Class of 2025 celebrated at spring convocation

Spring convocation at Waterloo Engineering brought together graduates, families and faculty to celebrate the accomplishments of more than 2,000 students earning their degrees.

Degrees were conferred in four ceremonies held June 13 and 14, including 1,479 undergraduate, 416 master’s and 103 PhD graduates, each recognized for their academic achievements and resilience.

Distinguished speakers, including university leadership, honorary degree recipients and student valedictorians, offered words of encouragement as graduates reflected on their time at Waterloo and looked ahead to the future.

“This graduating class holds a special place for me,” said Mary Wells, dean of Waterloo Engineering. “We began this journey together — your first year as students and mine as dean. And through every challenge, from the early days of the pandemic to the countless late nights, you adapted, persevered and grew. You’ve not only earned your degrees, you’ve shown what it means to lead with curiosity, compassion and integrity.”

Dr. Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor, also spoke to the transformative experience of a Waterloo education. “The road to earning a degree is challenging; it takes hard work, courage and dedication. And in this year's graduating class, I have also witnessed their curiosity about the world, their drive to shape a better future, and their resilience through challenging times, said Goel. "You are among the future leaders and change-makers who will help tackle global challenges and shape a better future.”

Students were also addressed by their chosen class valedictorians, including Salauddin Said (BASc '25, mechanical engineering), Chinemerem Chigbo (BASc '25, computer engineering), Michael Hanley (BASc '25, nanotechnology engineering) and Mankirat Singh Sains (BASc '25, civil engineering), who delivered heartfelt addresses to their classmates.

Celebrating student excellence

Convocation marked the recognition of several remarkable members of the Waterloo Engineering community who received the following prestigious awards and distinctions. The following student awards recognize excellence in academics, research and leadership at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Governor General’s Academic Silver Medal
Presented to the graduate with the highest standing in an undergraduate degree program.
Adam Franklin Huras (BASc ’25, mechatronics engineering)

University Finalist for the Governor General’s Gold Medal (Doctoral)
Honours a graduating doctoral student whose research demonstrates exceptional innovation and promise.
Aravind Ravi (PhD ’25, systems design engineering)

University of Waterloo Alumni Gold Medal
Awarded to a graduate in recognition of outstanding academic achievement.
Aryan Kalia (BASc ’25, mechatronics engineering)

Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation for Education Gold Medal
Presented to the graduate with the highest academic standing in their graduating class.
Ruth Anne Dora Meyer (BASc ’25, civil engineering)

Pearl Sullivan Emerging Global Leaders Award
Recognizes an outstanding graduate who has impacted the Waterloo Engineering community through leadership, extracurricular involvement, volunteerism and academic excellence.
Jocelyne Murphy (BASc ’25, systems design engineering)

Roy Duxbury Leadership Award
Presented to a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout their undergraduate academic career.
Khadija Abdi (BASc ’25, chemical engineering)

John Fisher Leadership Award
Presented to a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout their undergraduate academic career.
Jocelyne Murphy (BASc ’25, systems design engineering)