These prestigious awards recognize exceptional faculty members who exemplify York鈥檚 commitment to excellence in teaching, research and service. Faculty members are encouraged to nominate peers who embody these values, contribute to the University鈥檚 vibrant academic community and advance its mission of innovation and scholarship.

University Professorships are life-time awards conferred on a well-rounded professor who is recognized by their peers for: teaching, service to York community, and, where appropriate, scholarship.

The Distinguished Research Professorship is awarded to a member of the faculty who has made outstanding contributions to the University through research. The Distinguished Research Professor will have demonstrated scholarly achievement by sustained publication or other recognized and accepted demonstrations of sustained authoritative contributions to scholarship.

Nominations may be made by all tenured faculty members, who shall provide a complete nomination file, including the nominee鈥檚 CV, a detailed letter of nomination explaining how the candidate鈥檚 achievements conform to the general criteria, along with three (3) letters of support from those in a position to comment on the nominee鈥檚 achievements and contributions.

Additional details about the criteria and nomination procedures are set out in the Senate Policy on Honorific Professorships.

Nominations for honorific professorships should be submitted by Friday, March 6  at 4:30 p.m. Nominations may be submitted via the or the available on the Awards webpage or to James Pratt, secretary of the Senate Awards Committee, at jpratt@yorku.ca.

The awards will be announced at York鈥檚 2026 Spring Convocation.

York strongly values diversity and equity within its research community and encourages nominations of those who are under-represented in recent competitions.

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This year鈥檚 Fall Convocation saw close to 2,500 graduands cross the stage to receive their degrees during ceremonies. View photos from the Class of 2025 ceremonies below:

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The following is an edited version of the speech delivered by 快播视频 President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton to the Class of 2025 at the 2025 Fall Convocation ceremonies.听听

To the exceptional Class of 2025, my warmest congratulations! It is a privilege and a pleasure to join you in commemorating this major milestone in your life.

I am proud to be standing here with you, and I know your family and friends are proud of you, too. 

In April 2024, 快播视频 had the distinct honour of awarding an honorary doctorate to Dr. Jane Goodall, a trailblazer whose life鈥檚 work has transformed our understanding of the natural world.  

During her address, Dr. Goodall shared a message that continues to echo through our halls: 鈥淚f you really want to do something important, then you have to work really hard, take advantage of every opportunity 鈥� and if you don't give up, hopefully you'll find a way.鈥� 

She reminded us that perseverance is the key to success. It is not just about enduring hardship; it is about believing in possibility, even when others doubt you. 

At 快播视频, perseverance is not merely a virtue 鈥� it is a value embedded in our mission. We are a progressive, research-intensive institution committed to enhancing the well-being of the communities we serve.  

Our University Academic Plan challenges us to strengthen our contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and our impact has been recognized globally, with York ranking among the top 40 universities in the world for SDG impact. 

This recognition is not the result of a single initiative or moment. It is the outcome of countless acts of perseverance 鈥� by our faculty, staff, students and alumni 鈥� who have refused to accept the status quo and instead pushed boundaries in science, health, engineering, social justice and sustainability. 

Perseverance is what drives our researchers to explore solutions to climate change, food insecurity and systemic inequality. It is what inspires our students to pursue knowledge, even when the path is uncertain. It is what empowers our community to convene ideas and people for meaningful action. 

Dr. Goodall鈥檚 story is a testament to what perseverance can achieve. She was told her dreams were unrealistic. She was laughed at for wanting to live among wild animals. But she did not give up. She worked hard, seized every opportunity, and found her way. 

Her journey mirrors the journeys of so many of you. You may have faced adversity, you may have been told 鈥渘o,鈥� but the fact that you are graduating today means that you never gave up. 

Perseverance is the thread that binds us. 

As you join a global network of more than 385,000 York alumni today, I hope you are inspired by Dr. Goodall鈥檚 words: 鈥淲e must never give up.鈥� 

I hope you carry forward the spirit of perseverance 鈥� not just as individuals, but as a collective 鈥� and that you do so with a sense of purpose, wisdom and compassion for others, working across differences that may at times seem insurmountable, to build a more just, sustainable and compassionate world. 

During my more than eight years as president of this fine institution, one of my greatest pleasures has been the opportunity to meet so many York graduates who are making a difference around the world. I look forward to seeing what each of you do next.   

