Congratulations to the Class of 2023

Convocation is a time of immense pride and celebration across campus. It is also a day filled with tradition, as family, faculty and friends come together to celebrate the achievements of Waterloo graduates.

It takes many community members to bring this large celebration to life. This spring, more than 170 staff volunteered their time as convocation ambassadors making sure ceremonies ran smoothly, while 127 students served as ushers, wayfinders and accessibility assistants to thousands of Waterloo graduates and their families.

“This past week, I had the privilege of hearing from many of our graduates about the role Waterloo has played in shaping them. Their time here has helped establish their plans and aspirations for making the world a better place. As these graduates have benefited from attending Waterloo, our institution has benefited from having them a part of our community,” said President and Vice-Chancellor, Vivek Goel.

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New traditions

For the first time at Waterloo, an Eagle Staff was carried in before the mace by Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, Myeengun Henry. By presenting the Eagle Staff first during the academic procession, the University honours the responsibility to take on Indigenous perspectives in the ways we teach, govern and operate as an institution. The Cedar Hill Singers started the ceremony with a drumming circle. His Excellency Dominic Barton, the University's 11th chancellor, and Goel were also proud to wear traditional Indigenous beading over their regalia made by Marilyn Sutherland, a Cree master beader from Kitchener.

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Inspirational words

Dr. Scott Leatherdale, a professor in the School of Public Health Sciences, gave a special address to the Class of 2023. Leatherdale, who has been diagnosed with cancer, shared, “Five thoughts of a dying professor: Be proud. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Be tolerant and understanding and learn to move past rejection. Be resilient. As you move forward in your life, try not to be the one who shouts the loudest if someone has a different opinion than you. Rather, strive to be the person who effectively works for change while also listening and trying to understand why someone may see the world differently."

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Class of 2023

Congratulations to the 5,726 undergraduates, 1055 master's and 225 PhD students who convocated this spring, and to the 10 honorary doctorates and 14 graduates who gave their valedictorian address during each of their respective faculty ceremonies. We are proud of each of our graduates as we welcome you to Waterloo’s network of alumni and continue to show your Waterloo pride.