New leadership and new beginnings mark UWindsor Fall Convocation

The University of Windsor will host two Fall Convocation sessions Oct. 16 at the Toldo Lancer Centre, celebrating more than 1,100 graduates across all faculties. (FILES/University of Windsor)The University of Windsor will host two Fall Convocation sessions Oct. 16 at the Toldo Lancer Centre, celebrating more than 1,100 graduates across all faculties. (FILES/University of Windsor)

The black robes, the proud families, the music, the crossing of the stage.

It’s a moment graduates dream of—and for more than 1,130 University of Windsor students this fall, that dream becomes reality.

But Fall Convocation 2025 is about more than crossing a stage. It’s a celebration of hard work, resilience and a future full of possibility — for the graduates, and for the University itself.

This year’s ceremony includes the formal installation of Dr. J.J. McMurtry as the University’s eighth President and Vice-Chancellor. A long-time champion of equity, student access and innovation in higher education, Dr. McMurtry brings decades of leadership experience to Windsor-Essex.

“Convocation is a celebration of our students reaching an important milestone,” said Dr. McMurtry. “It highlights the limitless possibilities for each graduate as we wish them all the best in their future success.”

This year, the title of Distinguished University Professor will be conferred upon David Tanovich, professor in the Faculty of Law.

A respected leader in Canadian legal scholarship, Prof. Tanovich has spent more than two decades advancing justice and equity through his work on legal ethics, racial profiling and the law of sexual assault. His research has shaped national policy, informed court rulings and inspired a generation of Windsor Law students.

The Governor General’s Gold Medal, awarded annually to graduate students who achieve the highest academic standing, will go to two outstanding graduates from the Faculty of Science — Madison Mooney (Chemistry and Biochemistry) and Aaron Bondy (Physics).

Dr. Mooney is recognized for her groundbreaking doctoral research in biodegradable organic electronics and sustainable polymer design. Her work has earned international recognition and helped position UWindsor as a leader in green materials chemistry.

Dr. Bondy is honoured for his contributions to atomic physics. A LaSalle native and top graduate of UWindsor’s Physics program, his doctoral research has led to publications in top journals and international collaborations.

The University will also celebrate recipients of the Board of Governors’ Medals, awarded to the top undergraduate students in the Faculty of Engineering:

  • Gavin Feher (Electrical and Computer Engineering)
  • Matteo Fortuna (Civil and Environmental Engineering)
  • Brett Mitchell Blondin (Mechanical, Automotive & Materials Engineering)

Each earned the highest academic standing in their program.

Convocation will unfold in two sessions, representing the full academic breadth of the University of Windsor:

  • Morning Ceremony (9:30 a.m.)
    Graduates from: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Education; Human Kinetics; Law; Nursing; Science; and the Odette School of Business
  • Afternoon Ceremony (2:30 p.m.)
    Graduates from: Faculty of Engineering

The Fall 2025 Convocation ceremonies recognize graduates from all nine academic faculties and mark the official installation of the University’s eighth president.

For schedules, livestream links and additional information, visit www.uwindsor.ca/convocation.