Let us take a moment now to acknowledge the many individuals who have supported you throughout your higher education journey: your professors, teaching assistants, administrative staff, classmates, family, partners and friends who have encouraged and assisted you in reaching this significant milestone. All of that support has been incredibly important in helping you get here today. 

Let me close by simply thanking you for choosing York.  

Congratulations! Bonne chance! Miigwech! 

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Kathryn McPherson, interim dean of LA&PS, introduced Bevilacqua by commending him for embodying the qualities most valued in a 快播视频 honorary degree recipient.

鈥淗e is a true example of the profound impact that dedicated leadership can have on our communities,鈥� said McPherson, who cited his decades of distinguished public service as a member of parliament and three-time mayor of the City of Vaughan. McPherson also noted his role as mayor in advancing the 快播视频 School of Medicine, a transformative initiative that will improve health care access and equity across the region.

Bevilacqua began his address to graduands by reflecting on immigrating with his family from Italy at age 10. He described how his parents brought with them 鈥渁 suitcase full of dreams and hopes,鈥� including the belief that this country would open its arms to their children.

A decade later, he said, he began to realize that dream when he was elected president of the 快播视频 Student Council. He was mentored by then-York president Ian Macdonald, who taught him that leadership is 鈥渘ot about power鈥� it鈥檚 about selfless service, attentive listening and lifting others up.鈥�

It was one of several ways Bevilacqua said York shaped his subsequent career, which began eight years later when he was elected to the House of Commons. 鈥淵ork gave me more than an education. It gave me a compass, a conviction that life is indeed an offering, and that what we learn, we must share and give back,鈥� he said.

Speaking to the graduating class directly, he invoked the University鈥檚 motto, tentanda via 鈥� the way must be tried. 鈥淚t is more than just a Latin phrase. It is a way of life,鈥� he said.

Bevilacqua took a moment to praise the leadership of Vice-Chancellor and President Rhonda Lenton as an example of tentanda via in action. 鈥淧resident Lenton reminds us that leadership is not about standing still in comfort. It鈥檚 about moving forward with purpose, about making one鈥檚 work an offering for the greater good,鈥� he said. He then addressed Lenton directly: 鈥淎s I walk this campus, I really feel you left a mark on this University and I see your fingerprints everywhere.鈥�

Bevilacqua continued, assuring graduands that while the path ahead would not always be smooth or certain, trying, even in uncertainty, is the essence of a meaningful life. 鈥淓very act of discovery, every work of justice, every breakthrough in history, began with someone saying, 鈥楲et鈥檚 try,鈥欌�� he said.

He encouraged the Class of 2025 to carry hope, courage and compassion into their futures.

鈥淟ife rarely provides you with a map, but what鈥檚 beautiful about life is that the path reveals itself as you walk on your journey. You will try new careers, hear new callings, dream new dreams. All of them will teach,鈥� Bevilacqua said, with encouragement to embrace humility, kindness and forgiveness along the way.

Closing his address, he reflected on the idea that every effort matters. 鈥淓very hour you studied, every obstacle you overcame, every act of kindness, humility and perseverance was an offering to your own becoming,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he journey itself is sacred, because it is through trying that you offer your gifts to the world.鈥�

He called on graduands to use their gifts as they enter a world that needs their leadership, courage and compassion, and to do so with what they had taken from 快播视频.

"Please carry York's values with you 鈥� its inclusiveness, its integrity, its belief in the dignity of every person. Let your education be not only your achievement, but your offering to your community, to your country, to the world,鈥� he said.

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Lau, co-founder of the global storytelling platform Wattpad and founding partner of venture capital firm Two Small Fish Ventures, addressed the graduating class of 2025 with a message rooted in resilience, risk-taking and self-belief. 

Chris Carder, executive director at Schulich鈥檚 Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, introduced Lau as 鈥渁 Schulich graduate, entrepreneur, investor, mentor and one of Canada鈥檚 most respected voices in the technology and venture capital space.鈥� 

The York alum then took the podium, noting that this year marks the 20th anniversary since she walked the same stage to receive her MBA.聽

In her speech, Lau reflected on her journey from Schulich graduate to tech innovator, sharing lessons learned from building Wattpad into a global platform with over 100 million users and leading one of Canada鈥檚 top-performing venture capital firms. 

