Convocation at the University of Guelph marks the realization of our students’ academic goals and years of hard work. It is an important milestone for our students because each graduate, no matter where they are from, has a story that brought them to this moment.
The ceremonies to be held between June 11-14 celebrate not only our students’ accomplishments, but also those of the families, faculty and staff who supported them throughout their academic journeys. It is a pointed reminder that the entire community plays a part in their success.
This year, a record number of graduates will cross the stage at this year’s summer convocation ceremonies. The University will award more than 3,900 degrees, diplomas and certificates to the Class of 2024 during 12 ceremonies. There to celebrate will be more than 15,000 family members and friends.
Scheduled times for all ceremonies are on the U of G Convocation page. Information on directions and parking can be found on the Family & Guests page.
During the ceremony, honorary degrees will be conferred to five recipients whose accomplishments have inspired the U of G community. As well, the University will grant the distinction of Medal of Merit and University Professor Emeritus/Emerita to 12 faculty.
Before graduands receive their degree parchments, several accomplished students will receive awards to recognize their outstanding academic and civic achievements. They are as follows:
W.C. Winegard Medal
Kelly Hughes
Named for former U of G president Bill Winegard, the W.C. Winegard Medal is U of G’s top undergraduate convocation award that recognizes both academic achievement and contributions to campus and community life.
Kelly Hughes is ranked among the highest in her two majors: History and Culture and Technology Studies and has participated in many research projects, helping to tell the stories of women and others overlooked by literary history.
Awarded the prestigious University Graduate Scholarship and the Graduate Tuition Scholarship, Kelly next plans to embark on her master’s degree at U of G.
Read more about Kelly’s path to convocation.
D.F. Forster Medals
The D. F. Forster Medals are U of G’s top convocation award for graduate students. Named for former U of G president Donald Forster, the medal recognizes academic achievement, leadership and citizenship.
D.F. Forster Medal (doctoral)
Emily Duncan
Emily Duncan was selected for her remarkable accomplishments in the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences and notable contributions to community service.
While researching the impacts of digital agricultural technologies on the food system for her PhD, Emily received several academic awards, including and Ontario Graduate Scholarship and a prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship.
She has also shone in her leadership. Emily was instrumental in developing a vibrant student culture, and founding a student organization called the Guelph Agri-food Network, as well as the Guelph Tool Library. Her volunteer work earned one of University’s top community service awards, the William Winegard Exemplary Volunteer Involvement Award.
D.F. Forster Medal (magisteriate)
Zoe Sherar
As the top master’s graduate in the Lang School of Business and Economics, Zoe Sherar’s research led to the first-ever market analysis of consumer attitudes on women’s sports.
As an athlete, she competes in track and field at the varsity level and national level as a member of the women’s 4 x 400 relay team, which recently qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
As a volunteer, she has served as a student-athlete mentor, an academic peer helper, a Gryphon camp counsellor, and a volunteer with a local elementary school.
Walter Vaughan Medal
Harsimran (Simran) Kaur Kalra
Named for a former secretary of Senate, the Walter Vaughan Medal recognizes a student who has achieved high academic standing and has made a substantial contribution to student life through involvement in Senate.
A biomedical science major who hails from India, Simran Kaur Kalra has been a vital member of the Senate and Board of Governors, the Central Students Association and numerous student committees. In her work to enhance the student experience, particularly for international students, she has shown an attentional to detail, keen analysis, courage and determination.
Her advocacy has led to several completed and pending changes that have improved community life.
Governor General’s Medals
Gold Medals – top graduate students
Two Governor General’s Gold Medals are awarded each year for outstanding academic excellence. This year’s winners are:
- Ryan Curry, a doctoral student in quantum physics in the Department of Physics in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- Massimo Nardone, a doctoral student in cardiovascular physiology in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences in the College of Biological Science
Silver Medals – top undergraduate students
Governor General’s Silver Medals are awarded each year to undergraduate students who graduate with the highest cumulative average. This year’s winners are:
- Karli Elizabeth Chalmers, Bachelor of Science Honours, Biomedical Science
- Rachel Anne Manios, Bachelor of Science Honours Biomedical Science
- Katherine Meng-Di Yu, Bachelor of Science Honours Biomedical Science
Bronze Medal – top diploma student
One Governor General’s Bronze Medal is awarded each year to the Ontario Agricultural College diploma who has graduated with the highest cumulative average. This year’s winner is:
- Rachelle A. Sengupta, Equine Care & Management Co-op