May 19, 2023
Congratulations, Class of 2023!
This is your one-stop shop for stories, videos and highlights from Spring 2023 convocation ceremonies.
Check back on this page as we add more grad stories, including valedictorian and award winner profiles, throughout convocation season.
Details of all convocation ceremonies can be found on the Office of the Registrar’s website.
Share your special moments with us by tagging us on Instagram (@McMasterU) and use the hashtag #MacGrad2023.
Moments that Mattered: Student stories and reflections
Arriving at McMaster as a 16-year-old international student taught Toluwalase Dayo-Olaide some important life lessons the biology student says he will take with him long after he crosses the stage at convocation. Read here
Anu Popoola has worked hard to give back to the community that welcomed her here at McMaster. As the Bachelor of Health Sciences student gets set to graduate, she shares why she’s so excited for future students. Read here
New Health Sciences graduates Maneetpal Badesha (seen here), Chantelle Boyles, Gabrielle Herman and Michael Kalu share their future plans, favourite McMaster memories and words of wisdom for other students. Learn more
When he came to McMaster, Ian-Carlo Morales-Nunez had no idea how the next few years would play out. Turns out, he would blaze a new trail, becoming the very first person at the university to earn the new interdisciplinary minor in Latin American and Latinx Studies. Read his story here.
‘You are our future’ Indigenous grad celebrates students’ journey
The first Indigenous Graduation Celebration since the creation of the Indigenous Studies department was marked by drumming, dancing, laughter, tears and joy. Learn more
The first Indigenous Graduation Celebration since the creation of the @macindigenous_studies department was marked by drumming, dancing, laughter, tears and joy. A record number of graduating students participated.
Thank you @macindigenousss @mcmasterihll for organizing such a beautiful celebration of our students and their accomplishments.
Link in bio for more
#MacGrad2023
The first Indigenous Graduation Celebration since the creation of the @macindigenous_studies department was marked by drumming, dancing, laughter, tears and joy. A record number of graduating students participated.
Thank you @macindigenousss @mcmasterihll for organizing such a beautiful celebration of our students and their accomplishments.
Link in bio for more
#MacGrad2023
🎓”It’s normal to feel anxious and overwhelmed. It’s not about a race to the finish line, but rather a transformative journey.”
🎓Try to slow down and approach all situations with a sense of curiosity, says @dsbcampus valedictorian Shweta Sapra (@shwetashish.1).
🎓”Have faith in your abilities, and don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance and support. We’re all in this together.”
🎓#MacGrad2023
🎓”It’s normal to feel anxious and overwhelmed. It’s not about a race to the finish line, but rather a transformative journey.”
🎓Try to slow down and approach all situations with a sense of curiosity, says @dsbcampus valedictorian Shweta Sapra (@shwetashish.1).
🎓”Have faith in your abilities, and don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance and support. We’re all in this together.”
🎓#MacGrad2023
🎓”Try and prevent yourself from overthinking and stressing over obstacles, and rather look at them as an opportunity to come out stronger in the end.”
🎓Laura Coelho remembers the shock of getting several poor grades in her first-year calculus class. But the @dsbcampus valedictorian says she is also proud of how she responded. She asked for help and got up early every morning to study — ultimately boosting her final grade by 20%.
🎓”My final grade doesn’t define my success as a person today, but what mattered is that I learned I am capable of overcoming challenges as they come as long as I believe in myself and try my best.”
🎓Link in bio. #MacGrad2023
🎓”Try and prevent yourself from overthinking and stressing over obstacles, and rather look at them as an opportunity to come out stronger in the end.”
🎓Laura Coelho remembers the shock of getting several poor grades in her first-year calculus class. But the @dsbcampus valedictorian says she is also proud of how she responded. She asked for help and got up early every morning to study — ultimately boosting her final grade by 20%.
🎓”My final grade doesn’t define my success as a person today, but what mattered is that I learned I am capable of overcoming challenges as they come as long as I believe in myself and try my best.”
