A message from President Goel to the graduating class of 2026
This past week, it was my privilege to welcome our graduates along with their families, friends and supporters to the University of Waterloo’s Spring 2026 Convocation.
The road to earning a degree is challenging. It takes hard work, courage and dedication. 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.
A Waterloo degree is unique. Whether students choose co-op, undertake an entrepreneurial venture or explore courses or opportunities outside their disciplines, Waterloo provides an environment for them to embrace their passions and be unconventionally bold. Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting so many new alumni at convocation, and have been inspired to hear about their big bold plans for life after university.
At Waterloo, we are proud to be a community of curious, collaborative, innovative and entrepreneurial problem-solvers and leaders who seek to build a better future for humanity and our planet. We think differently, act with purpose and work together. Our students don’t just inherit this ethos—they continue to help shape it throughout their time at Waterloo and beyond.
As this year’s graduates leave our campuses, they continue to be an important part of our Waterloo community. They are joining more than 260,000 alumni around the world, strengthening our connections and extending the impact of a Waterloo education globally.
This convocation also marks my final one as President of the University of Waterloo. Like you, I move forward proud of what has been accomplished here and deeply grateful for the community that made it possible. While your next chapters will take you to many places, I hope you, as I will, remain connected to this extraordinary university and to one another.
Graduates: now is your opportunity to bring your unconventional thinking and innovations to the world. Global challenges are intersecting in complex ways. You are among the future leaders and change-makers who will help tackle these challenges and help shape a better future.
Wherever your path leads, I wish you all the best on the next stage of your journey.
This marks my final convocation as President of the University of Waterloo. Like you, I move forward proud of what has been accomplished here and deeply grateful for the community that made it possible.
