Key Milestones
2020 — A Turning Point: The External Review and McMaster’s Commitment
In 2020, an External Review of the Black Student-Athlete Experience revealed systemic barriers and the need for stronger, culturally grounded support for Black students. Following the review’s recommendations, McMaster committed to coordinated institutional action, including establishing the Black Student Success Centre.
2020 — Launch of the Black Student Mentorship Program (BSMP)
Co-founded by Dr. Lydia Kapiriri, Dr. Alpha Abebe and Faith Ogunkoya EdD (c) and members of the African Caribbean Faculty Association of McMaster (ACFAM), BSMP established a layered mentorship model that now underpins the Centre’s community-building work.
2020 — Launch of the Black Student Mentorship Program (BSMP)Learn More
2021 — Strengthening Leadership for Black Student Success
To advance the recommendations of the External Review and McMaster’s Five-Point Action Plan, the university appointed two inaugural roles that would shape the foundation of the Black Student Success Centre:
- Dr. Clare Warner, Senior Advisor for Equity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism (Student Affairs), providing leadership, institutional direction and oversight for the university’s response and the development of the Centre.
- Faith Ogunkoya, Manager of Black Student Success, leading the Centre’s implementation, strategy, programming, and student-centred operations.
Together, Dr. Warner and Faith Ogunkoya laid the foundation for the Centre’s vision, structure and community-centred approach.
2022 — Opening of the Black Student Success Centre (PGCLL, M07)
The BSSC opened its physical space in the Peter George Centre for Living and Learning (PGCLL), co-designed with Black students and grounded in the Ubuntu philosophy.
2022 — Opening of the Black Student Success Centre (PGCLL, M07) Learn More
2022 — First Black Excellence Graduation Celebration
A landmark celebration honouring Black graduates through cultural traditions, community and the gifting of the Kente Stole.
2022 — First Black Excellence Graduation Celebration Learn More
2023 — RBC Foundation Investment ($1.5M)
A transformational partnership expanding mentorship and tutoring to high schools, outreach and career development initiatives.
2023 — RBC Foundation Investment ($1.5M) Learn More
2024 — Institutional and Community Recognition
- Onyx Initiative Education Award
- Greater Golden Horseshoe Organizational Leadership Award
These recognitions affirm the Centre’s leadership in building inclusive, culturally grounded student success models.
2025 — Expansion to a New Community Lounge (PGCLL M05)
To meet growing student demand, McMaster expanded the BSSC into a larger, purpose-built lounge that accommodates 130 students and supports a full suite of programs and services.
2025 — Expansion to a New Community Lounge (PGCLL M05) Learn More
Ongoing — National Leadership and Sector Impact
The BSSC continues to collaborate with institutions across Canada to advance a Black Student Success model rooted in belonging, representation and culturally grounded support.
Our Community on LinkedIn
Abigail S.
Monday night’s Ubuntu Dialogue #1: Justice with Compassion brought together two remarkable thinkers, Dr. Siyabulela Mandela Ph.D. 🇿🇦✌🏿🇵🇸 and Dr. Kofi Hope, DPhil, for an evening that spanned international policy, conflict resolution, and community engagement.
Koko Sanginga
I started the semester as a Pod Lead with the Black Student Success Centre (BSSC) Welcome Week Team. As an outgoing student, I found it particularly important to be part of the orientation of our incoming class of Black students. The first years were the focus of the week but seeing our community grow and relationships form made for a very fulfilling experience.
Oyinade Adekunle
When I sent that first email to the ACGSA team to be added to the membership list, I had no idea that one day I would serve as President of ACGSA McMaster University, the only Black-focused graduate student association at McMaster University.
Landry Kalembo
I had the chance of attending the first Ubuntu Dialogue: Justice with Compassion at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. The evening featured powerful discussions with trailblazing political scientists, including Rhodes Scholar Dr. Kofi Hope, DPhil and Dr. Siyabulela Mandela Ph.D. 🇿🇦✌🏿🇵🇸 —whose presence echoed the legacy of his great-grandfather, Nelson Mandela.
Mark John Stewart
Since its inception only a few years ago, McMaster University‘s Black Student Success Centre (BSSC) has grown into a dynamic hub supporting and championing the academic, personal, and professional success and overall well-being of students.
Oluwadamilola Babatunde
It was a pleasure to be invited as a panelist for the Success & Sanity event last Thursday organized by the Black Student Success Centre Chinazo (Nazo) Okereke, CHRP and Landry Kalembo, MSc, PhD(c) . What made the experience meaningful was the opportunity to speak openly about lived experiences that are not unique to me, but shared by many student-migrants navigating academic, professional, and personal spaces simultaneously.