Under the arches of University of Toronto’s Convocation Hall, graduates from the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education (KPE) crossed the stage on June 12 to receive their degrees in front of cheering families, friends and faculty.
The early afternoon Convocation ceremony marked a significant milestone in each graduate’s journey, capping years of rigorous study, research and hands-on experience.
Later that day, the celebrations continued at the KPE spring Convocation reception, where graduates were recognized not only for their academic accomplishments but also for the leadership, resilience and community spirit that defined their time at the Faculty.
Dean Gretchen Kerr opened the evening reception by welcoming the Class of 2025, their loved ones and members of the KPE community to the event. In her remarks, she acknowledged the dedication it takes to complete one of the university’s most demanding academic programs, especially in a field as dynamic and socially relevant as kinesiology.
“Today is a celebration of your perseverance, your intellect and your passion,” Kerr said. “You have earned degrees from Canada’s most prestigious university in a discipline whose importance has never been clearer. Whether you become educators, clinicians, researchers or entrepreneurs, you are stepping into a world that urgently needs your expertise.”
Kerr also spoke to the Faculty’s mission of advancing understanding around physical activity, mental wellness and health—a mission that graduates are uniquely positioned to champion in their next chapters.
Vice-Dean of Programs Ashley Stirling echoed these sentiments in her address, highlighting the breadth and impact of KPE’s academic and research programs.
“As someone who works closely with our programs and students, I’ve witnessed first-hand the quality and depth of your work—from behavioural and biophysical sciences to critical physical cultural studies,” Stirling said. “You should be proud not only of what you’ve achieved, but of how your work will continue to shape the field.”
Catherine Amara, associate dean, undergraduate education, told the students that they were a credit to the wide-ranging and far-reaching discipline of kinesiology. “It has been a joy to witness you discover what you’re passionate about in this field and share this passion with one another and the community,” she said.
Two student speakers provided powerful personal reflections on their time at KPE. First, Samira Sunderji, a master’s graduate, spoke about the challenges and rewards of pursuing graduate research. She credited her peers, mentors and community for helping her navigate the journey.
“If there’s one thing this program taught me,” said Sunderji, “it’s how to turn ‘I don’t know’ into a research question worth answering.”
She encouraged her fellow graduates to carry forward the resilience and curiosity that got them through their programs—traits she described as essential for life beyond university.
Next, BKin graduate and Pearson Scholar Nasya Sequeira took to the podium. Arriving in Toronto from India amid the pandemic, Sequeira began her degree online and found her sense of belonging through the people she met on campus.
“We started university in isolation, but we’re leaving with a community,” she said in a speech that acknowledged the many small acts of kindness that helped create a sense of home.
Her remarks also reflected a strong sense of global awareness and responsibility. Referencing the values explored in her coursework, she reminded the audience that education is a privilege—and called on her peers to use it to stand in solidarity with those whose access to knowledge has been disrupted or denied.
Throughout the reception, the Faculty presented awards to students for their academic excellence and personal growth. Taylor Wilcox received the Barbara Drinkwater Award and the KPE Alumni Scholarship, recognizing her leadership and achievement in girls’ and women’s physical activity.
Sequeira received multiple awards, including the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology Award, the Social Sciences and Humanities Award and the KPE Alumni Shield. She was also named KPE’s nominee for the Governor General Silver Medal, a distinction reserved for the top three undergraduate students across the university.
Sequeria shared the Alumni Shield honour with Sean Hernandez, and 13 students received the J. Harry Ebbs Achievement Award for demonstrating significant academic improvement. Dozens more were inducted into the prestigious R. Tait McKenzie Society, which honours students with top academic performance based on a full course load.
To close the evening, Dean Kerr returned to the podium to formally welcome the graduates into the KPE Alumni Association, a network of more than 6,600 professionals across Canada and around the world. She encouraged them to stay connected to the Faculty and university community through mentorship, volunteering, and continued learning.
“You now possess the skills, knowledge and passion to build a very bright future,” she said. “We look forward to hearing about your next steps and cheering you on in the years ahead.”
The evening wrapped up with refreshments and celebration, as graduates and guests marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next.
Read more about the amazing KPE graduates here: