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In June 2020, À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ's newest graduates were forced to celebrate their convocation from afar. Then, something wonderful happened: our community of students, alumni, faculty and staff joined together virtually to mark this special occasion. At the same time, convocating students shared their achievements, celebrations and gratitude to create a digital yearbook.

Thank you to everyone who participated in theÌýyearbook!ÌýThrough your photos, tweets and messages, you openedÌýa unique door to storiesÌýwe may have missed during an in-person ceremony. We observed a remarkable group of individuals – fully equipped with the creativity, resilienceÌýand bravery required to weather the storms of this year and beyond.Ìý

These are just a few highlights of what we learned from theÌýClass of 2020.

Getting creative

First, the Class of 2020 showed us that an innovative spirit can transform any event – even a virtual one – into something unforgettable.

For example, Ìýdesigned his own graduation gown and cap.Ìý

Kyle has a similar idea – albeit with a slightly different take.ÌýÌý

Ìýalso had a homemade graduation cap, but this one was edible!ÌýHer mom deserves endless kudos for this masterpiece.

Siyavash recreated a virtual convocation snapshot, even featuring a cameo from President and Vice-ChancellorÌýFeridun Hamdullahpur.

Staying connected

The yearbook also reminded us of how important it is to celebrate our family, friends, and colleagues. In this time of social distancing, the connections we maintain are more precious than ever!

and her husband were at each other’s side as they graduated with their doctorates.

ÌýOla and her mom also graduatedÌýtogether this year!

Biology professor Bruce Reed and GEM professor Derek Robertson went an extra mile to bring congratulatory messages to their students.

Fighting for a dream

Lastly, some grads shared stories of how – despiteÌýthe odds –Ìýthey overcame adversity to achieve their academic goals.

"The road to this moment was not an easy one," saysÌý.ÌýBy bringing home a university degree, she fulfilled the dream that a civil war had disrupted for her father.

Tiffany shared that although her undergraduate journey was not always straightforward, the hard-fought victories were the ones that mattered most to her.

In short, these brand-new alumni have blown us away. If the Class of 2020 are the leaders of tomorrow, we’re in good hands!

Want to see more of the yearbook? Follow us on Instagram @uwaterlooalumniÌýand click onÌýthe "Yearbook 2020" highlight, or watch the video below.