Welcome

A message from Dr. Charlotte A. B. Yates, President and Vice-Chancellor

Dr. Charlotte A. B. Yates, President and Vice-Chancellor

I am pleased to extend heartfelt congratulations to all our graduates this winter. Although I do not know yet when we will be able to celebrate together in person, we are united in Gryphon spirit – something that remains steadfast even as the world changes around us.

Through the past few years, and especially during the past year’s upheavals, your hard work and dedication have brought you to this important milestone. You have faced up to unprecedented challenges with determination, creativity and grace. Those qualities will surely stand you in good stead as you begin the next chapter of your lives.

We take great pride in the achievements of our graduates. In turn, you can take pride in having attended one of Canada’s top comprehensive and research-intensive universities, an institution dedicated to improving life here at home and abroad.

During your time here at the University of Guelph, you have learned, lived and worked as part of an amazing community. With this ceremony, you now join a Gryphon family of some 175,000 grads who continue to make a difference in the wider world. Wherever your life journey takes you, I encourage you to stay connected with the University and to share your accomplishments and discoveries.

Congratulations again to our 2021 graduates, and best wishes for the future.

Dr. Charlotte A. B. Yates, President and Vice-Chancellor

A message from Christina Crowley-Arklie, President, University of Guelph Alumni Association

Christina Crowley-Arklie, President, University of Guelph Alumni Association

Congratulations and welcome to our University of Guelph alumni family! Graduation is a significant milestone in your life that you’ll never forget — one that took a lot of hard work, dedication, sacrifice and late nights.

Despite the obstacles that this year has thrown our way, one thing is clear: you achieved your goal! Your new alumni family (175,000 strong) celebrates your success with you!

In honour of your accomplishments, the University of Guelph Alumni Association (UGAA) gave a graduation tassel to all Class of 2021 graduates to commemorate this momentous occasion. We look forward to the day when you can attend your first alumni event with us in person. Whether it is Homecoming, Alumni Weekend, a reunion or a college event, we can’t wait to meet you. You are now a lifelong member of the UGAA and that means you have access to perks and privileges. Visit alumni.uoguelph.ca for more information.

As you set out on your next journey, we encourage you to stay connected with the University and fellow alumni so you will have a piece of U of G wherever you go. Your class will forever be known for its resilience and perseverance - qualities that will continue to serve you well. It is with great pride that I welcome you officially as a University of Guelph graduate, to our alumni community.

On behalf of the UGAA, I wish you all the best in your personal and professional endeavours — congratulations once again!

Christina Crowley-Arklie, President, University of Guelph Alumni Association

A message from Shauneen Bruder, Chair, Board of Governors

Shauneen Bruder, Chair, Board of Governors

Graduates, congratulations! Completing your program is a tremendous achievement.

In your time at UofG, you have learned to adapt to new challenges and leverage knowledge to create new opportunities. Over the past year, those skills have been put to the test. The dedication and perseverance you have demonstrated as you have worked to reach this milestone is inspirational.

Like many of you, when I started university I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to do after I graduated. My time at the University of Guelph gave me the chance to explore new topics and find a fulfilling career path. But more importantly, it instilled in me a love of lifelong learning that I consider to be the greatest of the many gifts the University of Guelph has given me over the last forty years.

So even though you are marking the culmination of one academic journey, I hope that you will continue to ask big questions, engage with new ideas and test your intellectual limits. Now more than ever, the world needs people who can think broadly and engage with problems in innovative and collaborative ways.

On behalf of my colleagues on the Board of Governors, it is my honour to congratulate you and wish you every success in the future!

Shauneen Bruder, Chair, Board of Governors