Celebrating Waterloo’s Class of 2026 valedictorians

“Share Meet the 14 exceptional students representing Waterloo’s newest grads Convocation marks a significant milestone for University of Waterloo graduates. The point where late-night study sessions, co-op interviews and campus traditions all converge into what’s next. This year, 14 exceptional students have been selected as valedictorians, each representing the innovation, resilience and community spirit that define Waterloo. Their journeys reflect more than academic achievement. They capture the curiosity to try something new, the perseverance to take on new challenges and the drive to make an impact. Congratulations to our 2026 Waterloo valedictorians and fellow graduates, who now join a powerful network of more than 263,000 alumni who are shaping the future. Why did you choose to study at the University of Waterloo? Sat Arora (BCS ’26) Sat Arora’s (BMath ’26) journey to Waterloo began in childhood, competing in math and computing competitions hosted by the University’s Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing. Those early experiences sparked a passion for problem-solving and drew him to a community he had long admired. “I knew studying at Waterloo would connect me with world-class problem solvers,” Arora says, a goal he realized both academically and as president of the Computer Science Club, where he helped create spaces for students to connect, collaborate and grow. Receiving the René Descartes National Scholarship as an incoming first-year and being named valedictorian stand as defining moments in his undergraduate journey, recognizing his dedication to both mathematics and leadership. After graduation, Arora returns to Ramp in New York City as a Software Engineer. Katherine Bendall (BASc ’26) Katherine Bendall (BASc ’26) chose Waterloo for its global reputation in engineering, the flexibility of co-op and its cohort-based community. “Waterloo Engineering students are world renowned for their technical ability, adaptability and perseverance,” Bendall says. “The Mechatronics Engineering program with co-op is also an open book of opportunities that students can really make their own.” Bendall volunteered for orientation week every year to help welcome new students, and explored opportunities across borders, including co-op terms in Trondheim, Norway, and at Cornell University in the United States. In her final year, Bendall received several honours, including recognition for best overall capstone project, an invitation to the Chairs’ Academic Excellence Lunch and the Paul and Paula Plummer award from the Engineering Society. This fall, Bendall returns to Waterloo to pursue a Master of Applied Science in Systems Design Engineering under the supervision of Dr. Moojan Ghafurian. Jessie Le (BSc ’26) Jessie Le (BSc ’26) chose Waterloo to explore biology in a hands-on, discovery-driven environment. Through her work in a research lab alongside a PhD mentor who bridges academic and entrepreneurial work, Le discovered how curiosity and dedication can translate into meaningful impact. Beyond research, Le found a strong sense of community through leadership roles in the Waterloo Students and Microbiology Club, the Biomedical Science Student Association and the Science Society. Through these experiences, she discovered the importance of collaboration and creating spaces where students feel supported and connected. As the first in her family to pursue post-secondary education, her journey was filled with uncertainty and growth. “Success is not about being perfect,” Le says. “It’s about continuing to show up, grow and persevere through the challenges.” After graduation, Le will continue exploring opportunities in health care and science through research in both academic and industry settings. Mahmoud Halloum (BA ’26) A single conversation with a friend helped Mahmoud Halloum (BA ’26) see his future more clearly and set him on a path at Waterloo’s School of Accounting and Finance (SAF). From joining the Student Venture Fund and competing in case competitions to managing campus events, mentoring and giving student tours, Halloum embraced every opportunity to grow. Being named valedictorian is an honour Halloum approaches with humility, recognizing the collective achievements of his peers. “Any one of my peers could have been chosen and I would have been just as excited,” Halloum says. “Every student has lived a unique version of the Waterloo experience. