2026 Spring Convocation

Congratulations,
Spring 2026 McMaster graduates!

Congratulations to our graduating students, award winners, valedictorians, educators and all the friends and families who have supported this huge achievement! 

Check back on this page as we continue to add stories, videos and highlights from Spring 2026 convocation ceremonies and celebrations, including valedictorian and award winner profiles. 

Details of all convocation ceremonies can be found on the Office of the Registrar website. 

Share your special moments with us by tagging us on Instagram (@McMasterU) and use the hashtag #MacGrad2026 

‘The world is yours to shape.’

Swipe through the gallery for highlights from 13 Convocation ceremonies this spring. It’s been an honour to celebrate their incredible achievements and welcome the new grads to the McMaster Alumni community!

Featured stories

Grads to watch

Meet the Valedictorians of Spring 2026 Learn More

Words of wisdom, moments that mattered and — of course — the special spots on campus: Insights from the inspiring students leading the Class of ’26 out into the world.

Building community: Ashley Hauer is a champion of mental health and well-being Learn More

Through student leadership and mental health advocacy, the Social Work student created spaces for honest conversation, connection and support across campus.

Powered by friendship: Olympian Maddie Schizas' McMaster journey Learn More

‘I truly believe I’ll be friends with my roommates for the rest of my life,’ says the figure skater, who graduates from the Faculty of Social Sciences this week — alongside her friends.

From paddler to protector: Eleanor Robson's full-circle moment Learn More

Years spent on the water led Eleanor Robson to study Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering with an eye on protecting waterways. Now the new grad is moving on to a career in water treatment.

Role model: Stephen Babalola embraced every opportunity Learn More

Between a full course load, guiding fellow students, launching a business and modelling, Babalola’s university journey was a study in balance.

Faculty of Engineering: Grads to Watch Learn More

15 graduating students share their stories, reflect on their time at McMaster Engineering and share a glimpse at what’s on the horizon for them.

The Faculty of Science Grads to Watch Learn More

Starting in May, the Faculty of Science “Countdown to Convocation” series of stories features more than 30 graduating students, every one of them accomplished, inspiring and very interesting. Get to know them all.

The first cohort of UGME’s Black Equity Stream graduates Learn More

The program recognizes and works to address systemic barriers that can affect students’ access to opportunities, mentorship and pathways into medicine.

Meet the 2026 Health Sciences and Nursing Valedictorians Learn More

Maia Barbati and Megan Roti reflect on their time at McMaster.

From patient to nurse to scientist: Carley Ouellette’s full circle journey Learn More

From pediatric patient to Vanier Scholar and now a PhD, Carley Ouellette is studying remote patient monitoring and shaping the future of care.

Special grad celebrations

A group of more than 100 students wearing Kente stoles assembled on stage for a photo.

‘Black excellence is never a solo act’

Rooted in community, rising in excellence: The best photos and moments from this year's Black Excellence Graduate Celebration.
Group photo of about 25 or 30 smiling students wearing green LANMU graduation stoles

Joy, achievement and community: Special celebration honours Latin American/Latinx student success

Faculty, staff, loved ones and community members shared their joy and pride with graduating students at the third annual Latin American/Latinx Graduate Celebration.
A group of people hold hands and perform a traditional round dance on a stage.

Hugs, tears, laughter and family: Scenes from the Indigenous Graduate Celebration 

‘Whatever the path looks like for you, we always believed in you and we knew that you would make it here.’

Information Box Group

In photos: Black Excellence Graduate Celebration Learn More

In photos: Latin Amerian and Latinx Graduate Celebration Learn More

In photos: Indigenous Graduate Celebration Learn More

Information Box Group

Meet the honorary degree recipients of Spring 2026 Learn More

From a champion of food safety to the first Black woman elected to Canada’s Parliament, to ‘the most important man in live music in the world,’ seven extraordinary individuals will be recognized for their accomplishments and contributions.

 

A guide to McMaster convocation traditions Learn More

Iron rings, colourful robes and grads in red shoes: Here are a few of the traditions you might spot this convocation season.

Complete scholars: Distinguished University Professors are exceptional Learn More

Professors Lehana Thabane, Megan Brickley, Parminder Raina and Hendrik Poinar will be formally recognized at Spring convocation ceremonies.

Good to know