🎓Link in bio. #MacGrad2023
🎓”Slow down, take a second to really appreciate where you are, and be kind to yourself because what you’re doing is pretty amazing.”
🎓Taren Ginter, a @mcmasterscience valedictorian, says the transition to university taught her to ask for help and to make time for self care. She says she even considered dropping out — but is so glad she didn’t.
🎓”I realized that I am actually more resilient than I ever knew and that it’s worth it to push through anxiety-inducing situations.“
🎓More advice at the link in bio. #MacGrad2023
🎓”Slow down, take a second to really appreciate where you are, and be kind to yourself because what you’re doing is pretty amazing.”
🎓Taren Ginter, a @mcmasterscience valedictorian, says the transition to university taught her to ask for help and to make time for self care. She says she even considered dropping out — but is so glad she didn’t.
🎓”I realized that I am actually more resilient than I ever knew and that it’s worth it to push through anxiety-inducing situations.“
🎓More advice at the link in bio. #MacGrad2023
🎓”Set your expectations aside in first year and take the time to explore. You’ll end up going exactly where you need to be.”
🎓@mcmasterscience valedictorian Meghan Nemeth says she was completely overwhelmed by the transition to university in her first year, but after reaching out for help from Academic Services, she found herself on a better path.
🎓”University is meant to be fun; it’s meant to be an exploration of knowledge and finding your own identity in that pursuit. So, take the time you have here to learn, make mistakes, grow, and connect, I promise there’s something here for everyone to discover.”
🎓More at the link in bio. #MacGrad2023
🎓”Set your expectations aside in first year and take the time to explore. You’ll end up going exactly where you need to be.”
🎓@mcmasterscience valedictorian Meghan Nemeth says she was completely overwhelmed by the transition to university in her first year, but after reaching out for help from Academic Services, she found herself on a better path.
🎓”University is meant to be fun; it’s meant to be an exploration of knowledge and finding your own identity in that pursuit. So, take the time you have here to learn, make mistakes, grow, and connect, I promise there’s something here for everyone to discover.”
🎓More at the link in bio. #MacGrad2023
🎓”It’s OK to not have your future completely planned out.”
🎓University is a great time to meet new people and experience new things to expand your perspectives, says @mcmastersocsci Elizabeth Wong. Because figuring out what’s next can be daunting.
🎓”Remember, your path is yours and you can take as little or as long as you need to find your path.”
🎓More advice from #MacGrad2023 valedictorians at the link in bio.
🎓”It’s OK to not have your future completely planned out.”
🎓University is a great time to meet new people and experience new things to expand your perspectives, says @mcmastersocsci Elizabeth Wong. Because figuring out what’s next can be daunting.
🎓”Remember, your path is yours and you can take as little or as long as you need to find your path.”
🎓More advice from #MacGrad2023 valedictorians at the link in bio.
🎓”Embrace the positive and the negative experiences”
🎓When @mcmastersocsci Valedictorian Salsa Sarhan came to McMaster she ran for a seat on the MSU first-year council and didn’t get it. But it taught her an important lesson in handling rejection and using it to grow as an individual.
🎓”Not everything is meant to be in a linear path. There are bumps along the way to show you what is meant for you and what will be a beneficial experience and what won’t be.”
🎓More from our valedictorians at the link in bio. #MacGrad2023
🎓”Embrace the positive and the negative experiences”
🎓When @mcmastersocsci Valedictorian Salsa Sarhan came to McMaster she ran for a seat on the MSU first-year council and didn’t get it. But it taught her an important lesson in handling rejection and using it to grow as an individual.
🎓”Not everything is meant to be in a linear path. There are bumps along the way to show you what is meant for you and what will be a beneficial experience and what won’t be.”
🎓More from our valedictorians at the link in bio. #MacGrad2023
🎓”Understand that grades are important, but not all that university is. You are there to grow as a person too!”
🎓Rebecca Di Vincenzo didn’t know anyone in her first-year classes and it took a lot of courage for her to overcome her shyness and talk to people. A few years later, she’s crossing the stage as @mcmastereng valedictorian, surrounded by her #FireballFamily, friends and supporters.
🎓Congratulations to our class of 2023! Link in bio for more from Rebecca and other grads
#MacGrad2023
🎓”Understand that grades are important, but not all that university is. You are there to grow as a person too!”
🎓Rebecca Di Vincenzo didn’t know anyone in her first-year classes and it took a lot of courage for her to overcome her shyness and talk to people. A few years later, she’s crossing the stage as @mcmastereng valedictorian, surrounded by her #FireballFamily, friends and supporters.
🎓Congratulations to our class of 2023! Link in bio for more from Rebecca and other grads
#MacGrad2023
🎓”There’s no reason to burn yourself out trying to reach impossible goals. Stay calm, and take your adventure through first year day by day.”
🎓Valedictorian @_george.fares knows what he’s talking about — he didn’t pass three first-year courses, but worked hard to improve his grades.
🎓Today he’s crossing the stage as the very first @mcmastereng B.Tech valedictorian.
🎓We’re so proud of our grads and everything you’ve accomplished. Congratulations! Link in bio for more on George and other students
#MacGrad2023
🎓”There’s no reason to burn yourself out trying to reach impossible goals. Stay calm, and take your adventure through first year day by day.”
🎓Valedictorian @_george.fares knows what he’s talking about — he didn’t pass three first-year courses, but worked hard to improve his grades.
🎓Today he’s crossing the stage as the very first @mcmastereng B.Tech valedictorian.
🎓We’re so proud of our grads and everything you’ve accomplished. Congratulations! Link in bio for more on George and other students
#MacGrad2023
Nobel laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female head of state and the former president of Liberia, received an honorary degree at the @mcmasterhum convocation today. ACFAM— the African Caribbean Faculty Association of McMaster — nominated Sirleaf for an honorary degree in partnership with @empowermentsqd and @mastercardfoundation.
🎓 Sirleaf’s story is one of resilience and overcoming adversity — an inspiration to young people, particularly new graduates. During her efforts to fight corruption and oppression, she was imprisoned and exiled. She led her country through a period of reconciliation following a decade of civil war, oversaw tremendous economic growth and strengthened the rights of Liberian women.
🎓 Her work resonates deeply with McMaster and we are honoured to hear about her experiences from over six decades of activism and leadership as a politician and economist, where she was a relentless champion of optimism and hope.
#MacGrad2023
Nobel laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female head of state and the former president of Liberia, received an honorary degree at the @mcmasterhum convocation today. ACFAM— the African Caribbean Faculty Association of McMaster — nominated Sirleaf for an honorary degree in partnership with @empowermentsqd and @mastercardfoundation.
🎓 Sirleaf’s story is one of resilience and overcoming adversity — an inspiration to young people, particularly new graduates. During her efforts to fight corruption and oppression, she was imprisoned and exiled. She led her country through a period of reconciliation following a decade of civil war, oversaw tremendous economic growth and strengthened the rights of Liberian women.
🎓 Her work resonates deeply with McMaster and we are honoured to hear about her experiences from over six decades of activism and leadership as a politician and economist, where she was a relentless champion of optimism and hope.
#MacGrad2023
🎓”Be open to taking risks and trying new things. Don’t be afraid to take on leadership roles, join clubs and make meaningful connections.”
🎓When @mcmasterhum valedictorian Akosua Asafu-Adjaye first came to Mac, she was very homesick for Ghana, but once she got involved in the community and student activities and clubs, she really found her feet.
🎓Link in bio for more from Akosua and others. Congratulations, grads!
#MacGrad2023
🎓”Be open to taking risks and trying new things. Don’t be afraid to take on leadership roles, join clubs and make meaningful connections.”
🎓When @mcmasterhum valedictorian Akosua Asafu-Adjaye first came to Mac, she was very homesick for Ghana, but once she got involved in the community and student activities and clubs, she really found her feet.
