TORONTO, July 2, 2026 – With each step onto the stage, a handshake, and cheers from loved ones, thousands of students across Ontario became graduates – each carrying a story of perseverance, discovery and growth. From research breakthroughs and hands-on co-op experiences to community connections across the province, the Class of 2026 are stepping forward as innovators and leaders, ready to drive Ontario’s future. From inspiring speeches to the excitement of crossing the stage, this year’s ceremonies were filled with joy and celebration. Here’s a glimpse of a few of those unforgettable moments recognizing the Class of 2026 across Ontario.
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 marked its 2026 Spring Convocation with more than 1,800 graduates across its two campuses. In Sault Ste. Marie, 445 degrees were conferred at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion, while Brampton celebrated over 1,300 graduates across two ceremonies. A highlight of the celebrations was the conferral of an Honorary Doctor of Letters on Patricia M. Ningewance Nadeau – an internationally recognized author, educator and residential school Survivor whose lifelong advocacy and foundational work have helped generations of learners reconnect with the Anishinaabemowin language.
Brock University celebrated its 119th Convocation by awarding degrees to about 3,000 graduates across seven ceremonies held from June 9 to 12 in the Ian Beddis Gymnasium. To celebrate, graduates took photos at Brock campus spots, using #BrockUGrad, sharing the moment with family and friends. Brock also promoted themed digital memorabilia from social media covers to wallpapers to GIFs to help grads spread the excitement online.
More than 6,900 graduates were recognized over five days of ceremonies at Carleton University‘s 2026 Spring Convocation. Students from across the university’s five faculties crossed the stage, marking the culmination of their academic journeys. To mark the occasion, Carleton University spotlighted powerful stories from its graduating students, capturing the resilience, inspiration, and remarkable achievements that define the academic journey.
The University of Guelph marked its 2026 Summer Convocation by celebrating a record-breaking class of more than 4,600 graduates across ceremonies held from June 8 to 12. A highlight of this year’s celebrations was the graduation of the first cohorts from two new programs – the Bachelor of Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice and the Bachelor of Arts in Sexualities, Genders and Social Change. To commemorate, the university highlighted Guelph Grad Stories, sharing the stories of students reflecting on their time at the University of Guelph.
Lakehead University celebrated its 2026 Convocation with ceremonies held across its Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses, bringing together graduates, families and community members to mark this milestone. Graduates crossed the stage during ceremonies on May 28 and 29, celebrating the culmination of their academic journeys. This year’s ceremonies recognized three distinguished leaders whose contributions have made a lasting impact, highlighting the university’s commitment to celebrating excellence in education, Indigenous knowledge, public service, and community leadership alongside the achievements of the Class of 2026.
This spring, Laurentian University celebrated graduates at the H. J. Fraser Auditorium and live-streamed their nine ceremonies from June 1 to 5. 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. As part of the celebrations, the university made available university apparel, professional portrait and flower ordering services.
McMaster University marked their 2026 Convocation from May 20 to June 19, and also live-streamed their 13 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 2026. Social media was abuzz with the hashtag #MacGrad2026, with McMaster’s Instagram and LinkedIn sharing dozens of stories, valedictorian highlights, and snapshots.
Nipissing University’s convocation took place from June 8 to 10 at the R.J. Surtees Student Athletics Centre, where more than 1,000 students crossed the stage. 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 printable signs, pre-orderable on-site flowers, and a message area to leave for graduates.
OCAD University celebrated their Class of 2026 with more than 1,100 graduates crossing the stage during two ceremonies held on June 19 at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall. The ceremonies brought together students from the Faculty of Design, Faculty of Art, Faculty of Arts and Science, and the School of Graduate Studies to mark their creative and academic journeys. As a gift to commemorate their graduation, Indigenous students received a gift of a stole made by Tammy Beauvais, a Mohawk fashion designer from Kahnawake Mohawk Territory in Quebec. The black stoles are embroidered with the OCAD U and Indigenous Student Centre logos and include a porcupine quill brooch by Seneca/Ojibway artist Theresa Burning.
Approximately 2,600 graduates crossed the stage over three days of Ontario Tech University convocation ceremonies held June 3 to 5 at Polonsky Commons. A special highlight was during the ceremony for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) and Advanced Entry BScN programs, where each graduate was presented with their 2026 BScN pin: a powerful emblem of their professional identity, ethical responsibility, and unwavering commitment to compassionate care, marking both a proud achievement and the beginning of their nursing careers.
