Seeking graduate valedictorians for fall 2025

The University of Waterloo is seeking five graduate valedictorians for the fall (October) 2025 convocation ceremonies.  

If you’re a graduate student completing your degree in spring or fall 2025, this is a unique opportunity to represent your faculty, reflect on your academic journey, and share your experiences with your peers, faculty, and guests during the convocation ceremony. 

Graduate students who completed or will complete their degree between September 1, 2024 - August 31, 2025 are eligible to apply.

Eligibility criteria 

To be considered, candidates must have a strong academic background, demonstrated leadership skills, and effective communication abilities. Involvement in university and community activities, as well as professional experiences, will be valued in the selection process. Candidates must be able to attend the fall 2025 in-person convocation ceremony: 

• Friday, October 24 

  • Faculty of Health & Environment

  • Faculty of Mathematics

  • Faculty of Science

• Saturday, October 25

  • Faculty of Arts

  • Faculty of Engineering

The Faculties of Environment and Health will have graduate valedictorians in alternating years. In 2025, the graduate valedictorian will be from the Faculty of Health. As such, we will not be accepting applications for graduate valedictorians from the Faculty of Environment for fall 2025 convocation. 

Application process 

Interested candidates must complete an application form, submit a curriculum vitae (CV), provide an unofficial transcript, and receive endorsement from three members of the university community. These members can be fellow students, staff, faculty, or alumni. 

Selection criteria and process 

The selection process involves an assessment of academic excellence (30%) and personal characteristics (70%). Academic achievements, including past results, scholarships, and program rigor, are considered alongside interpersonal skills, leadership experience, and community engagement.  

The applicants’ designated faculty will review submissions and shortlist their top applicants, who will be invited to share their proposed speech in front of a selection committee. 

The deadline to apply for valedictorian is June 27, 2025 has been extended to July 7, 2025. Faculties will review valedictorian applications in July and August, and applicants can expect to hear back regarding the success of their application by the end of the spring term.

Visit the graduate valedictorian webpage for more information about the eligibility criteria and selection process.