Reeta Roy Receives Honorary Doctorate from the University of Toronto

“As I stand here as a Scholar with a world-class education about to be released into the world, all I can say is ‘Thank you,’” says Vanessa Grace Bart-Plange, a Scholar at the University of Toronto.
“This scholarship is not the end, but the beginning of greater things to come.”

I found great joy in Vanessa Grace’s rousing remarks during a dinner celebrating MasterCard Foundation Scholars at the University of Toronto a few weeks ago. Little did I know, that I would soon join Vanessa Grace as an alumna of the University of Toronto.

Photo: Toronto Star. Reeta Roy.

It’s an honour and it’s humbling to be conferred a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from the University of Toronto. This is a remarkable institution and its contributions to the world are nothing short of inspiring. And, it starts with leadership.

President Meric Gertler is a great teacher and scholar, bringing such focus, thoughtfulness and drive to make a difference. Above all, I admire the humanity Meric brings to his craft. It is the very kind of leadership I would like our Scholars to look up to.

Our MasterCard Foundation Scholars at University of Toronto have also been remarkable role models. Some, like Nana, aspire to become the Governor of the Bank of Ghana. Others, like Vanessa Grace, aspire to earning a Nobel Prize. And like Vanessa Grace told us a few weeks ago, each day spent making someone’s life better is a Nobel Prize in and of itself.

Vanessa Grace, Mubarak, Nana, Sylvia, Joshua and all 52 Scholars at the University of Toronto – they are the shining hope of their communities. From them, I have learned courage, empathy and resilience. They also exemplify achievement and excellence. It’s been gratifying to watch them build their community here in Toronto, and I know that their vision for their communities in Africa will be even greater.

At graduation, when our Scholars are ‘released into the world,’ it will indeed be the beginning of greater things to come.

I encourage you to dream big and to believe in yourselves. Your leadership will inspire the next generation of Scholars, and together you will create a more equitable and inclusive Africa.