Convocation is a special time for the Artsci community to come together to recognize everything Arts & Science students have learned over their time in the program, to honour the ways in which they’ve contributed to its unique community of learning, and to celebrate as students take the next steps on their journeys.
Arts & Science alumna, Oyin Aderibigbe (pictured right), shared an inspiring message at the Arts & Science and Humanities convocation ceremony on Monday 15 June 2026, for which she was selected as valedictorian. She encouraged the graduates to use their skills and talents to support others in their growth and to continue their purist of their hopes, dreams, goals, and ambitions. Learn more about Oyin on the McMaster Convocation celebration page.
Alongside Oyin, more than 75 students received their Arts & Science degrees at the 15 June ceremony, collectively marking this important milestone within the supportive academic community they’ve helped to shape over the last several years. Several were honoured – both at convocation and in the surrounding weeks – through prizes and awards that recognize their unique interests, accomplishments, and contributions to the McMaster community. Anna Farley and Sunil Wijeysundera received the Laura Dodson Prize for outstanding achievement in both the Arts and the Sciences, for instance, while Kai Yang was awarded the Denton Prize in Economics.
Earlier this spring, graduating Artsci student Naeva Scott Bouris (pictured left) was presented with the Bruce Cochrane Award for Dedication and Service to McMaster Athletics at the annual Marauder Awards Banquet, and Oyin Aderibigbe received the Black Student Success Centre (BSSC) Kuumba Award at the Black Excellence Graduate Celebration. Many Artsci graduates earned Dean’s Honour List or Provost’s Honour Roll recognition, and several graduated with distinction. Indeed, the entire Class of 2026 has learned and accomplished a great deal over their time in Artsci, and convocation offered a wonderful opportunity for shared celebration of this remarkable group.
Convocation is also a moment of reflection, as students look back on their time in the program. In doing so, graduating Arts & Science student, Ela Singal Jamal (pictured right), realized that the program fundamentally changed the way she thinks. After four years in the program, Artsci has taught Ela to see connections across disciplines and draw on a more integrative, analytical and creative approach when understanding complex issues. “This change in thinking,“ Ela says, ”goes beyond the world of academics as I feel that it has made me more confident, not only as a student, but as a person who can thoughtfully engage with people and ideas from many different backgrounds.” She explains that Artsci provided her with a “framework to approach alternate viewpoints in an open, non-judgmental way, and for that I will forever be grateful.”’
Here’s what others among the class of 2026 had to say about how the Arts & Science program and community shaped who they are today:
Elizabeth Bartkiw-Price:
“My time in Artsci has completely changed the way I think about the world and understand my place within it. Through this program, I have learned to approach complex social and scientific problems from multiple perspectives, challenge my previous assumptions, and truly appreciate the value of connecting ideas across disciplines. Artsci has encouraged me to always be curious and keep an open mind, and has given me confidence to explore unfamiliar opportunities. Whether through volunteer work, taking on leadership roles in clubs, or doing a semester abroad, I have drawn on the skills that Artsci has taught me by broadening my perspective, learning from those around me, and embracing unfamiliar experiences with open arms.”
Eliza Ritchie:
“Artsci taught me that learning is not an individual pursuit, but a process shaped by connections, conversations, and even disagreements with others. Over the past four years, I learned how to approach topics with not only an open mind, but also empathy and curiosity. I’m forever grateful for my time in Artsci and for the community that helped shape who I am today.”
Sunil Wijeysundera:
“The program and community have given me so much over the years that it’s hard to put into words. I suppose Artsci gave me not only the resources and language to start approaching important questions, but also led me down the pathways of learning to even start asking them. The program deeply inspired me to seek being held in the complexity of our world, to not grow comfortable, and to continue growing despite the difficulty of these questions.”
