More than 2,500 new innovators join Waterloo’s alumni club

With jubilation and excitement, family, friends, faculty and staff came together this past weekend to recognize hard work and perseverance and usher more than 2,500 changemakers from students to alumni.

Behind the five ceremonies at the 129th convocation was a team of ambassadors, ushers, wayfinders, stage support and accessibility assistants, including 84 staff and alumni volunteers and 55 students who ensured a memorable experience for thousands of Waterloo graduates and their families.

"As we celebrated convocation this past weekend, I was inspired by the countless achievements and successes of our graduates," said Dr. Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor. "Waterloo graduates are known for integrating knowledge and innovation across disciplines. They are known for their courage, creativity and resilience. Above all, they are known for approaching challenges in unique ways and uncovering impactful solutions." 

A total of 154 doctoral, 1,072 master’s and 1,217 undergraduate degrees were conferred during Fall 2024 Convocation. 

Watch the highlight reel on YouTube: 

Installing a new chancellor

Dr. Jagdeep Singh Bachher (BASc ’93, MASc ’94, PhD ’00) was installed as Waterloo’s 12th Chancellor during the first convocation ceremony. The chancellor serves as the University’s ceremonial head, representing the institution at public events, presiding over convocation ceremonies and conferring degrees, diplomas and certificates.

In his inaugural address to convocation, Bachher, whose parents have been educators in the Kitchener-Waterloo region since emigrating to Canada from Nigeria 36 years ago, shared a remarkable story of how fate collided with his parents’ ambitions for him to become an engineer. Following the advice of an immigration officer who recommended the University of Waterloo because of its impressive global engineering reputation, Bachher started his undergraduate degree at Waterloo two days after landing in Canada at just 15 years old.

He subsequently went on to complete his master’s and PhD degrees at Waterloo. As a recognition to the value of the education he received, Bachher reminded the newest cohort of graduates that they have the talent to solve problems. "The education you’ve received in the classroom and through [the University’s] co-op program; the values and the experience instilled in you have the power to change lives," he said.

Watch the chancellor’s full address on YouTube:

An uplifting story of perseverance

Dr. Nikhil George (PhD ’24) was one of five graduate student valedictorians  who delivered speeches at fall convocation for the first time. He shared an inspirational story about being raised in an immigrant family and his love for biology. After battling self-doubt and repeatedly failing exams in high school, George applied to a life sciences program against the advice of his peers, guidance counsellors and teachers who suggested he pursue a degree outside the field of sciences.

George received an early acceptance letter to an alternate non-science program, and although disappointed by the initial rejection, he became determined to prove everyone wrong. George eventually went on to graduate with the highest biology grade in his undergraduate cohort at the University of Toronto and has now graduated with a PhD in Biology from Waterloo’s Faculty of Science. "Even if the path ahead is not clear, if you keep walking, eventually, you will get to where you need to be," he said.

In addition to George, veledictory addresses were delivered by:

• Jillian Adams (PhD ’24): Faculty of Arts
• Sanaz Saadatmand Hashemi (PhD ’24): Faculty of Engineering
• Maryam Mohiuddin Ahmed (PhD ’24): Faculty of Environment
• David Awosoga (MMath ’24): Faculty of Mathematics

Honoring Elder Henry

The Fall 2024 Convocation was made even more special with the awarding of an honorary doctorate to  who joined the University of Waterloo in 2022 as the Indigenous knowledge keeper in the Faculty of Health.

Elder Henry is a former Elected Chief and band councillor for the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and has served as manager of Indigenous services and educator of Indigenous studies at Conestoga College. On campus, Elder Henry conducts Indigenous ceremonies and teachings. He is also a traditional medicine practitioner, environmental protectionist, Indigenous counsellor, Pow Wow co-ordinator, and advisor to the Ontario Provincial Police and Law Society of Ontario. Elder Henry works compassionately with the Office of Indigenous Relations toward reconciliation.