Elated students were joined by their proud loved ones and friends to celebrate the graduates’ success as part of Humber Polytechnic’s Fall 2025 Convocation ceremonies.
More than 3,1000 graduating students crossed the Toronto Congress Centre stage to receive their credential during the two days of ceremonies held on November 6 and 7. Convocation ceremonies were also livestreamed on Humber’s YouTube channel for those who couldn’t attend.
“Today is a celebration. Not just of achievement, but of persistence. Of creativity. Of community. Of brilliance built — not inherited, not given, but forged by you,” Humber President and CEO Ann Marie Vaughan told the graduates.
“We gather under the Humber Polytechnic Builders of Brilliance banner — and I can think of no better phrase to describe what this moment represents,” she continued. “Because brilliance doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you show up to that 8 a.m. class after a sleepless night. When you pitch a bold new idea in class, even if your voice shakes. When you help someone else succeed, knowing that we rise higher when we rise together.”
The Fall 2025 Convocation Valedictorian was Paxton Coghlin, who’s a graduate of the Electromechanical Engineering Technology program. Coghlin was a gold medalist at Skills Canada, the recipient of the RBC Best of Region Award for Ontario and a competitor at the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France where he received a Medallion of Excellence.
Kim Anne Medina graduated from the Supply Chain Management program and was at Fall Convocation to celebrate the accomplishment with her classmates and friends. Medina’s time at Humber hasn’t come to a close just yet as she’s currently enrolled in the Personal Support Worker program.
“There’s a lot of emotions I’m feeling today,” said Medina.
International Development graduate Sandy Yang saw her mother fly all the way in from Taiwan to support and celebrate Yang’s achievement. It meant a great deal to the graduate.
“Her support is why I’m here today and I wanted her to see I’m doing well,” said Yang, who’s now focused on starting her career after graduating.
Sport Management student Arshnoor Brar became just the second person in his family to graduate from post-secondary.
“It was my mom’s dream to see me graduate,” said Brar.
Meanwhile, on November 6, Humber conferred an honorary degree on entrepreneur and philanthropist Nav Bhatia as part of this year’s ceremonies.
Elinam Kamassah, who graduated from the four-year Bachelor of Child and Youth Care program, didn’t have a high school graduation due to COVID-19 so celebrating his accomplishments at convocation was important.
“It feels like I’m putting a stamp on my Humber experience – once I cross the stage, it signals that my time at Humber is complete and I’m now an alumni.”
Kamassah, who’s already working as a youth engagement coordinator, now plans to apply to teacher’s college.
Creative Writing graduate and mature student Beth Beech thoroughly enjoyed the program and having Lana Button as a mentor. Beech came to convocation because she felt it was important to celebrate her achievement and, by graduating, showed that age has no bearing when it comes to continuing education or picking up new interests.
Graduating from post-secondary isn’t new for Rey Lorenz Sonido Avelino, having done it twice before. However, the Computer Systems Technician – Information Technology Infrastructure and Services graduate still wanted to attend Fall 2025 Convocation to celebrate the moment.
“The atmosphere here is amazing and getting to wear the gown again is great,” said Avelino.
Find out more, along with a list of past recipients and previous ceremonies, by visiting the Fall 2025 Convocation website.