The University of Toronto awarded graduate degrees in chemistry on June 5th to 30 students at Convocation Hall on the St. George campus.
(Seated): Mark Panas, Wing Law, Keuna Jeon, Jules Mugisha, Margarita Colberg.
Nine MSc and 21 PhD students received their degrees at the Convocation ceremony. Afterward, graduates gathered in the Lash Miller Building’s Davenport Hall with their loved ones and supporters to celebrate.
Chemistry Department Chair Mark Lautens addressed the assembly. "I want to congratulate you on your hard work, perseverance, resilience and creativity," he told the graduates. "I am sure there have been some ups and downs during your time but ultimately you were successful and we are proud to count you among our alumni.”
"It is important to take time to recognize, friends, family and other loved ones who have been by your side during your studies. Their contributions are no less significant and we should all acknowledge their value and the importance of emotional support."
Lautens went on to emphasize the importance of community and connection. "When you look down the road a few years from now, you may find the most significant outcome from your studies is the network of friends and colleagues who will also shape and influence your future.”
"Being thoughtful and kind to one another can never be overdone. I was asked to write an obituary for a distinguished scientist a few years ago and it made me realize that as you never know who will write yours, it is worth treating everyone with dignity and kindness."
The Department of Chemistry celebrates the tremendous achievement represented by these completed degrees, and invites our graduates to stay connected as they take on new challenges and venture into world beyond academia.
For a complete list of students who completed an MSc or PhD at Chemistry during the 2023-24 Academic Year, please visit the Graduate Student Alumni section of the Chemistry website. Everyone at the department wishes all of our graduates the heartiest congratulations!