Congratulations on reaching the finish line, McMaster graduates!

This is your one-stop shop for stories, videos and highlights from spring 2022 convocation ceremonies and legacy events, taking place from May 24 – June 17, 2022. In the videos below, McMaster University President David Farrar  shares a congratulatory greeting with classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022!

Daily News graduation stories

Check back on this page as we add more grad stories, including valedictorian and award winner profiles, throughout convocation season. 

Congratulations from McMaster University’s Chancellor

In the video below, McMaster University Chancellor Santee Smith welcomes new Mac grads into the esteemed Alumni community.

Meet McMaster’s spring honorary degree recipients

From working to break the cycle of child poverty to advancing inclusive excellence in the tech sector, this year’s McMaster University honorary degree recipients include ten of the best and brightest in their respective fields.

In-person convocation details

In-person convocation events will take place at First Ontario Concert Hall in Hamilton. More details available here.  In addition to the official convocation ceremonies that took place online, in-person events will be held to celebrate the accomplishments of McMaster students who graduated in 2020 or 2021. Details can be found on the Office of the Registrar’s website.

Convocation: A guide to McMaster University traditions

Since its founding in 1887, thousands of McMaster University students have celebrated and been celebrated at convocation ceremonies. Many official, and unofficial traditions have grown from these celebrations.

‘A long time coming:’ McMaster celebrates 2020 & 2021 graduates at in-person legacy events

Legacy events were held to honour 2020 and 2021 McMaster University graduates – students who didn’t get the chance to take part in an in-person celebration because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Black Grad Magic: Historic celebration launches a rich tradition

Pomp, circumstance, tears, gowns — and live steelpan music. Welcome to McMaster’s inaugural Black Graduation Celebration.

Click here to see photos and read more about the historic day. 

Convocation 2022: Students share their journeys to the finish line

Graduates across all six faculties share the lessons they learned and the memories they’ll take with them as they cross this finish line and start their own exciting new journeys.

Convocation 2022: Governor General’s Academic Medal

Zachary Vrhovsek from the Faculty of Social Sciences, and Mitchell Cooke from the Faculty of Engineering are this year’s recipients of the Governor General’s Academic Medal, one of the most prestigious student awards in Canada.

‘We’re all in the university of life’ — Scenes from the Indigenous graduation ceremony

The first in-person Indigenous graduation ceremony in years was held on Thursday, June 16. Warm, welcoming and celebratory, here are some highlights from a very special celebration.

Spring 2022 convocation: A celebration of our graduates

Twelve convocation ceremonies were held across May and June to mark the achievements of graduates across McMaster’s six faculties.

Meet the valedictorians

May 25 — Jacqueline Rintjema, Faculty of Health Sciences 

“If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no.” Jacqueline Rintjema started putting her hand up and pursuing the opportunities that interested her. And it paid off.

“Even if it didn’t end up working out, each application, interview, and connection I made enabled me to learn from the experience and improve for the next one. The opportunities that did work out made all of the disappointments worth it.”

Click here to get to know more about Jacqueline

May 26 — Alexander Skipper, School of Nursing

“An important (and admittedly difficult) lesson I’ve learned so far is that you won’t always succeed the first time you try and do something.”

It’s hard to accept at first, but Alex Skipper knows that difficulty with new tasks isn’t failing; it’s a natural part of the learning process.

“I’ve had to learn to not be too hard on myself in these situations, and I hope that others can learn this as well!”

Click here to get to know more about Alex

June 13 – Isabel Diavolitsis, Faculty of Humanities and Arts & Science program

“Put yourself out there and be brave.”

Isabel Diavolitsis shares advice for other students on trying new things and why university is the perfect time to discover oneself. 

“Trust yourself and your intuition! You know yourself best, so have faith in yourself and what your goals are.”

Click here to get to know more about Isabel

June 14 – Momina Qureshi, DeGroote School of Business

“I was choosing between a couple universities, and McMaster was not necessarily at the top of my list. However, that all changed very quickly.”

DeGroote School of Business valedictorian Momina Qureshi shares the one thing she saw while visiting McMaster as a prospective student that made the university her number one choice.

Click here to get to know more about Momina

June 14 – Chirag Sheth, DeGroote School of Business

“Growth and improvement won’t happen overnight, it’s a long game.”

DeGroote School of Business valedictorian Chirag Sheth explains what he means when he tells other students to treat their MBA or post-secondary education as their playground.

Click here to learn more about Chirag.

June 15 – Angelo Marmolejo, Faculty of Social Sciences

“I strongly believe that everyone deserves the same access and opportunity to resources that help expand not only their understanding of the world, but also to advance in their career, health and lifestyle.”

Faculty of Social Sciences valedictorian Angelo (Jello) Marmolejo explains how his time at McMaster has helped him expand his worldview and figure out how best to impact his community and grow as a person in the real world.

Click here to learn more about Angelo.

June 15 – Harjot Shoker, Faculty of Social Sciences

“As a first-generation Sikh-Canadian who had to navigate the health-care system at a young age, I recognize how systemic barriers such as financial challenges, cultural differences and language barriers limit access to health care.”

Faculty of Social Sciences valedictorian Harjot Kaur Shoker says she intends to put the lessons of her lived experiences to work, removing barriers and gaps that exist between marginalized communities and the health-care system.

Click here to learn more about Harjot

June 16 – Cindy Chin, Faculty of Science 

“There is no shame in seeking out resources — it doesn’t make you weak; instead, recognizing and acting on your needs is a sign of strength.”

Faculty of Science valedictorian Cindy Chin explains how a pause in her educational journey taught her a valuable lesson — that every student is different and will go through a different journey — and that that’s OK!

Click here to read more about Cindy

June 16 – Nicole Wong, Faculty of Science 

“Treat your undergraduate experience like an experiment, with your ultimate goal being to learn more about yourself.” Nicole Wong says university is the perfect time to figure out what you want to do — but to keep in mind that everyone around you is figuring it out too.

“Everyone around you is learning who they are, and nobody truly has it all together.”

Click here to learn more about Nicole

June 16 – Sanya Vij, Faculty of Science

“Put yourself out there and connect with people you look up to.” Faculty of Science valedictorian Sanya Vij says getting out of your comfort zone, while hard, can be the best thing you can do for yourself.

“You never know who will take the time of day to take you under their wing and help you out.”

Click here to learn about Sanya. 

June 17 –  Annika Yardy, Faculty of Engineering

“Get involved in anything outside of class,” says Faculty of Engineering valedictorian Annika Yardy.

“Your strongest memories will be formed from diverse experiences created with a community of people and places outside of academics.”

Click here to learn more about Annika. 

June 17 – Aya Aboughanem, Faculty of Engineering 

“Don’t stress about the future so much,” says Faculty of Engineering valedictorian Aya Aboughanem.

“If you change your mind later on, you can still make what you want happen. There’s no set path or timeline for anyone.”

Click here to learn more about Aya.