On October 31, graduates of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE) walked across the stage of the University of Toronto’s storied Convocation Hall to receive their diplomas, joining more than 5,700 students set to graduate from U of T this fall.
Later that afternoon, they were invited to a more intimate celebration back at the Faculty, hosted by Professor Gretchen Kerr, dean of KPE. Kerr shared her heartfelt congratulations with the new graduates on behalf of the Faculty, telling them they now have expertise in a field whose relevance and importance are increasingly recognized and appreciated around the world.
“Recent data from the World Health Organization shows that 31 per cent of adults and 80 per cent of adolescents worldwide did not meet the recommended levels of physical activity in 2022,” said Kerr. “These kinds of reports confirm what we’ve long known to be true: Our Faculty’s core mission – to develop, advance and disseminate knowledge about the interactions of physical activity, mental wellness and overall health – is more important than ever.”
Kerr said she couldn’t think of better ambassadors than KPE graduates to carry that mission forward, adding: “You now have the skills and knowledge to make a real difference in the world.”
Professor Katherine Tamminen, associate dean of graduate education at KPE, joined Kerr in congratulating the graduates on earning their degrees from a demanding academic program at Canada’s top university.
“Ranging from behavioural to biophysical to physical cultural studies, the impact of our Faculty’s research is felt far and wide,” said Tamminen before introducing Braeden McKenzie, a freshly minted graduate from the Faculty’s PhD program.
McKenzie’s research was focused on understanding how and why young adult participants navigate risks within sport and recreation settings. The results of his research will contribute to our understanding of injury within sport and recreation environments, while also drawing attention to the importance of how we communicate risk to young adults.
[READ MORE ABOUT KPE GRADUATE BREADEN MCKENZIE]
Thanking the Faculty for hosting a reception for the graduates, their friends and families, McKenzie, who’s worked in a number of different spaces within post-secondary education, said there was something special about KPE.
“First, there’s a sort of KPE energy that tends to just pull people in,” he said. “Whether someone’s coming from a background that includes kinesiology or physical education, or something that’s not remotely related, there is a space for you here.”
McKenzie went on to describe KPE as a place of different perspectives, worldviews and experiences, that draws people together by a shared appreciation for curiosity.
“I don’t need to tell any of you that the ability to think critically and to challenge taken-for-granted assumptions is something that is so needed in our world,” he said. “Take all that you’ve learned, apply it with that KPE energy, and I assure you, good things will come.”
McKenzie also spoke about the sense of community within KPE, highlighting the impact of the relationships he built over the last seven years of working on his master’s and PhD degrees.
“From building lifelong friendships, to meeting life changing mentors, these connections are not only a massive part of where I am today but also where I will go from here,” he said, giving a special shout out to Associate Professor Emeritus Margaret MacNeill, Associate Professor Lynda Mainwaring and Professor Michael Atkinson for their constant guidance and support.
McKenzie encouraged his fellow graduates to celebrate and recognize their accomplishments to the fullest extent.
“This is a big deal – one that you’ve earned, together with those who supported you along the way,” he said.
Associate Professor Catherine Amara, associate dean of undergraduate education, said she had the pleasure of following the progress of many of the graduating students - from the first year they joined the Bachelor of Kinesiology program to this exciting moment.
“It’s been a joy to witness you discover what you’re passionate about in kinesiology and share this passion with each other and the community,” said Amara.
Tom Babits, an alumnus of the Faculty and president of the alumni association of KPE, with two sons enrolled in the program, shared his congratulations with the new graduates on behalf of KPE alumni.
“As a proud graduate of the Faculty, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the KPE alumni family, now counting over 6,600 graduates,” said Babits. “Wherever your work or personal life may take you, your connection with this University and this Faculty will act as an impressive introduction and a remarkable stepping stone.”
Babits reminded the graduates that even as they embark on the next phase of their life, there will be many opportunities to stay actively involved with the Faculty and the University, including mentoring current students, volunteering on Faculty and University committees, supporting scholarships and awards through donations, and attending various events and reunions.
“So, make sure to stay in touch,” he said, while Dean Kerr echoed his remarks by telling graduates the Faculty will look forward to hearing what they go on to accomplish next.