Hannah Zehnder:
“My time in the Arts & Science Program has shaped me profoundly in many ways. Through Artsci, I developed a genuine appreciation for the interconnected nature of knowledge and scholarship, and for the ways different disciplines come together to help us better understand the world. The program exposed me to perspectives and concepts that I likely would not have encountered otherwise, and because of that, I am leaving Artsci as a very different person than when I first entered the program. Beyond academics, Artsci taught me to think more critically, approach problems with curiosity, and recognize the value of diverse perspectives. It encouraged me to become more open-minded, while also giving me the confidence to explore unfamiliar topics and, most importantly, challenge my own assumptions. As I move forward into the next stage of my life, I feel prepared to take on whatever may come with a more comprehensive understanding of the world and my place within it. I also have immense appreciation and respect for the faculty and staff behind the program. Their passion, guidance, and commitment to fostering meaningful learning experiences are truly inspiring, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this program.”
Jack Mah:
“Artsci has taught me to weave ideas from numerous disciplines together. In particular, my peers motivate me to navigate challenging topics with greater thought and creativity. Through further exposure to critical thinking, I believe that Artsci has helped me grow as a learner, who now feels more equipped to live with greater awareness and care.”
Samantha Potts:
“Artsci taught me to be a better community member. Before Artsci, I could never have imagined myself participating in so many things: Artsci Musical, The Melange, SASS [Society of Arts & Science Students] and various screening events. These were some of the most meaningful experiences I have ever been a part of, and I’m glad I got share them with some very wonderful people.”
Liam Feldman:
“When people describe Artsci, they rightly bring up its active focus on social justice and advocacy. However, when talking about this program, one must also emphasize the unique caliber of its courses. The Artsci-specific classes in subjects like philosophy, history, or political science were always the most interesting and rigorous courses I would take each semester. These smaller, discussion-heavy courses demanded a higher standard from me, which gave me the tools to understand contemporary issues in a more meaningful way. But more importantly, these classes gave me peers who demonstrated what true action looked like in practice! I saw classmates volunteering for unions, organizing protests, and even holding a hunger strike to advocate for fossil fuel divestment. The rigor and example set for me within this program helped turn my general interest in environmental issues into more concrete action. I start law school in August, looking to focus on environmental justice and public interest work. I credit the program and its amazing student body for providing me the passion, direction, and skills to meaningfully contribute to the fight against climate change.”
Claire Crawford:
“What a privilege it is to be challenged! Challenged by my professors, my peers, the texts I’m asked to engage with and what they demand from me. Artsci has reaffirmed the idea that “intelligence” is not a fixed trait that you either have or don’t, but rather a skill that is continuously honed. It is something refined through the deliberate practice of curiosity that challenges you to stretch beyond the confines of your own comfort. As I leave the program, I am humbled by all that I do not know and yet excited about what more there is for me to learn.”
Jonah Hall:
“Artsci has given me a space where I can genuinely be myself and feel that it is not only accepted but encouraged. I’ve come to understand that my voice matters, and even more importantly, that the experiences and perspectives I bring with me are valued in their own right. What has stood out to me most is how deeply Artsci embraces diversity of thought and lived experience. It is rare to find a community where different perspectives are not just welcomed, but actively sought out and appreciated in a meaningful way. In that environment, I’ve felt seen, heard, and respected in a way that has helped shape how I see myself. Artsci has taught me that being myself is not something to hold back or question, but something to lean into with confidence. I’m incredibly grateful for that. More than anything, Artsci has helped me embrace being Jonah, fully and unapologetically.”
Nimra Atiq:
“Arts & Science gave me the opportunity to explore a wide array of courses, to think critically by understanding different perspectives, and to connect education to the broader community. This program introduced me to a group of incredibly intelligent and compassionate classmates, as well as professors who guided and consistently supported me. Over my four years in the program, Artsci helped me to develop into a more confident and thoughtful student, and I am very grateful to have been a part of such an amazing community.”
