The University of Toronto Convocation Hall was the busiest it’s been in the last two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the return of in-person convocation ceremonies for graduating students this week. Joining their peers from other faculties and departments were graduates of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE).
After the ceremony, KPE graduates were invited by the faculty to celebrate with family and guests at the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport.
“We are so proud of what you have been able to accomplish during a truly extraordinary time,” said Gretchen Kerr, a professor and dean at KPE. “The last two years have been rife with challenges brought on by a global pandemic the likes of which have not been seen in over a century. But, we all pulled together – and we all pulled through – and here we are today, celebrating your arrival at the finish line. Well done, all of you.”
Kerr also congratulated the class of 2022 on choosing to study kinesiology at U of T.
“Not only did you earn degrees from one of the world’s most prestigious universities, you gained expertise in a field whose relevance and importance is increasingly recognized and appreciated around the world,” she said. “In fact, the reputable QS World University Rankings by Subject place U of T’s sports-related subjects in the top five in the world.”
Kerr said the mission of the faculty – to generate, disseminate and advance knowledge about the links between physical activity, mental wellness and overall health - remains more important today than ever following the last two years of the pandemic.
“Your jobs now will be to sustain this growing awareness with the education you have acquired during your studies,” she said. “The past two years have exposed us not only to a global public health crisis, but also to many societal wrongs. And yet I’m confident that your education has prepared you not only to navigate these crisis, but to help lead the way out.”
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Professor Michael Atkinson, director of graduate studies at KPE, told the graduating class that earning a degree from a demanding academic program at Canada’s top university is a big accomplishment at any time, but it’s all the more impressive at a time like this.
“After two unprecedented years that turned our lives upside down, you managed to stay focused on your studies and maintain your enthusiasm and resolve - in true spirit of KPE students,” he said.
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Zoe Poucher, graduating with a PhD from the faculty, did her research into the mental health of elite athletes. She addressed the class of 2022 on behalf of the graduate students.
“While I was at KPE, I made wonderful friends, studied abroad, worked as a co-op student, had a ton of fun and learned even more,” said Poucher, who also got her masters and bachelor’s degree from KPE. “Of all that I learned, there are two things that I think will inform the way I live the rest of my life. First, the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people. And, secondly, the importance of doing what you love.”
Poucher shared that she wanted to be a physiotherapist when she started her undergraduate studies and that if someone had told her then that 11 years later she would have a PhD, there is a zero per cent chance that she would have believed them. She said she was introduced to research in one of her third-year classes and fell in love with it.
“That love of research, asking questions and searching for answers, has kept me captivated ever since,” she said. “Now that I know how engaging and exciting work can be, I will always look for this feeling in whatever job I have.”
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Associate Professor Catherine Amara, director of undergraduate studies at KPE, congratulated students on reaching this important milestone in their lives.
“Even in the most challenging of times, you kept your heads down and your spirits up and that is very impressive,” she said.
She said the discipline of kinesiology is wide ranging and far reaching and that KPE students were a wonderful testament to that.
“It has been a joy to witness you discover your passions in the field and share them with each other and the community," she said.
Stephanie Sarker, spoke on behalf of the undergraduate students getting their bachelor of kinesiology degrees today. She said the past four years weren’t always easy, but the experience was made lighter by the knowledge that they were never along “because KPE is like a home where everyone belongs.”
“I think that's what we'll always carry with us in the future - that sense of welcoming community, caring, and kindness that KPE at U of T instilled in all of us - along with the knowledge of how important exercise is, of course,” she said.
Sarker thanked all her friends, family, professors and KPE staff for helping the class of 2022 along their path to graduation.
“My heart and mind have expanded tenfold over these past four years and it's thanks to all of you.”
After students were presented with academic awards, Tom Babits, president of the KPE alumni association, congratulated the class of 2022 on their accomplishments.
“The experience that you have gained through both your curricular and co-curricular programs at U of T will be of great benefit to you in your career and throughout your life,” he said. “This is a day to celebrate your hard work and I’m honoured to be here to celebrate with you.”
A proud grad of KPE himself, Babits shared one of his sons was among the graduating students and another had already graduated from the program in 2003.
“Even though many years separate us, we all have a special bond as a family of over 6,600 graduates from the Faculty,” he said. “Wherever your work or travel may take you, your connection with this University and this Faculty will act as an impressive introduction and a remarkable stepping stone.”