🎓Link in bio for more from Akosua and others. Congratulations, grads!
#MacGrad2023
I am because we are.
#BlackGrad embodied that spirit of ubuntu in a joyful celebration of our students and their accomplishments. Link in bio for more from last week’s celebration.
#macgrad2023
📸 Georgia Kirkos and Christian Braun
Events like these are an opportunity to celebrate our Black students` accomplishments. For background on why events like #BlackGrad are so important ➡️ https://equity.mcmaster.ca/app/uploads/2021/01/2020-01-18-Supporting-Black-Excellence-Final.pdf
I am because we are.
#BlackGrad embodied that spirit of ubuntu in a joyful celebration of our students and their accomplishments. Link in bio for more from last week’s celebration.
#macgrad2023
📸 Georgia Kirkos and Christian Braun
Events like these are an opportunity to celebrate our Black students` accomplishments. For background on why events like #BlackGrad are so important ➡️ https://equity.mcmaster.ca/app/uploads/2021/01/2020-01-18-Supporting-Black-Excellence-Final.pdf
🎓 “My biggest challenge in first year was making friends as a commuter. … I thought that I was missing out on valuable time spent with friends and other first years.
I learned that I had to make the most of the time I spent on campus. I always tried to keep myself busy — getting food with my friends, exercising at the pulse, playing intramural sports, or joining clubs that interested me.”
🎓 Taaha Hassan has come a long way from his commuter days as a first year. On the cusp of going to med school, the @machealthsci valedictorian looks back on what he’d love to tell his younger self. Link in bio for more from Taaha, who crosses the stage at this afternoon’s Health Sciences convocation.
🎓 Congratulations to @teehee_taaha and all our new Health Sciences grads!
#MacGrad2023
🎓 “My biggest challenge in first year was making friends as a commuter. … I thought that I was missing out on valuable time spent with friends and other first years.
I learned that I had to make the most of the time I spent on campus. I always tried to keep myself busy — getting food with my friends, exercising at the pulse, playing intramural sports, or joining clubs that interested me.”
🎓 Taaha Hassan has come a long way from his commuter days as a first year. On the cusp of going to med school, the @machealthsci valedictorian looks back on what he’d love to tell his younger self. Link in bio for more from Taaha, who crosses the stage at this afternoon’s Health Sciences convocation.
🎓 Congratulations to @teehee_taaha and all our new Health Sciences grads!
#MacGrad2023
“If I could offer one piece of advice, is to always live in the present. The years you spend studying and training will fly by faster than you can imagine. There will be times that you may feel uncomfortable or don’t know what you are doing, but that is okay! Take the time to appreciate the present, and remember why you chose this profession to help you at the times you feel defeated. Before you know it, you will be graduating.”
🎓 School of Nursing Valedictorian Salwa Siddiqui has a message for graduating students! Link in bio for more from Salwa, as she talks about her memories at Mac (shout-out to Welcome Week!), the moments that mattered and her advice to first years (Making a list helps!).
🎓 Next up for Salwa is the NCLEX test and, she hopes, work in an ER. Congratulations to Salwa and all our new School of Nursing grads!
#MacGrad2023 🎓
“If I could offer one piece of advice, is to always live in the present. The years you spend studying and training will fly by faster than you can imagine. There will be times that you may feel uncomfortable or don’t know what you are doing, but that is okay! Take the time to appreciate the present, and remember why you chose this profession to help you at the times you feel defeated. Before you know it, you will be graduating.”
🎓 School of Nursing Valedictorian Salwa Siddiqui has a message for graduating students! Link in bio for more from Salwa, as she talks about her memories at Mac (shout-out to Welcome Week!), the moments that mattered and her advice to first years (Making a list helps!).
🎓 Next up for Salwa is the NCLEX test and, she hopes, work in an ER. Congratulations to Salwa and all our new School of Nursing grads!
