworking - Business skills for creative professionals like accounting and how to price and sell your work - Social media marketing and writing skills for creative professionals - UX and UI design, web design, web analytics - Software applications like Adobe Illustrator and Adobe After Effects - Video editing, game design, 3D animation, and many more [Learn More](/academics/school-continuing-studies)