TORONTO, June 29, 2023 – Throughout the 2023 spring graduation season, Ontario universities’ campuses have been filled with celebration and excitement as students receive their degrees. Each ceremony and moment of recognition – a culmination of years of dedication and academic achievement – marked by heartfelt speeches, proud families and the joyous atmosphere of students celebrating their accomplishments.
Below is a snapshot of some of the special moments that took place across the province to honour and recognize Ontario’s university graduates.
The Algoma University community came together in a beautiful convocation ceremony held at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion, celebrating the academic achievements of Algoma’s graduating students in Sault Ste. Marie. Some celebrations were also held in Brampton and Timmins for the graduating class.
Algoma U at Timmins Celebrates Success of New and Graduating Students 🙌🎓 📲https://t.co/aMRCeDCW3x#AlgomaU #Classof2023 #Convocation #Congratulations @AlgomaU
— Algoma University Timmins (@AlgomaUTimmins) June 3, 2023
Brock University’s 113th Convocation took place with 3,500 graduates receiving their degrees. Spring convocation also included a historic moment in the university’s history as Lesley Rigg was formally installed as Brock’s seventh President and Vice-Chancellor on Monday, June 12, 2023.
The stage is set, the gowns are ready, and the campus is buzzing with activity.
Here is what you need to know about #BrockU's 113th Convocation ⬇️ #BrockUGradhttps://t.co/yxgLLuzBCv
— Brock University (@BrockUniversity) June 9, 2023
More than 5,200 Carleton University graduates received their degrees during 15 convocation ceremonies that were held from June 12th to 16th. Carleton awarded honorary degrees to seven distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Carleton President and Vice-Chancellor, Benoit-Antoine Bacon gave the closing remarks for each ceremony, congratulating graduates and commending them for their hard work and perseverance.
Proudly celebrating 5,200+ Carleton University grads who received their degrees during 15 convocation ceremonies last week🎓🎉
ICYMI: here's a recap of the ceremonies and advice imparted to our future grads.💭✨#CarletonGrads2023https://t.co/uiDwDaZxn1 pic.twitter.com/kD9MoKMtTO
— Carleton University (@Carleton_U) June 19, 2023
The University of Guelph celebrated the class of 2023 during spring convocation ceremonies that kicked off on June 13th. The university awarded more than 3,900 degrees, diplomas, and certificates to graduates from seven colleges during 13 ceremonies held between June 13th to 16th at the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre.
Congratulations to the award recipients of #UofG's Class of 2023 👏🎓👏
Learn more: https://t.co/EVvVp7R4kA
— University of Guelph (@uofg) June 8, 2023
Lakehead University’s 58th convocation ceremony and celebrations were held in Orillia and Thunder Bay. In total there were three convocation ceremonies for all graduates and special guests to attend.
Some of the beautiful shots captured from our 2023 graduation ceremonies and celebrations! It was so nice to see our graduates and their supporters, Congratulations everyone!! 🎓🎓#lakeheadu #classof2023 #graduation #convocation #tbaycampus #makingmemories #tbaygrad #thunderbay pic.twitter.com/0jFugypjAI
— Lakehead University (@mylakehead) May 30, 2023
Graduate ceremonies for Laurentian University took place from May 30th to June 2nd in the H. J. Fraser Auditorium. Provincial MPP for Sudbury and Laurentian alum, Jamie West was also in attendance.
Today was the start of Spring Convocation 2023! Congratulations to our new graduates 😁
Aujourd'hui a débuté la semaine de collation des grades de printemps 2023! Félicitations à nos nouveaux diplômés 😁 pic.twitter.com/RbnXFIqqiv
— Laurentian University – Université Laurentienne (@LaurentianU) May 30, 2023
Celebrations for the McMaster University Class of 2023 were held between May 24th and June 16th. One of the highlights of the ceremonies was the Indigenous graduation celebration that included drumming, dancing, laughter and joy, with a record number of graduating students participating.
The Indigenous Graduation Celebration had drumming, dancing, laughter, tears & joy. A record number of graduating students participated.
