For five consecutive days, across 14 ceremonies, Waterloo’s campus was full of beaming pride and jubilation. The 128th convocation was made even more special with the University officially ushering its 250,000th graduate across the stage. This major milestone was achieved during the Faculty of Arts ceremony on Thursday, June 13.
"Last week, our community crossed the threshold of a quarter of a million alumni of the University of Waterloo globally. As our new graduates transition to alumni, they help our institution achieve global impact by forming an important connection between Waterloo and their local communities," says Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor. "Each new graduate is among the future leaders and changemakers who can help address global challenges and build a better future for humanity and our planet."
Behind the scenes making everything run smoothly were ambassadors, ushers, wayfinders, stage support and accessibility assistants, comprised of 115 staff and alumni volunteers and 92 students, who served thousands of Waterloo graduates and their families.
Relive the celebration
A total of 201 PhD, 1,036 master’s and 5,668 undergraduate degrees were conferred to new alumni during the Spring 2024 Convocation. Here are some of the memorable moments from the ceremonies.Saying goodbye to Dominic Barton
At the June 13 ceremony, University Secretary Genevieve Gauthier-Chalifour presented Dominic Barton for the conferment of the title Chancellor Emeritus. As Barton concludes his term, his contributions to the global business community continue to resonate. Barton is a staunch advocate for Waterloo and experiential education, recognizing its critical role in bridging the talent gap in the business world. He believes that Waterloo exemplifies this approach through its extensive co-operative education program, which blends academic learning with real-world experience.Towards the conclusion of his term as chancellor, we launched Global Futures in Focus with Dominic Barton , a podcast series that explores how the Waterloo community addresses complex issues across
A word of encouragement
Faculty of Mathematics valedictorian Gurakam Singh Pabla (BMAth ’24) reflected on his journey through spoken word poetry. He shared stories of perseverance and encouraged his peers of new graduates to never forget the ones who helped them along the way.View Pabla’s valedictorian speech on YouTube.
’Class of 2024, the world awaits you’
Olla Obied (BSc ’24), an international student from Sudan and valedictorian from the Faculty of Science, shared words of inspiration during her address.
"I am constantly inspired and reminded of the kindness, empathy and compassion the community and friends have shown me during my time at the University, especially in a world often plagued by division and strife. More than ever, it is our duty to show love wherever we go... to be a beacon of hope, positivity and understanding in the lives of others, and to make a difference. Class of 2024, the world awaits you.
"You who is courageous enough to challenge its limitations. You who defy the odds. And you, who pushes the limits of what’s possible."
View Obied’s valedictorian speech on YouTube.
Waterloo researchers, students and alumni approach challenges differently. We anticipate our newest cohort of alumni will unlock barriers by working together to develop creative approaches across disciplines for a better future.
Congratulations to the Class of 2024, and welcome to Waterloo’s distinguished global network of alumni.
