"Never stop learning. Never stop listening. Always remember that failure is not the end, it's just the middle... You just haven't figured it out yet."
-BA Business & Society, '10
"Yes, you've done it!! Congratulations. This is now the beginning of continued learning, growing and looking for opportunities to share your many talents."
-MA Critical Disability Studies, '15
"York was built on the idea of access, inclusion, and challenging convention. As you leave, don’t just chase success—define what it means for you. Dare to try the path less traveled (or as the motto says, Tentanda Via). And don’t forget: the change you want to see starts with the courage you already have. Be thoughtful, be bold, be proud, be kind."
-MA Public Policy, '12
"Congrats class of 2026! Your undergrad will be the best memories of your life, even the hardest, toughest memories will be held close to your heart. You did it!"
-BA Linguistics, '19
"Never lose the youthful enthusiasm and drive that earned you your degree. Guard your integrity and dignity fiercely—they're harder to rebuild than to protect. Remember: your time, health, and relationships are your true wealth. Treasure them accordingly and be intentional about where you invest them."
-MBA, '11
"Congratulations Class of 2026, There is no perfect job."
-BA Administrative Studies, '13
"Congratulations! Everybody has a superpower that's unique to them. Find yours, trust it, follow it."
-MES, '12
"You have accomplished something that little ‘you’ would be so profoundly proud of. Don’t take your role as graduate lightly- it comes with expectations and responsibilities, and most importantly merit. You are equipped with the skills necessary in this ever-changing workforce, go and be a force to be reckoned with."
-BA (Hons) & BEd, '11 & '20
"Congratulations on your graduation! As you go out into the world you will face many ups, but also downs. Don't let that discourage you."
-MSc Kinesiology & Health Studies, '15
"As you begin this new chapter, remember: the road ahead is unknown. Embrace it with courage and curiosity. Trust in your strength, learn from every step, and keep moving forward. The path is yours to shape—walk it with confidence and purpose."
-MA Geography, '19
"After all the assignments, the research, participation in various clubs, and making friends; you are now ready to demonstrate what you have learnt towards making the world a better place. You are now in a position to hold the York University torch very high. Go be a changemaker. Have a fruitful and successful future."
-BA (Hons) International Development Studies, '12
"Dream Big, chase those dreams and know that your hard work will pay off! Never say no to an opportunity, you never know what's in store. But above all else lead with kindness because that will be your legacy!"
-BA Political Science and Communications Studies, '11
"You have all accomplished a great deal so please be proud of those accomplishments. University life is not just about writing papers, taking exams or studying. Ideally, university is about learning how to think critically, questioning assumptions an above all listening to other points of view. Congratulations."
-MPPAL, '17
"Never conform to the system - be your own authentic self and there will be a place in the world that appreciates you for who you are!"
-PhD Biology, '16
"Always remember: You have won every battle this far! Be kind to yourself. Congratulations and see you all on the other side!"
-BHS (Hons) Health Management, '12 & Certificate of Health Informatics, '12
"Success is rarely a straight line. There will be setbacks, detours, and moments of doubt—keep going anyway. Don't wait for permission to make an impact. Build something, improve something, help someone. Leave every place better than you found it."
-BEd, '14
"You are the future. You are our hope. Live life, love life and keep a balance of working hard but taking time to enjoy our beautiful planet and the nature within it."
-BA Psychology, '15
"Reaching a destination can be truly rewarding, but looking back, it’s the journey that truly makes it meaningful. A degree may seem like a piece of paper, but the personal growth, relationships, and challenges along the way are what really shaped you. Don’t just focus on the end because at the end, it’s who you become along the way that matters."
-BComm, '23
"The future is bright and you will make it brighter!"
-BES (Hons) Environmental Management, '09 & MSc Geography, '13
"Your body and your intuition are your greatest guides. Trust your gut! Trust your instincts. When something feels off, it is. When something feels right, it is."
-BA Psychology, '74
"Failure is an option. If you are afraid to fail then you are afraid to take a risk. Without risk there is little or no reward and you will never progress to your fullest potential. Ask questions and ask for help - only way you grow!
-BA (Hons) Political Science, '10
"The things you may aspire to be, may not always be who you are."
-BSc (Hons) Biology, '18
"The context of humanity always determines our creativity and every day we must strive to measure and manage it better."
-MA, PhD, '17. '26
"Congrats! But keep in mind that your grandchildren might one day read about the "graduating class" experience only as something found in history "books." Whatever happens between now and the not-so-distant future is up to you. Cheers anyway!"
-MA History, '14
"Congratulations! York gives you a great foundation to step into the next phase. If you are thinking it- go for it!"
-BA Law & Society, '17
"Success doesn't come because you work hard, but success comes through discipline and focus. Best in your future endeavors!"
