Campus CommunityConvocation

Meet the Valedictorians of Spring 2026 

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.

June 16, 2026

A grid of 11 of the Spring 2026 valedictorians' headshots with the McMaster logo.

This week, thousands of students will cross the stage and celebrate a tremendous milestone at 11 convocation ceremonies. And at each ceremony, a student will join the stage party and deliver a valedictory address reflecting on their university experiences and their bright futures. We asked this year’s valedictorians to share some insights and wisdom from their time at Mac, and here’s what they had to say:

What’s a great moment/memory from your time here?

A selfie of Safi Khan at a desk.

The moments and memories I will be most proud of are the years I spent with the Math and Stats Society, working from general member up to co-president. I came to McMaster lost in the way that first-year students are lost; uncertain. I was pretty convinced I was the only one who felt that way. However, the society and the upper years who offered me guidance freely and openly changed that. S

haring the advice that no syllabus could ever contain, the real “if you know, you know” advice was the generosity that really stuck with me. I knew that eventually I wanted to be in a position where I could give that same generosity back — to be the upper-year that a lost first-year student could turn to for advice. I wanted to be able to share my perspective and work toward assuring them that things do, eventually, work out.

My tenure on society gave me exactly that and more: the chance to show up for others the way others had once shown up for me. Those moments from my undergrad are what will ultimately stick with me throughout my life. — Safi Khan, Faculty of Science
Click here for more on Safi Khan

A very dark image of Kieran D'Sena wearing huge dark goggles in a green-lit room.

Having spent my first year entirely online during COVID, one of my most memorable moments was finally arriving on campus in second year and seeing everyone in person for the first time, only to discover that the heights I had invented in my head for everyone were almost entirely wrong. — Kieran D’Sena, Faculty of Engineering
Click here for more on Kieran D’Sena

A group of about 20 DeGroote MBA students wearing track suits and medals.

It’s honestly difficult to distinguish just one memory because there were so many moments throughout the MBA that were meaningful in completely different ways.  One experience that’s definitely worth mentioning was the 24-Hour Cup during the D700 course. There was something unforgettable about the intensity of working through the night with classmates, trying to solve complex problems while running almost entirely on adrenaline, teamwork, and determination. It was exhausting, chaotic, and incredibly fun at the same time, and it became one of those experiences that really bonded our cohort.

MBA Games was another major highlight. Competing alongside the DeGroote team and seeing everyone support each other through such a high-energy environment was an experience I’ll always be grateful for. — Klea Pulti, DeGroote School of Business 

Ishan Sharma with 2 friends, walking down a red-brick-dust road in Uganda.

During the summer of my third year, I had the incredible opportunity to spend three months living in Western Uganda as an international fellow with Engineers Without Borders. I worked alongside local Ugandan students and stayed in the Nyakayojo sub-region, collaborating on ways to improve irrigation during the dry seasons for local grape farmers. Together, my team and I co-created Optimus Lumina, a portable, solar-powered backpack designed to support their crop growth. However, this experience was so much more than simply just a technical project. I immersed myself in Ugandan culture and absolutely fell in love with the food, the music, the pace of life, and, most of all, the Banyankole people I was surrounded by. I created deep, lifelong friendships and found a sense of belonging, and it was my first integration into a culture so different from my own. That summer opened my eyes and sparked a deep interest in global understanding and social dynamics, with a thirst to continue exploring and learning more. These memories will always be held very close to my heart and will never be forgotten. — Ishan Sharma, Faculty of Science
Click here for more on Ishan Sharma

Oyin Aderibigbe takes a selfie, standing in front of a group of about 20 people.

There are too many to count. But, a standout moment is definitely the time that I made jollof rice with my peers from CityLAB Semester in Residence (SIR). It started when one of my group mates made a comment about jollof rice at CityLAB. Spontaneously, we decided to make it together and invite the whole cohort of SIR students. It was such a lovely time! I think that night was a moment where lots of us got to really know each other better outside of the formal CityLAB space. There were great conversations, music, and dancing. So much dancing. I loved my time at CityLAB and constantly tell others about how great of an experience it was for me to this day! — Oyin Aderibigbe, Arts & Science Program

Who’s someone at Mac who made a difference for you?

Nicholas Koenig, wearing an Engineering welcome week rep red suit, Holds a flag and runs past a line of students during Welcome Week.

There are quite a few people, but a huge shoutout goes to Dr. Denise Geiskkovitch for her amazing support during my final year. I also have to acknowledge the upper-year engineers who became friends and mentors to me. The advice and reassurance they gave me early on in my degree made a world of difference in finding my footing at Mac. — Nicholas Koenig, Faculty of Engineering
Click here for more on Nicholas Koenig

A group of MSU Maroons at Welcome Week, including Ishan Sharma

Going into my third year, I became a Welcome Week rep executive for the Faculty of Science (Sciclones). In this role, I met so many wonderful, brilliant students in the faculty, and it was also where I met Ava Colangelo for the first time. Right away, she radiated kindness, empathy, and laughter into every space she entered. I always admired how she managed to stay such a well-rounded person, balancing the pressures of academics with all of her extracurriculars.

