A record number of University of Guelph students will cross the stage at summer convocation this year, including the first graduates of two new bachelor programs.
The annual event will celebrate more than 4,600 students who have completed their degree, diploma or certificate.
This year’s convocation features the first graduating cohort for two U of G degree programs: Bachelor of Indigenous Environmental Science and Practice (BIESP) and Bachelor of Sexualities, Genders and Social Change (SXGN).
BIESP braids together Western environmental science with Indigenous knowledge systems and land-based practices, preparing graduates with both the scientific expertise and cultural competency required to work with Indigenous communities. The degree is the first-of-its-kind in Canada, defined by a two-eyed seeing approach to learning and research.
The SXGN program offers an interdisciplinary approach to studying theories drawn from feminism, decolonialism, masculinities, gender and race while exploring how sexual orientations, gender identities, and social norms shape our world. Students are set up for careers as social workers, community outreach workers, counsellors or therapist, human rights advocates and more, empowered to make a difference in their communities.
Celebrating the class of 2026
The ceremonies, scheduled for June 8-12, mark the end of a years-long journey for students and recognize the contributions of families, faculty and staff who have supported them through their academic career.
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 scheduled ceremonies, the University will confer six honorary degrees to recipients whose accomplishments have inspired the community. Seven outstanding faculty members will also be honoured for their work in teaching and scholarship.
Student Awards
Several students will receive awards to recognize their academic and civic achievements.
W.C. Winegard Medal
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.
This year’s recipient is Justin Tang, who will graduate with a Bachelor of Science and is the top student in the College of Biological Science.
D.F. Forster Medals
The D. F. Forster Medals are U of G’s top convocation awards 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)
This year’s awardee, Charlotte Potter, completed a PhD in rural studies in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, exploring local and Indigenous knowledge systems.
D.F. Forster Medal (magisteriate)
Recipient Nida Ansari is graduating with a M.Sc. in integrative biology, examining the degree of social and community context teaching and learning in an Ontario university’s engineering curricula.
Walter Vaughan Medal
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.
There are two recipients this year:
- Marcus Aldred-Ganhao (Bachelor of Engineering)
- Megan Black (PhD, Chemistry)
Governor General’s Medals
Gold Medals – top graduate students
Governor General’s Gold Medals are awarded each year for outstanding academic excellence. This year’s winners are:
- Brett Culbert, PhD in the Department of Integrative Biology
- Christine Hwang, PhD in the Department of Management
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:
- Lochlyn Amelia Anne Trefiak, Bachelor of Science, Honours, Bio-Medical Science
- Lindsay Sofia Moffatt, Bachelor of Science, Honours, Microbiology
- Bryn Cameron McNeil, Bachelor of Science, Honours, Bio-Medical 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:
- Rachel Rebecca Lee, Associate Diploma in Veterinary Technology – Alternative (Ridgetown)
Discover more about the inspiring journeys of our graduates and how the University of Guelph shaped their paths