TORONTO, July 2, 2025 – Across Ontario, university students crossed the stage, ready to step into the next chapter of their lives. The graduating Class of 2025 represents more than just the culmination of years of hard work—it marks the arrival of a new generation of changemakers, innovators, and leaders.
From classrooms and labs to co-ops and community partnerships, the Class of 2025 is equipped not only with knowledge but with the experience, adaptability, and skills to succeed. From heartfelt speeches and proud families to joyful graduates crossing the stage, the ceremonies captured the spirit of achievement and possibility. Below is a snapshot of memorable moments from across the province honouring the graduating class of 2025.
Algoma University celebrated its 2025 Spring Convocation with more than 2,100 graduates across two campuses. In Sault Ste. Marie, 440 degrees were conferred during a ceremony at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion, while Brampton hosted three ceremonies recognizing over 1,700 graduates—the largest cohort in that campus’s history. A highlight of this year’s celebrations was the delivery of an Honorary Doctorate to Shirley Horn, Algoma’s first Chancellor, a respected Elder, Residential School Survivor, and co-founder of the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association.
Brock University’s Spring Convocation celebrated approximately 3,800 graduates and marked a milestone with the university’s 60th anniversary. Following each ceremony, graduates and their guests gathered in the Rankin Family Pavilion for celebrations that included music, refreshments, and photo opportunities. Master’s and PhD graduates were also honoured with a special reception, offering a chance to connect with faculty, staff, and fellow graduates.
Carleton University celebrated its Spring Convocation at the Fieldhouse, where this year’s ceremonies honoured more than 5,400 students who received their degrees. In celebration, Carleton University also shared stories of inspiring graduates whose accomplishments and contributions highlight the values of the university.
This year, more than 3,700 students received their degrees, diplomas, and certificates during the University of Guelph’s week-long convocation celebrations, joined by nearly 17,000 proud family members and friends. To mark the occasion, the university shared inspiring graduate stories, including a standout feature on a graduate who completed his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture nearly 50 years after he first began. Now, as part of the Class of 2025, he officially earned his degree – proof that it’s never too late to achieve your goals.
Lakehead University celebrated its Spring 2025 graduates during convocation ceremonies held in Orillia and Thunder Bay. This year, post-ceremony festivities extended to gatherings around Lake Tamblyn and the Entertainment Centre at Casino Rama, creating memorable moments for graduates and their families. The celebrations embraced academic excellence, Indigenous symbolism, and community storytelling, honouring more than 2,700 graduates across both campuses.
This year, Laurentian University celebrated graduates at the H. J. Fraser Auditorium and also live-streamed ten of the ceremonies. Laurentian also recognized exceptional graduates and their unique journey at the university in The Graduate Spotlight, which can be found on their convocation website, where helpful graduate information and resources are found.
McMaster University celebrated the graduating class of 2025 at FirstOntario Concert Hall and also live-streamed the ceremonies. Some of the celebrations included a Black Excellence Graduation Celebration hosted by the McMaster Black Student Success Centre to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the graduating class of 2025. Social media was abuzz with the hashtag #MacGrad2025, with McMaster’s Instagram and LinkedIn sharing dozens of stories, highlights, and snapshots.
Nipissing University’s convocation featured Canadian icons, including Olympic curler Jennifer Jones, educator Janine Lafrenière, and musician William Prince, who received honorary doctorates. Celebratory moments included friends and family cheering, graduates tossing their hats, beaming at the stage, and a festive “celebration toolkit” was shared with grads, offering Snapchat filters, printable signs, video chat backgrounds, and pre-orderable on-site flowers.
OCAD University celebrated graduates from the Class of 2025 who crossed the stage at Roy Thomson Hall during convocation. Each ceremony opened with a heartfelt welcome from Elder Elizabeth Osawamick and an honour song by the Eagleheart Singers. Indigenous graduates received traditionally made black stoles by Tammy Beauvais, complete with a Seneca/Ojibway porcupine quill brooch. Additionally, for those watching remotely, both ceremonies were livestreamed, with highlights later shared on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. OCAD U encouraged sharing memories using the #OCADU2025 hashtag.
Ontario Tech University celebrated six ceremonies, surpassing 31,000 alumni this year in an outdoor ceremony at Polonksy Commons. One special ceremony highlight was the Indigenous Honour Song for the graduates, celebrating the culture and spirituality. Ontario Tech also shared information on the Campus Store and Alumni Association, offering merchandise and official degree frames, while Convocation Flowers sold bouquets on-site for graduates.
