In Photos: Spring 2026 Convocation

Nearly 8,000 new Bruins were welcomed to the Sheridan alumni family at 12 Convocation ceremonies in June. The Class of 2026 graduated from the Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design (FAAD), the Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies (FAHCS), the Faculty of Applied Science and Technology (FAST), the Pilon School of Business (PSB) and Continuing and Professional Studies (CAPS), and was represented by a valedictorian at each ceremony. 

Here, in photos, is a snapshot of the celebrations, some of the moments that made convocation memorable, and the people who supported the graduates along the way. 

Sheridan President and Vice Chancellor Dr. Cindy Gouveia presented a keynote address at each ceremony. She shared her story of a non-traditional path through postsecondary education, noting that “there is no single definition of success. There is no ‘right’ path. And there’s no timeline that determines your worth.” Dr. Gouveia encouraged graduates to carry creativity, innovation and courage with them as they leave Sheridan. “The world needs people who can see possibilities where others see obstacles,” she said. “The future is not something we wait for. It is something we create. Every better future begins when someone decides to take the first step.” 

Graduating Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance students Frankie McKay and Angelica Gicale performed O Canada to open each ceremony, and Golden as a special tribute to the graduates at the conclusion of each ceremony. Golden is the Oscar-winning feature song of K-Pop Demon Hunters, which holds a special place in Sheridan’s heart, as it was created, co-directed and co-written by Sheridan alumna Maggie Kang.  

Graduands and guests were welcomed with songs of celebration and victory by drummers Jamie and Luke Johns, and Kristen and Sharon Johns of the Spirit Visions Singers and Dancers. The Fancy Shawl Dance, performed by Sharon Johns, exemplifies the strength, grace and expression of this beautiful tradition, while the Jingle Dress Dance, performed by Kristen Johns, is a healing dance and serves a sacred role. 

Sheridan’s Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support gifted a beaded thunderbird pin to each Indigenous graduate. The logo on the pin represents the Northwest Coast Thunderbird, and was designed by Madison Johns, an Indigenous graduate from the Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design. The pin was beaded by Katie Chapman, a mixed-Mohawk woman from the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and a member of the Haudenosaunee Wolf Clan, and symbolizes power and strength for Indigenous graduates. 

Graduates had the chance to drop a pin on a large map to show where they are headed next, now that their journey at Sheridan is complete. They were reminded that no matter where their journey leads, they’re Forever Blue as part of a global Sheridan community that stays connected, supports one another, and proudly carries Sheridan’s spirit around the world. 

Students graduating from all Faculties celebrated crossing the stage with classmates and families in Alumni Hall following the ceremony, and took advantage of the many photo opportunities. These graduates from the Faculty of Applied Science and Technology celebrate in style with sunglasses from the Sheridan Alumni team. 

Students know that without the circle of support from family, friends, classmates and professors, it would be a lot more difficult to make it successfully to the end of their program. Family and friends found many ways to celebrate their graduate at convocation, including gifts of teddy bears and flowers. These proud parents shared a childhood photo of their son, who was graduating from the Faculty of Applied Science and Technology. 

The Class of 2026 was invited to sign, celebrate, and leave their mark on the large-scale dry erase yearbook as they reflected on their Sheridan journey. Throughout the reception, graduates filled the board with signatures, congratulatory messages, words of encouragement and creative drawings, transforming it into a vibrant work of art. The wall became an expression of the Class's personality, achievements, friendships, and shared experiences. It was a lasting reminder that while they may be graduating, they will always be Forever Blue. 

Graduates had many opportunities to highlight and capture their achievements after their ceremony, including the always-popular 360 camera in Alumni Hall. These students were excited to have just graduated from the Pilon School of Business. 

Keep in touch, graduates, and welcome to the Sheridan alumni community of over 250,000 graduates around the world!

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Photo credits: Almira Nanez and Marianne Sy-Lucero