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent them and walk everyone down memory lane one last time.” Now a valuations analyst at Deloitte, Halloum hopes to continue building both his career and his startup Weekday, driven by a desire to create work that is both impactful and fulfilling. Isabelle Hersak (BASc ’26) Inspired by the timber-frame home her father designed and built, Isabelle Hersak (BASc ’26) developed a passion for sustainable wood design that would shape her academic journey. She was drawn to Waterloo for its unique architectural engineering program and extensive co-op opportunities, where she could combine creativity with technical excellence within a close-knit engineering community. The relationships she built with classmates, colleagues and friends became the foundation of her experience, creating a support system that guided her through both challenges and successes. Being named valedictorian is an honour she describes as both humbling and surreal. “If first-year me was told that this would happen, I think would have been in complete disbelief,” Hersak says. “It’s something I will always treasure for the rest of my life.” This fall, Hersak will continue her studies at the University of Northern British Columbia, pursuing a master’s degree in wood engineering. Tell me about some of the achievements you’re most proud of to date. Kaitlyn Bowles (BMath ’26) Through Waterloo’s co-op program, Kaitlyn Bowles (BMath ’26) explored everything from startups to government, discovering where her skills could make the greatest impact. A defining moment came during an international exchange at Tilburg University in the Netherlands. “I loved getting to take classes in a new style, explore cultures and make friends from all over the world,” Bowles says. “Taking the step to travel alone to a new continent, I felt more confident in my own abilities and more willing to put myself up for opportunities I might not have considered before.” She is also proud of her contribution to the Government of Canada’s environmental decision-making, where she developed a module for a model used to inform climate and energy policy, helping improve how policymakers approach decisions related to Canada’s energy future and net-zero emissions goals. After graduation, Bowles will return to Valency Inc. as a Product Manager, with long-term aspirations to support renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. Tanraj Singh Dulai (BA ’26) From engaging in thoughtful discussions on political science and history with peers and professors to attending trivia nights and bonfires, Tanraj Singh Dulai (BA ’26) made campus involvement a priority. “It was also a pleasure to attend the annual MacKinnon dinners hosted by the Waterloo History society — a tradition I hope to continue as an alum,” Dulai says. One of his proudest achievements was serving as Vice-President, Academic for the Arts Student Union, advocating for undergraduate students during the reorganization of the Faculty of Arts. He also helped establish new platforms for student voices, including the Arts students magazine Orange Juice and the Arts Undergraduate Advisory Forum, r to enable Arts students to share their perspectives, ideas and concerns. In the fall, Dulai will attend the University of Oxford to pursue a Master of Science in Modern South Asian Studies at the Oxford School of Global Area Studies as a member of St Cross College. Francesca Girmenia (BES ’26) Francesca Girmenia’s (BES ’26) passion for sustainability began with a high school idea, a zero-waste grocery store, which sparked her curiosity about business-driven environmental solutions. At Waterloo, Girmenia served as a Faculty of Environment Ambassador for three years, connecting with prospective students and sharing her passion for the program. A defining moment came during her co-op term in Austria, where she researched carbon removal markets to support Graz University of Technology’s (TU Graz) strategy for achieving climate neutrality. Her work helped strengthen evidence-based decision-making at TU Graz and earned her recognition as Environment’s 2025 Co-op Student of the Year . “First-year Francesca probably would have thought she was not good enough to be valedictorian,” Girmenia says. “But at Waterloo, I developed a growth mindset and the confidence to achieve whatever I set my mind to.” Mattie Kerrigan (BASc ’26) Mattie Kerrigan (BASc ’26) balanced academic excellence with a strong commitment to community during her time at Waterloo, maintaining a 90 cumulative average in the Biomedical Engineering program while serving as class social representative and taking on leadership roles at Engineering Orientation. One of her proudest achievements was developing VascuLearn, a pediatric neurovascular training simulator with her capstone team in partnership with SickKids Hospital. “It is very rewarding to know that our hard work will make a tangible impact and that the simulator will live on at the hospital to help address care gaps in pediatric surgical interventions,” Kerrigan says. She credits much of her success to her peers, whose talent and kindness shaped her experience. In June, Kerrigan will begin a master’s degree at Johns Hopkins University in the Center for Bioengineering Innovation and Design, where she will continue translating engineering designs into real-world health-care solutions. Christina Vadivelu (BSc ’26) For Christina Vadivelu (BSc ’26), attending the Faculty of Science’s GradBall was both joyful and bittersweet — a final moment to celebrate everything her graduating class had accomplished together. It also offered a chance to look back on her non-linear journey as a transfer student. “When I transferred to Waterloo, I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to pursue,” Vadivelu