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This month, the University of Toronto’s three 2013 Rhodes Scholars—Joanne Cave, Connor Emdin and Ayodele Odutayo—will begin their two-year program at the University of Oxford.

Their excitement, anticipation and commitment to social change were brilliantly captured during a recent panel discussion at Corus Quay moderated by University of Toronto President David Naylor. (Scroll down to watch a video of the panel.)

The panel was the highlight of an event hosted by President Naylor, Chancellor Michael Wilson and John Cassaday, President and CEO of Corus Entertainment, to celebrate the Boundless campaign’s success to date. (.) 

Naylor, who completed his D.Phil. at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, asked each of the students where they see themselves in 10 or 15 years. Cave, who will study comparative social policy at Oxford, said she would like to work in the public realm and has not ruled out running for political office. Emdin, who plans to study the relationship between public policy and health outcomes, hopes to work first at the World Bank but may later join the Canadian civil service. Odutayo plans to pursue a career in academic nephrology in Canada after completing his Master’s degree in public health and health policy.

During his remarks, Naylor said the scholars are “three extraordinary young people who want to change and improve the world.”

Chancellor Wilson said that Emdin, Cave and Odutayo “shine with rare brilliance” and “share with all our graduates a desire for high achievement. They are determined to use their talents to the fullest. And they have the character and conviction to lead.”

Wilson also noted that this was the first time in 40 years that the University of Toronto had three Rhodes Scholars in a single year, and that the three students have something else in common: throughout their time at U of T, they have each benefited from scholarship support.

Naylor thanked the alumni and friends who attended the event, saying “today, as never before, we are dependent on public-spirited individuals like you. Without you, we simply could not fulfill our mission.”

Cassaday, a member of the Boundless campaign executive and a long-time volunteer for the University, also praised alumni, volunteers and donors for the “magnificent support” they have given and continue to give the University.

“Thanks to the enormous energy and momentum you’ve helped build, we are more than two-thirds of the way towards our historic $2-billion goal.”

To date, the Boundless campaign has raised more than $1.35 billion—a remarkable testament to the commitment and passion of the University’s global community.

“There is more work to be done,” said Cassaday. “But if our current trajectory is any indication, we will have many more milestones to celebrate before too long.”