Graeme Lavrence:
“Being in Arts & Science has truly changed the trajectory of my life for the better. The sense of community and belonging I’ve felt has complemented the intellectual growth I’ve experienced throughout my time in the Program. I was pleasantly surprised to come into Artsci and find a community of likeminded peers dedicated to interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and inquiry into issues of social concern. Artsci has given me an environment where I feel comfortable thinking with humility, expressing my thoughts, and conversing with others in the pursuit of learning, intellectual curiosity, and community building. I genuinely believe that the lessons I’ve gained in the Arts & Science Program will stay with me throughout my life, and have equipped me for any direction life might take me. The Program Administration and Faculty have been instrumental in shaping this experience and I could not be more thankful to them for the support they’ve given me. Equally as rewarding as the classes I’ve taken in Artsci, are the extracurriculars I’ve been fortunate enough to participate in, from the Melange, the Musical, and SASS, to the NWWS, Piraeus, and Aletheia, each has been formative for my growth as an academic, artist, and community member. I could not be happier to have spent the past four years in such an enriching environment with so many people that I am happy to call my friends!”
Emelia Grossman:
“Artsci has fundamentally shaped how I think and learn, giving me skills and ways of thinking that I’ll carry into my future studies and career. The program taught me to engage with and understand a wide variety of perspectives while also encouraging me to develop my own well-reasoned arguments and opinions. Most of all, I’ll never forget the lively discussions, compassionate discourse, and spirit of reciprocal learning that Artsci fosters.”
Amelia Boone:
“The Arts & Science program provided an exceptional academic experience and a unique opportunity to explore diverse disciplines while discovering my areas of interest. Its emphasis on critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and the development of broad, adaptable skill sets has been invaluable. The program also encouraged meaningful engagement with real-world issues, fostering a strong sense of perspective, applicable beyond academic and professional environments.
The experience was further enriched by the outstanding Arts & Science professors and staff, whose guidance and commitment to student growth were both inspiring and impactful. I am equally grateful to have learned alongside such thoughtful and driven peers, who contributed significantly to the strength of the community and the depth of the learning environment. I am so appreciative of the opportunity to have studied at such an exceptional university and within a program that has shaped both my academic and personal development.”
Read about some of their plans below:
Maryam A: “I graduated with a combination in Business. Now looking to work and volunteer!”
Alyssa Abush: “The plan is to get some experience in environmental work, and do readings just for fun. After that I’m hoping to do a master’s degree in environmental studies or something similar.”
Nimra Atiq: “I am going to medical school at Toronto Metropolitan University.”
Elizabeth Bartkiw-Price: “Moving to Ireland in September to study medicine at the University of Limerick!”
Avery Blundell: “My post-graduate plans are to apply for a wide array of master’s programs to start in the fall 2027. In the meantime, I plan to hike around and explore Canada, visit the UK, and develop a better taste in music and movies.”
Ella Boich: “I’m starting my Master’s in Political Theory at the University of Toronto in the fall.”
Erin Bolt: “I’m entering the workforce with the goal of exploring the technology field within a business context, and likely eventually continuing my education.”
Amelia Boone: “I have started an internship with EY as a Business Transformation Delivery Consulting Intern.”
Claire Crawford: “Backpacking across Europe and Asia, and then heading back to McMaster for my Master’s in Health and Aging!”
Benjamin Curtis-Dyck: “I’m taking a year to work then going to Law School.”
Lina Eltom Mohamed: “Heading to Osgoode Hall Law school for my JD!”
Luke Fancott: “Grad school”
Anna Farley: “University of Waterloo to start my Doctor of Optometry.”
Elise Farmar: “I’ll be moving to Vancouver to complete my MSc in Genetic Counselling at UBC!”
Graeme Lavrence: “This summer I’m looking forward to working at SHAD McMaster as a Program Assistant with some fellow Artscis! In the fall, I will be starting my Masters of Biomedical Innovation at McMaster.”
Liam Feldman: “Law School with a focus on public interest environmental work.”