explains. “I chose Waterloo because I have always seen it as an institution that consistently challenges the status quo and encourages people to shape the future.” Drawn to that culture of innovation and problem-solving, Vadivelu set out to find where she could make an impact. Since completing her final exams at Waterloo, Vadivelu has been in Guyana, serving as a short-term missionary supporting youth through teaching and mentorship. In September, she will begin a full-time role with EY Consulting, with long-term aspirations to advance global economic empowerment and expand opportunities for underserved communities. What is one of your fondest memories as a Waterloo student? Majdalen Azouz (BSc ’26) From Residence Council in first year to involvement in orientation, student associations, peer support and Waterloo Athletics, Majdalen Azouz (BSc ’26) set out to build community at Waterloo. Some of her most meaningful memories came from simple moments, like late night studying in the Faculty of Health lounge with friends. For Azouz, those experiences reinforced that the heart of university life lies in the people you share it with. “University is filled with moments where you are just trying to figure things out as you go,” Azouz says. “Being named valedictorian makes me grateful to look back on the challenges and see how much they shaped me.” Now serving as Vice-President, Student Experience for the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, Azouz continues to advocate for students by turning ideas and concerns into action. She plans to pursue a Master of Public Health and build a career shaping systems that better support individuals and communities. Timaya Harriott (BA ’26) For Timaya Harriott (BA ’26), her time at Waterloo has been defined as much by the people she met as the experiences she gained. From cheering on her roommates at acapella performances to attending church events and volunteering in the community, she built friendships she now considers family. During her final co-op term, Harriott stepped into a new leadership role as a guest keynote speaker at a conference, where she shared her experiences and spoke with young girls about confidence. Becoming valedictorian wasn’t something Harriott had initially planned. Instead, it was encouragement from those closest to her that led her to apply. “I applied because a friend of mine, Hannah, told me to,” Harriott says with a laugh. “Being recognized for this achievement reminds me how valuable our support systems are. It’s an honour, and I want my speech to reflect the importance of community.” After graduation, Harriott plans to travel before returning to school for teacher’s college. Sebastien Paradis (BASc ’26) Sebastien Paradis (BASc ’26) began his degree during the pandemic, when the sense of community Waterloo felt just out of reach. That changed when Engineering Day returned — a moment he describes as the first time he truly felt part of something bigger. As campus life resumed, Paradis found connection through everyday routines and leadership opportunities. Weekly visits to a favourite shawarma spot with friends became a grounding tradition, while serving as class representative for three years allowed him to advocate for peers and work with faculty to address concerns, including helping reinstate a cancelled course. Paradis developed a passion for electronics design through his co-op experiences. This interest shaped his academic journey, culminating in a capstone project that earned the Program Choice Award. He considers this recognition one of his proudest achievements. After graduation, Paradis will begin his career in electronics design, building on his expertise and contributing to technologies that create meaningful, lasting impact on society. Rena Yang (BMath ’26) As an active and engaged member of the Waterloo community, Rena Yang (BMath ’26) reflects on the many experiences that shaped her time in the Faculty of Mathematics. After joining a women’s rights march with Waterloo’s Women Centre following the 2022 overturning of Roe vs. Wade, Yang continued volunteering, deepening her commitment to advocacy and community support. As a founding member and director of HaeBeat Dance Crew, Yang helped grow one of the largest active K-Pop dance crews in the Waterloo region, developing both her artistic voice and leadership skills. “It’s especially meaningful for me as an international student and as a woman to represent the graduating math class,” Yang says. “I hope my story show others that they belong in these spaces too, and that their voices and perspectives matter." After graduation, Yang will return to Amazon as a Software Development Engineer. 10 unforgettable moments that make Waterloo convocations memorable Stories behind the PhD: Waterloo grads shaping the future through research Three Waterloo graduate students earn prestigious Governor General’s Gold Medals for 2026 Campus Arts Engineering Environment Health Math Science Awards, Honours and Rankings Co-op and Experiential Education Community Entrepreneurship Research Talent Share

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