To the Class of 2020:

You are now part of a truly unique graduating class at the University of Saskatchewan, students who will be forever remembered for their extraordinary success in extraordinary times.

For more than 100 years, our university has marked this memorable milestone moment in our students’ academic journeys with ceremonies steeped in a century of tradition, while firmly focused on the future. The global pandemic may have forced us to celebrate convocation in isolation this year, but that in no way takes away from what you have accomplished and endured to complete your degrees, diplomas and certificates.

Like all campus communities, we have had to make major changes in order to ensure the safety of our students, staff and faculty, while creating new ways to complete the academic year. The unprecedented move to deliver all classes online has been challenging and stressful, and we commend you for your commitment to completing your courses.

You have displayed remarkable resiliency and resourcefulness, dedication and determination, to become part of a graduating class like no other. On behalf of all faculty and staff at the University of Saskatchewan, we would like to congratulate you on this remarkable achievement, as you join our family of 160,000 alumni worldwide.

Over these past few months, our world has been forever changed by a coronavirus pandemic that has proven just how globally connected we all are, while also reminding us just how important the idea of community is. For our campus community, we remain committed to being the university the world needs, from our researchers seeking vaccines and treatments for COVID-19, to staff and students volunteering in this time of crisis to help make their own part of the world a better place.

As you prepare for the next step in your own personal journeys, we look forward to you all finding your own place in the global community, and to finding the opportunity to make a difference. Along the way, please take time to remember all those who have supported you during your time at the University of Saskatchewan, your family and friends, and favourite faculty members.

Congratulations Class of 2020.

Dear fellow graduate,

Congratulations! You are now an alumnus of the University of Saskatchewan.

We’re honoured to have you join our family of more than 161,000 graduates. Like them, you will be our leaders of tomorrow. After years of study, where you go next is up to you. There are so many possibilities ahead and your success is a tribute to your perseverance and dedication.

We are disappointed that we had to forego our annual convocation ceremonies where you would walk across the stage to receive your degree. However, I hope you do not let these circumstances take away from the magnitude of your achievements. Suffice to say, the world is now your stage where you can take the knowledge gained and make yourself, your families and your alma mater proud of your accomplishments. I encourage you to take time to celebrate and acknowledge what you have completed. Be proud of what you’ve done and I hope you remember your time fondly at USask throughout your life.

Being a USask alumnus means you will always have a place to come home to and I encourage you to visit and stay involved, whether it’s by following USask Alumni social media channels, volunteering or attending alumni events. Once again, welcome to our alumni family!

Chris Unsworth (DIPAGB’12)
Chair, University of Saskatchewan Alumni Advisory Board