On Wednesday, October 23, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs hosted a dinner reception for spring 2024 doctoral graduates, their guests, and supervisors.
Held at Federation Hall, the event celebrated the successes of the graduating doctoral students, who have achieved doctoral degrees through their hard work and perseverance. These doctoral graduates have made a tremendous contribution to the University of Waterloo through research, teaching, and commitment to their graduate community.
The celebration included a cocktail hour, buffet dinner, speeches, and a slideshow of photos submitted by the doctoral graduates and their supervisors. A highlight of the evening was a photo booth where guests could take graduate-themed photos with fun props and a printed photo takeaway for each participant.
Throughout the night, attendees heard from:
- Clarence Woudsma, Interim Co-Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs
- Alexi Orchard, Finalist for the Alumni Gold Medal and PhD graduate from English Language and Literature
- Jennifer McCorriston, PhD graduate from Public Health Sciences
Reminiscing on her graduate school experience, Orchard reiterated the power of community and that the connections doctoral students build throughout their graduate careers will remain long after graduation.
Orchard also discussed the importance of expertise and authenticity, something that is becoming more prevalent in the age of generative AI. She advocates that as doctoral graduates, there is a responsibility to maintain a standard for expertise and to encourage others to engage thoughtfully and rigorously with ideas in the world.
But above all else, Alexi shares advice that a mentor has given her: "Spend time with your loved ones. Even when things are busy, give them a call, be present with them at the end of a long day. Know that they are so proud of you for what you’ve accomplished, it is their accomplishment, too!"
My main takeaway from this experience that will stand the test of time, is that the people are more important than the place. In other words, it is not where you are, it’s who you’re with.
Congratulations, Waterloo PhD graduates of 2024!