Yesterday, we celebrated our graduates with a virtual convocation ceremony. Thanks to everyone who tuned into the watch party event which included a video presentation with speeches and well wishes from special guests and a graduate list to acknowledge their accomplishments.

Thank you to everyone who joined the conversation using #HumberConvo on social media as well.

For those who weren’t able to join us, I wanted to share some of the remarks I delivered as part of the event. We couldn’t be prouder of our alumni and look forward to what you will accomplish next.

We had sincerely hoped to be able to greet graduates and their families in the Toronto Congress Centre this Fall to share best wishes and heartfelt congratulations. Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to do so safely.

Convocation is one of my favourite times of year and not just because of the handshakes and selfies with all of you.

It is one of my favourite times of year because it provides an opportunity to think about the future and how each of you will help to shape where our communities and our industries go from here.

These are extraordinary times. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented disruption to the ways we interact, how we work, how we learn and how we connect.

You have spent your time at Humber preparing for your next steps. You have learned about your field of choice and gained experience that will help you succeed.

Throughout your time with us, you have also been learning about leadership, strategic problem-solving, critical thinking and many key skills that will set you apart.

You have proven your resiliency by completing your studies in the face of adversity. Your ability to adapt has served you well and will continue to do so.

As a Humber graduate, you are prepared to be the leaders of tomorrow – with compassion and humanity.

You are also a global citizen, prepared to tackle issues of equity, diversity and inclusion head on – something that is needed now more than ever.

As an institution, Humber has tried to live these values with our Commitment to Students, which includes being flexible, trying new things and admitting when we have made mistakes; and our Humber at Home Pledge for employees which states that we need to be understanding of each other’s different circumstances.

While the pandemic has brought about change that has been challenging, it has also brought about opportunities for innovation and re-invention of systems and ways of thinking that might have taken years or decades to change otherwise.

We are on the edge of a new world and you are ready to help shape it. It is your time. And we know you can do it.

You are now one of more than two hundred and sixty-five thousand alumni who are the college’s reputation in action.

You are now and forever part of the Humber family and no matter where you go, our doors are always open, and you will always be welcomed home.

Congratulations. We can’t wait to see what you do next.

Thank you.