A message from President Goel to the graduating class
Congratulations to the Class of 2024. We are so pleased to welcome our graduates and their family, friends and supporters to recognize their accomplishments.
This week’s ceremonies celebrate the hard-work and dedication of our students during their time at the University of Waterloo. A Waterloo degree is a culmination of lessons, relationships and experiences. Whether students choose co-op, undertake an entrepreneurial venture or explore courses or opportunities outside their disciplines, Waterloo provides an environment for them to explore their passions and be unconventionally bold.
The success of our students is shared by those in their support networks. To everyone who has supported our students, thank you for being there during the highs and lows of their academic journey.
To our graduating class: I want to acknowledge the particular challenges you faced throughout your years here. Adjusting to university life can be daunting in the best of times. Your journey the past few years has also been marked by an unprecedented pandemic, a horrific hate-motivated attack on our campus around this time last year, and ongoing global conflicts that have and continue to impact many in our community. Through it all, you demonstrated resilience and perseverance. These attributes will serve you well as you enter the next phase of your lives.
I also wish to recognize Dominic Barton, who is completing his second and final term as the 11th Chancellor of the University of Waterloo. Dominic has been a consistent champion of the University, its students and alumni. We are grateful for his contributions.
Our institution’s rich history, and the success of our alumni, is rooted in community. During the course of this week, our community will cross the threshold of a quarter of a million alumni of the University of Waterloo globally. As our new graduates transition to alumni, they help our institution achieve global impact by forming an important connection between Waterloo and their local communities.
At Waterloo, we pride ourselves on identifying and solving big, complex challenges facing our world. This happens not only on our campuses, but across the globe through our network of alumni. While there are multiple compounding crises facing our world, there are amazing opportunities to implement innovative solutions to them. Each new graduate is among the future leaders and change-makers who can help address these challenges and build a better future for humanity and our planet.
I look forward to watching them make an impact on their communities and the world.
We all have an opportunity, and a responsibility, to positively impact those around us. Let’s all work together to help shape the world for the better.
On behalf of the University of Waterloo, I wish our graduates all the best in the journey ahead.
