"For some of you, this marks the end of your academic journey, while others may continue pursuing further studies. Embrace whatever lies ahead, and whatever path you choose, strive to do well. Congratulations"
-BCom (Hons), '04
"Congratulations class of 2026! Your journey was not easy it took courage and determination! Amazing!."
-BA, '02
"Hi Yorkers, congratulations!! I am sorry to tell you that there is no syllabus in the society university anymore. But please always believe in yourself. You never know what you can do until you try! And, don't be proud of YorkU - make YorkU proud of you!"
-BA Sociology, '06
"The risks are rarely as bad as they seem, and the rewards are greater than you can ever imagine. Go further with a team."
-BA, '06
"To York’s Class of 2026, I honor my grandmother, a community healer who couldn't go to school but inspired me to become a nurse practitioner. Her words are my gift to you: caring is your superpower. Embrace the unexpected, stay updated with scientific evidence, and face every challenge with a beautiful soul. Congratulations."
-BSc Nursing, '08
"Do not be afraid to shake things up. Be bold. Bring forward new ideas and different ways of thinking— because every generation called to meet new realities with courage and imagination."
-BA Sociology, MA Public Policy, Administration and Law, '05 & '15
"York University provided the foundation and prepared you to begin your next journey, use it as a stepping stone to grow, develop and face what lies ahead without fear!! Keep on keeping on!"
-BA Sociology (Hons), '08
"Congratulations on your graduation! 3 tips as you grow your career: 1. Build great relationships with your colleagues. 2. Build strong habits & routines - consistency matters! 3. When you’re paralyzed by doubt or the unknown, take one little step. Once you start, the momentum will follow. Good luck!"
-BA English Literature, '08
"Your ability to adapt and persevere will take you further than perfection ever could."
-BA Psychology, '04
"Congrats! I can’t wait to be a part of the difference you will make in this world!"
-BA Geography, '05
"Take the risk."
-BA in English (Hons), First graduate of Certificate of Sexuality Studies, '06
"To the Class of 2026 - Congratulations! Your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on learning, growing, taking risks, and building relationships, and success will follow!"
-BA Economics, '06
"Go your way, let others gossip."
-BAS Accounting, '09
"Congratulations, Graduates! Embrace laughter daily; it lightens life's load. Prioritize self-care. Stay curious and open to new experiences. Build supportive relationships. Believe in yourself and pursue your dreams confidently."
-BA Psychology, '00
"As you move forward, remember that your character will matter just as much as your accomplishments. Be kind to people. Be dependable. Continue learning. Stay open to different perspectives and do not underestimate the impact you can have in your communities."
-BA Sociology, '09
"The world may look very different from when my generation graduated, but take comfort in knowing you’re York University graduates — fully equipped to handle whatever comes next.
Wishing you all the success ahead. You earned this moment."
-BA Arts, '06
"You have achieved something pretty amazing - don't forget that. All the highs and lows have led you here - let that fuel you to keep going and do awesome things."
-BSc Biology, '01
"A new adventure begins! From this point forward the world opens up wonderous opportunities, many beyond anything you could have expected or dreamed of. There will also be setbacks and monumental challenges, but know this - you are well equipped to handle all that will be placed in front of you. Take small steps and walk forward with confidence!"
-BA Com, '00
"I would have liked to repeat what Prof. Guisu told me when I was a student at York: 'Take pride in what you do. No matter how simple of a task it is, because it is your brand.'"
-BA, '02
"As you move beyond the classroom, opportunities to stay curious become few & far between.
STAY CURIOUS! Rethink. Create. Question it all."
-BHRM, '06
"Congrats all! It's an exciting time in your lives, both professionally and personally and I encourage you to be present in this moment, you've earned it."
-BA Administrative Studies, '08
"Never give up. You have so much potential, more than you ever realized. So tap into it, grow, learn and when you hit road blocks, take the bumps and get better and stronger. You are limitless."
