As the first convocation ceremony for York University's Class of 2025 got underway on June 12, graduands of Glendon College listened to an inspiring message about embracing uncertainty from François Boileau, an honorary doctor of laws recipient.
During her opening remarks, York’s President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton shared a similar sentiment, noting the challenges students navigated over the past several years.
Students began their journey amid significant global upheaval – a war in Europe, escalating conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, uncertainties with the new U.S. administration and the rising consequences of the climate crisis.
“That’s a lot,” she said. “But I stand here today knowing that each of you is not only equipped for this changing world, but that each of you will take what you have learned here at York to make this changing world a better place.”
Glendon Principal Marco Fiola was called on to confer the honorary doctorate degree and emphasized Boileau's lifelong dedication to serving the greater good of Canadians and his significant impact on Francophone rights and services.
Boileau has nearly 30 years of public service experience, including roles as Canada’s Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson and Ontario's French Language Services Commissioner, where he focused on improving taxpayer services and advocating for French language rights.
During his address to graduands, Boileau encouraged the Class of 2025 to embrace the unknown and to seek out opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Reflecting on his own experiences as a recent graduate grappling with questions about the future, he highlighted the importance of saying “yes” to new opportunities – adding in a dash of humour.
“When I graduated – a long time ago, just after the dinosaurs went extinct – I felt just like many of you do today. Proud of what I had accomplished, but uncertain about what came next,” he said.
He stressed that meaningful growth does not always stem from promotions or titles, but rather from taking on new challenges and volunteering. These experiences, he said, helped him build valuable skills and establish connections – ultimately enriching both his personal and professional life.
“The power of saying 'yes' has been significant in my career,” he said. “Through those roles, I met trusted collaborators, mentors and lifelong friends. Each new experience gave me tools, confidence and perspective that I carried back into my everyday work.”
Boileau shared a formative experience from his time working with the local Francophone community in the Yukon, where he gained insights into the impact of residential schools on First Nations communities.
“That experience gave me more than skills; it gave me a sense of contributing to something bigger.”
He encouraged graduands to remain curious, to take small steps toward their interests and to reach out to others in an increasingly challenging environment. “In this climate, we must double down on our willingness to make a difference – not just for ourselves, but also for each other.”
Boileau called on graduates to challenge these threats and to engage in meaningful discussions about the importance of education and service. “Speak up. You are not alone,” he stated, urging graduates to carry their curiosity and kindness into the world.
In closing, Boileau congratulated the Class of 2025, acknowledging their potential not only to succeed but also to lead and make a difference in their communities.
“Go forward with your doubts. Let them keep you curious,” he concluded. “Let them remind you that you are still growing – and that’s a beautiful thing.”