Welcome

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

On behalf of all of us at the University of Guelph, it is my pleasure to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, the Class of 2021. While we are not able to gather in person today, the entire U of G community is incredibly proud of you for reaching this outstanding milestone.

Throughout your time at U of G — and especially over the course of the past year and a half — you have each taken on unprecedented challenges with determination, creativity and grace. These same qualities will stand you in good stead as you begin the next chapter of your lives.

You are graduating from a world-class comprehensive and research-intensive university that is dedicated to improving life here at home and abroad. With this ceremony, you now join a family of more than 185,000 graduates who are embracing the Gryphon spirit to make a meaningful difference in our world.

However you choose to make a difference, and wherever your journey takes you next, I encourage you to stay connected with the University. We look forward to hearing about your accomplishments, adventures and discoveries.

Congratulations once again, and I wish you the very best for continued success in the months and years ahead.

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

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! While we wish we could be with you in-person to share in your convocation, your new alumni family (more than 185,000 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 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

Shauneen Bruder, Chair, Board of Governors

Shauneen Bruder, Chair, Board of Governors

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

You have persevered through extraordinary challenges to reach this day. The dedication and resilience you have demonstrated as you worked to reach this milestone is inspirational. I know that your experiences at U of G, especially over the last year, have prepared you well to seize opportunities and tackle the challenges in front of you.

As I reflect on my own time at U of G, I am struck by how my experiences in university continue to shape my approach to life. 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 helped me find a fulfilling career path, but more importantly, it instilled in me a love of lifelong learning that continues to inspire me to take on new challenges and explore new opportunities.

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