Jack Gillies: “During the coming year, I plan to work with a Canadian not-for-profit. After that, I hope to continue on to more schooling.”
Sarah Greene: “I will be attending Law School at Boston University!”
Emelia Grossman: “This fall, I’ll be joining the 51st cohort of the Ontario Legislature Internship Programme. This 10-month, non-partisan internship gives recent graduates first-hand experience in Ontario’s legislature and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful public policy work. I’m especially excited to join a programme that has welcomed several Artsci alumni before me! After this internship, I hope to apply to law school and pursue a career in law.”
Jonah Hall: “I will be attending the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) University to pursue my MD!”
Oscar Hand: “Working for an outdoor education program within a school board, and coaching fencing.”
Madelyn Healy: “I will be working towards a Master of Urban and Regional Planning at Queen’s University.”
Ela Singal Jamal: “I have accepted an offer to University of Toronto’s Jackman Law and will be pursuing a career in the legal profession!”
Rushan Jeyakumar: “Starting Medical School at McMaster!”
Shreya Kanani: “Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry”
Indigo Kim: “I am taking a year off of school to live and work in my hometown. I will be working as an outdoor educator at an outdoor school and will be applying for master’s programs in the field of education and teaching for the following year! I also hope to use my free time to do some more volunteering and community work.”
Naia Lee: “Next year, I’ll be living and working in Hamilton! I’m interested in grad school, but I want to be more certain before I apply.”
Rachel Lewars: “Hopefully returning back to the office, and working on my applications for law school in the near future.”
Jack Mah: “I’ll be working and volunteering post-Artsci. Eventually, I would like to pursue a master’s degree, but I am hoping to gain valuable experience in community work and advocacy before doing so.”
Julia Monteith: “I will be doing my Master’s of Public Health at the University of Guelph.”
Jordan Norry: “Since taking Literature Inquiry, I have noticed my love for writing is greater than I initially believed. I aim to spend some time calming down after these busy and important years through reading and writing. I know I want to go to grad school although I’m still unsure what this would look like. I am hoping this time away from school will give me the chance to figure out if this is something I would like to further pursue.”
Sara Paterson: “I will be continuing my studies at McMaster University in the Global Health MA!”
Samantha Potts: “I’m heading to the University of Toronto for a Master’s in Molecular Genetics in September. I’m very excited to keep exploring the field of genomics!”
Sofia Quon: “In September, I’ll be starting medical school at Western University, but I also hope to work a bit in the film industry on the side!”
Anna Richardson: “Work at my current jobs, volunteer more, travel, and earn a Master’s of Music Therapy eventually!”
Eliza Ritchie: “I am starting a Master’s of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Toronto in the fall!”
Olivia Rowan: “This year, I am travelling to learn how to cook different cuisines from around the world! After that, I’ll be heading to physiotherapy school.”
Mariam Saleem: “I’m really excited to be staying at McMaster over the next year to work as the next MSU President!”
Naeva Scott Bouris: “I plan to work abroad and travel for a few years while I continue to try and figure out what I want to do in the world!”
Hanako Stepanek: “I will be moving home to Toronto and starting my Master’s of Public Policy at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto!”
Ella Tsang: “Optometry school at the University of Waterloo!”
Sunil Wijeysundera: “I am planning on taking a year to work and volunteer before pursuing graduate school! I’m also quite excited to establish stronger routes in Ontario’s outdoor climbing and environmental advocacy scene, and to find more time to continue my art practice.”
Beckett Woolridge: “My post-Artsci plans involve working on growing a landscaping and outdoor design company that I co-founded with a friend in Toronto.”
Helen Wu: “Starting my JD at Osgoode Hall Law School!”
Kai Yang: “I currently plan to do a Master’s of Economics at the University of British Columbia and hopefully continue to conduct research in environmental and trade economics!”
Hannah Zehnder: “Veterinary School”
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