The following is an edited version of the speech delivered by York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton to the Class of 2025 at this year’s convocation ceremonies
To the exceptional Class of 2025, my warmest congratulations! It is a privilege and a pleasure to join you in commemorating this major milestone in your life. I am proud to be standing here with you and I know your family and friends are proud of you too.
Many of you began your academic careers at York while facing some pretty significant challenges, whether during the pandemic lockdown or just as it was lifting. The last number of years has also been characterized by significant global upheaval – and that trend has only continued.
We have seen war break out in Europe and the escalation of conflict in the Middle East and Africa. We have felt the uncertainty that has accompanied the new administration in the United States and witnessed the increasing cost of our society’s failure to adequately address the climate crisis.
That’s a lot – but I stand here today knowing that each of you will take what you have learned here at York to contribute to the solutions that will make this world a better place.
I am certain of this because I know the value of a university degree and the value of earning that degree from this remarkable institution that I have had the privilege of serving for the past 22 years.
As individuals with a university education, you will earn approximately 24 per cent more than the national average, and you are more likely to have stable employment – even when there are economic disruptions like the pandemic. You are also much more likely to be able to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and other new technologies, and to harness them to complement your work and your life.
But it is about more than your individual success. Our country benefits from the fact that so many of you have chosen to come to university – you will be the founders of the next generation of Canadian unicorns that will grow our economy, you will be the innovators, researchers, artists, educators, policymakers, leaders and advocates that Canada needs so our country can to continue to be a positive force in this world.
And perhaps most importantly, because you chose to earn your degree from York, I know that what you do next will be infused with purpose. Your education has been shaped by York’s mission to ensure that a university experience is about more than just the knowledge and skills you learn in a particular field.
Our institution and the programs our faculty offer, with support from staff, are shaped by our desire to make the world more just, equitable, peaceful and healthy. We have integrated the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into everything we do – and that means that you have been encouraged to think and to engage in how you can advance them.
York’s vision is about ensuring that no talent gets left behind and about enhancing the well-being of the communities we serve. With so much volatility in the world, taking action can at times seem daunting. But I am confident that the lessons learned while here at York will give you the courage to put one foot in front of the next and to persist even when the future is uncertain.
Many of you have or will be entering the labour market. Remember that the nature of work is changing right now from being about knowledge to being about heart. As AI moves further and further into our lives, what will distinguish all of us is the passion and the care we bring to the challenges we face. I cannot think of a group of people who are better prepared to meet this moment.
Today, you join a network of more than 375,000 York alumni living around the world. I know that some of you are continuing at York in graduate programs, but whatever your future plans may be, I hope that you stay in touch with us and with the friends and acquaintances you have made along the way.
I would also like to invite you to take a moment to acknowledge the many individuals who have supported you throughout your higher education journey: your professors, teaching assistants, administrative staff, classmates, family, partners and friends who have encouraged and assisted you in reaching this significant milestone. All of that support has been incredibly important in helping you get here today.
Thank you for choosing York. Congratulations! I look forward to seeing what you will do next!
Bonne chance! Miigwech!