Convocation - June 2013

Mr. Chancellor, I believe this graduating class has earned a big round of applause.

Mr. Chancellor; family and friends; distinguished guests; esteemed faculty. And University of Waterloo graduates.

Today, in the presence of your family and friends, our institution marks its most special occasion, as we conclude the rite of convocation.

We do so with the support of our faculty, represented beside me. And in shared celebration with those who’ve come to congratulate you, and the many more who join us in spirit.

Let us once more acknowledge those international students and their families who could not be with us today for reasons of travel and logistics. Many of them are participating in today’s ceremony via webcast. Would you please join me in congratulating them?

Your achievement today represents a remarkable milestone in your life. You’ve worked hard for this. You – and perhaps some of our fine guests on the risers – have invested significant resources for this. Your hopes for your future have hinged on this. And now, that future beckons.

Today is equally important to the life of the University of Waterloo, because you represent the continued fulfillment of our mission.

This institution has made a promise to society – our founders first made it in 1957, and it is up to us to keep the faith.

We have made a promise to be Canada’s leading innovators; to serve society by producing new knowledge, educating excellent graduates, and conducting ground-breaking research.

Because we have kept that promise, for the last 21 years, your alma mater has been named Canada’s Most Innovative University.

Please always remember, wherever life takes you, that your university is unique.

In our early years, we led a revolution in higher education, by implementing the world’s first – and still its largest – university co-operative education program.

And the special entrepreneurial spirit on this campus has helped put Waterloo Region on the map as one of the world’s great innovation hubs.

Our unconventional approach to higher learning sets us apart every day: in our faculties, in our schools and institutes; and in the lives and careers of our graduates, like you, all over the world.

As you move on to the next stage of your lives – be it employment, starting your own company, travel, or further study – know that our work continues on your behalf.

Our institution’s strategy is rooted in your strengths – as students, alumni, and ambassadors for our university.

It springs from the research you have conducted, the companies you have founded, your work in our labs and lecture halls, and the experiences you’ve had here on our campus.

Because we know that in the future, we will be defined by our ability to meet emerging challenges arising from global change.

We know also that relevance will be defined in global terms both for you, and for this university. Impact will be measured against higher standards not just of academic learning, but of contribution to society’s well-being.

These strategic principles get to the heart of who we are, and why we’re here.

So, graduates. When today’s ceremony concludes, and you leave this institution a full member of our family and a bearer of our promise to society, consider: what emerging challenges will you help the world meet?

What is your understanding of the world around you, and its deepest needs – material, social, spiritual.

What is the scope of your life and career?

And most importantly – is that degree in your hands a token of educational achievement only, or is it also a symbol of your pledge to contribute to the good of society?

When you exit this hall, most of you will step into a brand new stage of your lives.

It reminds me of one of Shakespeare’s many memorable quotes: “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts.”

With your education from the University of Waterloo, you have the knowledge and skills to play the part of your dreams.

We have every confidence in you, graduates – in your skills, in your knowledge, in your dedication, in your imagination, and in your potential to change the world; which is yours to enjoy, and for which you are more responsible now than you were only moments ago.

You’ve made the grade, graduates – now go make your mark.