Thank you @MACIndigenousSS @McMasterIHLL @MacIndigStudies for such a wonderful celebration. https://t.co/tY2yuIyFv2 pic.twitter.com/3IB3vfmvRA— McMaster University (@McMasterU) June 20, 2023
Nipissing University’s graduate celebrations took place from June 13th to 15th, 2023 in North Bay. Each year during convocation, NU celebrates the recipients of the Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence. This year, six faculty members were recognized for excellence in the areas of research, teaching, and service.
Nipissing University will recognize Waubgeshig Rice, John and Adrienne Peacock, Alanis Obomsawin, and Peter Handley with honorary degrees, during its upcoming Convocation. Learn more about the outstanding contributions of these individuals at: https://t.co/BGFhCH5v4G pic.twitter.com/nxCTYcI9fv
— Nipissing University (@NipissingU) June 5, 2023
OCAD University’s 2023 convocation ceremonies were held on June 9th, 2023 at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto and were also livestreamed. OCAD University awarded honorary doctorates to five remarkable individuals who have been leaders of change, having made a direct impact on arts and culture in Canada and worldwide.
2023 Convocation took place on Friday, June 9, recognizing #OCADU graduates, honorees and medal winners. Congratulations, grads! Read more: https://t.co/Bt2JSuEUXI pic.twitter.com/EU0HSadl5V
— OCAD University (@OCAD) June 12, 2023
The ceremonies for Ontario Tech University took place from June 7th to June 9th. The celebrations were held both in person and virtually. To commemorate graduates, there is a featured social wall on the university’s website displaying social media photos from the events.
It’s almost time to celebrate our @OT_FEAS class of 2023! 🎓
Join the #OntarioTechGrad ceremony live feed now at https://t.co/5LJ4hK3fyF! pic.twitter.com/UTmgicwwpl
— Ontario Tech University (@ontariotech_u) June 8, 2023
The 2023 graduation ceremonies for the University of Ottawa took place in Ottawa between June 8th and June 11th, 2023 at the Shaw Centre, as well as in Toronto and Windsor. One of the exciting elements was a curated music playlist that accompanied students throughout their ceremonies.
As 2023 convocation approaches, let’s look back at the stories of four students graduating in spring 2023 and their contribution to their community, to the future of law and to science and technological innovation.@uOttawaGenie @uOttawaScience @uocommonlaw pic.twitter.com/uKE6j2M7Mw
— Université d'Ottawa | University of Ottawa (@uOttawa) June 6, 2023
Queen’s University took over the Leon’s Centre in downtown Kingston for four days of spring convocation ceremonies on May 26th and from June 20th to June 23rd. During the six ceremonies, over 4,200 graduates and more than 12,500 supporters celebrated the class of 2023.
June convocation ceremonies are taking centre stage this week as Queen’s celebrates the Class of 2023. Here’s a look at the first of the six ceremonies.
Learn more: https://t.co/czYRS4owET#queensugrad2023 #ChaGheill pic.twitter.com/bn2Nl4Vyw6
— Queen's University (@queensu) June 21, 2023
University of Toronto graduates celebrated the achievements of the graduating class of 2023 from June 1st to 22nd. Some graduates celebrated virtually with custom backgrounds, GIPHY stickers, and more under the #UofTGrad23 hashtag.
On campus for #UofTGrad23? This wayfinding video will show you some of the spots you can check out during #UofT's spring convocation this year. Share it with your friends & family so they know where to go. 🗺️ https://t.co/PVulxLyflq pic.twitter.com/ftiDXXvgL7
— University of Toronto (@UofT) June 8, 2023
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) graduates crossed the convocation stage this year from June 14th – 27th. The ceremonies were held both in person and virtually. This is TMU’s first year with the university’s new name on its degrees.