The University of Ottawa celebrated convocation this year with faculty-specific ceremonies at the Rogers Centre, plus events in Windsor and Toronto. In special recognition, uOttawa showcased the stories, accomplishments and passions of some of the members of the Class of 2025 on their website. Additionally, on social media, to highlight the celebrations and share special moments, the university used #uOGrad25 as their hashtag.
Queen’s University celebrated the achievements of approximately 5,500 graduates from seven faculties during its 2025 convocation ceremonies in Kingston. In a meaningful tradition supported by the Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre, Indigenous graduates were honoured with Blackfoot blanket wraps or feather fans as they crossed the stage. Following the ceremonies, celebrations continued outdoors as graduates gathered with family and friends for photos and receptions across campus and throughout downtown.
Over 30 ceremonies at the University of Toronto were held across the St. George campus at Convocation Hall and other venues for more than 13,000 graduates. The ceremonies included the Eagle Feather Bearer, Bedel, who carries the University Mace, and Esquires who carried the University Staves. Students shared how they celebrated their big day by posting on social media with the #UofTGrad25 hashtag.
Trent University celebrated its largest-ever convocation across 16 ceremonies held in Peterborough and Durham campuses, honouring 3,755 graduates. Each ceremony shared a lively atmosphere with processional entrances in academic regalia, degree conferrals, honorary speeches, and celebratory processions. Trent awarded medals designed by Canadian sculptors and Indigenous artists to top students, including Governor General’s Gold and Silver Medals, President’s Medal, Symons, Bagnani, and Muldoon Medals. Additionally, 2025 delivered Trent’s first-ever graduations from new programs: BA (Honours) in Criminology, Master of Management (Peterborough), and MA in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies.
Toronto Metropolitan University’s spring convocation ceremonies recognized more than 8,500 graduates in over 14 ceremonies this year, while celebrating this milestone achievement with family and friends. Additionally, graduates joined receptions in the Convocation Arena concourse, enjoying photo booths, music, mingling with peers and families, and grabbing memorabilia from the Campus Store. Graduates were encouraged to share their convocation moments using the hashtag #AlwaysAlumni and tagging @torontomet on social media.
For five consecutive days, across 14 ceremonies, the University of Waterloo’s campus was filled with graduates. More than 7,740 degrees were awarded this year. 14 exceptional students were selected as valedictorians for each convocation ceremony, with their stories being featured on the university website. Many special traditions were also a part of the ceremonies, including an Eagle Staff, the university mace, the university arms and motto, as well as academic regalia.
This year, Wilfrid Laurier University hosted its Spring 2025 convocation ceremonies in Brantford and Waterloo, celebrating the accomplishments of all graduating students, with Brantford marking a historic event with its 10,000th graduate ever. Indigenous graduates were given a unique ceremonial stole with symbolic meaning. One side of the stole depicts the Dish with One Spoon Treaty Wampum Belt between the Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabe, and on the other side of the stole is the Office of Indigenous Initiatives logo.
For the first time, Western University’s Spring Convocation was held at Canada Life Place. The formal academic procession featured the university’s gold-plated mace, with the ceremony officially beginning as the 51-bell Soldiers’ Tower carillon rang out in celebration. Following each ceremony, graduates and their families gathered on campus lawns and Lobby floors to take photos, collect diploma frames, flowers, and gifts from the Dellelce Family Bookstore, and connect via the “Purple Perks” alumni app.
More than 4,700 graduands crossed the stage during the University of Windsor’s 123rd Spring Convocation. Held across 10 ceremonies, the celebrations honoured graduates from the Faculties of Arts, Engineering, Business, Nursing, Science, Education, and Law. Each ceremony was livestreamed, with professional stage and composite photos available to graduates after the event.
Nearly 7,000 York University graduates were celebrated across 13 ceremonies held at both the Keele campus and Glendon College, with the first ceremony hosted at Sobeys Stadium. Nick Nurse, the former NBA coach turned keynote speaker, inspired graduates by drawing parallels between jazz, basketball, and perseverance, urging them to embrace flexibility and teamwork. All ceremonies were livestreamed, with social media engagement encouraged via #YorkUConvo and custom GIFs. Professional photos, diploma frames, flowers, and grad merchandise were available to help commemorate the milestone.