At a moment when communities need bolder visionary voices, MSVU spring 2026 graduates crossed the stage with both the knowledge and passion needed to be changemakers.
During spring convocation ceremonies held May 14 and 15, more than 600 students from arts, science, education, and professional programs joined the university’s global alumni community, now more than 40,000 strong.
Learn more about the celebrations, Dr. Lisa LaFlamme's message to graduates, and the student prize and faculty award recipients at the link in our bio.
“When your goal is to grow, you move forward with purpose, not fear. So, as we leave here today, I hope we carry this with us. Take the next step even if it’s small, even if it’s slow, even if no one else notices. Because progress is not always loud but it’s always powerful.”
Ummay Moutushi, MEd
Valedictorian, Friday morning ceremony
"May we remain people who notice others, people who open doors, people who speak when it matters, people who make room at the table, and people who use whatever environments we enter to leave them gentler, fairer, and warmer than we found them."
Suwela Paim Vassoa, BPR
Valedictorian, Thursday afternoon ceremony
"Your career will evolve. Your plans will shift. Some doors will open exactly when you expect, and others will slam shut just to keep things interesting. That’s not failure. That’s life. The world doesn’t need perfect people. It needs thoughtful people. Curious people. People willing to listen, to lead, and to care about something beyond themselves."
Lisa LaFlamme, O.C., O.Ont, DHumL
Honorary Degree Recipient
Apply TODAY to live in residence for a chance to win prizes! We need YOU to be a part of our growing community 🏡💙
#msvu #msvu_halifax #residencelife #studentlife #university
“Let us move forward with faith in what we can become, hope in what we can build, and love in how we choose to serve, because the world we are stepping into does not simply need more graduates. It needs people who are thoughtful, people who are courageous, people who are willing to step forward in the face of uncertainty.“
Orinari Francis Wokoma, MA (CHYS)
Valedictorian, Thursday morning ceremony
#MSVUGrad
From the butterflies of receiving your acceptance letter 🦋💌, to residence move-in day 🏠📦, long study sessions at the library 📚☕, and memorable conversations over dinner in meal hall 🍽️💬, all the way to the long-awaited graduation ceremony 🎓✨ Your MSVU family will be with you every step of the way! 💙
Here, there is a place for everyone! 🏡 Don’t miss your chance to have the best 4 years of your life with us 🎉
Apply TODAY! Link in bio 📲
#msvu #msvuresidence #msvu_halifax #campuslife
Your big moment is just around the corner, spring 2026 graduates!
We can’t wait to celebrate all your hard work and determination with you. Congratulations!
Spring graduates, here are the answers to some common questions like where to park on convocation day, what to wear, where to get your gown, hood, and tickets, and more.
Have other questions? Email [email protected]
The link to the YouTube live is at the link in our bio.
How does the actual convocation process work? Here’s 7 steps on how to convocate, including where to go, where to get ready, how to cross the stage, and where to get your official parchment that you’ve worked so hard for!
Meet Valedictorian Ummay Siddiqua Moutushi!
Throughout her time at MSVU, Ummay actively contributed to the university and broader community. She volunteered with the MSVU Students’ Union Food Bank, supported children at the Fountain Play Centre (where she also served as Operations Manager), organized the Graduate Student Orientation, and participated in multicultural initiatives such as the Intercultural Spring Fair. She has also worked as a Graduate Education Representative, Research Assistant under Dr. Ashwani Kumar, and Library Assistant.
Beyond the university, Ummay volunteered as an English Language Learning instructor at Alderney Gate Public Library and supported initiatives at schools within the Halifax Regional Centre for Education and at North Grove.
Ummay is known for her empathy, encouragement, and commitment to uplifting others, always striving to grow and help those around her to do the same.
Learn more about Ummay at the link in our bio.
Ummay will deliver her valedictory address during the spring 2026 convocation on Friday, May 15 at 10 a.m. You can watch the ceremony via MSVU’s Facebook and YouTube pages.
@msvusu@msvusufb@fountainplayctrmsvu@msvulibrary
Meet Valedictorian Suwela Paim Vassoa!
Exemplifying the spirit of MSVU, Suwela Paim Vassoa’s dedication to uplifting others, fostering inclusive communities, and pursuing academic excellence has made a meaningful impact on the MSVU community.
Her exemplary work ethic and scholarly ability are reflected in her high GPA, academic awards, successful co-op work terms, and studies abroad in France through MSVU’s student exchange program.
Suwela was a Residence Assistant and a Student Ambassador during her time at MSVU and a member of the Public Relations and Communication Student Society, the Afrocentric Society, and the Students of African Descent Advisory Committee.
Beyond campus, she continues to make a meaningful difference at her church, where she is a volunteer welcome desk attendant, assistant dance instructor, and young adult leader.
Learn more about Suwela at the link in our bio.
Suwela will deliver her valedictory address during the spring 2026 convocation on Thursday, May 14 at 2 p.m. You can watch the ceremony via MSVU’s Facebook and YouTube pages.
@msvucommstudies@msvuresidence@msvuprcommssociety@msvu.afrosphere
