Dear Graduates,

Let me start by saying how proud we are of each and every one of you. You have persevered through many challenges to get to this point. Every one of you has your own unique story that brought you to this momentous occasion.   

The air during convocation is electric and it is impossible not to get swept up in the excitement as loved ones watch proudly as Humber College graduates cross the stage to receive their degree, diploma or certificate. It is wonderful to see the looks of joy and accomplishment on your faces and how meaningful it is for you to celebrate the occasion with families and supporters. Your faces show the highs and lows of moments that allowed you to be successful graduates. Trust me when I tell you that greeting you on this occasion, as you receive your credential, is the most rewarding experience for the entire Humber community!

I want to thank the members of the Humber Community that helped you get to this moment. The faculty who supported you in your learning. Staff who helped you navigate the institution and the support you needed. Staff who supported many of you who were involved in activities outside of the classroom experience. The student leaders who advocated on your behalf. All of these individuals combine together to give you the best possible experience.  

Throughout your time at Humber, we have focused on equipping you, our students, with skills that are needed to navigate our rapidly changing world and to lead the change you want to see. The continuous infusion of real-life experiences and hands-on learning set Humber apart as a leading polytechnic institution.

As you join the more than 300,000+ Humber alumni community, you now become our biggest ambassadors. You now have the skills to make the world a better place. When I say that, I don’t mean that you need to take on wide-scale structural or societal change to be successful. Success comes from the small steps along the way. Maybe you will impact your workplace in a new and different way. Maybe you will contribute to your community and add value to your neighbourhood. Maybe you will be engaged in global change initiatives. Whatever you do – whatever steps you take along the way - know that we have confidence in you. We will continue to tell your stories. We are proud of you!

As I reflect on my own career path, I want to offer you some advice that I hope you will reflect on. First, give yourself permission to not have all the answers today. I know you will feel the pressure of knowing exactly where you want to be.  It’s okay if you do – and it’s okay if you don’t. Regardless of your path, embrace the twists and turns that life brings as you chase your dreams. It is okay, more than okay really, to stumble or change course or start over. There’s tremendous value to be found in the journey you are on, and you never know what opportunities might be around the bend. Taking new roads and pathways may lead you to a place you never imagined.

Humber will bestow several honorary degrees as part of this year’s Spring Convocation ceremonies. The recipients of Humber honorary degrees are inspiring Canadians who have made their mark in the fields of business, arts and culture, and education. We are excited to recognize their contributions and achievements. Find out who is part of this stellar group, along with a list of past recipients, by visiting the Convocation webpage.

Congratulations graduates – you have my deep respect for making it to this moment. I celebrate you for what you have achieved and for what I know you can become.    

Warmly,  

AMV