🎓 Dream big! Two grads share their successes and advice for students before the annual Black Excellence Graduation. Read how these inspiring students demonstrated leadership and community building during their time at TMU.https://t.co/5zM68v6DyS
— Toronto Metropolitan University (@TorontoMet) June 28, 2023
Trent University saw the largest graduating class in its history honoured at this year’s convocation. More than 2,600 graduates were celebrated at ceremonies in Peterborough and Durham from June 6th to 16th. During this year’s ceremonies, the university awarded honorary degrees to four social changemakers, recognized for their extraordinary contributions to society.
📸🎓Con"grad"ulations everyone! Convocation ceremonies continue tomorrow, see the schedule at https://t.co/36cdLD4l2m and see photos from each ceremony at https://t.co/S9THJDPbhl pic.twitter.com/X3VHLGRaqR
— Trent University (@TrentUniversity) June 8, 2023
Fourteen exceptional University of Waterloo students were chosen to represent the graduating class of 2023 as valedictorians. It was a week to remember as more than 7,000 graduates were celebrated at the University of Waterloo’s 126th convocation.
It's convocation week! 🎓🎉
Meet the 14 inspiring individuals who have been chosen to represent the graduating class of 2023.
More about each valedictorian: https://t.co/J2qfv2zzy3@uwaterlooalumni | #UWaterlooGrad🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/2FYqs6JG5r
— University of Waterloo (@UWaterloo) June 12, 2023
The 321st convocation ceremonies for Western University took place from June 12th to 16th and June 19th to 23rd. Western Alumni are celebrating the newest alumni with complimentary photos with instant downloads.
Today begins the 321st convocation at #WesternU, where we celebrate accomplishments of the #WesternClassof2023! 🎓💜 Before you cross the stage, here are a couple of things to remember: pic.twitter.com/Xtnm4o8Hxv
— Western University (@WesternU) June 12, 2023
Wilfrid Laurier University celebrated the accomplishments of 3,552 graduating students at convocation ceremonies on its Brantford and Waterloo campuses. The ceremonies were hosted in person on June 6th in Brantford and June 12th to 16th in Waterloo.
Congratulations to the #Classof2023 on joining the @LaurierAlumni family! 💜💛
You may no longer be a student, but Laurier will always be here for you. Here are some resources to help you transition from a student and discover your 'new way to Laurier' ➡️ https://t.co/cSANjRMR1m pic.twitter.com/BzfuI1kDuE
— Wilfrid Laurier University (@Laurier) June 26, 2023
Celebrations for the University of Windsor spring convocation took place from May 30th to June 2nd. The Co-op education and internship students were presented with a new distinction at convocation — a teal and gold cord signifying graduates who complemented their academic studies by participating in Co-op Education and Workplace Partnerships. Making history this year is Stephanie Esentsei Pangowish who became the first Indigenous graduate of Windsor’s LLM program.
Stephanie Esentsei Pangowish has made history as the first Indigenous graduate of the master's program at @WindsorLaw. 👏🤩 #UWindsorGrad
Read more: https://t.co/xmKywuDbFk pic.twitter.com/MUtHn8HEBU
— University of Windsor (@UWindsor) June 14, 2023
York University created a convenient tool called the “2023 Spring Ceremony Search” to help students find all the relevant information regarding graduate ceremonies. This year the university invited graduates to attend two new events to celebrate their accomplishments: Black Grad Celebration hosted by the York’s Black Alumni Network (YUBAN) and Rainbow Grad Celebration hosted by York’s Sexuality & Gender Advocacy Alumni Network (SAGA).
The smiles of the newly graduated class of 2023 brought so much joy to the Glendon Campus on Friday! Chancellor Kathleen Taylor also experienced a very special day as it was her first #YorkU convocation ceremony.
Learn more: https://t.co/dRRttkwCgQ | #YorkUConvo @GlendonCampus pic.twitter.com/KZKc5F6Rqw
— York University (@YorkUniversity) June 12, 2023
Caps off to each new graduate! Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities’ shares a special video message for this next chapter.
Congratulations to the #ONpse graduating class of 2023!
You did it! I wish you all the best on this next chapter, whatever that may be. 🎓🥂 pic.twitter.com/zVzPUcb6hs
— Jill Dunlop (@JillDunlop1) June 15, 2023