November 18 was a big day for students graduating from the University of Toronto Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. At noon, they joined more than 5,700 students from 70 countries receiving their degree in absentia at U of T’s fall convocation ceremony. Following the virtual event, they were able to tune in to a more personal KPE graduation ceremony, hosted by the dean of KPE, Professor Gretchen Kerr.
“You are a remarkable generation of students, not only because of all the hard work you invested in completing your studies, but because you made it to the finish line in the most unusual of times,” said Kerr. “And, you did it with grace, humility and that distinctive feature that sets KPE students apart - resilience. For that, I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart.”
Kerr also congratulated graduates on choosing to study kinesiology at U of T, saying not only were they getting a well-rounded education from one of the best universities in the world, but that they were becoming experts in a field whose relevance and importance was increasingly recognized and appreciated around the world.
“At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, people instinctively took up jogging, made a point of walking or sought creative ways to continue or start exercising,” she said, noting that the awareness of the synergies between physical activity, mental wellness and overall health seemed to have seeped naturally into the collective minds of Canadians and people the world over.
“Your jobs now will be to sustain this growing awareness with the education you have acquired during your studies,” said Kerr. “The past year and a half has exposed us not only to a global public health crisis, but also to many societal injustices. And yet I’m confident that your education has prepared you not only to navigate these crisis, but to lead the way out.”
Following Kerr’s remarks, Professor Michael Atkinson, director of graduate studies at KPE, read the names of all the students graduating with a PhD and MSc degree. Associate Professor Catherine Amara, director of undergraduate studies at KPE, read the names of all the students graduating with an undergraduate degree.
“On behalf of our entire Faculty, congratulation to all our graduates on this milestone event in your lives --- your new academic degree,” said Kerr, in closing. “I know I speak for my colleagues in the Faculty when I say that you have been an inspiration to us.”
Read more about the students graduating from KPE today.