MNS Grad Celebration

Honouring the Class of 2026

Monday, May 18, 2026

By MNS Society Winter 2026 Executive Team

MNS group shot at graduation.

This winter, the Materials and Nanoscience (MNS) Society Executive Team introduced a new Grad Celebration to recognize the class of 2026. The evening was rooted in community, one of the defining features of the program.

As a close-knit program, MNS has always been about more than academics. It is a space where students support one another, build lasting friendships, and grow together. The Grad Celebration was created to recognize graduates not just for what they’ve achieved, but for the role they’ve played in shaping the MNS experience.

The evening opened with remarks from MNS Society President Nayla Qureshi followed by a special address from Academic Advisor Rick Marta, setting the tone for a night centered on appreciation and reflection.

MNS members with Rick Marta.

Graduates received custom MNS merchandise created specifically for the class of 2026, a keepsake of their time in the program. Over food and conversation, the room filled with laughter, familiar faces, and shared memories, capturing the spirit of a community that had grown together over the years.

As the evening came to a close, it was clear that the event was about more than just marking the end of an academic journey. It was about recognizing the people, the experiences, and the community that made that journey meaningful.

This event was the result of months of planning and dedication by the Winter 2026 Executive Team. By introducing the Grad Celebration, that group has created a lasting way to give back to the MNS community — one that celebrates not only achievements, but the connections that define the MNS experience.

Once MNS, always MNS.

MNS members in front of a 2026 balloon display.