-BA, '04
"TEL building late night study sessions, coffee breaks in commons, heart breaks, pub nights- you managed it all while studying and graduating"
-BAS (Hons), '02
"Education is a launching pad to wide possibilities, not a commitment to a determined path. I and my friends could never have predicted where we went and all the things we accomplished -- and that is great."
-MEd, '07
"It's been nearly 15 years since I walked through the inspiring corridors of York University, one of the first places I called 'home' and found a sense of community. My words of wisdom that stay with me and guide me: (1) look at the big picture; (2) have an interdisciplinary mindset; (3) champion diversity, mentorship & sponsorship.""
-BA (Hons) Political Economy, '09
"You did it! This was all you! Take some time to marvel in the fact that you have bettered yourself through education and are about to start a larger journey of deciding how you are going to contribute to the world through your career choices. This can be a scary step but don't sell yourself short. It is important that you love your job! Go get it!"
-BSc Psychology, '06
"Today is better than yesterday, and tomorrow must be better than today. Never stop growing."
-BSc Computer Science, '04
"Never lose sight of your moral compass. Let integrity govern your decisions, humility temper your successes, and kindness shape your legacy. In a world often driven by competition, choose collaboration. In moments of uncertainty, choose courage. In times of abundance, choose generosity."
-BA Information Technology, '05
"You stand at the threshold of completion and new beginnings. As you step into your next adventure, carry forward what you have learned. Remember who you are, why you do what you do, and how you choose to do it. There are many ways to contribute to the world, your unique way is the most needed. Let your heart be your compass and your mind your tool."
-BA, Public Policy & BA (Hons) Philosophy, '07 & '10
"Talent opens doors but endurance walks through them. When things break, rebuild. Who you become in hard moments will outlast anything you achieve in easy ones."
-BA (Hons) Economics, '06
""Congratualtions to the Class of 2026!
Be open to changing the plan, going with the flow and being open to opportunities that you would not normally consider.""
-BA History & BEd, '09
"First - be kind to yourself. You are no good to anyone else if you are spending your energy beating yourself up. Second, don’t stress over every decision - pick a path and treat every encounter, application, project, job as a chance to learn and grow - and let your life take shape in ways you probably haven’t imagined yet."
-MES, '02
"Go forward with courage.
Seek justice.
Practice kindness.
And never forget that each of you has the power to make a meaningful difference in the world."
-MA Film & Video, '07
"As you move forward, I encourage you to remain curious, stay connected to your values, and never underestimate the impact of kindness."
-BA Psychology, '01
"My advice to you all, some will be ahead in life. Some will be behind. Peace begins when you stop measuring your worth against someone else's journey."
-BAS Commerce, '05
"You didn’t come this far just to come this far!! Allow all your knowledge, abilities, and experiences to shape you and the impact you want to leave in this world. Believe in yourself! You did the ground work to get here now spread your ideas, views and opinions to build the future you imagined! Good luck!"
-BEd, '06
"Being a York U alumni myself I have only great memories of my York experience from undergrad to graduate studies! Bonne chance avec vos avenirs et réalisé vos rêves!"
-MA Education, '06
"Change is good! Worry less about the perfect path and focus more on making the most of whatever happens. Not all your skills will be applicable every time but they're no less important throughout your life. You've got this!"
-BA Information Technology, '07
"You will remember this day for the rest of your life. It’s a culmination of all your hard work, early mornings, late nights, papers and exams and walking through the halls of YorkU. The most important thing you will keep with you are the connections and bonds you created with your professors and fellow students. Keep those relationships alive!"
-BSc (Hons) Psychology, MA Counseling, PsyD Clinical Psychology, '08, '10, '13
"You have reached the ultimate stage of your educational development--The Graduation Day! May you thrive in whatever you choose to do with the knowledge and skills you have gained to prepare you for your career. To make it this far, you have got what it takes. Keep that in mind!"
-BA (Hons) Psychology, '05
"Make sure you take time to celebrate and reflect on all you have already accomplished; this is a huge milestone!"
