What lies ahead for these newly minted teachers and graduates in school administration, health professions education, counselling psychology, educational research and other disciplines?
The future is already taking shape as members of this newest alumni cohort launch into a range of professional pursuits.
“You can be proud, truly proud,” said Francis Bangou, Dean of the Faculty of Education.
“Proud of the journey you have taken, of the sacrifices you have made to reach this moment and the perseverance that carried you forward. You can also be proud of the impact you have already had on those around you,” he added.
Crossing the stage, across Ontario
During four convocation ceremonies honouring graduates from our Ottawa, Toronto, and Windsor campuses, inspiring words were shared and countless picture-perfect moments were captured. We are thrilled to share many of these memorable takes.
Insights from a champion
In an Olympic year, it was especially fitting that the Faculty’s Honorary Doctorate was awarded to Kim St-Pierre, a Canadian women’s hockey icon and three-time gold medalist.
St-Pierre spoke about her own life lessons with the new graduates, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, gratitude, leadership and making a difference in the lives of others.
“Teaching is not only about knowledge, but about connection” she said.
“The relationships you build will shape your classroom, and your growth. Value collaboration, uplift those around you, and trust that your voice and leadership style have the power to make a difference. Embrace your unique journey. Believe in the impact you will make because it is already greater than you can imagine."
“Value collaboration, uplift those around you, and trust that your voice and leadership style have the power to make a difference.”
Kim St-Pierre
— Olympic Gold Medalist and Hockey Hall of Fame member
Valedictorians and medal winners
The Faculty of Education also celebrated the exceptional accomplishments and contributions of this year’s valedictorians and medal winners. Among the highlights during the ceremonies was the recognition of these laureates, whose achievements exemplify excellence and inspire those around them.
Maryn Adlard, Valedictorian, Teacher Education program
Felix Kim, Valedictorian, Formation à l'enseignement
Béatrice Adèle Crettenand Pecorini, Valedictorian, Graduate Studies
Rim Guerriche, University Silver Medal for the second highest standing in Formation à l'enseignement
Mélanie Chantale Guindon, University Silver Medal for the second-highest standing in Formation à l'enseignement
Chaymaa Marouf, University Gold Medal for the highest standing in Formation à l'enseignement
Hannah Rose Nykilchyk, University Silver Medal for the second-highest standing in Teacher Education
Rica Qiu, University Gold Medal for the highest standing in Teacher Education
The road to this moment
In his convocation speech, Dean Bangou addressed the graduating class with a reflection on their collective experience and the challenges they have overcome to reach this milestone.
"The journey that brought you to this auditorium is a testament to your thirst for knowledge, your resilience and your passion for the field of education," he said.
"Together, you have triumphed over exhaustion, over endless nights of study, the rigorous demands of your practicum, and the steep demand of higher education. This transformative process has extended far beyond the mere acquisition of empirical knowledge and pedagogical experience."
"Remember where you started. The doubts of those first weeks and measure the incredible growth that has taken place since. You leave us not with just technical expertise in teaching, but with a refined critical spirit, an adaptable mind and the will to learn that will guide you forever," he added.
“The journey that brought you to this auditorium is a testament to your thirst for knowledge, your resilience and your passion for the field of education.”
Francis Bangou, PhD
— Dean, Faculty of Education
