There are several ways you can stay connected to the department and support its current students. To receive updates about departmental and alumni events and news, sign up for the UTAGA network. If you are interested in giving back to the programs from which you graduated, consider donating to our scholarships and funds. To connect with your alumni community more directly, our two alumni associations alway welcome new members. Additionally, the U of T Arts & Science community offers a variety of resources and opportunities for alumni.
Learn More
UTAGA Network - Alumni Survey for Keeping in Touch
Giving Back - Scholarships & Funds
Alumni Associations - PAC & UTAGA
U of T Resources for Alumni & Friends
Donate - U of T Online Giving Page
Meet our Alumni
Stephen Job, AICP (HBA ’11)
I am a professional planner (American Institute of Certified Planners) leading the housing development team at Tenblock, a company that builds high-density and sustainable complete communities in Toronto. The Urban Studies Program deepened my curiosity about the built environment and gave me the foundations to pursue my master’s in planning and ultimately this rewarding career in housing development.
Chantal Lee (HBA ’20)
I am currently a second-year MSc in planning student at the University of Toronto. The Urban Studies Program helped me discover my interest in urban planning and the impact that it has on creating thriving communities. Through the program’s internship opportunities, I was able to get hands-on work experience in the city-building space that helped to jump-start my career.
Patricia Cho (HBA ’17)
I am currently working as a community planner for the City of Toronto, Toronto East-York District, part of the downtown south team. With its wide range of courses, especially Experiential Learning (URB437Y1), the Urban Studies Program introduced me to this field. The sense of community and the bond that students and professors have is something that remains near to my heart.
Igor Samardzic (HBA ‘13, MSc '19)
I am an urban planner and co-founder of S+G Urban Partners and Urban Fabric Media, a social enterprise that creates compelling multimedia content on critical urban issues. The Urban Studies Program at Innis College was crucial in advancing my graduate studies in urban planning while simultaneously allowing me to pursue my interests in accessibility. The skills and experiences I gained from the program have supported my entrepreneurial ambitions while providing me with a robust background in urban studies. In addition to my work, I devote a significant amount of time to helping various non-profits and grassroots organizations.
Anthony Kuan Woo Kim (HBA ’19)
After graduating from the Urban Studies Program in 2019, I completed my master’s in environment and sustainability at Western University. After that I began working with the City of Toronto in the Shelters and Housing Department as a redeployed COVID-19 staff member. The Urban Studies Program staff and faculty gave me a strong framework and viewpoint to address various urban issues, which led me to apply to work with the City of Toronto. I am using those ideas to help create a safer and more sustainable and equitable City of Toronto.
Shahrukh Ahmed (HBA ’15)
Without the strong support of the Urban Studies Program staff, faculty, close-knit alumni network, and invaluable internship partners, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to move to NYC after graduating to pursue a career in urban planning and economic development. After stints at a consulting firm and the NYC government, I now work for Lime’s public policy team, helping create new regulations and standards to help grow the micro-mobility industry and get cars off the road.
Jonah Letovsky (HBA ’15)
I am a real estate development and urban policy consultant passionate about building equitable and sustainable cities. Currently I work with private and public landowners to plan and execute the development of large sites while delivering major public benefits, such as affordable housing. Real estate development is inherently interdisciplinary and requires generalists, and the Urban Studies Program provided me with an excellent introduction to planning, economics, municipal politics, and urban design. Through Shauna Brail’s fourth-year capstone internship course, it also placed me as analyst at the Martin Prosperity Institute, working closely with Richard Florida on urban economic development research. This was invaluable, kick-starting my career through skills and network-building.