Lau鈥檚 address focused on three key lessons for the graduating class: embracing risk, leveraging unique qualities and aiming for transformative outcomes rather than incremental gains. 

鈥淓ntrepreneurship and innovation are not really about making things 10 per cent better, 20 per cent better,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about making things 100 times better, 1,000 times better, something transformational.鈥� 

Lau recounted the early days of Wattpad, when the platform had only a handful of users and generated just $2 in ad revenue. Despite the modest start, she and her husband Allen Lau 鈥� a co-founder of Wattpad 鈥� made the decision to invest everything they had to keep the company going. 

Lau explained that risk in the real world isn't neatly calculated or predicted. Instead, it requires understanding personal limits and knowing how much one is prepared to lose before taking the leap. Without that clarity, she said, it鈥檚 impossible to truly commit to a risky decision with confidence. 

鈥淲e were willing to go to zero, but we weren鈥檛 willing to go into the negatives,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what embracing risk really looks like for an entrepreneur. It鈥檚 not about avoiding loss, it鈥檚 about defining your boundaries and then giving everything you鈥檝e got.鈥� 

Encouraging graduands to lean into their individual strengths, she said, 鈥淭he best execution comes from knowing who you are 鈥� your uniqueness 鈥� and leaning into it. Don鈥檛 downplay it. Don鈥檛 hide it 鈥� it鈥檚 really your superpower.鈥� 

Lau described how her own experiences 鈥� scaling Wattpad, working in semiconductors and learning from top global investors 鈥� gave her a unique edge when she transitioned into venture capital. Her firm, Two Small Fish Ventures, is now known for backing tech founders who are solving complex problems with innovative solutions. 

Her final message urged graduating students to aim high and pursue transformative opportunities. 

鈥淒on鈥檛 settle for something small,鈥� she said, telling graduands to take bold steps in their careers. 鈥淐hase the opportunities that stretch you, the ones that scare you, the ones that could redefine everything.鈥� 

Lau closed with a reminder that success is rarely linear. There will be many, many pauses, setbacks and even zigzags, she said, but each twist is part of the journey that prepares you for the next leap forward. 

鈥淭he world doesn鈥檛 need another safe bet,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t needs bold leaders, innovative thinkers and dreamers who are willing to take that shot. 

鈥淐ongratulations again, class of 2025. The future is really yours now.鈥� 

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A pop culture trailblazer, Singh has evolved from digital creator to film and television star while earning recognition for her creative leadership and advocacy for girls worldwide. 

鈥淟illy鈥檚 career encapsulates the values of 快播视频鈥檚 mission,鈥� said Faculty of Health Dean David Peters during the Oct. 14 Fall Convocation ceremony. 鈥淪he uses comedy to break down stereotypes about women, sexuality and more, and is an advocate for gender equity.鈥� 

In a heartfelt and candid address, Singh reminded graduands that life rarely follows a straight path 鈥� and that鈥檚 perfectly okay. 

Delivered with her unique brand of humour, personal reflections and encouragement, the award-winning entertainer encouraged graduands to embrace change 鈥� and failure 鈥� as they move into the next chapter of their lives. 

鈥淟et me reassure you,鈥� she said, 鈥渉aving it all figured out is a false narrative. It鈥檚 a myth.鈥�  

Growth often comes from moments of discomfort and doubt, she said, sharing that during her time at York she was unsure of her future, feeling pressure to follow a traditional path and facing her parents鈥� expectations for a more conventional career. 

Using humour to demonstrate her own challenges, she spoke of her parents' bewilderment when they learned that instead of pursuing grad school, she was going to be an entertainer. "Mom, Dad 鈥� it may not have happened in the way you thought, but your daughter is bringing hom a PhD today 鈥� also a doctorate in law. I'm basically a doctor and a lawyer."

Uncertainty, rejection and detours are part of the journey, she noted, with each challenge leading to new opportunities and potential for growth. 

鈥淟earn that nothing is ever a setback. From the very beginning of my career until now, there is zero evidence that failure sets you back,鈥� she said. 鈥淪o, if you鈥檙e ever in doubt, remember failure is not the universe tormenting you. Failure is the universe guiding you.鈥澛�

She urged graduands to remain curious and open and accept the role of 鈥渟tudent for life,鈥� suggesting education doesn鈥檛 end with a diploma 鈥� it鈥檚 a lifelong pursuit that extends far beyond the classroom. 

