To the Class of 2020:

The culmination of your very hard-earned journey is finally here! You are now part of a truly unique and historically significant graduating class at the University of Lethbridge. The grad class of 2020 will forever be remembered for their grace and resiliency during these extraordinary times. As you prepare to head into the next part of your story, I hope you can look back on your uLethbridge experience with admiration and pride. I hope you remember that on top of receiving an exceptional liberal education, you met your closest friends and mentors, you discovered where your true passions lie and you grew beyond your wildest expectations. 

This class became advocates of Indigenous reconciliation, human rights issues, economic recovery and environmental protection. Some of you found a love for teaching, healing and helping others, both at home and around the world. Many of you became innovators in science, math and technology and you found ways to connect people through music, art and theatre. But above all, you all took your experiences and your education, and you contributed to making this university better than when you entered.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our world this year and while I know there is fear and uncertainty in what this change will bring, I think we are also experiencing a focus on community and connection like never before. You have displayed remarkable determination and dedication to excellence over the last several months, and I have no doubt that this will carry on to your future endeavours. On behalf of all faculty and staff at the University of Lethbridge, we would like to congratulate you on this monumental achievement and we invite you to join over 45,000 do-ers, changers and leaders world wide to continue your uLethbridge story as part of our alumni family.

For those of you who would love the chance to experience the tradition-filled ceremony and the walk across the stage to celebrate your accomplishments, we invite you to come back and join us at any of our graduation celebrations over the next three years. Until then, I wish you the best of luck; I know you will all continue to contribute in endless ways and will make a huge difference in advancing our global community.

Congratulations to the Class of 2020!
Dr. Erasmus Okine
Provost and Vice-President (Academic)

Congratulations to the University of Lethbridge
2020 Graduating Class

Graduation is one of the most exciting times in a student’s life. It is when it all comes together. When you can finally pat yourself on the back and say “mission accomplished” before heading off into the next phase of your life.

But this year, things were different. The pandemic changed everything. Yet, despite the hardship and the uncertainty, you rose to the challenge, found creative ways to remain connected, finished your classes online and made the best out of a difficult situation.

You should be very proud of yourselves.

No matter what path you decide to follow, I want you to know that the future of this country belongs to you. You are the ones who will shape the years to come. Get involved in your community and in society. Stay open to new ideas, look after others, especially those less fortunate, and take care of the planet. Have a passion, vision and opinions.

Believe me, you can accomplish anything with a bit of effort. So dare to dream!

Best of luck in your future endeavours!

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette
Governor General of Canada