Welcome

Dear Graduates,

The world owes us nothing. We are the ones who are indebted to the world and to the people we are privileged to encounter, people in all walks of life, many of whom are regularly taken for granted or dismissed as being of lesser value or importance.

The challenges and the opportunities that we have had should help us to appreciate the extent to which we depend on each other for the quality of life we all seek to enjoy. We accomplish very little entirely on our own.

The fact that you chose to pursue programs of study at this University suggests that you want to make a very special mark on our world. You want to help to Improve Life and to make the world a better, more caring, more just, place.

I hope you have a sense of what is possible. I want you to aspire to greatness. Most of all, I want you to make your lives matter because our world truly needs you to do that.

Congratulations! I wish you continued success. Please remain close to the University of Guelph. This will always be your alma mater. Be very proud of that.

Dr. Mary Anne Chambers O.Ont.

Chancellor

It is my great pleasure to congratulate you on your graduation from the University of Guelph. The entire U of G community could not be prouder of you for reaching this outstanding milestone, and we are delighted to be able to come together in person to celebrate this moment with you, your graduating class and your supporters.

Throughout your time at U of G — and especially over the past two years — you have each met the challenges and opportunities you faced with bravery, creativity and compassion. I encourage you to rely on these same strengths as you begin the next chapter of your lives.

As a Gryphon, you are part of an institution that strives for excellence, that prioritizes inclusion, and that improves life for our own community and for those around the world. You have made an indelible mark on U of G through your academic and extracurricular endeavours, as well as through the friendships you have made.

Today, you are joining a network of more than 195,000 graduates who are continuing to embrace the Gryphon spirit to make a meaningful difference in our world. Wherever your journey takes you and however you choose to make that difference, I encourage you to stay connected with the University. We look forward to hearing about your next accomplishments, adventures and discoveries.

On behalf of all of us at U of G, congratulations once again. We wish you the very best for continued success.

Dr. Charlotte A. B. Yates

President and Vice-Chancellor

Welcome to Convocation at the University of Guelph! Today, we gather from near and far as a university community to celebrate the tremendous achievements of our students.

Graduates, in your time at the University of Guelph you have persevered through extraordinary challenges and overcome significant obstacles. The dedication, resilience, and agility you have demonstrated as you worked to reach this milestone are truly inspirational. While none of us would have chosen the upheaval of the last two years, I am confident that the skills and experiences you have gained during this challenging time will continue to pay dividends in distinct and enduring ways.

As you embark on the next steps in your personal and professional lives remember to stay in touch. I have been a member of the University of Guelph community as a learner, student leader, alumna and governor for almost fifty years. In that time, my lasting connection to the University has enabled me to sustain, renew and develop relationships that have had an irreplicable impact on my life and career. My enduring connection to U of G has also encouraged me to foster the intellectual curiosity and passion for learning that first brought me to our campus. This passion for lifelong learning continues to open doors to new opportunities and inspire me to take on new challenges.

As you prepare to seize the opportunities and tackle the challenges in front of you, I hope that you will continue to ask big questions, engage with new ideas and test your intellectual limits. Now more than ever, the world needs people who can think broadly and engage with problems in innovative and collaborative ways.

On behalf of the Board of Governors, it is my honour to congratulate you and wish you every success in the future.

Nancy Brown Andison Chair, Board of Governors

On behalf of the University of Guelph Alumni Association (UGAA), congratulations on completing your studies and welcome to our University of Guelph alumni family! While your time as a student at U of G has ended, your Gryphon journey continues as a proud alumnus.

Convocation is an important milestone in your academic and professional journey as it signifies the culmination of your hard work, dedication, and contributions to the University of Guelph community. Please know that your new alumni family is celebrating with you on this special day.

Today you become a valued member of the University of Guelph Alumni Association — a community of thinkers, mentors, activists, community leaders and more, who span 160 countries across the globe. As a new graduate, you are joining a lifelong community of over 195,000 U of G alum.

We look forward to the day when you can attend your first alumni event with us. Whether it is Alumni Weekend, Homecoming, a reunion or a college event, we can’t wait to meet you. When you have a moment, take a look at the exclusive services and benefits available to U of G alumni by visiting alumni.uoguelph.ca.

As you set out on your next journey, we encourage you to stay connected with the University and fellow alumni. Regardless of where you go next, there are always opportunities to share your expertise, broaden your career network and access alumni benefits as a member of our alumni family. The University of Guelph and the UGAA are very proud of all that you have achieved throughout your education journey and are excited about what your future holds for you.

All the best in your future endeavours,

Courtney De Caire

President, University of Guelph Alumni Association