That same year, we worked together on the McMaster Science Society, and with Ava as my leader in both spaces, I felt more confident and inspired to be my best self. She believed in me, always uplifted my spirit and my capabilities, and has shown me time and time again what it means to be both a great leader and a truly compassionate person. It is because of her that I kept pushing myself, diving into new challenges and opportunities, and reminding myself that I can do anything I put my mind to. I’m so grateful I got to meet her during my time here, and she is a constant reminder of what it means to be an extraordinary student, and an innately kind person. — Ishan Sharma, Faculty of Science
Click here for more on Ishan Sharma

A large group of students in a classroom, with graduate student Yalda Azari in front, all smiling.

It isn’t a single person, but rather a collective group — my students. They have made the biggest difference for me at McMaster. In many ways, they grounded me, deepened my motivation, and reminded me of my purpose on the days I needed it most. At times when my workload felt insurmountable, my students were my ray of sunshine. Our tutorials and labs became a kind of positive feedback loop of energy — I would give support and encouragement, and they were kind enough to give it right back to me. If you happen to be one of my students reading this, just know that you brightened my days more than you know! — Yalda Azari, Faculty of Science
Click here for more on Yalda Azari

What’s something you learned here that you’ll carry with you into life after Mac?

Eric Hynes and others from the department of Anthropology smile and work outdoors under a tree canopy.

I remember talking with Anthropology professor Yana Stainova after class and being like, “Hey, I’m really sorry. Sometimes I really don’t word myself properly in class. I take a long time. I take pauses.” And I remember Yana was like, “The very fact that you don’t have everything perfectly ready to say when you’re called on in class is evidence that you’re forming new ideas. So make sure that happens, you know, like, put your hand up and stumble. That’s okay. It shows that you’re learning.” And that was something that really stuck with me, it was such a monumental lesson to be taught by a professor. — Eric Hynes, Faculty of Social Sciences
Click here for more on Eric Hynes

Muskaan Opel smiles while leaning on the Iron Ring outside JHE.

One of the biggest things I learned at McMaster University is to take chances and step into leadership, even when it feels unexpected. In third year, I randomly decided to run for an MES (McMaster Engineering Society) VP position, and ended up being elected. That moment really changed everything for me. It opened the door to getting involved in MES, ESSCO (the Engineering Student Societies’ Council of Ontario), Conference on Advocacy and Leadership in Engineering (CALE), and the broader engineering community across Ontario and Canada, and showed me the value of putting yourself out there and staying connected. — Muskaan Opel, Faculty of Engineering
Click here for more on Muskaan Opel

Kieran D'Sena, working on equipment in a lab.

Past commitment isn’t a life sentence. You’re allowed to change your mind. — Kieran D’Sena, Faculty of Engineering
Click here for more on Kieran D’Sena 

 

Ishan Sharma, wearing the Mac the Marauder mascot suit, holding the head in his hands so you can see his face.

McMaster is home to a beautiful array of diverse people, which is shown in their experiences and perspectives. Growing up, I’ve always found it tough to fit in, and have subconsciously forced myself to conform to the social norms in my environment.

At Mac, for the first time, I learned that our differences and diversity are what set us apart, and that our uniqueness should be celebrated. Here, there are people who are passionate about theatre, music, dance, science, world culture, you name it. With this realization, I had never felt so alive and confident to be my true and authentic self and to dive so deep into all of my curiosities and get involved.

McMaster has helped me feel empowered and embrace the qualities I’ve hidden away for so long in order to fit in with those around me. I will carry this philosophy with me for life after Mac, and will always remind others that their differences are truly their assets. — Ishan Sharma, Faculty of Science
Click here for more on Ishan Sharma

 

A group of DeGroote School of Business MBA students, including valedictorian Klea Pulti, outside the Ron Joyce Centre.

McMaster helped me become more confident in my ability to lead, communicate, and navigate uncertainty. The program constantly pushed me to think critically, collaborate with different personalities, and approach problems from multiple perspectives. It also reinforced the importance of balancing ambition with empathy.

Some of the most valuable lessons I learned came not just from classrooms, but from working closely with people, mentoring others, managing challenges, and contributing to the broader MBA community. — Klea Pulti, DeGroote School of Business 

Safi Khan poses next to a blooming magnolia tree on campus

The number one thing that I will carry with me in life after doing my undergrad at Mac is that uncertainty is okay. I came to Mac wanting to transfer into computer science because work-from-home developer jobs were trending at the time and I didn’t really know what else to do.

My surrounding classmates seemed to have their futures planned out to the last detail; courses mapped, careers chosen, and grad schools they wanted to attend. At the start of it all, I felt like the only person improvising. Through meeting upper years, I learned that those who now spoke passionately about their job prospects or research in mathematics, not long ago, been exactly here I was — uncertain. Their first-year selves wouldn’t have recognized them in the same way that my first-year self wouldn’t recognize me.

