Featured Board Member: Maddie Gritzan (SOC Alumni)

MaddieG

"Student Open Circles was a very important part of my time at University. It really was formative and grounding, at a time of lots of change and discovery. Being part of the board gives me an opportunity to pay that forward to future students."

As a student, Maddie was part of our reflection activities, including our “Tech Free Zone.” She has a strong commitment to her own reflective and creative practices, something that she says was fostered by Student Open Circles during her time as a student.

Since graduation, Maddie continues to make a difference through her work as a Social Planner. She has a passion for supporting and building community, and often splits her time between Kitchener (where she lives) and Hamilton (where she still has strong ties to community).

Student Open Circles relies on the generosity of donors – every contribution makes a difference
Donate Now

Continue Reading

A crowd young people talking to each other
Apr 06, 2026

Newsletter: April 2026

“I always feel that people in Student Open Circles care about our life,” says Kanglu. The discussions about my real-life concerns “make me feel comforted and supported. It also inspires ...
26-03 LAF
Apr 06, 2026

Large Impact through Small Efforts

By Ashley Bae, Open Circle student As an out-of-province student, I was eager to become involved with the Hamilton community and interact with my peers and underserved communities. I began ...