Graduating students share memorable experiences they will carry far beyond campus

As another class prepares to cross the convocation stage, Waterloo’s newest graduates are looking back on the experiences that made their undergraduate years memorable. Along the way, they found new passions, built lasting connections and discovered opportunities that helped shape where they’re headed next.

Students reflect on favourite days, a school term in Rome, starting a career in software development, and fulfilling a childhood dream of becoming a pharmacist.

• Luke Manimendre says one of his fondest Waterloo memories was finding out he landed a work term at PepsiCo while hanging out with friends in residence.
• Waterloo’s Campus Compost helped Chloe Sullivan feel most at home at Waterloo by connecting her with students across faculties who shared her interest in sustainability.
• For Dakota Bacchus, some of his favourite memories were late nights with classmates in the School of Architecture studio.
• Elysia Darbourne says that Waterloo, especially through co-operative education, taught her to embrace new experiences and places.
• For Ayush Verma, his proudest Waterloo moment happened at the 2025 Ontario Universities’ Fair, where he represented the Faculty of Science as an experienced science ambassador.

Read the full profiles of seven new graduates!