On November 10, graduates of the University of Toronto Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE) walked across the stage at U of T’s Convocation Hall for an in-person ceremony celebrating the Class of 2022.
Later in the day, they gathered at the KPE Benson lounge for a more intimate graduation reception attended by their peers, faculty members, friends, family and staff.
Professor Gretchen Kerr, dean of KPE, congratulated the graduates on behalf of the Faculty, saying that getting a degree from Canada’s top university was admirable at the best of times, but doing it in the middle of a global pandemic made it all the more impressive.
“The adaptation skills and resilience you developed over the past few years will hold you in good stead as you move forward in your lives and careers,” Kerr said.
Kerr also congratulated the Class of 2022 for choosing to study kinesiology, an academic field whose relevance and importance is increasingly recognized and appreciated around the world – never more so than in the last several years.
“At the onset of COVID-19, people naturally flocked to hiking trails, started cycling or picked up jogging, intuiting what we already know about the links between physical activity, mental wellness and overall health,” said Kerr.
“I can think of no one better than you, our graduates, to sustain this growing awareness and carry our mission forward.”
Professor Michael Atkinson, director of KPE graduate studies, said seeing student come full circle was incredibly gratifying for professors.
“Congratulations on this wonderful achievement,” he said. “You’ve got so much to be proud of.”
Anika Taylor, who graduated from KPE with a master of science in kinesiology degree, spoke on behalf of the graduate students of KPE.
“When people congratulate you on your graduation and completion of your thesis or dissertation, it’s easy to shrug it off and say things like ‘Thanks, you know, I’m trying my best,’ but we aren’t just trying, we did it,” said Taylor. “We accomplished what we set out to do, so please make sure to accept your flowers, metaphorical or physical, because you deserve them.”
Taylor said what made her graduate studies special for her was finding a community that saw her potential and invested in her.
“I hope that we continue to surround ourselves with people that see us and invest in us,” she said. “I hope that you stay driven to do what you love and I hope that we all keep our heads up and eyes open.
“Do your best to prioritize what brings you joy.”
Read more about Anika Taylor.
Associate Professor Catherine Amara, director of KPE undergraduate studies, said it had been so rewarding to watch KPE students grow over the last several years.
“They did so with grace and humility during a very trying time and I congratulate them on that,” she said.
Kyle Farwell spoke on behalf of the students graduating with a bachelor of kinesiology degree. Calling KPE “a special place within a special place,” he emphasized that it's the people who make an institution what it is.
“The staff, the academic advisors, administration and facility management, gave us resources and encouragement, the professors inspired us and the students … I’m so proud, impressed and inspired by all the students graduating today and so excited that I may work with some of you in the future,” said Farwell, who will be continuing in the Faculty’s graduate program pursuing a master of science degree in kinesiology.