-BA Human Rights & Equity, '14
"Congratulations, and welcome to the world. It won’t be easy, but you can make it worth it."
-BA Psychology, '15
"Congrats Class of 2026! Enjoy the new journey you’re about to embark on. You're more ready than you know."
-BA Kinesiology & Portuguese Studies, '14
"You can only succeed if you try. Put your foot forward for opportunities. Treat challenges as opportunities for personal growth and development. Leverage all the tools and resources available to you. There are many paths forward that lead to happiness."
-BA Business Administration, '14
"Congrats to the grads of 2026! You persevered and made it through. Let this be a constant reminder that YOU are amazing, YOU are strong, and YOU can do hard things!!! Congratulations :)"
-BEd, '13
""Your degree is not the finish line! It's the starting point. Stay curious, keep learning, and don't be afraid to take paths that weren't part of the original plan.""
-PhD Space Science & Engineering, '18
"Adapt, stay agile and be hungry and you’ll go far. Congratulations on the beginning of the rest of your lives!"
-BA Political Science, '11
"One chapter has closed and it's opened the door to a whole new book! Congratulations on your achievement, and I'm very excited for you all to experience your next steps."
-BScN, '17
"Don't make permanent decisions based on temporary feelings."
-BA Sociology, '19
"Congratulations on your accomplishments. Enjoy this moment, and go on to make a change in the world."
-BEd, '13
"Tentanda via – as a Latin saying goes, you have found your way through all the challenges of York, now walk it bravely. Congratulations Class of 2026!!!!!!!"
-MEd, '12
"Don’t box yourself into your major. The job market is full of surprising roles that might fit your goals and interests better than your degree does."
-BA Political & Environmental Science, '19
"A heartfelt moment as you celebrate this major milestone in your life. Live every moment with kindness to yourself and those around you."
-MES, '10
"As you move into this next chapter, keep having a learner's mindset, adding to and maintaining your network and be creative and flexible when it comes to getting work whether it ends up being in your field of study or not. Congratulations, Class of 2026!"
-MA Critical Disability Studies, '17
"You don’t need to have your whole life figured out after graduation. Most adults are still reinventing themselves too."
-BEd, MEd, '17 & '25
"Always remember that it will all work out in the end. If it hasn’t yet worked out, then it’s not the end!"
-MA Sociology, '17
"A strange realization awaits you, comrades; your path will rarely unfold exactly as planned, and that’s probably for the best. So stay curious, keep your sense of humour, and learn when to take things seriously… and when not to."
-BA (Hons) Political Science, '16
"What are you waiting for? Do it now!"
-BSc Mechanical Engineering, '18
"As you take the next step in your academic/professional career, remember the best version of you will certainly be right fit for wherever your journey takes you."
-MES, '17
"Be kind. Be creative. Don’t settle. Build the world you want to live in."
-BA (Hons) Kinesiology & Health Studies, '18
"Quiet the noise, enjoy the ride, don't forget to dance in the rain and remember, advice is always easier given than followed. Congratulations to the graduating class of 2026!"
-BA Music, '17
"Congratulations Class of 2026! Wishing you all a great start to your future careers."
-BA Kinesiology and Portuguese Studies, '14
"Hope gives you the ability to realize what you can do in the world. Dreams allow you to aspire to go further. Change allows you to get uncomfortable and do what needs to get done. Mistakes are what helps you grow."
-BEd, '16
"Congratulations to all of you. A negative mind will never give you a positive life. Never stop trying, never stop believing, and never give up. Your day will come soon."
-BA (Hons) Women's Studies, '16
"The connections you make will carry you further than you think. Reach out to people who are doing what YOU want to do even if they’re just an acquaintance. Wishing the graduates all the best for exciting journey ahead."
-BA, '12
"Don’t overestimate short-term exponential growth, and don’t underestimate long-term compounding growth."
-BA (Hons) Economics, '14
"You've made because you were determined to learn and succeed. You understood the importance of gaining and uncovering knowledge, and to apply to your daily life. You made it! Congratulations to the graduating class of 2026!"
-MA History, '17
"You will look back at your university days fondly. Take your skills with you: critical thinking, public speaking, innovative problem solving - and apply them to future tests in your life. You will go far if you trust yourself."
-BA (Hon) Law and Society, MA Public Policy, '19 & '20
"If no one will hire you go into business for yourself. The credentials you gained by graduating will make you more marketable."
-JD Law, '18
"Get your foot in the door and work towards the job you want - perseverance pays off!."
-MMPAL, '18
"Congratulations class of 2026! Your path is not linear; exciting things are coming. Be open to new opportunities, pay attention to everyone you meet, and find what you love."
-MEd, BEd, BSc, '11
"The connections you make will carry you further than you think. Reach out to people who are doing what YOU want to do even if they’re just an acquaintance. Wishing the graduates all the best for exciting journey ahead."
-BA, '12
"Don’t overestimate short-term exponential growth, and don’t underestimate long-term compounding growth."
-BA (Hons) Economics, '14
"You've made because you were determined to learn and succeed. You understood the importance of gaining and uncovering knowledge, and to apply to your daily life. You made it! Congratulations to the graduating class of 2026!"
-MA History, '17
"The experiences you take from your York university years will shine a light to many pathways. Your education will bring many opportunities in your life. Always keep learning because it doesn’t end today!"
-BA Sociology, '13
"Be curious, be bold, and always be yourself!"
-BA Economics, '14
"Embrace uncertainty with courage. Build real relationships, and prioritize your well-being. Your York journey prepared you—now go shape the world. Congratulations, Class of 2026."
-BScN, '10
"Be patient with the outcome of your results- there is a reason why it isn’t happening as set by your timeline and embrace every small or big milestone throughout your journey to celebrate."
-BA Psychology, '15
"There will be many distractions in your career; people and projects that'll daunt you. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good and don't forget what you're really trying to do. You will accomplish something if you keep those two things in your mind."
-MA Disaster & Emergency Management, '16
"Take initiative! Not everything is just going to be handed to you in life. If you have a desire to learn about a topic in your field, seek those opportunities out. Growth comes from doing - make connections, ask questions, and keep going!"
-BA (Hons) Psychology, '15
"As you move forward, remember to take each step with intention—one at a time—even when the path feels challenging and along the way, take a moment to reflect on and appreciate how far you’ve already come."
-BSc Chemistry, '19
"First and foremost - Congratulations. Having a degree is special. It opens the door to many opportunities in life. Whatever you choose to do in life, moving forward, you WILL certainly change the world. Bless you and good luck. Vince Caserta - 2016."
-BSc Kinesiology, '16
"Congratulations on graduating! Your education will provide you with the skills and freedom to build a life that fulfills you. You have changed over the course of your schooling and will continue to change and grow. Embrace the person you are becoming, even if it's unfamiliar at first. All the best!"
-BSc Biology, '17
"After you graduate, you’ll realize how quickly these four years passed by, and many years later, you’ll recognize how formative they were to the person you have become. Don’t be shy to ask for help and reach out to alumni. Look for us early in your career, and lend a helping hand to others after you’re established."
-BA English & Women's Studies, '10
"Congratulations on this incredible milestone! As you step into a world filled with uncertainty and constant change, remember that your ideas, values, and courage are needed now more than ever. Stay curious, lead with kindness, and use your talents to create positive change wherever you go!"
-BA Business Admin Management, '16
"As you turn the page to a new chapter, remember that your potential is limitless. Chase your dreams with courage, embrace every opportunity with confidence, and never underestimate the impact you can make. Congratulations on your graduation—your best days are yet to come！"
-MA Financial Accountability, '19
"No matter the audience you advocate even in the face of judgement and power imbalance because remember you carry with you the expert knowledge to protect your client first and in doing so you are contributing to the humanity."
-MSW, '10
"I thought a university degree was a formality needed to get a job, a formality required to earn status. It is not the paper that gets you all of that, its the skills you learn from your 3-4 years degree that gets you status, income and the ability do contribute positively to the world. Cherish all that you have gained and make a difference."
-BCom Finance, '14
"As you graduate make sure to include emotional regulations through mindfulness training an essential part of your life. As ai is becoming more dominant in our world this important question pops up again that "what does it mean to be a human?" Mindfulness can clarify that to you by showing the very essence of a human""
-MA Disaster & Emergency Management, '10
"Your degree is proof of your hard work; your character will define your legacy."
-BA (Hons) IT, '17
"Its important when you get to the workforce to not limit yourself to your job description and job title. Try to take on more, learn more, participate more than expected. This way you can fast track career progression and stand out from the others."
-BCom, '18
"As you transition into the labour market, don’t get discouraged when you get a “no” as you apply for jobs. Just keep going !"
-BA Gender & Women's Studies, '18
"When you experience moments that feels like defeat, use it as resilience to move forward! Congrats on this milestone 👏"
-MA Nursing, '15
"Congrats class of 2026! In this everchanging world of AI, be agile. Dont be afraid to take risks and constantly evolving, either its in your personal life or professional. Wake up being a better YOU everyday."
-BSc Biomedical Science, '15
"I graduated with BA in political science 18’ and now I’m a cybersecurity specialist with over 9 years of experience. You can be ANYTHING you want just work towards your craft everyday."
-BA, '18