The University of Ottawa marked its 2026 Spring Convocation with more than 11,400 graduates crossing the stage during ceremonies held from June 8 to 12 at the Rogers Centre Ottawa. A special moment of the University of Ottawa’s 2026 Convocation was giving graduates the chance to capture the moment with professional photos backstage and a photo booth with family and friends before and after the ceremony.
Queen’s University’s 2026 Convocation celebrated the achievements of more than 5,000 graduates across 14 ceremonies held between May and June at Grant Hall and Slush Puppie Place, welcoming an estimated 16,000 guests. In recognition of the culture and traditions of Indigenous graduates, the university presented Indigenous students with either a Blackfoot Peoples Mountain Blanket or a feather fan to commemorate this significant milestone. Following the ceremonies, graduates and their families gathered across campus and outside the venues to mark the occasion, capturing photos and creating lasting memories as they celebrated their accomplishments together.
The University of Toronto celebrated its 2026 Spring Convocation with more than 17,400 graduates earning their degrees, including over 15,000 who crossed the stage during 36 ceremonies held from June 1 to 18 at Convocation Hall on the St. George campus. Students from the university’s three campuses (St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough) came together to mark this milestone. From competing in rowing and contributing to food security research, U of T specially highlighted the stories of this year’s graduates that reflect the institutions global community and impact.
More than 8,000 graduates were honoured across 14 ceremonies from Toronto Metropolitan University, held from June 16 to 25 at the Mattamy Athletic Centre. Students from undergraduate, graduate, law, and continuing education programs crossed the stage, marking the culmination of their academic journeys. To keep the celebrations going, photo stations and memorabilia pop-ups were made available, as well as sharing special moments with the hashtag #AlwaysAlumni.
Trent University celebrated its Class of 2026 across 15 ceremonies held in Peterborough and Durham campuses, honouring thousands of graduates. This year, the Governor General Medal and President’s Medals recognized four doctorate and master’s graduates for innovation in biomedical research, psychotherapy, performing arts and culture, and intergenerational connection. In a special milestone moment, the inaugural graduating cohort of the joint Trent-Yellowknives Dene First Nation Indigenous Environmental Studies and Sciences Diploma were joined by a group of students, their families and program staff from the Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN), making their journey from Yellowknife to Trent University to celebrate.
The University of Waterloo marked its 132nd Spring Convocation with 7,349 graduates honoured across 14 ceremonies held over five days. A standout moment was the graduation of the inaugural cohort from the groundbreaking Sustainability and Financial Management program – the first of its kind –- alongside a special tribute at the final June 20 ceremony, where President Vivek Goel was named President Emeritus in recognition of his leadership and lasting impact.
Western University held their 327th Convocation from June 8 to 12 at Canada Life Place with more than 6,700 graduates crossing the stage during nine ceremonies. This year’s celebrations offered the conferral of nine honorary degrees on distinguished leaders, alongside the gathering of more than 26,000 guests who came together to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026. The ceremonies were live streamed and the days offered professional photo sessions and celebrated with the hashtag #WesternClassof2026.
Wilfrid Laurier University hosted its Spring 2026 convocation ceremonies in Brantford and Waterloo, celebrating the accomplishments of over 4,000 graduating students. To help celebrate, Laurier designed events for graduating students, from designed diplomas frame giveaways to Graduating Class Celebrations with food, drinks, photo booths and prizes, there were many events in store to commemorate students’ time at Laurier.
More than 4,100 graduates crossed the stage during the University of Windsor’s 125th Spring Convocation. Held across 9 ceremonies, the milestone celebrations brought together students, families, and faculty to recognize achievements across multiple disciplines. A Canadian-first, the University of Windsor graduated the country’s first cohort of Registered Nurses with prescribing authority, marking an exciting milestone shared among faculty, family and friends.
York University marked its 2026 Spring Convocation from June 12 to 19 with 14 ceremonies held at Sobeys Stadium on the Keele Campus, where more than 6,000 graduands crossed the stage to receive their degrees. The convocation period featured special community celebrations that highlighted the diversity of the Class of 2026, including the Black Grad Celebration at the Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Theatre and the Rainbow Grad Celebration at the Martin Family Lounge on the Keele Campus, bringing together graduates, families, faculty, and allies to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Black and 2SLGBTQIA+ graduates in inclusive and meaningful ways.