Challenging graduates to reflect on their habits, Singh encouraged them to question routines and be willing to unlearn patterns that no longer serve their growth. 

She also spoke to the power of relationships, emphasizing that achievements are most meaningful when shared. 

A passionate advocate for gender equality, Singh called on the graduating class to champion women鈥檚 voices and support one another. She reminded the audience that empowerment is a collective effort, and that everyone has a role to play in creating a more equitable world. 

Speaking specifically to the women in the audience, she said: 鈥淎t every turn of your career there will be someone who underestimates you, undervalues you or belittles you. Do it anyway. Make your voice heard. Be ok with being unlikeable.鈥� 

To the men, she shared the advice that true masculinity is collaboration and listening. 鈥淟earn that a strong woman doesn鈥檛 make you weaker,鈥� she said.聽

Singh鈥檚 powerful messages concluded with a reflection on humility and adaptability and the pursuit of self-worth in the school of life.聽

鈥淭he biggest disservice you can do to yourself is believe you have figured it all out and you have nothing more to learn. The truth is, you will graduate over and over again 鈥� it just won鈥檛 always be in a cap and gown. 

鈥淭he more you embrace yourself as the most important project in your life 鈥� and embrace being a student forever 鈥� the better off you will be.鈥� 

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Brandon Vickerd, dean of the (AMPD), introduced Bovey by highlighting her five decades of advancing the role of the arts in Canadian society through her work as an art historian, museum director, gallery curator and senator. Her career, he noted, 鈥渞eflects her unwavering belief in the power of art to heal, unite and inspire.鈥�

Bovey embodied that belief in her address to graduands. 鈥淐reative expression is everywhere and needs to be seen, heard and cherished,鈥� she said, emphasizing how the arts have measurable 鈥� even life-saving 鈥� benefits. Research, she shared, shows that arts attendees live two years longer, use less health care, miss fewer days of work and recover faster after elective surgery.

She then expanded on these tangible effects to highlight the deeper role of the arts in shaping society. 鈥淭he arts truly have a leading place in society鈥檚 future,鈥� she said. 鈥淎rt expresses the humanity within everyone in this room, within this University, our communities, our country and globally. Art portrays our place, our time and society 鈥� its beauty, crises and challenges.鈥�

Bovey reflected on how, long before national inquiries or reconciliation initiatives, artists were using their work to reveal uncomfortable truths. She pointed to Rebecca Belmore, whose performance and installation works Vigil and The Named and the Unnamed drew attention to missing and murdered Indigenous women, and Joane Cardinal-Schubert, whose 1989 installation The Lesson critiqued the residential school system decades before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission brought the issue to national attention.

These examples, she said, show that the arts are not just a reflection of society but a force that shapes it 鈥� a force that graduands can now join. She emphasized that the arts are integral to every dimension of contemporary life and told graduands their own contributions would be, too. 鈥淵our new skills are fundamental to all of society,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e certainly need you.鈥�

Bovey encouraged graduands to remain open to possibility. She recalled that when she graduated, she envisioned becoming a primary school music teacher, having paid for her education by teaching piano. But her path changed as unexpected opportunities arose 鈥� to become a gallery director, professor and eventually a senator. 鈥淲hen my senate door opened, did I think I could do it? No, no more than I thought I could teach when invited to do that 50 years ago,鈥� she said. She credited her willingness to step through open doors as key to her growth and impact.

That openness led to her historic appointment as Canada鈥檚 first art historian and museologist in the senate, where she approached her work through the lens of arts and culture. Among her legislative achievements, she introduced a bill that established Canada鈥檚 first parliamentary visual artist laureate 鈥� an opportunity, she noted, that future York fine arts graduates could one day explore.

鈥淜eep the doors and pathways open, whether anticipated or unexpected. Engage your skills creatively in the world around you. Participate as a creator, supporter, challenger or critic,鈥� she said. 鈥淩emember, the arts are the real glue of society, not a frill. That reality has been proven in the past, is true in the present and is essential for the future.鈥�

Drawing on her long-standing work bringing Indigenous perspectives to the forefront of cultural practice, Bovey shared teachings inspired by the symbolism of the eagle feather, as taught by Indigenous elders. She quoted artist elder Arthur Vickers, with whom she has closely collaborated: 鈥淭he feather has two sides, a light side and a dark side, representing the past, good and bad, and the present, good and bad, as they will the future. The Creator gave us two eyes, one that sees bad things, the other only good鈥� He gave us a mind that gives us a choice every moment of every day to make the wrong decision or the right decision.鈥�

The teaching, Bovey reflected, serves as a reminder to be mindful of life鈥檚 dualities and to let awareness guide right choices.