-BFA Theatre Production, '09
"Graduates, today marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. As you step into the future, remember that success is not measured only by what you achieve, but by who you become along the way. Lead with compassion. In a world that can sometimes feel divided, kindness remains one of the greatest strengths a person can possess."
-BSW, '07
"Difficult means possible. I believe in luck and the harder I work the more I have of it! Find yourself. Believe in yourself. Really love yourself."
-BComm, '01 & BA (Hons) Psychology '08
"Huge congratulations on this meaningful milestone! Celebrate this proud accomplishment before the world pressures you to take the next step. As you venture into the world of possibility, trust that you are enough as you are. The years that follow are meant to be informative - not permanent. Let your light shine and use ALL your gifts and talents."
-BHRM HR Management, '05
"The world awaits your talents, ideas, and contributions. Growth in your career may not be linear - trust that each opportunity is on your path to success, and what may feel like a roadblock may only be a speedbump, detour, or redirection. Never get so busy making a living, that you forget to live a beautiful life!"
-BA (Hons) Psychology, '02
"I would like to share the concept of Ganbatte, meaning doing your best. Life will be a struggle and I have found the wise way to navigate the challenges you will enviable face is to strive by being persistent, resilient, and using your full effort. Honing these skills will help you feel confident and proud of whatever you do."
-BA Psychology, '08
"You are done with the school, the time to learn starts NOW! York has provided you with the best tools to accomplish this. And remember, when learning stops decay set in."
-BAS, '04
"I graduated from York in 2009 and as I look back, I find that those years shaped me and my journey in a way I couldn’t appreciate as I was graduating . My study and interactions at York continue to inform my world view today. Rejoice as you finish this chapter and carry the valuable experiences as you move ahead in life."
-MA Development Studies, '09
"Remember to live your life in the "now". Not when the timing is perfect. Not when you've found the love of your life. Not when you are 10 pounds lighter. Not when you have it all figured out. Live it now. Live the life that your future self will thank you for a life well-lived. Become the person your younger self would be proud of."
-BA (Hons) English & BEd, '08
"As you embark on your next journey in your adult life, bear in mind that no matter your chosen field or profession, never stop learning and growing your skills and intellect. It is this desire that will always keep you up-to-date and relevant with this continually developing world. Don't shy away from new challenges!"
-MA International Relations, '04
"Be patient with your timeline. Some people will sprint ahead in visible ways, others will build slowly and quietly. Neither path is wrong, and comparison will steal more joy than it ever gives back. Enjoy the journey you are on. Wishing you blessings."
-BA (Hons) Sociology & Italian, '04
"The world is your oasis. Take chances. Make mistakes. Travel. Reinvent yourself. Remember everything has a season so laugh, cry, smile and feel all your feelings."
-BA, '00
"You don’t need to have it all figured out, just don’t stand still. Take the risk, send the email, ask the question. Progress beats perfection every time. Stay curious, stay kind, and build something that actually matters to you."
-BES, '08
"I graduated York in 2004 with no plan. Twenty-two years on, still no plan, but - I love what I do! They say find what you love and you'll never work a day. True. York didn't give me a plan, but it gave me my first crew of friends and collaborators, most still in my life. Forever grateful."
-MFA Film Production, '04
"After graduating from York, if you are going to the law school or med school, work double as much hard there as you did at undergraduate school because at professional schools you will be competing against champions. If you work as much hard as you did at undergraduate school, you will end up with C. Relative hard work is the Key to A or A+."
-BA (Hons), '03
"Keep learning → Graduation is not the end of education—it's the beginning of self-directed learning. Stay curious and never stop growing.
Be kind → Intelligence may earn respect, but kindness earns trust and leaves a lasting impact.
Define success for yourself. Don't let society, social media, or others decide what a meaningful life looks like."
-BA Economics, '07
"You are embarking on a lifelong journey of discovery, new learning and personal growth. Cherish every moment and never doubt yourself!"
