Convocation: The Student Story

Written by Emily Huxley Osborne (BA '10, Sociology) Alumni Relations, Students and Young Alumni Officer

In the past, Alumni Relations has shared behind the scene stories of what goes into making the University’s bi-annual convocation activities such a success. What we haven’t shared is the student story.

Sure, each one of the graduates is a student until the moment they step on stage and a degree hood is symbolically placed over their head. But what you may not know is there are many other students still on their journey to graduation who support convocation and play a crucial role in its success.

In the ceremony, you’ll see many of them acting as convocation ushers, helping the family members and friends of graduates navigate the way to their seats.

Once the ceremony is over, the interactions our newest alumni and their guests have with students continues as they celebrate their achievements. Many alumni choose to purchase a frame for their diploma so they can proudly display it at home or in the office. In doing this, they are served by the wonderful students working for Alumni Relations. Without the support of these students, we wouldn’t be able to host each of the award-winning convocation receptions and run the highly successful CONVO-sation, all while offering diploma and portrait frames for sale.

As proud ambassadors of the University, these students are always excited to greet graduates and their guests at the end of the sales line. These students are same ones who speak with countless alumni as they call with details of what’s going on at Waterloo, ensure contact information is up-to-date, and ask if alumni are interested in making a gift to support the University. They are working part-time to put themselves through University because they know the education they receive at Waterloo will mean great things for them. During convocation, they get to experience the pride and joy of their peers and are inspired to continue working towards their own convocation day.

We thank each one of these students for their support and congratulate all those who have become members of the University of Waterloo Alumni Club!