It’s not easy wrapping up and celebrating the incredible milestone of obtaining your degree during such a trying time, and your fellow alumni wanted to let you know that you’re not alone! From this moment on you are a member of an approximately 60,000 UTSC alumni network – and 600,000 U of T alumni – that will support you throughout your life and career progression.
We have compiled some well-wishes from your fellow UTSC alumni to help you get started as you pass on to the next phase of your life. From all of us at UTSC we congratulate you on the hard work that earned you your degree!
Shirley Criscione, BA, 1968
Congratulations on your success. You did it! You made it through a very challenging time and you're on your way. You chose the best university and you're part of an amazing group of young people. Your degree will open many doors for you whatever your future endeavours. Follow your dreams wherever they may lead you. I wish you every success as you venture out along life's path. Reach for the stars!
Stephanie Geddes, BA 1968, MEd 1987 and Bruce Geddes, BA 1968, BEd 1971, MA 1970, Med 1980
Congratulations on successfully completing your degree. Best wishes for your continued success as you take on the world. Sincerely, Stephanie and Bruce Geddes, First Graduating Class, UTSC, 1968
Sameeha Zaynab, BA Hons. 2017
Congratulations on reaching this milestone in your life. Always remember to take on new challenges and opportunities in a positive light, and give yourself the time to learn and discover along your path. I wish you many more successes ahead.
Lisa Fenton Lemon, BA Hons. 1997
You did it! Congratulations. Wishing you all the best in the coming years as you begin your journey as an alumni. Please keep in touch, you always have a home at UTSC.
Chevon Riley, HBSc 2020
Graduating in a time were the world is changing will be challenging for you to get into the work force. Just remember, you have a degree from the #1 University in Canada so you should at least be in the top 10 candidates. Congratulations on making it this far! Most people are not as focus, dedicated, and consistent like you. It's time to apply the knowledge you have gained over the years and dominate the world.
"Choose jobs that excite and challenge you and embrace the multi career changes that you will encounter as growth and new challenges."
Dan Bowyer, BA 1979
Alumni, Learning is neither a static nor an inert process. As you will surely find in the next few years and for the remainder of your days, learning is a lifelong process. Embrace that concept and continue applying your concerted efforts towards maximizing your learning. The last words of the immortal Leonardo da Vinci, 1452-1519, were, "I have offended God and mankind, because my work did not reach the quality it should have!" Congratulations on your achievements today! Strive to Learn More! Dan Bowyer Member, UTSCAA
Dorinda So, BBA, 2009
Congratulations Class of 2021! You did it! Not only did you get your degree, you did it during a global pandemic - these incredible feats and deserve to be celebrated. As you go forth, know that you are joining a global community of over 60,000 alumni so though you are leaving behind a student community, you are now part of an even larger family of diverse individuals who are all rooting for you. You are welcome here!
Howard Rosenbloom, BSc, 1978
This class has a much larger variety of opportunities to pursue then when I graduated in fields that did not exist back then. What the pandemic has showed that you can work from anywhere in the world so don’t let the place you live dictate what you will be doing. Choose jobs that excite and challenge you and embrace the multi career changes that you will encounter as growth and new challenges. All the best in your future.
Dominic Stephenson, HBSc, 2018
Hi New Grads! Congratulation on making it to the end of your Undergrad Career. Please make sure you celebrate the hard work you've put in over the years because you deserve to take in this moment. That being said, you're now about to take on the next path, with its own set of lessons and wins -- “the real world” as we often call it. I encourage you to reach out for support, Use LinkedIn to talk to people doing what you're interested in pursuing for instance, ask them about their experiences so that you can be informed before making your next set of decisions. It is more difficult to try and do this alone, but with others, it’s easier to find your way.
Gunjan Syal, BSc, 2007
Take on the world, it's your digital oyster (this just means you can hang out with people from all over the world online).
"Take on the world, it's your digital oyster."
Adnan Hoque, BSc 2006
Don't be afraid of the unknown, embrace it for better or worse. You're getting started. The only way to grow in the real world is to try, experience, fail, and succeed. UofT has trained you well. Use it, be bold and humble. Goodluck!
Gautami Gupta, BSc 2018
Congratulations Class of 2021! Even through such a challenging time, you made it to the other side! :)
Celestia Richards, HBA 2005
Congratulations!! You completed your degree in truly unique and challenging times! All the best in your next steps and be sure to keep in touch with fellow alumni and UTSC.
Melanie Ratnam, PhD 2008
Heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2021! Embrace the journey ahead with excitement and curiosity! The world needs bright minds like yours!
Akshana Asokan, HBSc 2019
Congratulations Class of 2021! You should be proud of yourselves for this great achievement. As Graduates during this pandemic, you all have shown something special: resilience, perseverance, adaptability, and strength. May this be the stepping stone which guides you out in the world to do wonders. Wishing you luck on your future endeavours. Congratulations once again and welcome to the Alumni Family!
"There's a wonderful group of alumni here to support you as you start your next chapter."
Corey Formica, HBA 2000
Congratulations to the Class of 2021! One piece of advice that was shared with me shortly after graduation I'll share with you - not every job in your career may be your dream job, but make the most out of every opportunity that comes your way. Each opportunity will be an important step in your life journey as continue to learn, grow, discover your strengths, follow your passion, and chase your dreams. I wish you the best for a bright and happy future! Keep in touch with UTSC and the friends you have made here. You are now part of a large and fantastic alumni community, and we are here to support and encourage you along the way.
Valerie Aguiar, BBA 2011
Best wishes to the Class of 2021! Take time to celebrate this incredible accomplishment. There's a wonderful group of alumni here to support you as you start your next chapter - taking a break, pursuing further studies, starting a business, or finding employment. Best of luck!
Jim Hartley, BA 1980
Surround yourself with great ethical people. You are the average of your 5 closest friends, raise your average by choosing excellent people to associate with.
Jen Davies, B.Ed (OISE) 2019
What a heck of a year! Give yourself kudos for getting through it and even graduating. Highly recommend leveraging your resources, like the Career Centres and the Alumni community, for support with whatever comes next.
Barbara Ratnam, BA 2015, MT OISE 2018
Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2021! Let your big dreams inspire the amazing journey that awaits you!
Mohsin Bukhari, Hons. BA 2000
Dear Graduates. Congrats on completing your studies. While your final year may not have been what you imagined, it most certainly will have made you more resilient. Hopefully these experiences will help guide you to succeed in your future endeavours. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter. Stay Positive, Stay Safe and Stay Well!
Photo: UTSC convocation moment, courtesy U of T archives