New grad program launched with first award from alumna board member

This year, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) welcomed the inaugural cohort in a new Master of Science in Occupational and Public Health program. Thanks to the generosity of alumna Sobi Ragunathan and her company 4S Consulting Services Inc., the program already has its first student award.

“I want to help create a centre of excellence for occupational health and safety,” says Ragunathan, who also serves on the TMU Board of Governors. “These last few years have underlined the importance of our field and, at 4S Consulting Service, we want to support much needed research studies and future occupational and public health leaders at my alma mater.”

For the next five years, the graduate student with the highest grade point average at the end of their first year will receive the 4S Consulting Award in Occupational and Public Health. 

“The generosity of Sobi and 4S Consulting Services strengthens the influence and impact our new master’s program can have on the future of occupational and public health. Alongside the 4S undergraduate award in Occupational Health and Safety, this additional contribution helps our students to advance their career goals, and leverage opportunities to contribute to a dynamic occupational and public health workforce,” says Annette Bailey, associate dean, Graduate Studies and Internationalization, Faculty of Community Services. “Sobi is an exemplary model and guide for students in the program,” she adds. “As the university continues to expand its footprint in the health sector and build partnerships across the GTA, we are fortunate to have her voice, expertise and experience.”

Graduating from Occupational and Public Health in 1999, Ragunathan quickly rose through the ranks of the public and private sector. It was not long before she discovered there was an opportunity in the area of education, training and consulting, and 4S Consulting Services was born. Today, the company is Canada’s leading occupational health and safety training, consulting, and online safety management system provider.

“Now more than ever people are paying attention to the need for safe and healthy work environments,” says Ragunathan. “4S Consulting Services is proud to play a part in encouraging and preparing the next generation of occupational and public health professionals as they pursue their career in this critical sector.”