She closed by urging graduands to lead with passion and purpose. 鈥淯se your talents, dedication, expertise and insight to make this a better place for all,鈥� she said. Then, recalling a personal inspiration, she added: 鈥淢y late husband鈥檚 mantra was, 鈥榃e are all better off when we are all better off.鈥� So going forward, let鈥檚 all contribute together to making us all better off.鈥�

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Over the course of eight ceremonies, York will confer honorary doctor of laws degrees to four influential changemakers. 

Honorary degree recipients are recognized for their contributions to community building, their advocacy for social justice and their philanthropy, and will offer words of encouragement, motivation and congratulations to graduands. 

Lilly Singh: Oct. 15, 3:30 p.m. 鈥� Faculty of Health

Singh is a leading force in pop culture who has transitioned from an online content career to film and television. She has appeared as one of the leads in comedy series The Muppets Mayhem and in The Bad Guys movie franchise. Her first feature film, DOIN鈥� IT 鈥� which she co-wrote, produced and starred in 鈥� arrived in theatres earlier this month.

Singh was the 2023 recipient of The DVF Leadership Award, which recognizes women leaders, and has been named to 贵辞谤产别蝉鈥� 30 Under 30 Hollywood & Entertainment list, Fast Company鈥檚 Most Creative People and as one TIME鈥檚 Most Influential People on the Internet. She is a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, recognized for her work to expand opportunities for young girls.

Patricia Bovey: Oct. 16, 10:30 a.m. 鈥� Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies I; School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

Bovey is an art historian, curator, emerita museum director and former member of the Senate of Canada (2016-24) representing Manitoba. She served as director of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and the Winnipeg Art Gallery, and founded St. Boniface Hospital鈥檚 Buhler Gallery.

Bovey has served on many arts and university boards, including the National Gallery of Canada and the Canada Council of the Arts, and chaired the boards of the University of Manitoba and Emily Carr University of Art and Design. She currently serves on the Confederation Centre for the Arts Board and the National Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

Maurizio Bevilacqua: Oct. 16, 3:30 p.m. 鈥� Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies II

Bevilacqua is a distinguished public servant whose career has spanned more than three decades in federal and municipal government. He was elected to parliament in 1988 and represented the City of Vaughan for 22 years, holding key cabinet and parliamentary positions 鈥� including minister of state for finance.

In 2010, he was elected mayor of Vaughan, leading the city through a period of major growth, civic renewal and infrastructure expansion. He has been praised for his integrity and vision, as well as a dedication to public service by building stronger, inclusive and more compassionate communities.

Eva Lau: Oct. 17, 10:30 a.m. 鈥� Schulich School of Business

Lau is one of the few women leading a venture fund in Canada and the founding partner of Two Small Fish Ventures, which invests in early-stage, high-growth technology companies. An MBA graduate from York鈥檚 Schulich School of Business with a background in engineering, she brings expertise in artificial intelligence and semiconductors to help startups scale.

Previously, Lau was a founding team member at Wattpad, a social storytelling platform, where she helped grow its users into the millions. A respected mentor, Lau鈥檚 career has been committed to empowering early-stage founders and shaping Canada鈥檚 innovation economy.

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Whether it's a story about overcoming significant obstacles, highlighting special memories or retelling a journey shaped by passion and purpose, 快播视频 wants to hear from graduating students.

York community members are also encouraged to share interesting stories about students set to graduate this fall, and what makes their post-secondary journey special.

Submissions could be featured in 快播视频's marketing efforts.

Submit a story, or share a grad's story, and join in the University's efforts to celebrate the diverse and inspiring journeys of 快播视频 graduates.

The deadline to submit is Sept. 26.

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This year鈥檚 Spring Convocation saw close to 7,000 graduands cross the stage to receive their degrees during ceremonies, with special recognition for the exceptional work of undergraduate students, gradaute students, seven educators and six honorary degree recipients.

View photos from the Class of 2025 ceremonies below:

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