The one thing we love more than fall colours is seeing our graduates receive their degrees after years of dedication and hard work. Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
Meet some of our remarkable graduates and honourees who shared the convocation stage on October 24.
Meet the Arts Valedictorian
Alexandrine Marie Gabriel (MDEI ’25) completed a Master of Digital Experience Innovation, with a desire to bridge creativity, strategy and impact. Drawn to the Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business for its emphasis on design thinking, user experience and cultural analysis, she saw the program not just as a degree, but also as a launchpad for leadership in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
During her studies, Gabriel conducted deeply investigative work on BioSync Health, which envisioned a mobile platform that integrates biodigital convergence with user DNA to deliver personalized and effective preventative care. This concept was grounded in accessibility standards, user personas and forward-thinking design — an embodiment of her belief that innovation lies in answering questions we have not yet asked.
Celebrating our newest PhDs
Achieving a PhD is no small feat—it’s the result of years spent exploring complex ideas, guiding others, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. We are pleased to celebrate the hard work of our newest PhD graduates and can’t wait to see how they shape the future.
Arts alumni named Honorary Members of the University
Maureen Jones (BA ’81) joined the University of Waterloo in 1978 as an undergraduate student in English. Jones began working in the Registrar’s Office at University of Waterloo in 1981. She then provided leadership to Continuing Education from 1989 to 2005 before returning to the Registrar’s Office in 2005 as assistant registrar for the faculties of Mathematics and Applied Health Sciences (now Health). In 2008, she became director, Student Awards and Financial Aid, and served as interim university registrar in 2017. She remained in the Registrar’s Office until her retirement in 2024.
E. Paul Penner (BA ’83), a pillar of the Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo community, retired in 2024 after 36 years of service. As director of operations at Grebel, Penner oversaw staff, operations and buildings with a mission of hospitality, service and community-building. He led four major building projects, championed sustainability initiatives, supported staff and served on key University of Waterloo committees as a seasoned administrator. Known for involving and collaborating with student leaders in his work in operations, Penner mentored leaders and built lasting relationships with alumni. He has impacted generations of students through his leadership, friendship, stewardship and community spirit.
Kudos to Arts alumni for supporting our students
When asked about the best-kept secret about Waterloo, Tate Popple(Honour Arts and Business, Economics major) gave the nod to Arts alumni for supporting students like him on their journeys.
"I would say the alumni program is extremely beneficial when searching for what to do with the chapter after university. I was put in touch with some incredible alumni that I got to talk to and share ideas that helped me make decision about my future. I’m currently working in the financial services industry, which was influenced by one of those alumni connections I formed over coffee chats and through emails."