Last week, I had the honour of attending my very first Yorkville University graduation in Fredericton, New Brunswick—for the MACP, DCP, MEd, and BBA programs.
It was my first time in New Brunswick, so I didn’t quite know what to expect. But let me tell you—my first impression? No Uber. That’s right. Uber doesn’t exist in Fredericton. First-world problem? Absolutely. But it gave me time to take in my surroundings, and what I discovered was a city that felt calm, peaceful, and full of character. As I walked along the waterfront on Main Street, I couldn’t help but feel a quiet sense of gratitude in the air.
In the days leading up to graduation, you get the chance to meet colleagues and faculty in person—people you’ve only interacted with on Teams. That alone brings an energy shift. Then students start checking into hotels with their families, and what was once a quiet town begins to hum with anticipation. You can feel something big is about to happen.
The Energy of the Day
By the time graduation day arrived, the convention centre was alive. Graduates rushed in to collect their gowns, buzzing with excitement and a touch of nerves. Many of these students had never met face-to-face until that very moment. Their interactions—filled with warmth, hugs, and subtle curiosity—revealed the uniqueness of the Yorkville experience. You could practically hear the thoughts: “You’re taller than I imagined,” or “I finally get to meet you in real life!”
Family members followed, all smiles, eager to witness their loved one’s big moment. Everyone found their seats. The room quieted. Then came O Canada, followed by a heartfelt Land Acknowledgement, and powerful remarks from our leadership team.
Then came the moment that brought the room to tears.
A Valedictorian Speech That Hit Home
Baneh Biltaji, a graduate of the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, stepped to the podium—and everything changed.
She didn’t just deliver a speech. She spoke truth. She gave voice to every late night, every parenting moment between lectures, every exhausted submission before a deadline. She reminded us that asynchronous learning isn’t just flexible—it’s demanding. And it often comes at the cost of sleep, sanity, and self-doubt.
“You pushed forward—even when it felt like trudging up a mountain on a hot summer day, without a GPS… you made it, and nobody can take that accomplishment away from you.”
Her words landed like thunder. You could literally see the room reflect. Grads began revisiting their personal journeys—when they first applied, their first lecture, the assignments they submitted with toddlers on their laps or after a double shift. They weren’t just earning degrees. They were unlocking something new inside themselves—resilience, purpose, possibility.
Then Came the Main Event
When the presentation of the graduates began—what I call The Main Event—you could feel the pride rising to its peak. Names were called. Cheers erupted. And for each grad, that walk across the stage was more than a formality—it was a declaration.
And then Yorkville did something that set it apart completely.
Let me break it down with a quick basketball analogy.
You’ve probably heard of LeBron James. This year, he and his son Bronny James made history as the first father-son duo to play in the NBA at the same time. Not only that, they played on the same team—the Los Angeles Lakers. That image—father and son on the court together—represented legacy, full-circle growth, and breaking generational limits.
Now picture this: a mother and daughter graduating from the same program, on the same day—the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology—together.
I was floored. Two generations, side-by-side, crossing the same stage. The symbolism was powerful. I imagined the mother once helping her daughter with high school homework, and now here they are, likely learning from each other—peers in a shared pursuit of purpose.
I’ve never seen anything like that at any other institution. But at Yorkville, it was real.
A Recessional to Remember
After the final grad crossed the stage, the celebration didn’t stop. Faculty formed a human tunnel of applause, lining the lobby and clapping as each student exited. It wasn’t polite applause—it was full-bodied, joyful, earned.
Tears flowed again, this time from everyone—graduates, parents, even staff. And as the emotion poured out, Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” blasted through the speakers.
You better believe some of those grads danced. They laughed. They sang. The moment became a movie scene—spontaneous, unforgettable, filled with release and joy.
Why Yorkville Graduates Are Built Different
At most institutions, graduation is a ceremony.
At Yorkville? It’s a culmination of courage. Of growth. Of grit.
Our students don’t just juggle classes—they balance careers, families, life challenges, and mental health. They’re not just learners—they’re trailblazers, caregivers, dreamers, and doers.
They are built different—not because it’s easy, but because they choose to evolve when others might stand still. They chase change. They choose purpose. And they do it in a way that inspires everyone around them.
To every grad I saw walk that stage—you reminded me of what’s possible when resilience meets opportunity.
Congratulations. This is just the beginning.
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About Reggie Waterman:
Reggie Waterman is the Brand Director at Yorkville University, where he leads national campaigns focused on helping students pursue meaningful, career-focused education. With over 18 years of experience in marketing and a passion for human development, Reggie brings a unique blend of strategic thinking and heart to the post-secondary space.
As a published author, speaker, and workshop facilitator, Reggie is known for designing impactful learning experiences that help individuals clarify their purpose and take bold steps toward their goals. Whether through branding initiatives, thought leadership, or student-centered programming, his mission remains the same: to inspire people to live with intention and possibility.
Guided by his personal motto, “constantly keeping you in wonder,” Reggie is dedicated to sparking curiosity, growth, and transformation in every interaction.
