On Friday, June 19, graduates, their families and the university community gathered in the De Mazenod Chapel to celebrate the Class of 2026.
In two separate ceremonies – one held in the morning and one in the afternoon – the University celebrated 359 new graduates. This is the largest graduating class in the University’s history.
In his address, Rector Louis Patrick Leroux congratulated the graduates on achieving this important milestone and encouraged them to reflect on their futures:
“At the start of your studies, you may have asked yourself: How will I benefit from my degree? By the end, hopefully, you now ask yourself: now, how do I contribute to society?”
Agents of Change in the World
Uniquely this year, both valedictorians are PhD graduates who have also served as part-time professors at the University. Drawing from their experience both as educators and students, they encourage their fellow graduates to bring their knowledge into the world.
“We will look upon the problems we encounter, maybe a little daunted by their complexity, but we will use the skills and lenses we’ve learned here to better understand what we encounter, who we are in the world, and how we can be the instruments of peace we were intended to be,” shared Dr. Natalie Dupuis, who completed her PhD in Conflict Studies. “I remain confident that our graduates will do nothing less than regard their fellow humans with the dignity, empathy, and respect they, and we, all deserve.”
This sentiment was echoed by the valedictorian of the afternoon ceremony.
“Your knowledge and skills are not a secret to be kept, but a treasure to be shared with the world. As you sit here today at the graduation ceremony, all [your] transformative efforts are bearing fruit,” shared Dr. Nicolas Galton, recipient of a PhD in Counselling and Spirituality. “As we say at Saint Paul University: be the face of change.”
Honorary Doctorate
As part of the convocation celebrations, the University bestowed the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, with an honorary doctorate.
Madame Dumont was recognized for her longstanding career and leadership in the education sector, championing the vitality of la Francophonie in Ontario, and dedication to building connections between communities.
In her address to the graduates, Madame Dumont shared these parting words: “Move forward with confidence and with the firm conviction that you are making a difference right where you are […] May your path be illuminated by your desire to serve, to love, and to foster hope around you.”
The Governor General Academic Medals
Each year, Saint Paul University awards two graduates with the Governor General’s Academic Silver Medal and Gold Medal. These medals are awarded to the students who achieve the highest academic standing at the undergraduate and graduate level, respectively.
Costello Matthew Rupert, who completed the Honours B.A. in Human Relations and Spirituality, is the recipient of the Silver Medal.
The recipient of the Gold Medal is Dale Nikkel, a graduate of the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Research on Contemporary Social Issues.
Congratulations to all our graduates!
