## Breadcrumb 1. [Home](/index%2Ephp/) 2. [News and Stories](/index%2Ephp/news) 3. [An extraordinary evening in support of OCAD U students](/index%2Ephp/markdownify/node/3489) June 10, 2025 # An extraordinary evening in support of OCAD U students ![Guests mingle at the OCAD U Gala reception under colourful lighting.](/sites/default/files/styles/1_5_1_large/public/2025-06/TDS_3527.jpg.webp?itok=eMKP9xib) OCAD U Gala. Image courtesy of George Pimentel Photography rgb(255,255,255) On Wednesday, May 28, OCAD University hosted its **inaugural gala** at the Rosalie Sharp Centre for Design. The sold-out evening welcomed more than 250 distinguished guests, including leaders in business, philanthropy and design, prominent collectors, faculty and esteemed alums for a vibrant celebration of creativity, community and purpose. Attendees enjoyed immersive art activations, delicious food and drinks, an energetic live auction featuring outstanding works by OCAD U alums and an exciting After Party. Every aspect of the evening was shaped by the OCAD U community—from student-designed digital projections to alum-created centrepieces, installations and interactive experiences. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the gala raised **$385,000**! Proceeds will fund student bursaries, helping to reduce financial barriers and expand opportunities for talented students across various disciplines in art, design and media. “This evening was about community, celebrating creativity, honouring generosity and investing in what’s possible,” said Ana Serrano, President and Vice-Chancellor of OCAD University. “We’re deeply grateful to everyone who gave, shared and showed up to champion our students.” The gala underscored the vital role of artists and designers in shaping culture, sparking dialogue and inspiring change. From bold visual storytelling to thoughtfully curated experiences, the evening reflected OCAD U’s creative spirit and collective ambition. “It’s been an honour to help shape this inaugural event, knowing the funds raised will directly support the next generation of artists and designers,” shared Gala Co-Chairs Amy Burstyn-Fritz and Jeff Hull. “We are inspired every day by the bold ideas and talent of OCAD U students, and we’re grateful to everyone who joined us in helping advance their future. Together, we are keeping the creative spark alive when it matters most.” We extend our heartfelt thanks to presenting sponsor FORMA, reception sponsor Forum, auction sponsor Navigator and supporting sponsors Christian Vermast, Sotheby’s International Realty, Community, Mimran Group and Nancy McCain & Bill Morneau. To every table host, donor, partner, committee member and volunteer, your support was instrumental in making the evening a resounding success. The OCAD U Gala was a powerful showcase of what makes this community extraordinary: creativity, generosity and a shared commitment to the future. [ VIEW OCAD U GALA PHOTOS .arrow-link-long { fill: #000; } ](https://georgepimentel.dphoto.com/album/2zvqwc) rgb(255,255,255) ![From left to right: Susan Langdon, Glenn Dixon, and Ana Serrano, President and Vice-Chancellor of OCAD University, standing together at the OCAD U Gala in formal attire.](/sites/default/files/2025-06/Untitled%20design%20%2843%29.png) ***From left to right:** Susan Langdon, Glenn Dixon and Ana Serrano, President and* *Vice-Chancellor, OCAD University* ![From left to right: Mila Cormack, Emily Thring, Alan Gertner and David Tran, standing together at the OCAD U Gala in colourful formal attire.](/sites/default/files/2025-06/Untitled%20design%20%2844%29.png) ***From left to right:** Mila Cormack, Emily Thring, Alan Gertner and David Tran* ![Performance artist James Knott lies on a elevated round white stage in a red dress and white heels, holding a microphone, with black cables wrapped around their arms and legs.](/sites/default/files/2025-06/Untitled%20design%20%2845%29.png) ***Performance artist:** James Knott* ![Two guests look and point at artwork that will be available in the live auction later in the evening, with other guests mingling in the background.](/sites/default/files/2025-06/Untitled%20design%20%2846%29.png) *Dave Forestell (left) and Jorgenis Zava (right)* ## Other Recent News [### 2027 Critical Distance Centre for Curators Projections Program Call for Artists OCAD University’s RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) and Critical Distance Centre for Curators (CDCC) have partnered to co-create CDCC Projections Program Career Launcher. Four (4) to five (5) selected emerging artists will receive $690 to exhibit work in a single channel, projection-based screening program that will be displayed at the CDCC in March 2027. October 30, 2026 ](/news/2027-critical-distance-centre-curators-projections-program-call-artists) [### Call for Vendors: BAM! Holiday Art Market 2026 OCAD University's RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers (CEAD) is excited to partner again with Wychwood Barns to offer a curated group of OCAD U students and recent alumni the opportunity to share a vendor table at the BAM! Holiday Art Market. October 26, 2026 ](/news/call-vendors-bam-holiday-art-market-2026) [### OCAD U’s Global Centre for Climate Action and EU bring large-scale art to Toronto’s Canada Malting Silos "The Light" and "Melting Temporalities" transformed the waterfront into a canvas for climate reflection. October 6, 2026 ](/news/ocad-us-global-centre-climate-action-and-eu-bring-large-scale-art-torontos-canada-malting) Related Stories ## Related Stories [### A night of art, design and community at the OCAD U Gala More than 300 guests gathered for the second annual OCAD U Gala, raising $420,000 through an evening of art, design and community. Proceeds from the event will support student bursaries at OCAD University. June 4, 2026 ](/index%2Ephp/news/night-art-design-and-community-ocad-u-gala) [### Taking graduate work beyond the studio With support from the William and Nona Heaslip Foundation, OCAD U graduate students are expanding their practice through travel, experimentation and new creative work. May 5, 2026 ](/news/taking-graduate-work-beyond-studio) [### 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)