Convocation

Leading the way: Nursing students earn LEAD Medallions before convocation

Kelsey Schumacher stands in front of a UWindsor backdrop in her grad gown holding her LEAD medalKelsey Schumacher, recipient of a Gold LEAD Medallion, celebrates her achievement ahead of convocation. The recognition honours students who demonstrate leadership, engagement, application, and discovery beyond the classroom. (KYLE ARCHIBALD/University of Windsor)

By Sara Meikle

Graduation is a milestone full of reflection and possibility, marking growth, accomplishment and everything still ahead. 

From mentoring classmates and leading community initiatives to pursuing critical care certifications and life-changing leadership opportunities, this year’s nursing LEAD Medallion Scholars are celebrated for the many ways they enriched the nursing community during their time at the University of Windsor. 

LEAD medallion recipient makes connections across Human Kinetics

Aravind Manilal Valliyate in grad robe in front of Human Kinetics buildingAravind Manilal Valliyate will graduate with a BSc in kinesiology and health studies and a gold LEAD medallion (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

When Aravind Manilal Valliyate started his BSc in Kinesiology and Health Studies, he says he was unaware of all the opportunities that awaited him. 

“Initially, I had no idea what was going on here because I came from a different country,” he says.  

An international student from India, Valliyate did not take long to get involved. 

Billboards, backflips and big goals: UWindsor nursing grad Ethan Vinagre is ready for what’s next

Ethan jumps for joy in his graduation gownEthan Vinagre celebrates his upcoming graduation from the Faculty of Nursing. The Class of 2026 graduate will begin working in the surgical ICU at Henry Ford Health this fall. (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor)

By Sara Meikle

As he prepares to cross the stage at the University of Windsor’s Spring Convocation, the next chapter of Ethan Vinagre’s life is already taking shape.

A career in critical care nursing, a new home of his own and even his face on a UWindsor billboard celebrating the Class of 2026 are all part of what comes next for the BScN graduate, who will begin working in the surgical intensive care unit (ICU) at Henry Ford Health this fall.

In it for the long run: Windsor Law grad Celina Seguin reflects on her journey

Celina Seguin running with mountains in the backgroundWindsor Law graduate Celina Seguin completed her first marathon in Lucerne, Switzerland, during her exchange semester abroad. (SUBMITTED BY CELINA SEGUIN/University of Windsor)

By Sara Meikle

From negotiation competitions to marathon finish lines, Celina Seguin’s time at Windsor Law has been defined by momentum — both academic and personal.

Now preparing to cross the convocation stage next week, Seguin is reflecting on what she describes as a fast-paced but deeply rewarding three years at Windsor Law, marked by academic excellence, international experiences, community involvement and more than a few kilometres logged on running trails around the world.

Try a little bit of everything: LEAD medallion recipient gets the full HK experience

Sophia Boucas outside the sign for the Faculty of Human Kinetics wearing a graduation gownSophia Boucas will graduate in June with a gold LEAD medallion (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

Throughout her UWindsor experience, Sophia Boucas says she tried a little bit of everything, from student clubs to research, co-op and internships. 

Now preparing to graduate with her BSc in Kinesiology, Boucas will receive a gold LEAD medallion for her efforts, recognizing her involvement across activities related to Leadership, Engagement, Application and Discovery. 

UWindsor celebrates achievement, leadership and new beginnings at Spring Convocation

A graduating student is congratulated by Chancellor Dwight Duncan and President J.J. McMurtry.Convocation ceremonies will be presided over by Chancellor Dwight Duncan and President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. J.J. McMurtry, joining faculty and University leaders in recognizing the accomplishments of 4,100 graduates.

By John-Paul Bonadonna

More than 4,100 University of Windsor graduates will cross the stage during the University of Windsor's 125th Spring Convocation, June 2 to 5 at the Toldo Lancer Centre.

Nine ceremonies will honour students from every faculty across campus.

Over four days, graduands will cross the stage in front of family members, friends, faculty, staff and classmates in recognition of years of academic achievement, perseverance and personal growth.

Convocation to honour acclaimed broadcaster and respected jurist with honorary degrees

Headshots of Chief Justice Michael H. Tulloch and broadcaster Joe Bowen.Chief Justice Michael H. Tulloch and broadcaster Joe Bowen will be recognized with honorary degrees at the upcoming Spring Convocation ceremonies. (UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR)

By John-Paul Bonadonna

The University of Windsor will recognize two distinguished Canadians whose careers have left lasting marks on public life, sports, justice and community service at its upcoming Spring Convocation ceremonies.

The Honourable Michael H. Tulloch and veteran sports broadcaster Joe Bowen (BA ’73) will each receive honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degrees in recognition of their exceptional professional achievements and contributions to society.

Canada’s first cohort of RNs with prescribing authority graduates from UWindsor

Dr. Sherry Morrell pictured with RN Prescribing studentsProfessor Sherry Morrell, one of the faculty leaders behind the creation and development of UWindsor’s RN Prescribing program, leads nursing students through an experiential learning exercise. Canada’s first cohort of registered nurses with prescribing authority will graduate this spring. (MICHAEL WILKINS/University of Windsor)

By Sara Meikle

As Canada continues to confront longer wait times and growing pressure across a strained health-care system, the University of Windsor is preparing to mark a national milestone that reflects both urgency and innovation in care delivery.

David Tanovich appointed Distinguished University Professor

University of Windsor President J.J. McMurtry, right, presents Prof. David Tanovich with the title of Distinguished University Professor during the Fall 2025 Convocation ceremony on Oct. 16. (JOHN-PAUL BONADONNA/University of Windsor) University of Windsor President J.J. McMurtry, right, presents Prof. David Tanovich with the title of Distinguished University Professor during the Fall 2025 Convocation ceremony on Oct. 16. (JOHN-PAUL BONADONNA/University of Windsor)

By Sara Meikle

David Tanovich, professor and Chair in Criminal Law and Racial Justice in University of Windsor’s Faculty of Law, has been named to the rank of Distinguished University Professor in recognition of his exceptional contributions to legal scholarship and social justice in Canada. 

A leading criminal law scholar, Prof. Tanovich has enhanced the reputation and impact of Windsor Law and the University of Windsor for more than 22 years.  

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.