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 the 2025 Fall 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.
In April 2024, York University had the distinct honour of awarding an honorary doctorate to Dr. Jane Goodall, a trailblazer whose life’s work has transformed our understanding of the natural world.
During her address, Dr. Goodall shared a message that continues to echo through our halls: “If you really want to do something important, then you have to work really hard, take advantage of every opportunity – and if you don't give up, hopefully you'll find a way.”
She reminded us that perseverance is the key to success. It is not just about enduring hardship; it is about believing in possibility, even when others doubt you.
At York University, perseverance is not merely a virtue – it is a value embedded in our mission. We are a progressive, research-intensive institution committed to enhancing the well-being of the communities we serve.
Our University Academic Plan challenges us to strengthen our contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and our impact has been recognized globally, with York ranking among the top 40 universities in the world for SDG impact.
This recognition is not the result of a single initiative or moment. It is the outcome of countless acts of perseverance – by our faculty, staff, students and alumni – who have refused to accept the status quo and instead pushed boundaries in science, health, engineering, social justice and sustainability.
Perseverance is what drives our researchers to explore solutions to climate change, food insecurity and systemic inequality. It is what inspires our students to pursue knowledge, even when the path is uncertain. It is what empowers our community to convene ideas and people for meaningful action.
Dr. Goodall’s story is a testament to what perseverance can achieve. She was told her dreams were unrealistic. She was laughed at for wanting to live among wild animals. But she did not give up. She worked hard, seized every opportunity, and found her way.
Her journey mirrors the journeys of so many of you. You may have faced adversity, you may have been told “no,” but the fact that you are graduating today means that you never gave up.
Perseverance is the thread that binds us.
As you join a global network of more than 385,000 York alumni today, I hope you are inspired by Dr. Goodall’s words: “We must never give up.”
I hope you carry forward the spirit of perseverance – not just as individuals, but as a collective – and that you do so with a sense of purpose, wisdom and compassion for others, working across differences that may at times seem insurmountable, to build a more just, sustainable and compassionate world.
During my more than eight years as president of this fine institution, one of my greatest pleasures has been the opportunity to meet so many York graduates who are making a difference around the world. I look forward to seeing what each of you do next.
Let us take a moment now 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.
Let me close by simply thanking you for choosing York.
Congratulations! Bonne chance! Miigwech!