The following is a message from York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda L. Lenton to the York University Class of 2020 for this special edition of YFile.
Dear Graduates,
On behalf of all of us at York University, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Class of 2020!
President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton
The pursuit of a university degree requires talent, dedication and countless hours of hard work and sacrifice. York is an institution that believes that learning is something done in the service of a higher goal – bettering ourselves, enriching our communities and transforming the world. You are all champions of these values.
We are living through extraordinary times, and it is normal to feel worried or unsure about the future. I want you to know that your time as a York University student has prepared you to succeed in an uncertain world. In the past few months, you have demonstrated incredible resilience as you finished your programs in the face of a global crisis. And as we emerge from the pandemic, the world will need your knowledge, skills and talent more than ever.
What differentiates York and our graduates is a commitment to driving positive change. Whatever you choose to do next, I know that you will use your drive and intelligence to address the complex challenges facing our society and to improve the lives of others.
Like many of you, I was the first of my family to graduate from university, and I know how important it was to have my loved ones watch me cross the stage and receive my degree. When it is safe to do so once again, the University will invite you to do the same as we celebrate you and the friends, family, and supporters who motivated you and helped you along the way.
Congratulations once again on this important milestone. I wish you the best for continued success and growth, and I encourage you to stay engaged with the York community. We cannot wait to see what you do next.
Sincerely,
Rhonda L. Lenton
President & Vice-Chancellor