George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
George Brown College (GBC) hosted its Spring Open House on April 5, inviting prospective students, families, and friends to explore its three downtown Toronto campuses. The event offered visitors a comprehensive look at GBC's programs, facilities, and vibrant campus life.
Downtown Toronto campuses come alive
Thousands of visitors filled the hallways at Casa Loma, St. James, and Waterfront campuses to experience firsthand what makes GBC a premier destination for post-secondary education in Canada's largest city.
"We are thrilled to have welcomed such an impressive number of guests to our campuses," said Dr. Gervan Fearon, President of George Brown College. "Our Spring Open House demonstrates our commitment to providing an accessible, engaging introduction to the GBC experience. The overwhelming response speaks to the quality of our programs, the excellent student engagement and support provided by our faculty and staff, and the reputation we have built in Toronto and beyond."
The day featured guided tours, program showcases, and interactive experiences, including student panels designed to highlight the unique strengths of each GBC program. Faculty, staff, and current students were on hand to answer questions and provide insights into campus life.
Guests at the Waterfront campus were treated to a sneak peek of GBC’s newest mass-timber building, Limberlost Place. The building is home to the new Early Childhood Education child care centre, Mary’s Place, and the future home of the School of Architectural Studies.
Enhanced support for prospective students
This year's event included several features to make the application process more accessible. Visitors could claim an Ontario Colleges Application Service (OCAS) voucher, waiving the application fee barrier, while on-campus application support was available throughout the day to help future students with the process.
"Providing on-site application support and waiving application fees represent our dedication to making education more accessible to all," said Janene Christiansen, Registrar and Associate Vice President of Strategic Enrolment. "We understand the importance of removing barriers to education, and our Open House serves as a critical opportunity to connect with prospective students and help them navigate the enrolment process."
Celebrating with the community
The event was marked by festive touches across campuses that showcased GBC's community. Helder the Husky greeted guests, School of Design students offered caricature drawings on-site, and the Toronto Raptors dancers added to the celebratory atmosphere and highlighted GBC's ongoing industry partnership with MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment). Student-designed tote bags and treats prepared by Chef School students were particularly popular items.
Cross-college collaboration
The event's success reflected extensive coordination across departments, with over 600 faculty, staff, and student volunteers participating.
Dr. Eileen De Courcy, Vice President Academic, emphasized the event's educational value: " At our Open House, visitors didn’t just learn about George Brown College, they felt what it’s like to be part of our community. They explored our hands-on learning spaces and met the passionate people who make GBC a welcoming, inclusive place to grow. That authentic, human connection is what makes the George Brown experience truly stand out."
"Our Open House is a perfect showcase of the collaborative spirit that defines George Brown College," said Sumi Shanmuganathan, Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “Giving visitors a glimpse of the creativity and talent that thrives here. These events are crucial for helping prospective students imagine themselves as part of our community."
Acknowledgements
A big thank you to our incredible faculty members, deans, associate deans, and academic staff who helped make our Spring Open House such a meaningful and memorable experience for future students. Your time, energy, and enthusiasm are truly appreciated!
We’re also grateful to Olena Shklar, Manager of Domestic Recruitment and Entry Advising, for leading the Open House Planning Committee. Thanks to Olena’s leadership and the entire Domestic and Recruitment team’s efforts for the months of planning, leadership, and on-site coordination, the events ran seamlessly and successfully.
Our Marketing and Communications team drove exceptional attendance and created a vibrant on-site experience through targeted advertising, email, website updates, and social media. Deploying targeted print ads in The Star, Macleans, and various community publications, complemented by “in market” radio spots on Punjabi, Hindu, Urdu, Chinese, and Arabic stations. Our influencer marketing strategy proved highly effective, with boosted posts generating over 60,000 views in just one week. The team ensured consistent, standout branding across all touchpoints—from campus signage and printed materials to volunteer t-shirts, creating a welcoming experience at all three campuses.
"On behalf of the Open House Working Team, I extend our heartfelt thanks for your time, effort, and enthusiasm in making our Open House a success," said Joey Delle Monache, Divisional Manager, Marketing.
"Your dedication and hard work helped create a welcoming and informative experience for our guests, and we truly appreciate your commitment."
Thank you to departments across the college that made this a great event, including the following:
- Admissions
- Academic divisions staff and faculty
- Accessible Learning Services
- Alumni Relations & Schulich Builders Fund
- Athletics and Recreation
- Black Futures Initiative (BFI)
- Black Student Success Network (BSSN)
- Campus Stores
- Career Services
- Counselling & Student Well-being
- Facilities & Sustainability
- Financial Aid
- Indigenous Initiatives
- ITS
- International Admissions
- International Student Services & Support
- Library Learning Commons (LLC)
- Marketing and Communications
- Office of Anti-Racism, Equity and Human Rights Services (OAREHRS)
- Peer Mentor+
- Public Safety & Security
- Registrar’s Office
- Student Association of George Brown College programs: SafeWalk, SNAP (Student Nutrition Access Program)
- Student Life/Student Success
- The George student residence
- Tutoring and Learning Centre (TLC)