Future students

Ida Mukuka is an internationally renowned advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and research. She’s worked with the Stephen Lewis Foundation, co-authored numerous articles and addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. And now, she’s pursuing her dream at the University of Waterloo. Mukuka is a master’s student in the Department of History, researching the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Zambia with a focus on the impacts of gendered stigma and violence. For Mukuka, this work is more than just an area of interest – it’s rooted in her own life story.

Spring 2024 Convocation ceremonies saw family, friends, staff and faculty come together to recognize students for their hard work and perseverance during some of the world’s most challenging circumstances. 

For five consecutive days, across 14 ceremonies, Waterloo’s campus was full of beaming pride and jubilation. The 128th convocation was made even more special with the University officially ushering its 250,000th graduate across the stage. This major milestone was achieved during the Faculty of Arts ceremony on Thursday, June 13.  

Amid the construction of Waterloo’s Longhouse Labs (LLabs) in 2023, a group of Haudenosaunee artists gathered in the space to plan and design “Bead the Tract” – a project that would create an artistic representation of the Haldimand Tract made of deer hide, velvet and glass beads.

Arden Song knows how valuable established spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ students can be. As a first-year student in the Faculty of Engineering, Song joined EngiQueers, a group that provides an environment of mutual support for 2SLGBTQIA+ engineering students, to help define and defend safe spaces.

Beginning his time at Waterloo in Global Business and Digital Arts, Christopher He was having a hard time picturing his career path. That all changed at an appointment with his program advisor, where he learned about the Liberal Studies Co-op program — a versatile course of study that would let him explore multiple interests.

“In the tech industry, it’s so easy to lose track of the fact that we are humans designing things for other humans,” says Areena Akhter, who graduates with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science this month. “Whether we’re thinking about ethics or interfacing with diverse social systems, people need to be at the core of everything we do.”

Sukhu plans to pursue a career as a police officer with the Waterloo Regional Police Service following graduation.

As she prepares to cross the stage at Spring 2024 Convocation, she smiles broadly recounting how her interest in geography has taken her to so many unique places around the world in pursuit of her degree.

Congratulations to the Class of 2024. We are so pleased to welcome our graduates and their family, friends and supporters to recognize their accomplishments.

Convocation is a time of immense pride and celebration across campus. This year, 13 outstanding students have been chosen to represent the graduating Class of 2024. 

Below they share parts of their academic journey filled with innovation, growth and resilience.  

Why did you choose to study at the University of Waterloo?   

Natasha J. Chen