-PhD Psychology, '01
"Life lives in the journey. May you always find inspiration, seek purpose, spread acceptance, and share kindness."
-BA, '00
"Welcome to the new horizon of countless opportunities, with the confidence that what you've accomplished at York has prepared you well for any challenge to which you set your mind. Go do it with your might!"
-MA History, '02
"Don't hesitate. Don't underestimate the impact of time. Too often, we wait until the timing feels right on something, and time slips away. Don't be afraid to dive into the unknown, this is where you will grow and become more confident in yourself."
-BA, '06
"Remember to define success on your own terms - outside of career, it comes in many different forms and results in a life you feel good living. If things are not aligning exactly as you imagined, use your creativity to pivot and put your talents to good use to add value wherever you may land."
-BDes, '05
"Your journey has just begun! Please remember that there is a class waiting for you! Perhaps your days as a teacher candidate were not so easy. That happens but it doesn’t mean that you don’t have a lot to offer. Believe in yourself. Teaching is the toughest job I ever had and the most rewarding. Be yourself and enjoy."
-BSc Biology, '04 & BEd, '04
"I just want to give you a piece of advice bestowed to me from my father. He told me that time is gold. Don't waste it as you can't get it back. Keep this in mind for the future. Once again CONGRATULATIONS!"
-BA Business Economics, '08
"Discouragement is only the feeling we face when we lack courage. Do not let it sink you but let it be a reminder of your dedication to your dreams and desire to continue to reach them."
-BA (Hons) Politics, '08
"These words are not mine, but as I reflect on my journey, they have never been truer. "If you don't change, you won't grow". Sometimes it's easier to do something familiar, because it's safe, but when we play it "safe", we rob ourselves of wonderful opportunities and experiences."
-BA (Hons) Sociology, '03
"Kindness always wins in life. Work, home, social activities…never underestimate the power of kindness. There are lots of people who can do your job, have your skills, and can replace the technical things you do, but if you are genuine, they will keep you, promote you and you will thrive, knowing you are going in the right direction."
-BA Psychology, '08
"Love many, trust few, and always paddle your own canoe."
-BA Philosophy and English Poetry, '01
"The future is bright and you will make it brighter!"
-BES (Hons) Environmental Management, '09 & MSc Geography, '13
"Step into the world with an open heart to connect, an open mind to learn, and the grace to ask for help when you need it. Challenge yourself often, and don't let fear hold you back; take that small step forward. You never know how incredible your journey may become. Growth comes from the feedback we receive and the lessons we carry forward."
-BA Sociology, '03
"Now more than ever is a time for you to try new things, make mistakes and find your source of happiness. Do your best to grow and learn about yourself and know that you will not be the same person you are right now, so enjoy the journey and hopefully along the way you'll make memories that you'll never forget. ♥️"
-BA English, '08
"Excuses will not move you any closer to your goal. It is essential to carefully vet all the thoughts bouncing around in your internal dialogue. Negative ideas work insidously through subterfuge. Put a block on them and you will open the doors to a magical moment of self empowerment."
-BA, '05
"Success is not defined by anyone other than YOU! Think about what you want your life to look like. It's not just about work and making money. Don't neglect your health, relationships, spiritual life, community, and time for fun. Be intentional about designing the life of your dreams and you can achieve your version of success."
-BA (Hons) History and Law & Society, '06
"I encourage all grads to maintain an alumni relationship with the University and any varsity sports team that they may have been involved in."
-PhD, '01
"You are in control of your destiny. Don't blame others for life's inevitable challenges and face them head on. You are not a victim, you are smart and capable and in charge of who and what you become."
-BA (Hons) Kinesiology & Health Science, '07
"You are joining a network of alumni who value collaborative and are always ready to help you with your journey as your path is not set in stone nor are you defined by your degree. Always be open to learning as the only constant in life is change."
-BSc Kinesiology & Health Sciences, '07