Through embracing uncertainty, the biggest lesson I learned was making sure to find my people early, and to connect with them on how they got where they are. — Safi Khan, Faculty of Science
Click here for more on Safi Khan

Yalda Azari stands beside her research poster.

From campus clubs and community work to academics and jobs, I have worn many hats during my time at McMaster. Throughout these experiences, I have engaged in a great deal of introspection. Even in busy moments where there was not much time to sit down, process, and reflect, I learned a great deal about myself simply by trying new things and noticing what brought me fulfillment.

Ultimately, I have learned that teaching and mentorship are at the core of who I am. I love inspiring and supporting others, especially in ways that help them grow and see their own potential. I am happiest when I can take what I am learning in my own studies, and give it back to my community. It gives me a sense of purpose, and that has become my fuel to keep going in both life and academia.

I cannot picture my future without a significant amount of teaching and mentorship in it. In that environment, leading and disseminating knowledge, I feel the most confident, challenged, and fulfilled. — Yalda Azari, Faculty of Science
Click here for more on Yalda Azari

Finish this sentence: Mac students, always remember …

Malaika Manda and two friends, all wearing BSSC Welcome Week rep suits.

There’s an African saying that goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.” And that’s been paramount to my experience here. When you’re lucky enough to go to a really prestigious university like McMaster, sometimes you feel like you make your way independently.  But being willing to ask for help and being lucky enough to have people who are willing to help you and making sure that we all really succeed together, I think that has been a testament to my experience at McMaster.  And it’s something that I’ve also tried to exemplify. I’ve always tried to give back and make sure that I approach success as a more collaborative thing rather than an individual thing. — Malaika Manda, Faculty of Social Sciences
Click here for more about Malaika Manda

You can survive on caffeine, deadlines, and chaos — but the memories with your people are what actually get you through. — Muskaan Opel, Faculty of Engineering
Click here for more on Muskaan Opel

Nicholas Koenig plays frisbee with friends on campus.

You are going to make mistakes and fail sometimes, but those are honestly your best opportunities to learn and grow. — Nicholas Koenig, Faculty of Engineering 
Click here for more on Nicholas Koenig

Say yes to opportunities before you feel fully ready for them. Some of the most impactful experiences I had during my MBA came from stepping into spaces that initially intimidated me such as leadership roles, competitions and networking opportunities. Growth rarely feels comfortable in the moment, but those experiences often become the ones that shape you the most.

I’d also remind students not to measure their success against anyone else’s timeline. Everyone enters the program with different strengths, experiences, and goals. The MBA becomes much more meaningful when you focus on building the version of success that feels authentic to you. — Klea Pulti, DeGroote School of Business

 

Oyin Aderibigbe carries a friend piggy back, both are wearing BSSC welcome week rep suits.
Oyin Aderibigbe, Spring 2026 valedictorian, Arts & Science Program

To be kind to yourself! The world can be a challenging place at times and it’s important to be kind to yourself amidst that. — Oyin Aderibigbe, Arts & Science Program

That your kindness and enthusiasm have a ripple effect beyond what you can see! To the hundreds of students I have had the pleasure of teaching, I often say, “live with zeal and the world will reveal.” By this, I mean that when you approach new opportunities with eager eyes, energy, and zealous curiousity, you begin to create connections that extend beyond the task at hand.

These connections, I feel, are what make experiences, learning, and life truly meaningful. At its core, this way of thinking has reinforced my belief that even the smallest acts of kindness and enthusiasm can carry forward and, give back to us, in ways we may never fully see. — Yalda Azari, Faculty of Science
Click here for more on Yalda Azari

What’s “your spot” on campus?

Safi Khan, lying on the floor of a room below a blackboard.

My spot on campus is definitely Hamilton Hall, specifically the metal table in front of the  chalkboard outside HH 305. During third and fourth year my friends and I sat there so much that we dubbed the area “our office.” — Safi Khan, Faculty of Science
Click here for more on Safi Khan

There is a tutorial room tucked in JHE opposite the PhD office- JHE 326H. When campus is packed, I could always count on that room being empty. Now that I’m graduating, I’m more than happy to spill the beans about this spot 🙂 — Kieran D’Sena, Faculty of Engineering
Click here for more on Kieran D’Sena

In the fall, I love to spend time climbing this one specific tree just outside the Health Sciences Library (HSL) on BSB field! It’s the perfect spot to lay, people watch, and catch a beautiful sunset. During the school year though, especially this past year, I’ve found myself on MUSC second floor practically every day. There is this one little room that not too many people know about, with a big window facing Sterling Street, which is my favourite spot to study at. It is quiet, comfortable, and has become a familiar space for me. On days when I’m feeling low or seeking nature and calm, I will venture to the greenhouse to walk around and be in the serene presence of the plants, as well as for a quick study break. — Ishan Sharma, Faculty of Science
Click here for more on Ishan Sharma

Your McMaster experience in one word

Transformative — Muskaan Opel, Faculty of Engineering

Whirlwind — Nicholas Koenig, Faculty of Engineering

Serendipitous — Ishan Sharma, Faculty of Science

Unpredictability — Safi Khan, faculty of Science

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