As members of McGill’s Class of 2026 cross the stage at Spring Convocation, the University’s 11 valedictorians are reflecting not only on academic achievement, but on the relationships and communities that shaped their university experience.
Across Faculties and disciplines, the graduating students describe McGill as a place where friendships deepened, mentors inspired confidence and moments of uncertainty became opportunities for growth. Be it in classrooms, research labs, student clubs or clinical placements, many said the people around them defined their time at the University.
For Aviva Wiseman, graduating with a Master of Science (Applied) in Physical Therapy, some of the most meaningful lessons came during clinical placements.
“They pushed me far outside my comfort zone and forced me to integrate theory into real-life situations,” she said. “My supervisors challenged me academically, encouraged independence and helped me develop the confidence I now rely on as a clinician.”
Ryan Dvorak, who earned a B.Sc. in Kinesiology (Honours), said support from family, professors and peers shaped both his academic and personal growth.
“Everything that I have achieved during my time in undergrad was with the help from my community at home and at McGill,” he said. “As for my peers and professors, I cannot express enough gratitude for them, as their mentorship has shaped me into the individual I am today.”
Erica Smenderovac, who graduated as a Doctor of Dental Medicine, enjoyed a similar experience.
“My time in the DMD program at McGill was made exponentially more enriching by the contributions, both conscious and unconscious, of my mentors and friends,” she said. “It is a testament to McGill to have recruited, trained and supported such talented and generous people. Learning is truly infinite when one stays open to the experiences and expertise of those around them. I would not have graduated as the clinician and, most importantly, the person I am, without them.”
David Oh, graduating with a Joint Honours BA in Philosophy and Political Science, said mentorship and collaboration through the Charles Taylor Research Group on Constitutional Studies Student Fellowship transformed his understanding of university life.
“RGCS taught me that the university journey is not a solitary one, but rather a collaborative community-based experience,” he said. “My peers offered me courage and encouragement to keep going, while my professors offered me empathetic and patient mentorship to guide me in taking my next steps.”
Oliver Abrams, who will graduate with a BComm., said the relationships he built at McGill broadened his perspective and grounded him throughout his studies.
“My peers have shown me what’s possible, my professors have shown me new ways of thinking, and my family has kept me grounded,” he said. “At the core, each of them has been there when I need them, no matter what.”
Outside the comfort zone
Many valedictorians said stepping outside their comfort zone led to lasting personal growth.
Nicholas Chou, graduating with a B.Sc. in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, said 5 a.m. shifts at the Macdonald Campus dairy barn taught him resilience and confidence.
“Showing up that early, in all conditions, taught me a lot about grit, consistency and taking responsibility even when it’s tough,” he said. “Working closely with such large animals also pushed me out of my comfort zone and built a real sense of confidence in how I act and make decisions on a daily basis. Over time, it became something I took pride in, and it’s a big part of what shaped my work ethic and who I am today.”
Harantxa Jean, graduating with a BA, Honours in International Development with a minor in French Literature, had a similar message.
“From becoming a UNICEF Canada Youth Advocate, presenting policy recommendations at the United Nations with the McGill Youth Advisory Delegation, to leading the Culture Section of Le Délit or going on exchange at Sciences Po Paris, my journey has been one of continual highlights that pushed me out of my comfort zone.”
Philippe Leblond, who has earned a B.Eng. (Bioresource), said one of the defining experiences of his time at McGill came during a summer research internship, when a professor encouraged him to help revive a robotics competition team that had been inactive since the pandemic. Despite having no prior experience in robotics, he embraced the challenge.
“I took the opportunity and learned mostly on my own, as there were few people with experience in robotics left on campus,” he said. “This experience taught me how to teach myself and find answers independently, which has been essential to my success.”
Madison Albert, who will graduate with a Joint Honours BA in Political Science and Gender, Sexuality, Feminist and Social Justice Studies, reflected on the importance of building new support systems at university.
“All around me, I see these amazing networks of friends, study groups and makeshift families springing out of McGill who pick up the pieces – repair, maintain and sustain communal bonds,” she said, especially during moments “when people have been most likely to fall through the cracks.”
For Sam Snyders, who earned a BA, Drama and Theatre, a chance Instagram post led him to audition for the Arts Undergraduate Theatre Society’s production of Legally Blonde: The Musical in his second year, an experience that transformed his time at McGill.
“AUTS has brought me some of my best collaborators and closest friends, all of whom are distinctly talented and driven,” he said. “Learning from them has made me not only a better artist, but a better person.”
Hope for the future
The valedictorians also spoke about the optimism they carry into the future, despite concerns about political polarization, burnout, climate change and growing social isolation.
Jessica Keer Li, graduating with a BCL/JD, said McGill reinforced the importance of empathy and remaining engaged with others.
“Law school teaches you about the standard of reasonable care: what a person ought to do, in good conscience, given the circumstances,” she said. “Ethical apathy is the path of least resistance, especially when the demands of a career pile up or the state of the world feels like too much to hold. But I don’t think any of us came here for the path of least resistance.”
Many of the valedictorians encouraged incoming students to stay open to unexpected opportunities, explore interests outside their programs and get involved in student life.
“Stay curious, keep an open mind, and leave room for the unplanned,” Li said. “McGill has a way of surprising you, if you let it.”
McGill 2026 valedictorians and the ceremony they will be addressing:
- Erica Smenderovac: Health Sciences ‘A’ – May 26 at 10 a.m.
- Aviva Wiseman: Health Sciences ‘B’ – May 26 at 3 p.m.
- Oliver Abrams: Management – May 27 at 10 a.m.
- Jessica Li: Law / Music – May 27 at 3 p.m.
- Ryan Dvorak: Education – June 1 at 10 a.m.
- Sam Snyders: Arts ‘A’ – June 1 at 3 p.m.
- Madison Albert: Arts ‘B’ – June 2 at 10 a.m.
- Harantxa Jean: Arts ‘C’ – June 2 at 3 p.m.
- David Oh: Arts ‘D’ – June 3 at 10 a.m.
- Philippe Leblond: Agricultural & Environmental Sciences ‘A’ – June 4 at 10 a.m.
- Nicolas Chou: Agricultural & Environmental Sciences ‘B’ – June 4 at 2:30 p.m.