New College Grad Ahsen Bhatti: Leading with Purpose and Impact

New College grad Ashen Bhatti is one of five remarkable graduates recently highlighted in an article by U of T News: Beyond academics: Meet five U of T grads who made their mark outside the classroom by Diane Peters originally published on June, 5, 2025. Their stories celebrate the diverse talents and contributions of the University of Toronto’s Class of 2025 as they prepare to embark on new chapters.

Ahsen Bhatti served as president of the Diaspora and Transnational Studies Student Union at the university. Beyond campus, he sits on the board of the Moss Park Arena and is a support worker at the Saint Elizabeth Foundation, a charity that supports end-of-life journeys for vulnerable citizens. 

“I’m very passionate about community and social work, but it can be disheartening to see the magnitude of the problems facing us,” says Bhatti, who earned a degree in political science and diaspora studies in the Faculty of Arts & Science as a member of New College. “Knowing that, that effort is visible and impactful, encouraged me to keep going,”

For his efforts, Bhatti received the William R. Gardner Leadership Award by the Arts & Science Students’ Union this spring. The $1,500 prize honours a student who demonstrates leadership on and off campus.

Bhatti leaves U of T feeling well prepared. “My degree gave me the theoretical background while my volunteer work gave me the practical background to understand the issues.”

Ashen’s story is one of many. Check out the other four remarkable graduates who have made meaningful contributions throughout their academic journey, enriching the university community and beyond.