New batch of grads welcomed into York's alumni family at Fall Convocation 2014 - Division of Advancement

Rick Mercer at York University’s Fall Convocation ceremonies

According to Canadian comedian and TV personality Rick Mercer, a successful and happy future starts with tossing away your plans – or at least that’s what he told a group of graduating York students at this year’s Fall Convocation celebration.

“I know for a fact that for many of you to get here you had to have a plan. Plans are important. I love a good plan,” said Mercer. “But…the people that I’ve met in my life, the people who have the most interesting lives, most satisfying careers, they have certainly at certain points in their lives, thrown the plan away.”

York’s 2014 Fall Convocation kicked off on Oct. 15 and saw 2,180 graduates cross the Rexall Centre stage over the course of five ceremonies.

Mercer was only one of five outstanding and inspiring individuals who took the stage as honorary doctorate recipients, where each was given the opportunity to impart their wisdom and experience on Canada’s future leaders.

Another of this year’s hon doc recipients was RBC’s Kathleen Taylor, a York grad recently distinguished as the first woman in Canadian history to lead the board of a major back. She also shared some advice with a group of Schulich grads: “Don’t count on things to happen, on opportunities to arrive. Go out and make them happen. Our country needs leadership in the business community more than ever. Strong leaders are change agents and that is what this education and your lives have prepared you for.”

Use the links below to learn more about each of the 2014 honorary doctorate recipients and to read excerpts from their convocation addresses.

Find out what Rick Mercer thought of his recent visit to ‪York:

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New batch of grads welcomed into York’s alumni family at Fall Convocation 2014