#MacGrad2023 🎓
“Black Grad to me means recognition.”
The Black Excellence Graduation celebration began with traditional djembe drumming and wrapped up with a tremendous sense of achievement and community. Congratulations, students! We’re proud to be part of your journey. Link in bio for more from the celebration
#BlackGrad #MacGrad2023
“Black Grad to me means recognition.”
The Black Excellence Graduation celebration began with traditional djembe drumming and wrapped up with a tremendous sense of achievement and community. Congratulations, students! We’re proud to be part of your journey. Link in bio for more from the celebration
#BlackGrad #MacGrad2023
Anu Popoola has worked hard to give back to the community that welcomed her here at McMaster.
As she gets set to graduate from the Faculty of Health Sciences — and to speak at the Black Excellence Graduation celebration on May 18, Popoola reflects on her involvement in student groups and her work in reducing barriers for incoming Black students.
"I just know that the Black students coming in, they`re going to have so much support and it just it makes me really happy to see that.”
“I`m glad that I could have that I contributed to that change.”
Full story at the link in bio. #MacGrad2023
Anu Popoola has worked hard to give back to the community that welcomed her here at McMaster.
As she gets set to graduate from the Faculty of Health Sciences — and to speak at the Black Excellence Graduation celebration on May 18, Popoola reflects on her involvement in student groups and her work in reducing barriers for incoming Black students.
"I just know that the Black students coming in, they`re going to have so much support and it just it makes me really happy to see that.”
“I`m glad that I could have that I contributed to that change.”
Full story at the link in bio. #MacGrad2023
Toluwalase Dayo-Olaide was only sixteen when he came to study at McMaster from Nigeria.
What followed was a tough, and at times lonely, transition.
But things turned around for the biology student when he found connection and community, largely through McMaster’s Black Student Success Centre.
That tough transition taught him a lesson that he says he will take with him after he graduates from the Faculty of Science — to be yourself. Because only when you are truly yourself can you connect with the people you are meant to be connected to.
Dayo-Olaide will cross a different stage this week as he speaks at the Black Excellence Graduation celebration on Thursday, May 18.
Full story at the link in bio. #MacGrad2023
Toluwalase Dayo-Olaide was only sixteen when he came to study at McMaster from Nigeria.
What followed was a tough, and at times lonely, transition.
But things turned around for the biology student when he found connection and community, largely through McMaster’s Black Student Success Centre.
That tough transition taught him a lesson that he says he will take with him after he graduates from the Faculty of Science — to be yourself. Because only when you are truly yourself can you connect with the people you are meant to be connected to.
Dayo-Olaide will cross a different stage this week as he speaks at the Black Excellence Graduation celebration on Thursday, May 18.
Full story at the link in bio. #MacGrad2023
Valedictorians weigh in
core memories
The Gospel Choir. Capstone Expos. Visiting NASA. We asked valedictorians to share some of their most memorable moments from their time at McMaster. Here’s what they said.
Dear first-year me
First year can be quite the journey. We asked our valedictorians if they had any words of wisdom that they wish they could tell their first-year selves.
Health Sciences valedictorians share words of wisdom
Favourite elective? Best memory at Mac? We asked School of Nursing valedictorian Salwa Siddiqui and Faculty of Health Sciences valedictorian Taaha Hassan to share some of their insights. Learn more
What you can do with a McMaster degree
Congratulations, graduates! Wondering what’s next? Provost Susan Tighe talks to two Mac grads about their careers, their successes and the relationships that came about from their time at McMaster.
‘Black Grad to me means recognition’
With traditional drumming, Kente stoles and an unshakeable sense of community, the Black Excellence Graduation celebration honours Black students’ accomplishments and marks a milestone. Read here.
Meet McMaster’s Spring 2023 honorary degree recipients
From serving as Africa’s first elected female head of state, to making discoveries that transform our understanding of evolution, this year’s McMaster University honorary degree recipients include some of the best and brightest in their respective fields. Read here.
